Sample records for large component replacements

  1. Regional dolomitization of the Waulsortian limestone in southeastern Ireland: Evidence of large-scale fluid flow driven by the Hercynian orogeny

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hitzman, M. W.; Allan, J. R.; Beaty, D. W.

    1998-06-01

    The Lower Carboniferous Waulsortian limestone has been affected by late diagenetic, regional burial dolomitization over an area of ˜7000 km2 extending 170 km northeastward from the Hercynian front. The dolostone is composed of two components: (1) a very fine crystalline replacive component, and (2) a coarse-crystalline, baroque component that fills vuggy porosity developed within the replacive dolostone. Fluid inclusions within the coarse-crystalline component of the regional dolostone indicate that the dolomitizing solutions were warm (˜100 °C) and moderately saline (10 13 wt% NaCl equivalent). The replacive dolomite displays systematic decreases in crystal size and degree of xenotopic texture northward. Both components of the regional dolostone display a regular northward increase in mean δ18O values; the replacive dolomite has 87Sr/86Sr values that decrease northward. These laterally variable characteristics suggest that regional dolomitization resulted from large-scale, north-directed fluid flow of heated brines developed in response to topographic uplift associated with collapse of the continental margin south of Ireland during the Hercynian (Variscan) orogeny.

  2. 75 FR 13320 - Florida Power Corporation, et al., Crystal River Unit 3 Nuclear Generating Plant; Environmental...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-19

    ... replacement outage that is currently underway at CR-3. In addition to steam generators, other large components (e.g., moisture separators and large heat exchangers) are being replaced during this outage... on the Internet at the NRC Web site: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html . Persons who do not...

  3. Choice of the replacement fluid during large volume plasma-exchange.

    PubMed

    Nydegger, U E

    1983-01-01

    The replacement fluid used during therapeutic large volume plasma-exchange can be seen as an important factor influencing the result of such treatment. The choice includes fluids such as electrolyte solutions, gelatin, hydroxyethyl-starch, albumin and fresh frozen plasma. By evaluating the pathophysiology of the underlying disease, it is possible to choose between merely replacing the removed volume by non-protein fluids or rather to introduce plasma protein components into the patient's circulation by substituting with purified or enriched proteins such as albumin, clotting factors, antithrombin III or fresh frozen plasma. This paper analyzes the rationale for the choice of the appropriate replacement fluid taking into account pathophysiologic, pharmacologic and logistic criteria.

  4. Polyethylene damage and deformation on fixed-bearing, non-conforming unicondylar knee replacements corresponding to progressive changes in alignment and fixation.

    PubMed

    Harman, Melinda K; Schmitt, Sabine; Rössing, Sven; Banks, Scott A; Sharf, Hans-Peter; Viceconti, Marco; Hodge, W Andrew

    2010-07-01

    Deviations from nominal alignment of unicondylar knee replacements impact knee biomechanics, including the load and stress distribution at the articular contact surfaces. This study characterizes relationships between the biomechanical environment, distinguished by progressive changes in alignment and fixation, and articular damage and deformation in a consecutive series of retrieved unicondylar knee replacements. Twenty seven fixed-bearing, non-conforming unicondylar knee replacements of one design were retrieved after 2 to 13 years of in vivo function. The in vivo biomechanical environment was characterized by grading component migration measured from full-length radiographs and grading component fixation based on intraoperative manual palpation. Articular damage patterns and linear deformation on the polyethylene inserts were measured using optical photogrammetry and contact point digitization. Articular damage patterns and surface deformation on the explanted polyethylene inserts corresponded to progressive changes in component alignment and fixation. Component migration produced higher deformation rates, whereas loosening contributed to larger damage areas but lower deformation rates. Migration and loosening of the femoral component, but not the tibial component, were factors contributing to large regions of abrasion concentrated on the articular periphery. Classifying component migration and fixation at revision proved useful for distinguishing common biomechanical conditions associated with the varied polyethylene damage patterns and linear deformation for this fixed-bearing, non-conforming design. Pre-clinical evaluations of unicondylar knee replacements that are capable of reproducing variations in clinical alignment and predicting the observed wear mechanisms are necessary to better understand the impact of knee biomechanics and design on unicondylar knee replacement longevity. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Parametric Mass Reliability Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holt, James P.

    2014-01-01

    The International Space Station (ISS) systems are designed based upon having redundant systems with replaceable orbital replacement units (ORUs). These ORUs are designed to be swapped out fairly quickly, but some are very large, and some are made up of many components. When an ORU fails, it is replaced on orbit with a spare; the failed unit is sometimes returned to Earth to be serviced and re-launched. Such a system is not feasible for a 500+ day long-duration mission beyond low Earth orbit. The components that make up these ORUs have mixed reliabilities. Components that make up the most mass-such as computer housings, pump casings, and the silicon board of PCBs-typically are the most reliable. Meanwhile components that tend to fail the earliest-such as seals or gaskets-typically have a small mass. To better understand the problem, my project is to create a parametric model that relates both the mass of ORUs to reliability, as well as the mass of ORU subcomponents to reliability.

  6. Approach to In Situ Component Level Electronics Assembly Repair (CLEAR) for Constellation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Struk, Peter M.; Oeftering, Richard C.

    2010-01-01

    Maintenance resupply is a significant issue for long duration space missions. Currently, the International Space Station (ISS) approaches maintenance primarily around replaceable modules called Orbital Replacement Units (ORU). While swapping out ORUs has served the ISS well keeping crew time for maintenance to a minimum, this approach assumes a substantial logistics capacity to provide replacement ORUs and return ORUs to Earth for repair. The ORUs used for ISS require relatively large blocks of replacement hardware even though the actual failed component may be several orders of magnitude smaller. The Component Level Electronics Assembly Repair (CLEAR) task was created to explore electronics repair down to the component level for future space missions. From 2006 to 2009, CLEAR was an activity under the Supportability project of the Exploration Technology Development Program. This paper describes the activities of CLEAR including making a case for component-level electronics repair, examination of current terrestrial repair hardware, and potential repair needs. Based on those needs, the CLEAR team proposes an architecture for an in-situ repair capability aboard a spacecraft or habitat. Additionally, this paper discusses recent progress toward developing in-space repair capabilities--including two spaceflight experiments-- and presents technology concepts which could help enable or benefit the same.

  7. Analysis of the results of replacement of large bone defects in the patients who underwent segmental bone resection for tumor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anastasieva, E. A.; Voropaeva, A. A.; Sadovoy, M. A.; Kirilova, I. A.

    2017-09-01

    The problem of large bone defects replacement, formed after segmental bone resections, remains an actual issue of modern orthopedics. It is known that the autograft is the most acceptable material for the replacement of bone tissue; however, due to its small volume and physical properties, it has limited usage. Our goal is to analyze the results of the experiments and studies on replacement of large bone defects after resection of the bone tumor. The problem is justified by the complicated osteoconduction and osteointegration; because it is proved that the reconstruction of the microcirculatory bloodstream is difficult in the presence of damage more than 4 cm2. It was revealed that using of allograft in combination with additional components is comparable in effectiveness, including long-term period, with autograft usage. It is promising to combine plastic allogenous material, capable of reconstructing defects of various configuration intraoperatively, with the necessary chemotherapy with controlled desorption to maintain effective concentration of drug.

  8. The Search for Nonflammable Solvent Alternatives for Cleaning Aerospace Oxygen Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mitchell, Mark A.; Lowrey, Nikki

    2012-01-01

    To obtain a high degree of cleanliness without risk of corrosion or hazardous reactivity, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-225 is used for cleaning and cleanliness verification of oxygen system components used on NASA fs bipropellant launch vehicles, associated test stands and support equipment. HCFC-225 is a Class II Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS ]II) that was introduced to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-113, a Class I ODS solvent that is now banned. To meet environmental regulations to eliminate the use of ozone depleting substances, a replacement solvent is required for HCFC ]225 that is effective at removing oils, greases, and particulate from large oxygen system components, is compatible with materials used in the construction of these systems, and is nonflammable and non ]reactive in enriched oxygen environments. A solvent replacement is also required for aviator fs breathing oxygen systems and other related equipment currently cleaned and verified with HCFC ]225 and stockpiled CFC -113. Requirements and challenges in the search for nonflammable replacement solvents are discussed.

  9. Electronic switching circuit uses complementary non-linear components

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zucker, O. S.

    1972-01-01

    Inherent switching properties of saturable inductors and storage diodes are combined to perform large variety of electronic functions, such as pulse shaping, gating, and multiplexing. Passive elements replace active switching devices in generation of complex waveforms.

  10. A Component-Based Extension Framework for Large-Scale Parallel Simulations in NEURON

    PubMed Central

    King, James G.; Hines, Michael; Hill, Sean; Goodman, Philip H.; Markram, Henry; Schürmann, Felix

    2008-01-01

    As neuronal simulations approach larger scales with increasing levels of detail, the neurosimulator software represents only a part of a chain of tools ranging from setup, simulation, interaction with virtual environments to analysis and visualizations. Previously published approaches to abstracting simulator engines have not received wide-spread acceptance, which in part may be to the fact that they tried to address the challenge of solving the model specification problem. Here, we present an approach that uses a neurosimulator, in this case NEURON, to describe and instantiate the network model in the simulator's native model language but then replaces the main integration loop with its own. Existing parallel network models are easily adopted to run in the presented framework. The presented approach is thus an extension to NEURON but uses a component-based architecture to allow for replaceable spike exchange components and pluggable components for monitoring, analysis, or control that can run in this framework alongside with the simulation. PMID:19430597

  11. Large-N -approximated field theory for multipartite entanglement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Facchi, P.; Florio, G.; Parisi, G.; Pascazio, S.; Scardicchio, A.

    2015-12-01

    We try to characterize the statistics of multipartite entanglement of the random states of an n -qubit system. Unable to solve the problem exactly we generalize it, replacing complex numbers with real vectors with Nc components (the original problem is recovered for Nc=2 ). Studying the leading diagrams in the large-Nc approximation, we unearth the presence of a phase transition and, in an explicit example, show that the so-called entanglement frustration disappears in the large-Nc limit.

  12. Evaluation of pressurized water cleaning systems for hardware refurbishment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dillard, Terry W.; Deweese, Charles D.; Hoppe, David T.; Vickers, John H.; Swenson, Gary J.; Hutchens, Dale E.

    1995-01-01

    Historically, refurbishment processes for RSRM motor cases and components have employed environmentally harmful materials. Specifically, vapor degreasing processes consume and emit large amounts of ozone depleting compounds. This program evaluates the use of pressurized water cleaning systems as a replacement for the vapor degreasing process. Tests have been conducted to determine if high pressure water washing, without any form of additive cleaner, is a viable candidate for replacing vapor degreasing processes. This paper discusses the findings thus far of Engineering Test Plan - 1168 (ETP-1168), 'Evaluation of Pressurized Water Cleaning Systems for Hardware Refurbishment.'

  13. Electronics Reliability Fracture Mechanics, Volume 1. Causes of Failures of Shop Replaceable Units and Hybrid Microcircuits

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-05-01

    Plate Figure H-1. Temperature Coefficient Test Circuit The forward voltage was measured at 3 different termperatures. The average TC was calculated to be...AT, rather than the average figure given by the large area Isolation diffusion. The peak temperature , rather than the average temperature , is the...components would cause the temperatures of the components to be nearer the average , particularly those near the minimum and maximum. X-I The largest

  14. 76 FR 13928 - Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Replacement Parts/Components and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-15

    ... International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Replacement Parts/Components and Incorporated Articles AGENCY... incorporated articles. DATES: The Department of State will accept comments on this proposed rule until April 14... Controls Policy, Attn: Regulatory Changes--Replacement Parts/Components and Incorporated Articles, Bureau...

  15. Have cementless and resurfacing components improved the medium-term results of hip replacement for patients under 60 years of age?

    PubMed Central

    Mason, James; Baker, Paul; Gregg, Paul J; Porter, Martyn; Deehan, David J; Reed, Mike R

    2015-01-01

    Background and purpose The optimal hip replacement for young patients remains unknown. We compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), revision risk, and implant costs over a range of hip replacements. Methods We included hip replacements for osteoarthritis in patients under 60 years of age performed between 2003 and 2010 using the commonest brand of cemented, cementless, hybrid, or resurfacing prosthesis (11,622 women and 13,087 men). The reference implant comprised a cemented stem with a conventional polyethylene cemented cup and a standard-sized head (28- or 32-mm). Differences in implant survival were assessed using competing-risks models, adjusted for known prognostic influences. Analysis of covariance was used to assess improvement in PROMs (Oxford hip score (OHS) and EQ5D index) in 2014 linked procedures. Results In males, PROMs and implant survival were similar across all types of implants. In females, revision was statistically significantly higher in hard-bearing and/or small-stem cementless implants (hazard ratio (HR) = 4) and resurfacings (small head sizes (< 48 mm): HR = 6; large head sizes (≥ 48 mm): HR = 5) when compared to the reference cemented implant. In component combinations with equivalent survival, women reported significantly greater improvements in OHS with hybrid implants (22, p = 0.006) and cementless implants (21, p = 0.03) (reference, 18), but similar EQ5D index. For men and women, National Health Service (NHS) costs were lowest with the reference implant and highest with a hard-bearing cementless replacement. Interpretation In young women, hybrids offer a balance of good early functional improvement and low revision risk. Fully cementless and resurfacing components are more costly and do not provide any additional benefit for younger patients. PMID:25285617

  16. Implementing a Reliability Centered Maintenance Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tuttle, Raymond E.; Pete, Robert R.

    1998-01-01

    Maintenance practices have long focused on time based "preventive maintenance" techniques. Components were changed out and parts replaced based on how long they had been in place instead of what condition they were in. A reliability centered maintenance (RCM) program seeks to offer equal or greater reliability at decreased cost by insuring only applicable, effective maintenance is performed and by in large part replacing time based maintenance with condition based maintenance. A significant portion of this program involved introducing non-intrusive technologies, such as vibration analysis, oil analysis and I/R cameras, to an existing labor force and management team.

  17. High rate of osteolytic lesions in medium-term followup after the AES total ankle replacement.

    PubMed

    Kokkonen, Ari; Ikävalko, Mikko; Tiihonen, Raine; Kautiainen, Hannu; Belt, Eero A

    2011-02-01

    Some previous studies have shown a high percentage of early-onset and rapidly progressing osteolysis associated with total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) by the Ankle Evolutive System (AES). The purpose of our study was to analyze medium-term results at our institution. Altogether 38 TAAs using AES prostheses were carried out between 2003 and 2007. Diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (71%), post-traumatic and idiopathic osteoarthritis (29%). The mean age was 54 years, followup 28 months. Tibial and talar components had hydroxyapatite coating on metal (Co-Cr) components (HA-coated). Since 2005 the design was changed and components were porous coated with titanium and hydroxyapatite (dual-coated). Two-year survival was 79% (95% CI: 56 to 98). At followup 34 (89%) primary tibial and talar components were preserved. In 19 (50%) TAAs osteolysis (more than or equal to 2 mm) occurred in the periprosthetic bone area and in nine (24%) comprised large "cyst-like osteolysis''. In HA-coated prostheses radiolucent lines (less than or equal to 2 mm) or osteolysis (more than or equal to 2 mm) were detected in 11 (100%) cases and in dual-coated prostheses in 19 (74%) (p = 0.08). On the other hand there was more large "cyst-like osteolysis'' around the dual-coated prosthesis and lesions were larger (p = 0.017). In rheumatoid arthritis osteolysis was detected in 14 (52%) and large "cyst-like osteolysis'' in seven (26%) prostheses and in the group of traumatic and idiopathic osteoarthritis in six (55%) and two (18%), respectively. This study showed a high frequency of osteolysis in medium-term followup after the AES ankle replacement. The outcome was not sufficiently beneficial and we have discontinued use of this prosthesis.

  18. Five Essential Reasons to Keep Naptime in the Early Childhood Curriculum

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Desjean-Perrotta, Blanche

    2008-01-01

    Many early childhood educators are faced with ever-increasing pressure by families, administrators, and policymakers to replace components of their programs deemed to be a waste of time, such as naptime or playtime, with what are considered to be more academic activities. A large body of literature supports the inclusion of play in an early…

  19. KSC-08pd2350

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center help guide the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, as it moves toward the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  20. KSC-08pd2353

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An overhead crane in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center lowers the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, onto the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, below for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  1. The Search for Nonflammable Solvent Alternatives for Cleaning Aerospace Oxygen Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mitchell, Mark; Lowrey, Nikki

    2012-01-01

    Oxygen systems are susceptible to fires caused by particle and nonvolatile residue (NVR) contaminants, therefore cleaning and verification is essential for system safety. . Cleaning solvents used on oxygen system components must be either nonflammable in pure oxygen or complete removal must be assured for system safety. . CFC -113 was the solvent of choice before 1996 because it was effective, least toxic, compatible with most materials of construction, and non ]reactive with oxygen. When CFC -113 was phased out in 1996, HCFC -225 was selected as an interim replacement for cleaning propulsion oxygen systems at NASA. HCFC-225 production phase-out date is 01/01/2015. HCFC ]225 (AK ]225G) is used extensively at Marshall Space Flight Center and Stennis Space Center for cleaning and NVR verification on large propulsion oxygen systems, and propulsion test stands and ground support equipment. . Many components are too large for ultrasonic agitation - necessary for effective aqueous cleaning and NVR sampling. . Test stand equipment must be cleaned prior to installation of test hardware. Many items must be cleaned by wipe or flush in situ where complete removal of a flammable solvent cannot be assured. The search for a replacement solvent for these applications is ongoing.

  2. Higher Rate of Revision in PFC Sigma Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty With Mismatch of Femoro-Tibial Component Sizes.

    PubMed

    Young, Simon W; Clarke, Henry D; Graves, Stephen E; Liu, Yen-Liang; de Steiger, Richard N

    2015-05-01

    Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems permit a degree of femoro-tibial component size mismatch. The effect of mismatched components on revision rates has not been evaluated in a large study. We reviewed 21,906 fixed-bearing PFC Sigma primary TKAs using the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, dividing patients into three groups: no femoro-tibial size mismatch, tibial component size > femoral component size, and femoral component > tibial component. Revision rates were higher when the femoral size was greater than the tibia, compared to both equal size (HR = 1.20 (1.00, 1.45), P = 0.047) and to tibial size greater than femoral (HR = 1.60 (1.08, 2.37), P = 0.019). Potential mechanisms to explain these findings include edge loading of polyethylene and increased tibial component stresses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Phaser.MRage: automated molecular replacement

    PubMed Central

    Bunkóczi, Gábor; Echols, Nathaniel; McCoy, Airlie J.; Oeffner, Robert D.; Adams, Paul D.; Read, Randy J.

    2013-01-01

    Phaser.MRage is a molecular-replacement automation framework that implements a full model-generation workflow and provides several layers of model exploration to the user. It is designed to handle a large number of models and can distribute calculations efficiently onto parallel hardware. In addition, phaser.MRage can identify correct solutions and use this information to accelerate the search. Firstly, it can quickly score all alternative models of a component once a correct solution has been found. Secondly, it can perform extensive analysis of identified solutions to find protein assemblies and can employ assembled models for subsequent searches. Thirdly, it is able to use a priori assembly information (derived from, for example, homologues) to speculatively place and score molecules, thereby customizing the search procedure to a certain class of protein molecule (for example, antibodies) and incorporating additional biological information into molecular replacement. PMID:24189240

  4. Phaser.MRage: automated molecular replacement.

    PubMed

    Bunkóczi, Gábor; Echols, Nathaniel; McCoy, Airlie J; Oeffner, Robert D; Adams, Paul D; Read, Randy J

    2013-11-01

    Phaser.MRage is a molecular-replacement automation framework that implements a full model-generation workflow and provides several layers of model exploration to the user. It is designed to handle a large number of models and can distribute calculations efficiently onto parallel hardware. In addition, phaser.MRage can identify correct solutions and use this information to accelerate the search. Firstly, it can quickly score all alternative models of a component once a correct solution has been found. Secondly, it can perform extensive analysis of identified solutions to find protein assemblies and can employ assembled models for subsequent searches. Thirdly, it is able to use a priori assembly information (derived from, for example, homologues) to speculatively place and score molecules, thereby customizing the search procedure to a certain class of protein molecule (for example, antibodies) and incorporating additional biological information into molecular replacement.

  5. Breast carcinoma with a predominant duct-replacing component and chondroid matrix production.

    PubMed

    Tajima, Shogo; Koda, Kenji

    2016-12-01

    Breast carcinomas that produce chondroid matrix are extremely rare. If the carcinoma is invasive, it is classified as a matrix-producing carcinoma (MPC). Herein, we present a case of a breast carcinoma, which showed duct-replacing growth with chondroid matrix production. A 63-year-old woman underwent fine needle aspiration cytology for suspected malignancy, based on radiological findings. Cellular components showed sufficient atypia to allow a diagnosis of malignancy. A partial mastectomy was performed, and no mass-forming lesion was apparent in the surgically resected specimen. Histopathological examination showed that the carcinoma produced chondroid matrix and grew replacing ducts, which were associated with a small amount of an obvious invasive component without matrix production. Some parts of the duct-replacing component might take the form of expansile invasion due to the absence of residual duct-lining myoepithelial cells; it is difficult to decide whether the duct-replacing component is invasive or not. However, regarding a few tumor nests, they would be recognized as MPC-like intraductal components because of the focal presence of myoepithelial cells around them. Hence, this carcinoma could not be definitely diagnosed as a MPC, even though we believe they are closely related. This is the first reported case of a breast carcinoma displaying duct-replacing growth with chondroid matrix production.

  6. NextGen Weather Processor Architecture Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-09

    achieved in a staged fashion , ideally with new components coming on-line in time to replace existing capabilities prior to their end-of-life dates... fashion , ideally with new components coming on-line in time to replace existing capabilities prior to their end-of-life dates. As part of NWP Segment...weather capabilities. These objectives are to be achieved in a staged fashion , ideally with new components coming on-line in time to replace existing

  7. Soldering in a Reduced Gravity Environment (SoRGE)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Easton, John W.; Struk, Peter M.

    2012-01-01

    Future long-duration human exploration missions will be challenged by constraints on mass and volume allocations available for spare parts. Addressing this challenge will be critical to the success of these missions. As a result, it is necessary to consider new approaches to spacecraft maintenance and repair that reduce the need for large replacement components. Currently, crew members on the International Space Station (ISS) recover from faults by removing and replacing, using backup systems, or living without the function of Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs). These ORUs are returned to a depot where the root cause of the failure is determined and the ORU is repaired. The crew has some limited repair capability with the Modulation/DeModulation (MDM) ORU, where circuit cards are removed and replace in faulty units. The next step to reducing the size of the items being replaced would be to implement component-level repair. This mode of repair has been implemented by the U.S. Navy in an operational environment and is now part of their standard approach for maintenance. It is appropriate to consider whether this approach can be adapted for future spaceflight operations. To this end, the Soldering in a Reduced Gravity Environment (SoRGE) experiment studied the effect of gravity on the formation of solder joints on electronic circuit boards. This document describes the SoRGE experiment, the analysis methods, and results to date. This document will also contain comments from the crew regarding their experience conducting the SoRGE experiment as well as recommendations for future improvements. Finally, this document will discuss the plans for the SoRGE samples which remain on ISS.

  8. Microfluidic large-scale integration: the evolution of design rules for biological automation.

    PubMed

    Melin, Jessica; Quake, Stephen R

    2007-01-01

    Microfluidic large-scale integration (mLSI) refers to the development of microfluidic chips with thousands of integrated micromechanical valves and control components. This technology is utilized in many areas of biology and chemistry and is a candidate to replace today's conventional automation paradigm, which consists of fluid-handling robots. We review the basic development of mLSI and then discuss design principles of mLSI to assess the capabilities and limitations of the current state of the art and to facilitate the application of mLSI to areas of biology. Many design and practical issues, including economies of scale, parallelization strategies, multiplexing, and multistep biochemical processing, are discussed. Several microfluidic components used as building blocks to create effective, complex, and highly integrated microfluidic networks are also highlighted.

  9. Modularization of gradient-index optical design using wavefront matching enabled optimization.

    PubMed

    Nagar, Jogender; Brocker, Donovan E; Campbell, Sawyer D; Easum, John A; Werner, Douglas H

    2016-05-02

    This paper proposes a new design paradigm which allows for a modular approach to replacing a homogeneous optical lens system with a higher-performance GRadient-INdex (GRIN) lens system using a WaveFront Matching (WFM) method. In multi-lens GRIN systems, a full-system-optimization approach can be challenging due to the large number of design variables. The proposed WFM design paradigm enables optimization of each component independently by explicitly matching the WaveFront Error (WFE) of the original homogeneous component at the exit pupil, resulting in an efficient design procedure for complex multi-lens systems.

  10. [Use of adsorption methods for plasma component apheresis].

    PubMed

    Bang, B; Heegaard, N H

    1991-11-25

    Plasma-apheresis is a nonspecific and wasteful intervention requiring the use of potentially infectious and expensive replacement fluids. Selective removal of the unwanted plasma component circumvents most of the problems. For selective binding and removal of plasma components adsorption methods based on the principles of affinity chromatography have been useful. The ideal adsorption column still does not exist, but the number of clinical applications is increasing. The results vary, but the treatment has been used with success in hypercholesterolemia, and in patients with hemophilia with antifactor antibodies and patients with antibodies directed towards HLA-antigens awaiting renal transplantation. In conclusion selective plasma component-apheresis is an improvement in some diseases as compared to conventional plasma-apheresis. The technique is still being improved but large clinical trials examining the effects of plasma-component-apheresis have not yet been published.

  11. KSC-08pd2351

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center help guide the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, as it is lifted over the crossbar of the stand at right. The sensor will be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, below. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  12. KSC-08pd2347

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center install a specialized overhead crane onto the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS. The sensor will be lifted and moved to the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  13. KSC-08pd2349

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center check the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, as it is lifted from its stand. The sensor will be moved to the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  14. KSC-08pd2348

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A specialized overhead crane lifts the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The sensor will be moved to the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  15. KSC-08pd2345

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A specialized crane is moved toward the Fine Guidance Sensor in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The sensor will be lifted and moved to the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  16. KSC-08pd2346

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center help guide a specialized overhead crane toward the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS. The sensor will be lifted and moved to the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, for installation. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  17. KSC-08pd2352

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, is lifted over the crossbar of the stand. The sensor will be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier or ORUC, below. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, on space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  18. Position of the prosthesis components in total ankle replacement and the effect on motion at the replaced joint.

    PubMed

    Cenni, Francesco; Leardini, Alberto; Cheli, Andrea; Catani, Fabio; Belvedere, Claudio; Romagnoli, Matteo; Giannini, Sandro

    2012-03-01

    In some cases of total ankle replacement, perfect alignment of the prosthetic components is not achieved. This study analyses the extent to which component positioning is critical for the final range of motion. Fourteen patients undergoing total ankle replacement were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at seven and 13 months follow-up. X-ray pictures of the ankle were taken in static double leg stance, i.e. at neutral joint position, and in maximum plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Measurements were obtained by a specially devised computer program based on anatomical reference points digitised on the radiograms. These allowed calculation of the position and orientation of the components in the sagittal and coronal planes, together with the joint range of motion. The mean range of motion was about 34 degrees at the first follow-up and maintained at the second. Tibial and talar components were more anterior than the mid-tibial shaft in 11 and nine patients, respectively. Mean inclination was about four degrees posterior for the tibial component and nearly one degree anterior for the talar component. A significantly larger range of motion was found in ankles both with the talar component located and inclined more anteriorly than the tibial. Correlation, though weak, was found between motion at the replaced ankle and possible residual subluxation and inclination of the components. However, a satisfactory range of motion was also achieved in those patients where recommended locations for the components could not be reached because of the size of the original joint deformity.

  19. High Bypass Turbofan Component Development. Phase II. Detailed Design.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-08-01

    Selecting Blade Thickness for Bird Strike 46 27. Method for Selecting Blade Airfoil Attachment 49 AIRCRAF ENGINE GROUP IV GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY...reserves, the replacement aircraft must have a fuel efficient engine as the propulsion system, i. e., * modern turbofan engine . Technology in the large... turbofan engines has been well demonstrated, but little has been done in the size applicable to a twin- engine primary trainer aircraft . Today, there is

  20. Program for life extension and preserving existing resources for motor control center components [nuclear plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanwarwalla, M. H.; Alsammarae, A. J.

    1995-08-01

    Many nuclear power plants have motor control centers (MCCs) installed in a harsh, radiation only, environment. Procurement of safety-related replacement devices for these MCCs is an economic burden for the stations if these MCCs have become obsolete. Identical replacement components for many MCCs installed in older plants (ITE Gould, Allis-Chalmers, Klockner-Moeller, Cutler-Hammer, etc.) are no longer available. Plants are left with the option of either retrofitting these MCCs or finding ways to extend the qualified lives of the safety-related components to minimize replacement costs. ComEd nuclear station has embarked on a program to minimize the economic burden for the replacement of Klockner-Moeller (K-M) MCC components. This paper discusses the program adopted by this station and its economic benefits to ComEd.

  1. Astronaut tool development: An orbital replaceable unit-portable handhold

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Redmon, John W., Jr.

    1989-01-01

    A tool to be used during astronaut Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) replacement of spent or defective electrical/electronic component boxes is described. The generation of requirements and design philosophies are detailed, as well as specifics relating to mechanical development, interface verifications, testing, and astronaut feedback. Findings are presented in the form of: (1) a design which is universally applicable to spacecraft component replacement, and (2) guidelines that the designer of orbital replacement units might incorporate to enhance spacecraft on-orbit maintainability and EVA mission safety.

  2. A Method for Estimating Costs and Benefits of Space Assembly and Servicing By Astronauts and Robots

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Purves, Lloyd R.; Benfield, Mark (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    One aspect of designing future space missions is to determine whether Space Assembly and Servicing (SAS) is useful and, if so, what combination of robots and astronauts provides the most effective means of accomplishing it. Certain aspects of these choices, such as the societal value of developing the means for humans to live in space, do not lend themselves to quantification. However, other SAS costs and benefits can be quantified in a manner that can help select the most cost-effective SAS approach. Any space facility, whether it is assembled and serviced or not, entails an eventual replacement cost due to wear and obsolescence. Servicing can reduce this cost by limiting replacement to only failed or obsolete components. However, servicing systems, such as space robots, have their own logistics cost, and astronauts can have even greater logistics requirements. On the other hand, humans can be more capable than robots at performing dexterous and unstructured tasks, which can reduce logistics costs by allowing a reduction in mass of replacement components. Overall, the cost-effectiveness of astronaut SAS depends on its efficiency; and, if astronauts have to be wholly justified by their servicing usefulness, then the serviced space facility has to be large enough to fully occupy them.

  3. Optical beam forming techniques for phased array antennas

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wu, Te-Kao; Chandler, C.

    1993-01-01

    Conventional phased array antennas using waveguide or coax for signal distribution are impractical for large scale implementation on satellites or spacecraft because they exhibit prohibitively large system size, heavy weight, high attenuation loss, limited bandwidth, sensitivity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) temperature drifts and phase instability. However, optical beam forming systems are smaller, lighter, and more flexible. Three optical beam forming techniques are identified as applicable to large spaceborne phased array antennas. They are (1) the optical fiber replacement of conventional RF phased array distribution and control components, (2) spatial beam forming, and (3) optical beam splitting with integrated quasi-optical components. The optical fiber replacement and the spatial beam forming approaches were pursued by many organizations. Two new optical beam forming architectures are presented. Both architectures involve monolithic integration of the antenna radiating elements with quasi-optical grid detector arrays. The advantages of the grid detector array in the optical process are the higher power handling capability and the dynamic range. One architecture involves a modified version of the original spatial beam forming approach. The basic difference is the spatial light modulator (SLM) device for controlling the aperture field distribution. The original liquid crystal light valve SLM is replaced by an optical shuffling SLM, which was demonstrated for the 'smart pixel' technology. The advantages are the capability of generating the agile beams of a phased array antenna and to provide simultaneous transmit and receive functions. The second architecture considered is the optical beam splitting approach. This architecture involves an alternative amplitude control for each antenna element with an optical beam power divider comprised of mirrors and beam splitters. It also implements the quasi-optical grid phase shifter for phase control and grid amplifier for RF power. The advantages are no SLM is required for this approach, and the complete antenna system is capable of full monolithic integration.

  4. Transmission overhaul and replacement predictions using Weibull and renewel theory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Savage, M.; Lewicki, D. G.

    1989-01-01

    A method to estimate the frequency of transmission overhauls is presented. This method is based on the two-parameter Weibull statistical distribution for component life. A second method is presented to estimate the number of replacement components needed to support the transmission overhaul pattern. The second method is based on renewal theory. Confidence statistics are applied with both methods to improve the statistical estimate of sample behavior. A transmission example is also presented to illustrate the use of the methods. Transmission overhaul frequency and component replacement calculations are included in the example.

  5. Acquisition Research for Design and Service Enterprises

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-02

    better than refurbishment.  Replacement: Replacing a component means to swap in a new component. Consequently, the efficiency after replacement is...objectives are fueled by anticipation of future gains; and transaction encapsulates the reluctance to change currencies /investments because of the fixed...those for holding currency . It can be argued that the exception is when goods are held in reserve to meet uncertain demands, with the objective of

  6. Human motion energy harvesting using a piezoelectric MFC patch.

    PubMed

    Bassani, Giulia; Filippeschi, Alessandro; Ruffaldi, Emanuele

    2015-01-01

    The improvements in efficiency of electronic components and miniaturization is quickly pushing wearable devices. Kinetic human energy harvesting is a way to power these components reducing the need of batteries replacement since walking or running is how humans already expend much of their daily energy. This work explores the case of kinetic energy from bending of a piezoelectric patch. For assessing the quality of the system, a testing setup has been designed and controlled by means of knee joint recordings obtained from a large motion dataset. The promising result of the chosen patch is an output power of 2.6μW associated to a run activity.

  7. 78 FR 21924 - Alabama Power Company; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting Comments...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-12

    ... approval to replace the Unit 4 turbine at the Jordan Dam Project. Specifically, the licensee proposes the following work: complete turbine replacement, wicket gate system rehabilitation or replacement, gate stem bushing replacement, turbine and generator bearing refurbishment, and related component replacement. The...

  8. Incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Agility™ total ankle replacement system: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Roukis, Thomas S

    2012-01-01

    Revision of failed total ankle replacement remains a challenge with limited information available to guide treatment options. I undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to the incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved patients undergoing primary Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement; had evaluated patients at a mean follow-up of 12 months or longer; included details of the revision performed; and included revision etiologies of aseptic loosening, ballooning osteolysis, cystic changes, malalignment, or instability. A total of 14 studies involving 2312 ankles, with a weighted mean follow-up of 22.8 months, were included. Of the 2312 ankles, 224 (9.7%) underwent revision, of which 182 (81.3%) underwent implant component replacement, 34 (15.2%) underwent arthrodesis, and 8 (3.6%) underwent below-knee amputation. No significant effect from the surgeon's learning curve on the incidence of revision or the type of revision surgery performed was identified. However, excluding the inventor increased the incidence of revision twofold, from 6.6% to 12.2%, and skewed the type of revision away from arthrodesis and toward implant component replacement or below-knee amputation. Regardless, the incidence of revision after primary implantation of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System was less than historically reported and amenable to implant component revision more than 80% of the time. However, methodologically sound cohort studies are needed that include the outcomes after revision surgery, specifically focusing on what implant component replacement techniques are effective in enhancing survivorship of these revised implants and the role of custom-stemmed talar and tibial components have in revision of the Agility™ Total Ankle Replacement System. A direct comparison of the incidence of revision between the various contemporary total ankle replacement systems in common use is also warranted. Copyright © 2012 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Optimization of replacement and inspection decisions for multiple components on a power system

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

    Mauney, D.A.

    1994-12-31

    The use of optimization on the rescheduling of replacement dates provided a very proactive approach to deciding when components on individual units need to be addressed with a run/repair/replace decision. Including the effects of time value of money and taxes and unit need inside the spreadsheet model allowed the decision maker to concentrate on the effects of engineering input and replacement date decisions on the final net present value (NPV). The personal computer (PC)-based model was applied to a group of 140 forced outage critical fossil plant tube components across a power system. The estimated resulting NPV of the optimizationmore » was in the tens of millions of dollars. This PC spreadsheet model allows the interaction of inputs from structural reliability risk assessment models, plant foreman interviews, and actual failure history on a by component by unit basis across a complete power production system. This model includes not only the forced outage performance of these components caused by tube failures but, in addition, the forecasted need of the individual units on the power system and the expected cost of their replacement power if forced off line. The use of cash flow analysis techniques in the spreadsheet model results in the calculation of an NPV for a whole combination of replacement dates. This allows rapid assessments of {open_quotes}what if{close_quotes} scenarios of major maintenance projects on a systemwide basis and not just on a unit-by-unit basis.« less

  10. [Endoprosthetic replacement with lifting of abdominal wall in treatment of umbilical and postoperative ventral hernias].

    PubMed

    Sukhovatykh, B S; Valuyskaya, N M; Gerasimchuk, E V

    2015-01-01

    The results of complex clinical and ultrasonic investigation of abdominal wall and following surgical treatment in 60 women with umbilical and postoperative large ventral hernias combined with abdomen ptosis were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups with 30 people per group. Endoprosthetic replacement of abdominal wall defect using standard polypropylene prosthesis was applied in the 1st group, endoprosthetic replacement with musculoaponeurotic tissues lifting in hypogastric area using original super lightweight polypropylenepolyvinylidenefluoride prosthesis--in the 2nd group. Polypropylene endoprosthesisconsist of main flap 15×15 cm with roundish edges and additional flap 5×40 cm in the form of wide stripe placed at the lower edge of main flap transversely to its direction. It was revealed increased physical health component in 1.8 times, psychic--in 2.5 times in the 2nd group. Thus number of excellent results increased on 33.3% and amount of satisfactory outcomes reduced on 30%.

  11. Electronics manufacturing and assembly in Japan

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kukowski, John A.; Boulton, William R.

    1995-01-01

    In the consumer electronics industry, precision processing technology is the basis for enhancing product functions and for minimizing components and end products. Throughout Japan, manufacturing technology is seen as critical to the production and assembly of advanced products. While its population has increased less than 30 percent over twenty-five years, Japan's gross national product has increase thirtyfold; this growth has resulted in large part from rapid replacement of manual operations with innovative, high-speed, large-scale, continuously running, complex machines that process a growing number of miniaturized components. The JTEC panel found that introduction of next-generation electronics products in Japan goes hand-in-hand with introduction of new and improved production equipment. In the panel's judgment, Japan's advanced process technologies and equipment development and its highly automated factories are crucial elements of its domination of the consumer electronics marketplace - and Japan's expertise in manufacturing consumer electronics products gives it potentially unapproachable process expertise in all electronics markets.

  12. Potentiality Prediction of Electric Power Replacement Based on Power Market Development Strategy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miao, Bo; Yang, Shuo; Liu, Qiang; Lin, Jingyi; Zhao, Le; Liu, Chang; Li, Bin

    2017-05-01

    The application of electric power replacement plays an important role in promoting the development of energy conservation and emission reduction in our country. To exploit the potentiality of regional electric power replacement, the regional GDP (gross domestic product) and energy consumption are taken as potentiality evaluation indicators. The principal component factors are extracted with PCA (principal component analysis), and the integral potentiality analysis is made to the potentiality of electric power replacement in the national various regions; a region is taken as a research object, and the potentiality of electric power replacement is defined and quantified. The analytical model for the potentiality of multi-scenario electric power replacement is developed, and prediction is made to the energy consumption with the grey prediction model. The relevant theoretical research is utilized to realize prediction analysis on the potentiality amount of multi-scenario electric power replacement.

  13. Application of Strategic Planning Process with Fleet Level Analysis Methods

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mavris, Dimitri N.; Pfaender, Holger; Jimenez, Hernando; Garcia, Elena; Feron, Eric; Bernardo, Jose

    2016-01-01

    The goal of this work is to quantify and characterize the potential system-wide reduction of fuel consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions, resulting from the introduction of N+2 aircraft technologies and concepts into the fleet. Although NASA goals for this timeframe are referenced against a large twin aisle aircraft we consider their application across all vehicle classes of the commercial aircraft fleet, from regional jets to very large aircraft. In this work the authors describe and discuss the formulation and implementation of the fleet assessment by addressing the main analytical components: forecasting, operations allocation, fleet retirement, fleet replacement, and environmental performance modeling.

  14. Effects of Gradient Coil Noise and Gradient Coil Replacement on the Reproducibility of Resting State Networks.

    PubMed

    Bagarinao, Epifanio; Tsuzuki, Erina; Yoshida, Yukina; Ozawa, Yohei; Kuzuya, Maki; Otani, Takashi; Koyama, Shuji; Isoda, Haruo; Watanabe, Hirohisa; Maesawa, Satoshi; Naganawa, Shinji; Sobue, Gen

    2018-01-01

    The stability of the MRI scanner throughout a given study is critical in minimizing hardware-induced variability in the acquired imaging data set. However, MRI scanners do malfunction at times, which could generate image artifacts and would require the replacement of a major component such as its gradient coil. In this article, we examined the effect of low intensity, randomly occurring hardware-related noise due to a faulty gradient coil on brain morphometric measures derived from T1-weighted images and resting state networks (RSNs) constructed from resting state functional MRI. We also introduced a method to detect and minimize the effect of the noise associated with a faulty gradient coil. Finally, we assessed the reproducibility of these morphometric measures and RSNs before and after gradient coil replacement. Our results showed that gradient coil noise, even at relatively low intensities, could introduce a large number of voxels exhibiting spurious significant connectivity changes in several RSNs. However, censoring the affected volumes during the analysis could minimize, if not completely eliminate, these spurious connectivity changes and could lead to reproducible RSNs even after gradient coil replacement.

  15. Effects of Gradient Coil Noise and Gradient Coil Replacement on the Reproducibility of Resting State Networks

    PubMed Central

    Bagarinao, Epifanio; Tsuzuki, Erina; Yoshida, Yukina; Ozawa, Yohei; Kuzuya, Maki; Otani, Takashi; Koyama, Shuji; Isoda, Haruo; Watanabe, Hirohisa; Maesawa, Satoshi; Naganawa, Shinji; Sobue, Gen

    2018-01-01

    The stability of the MRI scanner throughout a given study is critical in minimizing hardware-induced variability in the acquired imaging data set. However, MRI scanners do malfunction at times, which could generate image artifacts and would require the replacement of a major component such as its gradient coil. In this article, we examined the effect of low intensity, randomly occurring hardware-related noise due to a faulty gradient coil on brain morphometric measures derived from T1-weighted images and resting state networks (RSNs) constructed from resting state functional MRI. We also introduced a method to detect and minimize the effect of the noise associated with a faulty gradient coil. Finally, we assessed the reproducibility of these morphometric measures and RSNs before and after gradient coil replacement. Our results showed that gradient coil noise, even at relatively low intensities, could introduce a large number of voxels exhibiting spurious significant connectivity changes in several RSNs. However, censoring the affected volumes during the analysis could minimize, if not completely eliminate, these spurious connectivity changes and could lead to reproducible RSNs even after gradient coil replacement. PMID:29725294

  16. Well-fixed acetabular component retention or replacement: the whys and the wherefores.

    PubMed

    Blaha, J David

    2002-06-01

    Occasionally the adult reconstructive surgeon is faced with a well-fixed acetabular component that is associated with an arthroplasty problem that ordinarily would require removal and replacement of the cup. Removal of a well-fixed cup is associated with considerable morbidity in bone loss, particularly in the medial wall of the acetabulum. In such a situation, retention of the cup with exchange only of the polyethylene liner may be possible. As preparation for a prospective study, I informally reviewed my experience of cup retention or replacement in revision total hip arthroplasty. An algorithm for retaining or revising a well-fixed acetabular component is presented here. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA).

  17. 78 FR 23114 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-18

    ...) and in the AFCS [Automatic Flight Control System] Air Data Computer.'' TCAA issued AD CF-2005-30 to... Bell Model 430 helicopters, which requires replacing certain components of the air data system. This AD... helicopters. That NPRM proposed to require replacing certain components of the air data system. The proposed...

  18. Current trends and future perspectives of bone substitute materials - from space holders to innovative biomaterials.

    PubMed

    Kolk, Andreas; Handschel, Jörg; Drescher, Wolf; Rothamel, Daniel; Kloss, Frank; Blessmann, Marco; Heiland, Max; Wolff, Klaus-Dietrich; Smeets, Ralf

    2012-12-01

    An autologous bone graft is still the ideal material for the repair of craniofacial defects, but its availability is limited and harvesting can be associated with complications. Bone replacement materials as an alternative have a long history of success. With increasing technological advances the spectrum of grafting materials has broadened to allografts, xenografts, and synthetic materials, providing material specific advantages. A large number of bone-graft substitutes are available including allograft bone preparations such as demineralized bone matrix and calcium-based materials. More and more replacement materials consist of one or more components: an osteoconductive matrix, which supports the ingrowth of new bone; and osteoinductive proteins, which sustain mitogenesis of undifferentiated cells; and osteogenic cells (osteoblasts or osteoblast precursors), which are capable of forming bone in the proper environment. All substitutes can either replace autologous bone or expand an existing amount of autologous bone graft. Because an understanding of the properties of each material enables individual treatment concepts this review presents an overview of the principles of bone replacement, the types of graft materials available, and considers future perspectives. Bone substitutes are undergoing a change from a simple replacement material to an individually created composite biomaterial with osteoinductive properties to enable enhanced defect bridging. Copyright © 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Semantically Enhanced Online Configuration of Feedback Control Schemes.

    PubMed

    Milis, Georgios M; Panayiotou, Christos G; Polycarpou, Marios M

    2018-03-01

    Recent progress toward the realization of the "Internet of Things" has improved the ability of physical and soft/cyber entities to operate effectively within large-scale, heterogeneous systems. It is important that such capacity be accompanied by feedback control capabilities sufficient to ensure that the overall systems behave according to their specifications and meet their functional objectives. To achieve this, such systems require new architectures that facilitate the online deployment, composition, interoperability, and scalability of control system components. Most current control systems lack scalability and interoperability because their design is based on a fixed configuration of specific components, with knowledge of their individual characteristics only implicitly passed through the design. This paper addresses the need for flexibility when replacing components or installing new components, which might occur when an existing component is upgraded or when a new application requires a new component, without the need to readjust or redesign the overall system. A semantically enhanced feedback control architecture is introduced for a class of systems, aimed at accommodating new components into a closed-loop control framework by exploiting the semantic inference capabilities of an ontology-based knowledge model. This architecture supports continuous operation of the control system, a crucial property for large-scale systems for which interruptions have negative impact on key performance metrics that may include human comfort and welfare or economy costs. A case-study example from the smart buildings domain is used to illustrate the proposed architecture and semantic inference mechanisms.

  20. Small-Scale Fabrication of Biomimetic Structures for Periodontal Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Green, David W.; Lee, Jung-Seok; Jung, Han-Sung

    2016-01-01

    The periodontium is the supporting tissues for the tooth organ and is vulnerable to destruction, arising from overpopulating pathogenic bacteria and spirochaetes. The presence of microbes together with host responses can destroy large parts of the periodontium sometimes leading tooth loss. Permanent tissue replacements are made possible with tissue engineering techniques. However, existing periodontal biomaterials cannot promote proper tissue architectures, necessary tissue volumes within the periodontal pocket and a “water-tight” barrier, to become clinically acceptable. New kinds of small-scale engineered biomaterials, with increasing biological complexity are needed to guide proper biomimetic regeneration of periodontal tissues. So the ability to make compound structures with small modules, filled with tissue components, is a promising design strategy for simulating the anatomical complexity of the periodotium attachment complexes along the tooth root and the abutment with the tooth collar. Anatomical structures such as, intima, adventitia, and special compartments such as the epithelial cell rests of Malassez or a stellate reticulum niche need to be engineered from the start of regeneration to produce proper periodontium replacement. It is our contention that the positioning of tissue components at the origin is also necessary to promote self-organizing cell–cell connections, cell–matrix connections. This leads to accelerated, synchronized and well-formed tissue architectures and anatomies. This strategy is a highly effective preparation for tackling periodontitis, periodontium tissue resorption, and to ultimately prevent tooth loss. Furthermore, such biomimetic tissue replacements will tackle problems associated with dental implant support and perimimplantitis. PMID:26903872

  1. A physics based method for combining multiple anatomy models with application to medical simulation.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yanong; Magee, Derek; Ratnalingam, Rishya; Kessel, David

    2009-01-01

    We present a physics based approach to the construction of anatomy models by combining components from different sources; different image modalities, protocols, and patients. Given an initial anatomy, a mass-spring model is generated which mimics the physical properties of the solid anatomy components. This helps maintain valid spatial relationships between the components, as well as the validity of their shapes. Combination can be either replacing/modifying an existing component, or inserting a new component. The external forces that deform the model components to fit the new shape are estimated from Gradient Vector Flow and Distance Transform maps. We demonstrate the applicability and validity of the described approach in the area of medical simulation, by showing the processes of non-rigid surface alignment, component replacement, and component insertion.

  2. Design of preventive maintenance system using the reliability engineering and maintenance value stream mapping methods in PT. XYZ

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sembiring, N.; Panjaitan, N.; Angelita, S.

    2018-02-01

    PT. XYZ is a company owned by non-governmental organizations engaged in the field of production of rubber processing becoming crumb rubber. Part of the production is supported by some of machines and interacting equipment to achieve optimal productivity. Types of the machine that are used in the production process are Conveyor Breaker, Breaker, Rolling Pin, Hammer Mill, Mill Roll, Conveyor, Shredder Crumb, and Dryer. Maintenance system in PT. XYZ is corrective maintenance i.e. repairing or replacing the engine components after the crash on the machine. Replacement of engine components on corrective maintenance causes the machine to stop operating during the production process is in progress. The result is in the loss of production time due to the operator must replace the damaged engine components. The loss of production time can impact on the production targets which were not reached and lead to high loss costs. The cost for all components is Rp. 4.088.514.505. This cost is really high just for maintaining a Mill Roll Machine. Therefore PT. XYZ is needed to do preventive maintenance i.e. scheduling engine components and improving maintenance efficiency. The used methods are Reliability Engineering and Maintenance Value Stream Mapping (MVSM). The needed data in this research are the interval of time damage to engine components, opportunity cost, labor cost, component cost, corrective repair time, preventive repair time, Mean Time To Opportunity (MTTO), Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), and Mean Time To Yield (MTTY). In this research, the critical components of Mill Roll machine are Spier, Bushing, Bearing, Coupling and Roll. Determination of damage distribution, reliability, MTTF, cost of failure, cost of preventive, current state map, and future state map are done so that the replacement time for each critical component with the lowest maintenance cost and preparation of Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) are developed. For the critical component that has been determined, the Spier component replacement time interval is 228 days with a reliability value of 0,503171, Bushing component is 240 days with reliability value of 0.36861, Bearing component is 202 days with reliability value of 0,503058, Coupling component is 247 days with reliability value of 0,50108 and Roll component is 301 days with reliability value of 0,373525. The results show that the cost decreases from Rp 300,688,114 to Rp 244,384,371 obtained from corrective maintenance to preventive maintenance. While maintenance efficiency increases with the application of preventive maintenance i.e. for Spier component from 54,0540541% to 74,07407%, Bushing component from 52,3809524% to 68,75%, Bearing component from 40% to 52,63158%, Coupling component from 60.9756098% to 71.42857%, and Roll components from 64.516129% to 74.7663551%.

  3. Risk analysis of maintenance ship collisions with offshore wind turbines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Presencia, Carla E.; Shafiee, Mahmood

    2018-07-01

    A large number of offshore wind farms are planned to be built in remote deep-sea areas over the next five years. Though offshore wind sites are often located away from commercial ship traffic, the increased demand for repair or replacement services leads to high traffic densities of "maintenance ships". To date, the risk analysis of collision between maintenance ship vessels and offshore wind turbines has received very little attention. In this paper, we propose a methodology to evaluate and prioritise the collision risks associated with various kinds of ships used for carrying out maintenance tasks on different subassemblies of wind turbines in an offshore wind farm. It is also studied how the risks of ship collision with wind turbines are distributed between two main types of maintenance tasks, namely corrective and preventative. The proposed model is tested on an offshore wind turbine with seventeen components requiring five kinds of ships to perform the maintenance tasks. Our results indicate that collision risks are mostly associated with maintenance of few components of the wind turbine and in particular, those undergoing a corrective maintenance (replacement). Finally, several mitigation strategies are introduced to minimise the risk of maintenance ship collisions with offshore wind turbines.

  4. [Comparison of in vivo characteristics of polyethylene wear particles produced by a metal and a ceramic femoral component in total knee replacement].

    PubMed

    Veigl, D; Vavřík, P; Pokorný, D; Slouf, M; Pavlova, E; Landor, I

    2011-01-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate in vivo and compare, in terms of the quality and number of ultra high-molecular polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles, total knee replacements of identical construction differing only in the material used for femoral component production, i.e., CoCrMo alloy or ZrO2 ceramics. Samples of peri-prosthetic granuloma tissue were collected in two patients with total knee replacement suffering from implant migration, who were matched in relevant characteristics. The primary knee replacement in Patient 1 with a CoCrMo femoral component was done 7.2 years and in Patient 2 with a ZrO2 implant 6.8 years before this assessment. The polyethylene wear-induced granuloma was analysed by the MORF method enabling us to assess the shape and size of wear debris and the IRc method for assessment of particle concentration. In the granuloma tissue samples of Patient 1, on the average, particles were 0.30 mm in size and their relative volume was 0.19. In the Patient 2 tissue samples, the average size of particles was 0.33 mm and their relative volume was 0.26. There was no significant difference in either particle morphology or their concentration in the granuloma tissue between the two patients. One of the options of how to reduce the production of polyethylene wear particles is to improve the tribological properties of contacting surfaces in total knee replacement by substituting a cobalt-chrome femoral component with a zirconia ceramic femoral component. The previous in vitro testing carried out with a mechanical simulator under conditions approaching real weight-bearing in the human body did show a nearly three-fold decrease in the number of UHMWPE wear particles in zirconia components. The evaluation of granuloma tissue induced by the activity of a real prosthetic joint for nearly seven years, however, did not reveal any great difference in either quality or quantity of polyethylene debris between the two replacements. The difference of surface roughness between CoCrMo (Ra = 0.05) and ZrO2 (Ra = 0.02) components did not play any role in in vivo conditions. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with a previous clinical study, this evaluation of the quality and quantity of UHMWPE wear particles produced by a ceramic femoral component in vivo failed to demonstrate any advantage of zirconia ceramic components over the cobalt-chrome femoral components so far used.

  5. Different Evolutionary Modifications as a Guide to Rewire Two-Component Systems

    PubMed Central

    Krueger, Beate; Friedrich, Torben; Förster, Frank; Bernhardt, Jörg; Gross, Roy; Dandekar, Thomas

    2012-01-01

    Two-component systems (TCS) are short signalling pathways generally occurring in prokaryotes. They frequently regulate prokaryotic stimulus responses and thus are also of interest for engineering in biotechnology and synthetic biology. The aim of this study is to better understand and describe rewiring of TCS while investigating different evolutionary scenarios. Based on large-scale screens of TCS in different organisms, this study gives detailed data, concrete alignments, and structure analysis on three general modification scenarios, where TCS were rewired for new responses and functions: (i) exchanges in the sequence within single TCS domains, (ii) exchange of whole TCS domains; (iii) addition of new components modulating TCS function. As a result, the replacement of stimulus and promotor cassettes to rewire TCS is well defined exploiting the alignments given here. The diverged TCS examples are non-trivial and the design is challenging. Designed connector proteins may also be useful to modify TCS in selected cases. PMID:22586357

  6. A COTS-Based Replacement Strategy for Aging Avionics Computers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-12-01

    Communication Control Unit. A COTS-Based Replacement Strategy for Aging Avionics Computers COTS Microprocessor Real Time Operating System New Native Code...Native Code Objec ts Native Code Thread Real - Time Operating System Legacy Function x Virtual Component Environment Context Switch Thunk Add-in Replace

  7. Quantification of in vivo implant wear in total knee replacement from dynamic single plane radiography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teeter, Matthew G.; Seslija, Petar; Milner, Jaques S.; Nikolov, Hristo N.; Yuan, Xunhua; Naudie, Douglas D. R.; Holdsworth, David W.

    2013-05-01

    An in vivo method to measure wear in total knee replacements was developed using dynamic single-plane fluoroscopy. A dynamic, anthropomorphic total knee replacement phantom with interchangeable, custom-fabricated components of known wear volume was created, and dynamic imaging was performed. For each frame of the fluoroscopy data, the relative location of the femoral and tibial components were determined, and the apparent intersection of the femoral component with the tibial insert was used to calculate wear volume, wear depth, and frequency of intersection. No difference was found between the measured and true wear volumes. The precision of the measurements was ±39.7 mm3 for volume and ±0.126 mm for wear depth. The results suggest the system is capable of tracking wear volume changes across multiple time points in patients. As a dynamic technique, this method can provide both kinematic and wear measurements that may be useful for evaluating new implant designs for total knee replacements.

  8. Effects of loss of lateral hydrological connectivity on fish functional diversity.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xueqin; Wang, Hongzhu

    2018-05-26

    Loss of lateral hydrological connectivity (LHC) is a major cause of biodiversity decline in river floodplains, yet little is known about its effects on aquatic functional diversity in these ecosystems. We quantified functional alpha and beta diversity of fish assemblages in Yangtze River floodplain lakes, and explored their responses to loss of LHC using generalized linear mixed models. Functional richness was much lower in river disconnected lakes where functional evenness and divergence were higher. LHC was the most important factor shaping fish diversity patterns in this region. The predicted reduction due to loss of LHC was higher in functional richness (0.47-0.82) than in taxonomic richness (0.32) of all species assemblages in contrast to non-migratory species assemblages. It seemed that functional strategies were highly unevenly distributed between migratory and non-migratory fishes in the floodplain. Taxonomic beta diversity was much higher than functional beta diversity. The former was contributed mainly by spatial turnover component (73.6-83.8%) suggesting that dissimilarity among fish assemblages was largely induced by species replacement, while the latter was induced by nestedness-resultant component (70.7-86.0%) indicating a stronger role of function loss without replacement. Both taxonomic and functional beta diversity were higher in disconnected lakes, where they were significantly correlated with fishing activity and water quality. Our study determined for the first time the effects of loss of LHC on fish functional diversity in large river floodplains. We highlight the serious decline of fish functional richness in a large floodplain, and functional diversity remained highly vulnerable to loss of LHC even in such a species rich ecosystem. Our results provide important implications regarding biodiversity conservation and LHC restoration in large river floodplains. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  9. Minimax rational approximation of the Fermi-Dirac distribution.

    PubMed

    Moussa, Jonathan E

    2016-10-28

    Accurate rational approximations of the Fermi-Dirac distribution are a useful component in many numerical algorithms for electronic structure calculations. The best known approximations use O(log(βΔ)log(ϵ -1 )) poles to achieve an error tolerance ϵ at temperature β -1 over an energy interval Δ. We apply minimax approximation to reduce the number of poles by a factor of four and replace Δ with Δ occ , the occupied energy interval. This is particularly beneficial when Δ ≫ Δ occ , such as in electronic structure calculations that use a large basis set.

  10. Minimax rational approximation of the Fermi-Dirac distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moussa, Jonathan E.

    2016-10-01

    Accurate rational approximations of the Fermi-Dirac distribution are a useful component in many numerical algorithms for electronic structure calculations. The best known approximations use O(log(βΔ)log(ɛ-1)) poles to achieve an error tolerance ɛ at temperature β-1 over an energy interval Δ. We apply minimax approximation to reduce the number of poles by a factor of four and replace Δ with Δocc, the occupied energy interval. This is particularly beneficial when Δ ≫ Δocc, such as in electronic structure calculations that use a large basis set.

  11. 49 CFR 180.403 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... to appurtenances, such as fender attachments, lighting brackets, ladder brackets; and (2) Replacement..., lighting brackets, ladder brackets; and (2) Replacement of components such as valves, vents, and fittings...

  12. Urban chaos and replacement dynamics in nature and society

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Yanguang

    2014-11-01

    Replacements resulting from competition are ubiquitous phenomena in both nature and society. The evolution of a self-organized system is always a physical process substituting one type of components for another type of components. A logistic model of replacement dynamics has been proposed in terms of technical innovation and urbanization, but it fails to arouse widespread attention in the academia. This paper is devoted to laying the foundations of general replacement principle by using analogy and induction. The empirical base of this study is urban replacement, including urbanization and urban growth. The sigmoid functions can be employed to model various processes of replacement. Many mathematical methods such as allometric scaling and head/tail breaks can be applied to analyzing the processes and patterns of replacement. Among varied sigmoid functions, the logistic function is the basic and the simplest model of replacement dynamics. A new finding is that replacement can be associated with chaos in a nonlinear system, e.g., urban chaos is just a part of replacement dynamics. The aim of developing replacement theory is at understanding complex interaction and conversion. This theory provides a new way of looking at urbanization, technological innovation and diffusion, Volterra-Lotka’s predator-prey interaction, man-land relation, and dynastic changes resulting from peasant uprising, and all that. Especially, the periodic oscillations and chaos of replacement dynamics can be used to explain and predict the catastrophic occurrences in the physical and human systems.

  13. Outcome of prosthesis matched and unmatched patella components in primary and revision total knee replacement.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Peter L; Gamboa, Ai E; Campbell, David G; Lorimer, Michelle

    2017-10-01

    Although knee replacements have specifically designed patella prostheses that correspond to the geometry of their femoral components, a patella prosthesis that is unmatched to the femoral component may occasionally be inserted. In revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), an originally resurfaced patella may be left, but the femoral component revised to one that does not match the patella. Few studies have compared the outcome of matched and unmatched patella components in TKA. This study compared the primary or revision TKA outcome of procedures where patella components matched to their femoral counterparts were inserted, with procedures using patella and femoral components that were unmatched. Data on all primary and revision TKA procedures without a patella component or a matched or an unmatched patella component were obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). Revision surgery was the outcome measure. Cumulative percent revised (CPR) were calculated and Hazard ratios with p values were used to test statistical significance. In primary TKA, there were higher rates of revision where unmatched patella components were used, regardless of implant design. There was no difference in the second revision rates of unmatched versus matched patella component groups. This was evident where delayed resurfacing was carried out, and where the patella prosthesis was left alone but the femoral component was changed. All primary TKA procedures require a patella component corresponding to the femoral component if the patella is resurfaced. Conversely, revision knee arthroplasties are not affected by the use of dissimilar patella and femoral components. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Implication of femoral stem on performance of articular surface replacement (ASR) XL total hip arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Cip, Johannes; von Strempel, Archibald; Bach, Christian; Luegmair, Matthias; Benesch, Thomas; Martin, Arno

    2014-11-01

    Taper junctions of large diameter metal-on-metal femoral heads and femoral stems were described as metal ion generator due to accelerated wear and corrosion. However, literature about the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) total hip arthroplasty (THA) invariably deals with stems manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics (Warsaw, IN, USA). Nothing is known whether different stems with common 12/14 mm tapers affect failure rate or ion release. 99 ASR THA (88 patients) implanted with CoxaFit or ARGE Geradschaft stems (K-Implant, Hannover, Germany) were retrospectively analyzed. After a mean follow-up of 3.5 years revision rate was 24.5%, mostly due to adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). CT scan revealed component loosening in 10.3% and pseudotumoral lesions in 12.6%. Elevated ion concentrations (>7 μg/l) were found in 38.6%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Economics of All-Polyethylene Versus Metal-Backed Tibial Prosthesis Designs.

    PubMed

    Chambers, Monique C; El-Othmani, Mouhanad M; Sayeed, Zain; Anoushiravani, Afshin; Schnur, Anne-Kathrin; Mihalko, William M; Saleh, Khaled J

    2016-05-01

    With the large number of total knee arthroplasties being performed and expectations that these numbers will be on the rise over the coming decades, efforts to provide cost-efficient care are of greater interest. The preferred design of knee arthroplasty implants has changed over time, with the original all-polyethylene tibial (APT) design being replaced by metal-backed tibial (MBT) components, as well as more recent considerations of newer APT designs. Modern APT components have been shown to have similar or superior outcomes than MBT components. Despite their limitations, APT components can be used to reduce the economic burden to the provider, medical institution, and health care system as a whole. There is a paucity of evidence-based literature directly comparing the cost associated with APT and MBT components. The purpose of this report is to review the literature to assess the available data regarding direct and indirect costs of both designs so that orthopedic surgeons can account for economic differences in everyday practice. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):S61-S66.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

  16. Repair of Electronics for Long Duration Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pettegrew, Richard D.; Easton, John; Struk, Peter

    2007-01-01

    To reduce mission risk, long duration spaceflight and exploration activities will require greater degrees of self-sufficiency with regards to repair capability than have ever been employed before in space exploration. The current repair paradigm of replacing Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) of malfunctioning avionics and electronic hardware will be impractical, since carrying all of the spares that could possibly be needed for a long duration mission would require upmass and volume at unprecedented and unacceptable levels. A strategy of component-level repair for electronics, however, could significantly reduce the mass and volume necessary for spares and enhance mission safety via a generic contingency capability. This approach is already used to varying degrees by the U.S. Navy, where vessels at sea experience some similar constraints such as the need for self sufficiency for moderately long time periods, and restrictions on volume of repair spares and infrastructure. The concept of conducting component-level repairs of electronics in spacecraft requires the development of design guidelines for future avionics (to enable repair), development of diagnostic techniques to allow an astronaut to pinpoint the faulty component aboard a vastly complex vehicle, and development of tools and methodologies for dealing with the physical processes of replacing the component. This physical process includes tasks such as conformal coating removal and replacement, component removal, replacement, and alignment--all in the difficulty of a reduced gravity environment. Further, the gravitational effects on the soldering process must be characterized and accounted for to ensure reliability of the newly repaired components. The Component-Level Electronics-Assembly Repair (CLEAR) project under the NASA Supportability program was established to develop and demonstrate the practicality of this repair approach. CLEAR involves collaborative efforts between NASA s Glenn Research Center, Langley Research Center, Johnson Space Center, the National Center for Space Exploration Research, and the U.S. Navy. The project goals are 1) develop and demonstrate a manually-operated electronics repair capability to be conducted in a spacecraft environment; and 2) develop guidelines for designs of electronics that facilitates component-level repair for future space exploration efforts. This multi-faceted program utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach to examine pre- and post-repair diagnostics, conformal coating removal and replacement, component soldering, and electronics design for supportability. These areas are investigated by a combination of trade studies, ground based testing, reduced gravity aircraft testing, and actual spaceflight testing on the International Space Station (ISS) in multiple experiments. This paper details the efforts of this program, with emphasis on early trade study results, ground-based efforts, and two upcoming ISS experiments.

  17. 78 FR 59293 - Airworthiness Directives; Continental Motors, Inc. Reciprocating Engines

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-26

    ... Engineering Corporation parts manufacturer approval replacement cylinder assemblies installed. The replacement cylinder assemblies are marketed by Engine Components International Division. DATES: The comment period for...

  18. A new multi-objective optimization model for preventive maintenance and replacement scheduling of multi-component systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moghaddam, Kamran S.; Usher, John S.

    2011-07-01

    In this article, a new multi-objective optimization model is developed to determine the optimal preventive maintenance and replacement schedules in a repairable and maintainable multi-component system. In this model, the planning horizon is divided into discrete and equally-sized periods in which three possible actions must be planned for each component, namely maintenance, replacement, or do nothing. The objective is to determine a plan of actions for each component in the system while minimizing the total cost and maximizing overall system reliability simultaneously over the planning horizon. Because of the complexity, combinatorial and highly nonlinear structure of the mathematical model, two metaheuristic solution methods, generational genetic algorithm, and a simulated annealing are applied to tackle the problem. The Pareto optimal solutions that provide good tradeoffs between the total cost and the overall reliability of the system can be obtained by the solution approach. Such a modeling approach should be useful for maintenance planners and engineers tasked with the problem of developing recommended maintenance plans for complex systems of components.

  19. Evaluation of HCFC AK 225 Alternatives for Precision Cleaning and Verification

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Melton, D. M.

    1998-01-01

    Maintaining qualified cleaning and verification processes are essential in an production environment. Environmental regulations have and are continuing to impact cleaning and verification processing in component and large structures, both at the Michoud Assembly Facility and component suppliers. The goal of the effort was to assure that the cleaning and verification proceeds unimpeded and that qualified, environmentally compliant material and process replacements are implemented and perform to specifications. The approach consisted of (1) selection of a Supersonic Gas-Liquid Cleaning System; (2) selection and evaluation of three cleaning and verification solvents as candidate alternatives to HCFC 225 (Vertrel 423 (HCFC), Vertrel MCA (HFC/1,2-Dichloroethylene), and HFE 7100DE (HFE/1,2 Dichloroethylene)); and evaluation of an analytical instrumental post cleaning verification technique. This document is presented in viewgraph format.

  20. [Clinical evaluation of the ceramic femoral component used for reconstruction of total knee replacement].

    PubMed

    Vavrík, P; Landor, I; Denk, F

    2008-12-01

    The study evaluates mid-term results of total knee replacement with a zirconia ceramic (ZrO2) femoral component. The evaluated group comprised 20 knees in 19 patients (4 men and 15 women). In one patient the replacement was performed bilaterally. Two patients had in the contralateral knee the same type of prosthesis with a femoral chrome-cobalt component.The mean age at the time of operation was 65.2 years (range, 38-81 years).The primary indication was 14 times osteoarthritis and 5 times rheumatoid arthritis. The average follow-up period was 6.5 years (range, 2.1-8.5 years). Patients included in the study regardless of age, body mass and the basic diagnosis, agreed with the use of the ceramic femoral component. The evaluation covered a range of motion, mechanical axis, joint stability, pain, swelling, ability to walk on level ground and on stairs, subjective satisfaction (EULAR Knee Chart). Radiograph were assessed at one year intervals in two projections to identify the incidence of radiolucency around the implant. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used and compared with the survival curve in identical chrome-cobalt implants. At he final follow-up, 14 knees were evaluated, because 3 patients died without any connection with the implant, in one case the tibial component migrated due to necrosis of the tibial condyle in a patient with RA and two implants had to be revised and replaced due to polyethylene wear. No infection or negative tissue reaction was recorded in the evaluated group. The average flexion range was 109 degrees. All knees were stable and without swelling, in two cases there occurred slight femoropatellar pain. Twelve patients were fully satisfied, 2 patients were satisfied with a certain reservation. The differences in the course of the survival curves of chrome-cobalt and ceramic implants were statistically insignificant. Although the use of zirconia ceramics in vitro reduces the amount of polyethylene wear, the clinical outcomes of total knee replacements as compared to the hip are not convincing. One of the causes may be the substantially different and more complex biomechanics of the knee. Tribology improvement of the femoral ceramic component cannot compensate the deficiencies in the joint balancing in flexion and extension. The economically and technologically demanding production of these implants may be justified in patients with allergies caused by chrome-cobalt components. The results of mid-term follow-up of the use of zirconia ceramic femoral components proved no impact on the improvement of the period of survival of the knee implant. No adverse response to the material or mechanical failure of the ceramic components was encountered. Key words: total knee replacement, zirconia ceramic femoral component, TKR mid-term results, ceramic knee survival curve.

  1. The management of failed ankle replacement.

    PubMed

    Kotnis, R; Pasapula, C; Anwar, F; Cooke, P H; Sharp, R J

    2006-08-01

    Advances in the design of the components for total ankle replacement have led to a resurgence of interest in this procedure. Between January 1999 and December 2004, 16 patients with a failed total ankle replacement were referred to our unit. In the presence of infection, a two-stage salvage procedure was planned. The first involved the removal of the components and the insertion of a cement spacer. Definitive treatment options included hindfoot fusion with a circular frame or amputation. When there was no infection, a one-stage salvage procedure was planned. Options included hindfoot fusion with an intramedullary nail or revision total ankle replacement. When there was suspicion of infection, a percutaneous biopsy was performed. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Of the 16 patients, 14 had aseptic loosening, five of whom underwent a revision total ankle replacement and nine a hindfoot fusion. Of the two with infection, one underwent fusion and the other a below-knee amputation. There were no cases of wound breakdown, nonunion or malunion. Management of the failed total ankle replacement should be performed by experienced surgeons and ideally in units where multidisciplinary support is available. Currently, a hindfoot fusion appears to be preferable to a revision total ankle replacement.

  2. The Use of Probabilistic Methods to Evaluate the Systems Impact of Component Design Improvements on Large Turbofan Engines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Packard, Michael H.

    2002-01-01

    Probabilistic Structural Analysis (PSA) is now commonly used for predicting the distribution of time/cycles to failure of turbine blades and other engine components. These distributions are typically based on fatigue/fracture and creep failure modes of these components. Additionally, reliability analysis is used for taking test data related to particular failure modes and calculating failure rate distributions of electronic and electromechanical components. How can these individual failure time distributions of structural, electronic and electromechanical component failure modes be effectively combined into a top level model for overall system evaluation of component upgrades, changes in maintenance intervals, or line replaceable unit (LRU) redesign? This paper shows an example of how various probabilistic failure predictions for turbine engine components can be evaluated and combined to show their effect on overall engine performance. A generic model of a turbofan engine was modeled using various Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) tools (Quantitative Risk Assessment Software (QRAS) etc.). Hypothetical PSA results for a number of structural components along with mitigation factors that would restrict the failure mode from propagating to a Loss of Mission (LOM) failure were used in the models. The output of this program includes an overall failure distribution for LOM of the system. The rank and contribution to the overall Mission Success (MS) is also given for each failure mode and each subsystem. This application methodology demonstrates the effectiveness of PRA for assessing the performance of large turbine engines. Additionally, the effects of system changes and upgrades, the application of different maintenance intervals, inclusion of new sensor detection of faults and other upgrades were evaluated in determining overall turbine engine reliability.

  3. Basic Science Considerations in Primary Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty

    PubMed Central

    Mirza, Saqeb B; Dunlop, Douglas G; Panesar, Sukhmeet S; Naqvi, Syed G; Gangoo, Shafat; Salih, Saif

    2010-01-01

    Total Hip Replacement is one of the most common operations performed in the developed world today. An increasingly ageing population means that the numbers of people undergoing this operation is set to rise. There are a numerous number of prosthesis on the market and it is often difficult to choose between them. It is therefore necessary to have a good understanding of the basic scientific principles in Total Hip Replacement and the evidence base underpinning them. This paper reviews the relevant anatomical and biomechanical principles in THA. It goes on to elaborate on the structural properties of materials used in modern implants and looks at the evidence base for different types of fixation including cemented and uncemented components. Modern bearing surfaces are discussed in addition to the scientific basis of various surface engineering modifications in THA prostheses. The basic science considerations in component alignment and abductor tension are also discussed. A brief discussion on modular and custom designs of THR is also included. This article reviews basic science concepts and the rationale underpinning the use of the femoral and acetabular component in total hip replacement. PMID:20582240

  4. Cost-effective and rapid concrete repair techniques.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2016-02-08

    Concrete is a principal component of many transportation structures. While highly durable, a : variety of processes degrade and damage concrete. Replacement is expensive. Many cases : warrant repair instead of replacement. Since many damage processes...

  5. 3D vision upgrade kit for TALON robot

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Edmondson, Richard; Vaden, Justin; Hyatt, Brian; Morris, James; Pezzaniti, J. Larry; Chenault, David B.; Tchon, Joe; Barnidge, Tracy; Kaufman, Seth; Pettijohn, Brad

    2010-04-01

    In this paper, we report on the development of a 3D vision field upgrade kit for TALON robot consisting of a replacement flat panel stereoscopic display, and multiple stereo camera systems. An assessment of the system's use for robotic driving, manipulation, and surveillance operations was conducted. The 3D vision system was integrated onto a TALON IV Robot and Operator Control Unit (OCU) such that stock components could be electrically disconnected and removed, and upgrade components coupled directly to the mounting and electrical connections. A replacement display, replacement mast camera with zoom, auto-focus, and variable convergence, and a replacement gripper camera with fixed focus and zoom comprise the upgrade kit. The stereo mast camera allows for improved driving and situational awareness as well as scene survey. The stereo gripper camera allows for improved manipulation in typical TALON missions.

  6. Machine Maintenance Scheduling with Reliability Engineering Method and Maintenance Value Stream Mapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sembiring, N.; Nasution, A. H.

    2018-02-01

    Corrective maintenance i.e replacing or repairing the machine component after machine break down always done in a manufacturing company. It causes the production process must be stopped. Production time will decrease due to the maintenance team must replace or repair the damage machine component. This paper proposes a preventive maintenance’s schedule for a critical component of a critical machine of an crude palm oil and kernel company due to increase maintenance efficiency. The Reliability Engineering & Maintenance Value Stream Mapping is used as a method and a tool to analize the reliability of the component and reduce the wastage in any process by segregating value added and non value added activities.

  7. In Vivo Wear Performance of Cobalt-Chromium Versus Oxidized Zirconium Femoral Total Knee Replacements.

    PubMed

    Gascoyne, Trevor C; Teeter, Matthew G; Guenther, Leah E; Burnell, Colin D; Bohm, Eric R; Naudie, Douglas R

    2016-01-01

    This study examines the damage and wear on the polyethylene (PE) inserts from 52 retrieved Genesis II total knee replacements to identify differences in tribological performance between matched pairs of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and oxidized zirconium (OxZr) femoral components. Observer damage scoring and microcomputed tomography were used to quantify PE damage and wear, respectively. No significant differences were found between CoCr and OxZr groups in terms of PE insert damage, surface penetration, or wear. No severe damage such as cracking or delamination was noted on any of the 52 PE inserts. Observer damage scoring did not correlate with penetrative or volumetric PE wear. The more costly OxZr femoral component does not demonstrate clear tribological benefit over the standard CoCr component in the short term with this total knee replacement design. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Enhancing quality improvements in cancer care through CME activities at a nationally recognized cancer center.

    PubMed

    Uemura, Marc; Morgan, Robert; Mendelsohn, Mary; Kagan, Jean; Saavedra, Crystal; Leong, Lucille

    2013-06-01

    Changing healthcare policy will undoubtedly affect the healthcare environment in which providers function. The current Fee for Service reimbursement model will be replaced by Value-Based Purchasing, where higher quality and more efficient care will be emphasized. Because of this, large healthcare organizations and individual providers must adapt to incorporate performance outcomes into patient care. Here, we present a Continuing Medical Education (CME)-based initiative at the City of Hope National Cancer Center that we believe can serve as a model for using CME as a value added component to achieving such a goal.

  9. Noncommutative quantum mechanics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gamboa, J.; Loewe, M.; Rojas, J. C.

    2001-09-01

    A general noncommutative quantum mechanical system in a central potential V=V(r) in two dimensions is considered. The spectrum is bounded from below and, for large values of the anticommutative parameter θ, we find an explicit expression for the eigenvalues. In fact, any quantum mechanical system with these characteristics is equivalent to a commutative one in such a way that the interaction V(r) is replaced by V=V(HHO,Lz), where HHO is the Hamiltonian of the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator and Lz is the z component of the angular momentum. For other finite values of θ the model can be solved by using perturbation theory.

  10. Heat pipe thermal conditioning panel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Saaski, E. W.; Loose, J. D.; Mccoy, K. E.

    1974-01-01

    Thermal control of electronic hardware and experiments on future space vehicles is critical to proper functioning and long life. Thermal conditioning panels (cold plates) are a baseline control technique in current conceptual studies. Heat generating components mounted on the panels are typically cooled by fluid flowing through integral channels within the panel. However, replacing the pumped fluid coolant loop within the panel with heat pipes offers attractive advantages in weight, reliability, and installation. This report describes the development and fabrication of two large 0.76 x 0.76 m heat pipe thermal conditioning panels to verify performance and establish the design concept.

  11. Minimax rational approximation of the Fermi-Dirac distribution

    DOE PAGES

    Moussa, Jonathan E.

    2016-10-27

    Accurate rational approximations of the Fermi-Dirac distribution are a useful component in many numerical algorithms for electronic structure calculations. The best known approximations use O(log(βΔ)log(ϵ –1)) poles to achieve an error tolerance ϵ at temperature β –1 over an energy interval Δ. We apply minimax approximation to reduce the number of poles by a factor of four and replace Δ with Δ occ, the occupied energy interval. Furthermore, this is particularly beneficial when Δ >> Δ occ, such as in electronic structure calculations that use a large basis set.

  12. A situated reasoning architecture for space-based repair and replace tasks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bloom, Ben; Mcgrath, Debra; Sanborn, Jim

    1989-01-01

    Space-based robots need low level control for collision detection and avoidance, short-term load management, fine-grained motion, and other physical tasks. In addition, higher level control is required to focus strategic decision making as missions are assigned and carried out. Reasoning and control must be responsive to ongoing changes in the environment. Research aimed at bridging the gap between high level artificial intelligence (AI) planning techniques and task-level robot programming for telerobotic systems is described. Situated reasoning is incorporated into AI and Robotics systems in order to coordinate a robot's activity within its environment. An integrated system under development in a component maintenance domain is described. It is geared towards replacing worn and/or failed Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) designed for use aboard NASA's Space Station Freedom based on the collection of components available at a given time. High level control reasons in component space in order to maximize the number operational component-cells over time, while the task-level controls sensors and effectors, detects collisions, and carries out pick and place tasks in physical space. Situated reasoning is used throughout the system to cope with component failures, imperfect information, and unexpected events.

  13. Computational Fatigue Life Analysis of Carbon Fiber Laminate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shastry, Shrimukhi G.; Chandrashekara, C. V., Dr.

    2018-02-01

    In the present scenario, many traditional materials are being replaced by composite materials for its light weight and high strength properties. Industries like automotive industry, aerospace industry etc., are some of the examples which uses composite materials for most of its components. Replacing of components which are subjected to static load or impact load are less challenging compared to components which are subjected to dynamic loading. Replacing the components made up of composite materials demands many stages of parametric study. One such parametric study is the fatigue analysis of composite material. This paper focuses on the fatigue life analysis of the composite material by using computational techniques. A composite plate is considered for the study which has a hole at the center. The analysis is carried on (0°/90°/90°/90°/90°)s laminate sequence and (45°/-45°)2s laminate sequence by using a computer script. The life cycles for both the lay-up sequence are compared with each other. It is observed that, for the same material and geometry of the component, cross ply laminates show better fatigue life than that of angled ply laminates.

  14. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 22, Number 5, May 2015

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-05-01

    aTotal column equals one joint replacement per person per period. bAn individual could be counted once in each of the types of joint replacements. cRate...Percentages of joint replace- ment cases who remained in service or had left service, 2 years post-joint replacement, by gender , active component...Musculoskeletal-related disability in US Army personnel: prevalence, gender and military occupational specialties. J Occup Environ Med. 1997;39(1):68–78

  15. Design and implementation of a structural health monitoring and alerting system for hospital buildings in the United States

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ulusoy, Hasan S.; Kalkan, Erol; Fletcher, Jon Peter B.; Friberg, Paul; Leith, W. K.; Banga, Krishna

    2012-01-01

    This paper describes the current progress in the development of a structural health monitoring and alerting system to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to monitor hospital buildings instrumented in high and very high seismic hazard regions in the U.S. The system, using the measured vibration data, is primarily designed for post-earthquake condition assessment of the buildings. It has two essential components – sensing and analysis. The sensing component includes all necessary firmware and sensors to measure the response of the building; while the analysis component consists of several data processing modules integrated into an open source software package which compresses a large amount of measured data into useful information to assess the building’s condition before and after an event. The information can be used for a rapid building safety assessment, and to support decisions for necessary repairs, replacements, and other maintenance and rehabilitation measures.

  16. Colonization of bone matrices by cellular components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shchelkunova, E. I.; Voropaeva, A. A.; Korel, A. V.; Mayer, D. A.; Podorognaya, V. T.; Kirilova, I. A.

    2017-09-01

    Practical surgery, traumatology, orthopedics, and oncology require bioengineered constructs suitable for replacement of large-area bone defects. Only rigid/elastic matrix containing recipient's bone cells capable of mitosis, differentiation, and synthesizing extracellular matrix that supports cell viability can comply with these requirements. Therefore, the development of the techniques to produce structural and functional substitutes, whose three-dimensional structure corresponds to the recipient's damaged tissues, is the main objective of tissue engineering. This is achieved by developing tissue-engineering constructs represented by cells placed on the matrices. Low effectiveness of carrier matrix colonization with cells and their uneven distribution is one of the major problems in cell culture on various matrixes. In vitro studies of the interactions between cells and material, as well as the development of new techniques for scaffold colonization by cellular components are required to solve this problem.

  17. Metasurface optics for full-color computational imaging.

    PubMed

    Colburn, Shane; Zhan, Alan; Majumdar, Arka

    2018-02-01

    Conventional imaging systems comprise large and expensive optical components that successively mitigate aberrations. Metasurface optics offers a route to miniaturize imaging systems by replacing bulky components with flat and compact implementations. The diffractive nature of these devices, however, induces severe chromatic aberrations, and current multiwavelength and narrowband achromatic metasurfaces cannot support full visible spectrum imaging (400 to 700 nm). We combine principles of both computational imaging and metasurface optics to build a system with a single metalens of numerical aperture ~0.45, which generates in-focus images under white light illumination. Our metalens exhibits a spectrally invariant point spread function that enables computational reconstruction of captured images with a single digital filter. This work connects computational imaging and metasurface optics and demonstrates the capabilities of combining these disciplines by simultaneously reducing aberrations and downsizing imaging systems using simpler optics.

  18. SiC/SiC Composites for 1200 C and Above

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DiCarlo, J. A.; Yun, H.-M.; Morscher, G. N.; Bhatt, R. T.

    2004-01-01

    The successful replacement of metal alloys by ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in high-temperature engine components will require the development of constituent materials and processes that can provide CMC systems with enhanced thermal capability along with the key thermostructural properties required for long-term component service. This chapter presents information concerning processes and properties for five silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite systems recently developed by NASA that can operate under mechanical loading and oxidizing conditions for hundreds of hours at 1204, 1315, and 1427 C, temperatures well above current metal capability. This advanced capability stems in large part from specific NASA-developed processes that significantly improve the creep-rupture and environmental resistance of the SiC fiber as well as the thermal conductivity, creep resistance, and intrinsic thermal stability of the SiC matrices.

  19. Normetex Pump Alternatives Study

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

    Clark, Elliot A.

    2013-04-25

    A mainstay pump for tritium systems, the Normetex scroll pump, is currently unavailable because the Normetex company went out of business. This pump was an all-metal scroll pump that served tritium processing facilities very well. Current tritium system operators are evaluating replacement pumps for the Normetex pump and for general used in tritium service. An all-metal equivalent alternative to the Normetex pump has not yet been identified. 1. The ideal replacement tritium pump would be hermetically sealed and contain no polymer components or oils. Polymers and oils degrade over time when they contact ionizing radiation. 2. Halogenated polymers (containing fluorine,more » chlorine, or both) and oils are commonly found in pumps. These materials have many properties that surpass those of hydrocarbon-based polymers and oils, including thermal stability (higher operating temperature) and better chemical resistance. Unfortunately, they are less resistant to degradation from ionizing radiation than hydrocarbon-based materials (in general). 3. Polymers and oils can form gaseous, condensable (HF, TF), liquid, and solid species when exposed to ionizing radiation. For example, halogenated polymers form HF and HCl, which are extremely corrosive upon reaction with water. If a pump containing polymers or oils must be used in a tritium system, the system must be designed to be able to process the unwanted by-products. Design features to mitigate degradation products include filters and chemical or physical traps (eg. cold traps, oil traps). 4. Polymer components can work in tritium systems, but must be replaced regularly. Polymer components performance should be monitored or be regularly tested, and regular replacement of components should be viewed as an expected normal event. A radioactive waste stream must be established to dispose of used polymer components and oil with an approved disposal plan developed based on the facility location and its regulators. Polymers have varying resistances to ionizing radiation - aromatic polymers such as polyimide Vespel (TM) and the elastomer EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) have been found to be more resistant to degradation in tritium than other polymers. This report presents information to help select replacement pumps for Normetex pumps in tritium systems. Several pumps being considered as Normetex replacement pumps are discussed.« less

  20. 46 CFR 56.10-1 - Selection and limitations of piping components (replaces 105 through 108).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PIPING SYSTEMS AND APPURTENANCES Components § 56.10-1 Selection and... piping system components, shall meet material and standard requirements of subpart 56.60 and shall meet...

  1. Update of the Healthy Eating Index: HEI-2010

    PubMed Central

    Guenther, Patricia M.; Kirkpatrick, Sharon I.; Reedy, Jill; Hiza, Hazel A.B.; Kuczynski, Kevin J.; Kahle, Lisa L.; Krebs-Smith, Susan M.

    2013-01-01

    The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a measure of diet quality in terms of conformance with federal dietary guidance. Publication of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 prompted an interagency working group to update the HEI. The HEI-2010 retains several features of the 2005 version: (1) it has 12 components, many unchanged, including 9 adequacy and 3 moderation components; (2) it uses a density approach to set standards, e.g., per 1000 calories or as a percent of calories; and (3) it employs least-restrictive standards, i.e., those that are easiest to achieve among recommendations that vary by energy level, sex, and/or age. Changes to the index include: (1) Greens and Beans replaces Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes; (2) Seafood and Plant Proteins has been added to capture specific choices from the protein group; (3) Fatty Acids, a ratio of poly- and mono-unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, replaces Oils and Saturated Fat to acknowledge the recommendation to replace saturated fat with mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids; and (4) a moderation component, Refined Grains, replaces the adequacy component, Total Grains, to assess over-consumption. The HEI-2010 captures the key recommendations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and, like earlier versions, will be used to assess the diet quality of the U.S. population and subpopulations, in evaluating interventions, in dietary patterns research, and to evaluate various aspects of the food environment. PMID:23415502

  2. Initial experience with custom-fit total knee replacement: intra-operative events and long-leg coronal alignment.

    PubMed

    Spencer, Brian A; Mont, Michael A; McGrath, Mike S; Boyd, Bradley; Mitrick, Michael F

    2009-12-01

    New technology using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows the surgeon to place total knee replacement components into each patient's pre-arthritic natural alignment. This study evaluated the initial intra-operative experience using this technique. Twenty-one patients had a sagittal MRI of their arthritic knee to determine component placement for a total knee replacement. Cutting guides were machined to control all intra-operative cuts. Intra-operative events were recorded and these knees were compared to a matching cohort of the senior surgeon's previous 30 conventional total knee replacements. Post-operative scanograms were obtained from each patient and coronal alignment was compared to previous studies using conventional and computer-assisted techniques. There were no intra-operative or acute post-operative complications. There were no differences in blood loss and there was a mean decrease in operative time of 14% compared to a cohort of patients with conventional knee replacements. The average deviation from the mechanical axis was 1.2 degrees of varus, which was comparable to previously reported conventional and computer-assisted techniques. Custom-fit total knee replacement appeared to be a safe procedure for uncomplicated cases of osteoarthritis.

  3. Workshop Report on Additive Manufacturing for Large-Scale Metal Components - Development and Deployment of Metal Big-Area-Additive-Manufacturing (Large-Scale Metals AM) System

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

    Babu, Sudarsanam Suresh; Love, Lonnie J.; Peter, William H.

    Additive manufacturing (AM) is considered an emerging technology that is expected to transform the way industry can make low-volume, high value complex structures. This disruptive technology promises to replace legacy manufacturing methods for the fabrication of existing components in addition to bringing new innovation for new components with increased functional and mechanical properties. This report outlines the outcome of a workshop on large-scale metal additive manufacturing held at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on March 11, 2016. The charter for the workshop was outlined by the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office program manager. The status and impact ofmore » the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) for polymer matrix composites was presented as the background motivation for the workshop. Following, the extension of underlying technology to low-cost metals was proposed with the following goals: (i) High deposition rates (approaching 100 lbs/h); (ii) Low cost (<$10/lbs) for steel, iron, aluminum, nickel, as well as, higher cost titanium, (iii) large components (major axis greater than 6 ft) and (iv) compliance of property requirements. The above concept was discussed in depth by representatives from different industrial sectors including welding, metal fabrication machinery, energy, construction, aerospace and heavy manufacturing. In addition, DOE’s newly launched High Performance Computing for Manufacturing (HPC4MFG) program was reviewed. This program will apply thermo-mechanical models to elucidate deeper understanding of the interactions between design, process, and materials during additive manufacturing. Following these presentations, all the attendees took part in a brainstorming session where everyone identified the top 10 challenges in large-scale metal AM from their own perspective. The feedback was analyzed and grouped in different categories including, (i) CAD to PART software, (ii) selection of energy source, (iii) systems development, (iv) material feedstock, (v) process planning, (vi) residual stress & distortion, (vii) post-processing, (viii) qualification of parts, (ix) supply chain and (x) business case. Furthermore, an open innovation network methodology was proposed to accelerate the development and deployment of new large-scale metal additive manufacturing technology with the goal of creating a new generation of high deposition rate equipment, affordable feed stocks, and large metallic components to enhance America’s economic competitiveness.« less

  4. Historical milestones of a long pathway.

    PubMed

    Roy, Thomas

    2011-01-01

    Hemodiafiltration (HDF), developed from the combination of hemodialysis and hemofiltration, is considered to be the most effective current procedure to remove uremic toxins from the blood of kidney patients. Historically, the clinical use of HDF was for many years limited due to the cost burden related to the large amount of sterile volume replacement fluid needed. The solution offered was on-line preparation of replacement fluid from standard dialysate by means of membrane filtration. Industry opened to this concept quite early and worked on various technical solutions between the early 1980s and the late 1990s before real state-of-the-art systems became commercially available on a broad basis. This article reviews in particular the activities of initially Fresenius and later Fresenius Medical Care in this field and identifies major concepts and prototypes up to today's commercially available high-end product--the 5008 therapy system--where on-line HDF finally became integrated as a standard component. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  5. Three-dimensional human femoral strain analysis using ESPI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tyrer, J. R.; Heras-Palou, C.; Slater, T.

    With age, disease or injury the joints in the human body can wear out or bones may even fail catastrophically. In many cases it is possible to replace joints and bones with artificial components (prostheses). However, prosthetic joints can have a very limited life (often less than 10 years) and require replacement or 'revision'. In order to optimise prosthetic life, it is necessary to improve the design of components and implantation techniques, which is clearly also beneficial to both patients and hospitals.

  6. Shoulder arthroplasty in osteoarthritis: current concepts in biomechanics and surgical technique

    PubMed Central

    Merolla, G; Nastrucci, G; Porcellini, G

    Shoulder arthroplasty is a technically demanding procedure to restore shoulder function in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. The modern prosthetic system exploit the benefits of modularity and the availibility of additional sizes of the prosthetic components. In this paper we describe the biomechanics of shoulder arthroplasty and the technique for shoulder replacement including total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with all-polyethylene and metal-backed glenoid component, humeral head resurfacing and stemless humeral replacement. PMID:24251240

  7. Future-oriented maintenance strategy based on automated processes is finding its way into large astronomical facilities at remote observing sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Silber, Armin; Gonzalez, Christian; Pino, Francisco; Escarate, Patricio; Gairing, Stefan

    2014-08-01

    With expanding sizes and increasing complexity of large astronomical observatories on remote observing sites, the call for an efficient and recourses saving maintenance concept becomes louder. The increasing number of subsystems on telescopes and instruments forces large observatories, like in industries, to rethink conventional maintenance strategies for reaching this demanding goal. The implementation of full-, or semi-automatic processes for standard service activities can help to keep the number of operating staff on an efficient level and to reduce significantly the consumption of valuable consumables or equipment. In this contribution we will demonstrate on the example of the 80 Cryogenic subsystems of the ALMA Front End instrument, how an implemented automatic service process increases the availability of spare parts and Line Replaceable Units. Furthermore how valuable staff recourses can be freed from continuous repetitive maintenance activities, to allow focusing more on system diagnostic tasks, troubleshooting and the interchanging of line replaceable units. The required service activities are decoupled from the day-to-day work, eliminating dependencies on workload peaks or logistic constrains. The automatic refurbishing processes running in parallel to the operational tasks with constant quality and without compromising the performance of the serviced system components. Consequentially that results in an efficiency increase, less down time and keeps the observing schedule on track. Automatic service processes in combination with proactive maintenance concepts are providing the necessary flexibility for the complex operational work structures of large observatories. The gained planning flexibility is allowing an optimization of operational procedures and sequences by considering the required cost efficiency.

  8. Total knee replacement-cementless tibial fixation with screws: 10-year results.

    PubMed

    Ersan, Önder; Öztürk, Alper; Çatma, Mehmet Faruk; Ünlü, Serhan; Akdoğan, Mutlu; Ateş, Yalım

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term clinical and radiological results of cementless total knee replacement. A total of 51 knees of 49 patients (33 female and 16 male; mean age: 61.6 years (range, 29-66 years)) who underwent TKR surgery with a posterior stabilized hydroxyapatite coated knee implant were included in this study. All of the tibial components were fixed with screws. The HSS scores were examined preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Radiological assessment was performed with Knee Society evaluating and scoring system. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to rule out the survival of the tibial component. The mean HSS scores were 45.8 (range 38-60) and 88.1 (range 61-93), preoperatively and at the final follow-up respectively. Complete radiological assessment was performed for 48 knees. Lucent lines at the tibial component were observed in 4 patients; one of these patients underwent a revision surgery due to the loosening of the tibial component. The 10-year survival rate of a tibial component was 98%. Cementless total knee replacement has satisfactory long term clinical results. Primary fixation of the tibial component with screws provides adequate stability even in elderly patients with good bone quality. Level IV, Therapeutic study. Copyright © 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Hydrothermal alteration and mass exchange in the hornblende latite porphyry, Rico, Colorado

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Larson, P.B.; Cunningham, C.G.; Naeser, C.W.

    1994-01-01

    The Rico paleothermal anomaly, southwestern Colorado, records the effects of a large hydrothermal system that was active at 4 Ma. This hydrothermal system produced the deep Silver Creek stockwork Mo deposit, which formed above the anomaly's heat source, and shallower base and precious-metal vein and replacement deposits. A 65 Ma hornblende latite porphyry is present as widespread sills throughout the area and provided a homogenous material that recorded the effects of the hydrothermal system up to 8 km from the center. Hydrothermal alteration in the latite can be divided into a proximal facies which consists of two assemblages, quartz-illite-calcite and chlorite-epidote, and a distal facies which consists of a distinct propylitic assemblage. Temperatures were gradational vertically and laterally in the anomaly, and decreased away from the centra heat source. A convective hydrothermal plume, 3 km wide and at least 2 km high, was present above the stock-work molybdenum deposit and consisted of upwelling, high-temperature fluids that produced the proximal alteration facies. Distal facies alteration was produced by shallower cooler fluids. The most important shallow base and precious-metal vein deposits in the Rico district are at or close to the boundary of the thermal plume. Latite within the plume had a large loss of Na2O, large addition of CaO, and variable SiO2 exchante. Distal propylitized latite samples lost small amounts of Na2O and CaO and exchanged minor variable amounts of SiO2. The edge of the plume is marked by steep Na2O exchange gradients. Na2O exchange throughout the paleothermal anomaly was controlled by the reaction of the albite components in primary plagioclase and alkali feldspars. Initial feldspar alteration in the distal facies was dominated by reaction of the plagioclase, and the initial molar ratio of reactants (alkali feldspar albite component to plagioclase albite component) was 0.35. This ratio of the moles of plagioclase to alkali feldspar albite components that reacted evolved to 0.92 as the reaction progressed. Much of the alkali feldspar albite component in the proximal facies reacted while the, primary plagioclase was still unreacted, but the ratio for these assemblages increased to 1.51 when the plagioclase entered the reaction paragenesis. Plagioclase reaction during distal propylitic alteration resulted in pseudomorphic albite mixed with illite and a loss of Na2O. CaO is lost in the distal facies as hornblende reacts to chlorite, although some calcium may be fixed in calcite. CaO is added to the proximal facies as the quantity of chlorite replacing hornblende increases and epidote and calcite are produced. ?? 1994 Springer-Verlag.

  10. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: A SPATIAL AND COST EVALUATION

    EPA Science Inventory

    Problems associated with maintaining and replacing water supply distribution systems are reviewed. Some of these problems are associated with public health, economic and spatial development of the community, and costs of repair and replacement of system components. A repair frequ...

  11. Pelvic position and movement during hip replacement.

    PubMed

    Grammatopoulos, G; Pandit, H G; da Assunção, R; Taylor, A; McLardy-Smith, P; De Smet, K A; Murray, D W; Gill, H S

    2014-07-01

    The orientation of the acetabular component is influenced not only by the orientation at which the surgeon implants the component, but also the orientation of the pelvis at the time of implantation. Hence, the orientation of the pelvis at set-up and its movement during the operation, are important. During 67 hip replacements, using a validated photogrammetric technique, we measured how three surgeons orientated the patient's pelvis, how much the pelvis moved during surgery, and what effect these had on the final orientation of the acetabular component. Pelvic orientation at set-up, varied widely (mean (± 2, standard deviation (sd))): tilt 8° (2sd ± 32), obliquity -4° (2sd ± 12), rotation -8° (2sd ± 14). Significant differences in pelvic positioning were detected between surgeons (p < 0.001). The mean angular movement of the pelvis between set-up and component implantation was 9° (sd 6). Factors influencing pelvic movement included surgeon, approach (posterior > lateral), procedure (hip resurfacing > total hip replacement) and type of support (p < 0.001). Although, on average, surgeons achieved their desired acetabular component orientation, there was considerable variability (2sd ± 16) in component orientation. We conclude that inconsistency in positioning the patient at set-up and movement of the pelvis during the operation account for much of the variation in acetabular component orientation. Improved methods of positioning and holding the pelvis are required. ©2014 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  12. Advanced Seal Development for Large Industrial Gas Turbines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chupp, Raymond E.

    2006-01-01

    Efforts are in progress to develop advanced sealing for large utility industrial gas turbine engines (combustion turbines). Such seals have been under developed for some time for aero gas turbines. It is desired to transition this technology to combustion turbines. Brush seals, film riding face and circumferential seals, and other dynamic and static sealing approaches are being incorporated into gas turbines for aero applications by several engine manufacturers. These seals replace labyrinth or other seals with significantly reduced leakage rates. For utility industrial gas turbines, leakage reduction with advanced sealing can be even greater with the enormous size of the components. Challenges to transitioning technology include: extremely long operating times between overhauls; infrequent but large radial and axial excursions; difficulty in coating larger components; and maintenance, installation, and durability requirements. Advanced sealing is part of the Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) engine development being done under a cooperative agreement between Westinghouse and the US Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy. Seal development focuses on various types of seals in the 501ATS engine both at dynamic and static locations. Each development includes rig testing of candidate designs and subsequent engine validation testing of prototype seals. This presentation gives an update of the ongoing ATS sealing efforts with special emphasis on brush seals.

  13. Fire-induced erosion and millennial-scale climate change in northern ponderosa pine forests.

    PubMed

    Pierce, Jennifer L; Meyer, Grant A; Jull, A J Timothy

    2004-11-04

    Western US ponderosa pine forests have recently suffered extensive stand-replacing fires followed by hillslope erosion and sedimentation. These fires are usually attributed to increased stand density as a result of fire suppression, grazing and other land use, and are often considered uncharacteristic or unprecedented. Tree-ring records from the past 500 years indicate that before Euro-American settlement, frequent, low-severity fires maintained open stands. However, the pre-settlement period between about ad 1500 and ad 1900 was also generally colder than present, raising the possibility that rapid twentieth-century warming promoted recent catastrophic fires. Here we date fire-related sediment deposits in alluvial fans in central Idaho to reconstruct Holocene fire history in xeric ponderosa pine forests and examine links to climate. We find that colder periods experienced frequent low-severity fires, probably fuelled by increased understory growth. Warmer periods experienced severe droughts, stand-replacing fires and large debris-flow events that comprise a large component of long-term erosion and coincide with similar events in sub-alpine forests of Yellowstone National Park. Our results suggest that given the powerful influence of climate, restoration of processes typical of pre-settlement times may be difficult in a warmer future that promotes severe fires.

  14. Estudio de un microcable de par trenzado para la comunicacion y lectura del modulo de pixeles del experimento CMS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oliveros Tautiva, Sandra Jimena

    The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) is one of the two most important experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The pixel detector is the component closest to the collision in CMS and it receives large doses of radiation which will affect its performance. The pixel detector will be replaced by a new one after four years. The aim is to reduce material in the sensitive zone of the new pixel detector, which leads to the implementation of a type of micro twisted pair cable that will replace the existing kapton cables and some connections will be eliminated. The purpose of this work was to study the viability of using these micro twisted pair cables in the existing 40 MHz analog readout. The electrical parameters of micro cables were determined, and operational tests were performed in a module using these cables for communicating and reading. Three different lengths of micro cables were used, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m, in order to compare test results with those obtained using the kapton cable. It was found that the use of these cables does not affect the programming and reading of the pixels in one module, so the micro cables are viable to be used in place of the kapton cables.

  15. Femoral component rotation in patellofemoral joint replacement.

    PubMed

    van Jonbergen, Hans-Peter W; Westerbeek, Robin E

    2018-06-01

    Clinical outcomes in patellofemoral joint replacement may be related to femoral component rotation. Assessment of rotational alignment is however difficult as patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis often have trochlear dysplasia. The use of the medial malleolus as a landmark to guide rotation has been suggested. The purpose of our study was to evaluate this technique with regard to femoral component rotation, and to correlate rotation with clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up. Forty-one knees in 39 patients had patellofemoral joint replacement using the Zimmer Gender-Solutions patellofemoral prosthesis. Intraoperatively, we determined femoral component rotational alignment using an extramedullary rod aimed at the inferior tip of the medial malleolus. Postoperatively, we measured the angle between the femoral component and the anatomical transepicondylar axis using CT. The amount of rotation was correlated with clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up. Forty knees in 38 patients were available for one-year follow-up. Mean femoral component rotation relative to the anatomical transepicondylar axis was 1.4° external rotation (range, -3.8 to 5.7°). We found no statistically significant correlation between femoral component rotation and change from baseline KOOS subscales at one-year follow-up. Our findings show that when using the medial malleolus as a landmark to guide rotation, the femoral component of the patellofemoral prosthesis was oriented in external rotation relative to the anatomical transepicondylar axis in 80% of knees. Our study did not show a relation between the amount of external rotation and clinical outcomes. Level III. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Foam core shield (FCS) systems : a new dual - purpose technology for shielding against meteoroid strike damage and for thermal control of spacecrafts/satellite components

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adams, Marc A.; Zwissler, James G.; Hayes, Charles; Fabensky, Beth; Cornelison, Charles; Alexander, Lesley; Bishop, Karen

    2005-01-01

    A new technology is being developed that can protect spacecraft and satellite components against damage from meteoroid strikes and control the thermal environment of the protected components. This technology, called Foam Core Shield (FCS) systems, has the potential to replace the multi-layer insulation blankets (MLI) that have been used on spacecraft for decades. In order to be an attractive candidate for replacing MLI, FCS systems should not only provide superior protection against meteoroid strikes but also provide an equal or superior ability to control the temperature of the protected component. Properly designed FCS systems can provide these principal functions, meteoroid strike protection and thermal control, with lower system mass and a smaller system envelope than ML.

  17. Transmission overhaul estimates for partial and full replacement at repair

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Savage, M.; Lewicki, D. G.

    1991-01-01

    Timely transmission overhauls increase in-flight service reliability greater than the calculated design reliabilities of the individual aircraft transmission components. Although necessary for aircraft safety, transmission overhauls contribute significantly to aircraft expense. Predictions of a transmission's maintenance needs at the design stage should enable the development of more cost effective and reliable transmissions in the future. The frequency is estimated of overhaul along with the number of transmissions or components needed to support the overhaul schedule. Two methods based on the two parameter Weibull statistical distribution for component life are used to estimate the time between transmission overhauls. These methods predict transmission lives for maintenance schedules which repair the transmission with a complete system replacement or repair only failed components of the transmission. An example illustrates the methods.

  18. DETERMINANTS AND OPTIONS FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT: A COST EVALUATION

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report deals with the problems associated with maintaining and replacing water supply distribution systems. Some of these problems are associated with public health, economic and spatial development of the community, and costs of repair and replacement of system components. ...

  19. Recommendations for Enabling Manual Component Level Electronic Repair for Future Space Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Struk, Peter M.; Easton, John W.; Funk, Gregory P.; Latta, Gary S.; Ganster, Andrew W.; Estes, Brett E.

    2011-01-01

    Long duration missions to the Moon and Mars pose a number of challenges to mission designers, controllers, and the crews. Among these challenges are planning for corrective maintenance actions which often require a repair. Current repair strategies on the International Space Station (ISS) rely primarily on the use of Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), where a faulty unit is replaced with a spare, and the faulty unit typically returns to Earth for analysis and possible repair. The strategy of replace to repair has posed challenges even for the ISS program. Repairing faulty hardware at lower levels such as the component level can help maintain system availability in situations where no spares exist and potentially reduce logistic resupply mass.This report provides recommendations to help enable manual replacement of electronics at the component-level for future manned space missions. The recommendations include hardware, tools, containment options, and crew training. The recommendations are based on the work of the Component Level Electronics Assembly Repair (CLEAR) task of the Exploration Technology Development Program from 2006 to 2009. The recommendations are derived based on the experience of two experiments conducted by the CLEAR team aboard the International Space Station as well as a group of experienced Miniature/Microminiature (2M) electronics repair technicians and instructors from the U.S. Navy 2M Project Office. The emphasis of the recommendations is the physical repair. Fault diagnostics and post-repair functional test are discussed in other CLEAR reports.

  20. Combined Brayton-JT cycles with refrigerants for natural gas liquefaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Ho-Myung; Park, Jae Hoon; Lee, Sanggyu; Choe, Kun Hyung

    2012-06-01

    Thermodynamic cycles for natural gas liquefaction with single-component refrigerants are investigated under a governmental project in Korea, aiming at new processes to meet the requirements on high efficiency, large capacity, and simple equipment. Based upon the optimization theory recently published by the present authors, it is proposed to replace the methane-JT cycle in conventional cascade process with a nitrogen-Brayton cycle. A variety of systems to combine nitrogen-Brayton, ethane-JT and propane-JT cycles are simulated with Aspen HYSYS and quantitatively compared in terms of thermodynamic efficiency, flow rate of refrigerants, and estimated size of heat exchangers. A specific Brayton-JT cycle is suggested with detailed thermodynamic data for further process development. The suggested cycle is expected to be more efficient and simpler than the existing cascade process, while still taking advantage of easy and robust operation with single-component refrigerants.

  1. Management of Microcircuit Obsolescence in a Pre-Production ACAT-ID Missile Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-12-01

    and Engineering Center ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit AVCOM Avionics Component Obsolescence Management BRU Battery Replaceable Unit...then just a paper qualification, e.g. Board or Battery Replaceable Unit ( BRU ) testing. 5 After-market Package The Die is Available and Can Be...Encapsulated Microcircuits (PEM), speed change, failure rate) 8 Emulation Manufacture or re-engineering of a FFF Replacement 9 CCA or BRU Redesign Board

  2. Influence of forces acting on side of machine on precision machining of large diameter holes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fedorenko, M. A.; Bondarenko, J. A.; Sanina, T. M.

    2018-03-01

    One of the most important factors that increase efficiency, durability and reliability of rotating units is precision installation, preventive maintenance work, timely replacing of a failed or worn components and assemblies. These works should be carried out in the operation of the equipment, as the downtime in many cases leads to large financial losses. Stop of one unit of an industrial enterprise can interrupt the technological chain of production, resulting in a possible stop of the entire equipment. Improving the efficiency and optimization of the repair process increases accuracy of installation work when installing equipment, conducting restoration under operating conditions relevant for enterprises of different industries because it eliminates dismantling the equipment, sending it to maintenance, the expectation of equipment return, the new installation with the required quality and accuracy of repair.

  3. Nature and evolution of the eclipsing millisecond binary pulsar PSR1957 + 20

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kluzniak, W.; Ruderman, M.; Shaham, J.; Tavani, M.

    1988-01-01

    A model in which a millisecond pulsar may be able to evaporate a very light companion by a particular component of its energetic radiation is applied to the recently discovered 1.6-ms pulsar PSR1957 + 20. Pulsar turn-on in the very low-mass X-ray binary follows a stage of mass transfer dominated by an evaporative wind from the surface of the companion. The wind is driven by a large MeV gamma-ray flux powered by an accretion dynamo. That source of radiation ceases when it is replaced by that from the millisecond pulsar, which has been spun up by accretion.

  4. KSC-08pd2344

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are ready to move the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, for integration onto the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  5. KSC-08pd2343

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are ready to move the Fine Guidance Sensor, or FGS, for integration onto the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. An FGS consists of a large structure housing a collection of mirrors, lenses, servos, prisms, beam splitters and photomultiplier tubes. There are three fine guidance sensors on Hubble located at 90-degree intervals around the circumference of the telescope. Along with the gyroscopes, the optical sensors are a key component of Hubble’s highly complex but extraordinarily effective “pointing control system.” Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  6. Component Database for the APS Upgrade

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

    Veseli, S.; Arnold, N. D.; Jarosz, D. P.

    The Advanced Photon Source Upgrade (APS-U) project will replace the existing APS storage ring with a multi-bend achromat (MBA) lattice to provide extreme transverse coherence and extreme brightness x-rays to its users. As the time to replace the existing storage ring accelerator is of critical concern, an aggressive one-year removal/installation/testing period is being planned. To aid in the management of the thousands of components to be installed in such a short time, the Component Database (CDB) application is being developed with the purpose to identify, document, track, locate, and organize components in a central database. Three major domains are beingmore » addressed: Component definitions (which together make up an exhaustive "Component Catalog"), Designs (groupings of components to create subsystems), and Component Instances (“Inventory”). Relationships between the major domains offer additional "system knowledge" to be captured that will be leveraged with future tools and applications. It is imperative to provide sub-system engineers with a functional application early in the machine design cycle. Topics discussed in this paper include the initial design and deployment of CDB, as well as future development plans.« less

  7. Novel Repair Technique for Life-Extension of Hydraulic Turbine Components in Hydroelectric Power Stations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hiramatsu, Yoichi; Ishii, Jun; Funato, Kazuhiro

    A significant number of hydraulic turbines operated in Japan were installed in the first half of the 20th century. Today, aging degradation and flaws are observed in these turbine equipments. So far, Japanese engineers have applied NDI technology of Ultrasonic Testing (UT) to detect the flaws, and after empirical evaluation of the remaining life they decided an adequate moment to replace the equipments. Since the replacement requires a large-scale field site works and high-cost, one of the solutions for life-extension of the equipments is introduction of repair services. We have been working in order to enhance the accuracy of results during the detection of flaws and flaws dimensioning, in particular focusing on the techniques of Tip-echo, TOFD and Phased-Array UT, accompanied by the conventional UT. These NDI methods made possible to recognize the entire image of surface and embedded flaws with complicated geometry. Then, we have developed an evaluation system of these flaws based on the theory of crack propagation, of the logic of crack growth driven by the stress-intensity factor of the crack tip front. The sophisticated evaluation system is constituted by a hand-made software and database of stress-intensity factor. Based on these elemental technologies, we propose a technique of repair welding to provide a life-extension of hydraulic turbine components.

  8. Procurement engineering - the productivity factor

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

    Bargerstock, S.B.

    1993-01-01

    The industry is several years on the road to implementation of the Nuclear Management and Resources Council (NUMARC) initiatives on commercial-grade item dedication and procurement. Utilities have taken several approaches to involve engineering in the procurement process. A common result for the approaches is the additional operations and maintenance (O M) cost imposed by the added resource requirements. Procurement engineering productivity is a key element in controlling this business area. Experience shows that 400 to 500% improvements in productivity are possible with a 2-yr period. Improving the productivity of the procurement engineering function is important in today's competitive utility environment.more » Procurement engineering typically involves four distinct technical evaluation responsibilities along with several administrative areas. Technical evaluations include the functionally based safety classification of replacement components and parts (lacking a master parts list), the determination of dedication requirements for safety-related commercial-grade items, the preparation of a procurement specification to maintain the licensed design bases, and the equivalency evaluation of alternate items not requiring the design-change process. Administrative duties include obtaining technical review of vendor-supplied documentation, identifying obsolete parts and components, resolving material nonconformances, initiating the design-change process for replacement items (as needed), and providing technical support to O M. Although most utilities may not perform or require all the noted activities, a large percentage will apply to each utility station.« less

  9. A new approach for data acquisition at the JPL space simulators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fisher, Terry C.

    1992-01-01

    In 1990, a personal computer based data acquisition system was put into service for the Space Simulators and Environmental Test Laboratory at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. The new system replaced an outdated minicomputer system which had been in use since 1980. This new data acquisition system was designed and built by JPL for the specific task of acquiring thermal test data in support of space simulation and thermal vacuum testing at JPL. The data acquisition system was designed using powerful personal computers and local-area-network (LAN) technology. Reliability, expandability, and maintainability were some of the most important criteria in the design of the data system and in the selection of hardware and software components. The data acquisition system is used to record both test chamber operational data and thermal data from the unit under test. Tests are conducted in numerous small thermal vacuum chambers and in the large solar simulator and range in size from individual components using only 2 or 3 thermocouples to entire planetary spacecraft requiring in excess of 1200 channels of test data. The system supports several of these tests running concurrently. The previous data system is described along with reasons for its replacement, the types of data acquired, the new data system, and the benefits obtained from the new system including information on tests performed to date.

  10. Vascularized Bone Tissue Engineering: Approaches for Potential Improvement

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Lonnissa H.; Annabi, Nasim; Nikkhah, Mehdi; Bae, Hojae; Binan, Loïc; Park, Sangwon; Kang, Yunqing

    2012-01-01

    Significant advances have been made in bone tissue engineering (TE) in the past decade. However, classical bone TE strategies have been hampered mainly due to the lack of vascularization within the engineered bone constructs, resulting in poor implant survival and integration. In an effort toward clinical success of engineered constructs, new TE concepts have arisen to develop bone substitutes that potentially mimic native bone tissue structure and function. Large tissue replacements have failed in the past due to the slow penetration of the host vasculature, leading to necrosis at the central region of the engineered tissues. For this reason, multiple microscale strategies have been developed to induce and incorporate vascular networks within engineered bone constructs before implantation in order to achieve successful integration with the host tissue. Previous attempts to engineer vascularized bone tissue only focused on the effect of a single component among the three main components of TE (scaffold, cells, or signaling cues) and have only achieved limited success. However, with efforts to improve the engineered bone tissue substitutes, bone TE approaches have become more complex by combining multiple strategies simultaneously. The driving force behind combining various TE strategies is to produce bone replacements that more closely recapitulate human physiology. Here, we review and discuss the limitations of current bone TE approaches and possible strategies to improve vascularization in bone tissue substitutes. PMID:22765012

  11. MEMS-based power generation techniques for implantable biosensing applications.

    PubMed

    Lueke, Jonathan; Moussa, Walied A

    2011-01-01

    Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient.

  12. Electroplate Short Mix

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

    None

    2017-06-19

    Modifying the surface chemistry of materials by aluminization can protect vulnerable materials from corroding in harsh environments. The industry deals with corrosion issues is to regularly inspect components and replace them with corrosion resistant components.

  13. Generalized Structured Component Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hwang, Heungsun; Takane, Yoshio

    2004-01-01

    We propose an alternative method to partial least squares for path analysis with components, called generalized structured component analysis. The proposed method replaces factors by exact linear combinations of observed variables. It employs a well-defined least squares criterion to estimate model parameters. As a result, the proposed method…

  14. ULTRASONIC CLEANING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A CHLORO- FLUOROCARBON-BASED SYSTEM

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report describes the technical and economic evaluation of the replacement of a vapor degreasing system with an ultrasonic cleaning system to clean stainless steel components. Heated inorganic water-based cleaning fluid was utilized in lieu of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC, freon...

  15. Semi-Automated Diagnosis, Repair, and Rework of Spacecraft Electronics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Struk, Peter M.; Oeftering, Richard C.; Easton, John W.; Anderson, Eric E.

    2008-01-01

    NASA's Constellation Program for Exploration of the Moon and Mars places human crews in extreme isolation in resource scarce environments. Near Earth, the discontinuation of Space Shuttle flights after 2010 will alter the up- and down-mass capacity for the International Space Station (ISS). NASA is considering new options for logistics support strategies for future missions. Aerospace systems are often composed of replaceable modular blocks that minimize the need for complex service operations in the field. Such a strategy however, implies a robust and responsive logistics infrastructure with relatively low transportation costs. The modular Orbital Replacement Units (ORU) used for ISS requires relatively large blocks of replacement hardware even though the actual failed component may really be three orders of magnitude smaller. The ability to perform in-situ repair of electronics circuits at the component level can dramatically reduce the scale of spares and related logistics cost. This ability also reduces mission risk, increases crew independence and improves the overall supportability of the program. The Component-Level Electronics Assembly Repair (CLEAR) task under the NASA Supportability program was established to demonstrate the practicality of repair by first investigating widely used soldering materials and processes (M&P) performed by modest manual means. The work will result in program guidelines for performing manual repairs along with design guidance for circuit reparability. The next phase of CLEAR recognizes that manual repair has its limitations and some highly integrated devices are extremely difficult to handle and demand semi-automated equipment. Further, electronics repairs require a broad range of diagnostic capability to isolate the faulty components. Finally repairs must pass functional tests to determine that the repairs are successful and the circuit can be returned to service. To prevent equipment demands from exceeding spacecraft volume capacity and skill demands from exceeding crew time and training limits, the CLEAR project is examining options provided by non-real time tele-operations, robotics, and a new generation of diagnostic equipment. This paper outlines a strategy to create an effective repair environment where, with the support of ground based engineers, crewmembers can diagnose, repair and test flight electronics in-situ. This paper also discusses the implications of successful tele-robotic repairs when expanded to rework and reconfiguration of used flight assets for building Constellation infrastructure elements.

  16. Diverse Redundant Systems for Reliable Space Life Support

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Harry W.

    2015-01-01

    Reliable life support systems are required for deep space missions. The probability of a fatal life support failure should be less than one in a thousand in a multi-year mission. It is far too expensive to develop a single system with such high reliability. Using three redundant units would require only that each have a failure probability of one in ten over the mission. Since the system development cost is inverse to the failure probability, this would cut cost by a factor of one hundred. Using replaceable subsystems instead of full systems would further cut cost. Using full sets of replaceable components improves reliability more than using complete systems as spares, since a set of components could repair many different failures instead of just one. Replaceable components would require more tools, space, and planning than full systems or replaceable subsystems. However, identical system redundancy cannot be relied on in practice. Common cause failures can disable all the identical redundant systems. Typical levels of common cause failures will defeat redundancy greater than two. Diverse redundant systems are required for reliable space life support. Three, four, or five diverse redundant systems could be needed for sufficient reliability. One system with lower level repair could be substituted for two diverse systems to save cost.

  17. Monitoring the quality of total hip replacement in a tertiary care department using a cumulative summation statistical method (CUSUM).

    PubMed

    Biau, D J; Meziane, M; Bhumbra, R S; Dumaine, V; Babinet, A; Anract, P

    2011-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to define immediate post-operative 'quality' in total hip replacements and to study prospectively the occurrence of failure based on these definitions of quality. The evaluation and assessment of failure were based on ten radiological and clinical criteria. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) test was used to study 200 procedures over a one-year period. Technical criteria defined failure in 17 cases (8.5%), those related to the femoral component in nine (4.5%), the acetabular component in 32 (16%) and those relating to discharge from hospital in five (2.5%). Overall, the procedure was considered to have failed in 57 of the 200 total hip replacements (28.5%). The use of a new design of acetabular component was associated with more failures. For the CUSUM test, the level of adequate performance was set at a rate of failure of 20% and the level of inadequate performance set at a failure rate of 40%; no alarm was raised by the test, indicating that there was no evidence of inadequate performance. The use of a continuous monitoring statistical method is useful to ensure that the quality of total hip replacement is maintained, especially as newer implants are introduced.

  18. Delivering Microwave Spectroscopy to the Masses: a Design of a Low-Cost Microwave Spectrometer Operating in the 18-26 GHZ Frequency Range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Steber, Amanda; Pate, Brooks

    2014-06-01

    Advances in chip-level microwave technology in the communications field have led to the possibilities of low cost alternatives for current Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectrometers. Many of the large, expensive microwave components in a traditional design can now be replaced by robust, mass market monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). "Spectrometer on a board" designs are now feasible that offer dramatic cost reduction for microwave spectroscopy. These chip-level components can be paired with miniature computers to produce compact instruments that are operable through USB. A FTMW spectrometer design using the key MMIC components that drive cost reduction will be presented. Two dual channel synthesizers (Valon Technology Model 5008), a digital pattern generator (Byte Paradigm Wav Gen Xpress), and a high-speed digitizer/arbitrary waveform generator combination unit (Tie Pie HS-5 530 XM) form the key components of the spectrometer for operation in the 18-26.5 GHz range. The design performance is illustrated using a spectrometer that is being incorporated into a museum display for astrochemistry. For this instrument a user interface, developed in Python, has been developed and will be shown.

  19. Flat Panel Space Based Space Surveillance Sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kendrick, R.; Duncan, A.; Wilm, J.; Thurman, S. T.; Stubbs, D. M.; Ogden, C.

    2013-09-01

    Traditional electro-optical (EO) imaging payloads consist of an optical telescope to collect the light from the object scene and map the photons to an image plane to be digitized by a focal plane detector array. The size, weight, and power (SWaP) for the traditional EO imager is dominated by the optical telescope, driven primarily by the large optics, large stiff structures, and the thermal control needed to maintain precision free-space optical alignments. We propose a non-traditional Segmented Planar Imaging Detector for EO Reconnaissance (SPIDER) imager concept that is designed to substantially reduce SWaP, by at least an order of magnitude. SPIDER maximizes performance by providing a larger effective diameter (resolution) while minimizing mass and cost. SPIDER replaces the traditional optical telescope and digital focal plane detector array with a densely packed interferometer array based on emerging photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies. Lenslets couple light from the object into a set of waveguides on a PIC. Light from each lenslet is distributed among different waveguides by both field angle and optical frequency, and the lenslets are paired up to form unique interferometer baselines by combining light from different waveguides. The complex spatial coherence of the object (for each field angle, frequency, and baseline) is measured with a balanced four quadrature detection scheme. By the Van-Cittert Zernike Theorem, each measurement corresponds to a unique Fourier component of the incoherent object intensity distribution. Finally, an image reconstruction algorithm is used to invert all the data and form an image. Our approach replaces the large optics and structures required by a conventional telescope with PICs that are accommodated by standard lithographic fabrication techniques (e.g., CMOS fabrication). The standard EO payload integration and test process which involves precision alignment and test of optical components to form a diffraction limited telescope is, therefore, replaced by in-process integration and test as part of the PIC fabrication that substantially reduces associated schedule and cost. The low profile and low SWaP of a SPIDER system enables high resolution imaging with a payload that is similar in size and aspect ratio to a solar panel. This allows high resolution low cost options for space based space surveillance telescopes. The low SWaP design enables hosted payloads, cubesat designs as well as traditional bus options that are lower cost. We present a description of the concept and preliminary simulation and experimental data that demonstrate the imaging capabilities of the SPIDER technique.

  20. Resiliency and Aggression Replacement Training[R] with Families

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Calame, Robert; Parker, Kimberlee; Amendola, Mark; Oliver, Robert

    2011-01-01

    Aggression Replacement Training[R] (ART) is a psychoeducational approach to working with young people who experience difficulties with interpersonal relationships and prosocial behavior. ART[R] originated with Skillstreaming and developed into a three-component model. Arnold P. Goldstein recognized that the complex problems of youth would not…

  1. A Simulink Library of cryogenic components to automatically generate control schemes for large Cryorefrigerators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bonne, François; Alamir, Mazen; Hoa, Christine; Bonnay, Patrick; Bon-Mardion, Michel; Monteiro, Lionel

    2015-12-01

    In this article, we present a new Simulink library of cryogenics components (such as valve, phase separator, mixer, heat exchanger...) to assemble to generate model-based control schemes. Every component is described by its algebraic or differential equation and can be assembled with others to build the dynamical model of a complete refrigerator or the model of a subpart of it. The obtained model can be used to automatically design advanced model based control scheme. It also can be used to design a model based PI controller. Advanced control schemes aim to replace classical user experience designed approaches usually based on many independent PI controllers. This is particularly useful in the case where cryoplants are submitted to large pulsed thermal loads, expected to take place in future fusion reactors such as those expected in the cryogenic cooling systems of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced Fusion Experiment (JT- 60SA). The paper gives the example of the generation of the dynamical model of the 400W@1.8K refrigerator and shows how to build a Constrained Model Predictive Control for it. Based on the scheme, experimental results will be given. This work is being supported by the French national research agency (ANR) through the ANR-13-SEED-0005 CRYOGREEN program.

  2. Pharmaco-mechanical coupling in the response to acetylcholine and substance P in the smooth muscle of the rat iris sphincter.

    PubMed Central

    Banno, H.; Imaizumi, Y.; Watanabe, M.

    1985-01-01

    In the rat iris sphincter muscle contractile responses to transmural stimulation consisted of two components, a fast cholinergic followed by a slow non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) one. The magnitude of the latter varied widely and was on average 5% of that of the cholinergic component. Exogenous substance P (1 nM-1 microM) produced a concentration-dependent contraction, the maximum amplitude of which was as large as that produced by acetylcholine (ACh). Capsaicin (10 microM) induced a transient contraction only once in each preparation. After the treatment with capsaicin the NANC component disappeared. Neither nerve nor direct electrical stimulation with short pulses elicited any active change in the membrane potential under physiological conditions, but an action potential was triggered by direct stimulation when the extracellular Ca ion was totally replaced by Ba ion. Under the latter conditions spontaneous spike potentials occurred repetitively. ACh and substance P produced a large contraction without modifying the membrane potential. This was also the case in the presence of 5 mM Ba. These results suggest that substance P-ergic innervation may have a far lesser physiological significance than that which has been described in rabbits and that pure pharmaco-mechanical coupling is characteristic of the responses to acetylcholine, substance P, and nerve stimulation in the rat iris sphincter muscle. PMID:2412624

  3. Using the ISS as a testbed to prepare for the next generation of space-based telescopes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Postman, Marc; Sparks, William B.; Liu, Fengchuan; Ess, Kim; Green, Joseph; Carpenter, Kenneth G.; Thronson, Harley; Goullioud, Renaud

    2012-09-01

    The infrastructure available on the ISS provides a unique opportunity to develop the technologies necessary to assemble large space telescopes. Assembling telescopes in space is a game-changing approach to space astronomy. Using the ISS as a testbed enables a concentration of resources on reducing the technical risks associated with integrating the technologies, such as laser metrology and wavefront sensing and control (WFS&C), with the robotic assembly of major components including very light-weight primary and secondary mirrors and the alignment of the optical elements to a diffraction-limited optical system in space. The capability to assemble the optical system and remove and replace components via the existing ISS robotic systems such as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), or by the ISS Flight Crew, allows for future experimentation as well as repair if necessary. In 2015, first light will be obtained by the Optical Testbed and Integration on ISS eXperiment (OpTIIX), a small 1.5-meter optical telescope assembled on the ISS. The primary objectives of OpTIIX include demonstrating telescope assembly technologies and end-to-end optical system technologies that will advance future large optical telescopes.

  4. NSTX Disruption Simulations of Detailed Divertor and Passive Plate Models by Vector Potential Transfer from OPERA Global Analysis Results

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

    P. H. Titus, S. Avasaralla, A.Brooks, R. Hatcher

    2010-09-22

    The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) project is planning upgrades to the toroidal field, plasma current and pulse length. This involves the replacement of the center-stack, including the inner legs of the TF, OH, and inner PF coils. A second neutral beam will also be added. The increased performance of the upgrade requires qualification of the remaining components including the vessel, passive plates, and divertor for higher disruption loads. The hardware needing qualification is more complex than is typically accessible by large scale electromagnetic (EM) simulations of the plasma disruptions. The usual method is to include simplified representations of componentsmore » in the large EM models and attempt to extract forces to apply to more detailed models. This paper describes a more efficient approach of combining comprehensive modeling of the plasma and tokamak conducting structures, using the 2D OPERA code, with much more detailed treatment of individual components using ANSYS electromagnetic (EM) and mechanical analysis. This capture local eddy currents and resulting loads in complex details, and allows efficient non-linear, and dynamic structural analyses.« less

  5. Building analytical platform with Big Data solutions for log files of PanDA infrastructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alekseev, A. A.; Barreiro Megino, F. G.; Klimentov, A. A.; Korchuganova, T. A.; Maendo, T.; Padolski, S. V.

    2018-05-01

    The paper describes the implementation of a high-performance system for the processing and analysis of log files for the PanDA infrastructure of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), responsible for the workload management of order of 2M daily jobs across the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid. The solution is based on the ELK technology stack, which includes several components: Filebeat, Logstash, ElasticSearch (ES), and Kibana. Filebeat is used to collect data from logs. Logstash processes data and export to Elasticsearch. ES are responsible for centralized data storage. Accumulated data in ES can be viewed using a special software Kibana. These components were integrated with the PanDA infrastructure and replaced previous log processing systems for increased scalability and usability. The authors will describe all the components and their configuration tuning for the current tasks, the scale of the actual system and give several real-life examples of how this centralized log processing and storage service is used to showcase the advantages for daily operations.

  6. Evaluation of biochar-anaerobic potato digestate mixtures as renewable components of horticultural potting media

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Various formulations are used in horticultural potting media, with sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite and perlite currently among the most common components. We are examining a dried anaerobic digestate remaining after the fermentation of potato processing wastes to replace organic components such as p...

  7. Kinetics of methane hydrate replacement with carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas mixture using in situ NMR spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Cha, Minjun; Shin, Kyuchul; Lee, Huen; Moudrakovski, Igor L; Ripmeester, John A; Seo, Yutaek

    2015-02-03

    In this study, the kinetics of methane replacement with carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas in methane gas hydrate prepared in porous silica gel matrices has been studied by in situ (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The replacement process was monitored by in situ (1)H NMR spectra, where about 42 mol % of the methane in the hydrate cages was replaced in 65 h. Large amounts of free water were not observed during the replacement process, indicating a spontaneous replacement reaction upon exposing methane hydrate to carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas mixture. From in situ (13)C NMR spectra, we confirmed that the replacement ratio was slightly higher in small cages, but due to the composition of structure I hydrate, the amount of methane evolved from the large cages was larger than that of the small cages. Compositional analysis of vapor and hydrate phases was also carried out after the replacement reaction ceased. Notably, the composition changes in hydrate phases after the replacement reaction would be affected by the difference in the chemical potential between the vapor phase and hydrate surface rather than a pore size effect. These results suggest that the replacement technique provides methane recovery as well as stabilization of the resulting carbon dioxide hydrate phase without melting.

  8. 30 CFR 7.69 - Approval marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... that the unit's components must not be disassembled or removed. (d) The replacement battery types if the unit has replaceable batteries. (e) A warning placed next to the charging connector that the battery only be charged in a fresh air location if rechargeable batteries are used. (f) A warning that the...

  9. 30 CFR 7.69 - Approval marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... that the unit's components must not be disassembled or removed. (d) The replacement battery types if the unit has replaceable batteries. (e) A warning placed next to the charging connector that the battery only be charged in a fresh air location if rechargeable batteries are used. (f) A warning that the...

  10. 30 CFR 7.69 - Approval marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... that the unit's components must not be disassembled or removed. (d) The replacement battery types if the unit has replaceable batteries. (e) A warning placed next to the charging connector that the battery only be charged in a fresh air location if rechargeable batteries are used. (f) A warning that the...

  11. 30 CFR 7.69 - Approval marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... that the unit's components must not be disassembled or removed. (d) The replacement battery types if the unit has replaceable batteries. (e) A warning placed next to the charging connector that the battery only be charged in a fresh air location if rechargeable batteries are used. (f) A warning that the...

  12. 30 CFR 7.69 - Approval marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... that the unit's components must not be disassembled or removed. (d) The replacement battery types if the unit has replaceable batteries. (e) A warning placed next to the charging connector that the battery only be charged in a fresh air location if rechargeable batteries are used. (f) A warning that the...

  13. Quality of life following heart valve replacement in the elderly.

    PubMed

    Spaziano, Marco; Carrier, Michel; Pellerin, Michel; Choinière, Manon

    2010-07-01

    The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate both long-term functional status and quality of life (QoL) following valvular replacement surgery in octogenarians. The influence of gender and discharge location was also examined. A total of 133 patients (age range: 80-89 years) who underwent surgical valve replacement between January 2003 and December 2006 was identified. Two questionnaires evaluating QoL (SF-12v2 and MLHFQ), as well as a demographic questionnaire, were sent to these patients. The response rate was 64.4%. Among the participants, the mean NYHA functional class improved from 2.7 to 1.4 after surgery. Men showed results similar to those of the age-matched general Canadian population on the mental and physical component scales of the SF-12v2. The data on women were similar to those of the general population on the physical component scale, but their scores were significantly lower on the mental component scale of the SF-12v2. Further analysis of the results comparing discharge location for each gender revealed that women discharged to a convalescence resource had significantly better QoL scores than those discharged to home with regards to the physical component scale of the SF-12v2, the total score of the MLHFQ, and the physical dimension score of the MLHFQ. Patients aged > or = 80 years benefit from heart valve replacement surgery in terms of both QoL and functional status. Women may be at increased risk of a decline in their emotional well-being and, postoperatively, may benefit more from convalescence than from discharge to home.

  14. CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter (CH-53K)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-01

    Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823-390 CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter (CH-53K) As of FY 2017 President’s Budget...December 2015 SAR March 4, 2016 10:04:18 UNCLASSIFIED 4 Col Henry Vanderborght PMA-261 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Executive Office - Air, Anti...Replacement Helicopter (CH-53K) DoD Component Navy Responsible Office References SAR Baseline (Development Estimate) Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE

  15. The cementless anatomic medullary locking femoral component: an independent clinical and radiographic assessment

    PubMed Central

    Chess, David G.; Grainger, R. Wayne; Phillips, Tom; Zarzour, Zane D.; Sheppard, Bruce R.

    1996-01-01

    Objective To review the clinical performance of the anatomic medullary locking (AML) femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty. Design A clinical and radiographic review. Setting A tertiary lower limb joint replacement centre. Patients Two hundred and twenty-one patients with noninflammatory gonarthrosis. Interventions Two hundred and twenty-seven primary total hip arthroplasties with the noncemented AML component completed by two surgeons. Main Outcome Measures Independent review by two experienced reviewers of the postoperative Harris hip score, radiographs of component fixation, size and degree of diaphyseal fill. Results Harris hip score was 84 (range from 43 to 98); component fixation showed bone ingrowth in 41%, stable fixation with fibrous ingrowth in 56% and unstable fixation in 3%; severe thigh pain in 4% of cases correlated with unstable fixation, and there was mild thigh pain in 20% of cases. Conclusion The AML femoral stem performs well in replacement arthroplasty compared with other noncemented stems. PMID:8857987

  16. Design of a dee vacuum vessel for Doublet III

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

    Davis, L.G.

    1983-04-01

    The Doublet III tokamak is to be modified wherein the original 'doublet' plasma containment vacuum vessel will be exchanged with one of a large dee-shaped cross section. The basic dimensions of the dee vessel will allow plasmas of 1.7-m major radius, 0.7-m minor radius, and a vertical elongation of 1.8. Installation of a large dee vessel in Doublet III is made possible by the demountable toroidal field coils and the large, low-ripple volume they include. Ripple at the plasma edge will be less than one percent. The plasma parameters affecting the design of the vessel will be reviewed including plasmamore » current, power, disruption time, allowable error field, impurity control techniques, pulse length, and limiter schemes. A driving requirement for the design of the vessel is to maximize the access to the plasma for auxiliary heating (both neutral beam injection and radio frequency heating), diagnostics, developmental component and material testing, and pumping. The dee vessel is structurally designed along the same lines as the present vessel: an Inconel 625, all-welded, continuous chamber in a corrugated sandwich construction. An overview of the vessel design and its solutions to the design criteria will be presented. An overview will also be presented of the entire modification project which includes replacement of some coils, and addition of support structure, limiters and vessel armor, and power system components.« less

  17. [Optical-fiber Fourier transform spectrometer].

    PubMed

    Liu, Yong; Li, Bao-sheng; Liu, Yan; Zhai, Yu-feng; Wang, An

    2006-10-01

    A novel Fourier transform spectrum analyzer based on a single mode fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer is reported. An optical fiber Fourier transform spectrometer, with bulk optics components replaced by fiber optical components and with the moving mirror replaced by a piezoelectric element fiber stretcher was constructed. The output spectrum of a LD below threshold was measured. Experiment result agrees with that by using grating spectrum analyzer, showing the feasibility of the optic fiber Fourier transform spectrometer for practical spectrum measurement. Spectrum resolution -7 cm(-1) was obtained in our experiment. The resolution can be further improved by increasing the maximum optical path difference.

  18. Aplication of giberelins on flowering and yield of two varieties of shallot in lowland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Triharyanto, E.; Nyoto, S.; Yusrifani, I.

    2018-03-01

    Shallot is one of horticultural commodities which has difficulties in flowering and producing seeds. Flowering of shallot generally occurs in highlands at 9-12° C. Flowering in lowland can be supported with vernalization or replace cold temperature with gibberelin (GA3). This research is aimed to determine the effect of varieties, the concentration of GA3 applied and their interaction on flowering and yield of shallots grown in the lowlands, 98 m altitude with Vertisol-type soil. The research was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors, which were varieties (V): Bima and Mentes and concentration of GA3 (C) 0 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm and repeated three times. Varieties have significant effect (P<0.05) on plant height, leaf number, the number of bulbs per clumps, weight of fresh bulbs per clumps, and percentage of small and large bulbs produced. Bima varieties were able to flower and produced seeds, while Mentes varieties could not produce flowers and seeds. GA3 concentration have no significant effect in all of the observed component. GA3 can’t replace cold temperature for supported flowering in varieties Mentes which were planted in lowlands. There was interaction between varieties and GA3 concentration occurs in variable percentage of small and large bulbs.

  19. Quantum communication and information processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beals, Travis Roland

    Quantum computers enable dramatically more efficient algorithms for solving certain classes of computational problems, but, in doing so, they create new problems. In particular, Shor's Algorithm allows for efficient cryptanalysis of many public-key cryptosystems. As public key cryptography is a critical component of present-day electronic commerce, it is crucial that a working, secure replacement be found. Quantum key distribution (QKD), first developed by C.H. Bennett and G. Brassard, offers a partial solution, but many challenges remain, both in terms of hardware limitations and in designing cryptographic protocols for a viable large-scale quantum communication infrastructure. In Part I, I investigate optical lattice-based approaches to quantum information processing. I look at details of a proposal for an optical lattice-based quantum computer, which could potentially be used for both quantum communications and for more sophisticated quantum information processing. In Part III, I propose a method for converting and storing photonic quantum bits in the internal state of periodically-spaced neutral atoms by generating and manipulating a photonic band gap and associated defect states. In Part II, I present a cryptographic protocol which allows for the extension of present-day QKD networks over much longer distances without the development of new hardware. I also present a second, related protocol which effectively solves the authentication problem faced by a large QKD network, thus making QKD a viable, information-theoretic secure replacement for public key cryptosystems.

  20. Optimisation of Embryonic and Larval ECG Measurement in Zebrafish for Quantifying the Effect of QT Prolonging Drugs

    PubMed Central

    Dhillon, Sundeep Singh; Dóró, Éva; Magyary, István; Egginton, Stuart; Sík, Attila; Müller, Ferenc

    2013-01-01

    Effective chemical compound toxicity screening is of paramount importance for safe cardiac drug development. Using mammals in preliminary screening for detection of cardiac dysfunction by electrocardiography (ECG) is costly and requires a large number of animals. Alternatively, zebrafish embryos can be used as the ECG waveform is similar to mammals, a minimal amount of chemical is necessary for drug testing, while embryos are abundant, inexpensive and represent replacement in animal research with reduced bioethical concerns. We demonstrate here the utility of pre-feeding stage zebrafish larvae in detection of cardiac dysfunction by electrocardiography. We have optimised an ECG recording system by addressing key parameters such as the form of immobilization, recording temperature, electrode positioning and developmental age. Furthermore, analysis of 3 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish embryos treated with known QT prolonging drugs such as terfenadine, verapamil and haloperidol led to reproducible detection of QT prolongation as previously shown for adult zebrafish. In addition, calculation of Z-factor scores revealed that the assay was sensitive and specific enough to detect large drug-induced changes in QTc intervals. Thus, the ECG recording system is a useful drug-screening tool to detect alteration to cardiac cycle components and secondary effects such as heart block and arrhythmias in zebrafish larvae before free feeding stage, and thus provides a suitable replacement for mammalian experimentation. PMID:23579446

  1. Early forest dynamics in stand-replacing fire patches in the northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA

    Treesearch

    Brandon M. Collins; Gary B. Roller

    2013-01-01

    There is considerable concern over the occurrence of stand-replacing fire in forest types historically associated with low- to moderate-severity fire. The concern is largely over whether contemporary levels of stand-replacing fire are outside the historical range of variability, and what natural forest recovery is in these forest types following stand-replacing fire....

  2. Programmable Multi-Chip Module

    DOEpatents

    Kautz, David; Morgenstern, Howard; Blazek, Roy J.

    2005-05-24

    A multi-chip module comprising a low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrate having a first side on which are mounted active components and a second side on which are mounted passive components, wherein this segregation of components allows for hermetically sealing the active components with a cover while leaving accessible the passive components, and wherein the passive components are secured using a reflow soldering technique and are removable and replaceable so as to make the multi-chip module substantially programmable with regard to the passive components.

  3. Programmable Multi-Chip Module

    DOEpatents

    Kautz, David; Morgenstern, Howard; Blazek, Roy J.

    2004-11-16

    A multi-chip module comprising a low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrate having a first side on which are mounted active components and a second side on which are mounted passive components, wherein this segregation of components allows for hermetically sealing the active components with a cover while leaving accessible the passive components, and wherein the passive components are secured using a reflow soldering technique and are removable and replaceable so as to make the multi-chip module substantially programmable with regard to the passive components.

  4. Programmable multi-chip module

    DOEpatents

    Kautz, David; Morgenstern, Howard; Blazek, Roy J.

    2004-03-02

    A multi-chip module comprising a low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrate having a first side on which are mounted active components and a second side on which are mounted passive components, wherein this segregation of components allows for hermetically sealing the active components with a cover while leaving accessible the passive components, and wherein the passive components are secured using a reflow soldering technique and are removable and replaceable so as to make the multi-chip module substantially programmable with regard to the passive components.

  5. Component Repair Experiment-1: An Experiment Evaluating Electronic Component-Level Repair During Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Easton, John W.; Struk, Peter M.

    2012-01-01

    The Component Repair Experiment-1 (CRE-1) examines the capability for astronauts to perform electronics repair tasks in space. The goal is to determine the current capabilities and limits for the crew, and to make recommendations to improve and expand the range of work that astronauts may perform. CRE-1 provided two-layer, functional circuit boards and replacement components, a small tool kit, written and video training materials, and 1 hr of hands on training for the crew slated to perform the experiment approximately 7 months prior to the mission. Astronauts Michael Fincke and Sandra Magnus performed the work aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in February and March 2009. The astronauts were able to remove and replace components successfully, demonstrating the feasibility of performing component-level electronics repairs within a spacecraft. Several unsuccessful tasks demonstrated areas in need of improvement. These include improved and longer training prior to a mission, an improved soldering iron with a higher operating temperature and steady power source, video training and practice boards for refresher work or practice before a repair, and improved and varied hand tools and containment system.

  6. A Low-Power Instruction Issue Queue for Microprocessors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Watanabe, Shingo; Chiyonobu, Akihiro; Sato, Toshinori

    Instruction issue queue is a key component which extracts instruction level parallelism (ILP) in modern out-of-order microprocessors. In order to exploit ILP for improving processor performance, instruction queue size should be increased. However, it is difficult to increase the size, since instruction queue is implemented by a content addressable memory (CAM) whose power and delay are much large. This paper introduces a low power and scalable instruction queue that replaces the CAM with a RAM. In this queue, instructions are explicitly woken up. Evaluation results show that the proposed instruction queue decreases processor performance by only 1.9% on average. Furthermore, the total energy consumption is reduced by 54% on average.

  7. 40 CFR 1042.605 - Dressing engines already certified to other standards for nonroad or heavy-duty highway engines...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... and all related components. (ii) Replacing an original turbocharger, except that small-volume engine manufacturers may replace an original turbocharger on a recreational engine with one that matches the performance of the original turbocharger. (iii) Modify or design the marine engine cooling or aftercooling...

  8. 40 CFR 1042.605 - Dressing engines already certified to other standards for nonroad or heavy-duty highway engines...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... and all related components. (ii) Replacing an original turbocharger, except that small-volume engine manufacturers may replace an original turbocharger on a recreational engine with one that matches the performance of the original turbocharger. (iii) Modify or design the marine engine cooling or aftercooling...

  9. 40 CFR 1042.605 - Dressing engines already certified to other standards for nonroad or heavy-duty highway engines...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... and all related components. (ii) Replacing an original turbocharger, except that small-volume engine manufacturers may replace an original turbocharger on a recreational engine with one that matches the performance of the original turbocharger. (iii) Modify or design the marine engine cooling or aftercooling...

  10. 40 CFR 1042.605 - Dressing engines already certified to other standards for nonroad or heavy-duty highway engines...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... and all related components. (ii) Replacing an original turbocharger, except that small-volume engine manufacturers may replace an original turbocharger on a recreational engine with one that matches the performance of the original turbocharger. (iii) Modify or design the marine engine cooling or aftercooling...

  11. Carbohydrate modified phenol-formaldehyde resins

    Treesearch

    Anthony H. Conner; Linda F. Lorenz

    1986-01-01

    For adhesive self-sufficiency, the wood industry needs new adhesive systems in which all or part of the petroleum-derived phenolic component is replaced by a renewable material without sacrificing high durability or ease of bonding. We tested the bonding of wood veneers, using phenolic resins in which part of the phenol-formaldehyde was replaced with carbohydrates. Our...

  12. Functional characterization of steam jet-cooked buckwheat flour as a fat replacer in cake-baking

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Fancy buckwheat flour was thermo-mechanically modified by steam jet-cooking and the resulting product was evaluated as a fat replacer for the use in cakes with reduced-fat content. Steam jet-cooking caused the integrity of buckwheat flour components to be disrupted, significantly changing the physi...

  13. 40 CFR 1042.601 - General compliance provisions for marine engines and vessels.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... aftertreatment components. For example, you must replace the catalyst if the catalyst assembly is stamped with a build date more than ten years ago and the manufacturer's instructions state that catalysts over ten years old must be replaced when the engine is rebuilt. (2) Measure pressure drop across the catalyst...

  14. Wideband Communications Equipment, Ground Radio Communication, Space Comm Systems Equipment. 304X0/X4/X6. Appendix B - EF/A and Job Inventory Items by Equipment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-05-01

    L0341 K ISOLATE MALFUNCTIONS TO DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS - 6 L0436 A REMOVE OR REPLACE TWTS - 6 M0443 A ALIGN DELAY EQUALIZER COMPONENTS - 6 M0447 A ALIGN...CONTROLS - 6 L0390 A PERFORM OPERATIONAL TESTS ON RECEIVER TRANSMITTER CONTROLS - 6 LO0O1 A PERFORM PHIS ON TWT SHF TRANSMITTERS - 6 L0410 A REMOVE OR...REPLACE DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS - 6 L0420 A REMOVE OR REPLACE LINE VOLTAGE REGULATORS - 6 L0435 A REMOVE OR REPLACE TWT SHF TRANSMITTERS - 6 L0436 A

  15. MEMS-Based Power Generation Techniques for Implantable Biosensing Applications

    PubMed Central

    Lueke, Jonathan; Moussa, Walied A.

    2011-01-01

    Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient. PMID:22319362

  16. Reliability analysis of component of affination centrifugal 1 machine by using reliability engineering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sembiring, N.; Ginting, E.; Darnello, T.

    2017-12-01

    Problems that appear in a company that produces refined sugar, the production floor has not reached the level of critical machine availability because it often suffered damage (breakdown). This results in a sudden loss of production time and production opportunities. This problem can be solved by Reliability Engineering method where the statistical approach to historical damage data is performed to see the pattern of the distribution. The method can provide a value of reliability, rate of damage, and availability level, of an machine during the maintenance time interval schedule. The result of distribution test to time inter-damage data (MTTF) flexible hose component is lognormal distribution while component of teflon cone lifthing is weibull distribution. While from distribution test to mean time of improvement (MTTR) flexible hose component is exponential distribution while component of teflon cone lifthing is weibull distribution. The actual results of the flexible hose component on the replacement schedule per 720 hours obtained reliability of 0.2451 and availability 0.9960. While on the critical components of teflon cone lifthing actual on the replacement schedule per 1944 hours obtained reliability of 0.4083 and availability 0.9927.

  17. Ultra Reliable Closed Loop Life Support for Long Space Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Harry W.; Ewert, Michael K.

    2010-01-01

    Spacecraft human life support systems can achieve ultra reliability by providing sufficient spares to replace all failed components. The additional mass of spares for ultra reliability is approximately equal to the original system mass, provided that the original system reliability is not too low. Acceptable reliability can be achieved for the Space Shuttle and Space Station by preventive maintenance and by replacing failed units. However, on-demand maintenance and repair requires a logistics supply chain in place to provide the needed spares. In contrast, a Mars or other long space mission must take along all the needed spares, since resupply is not possible. Long missions must achieve ultra reliability, a very low failure rate per hour, since they will take years rather than weeks and cannot be cut short if a failure occurs. Also, distant missions have a much higher mass launch cost per kilogram than near-Earth missions. Achieving ultra reliable spacecraft life support systems with acceptable mass will require a well-planned and extensive development effort. Analysis must determine the reliability requirement and allocate it to subsystems and components. Ultra reliability requires reducing the intrinsic failure causes, providing spares to replace failed components and having "graceful" failure modes. Technologies, components, and materials must be selected and designed for high reliability. Long duration testing is needed to confirm very low failure rates. Systems design should segregate the failure causes in the smallest, most easily replaceable parts. The system must be designed, developed, integrated, and tested with system reliability in mind. Maintenance and reparability of failed units must not add to the probability of failure. The overall system must be tested sufficiently to identify any design errors. A program to develop ultra reliable space life support systems with acceptable mass should start soon since it must be a long term effort.

  18. 78 FR 9309 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-08

    ... date, creating a component record card for each T-T strap, and revising the airworthiness limitations..., marking each T-T strap with the expiration date, creating a component record card for each T-T strap, and... date; creating a component record card for each affected T-T strap; replacing T-T straps that have been...

  19. OpTIIX: An ISS-Based Testbed Paving the Roadmap Toward a Next Generation Large Aperture UV/Optical Space Telescope

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carpenter, Kenneth G.; Etemad, Shar; Seery, Bernard D.; Thronson, Harley; Burdick, Gary M.; Coulter, Dan; Goullioud, Renaud; Green, Joseph J.; Liu, Fengchuan; Ess, Kim; hide

    2012-01-01

    The next generation large aperture UV/Optical space telescope will need a diameter substantially larger than even that of JWST in order to address some of the most compelling unanswered scientific quests. These quests include understanding the earliest phases of the Universe and detecting life on exo-planets by studying spectra of their atmospheres. Such 8-16 meter telescopes face severe challenges in terms of cost and complexity and are unlikely to be affordable unless a new paradigm is adopted for their design and construction. The conventional approach is to use monolithic or preassembled segmented mirrors requiring complicated and risky deployments and relying on future heavy-lift vehicles, large fairings and complex geometry. The new paradigm is to launch component modules on relatively small vehicles and then perform in-orbit robotic assembly of those modules. The Optical Testbed and Integration on ISS eXperiment (OpTIIX) is designed to demonstrate, at low cost by leveraging the infrastructure provided by ISS, telescope assembly technologies and end-to-end optical system technologies. The use of ISS as a testbed permits the concentration of resources on reducing the technical risks associated with robotically integrating the components. These include laser metrology and wavefront sensing and control (WFS&C) systems, an imaging instrument, lightweight, low-cost deformable primary mirror segments and the secondary mirror. These elements are then aligned to a diffraction-limited optical system in space. The capability to assemble the optical system and remove and replace components via the existing ISS robotic systems like the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), or by the ISS flight crew, allows for future experimentation, as well as repair.

  20. Measure Guideline. Wood Window Repair, Rehabilitation, and Replacement

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

    Baker, P.; Eng, P.

    2012-12-01

    This measure guideline provides information and guidance on rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing existing window assemblies in residential construction. The intent is to provide information regarding means and methods to improve the energy and comfort performance of existing wood window assemblies in a way that takes into consideration component durability, in-service operation, and long term performance of the strategies.

  1. Measure Guideline: Window Repair, Rehabilitation, and Replacement

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

    Baker, P.

    2012-12-01

    This measure guideline provides information and guidance on rehabilitating, retrofitting, and replacing existing window assemblies in residential construction. The intent is to provide information regarding means and methods to improve the energy and comfort performance of existing wood window assemblies in a way that takes into consideration component durability, in-service operation, and long term performance of the strategies.

  2. Can CT-based patient-matched instrumentation achieve consistent rotational alignment in knee arthroplasty?

    PubMed

    Tibesku, C O; Innocenti, B; Wong, P; Salehi, A; Labey, L

    2012-02-01

    Long-term success of contemporary total knee replacements relies to a large extent on proper implant alignment. This study was undertaken to test whether specimen-matched cutting blocks based on computed axial tomography (CT) scans could provide accurate rotational alignment of the femoral component. CT scans of five fresh frozen full leg cadaver specimens, equipped with infrared reflective markers, were used to produce a specimen-matched femoral cutting block. Using those blocks, the bone cuts were made to implant a bi-compartmental femoral component. Rotational alignment of the components in the horizontal plane was determined using an optical measurement system and compared with all relevant rotational reference axes identified on the CT scans. Average rotational alignment for the bi-compartmental component in the horizontal plane was 1.9° (range 0°-6.3°; standard deviation 2.6°). One specimen that showed the highest deviation from the planned alignment also featured a completely degraded medial articular surface. The CT-based specimen-matched cutting blocks achieved good rotational alignment accuracy except for one specimen with badly damaged cartilage. In such cases, imaging techniques that visualize the cartilage layer might be more suitable to design cutting blocks, as they will provide a better fit and increased surface support.

  3. Expedition 18 Station Development Test Objectives (STDO) Session 1

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-02-19

    ISS018-E-033816 (19 Feb. 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Fincke, Expedition 18 commander, removes, cleans and replaces electronic test components on a single test card using Component Repair Equipment (CRE-1) hardware in a portable glovebox facility in the Harmony node of the International Space Station. Fincke unsoldered 1 1/2 components from an integrated circuit board and re-soldered new components including an integrated circuit chip.

  4. Expedition 18 Station Development Test Objectives (STDO) Session 1

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-02-19

    ISS018-E-033818 (19 Feb. 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Fincke, Expedition 18 commander, removes, cleans and replaces electronic test components on a single test card using Component Repair Equipment (CRE-1) hardware in a portable glovebox facility in the Harmony node of the International Space Station. Fincke unsoldered 1 1/2 components from an integrated circuit board and re-soldered new components including an integrated circuit chip.

  5. The conceptual design of a robust, compact, modular tokamak reactor based on high-field superconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Whyte, D. G.; Bonoli, P.; Barnard, H.; Haakonsen, C.; Hartwig, Z.; Kasten, C.; Palmer, T.; Sung, C.; Sutherland, D.; Bromberg, L.; Mangiarotti, F.; Goh, J.; Sorbom, B.; Sierchio, J.; Ball, J.; Greenwald, M.; Olynyk, G.; Minervini, J.

    2012-10-01

    Two of the greatest challenges to tokamak reactors are 1) large single-unit cost of each reactor's construction and 2) their susceptibility to disruptions from operation at or above operational limits. We present an attractive tokamak reactor design that substantially lessens these issues by exploiting recent advancements in superconductor (SC) tapes allowing peak field on SC coil > 20 Tesla. A R˜3.3 m, B˜9.2 T, ˜ 500 MW fusion power tokamak provides high fusion gain while avoiding all disruptive operating boundaries (no-wall beta, kink, and density limits). Robust steady-state core scenarios are obtained by exploiting the synergy of high field, compact size and ideal efficiency current drive using high-field side launch of Lower Hybrid waves. The design features a completely modular replacement of internal solid components enabled by the demountability of the coils/tapes and the use of an immersion liquid blanket. This modularity opens up the possibility of using the device as a nuclear component test facility.

  6. Evolution of Stored-Product Entomology: Protecting the World Food Supply.

    PubMed

    Hagstrum, David W; Phillips, Thomas W

    2017-01-31

    Traditional methods of stored-product pest control were initially passed from generation to generation. Ancient literature and archaeology reveal hermetic sealing, burning sulfur, desiccant dusts, and toxic botanicals as early control methods. Whereas traditional nonchemical methods were subsequently replaced by synthetic chemicals, other traditional methods were improved and integrated with key modern pesticides. Modern stored-product integrated pest management (IPM) makes decisions using knowledge of population dynamics and threshold insect densities. IPM programs are now being fine-tuned to meet regulatory and market standards. Better sampling methods and insights from life histories and ecological studies have been used to optimize the timing of pest management. Over the past 100 years, research on stored-product insects has shifted from being largely concentrated within 10 countries to being distributed across 65 countries. Although the components of IPM programs have been well researched, more research is needed on how these components can be combined to improve effectiveness and assure the security of postharvest food as the human population increases.

  7. Impact of automatic calibration techniques on HMD life cycle costs and sustainable performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Speck, Richard P.; Herz, Norman E., Jr.

    2000-06-01

    Automatic test and calibration has become a valuable feature in many consumer products--ranging from antilock braking systems to auto-tune TVs. This paper discusses HMDs (Helmet Mounted Displays) and how similar techniques can reduce life cycle costs and increase sustainable performance if they are integrated into a program early enough. Optical ATE (Automatic Test Equipment) is already zeroing distortion in the HMDs and thereby making binocular displays a practical reality. A suitcase sized, field portable optical ATE unit could re-zero these errors in the Ready Room to cancel the effects of aging, minor damage and component replacement. Planning on this would yield large savings through relaxed component specifications and reduced logistic costs. Yet, the sustained performance would far exceed that attained with fixed calibration strategies. Major tactical benefits can come from reducing display errors, particularly in information fusion modules and virtual `beyond visual range' operations. Some versions of the ATE described are in production and examples of high resolution optical test data will be discussed.

  8. The replacement of dry heat in generic reliability assurance requirements for passive optical components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Xusheng; Qian, Longsheng; Zhang, Guiyan

    2005-12-01

    According to Generic Reliability Assurance Requirements for Passive Optical Components GR-1221-CORE (Issue 2, January 1999), reliability determination test of different kinds of passive optical components which using in uncontrolled environments is taken. The test condition of High Temperature Storage Test (Dry Test) and Damp Test is in below sheet. Except for humidity condition, all is same. In order to save test time and cost, after a sires of contrast tests, the replacement of Dry Heat is discussed. Controlling the Failure mechanism of dry heat and damp heat of passive optical components, the contrast test of dry heat and damp heat for passive optical components (include DWDM, CWDM, Coupler, Isolator, mini Isolator) is taken. The test result of isolator is listed. Telcordia test not only test the reliability of the passive optical components, but also test the patience of the experimenter. The cost of Telcordia test in money, manpower and material resources, especially in time is heavy burden for the company. After a series of tests, we can find that Damp heat could factually test the reliability of passive optical components, and equipment manufacturer in accord with component manufacture could omit the dry heat test if damp heat test is taken first and passed.

  9. Ground tire rubber (GTR) as a component material in concrete mixtures for paving concrete.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-02-01

    This research was done to investigate if the problems associated with flexibility and temperature sensitivity (expansion and : contraction) in roadway concrete pavements can be addressed by replacing some of the fine or coarse aggregate component : w...

  10. High incidence of loosening of the femoral component in legacy posterior stabilised-flex total knee replacement.

    PubMed

    Han, H S; Kang, S-B; Yoon, K S

    2007-11-01

    We have examined the results obtained with 72 NexGen legacy posterior stabilised-flex fixed total knee replacements in 47 patients implanted by a single surgeon between March 2003 and September 2004. Aseptic loosening of the femoral component was found in 27 (38%) of the replacements at a mean follow-up of 32 months (30 to 48) and 15 knees (21%) required revision at a mean of 23 months (11 to 45). We compared the radiologically-loose and revised knees with those which had remained well-fixed to identify the factors which had contributed to this high rate of aseptic loosening. Post-operatively, the mean maximum flexion was 136 degrees (110 degrees to 140 degrees) in the loosened group and 125 degrees (95 degrees to 140 degrees) in the well-fixed group (independent t-test, p = 0.022). Squatting, kneeling, or sitting cross-legged could be achieved by 23 (85%) of the loosened knees, but only 22 (49%) of the well-fixed knees (chi-squared test, p = 0.001). The loosened femoral components were found to migrate into a more flexed position, but no migration was detected in the well-fixed group. These implants allowed a high degree of flexion, but showed a marked rate of early loosening of the femoral component, which was associated with weight-bearing in maximum flexion.

  11. Current Role of Computer Navigation in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Jones, Christopher W; Jerabek, Seth A

    2018-01-31

    Computer-assisted surgical (CAS) navigation has been developed with the aim of improving the accuracy and precision of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) component positioning and therefore overall limb alignment. The historical goal of knee arthroplasty has been to restore the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by aligning the femoral and tibial components perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the femur and tibia. Despite over 4 decades of TKA component development and nearly 2 decades of interest in CAS, the fundamental question remains; does the alignment goal and/or the method of achieving that goal affect the outcome of the TKA in terms of patient-reported outcome measures and/or overall survivorship? The quest for reliable and reproducible achievement of the intraoperative alignment goal has been the primary motivator for the introduction, development, and refinement of CAS navigation. Numerous proprietary systems now exist, and rapid technological advancements in computer processing power are stimulating further development of robotic surgical systems. Three categories of CAS can be defined: image-based large-console navigation; imageless large-console navigation, and more recently, accelerometer-based handheld navigation systems have been developed. A review of the current literature demonstrates that there are enough well-designed studies to conclude that both large-console CAS and handheld navigation systems improve the accuracy and precision of component alignment in TKA. However, missing from the evidence base, other than the subgroup analysis provided by the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, are any conclusive demonstrations of a clinical superiority in terms of improved patient-reported outcome measures and/or decreased cumulative revision rates in the long term. Few authors would argue that accuracy of alignment is a goal to ignore; therefore, in the absence of clinical evidence, many of the arguments against the use of large-console CAS navigation center on the prohibitive cost of the systems. The utilization of low-cost, handheld CAS navigation systems may therefore bridge this important gap, and over time, further clinical evidence may emerge. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Doppler Lidar System Design via Interdisciplinary Design Concept at NASA Langley Research Center - Part III

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barnes, Bruce W.; Sessions, Alaric M.; Beyon, Jeffrey; Petway, Larry B.

    2014-01-01

    Optimized designs of the Navigation Doppler Lidar (NDL) instrument for Autonomous Landing Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) were accomplished via Interdisciplinary Design Concept (IDEC) at NASA Langley Research Center during the summer of 2013. Three branches in the Engineering Directorate and three students were involved in this joint task through the NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program. The Laser Remote Sensing Branch (LRSB), Mechanical Systems Branch (MSB), and Structural and Thermal Systems Branch (STSB) were engaged to achieve optimal designs through iterative and interactive collaborative design processes. A preliminary design iteration was able to reduce the power consumption, mass, and footprint by removing redundant components and replacing inefficient components with more efficient ones. A second design iteration reduced volume and mass by replacing bulky components with excessive performance with smaller components custom-designed for the power system. The existing power system was analyzed to rank components in terms of inefficiency, power dissipation, footprint and mass. Design considerations and priorities are compared along with the results of each design iteration. Overall power system improvements are summarized for design implementations.

  13. Cemented tibial component fixation performs better than cementless fixation: a randomized radiostereometric study comparing porous-coated, hydroxyapatite-coated and cemented tibial components over 5 years.

    PubMed

    Carlsson, Ake; Björkman, Anders; Besjakov, Jack; Onsten, Ingemar

    2005-06-01

    The question whether the tibial component of a total knee arthroplasty should be fixed to bone with or without bone cement has not yet been definitely answered. We studied movements between the tibial component and bone by radiostereometry (RSA) in total knee replacement (TKR) for 3 different types of fixation: cemented fixation (C-F), uncemented porous fixation (UC-F) and uncemented porous hydroxyapatite fixation (UCHA-F). 116 patients with osteoarthrosis, who had 146 TKRs, were included in 2 randomized series. The first series included 86 unilateral TKRs stratified into 1 of the 3 types of fixation. The second series included 30 patients who had simultaneous bilateral TKR surgery, and who were stratified into 3 subgroups of pairwise comparisons of the 3 types of fixation. After 5 years 2 knees had been revised, neither of which were due to loosening. 1 UCHA-F knee in the unilateral series showed a large and continuous migration and a poor clinical result, and is a pending failure. The C-F knees rotated and migrated less than UC-F and UCHA-F knees over 5 years. UCHA-F migrated less than UC-F after 1 year. Cementing of the tibial component offers more stable bone-implant contact for 5 years compared to uncemented fixation. When using uncemented components, however, there is evidence that augmenting a porous surface with hydroxyapatite may mean less motion between implant and bone after the initial postoperative year.

  14. Replacement of SSE with NASA's POWER Project GIS-enabled Web Data Portal

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2018-04-30

    Replacement of SSE with NASA's POWER Project GIS-enabled Web Data Portal Friday, March ... 2018 Replacement of SSE (Release 6) with NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) Project GIS-enabled Web ... Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER) Project funded largely by NASA Earth Applied Sciences program.   The new POWER web portal ...

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

    Otto, H.; Marti, T.; Holz, M.

    Photocycle and flash-induced proton release and uptake were investigated for bacteriorhodopsin mutants in which Asp-85 was replaced by Ala, Asn, or Glu; Asp-212 was replaced by Asn or Glu; Asp-115 was replaced by Ala, Asn, or Glu; Asp-96 was replaced by Ala, Asn, or Glu; and Arg-82 was replaced by Ala or Gln in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine/3-((3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-1- propanesulfonate micelles at pH 7.3. In the Asp-85----Ala and Asp-85----Asn mutants, the absence of the charged carboxyl group leads to a blue chromophore at 600 and 595 nm, respectively, and lowers the pK of the Schiff base deprotonation to 8.2 and 7, respectively, suggesting amore » role for Asp-85 as counterion to the Schiff base. The early part of the photocycles of the Asp-85----Ala and Asp-85----Asn mutants is strongly perturbed; the formation of a weak M-like intermediate is slowed down about 100-fold over wild type. In both mutants, proton release is also slower but clearly precedes the rise of M. The amplitude of the early reversed photovoltage component in the Asp-85----Asn mutant is very large, and the net charge displacement is close to zero, indicating proton release and uptake on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. The data suggest an obligatory role for Asp-85 in the efficient deprotonation of the Schiff base and in the proton release phase, probably as proton acceptor. In the Asp-212----Asn mutant, the rise of the absorbance change at 410 nm is slowed down to 220 microsecond, its amplitude is small, and the release of protons is delayed to 1.9 ms. The absorbance changes at 650 nm indicate perturbations in the early time range with a slow K intermediate. Thus Asp-212 also participates in the early events of charge translocation and deprotonation of the Schiff base.« less

  16. PEEK-OPTIMA™ as an alternative to cobalt chrome in the femoral component of total knee replacement: A preliminary study

    PubMed Central

    Cowie, Raelene M; Briscoe, Adam; Fisher, John; Jennings, Louise M

    2016-01-01

    PEEK-OPTIMA™ (Invibio Ltd, UK) has been considered as an alternative joint arthroplasty bearing material due to its favourable mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of its wear debris. In this study, the potential to use injection moulded PEEK-OPTIMA™ as an alternative to cobalt chrome in the femoral component of a total knee replacement was investigated in terms of its wear performance. Experimental wear simulation of three cobalt chrome and three PEEK-OPTIMA™ femoral components articulating against all-polyethylene tibial components was carried out under two kinematic conditions: 3 million cycles under intermediate kinematics (maximum anterior-posterior displacement of 5 mm) followed by 3 million cycles under high kinematic conditions (anterior-posterior displacement 10 mm). The wear of the GUR1020 ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene tibial components was assessed by gravimetric analysis; for both material combinations under each kinematic condition, the mean wear rates were low, that is, below 5 mm3/million cycles. Specifically, under intermediate kinematic conditions, the wear rate of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene tibial components was 0.96 ± 2.26 mm3/million cycles and 2.44 ± 0.78 mm3/million cycle against cobalt chrome and PEEK-OPTIMA™ implants, respectively (p = 0.06); under high kinematic conditions, the wear rates were 2.23 ± 1.85 mm3/million cycles and 4.44 ± 2.35 mm3/million cycles, respectively (p = 0.03). Following wear simulation, scratches were apparent on the surface of the PEEK-OPTIMA™ femoral components. The surface topography of the femoral components was assessed using contacting profilometry and showed a statistically significant increase in measured surface roughness of the PEEK-OPTIMA™ femoral components compared to the cobalt chrome implants. However, this did not appear to influence the wear rate, which remained linear over the duration of the study. These preliminary findings showed that PEEK-OPTIMA™ gives promise as an alternative bearing material to cobalt chrome alloy in the femoral component of a total knee replacement with respect to wear performance. PMID:27637723

  17. A Plug and Play GNC Architecture Using FPGA Components

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    KrishnaKumar, K.; Kaneshige, J.; Waterman, R.; Pires, C.; Ippoloito, C.

    2005-01-01

    The goal of Plug and Play, or PnP, is to allow hardware and software components to work together automatically, without requiring manual setup procedures. As a result, new or replacement hardware can be plugged into a system and automatically configured with the appropriate resource assignments. However, in many cases it may not be practical or even feasible to physically replace hardware components. One method for handling these types of situations is through the incorporation of reconfigurable hardware such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays, or FPGAs. This paper describes a phased approach to developing a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) architecture that expands on the traditional concepts of PnP, in order to accommodate hardware reconfiguration without requiring detailed knowledge of the hardware. This is achieved by establishing a functional based interface that defines how the hardware will operate, and allow the hardware to reconfigure itself. The resulting system combines the flexibility of manipulating software components with the speed and efficiency of hardware.

  18. Fixture aids soldering of electronic components on circuit board

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ross, M. H.

    1966-01-01

    Spring clamp fixture holds small electronic components in a desired position while they are being soldered on a circuit board. The spring clamp is clipped on the edge of the circuit board and an adjustable spring-steel boom holds components against the board. The felt pad at the end of the boom is replaced with different attachments for other holding tasks.

  19. Fine-mapping of prostate cancer susceptibility loci in a large meta-analysis identifies candidate causal variants.

    PubMed

    Dadaev, Tokhir; Saunders, Edward J; Newcombe, Paul J; Anokian, Ezequiel; Leongamornlert, Daniel A; Brook, Mark N; Cieza-Borrella, Clara; Mijuskovic, Martina; Wakerell, Sarah; Olama, Ali Amin Al; Schumacher, Fredrick R; Berndt, Sonja I; Benlloch, Sara; Ahmed, Mahbubl; Goh, Chee; Sheng, Xin; Zhang, Zhuo; Muir, Kenneth; Govindasami, Koveela; Lophatananon, Artitaya; Stevens, Victoria L; Gapstur, Susan M; Carter, Brian D; Tangen, Catherine M; Goodman, Phyllis; Thompson, Ian M; Batra, Jyotsna; Chambers, Suzanne; Moya, Leire; Clements, Judith; Horvath, Lisa; Tilley, Wayne; Risbridger, Gail; Gronberg, Henrik; Aly, Markus; Nordström, Tobias; Pharoah, Paul; Pashayan, Nora; Schleutker, Johanna; Tammela, Teuvo L J; Sipeky, Csilla; Auvinen, Anssi; Albanes, Demetrius; Weinstein, Stephanie; Wolk, Alicja; Hakansson, Niclas; West, Catharine; Dunning, Alison M; Burnet, Neil; Mucci, Lorelei; Giovannucci, Edward; Andriole, Gerald; Cussenot, Olivier; Cancel-Tassin, Géraldine; Koutros, Stella; Freeman, Laura E Beane; Sorensen, Karina Dalsgaard; Orntoft, Torben Falck; Borre, Michael; Maehle, Lovise; Grindedal, Eli Marie; Neal, David E; Donovan, Jenny L; Hamdy, Freddie C; Martin, Richard M; Travis, Ruth C; Key, Tim J; Hamilton, Robert J; Fleshner, Neil E; Finelli, Antonio; Ingles, Sue Ann; Stern, Mariana C; Rosenstein, Barry; Kerns, Sarah; Ostrer, Harry; Lu, Yong-Jie; Zhang, Hong-Wei; Feng, Ninghan; Mao, Xueying; Guo, Xin; Wang, Guomin; Sun, Zan; Giles, Graham G; Southey, Melissa C; MacInnis, Robert J; FitzGerald, Liesel M; Kibel, Adam S; Drake, Bettina F; Vega, Ana; Gómez-Caamaño, Antonio; Fachal, Laura; Szulkin, Robert; Eklund, Martin; Kogevinas, Manolis; Llorca, Javier; Castaño-Vinyals, Gemma; Penney, Kathryn L; Stampfer, Meir; Park, Jong Y; Sellers, Thomas A; Lin, Hui-Yi; Stanford, Janet L; Cybulski, Cezary; Wokolorczyk, Dominika; Lubinski, Jan; Ostrander, Elaine A; Geybels, Milan S; Nordestgaard, Børge G; Nielsen, Sune F; Weisher, Maren; Bisbjerg, Rasmus; Røder, Martin Andreas; Iversen, Peter; Brenner, Hermann; Cuk, Katarina; Holleczek, Bernd; Maier, Christiane; Luedeke, Manuel; Schnoeller, Thomas; Kim, Jeri; Logothetis, Christopher J; John, Esther M; Teixeira, Manuel R; Paulo, Paula; Cardoso, Marta; Neuhausen, Susan L; Steele, Linda; Ding, Yuan Chun; De Ruyck, Kim; De Meerleer, Gert; Ost, Piet; Razack, Azad; Lim, Jasmine; Teo, Soo-Hwang; Lin, Daniel W; Newcomb, Lisa F; Lessel, Davor; Gamulin, Marija; Kulis, Tomislav; Kaneva, Radka; Usmani, Nawaid; Slavov, Chavdar; Mitev, Vanio; Parliament, Matthew; Singhal, Sandeep; Claessens, Frank; Joniau, Steven; Van den Broeck, Thomas; Larkin, Samantha; Townsend, Paul A; Aukim-Hastie, Claire; Gago-Dominguez, Manuela; Castelao, Jose Esteban; Martinez, Maria Elena; Roobol, Monique J; Jenster, Guido; van Schaik, Ron H N; Menegaux, Florence; Truong, Thérèse; Koudou, Yves Akoli; Xu, Jianfeng; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Cannon-Albright, Lisa; Pandha, Hardev; Michael, Agnieszka; Kierzek, Andrzej; Thibodeau, Stephen N; McDonnell, Shannon K; Schaid, Daniel J; Lindstrom, Sara; Turman, Constance; Ma, Jing; Hunter, David J; Riboli, Elio; Siddiq, Afshan; Canzian, Federico; Kolonel, Laurence N; Le Marchand, Loic; Hoover, Robert N; Machiela, Mitchell J; Kraft, Peter; Freedman, Matthew; Wiklund, Fredrik; Chanock, Stephen; Henderson, Brian E; Easton, Douglas F; Haiman, Christopher A; Eeles, Rosalind A; Conti, David V; Kote-Jarai, Zsofia

    2018-06-11

    Prostate cancer is a polygenic disease with a large heritable component. A number of common, low-penetrance prostate cancer risk loci have been identified through GWAS. Here we apply the Bayesian multivariate variable selection algorithm JAM to fine-map 84 prostate cancer susceptibility loci, using summary data from a large European ancestry meta-analysis. We observe evidence for multiple independent signals at 12 regions and 99 risk signals overall. Only 15 original GWAS tag SNPs remain among the catalogue of candidate variants identified; the remainder are replaced by more likely candidates. Biological annotation of our credible set of variants indicates significant enrichment within promoter and enhancer elements, and transcription factor-binding sites, including AR, ERG and FOXA1. In 40 regions at least one variant is colocalised with an eQTL in prostate cancer tissue. The refined set of candidate variants substantially increase the proportion of familial relative risk explained by these known susceptibility regions, which highlights the importance of fine-mapping studies and has implications for clinical risk profiling.

  20. Large-scale compensation of errors in pairwise-additive empirical force fields: comparison of AMBER intermolecular terms with rigorous DFT-SAPT calculations.

    PubMed

    Zgarbová, Marie; Otyepka, Michal; Sponer, Jirí; Hobza, Pavel; Jurecka, Petr

    2010-09-21

    The intermolecular interaction energy components for several molecular complexes were calculated using force fields available in the AMBER suite of programs and compared with Density Functional Theory-Symmetry Adapted Perturbation Theory (DFT-SAPT) values. The extent to which such comparison is meaningful is discussed. The comparability is shown to depend strongly on the intermolecular distance, which means that comparisons made at one distance only are of limited value. At large distances the coulombic and van der Waals 1/r(6) empirical terms correspond fairly well with the DFT-SAPT electrostatics and dispersion terms, respectively. At the onset of electronic overlap the empirical values deviate from the reference values considerably. However, the errors in the force fields tend to cancel out in a systematic manner at equilibrium distances. Thus, the overall performance of the force fields displays errors an order of magnitude smaller than those of the individual interaction energy components. The repulsive 1/r(12) component of the van der Waals expression seems to be responsible for a significant part of the deviation of the force field results from the reference values. We suggest that further improvement of the force fields for intermolecular interactions would require replacement of the nonphysical 1/r(12) term by an exponential function. Dispersion anisotropy and its effects are discussed. Our analysis is intended to show that although comparing the empirical and non-empirical interaction energy components is in general problematic, it might bring insights useful for the construction of new force fields. Our results are relevant to often performed force-field-based interaction energy decompositions.

  1. Species replacement dominates megabenthos beta diversity in a remote seamount setting.

    PubMed

    Victorero, Lissette; Robert, Katleen; Robinson, Laura F; Taylor, Michelle L; Huvenne, Veerle A I

    2018-03-07

    Seamounts are proposed to be hotspots of deep-sea biodiversity, a pattern potentially arising from increased productivity in a heterogeneous landscape leading to either high species co-existence or species turnover (beta diversity). However, studies on individual seamounts remain rare, hindering our understanding of the underlying causes of local changes in beta diversity. Here, we investigated processes behind beta diversity using ROV video, coupled with oceanographic and quantitative terrain parameters, over a depth gradient in Annan Seamount, Equatorial Atlantic. By applying recently developed beta diversity analyses, we identified ecologically unique sites and distinguished between two beta diversity processes: species replacement and changes in species richness. The total beta diversity was high with an index of 0.92 out of 1 and was dominated by species replacement (68%). Species replacement was affected by depth-related variables, including temperature and water mass in addition to the aspect and local elevation of the seabed. In contrast, changes in species richness component were affected only by the water mass. Water mass, along with substrate also affected differences in species abundance. This study identified, for the first time on seamount megabenthos, the different beta diversity components and drivers, which can contribute towards understanding and protecting regional deep-sea biodiversity.

  2. Analysis of surface damage in retrieved carbon fiber-reinforced and plain polyethylene tibial components from posterior stabilized total knee replacements.

    PubMed

    Wright, T M; Rimnac, C M; Faris, P M; Bansal, M

    1988-10-01

    The performance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was compared with that of plain (non-reinforced) polyethylene on the basis of the damage that was observed on the articulating surfaces of retrieved tibial components of total knee prostheses. Established microscopy techniques for subjectively grading the presence and extent of surface damage and the histological structure of the surrounding tissues were used to evaluate twenty-six carbon fiber-reinforced and twenty plain polyethylene components that had been retrieved after an average of twenty-one months of implantation. All of the tibial components were from the same design of total knee replacement. The two groups of patients from whom the components were retrieved did not differ with regard to weight, the length of time that the component had been implanted, the radiographic position and angular alignment of the component, the original diagnosis, or the reason for removal of the component. The amounts and types of damage that were observed did not differ for the two materials. For both materials, the amount of damage was directly related to the length of time that the component had been implanted. The histological appearance of tissues from the area around the component did not differ for the two materials, except for the presence of fragments of carbon fiber in many of the samples from the areas around carbon fiber-reinforced components.

  3. Stirling machine operating experience

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ross, Brad; Dudenhoefer, James E.

    1991-01-01

    Numerous Stirling machines have been built and operated, but the operating experience of these machines is not well known. It is important to examine this operating experience in detail, because it largely substantiates the claim that Stirling machines are capable of reliable and lengthy lives. The amount of data that exists is impressive, considering that many of the machines that have been built are developmental machines intended to show proof of concept, and were not expected to operate for any lengthy period of time. Some Stirling machines (typically free-piston machines) achieve long life through non-contact bearings, while other Stirling machines (typically kinematic) have achieved long operating lives through regular seal and bearing replacements. In addition to engine and system testing, life testing of critical components is also considered.

  4. [Modern tribology in total hip arthroplasty: pros and cons].

    PubMed

    Gómez-García, F

    2014-01-01

    The wear products and adverse reactions that occur on bearing surfaces represent one of the greatest challenges in prosthetic replacements, as the latter experience increasing demands due to the large number of young and older adult patients that have a long life expectancy and remarkable activity. The purpose of this review is to analyze the pros and cons of the new advances in the bearing components of the articular surfaces of current total hip arthroplasties. We also discuss the strategies used historically, their problems, results and the surgeon's role in prescribing the tribologic couple that best fits each patient's needs. We conclude with practical recommendations for the prescription and management of the latest articular couples for total hip arthroplasty.

  5. Refrigeration Controls: Electrical & Mechanical; Appliance Repair 3: 9027.02.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

    This booklet outlines a course designed to equip major appliance service students with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of procedures, basic electrical circuitry, and nomenclatures of components necessary in successfully tracing a circuit and repairing or replacing a malfunctioning component. Course content includes goals, specific…

  6. Enhanced Large Solid Rocket Motor Understanding Through Performance Margin Testing: RSRM Five-Segment Engineering Test Motor (ETM-3)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huppi, Hal; Tobias, Mark; Seiler, James

    2003-01-01

    The Five-Segment Engineering Test Motor (ETM-3) is an extended length reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM) intended to increase motor performance and internal environments above the current four-segment RSRM flight motor. The principal purpose of ETM-3 is to provide a test article for RSRM component margin testing. As the RSRM and Space Shuttle in general continue to age, replacing obsolete materials becomes an ever-increasing issue. Having a five-segment motor that provides environments in excess of normal opera- tion allows a mechanism to subject replacement materials to a more severe environment than experienced in flight. Additionally, ETM-3 offers a second design data point from which to develop and/or validate analytical models that currently have some level of empiricism associated with them. These enhanced models have the potential to further the understanding of RSRM motor performance and solid rocket motor (SRM) propulsion in general. Furthermore, these data could be leveraged to support a five-segment booster (FSB) development program should the Space Shuttle program choose to pursue this option for abort mode enhancements during the ascent phase. A tertiary goal of ETM-3 is to challenge both the ATK Thiokol Propulsion and NASA MSFC technical personnel through the design and analysis of a large solid rocket motor without the benefit of a well-established performance database such as the RSRM. The end result of this undertaking will be a more competent and experienced workforce for both organizations. Of particular interest are the motor design characteristics and the systems engineering approach used to conduct a complex yet successful large motor static test. These aspects of ETM-3 and more will be summarized.

  7. Electronic Repair Concepts for Long-Duration Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Easton, John; Pettegrew, Richard D.; Struk, Peter M.

    2007-01-01

    Constraints on the mass and volume that can be allocated for electronics spares and repair equipment on long-duration space missions mean that NASA must look at repair strategies beyond the traditional approach, which has been to replace faulty subsystems in a modular form, termed Orbital Replacement Units or Line Replacement Units. Other possible strategies include component and board-level replacement, modular designs that allow reprogramming of less-critical systems to take the place of more critical failed systems, and a blended approach which uses elements of each of these approaches, along with a limited number of Line Replacement Units. This paper presents some of the constraints and considerations that affect the decision on how to approach electronics repair for long duration space missions, and discusses the benefits and limitations of each of the previously mentioned strategies.

  8. Nicotine replacement prescribing trends in a large psychiatric hospital, before and after implementation of a hospital-wide smoking ban.

    PubMed

    Scharf, Deborah; Fabian, Tanya; Fichter-DeSando, Cecilia; Douaihy, Antoine

    2011-06-01

    We examined prescribing patterns for nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) in a large psychiatric hospital, before and after the implementation of a smoking ban. We extracted 5 years of NRT utilization data from hospital pharmacy records. The ban went into effect on January 1, 2007. Data reflect NRT prescriptions from 2 years before and 3 years after the ban, and N = 30,908 total inpatient hospital admissions. The monthly rate of total NRT prescriptions increased after the ban from M = 254.25 (SD = 126.60) doses per month to M = 4,467.52 (SD = 1,785.87) doses per month (>1,700% increase, p < .0001). After the smoking ban, clinicians prescribed higher doses of transdermal (but not oral) NRT (Tukey, p < .0001). Comparisons of NRT prescribing across hospital units tentatively suggested that patients being treated on the substance use disorders unit were prescribed more doses of NRT, as well as higher doses of NRT compared with patients on other units. Analysis of trends over time showed no apparent downward trend for NRT usage during the 3 years following the smoking ban, suggesting that clinicians continued to treat nicotine dependence after smoking was restricted. Clinicians are more likely to identify and treat symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when smoking is restricted. Hospitals should consider monitoring prescriptions for NRT as part of their ongoing quality assurance practices so that patients receive aggressive treatment of nicotine withdrawal symptoms--an essential component of high-quality patient care.

  9. Lateral unicompartmental knee replacement: fixed or mobile bearing?

    PubMed

    Forster, M C; Bauze, A J; Keene, G C R

    2007-09-01

    Between May 2001 and May 2003, 233 consecutive Preservation unicompartmental knee replacements (UKR) were performed. Of these, 30 were lateral UKRs (13%) performed in 12 men and 16 women (2 bilateral cases) with a mean age of 67 years (range 36-93 years). A metal-backed mobile bearing tibial component was used in 13 knees and an all-polyethylene fixed bearing tibial component in 17 knees. The patients were reviewed prospectively at 1 and 2 years. The 2 year results show no difference in range of motion or function between the mobile and fixed bearing versions of the Preservation knee when used on the lateral side. There were three early revisions, all in the mobile bearing group.

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

    Ganguly, Jayanta; Ghosh, Manas, E-mail: pcmg77@rediffmail.com

    We investigate the profiles of diagonal components of frequency-dependent first nonlinear (β{sub xxx} and β{sub yyy}) optical response of repulsive impurity doped quantum dots. We have assumed a Gaussian function to represent the dopant impurity potential. This study primarily addresses the role of noise on the polarizability components. We have invoked Gaussian white noise consisting of additive and multiplicative characteristics (in Stratonovich sense). The doped system has been subjected to an oscillating electric field of given intensity, and the frequency-dependent first nonlinear polarizabilities are computed. The noise characteristics are manifested in an interesting way in the nonlinear polarizability components. Inmore » case of additive noise, the noise strength remains practically ineffective in influencing the optical responses. The situation completely changes with the replacement of additive noise by its multiplicative analog. The replacement enhances the nonlinear optical response dramatically and also causes their maximization at some typical value of noise strength that depends on oscillation frequency.« less

  11. Engineering test results for the Moog Single Line Disconnect

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Glubke, Scott E.

    1990-01-01

    New and innovative types of disconnects will be required to service, resupply, and maintain future spacecraft subsystems. Efficiently maintaining orbiting scientific instruments, spacecraft support systems, and a manned space station over a long period of time will require the periodic replenishment of consumables and the replacement of components. To accomplish these tasks, the fluid disconnect must be designed to allow the connection and separation of fluid lines and components with minimal hazard to crew and equipment. The capability to simply connect a refueling line or to easily replace a failed component greatly extends the life of a space based fluid system. A test program was initiated to evaluate the Moog Single Line Disconnect. The objective of the test program was to demonstrate the operational characteristics of the disconnect and to verify compliance with current safety regulations. The results of the program are summarized in the referenced document.

  12. Determining modulus of elasticity of ancient structural timber

    Treesearch

    Houjiang Zhang; Lei Zhu; Yanliang Sun; Xiping Wang; Haicheng Yan

    2011-01-01

    During maintenance of ancient timber architectures, it is important to determine mechanical properties of the wood component materials non-destructively and effectively, so that degraded members may be replaced or repaired to avoid structural failure. Experimental materials are four larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.) components, which were taken down from the...

  13. 24 CFR 572.125 - Replacement reserves.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... drawn down under the Cash and Management Information System when specifically needed to assist a... prevent severe financial hardship to families caused by the failure of a major system or component of the... families; and (3) The condition and age of the properties and each of their major systems and components...

  14. Burbank performs the WHC Yearly Maintenance in the Node 3

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2012-01-11

    ISS030-E-032750 (11 Jan. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 flight commander, performs the Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) yearly maintenance in the Tranquility node of the International Space Station. The maintenance included removing and replacing the urine hydraulic components which include urine lines, urine valve block and urine pressure sensors, and removing and replacing the Flush Water Tank Pressure Sensor.

  15. Population genomics of the Arabidopsis thaliana flowering time gene network.

    PubMed

    Flowers, Jonathan M; Hanzawa, Yoshie; Hall, Megan C; Moore, Richard C; Purugganan, Michael D

    2009-11-01

    The time to flowering is a key component of the life-history strategy of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana that varies quantitatively among genotypes. A significant problem for evolutionary and ecological genetics is to understand how natural selection may operate on this ecologically significant trait. Here, we conduct a population genomic study of resequencing data from 52 genes in the flowering time network. McDonald-Kreitman tests of neutrality suggested a strong excess of amino acid polymorphism when pooling across loci. This excess of replacement polymorphism across the flowering time network and a skewed derived frequency spectrum toward rare alleles for both replacement and noncoding polymorphisms relative to synonymous changes is consistent with a large class of deleterious polymorphisms segregating in these genes. Assuming selective neutrality of synonymous changes, we estimate that approximately 30% of amino acid polymorphisms are deleterious. Evidence of adaptive substitution is less prominent in our analysis. The photoperiod regulatory gene, CO, and a gibberellic acid transcription factor, AtMYB33, show evidence of adaptive fixation of amino acid mutations. A test for extended haplotypes revealed no examples of flowering time alleles with haplotypes comparable in length to those associated with the null fri(Col) allele reported previously. This suggests that the FRI gene likely has a uniquely intense or recent history of selection among the flowering time genes considered here. Although there is some evidence for adaptive evolution in these life-history genes, it appears that slightly deleterious polymorphisms are a major component of natural molecular variation in the flowering time network of A. thaliana.

  16. Developing Ultra Reliable Life Support for the Moon and Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Harry W.

    2009-01-01

    Recycling life support systems can achieve ultra reliability by using spares to replace failed components. The added mass for spares is approximately equal to the original system mass, provided the original system reliability is not very low. Acceptable reliability can be achieved for the space shuttle and space station by preventive maintenance and by replacing failed units, However, this maintenance and repair depends on a logistics supply chain that provides the needed spares. The Mars mission must take all the needed spares at launch. The Mars mission also must achieve ultra reliability, a very low failure rate per hour, since it requires years rather than weeks and cannot be cut short if a failure occurs. Also, the Mars mission has a much higher mass launch cost per kilogram than shuttle or station. Achieving ultra reliable space life support with acceptable mass will require a well-planned and extensive development effort. Analysis must define the reliability requirement and allocate it to subsystems and components. Technologies, components, and materials must be designed and selected for high reliability. Extensive testing is needed to ascertain very low failure rates. Systems design should segregate the failure causes in the smallest, most easily replaceable parts. The systems must be designed, produced, integrated, and tested without impairing system reliability. Maintenance and failed unit replacement should not introduce any additional probability of failure. The overall system must be tested sufficiently to identify any design errors. A program to develop ultra reliable space life support systems with acceptable mass must start soon if it is to produce timely results for the moon and Mars.

  17. Genomic reconstruction of the history of extant populations of India reveals five distinct ancestral components and a complex structure

    PubMed Central

    Basu, Analabha; Sarkar-Roy, Neeta; Majumder, Partha P.

    2016-01-01

    India, occupying the center stage of Paleolithic and Neolithic migrations, has been underrepresented in genome-wide studies of variation. Systematic analysis of genome-wide data, using multiple robust statistical methods, on (i) 367 unrelated individuals drawn from 18 mainland and 2 island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) populations selected to represent geographic, linguistic, and ethnic diversities, and (ii) individuals from populations represented in the Human Genome Diversity Panel (HGDP), reveal four major ancestries in mainland India. This contrasts with an earlier inference of two ancestries based on limited population sampling. A distinct ancestry of the populations of Andaman archipelago was identified and found to be coancestral to Oceanic populations. Analysis of ancestral haplotype blocks revealed that extant mainland populations (i) admixed widely irrespective of ancestry, although admixtures between populations was not always symmetric, and (ii) this practice was rapidly replaced by endogamy about 70 generations ago, among upper castes and Indo-European speakers predominantly. This estimated time coincides with the historical period of formulation and adoption of sociocultural norms restricting intermarriage in large social strata. A similar replacement observed among tribal populations was temporally less uniform. PMID:26811443

  18. Characterization of RPC operation with new environmental friendly mixtures for LHC application and beyond

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guida, R.; Capeans, M.; Mandelli, B.

    2016-07-01

    The large muon trigger systems based on Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) at the LHC experiments are currently operated with R134a based mixture. Unfortunately R134a is considered a greenhouse gas with high impact on the enviroment and therefore will be subject to regulations aiming in strongly reducing the available quantity on the market. The immediat effects might be instability on the price and incertitude in the product availability. Alternative gases (HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze) have been already identified by industry for specific applications as replacement of R134a. Moreover, HFCs similar to the R134a but with lower global warming potential (GWP) are already available (HFC-245fa, HFC-32, HFC-152a). The present contribution describes the results obtained with RPCs operated with new enviromemtal friendly gases. A particular attention has been addressed to the possibility of maintening the current operation conditions (i.e. currently used applied voltage and front-end electronics) in order to be able to use a new mixture for RPC systems even where the common infrastructure (i.e. high voltage and detector components) cannot be replaced for operation at higher applied voltages.

  19. High-power VCSEL systems and applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moench, Holger; Conrads, Ralf; Deppe, Carsten; Derra, Guenther; Gronenborn, Stephan; Gu, Xi; Heusler, Gero; Kolb, Johanna; Miller, Michael; Pekarski, Pavel; Pollmann-Retsch, Jens; Pruijmboom, Armand; Weichmann, Ulrich

    2015-03-01

    Easy system design, compactness and a uniform power distribution define the basic advantages of high power VCSEL systems. Full addressability in space and time add new dimensions for optimization and enable "digital photonic production". Many thermal processes benefit from the improved control i.e. heat is applied exactly where and when it is needed. The compact VCSEL systems can be integrated into most manufacturing equipment, replacing batch processes using large furnaces and reducing energy consumption. This paper will present how recent technological development of high power VCSEL systems will extend efficiency and flexibility of thermal processes and replace not only laser systems, lamps and furnaces but enable new ways of production. High power VCSEL systems are made from many VCSEL chips, each comprising thousands of low power VCSELs. Systems scalable in power from watts to multiple ten kilowatts and with various form factors utilize a common modular building block concept. Designs for reliable high power VCSEL arrays and systems can be developed and tested on each building block level and benefit from the low power density and excellent reliability of the VCSELs. Furthermore advanced assembly concepts aim to reduce the number of individual processes and components and make the whole system even more simple and reliable.

  20. Fourth-order structural steganalysis and analysis of cover assumptions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ker, Andrew D.

    2006-02-01

    We extend our previous work on structural steganalysis of LSB replacement in digital images, building detectors which analyse the effect of LSB operations on pixel groups as large as four. Some of the method previously applied to triplets of pixels carries over straightforwardly. However we discover new complexities in the specification of a cover image model, a key component of the detector. There are many reasonable symmetry assumptions which we can make about parity and structure in natural images, only some of which provide detection of steganography, and the challenge is to identify the symmetries a) completely, and b) concisely. We give a list of possible symmetries and then reduce them to a complete, non-redundant, and approximately independent set. Some experimental results suggest that all useful symmetries are thus described. A weighting is proposed and its approximate variance stabilisation verified empirically. Finally, we apply symmetries to create a novel quadruples detector for LSB replacement steganography. Experimental results show some improvement, in most cases, over other detectors. However the gain in performance is moderate compared with the increased complexity in the detection algorithm, and we suggest that, without new insight, further extension of structural steganalysis may provide diminishing returns.

  1. System Study for Axial Vane Engine Technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Badley, Patrick R.; Smith, Michael R.; Gould, Cedric O.

    2008-01-01

    The purpose of this engine feasibility study was to determine the benefits that can be achieved by incorporating positive displacement axial vane compression and expansion stages into high bypass turbofan engines. These positive-displacement stages would replace some or all of the conventional compressor and turbine stages in the turbine engine, but not the fan. The study considered combustion occurring internal to an axial vane component (i.e., Diesel engine replacing the standard turbine engine combustor, burner, and turbine); and external continuous flow combustion with an axial vane compressor and an axial vane turbine replacing conventional compressor and turbine systems.

  2. Feasibility and concept study to convert the NASA/AMES vertical motion simulator to a helicopter simulator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Belsterling, C. A.; Chou, R. C.; Davies, E. G.; Tsui, K. C.

    1978-01-01

    The conceptual design for converting the vertical motion simulator (VMS) to a multi-purpose aircraft and helicopter simulator is presented. A unique, high performance four degrees of freedom (DOF) motion system was developed to permanently replace the present six DOF synergistic system. The new four DOF system has the following outstanding features: (1) will integrate with the two large VMS translational modes and their associated subsystems; (2) can be converted from helicopter to fixed-wing aircraft simulation through software changes only; (3) interfaces with an advanced cab/visual display system of large dimensions; (4) makes maximum use of proven techniques, convenient materials and off-the-shelf components; (5) will operate within the existing building envelope without modifications; (6) can be built within the specified weight limit and avoid compromising VMS performance; (7) provides maximum performance with a minimum of power consumption; (8) simple design minimizes coupling between motions and maximizes reliability; and (9) can be built within existing budgetary figures.

  3. Compositional Models of Hematite-Rich Spherules (Blueberries) at Meridiani Planum, Mars and Constraints on Their Formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schneider, A.; Mittlefehldt, D.

    2006-10-01

    The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity discovered hematite-rich spherules (``blueberries'') believed to be diagenetic concretions formed in the bedrock in stagnant or slow-moving groundwater. These spherules likely precipitated from solution, but their origins are poorly understood. Three formation mechanisms are possible: inclusive, replacive and displacive. The first would result in a distinct spherule composition compared to the other two. We propose that chemical clues may help to constrain the nature of blueberry formation. We used Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer data for undisturbed soils that were blueberry-free and with visible blueberries at the surface in Microscopic Imager images. We made plots of the elements versus iron for the spherule-rich soils and compared them to a mixing line representative of a pure hematite end member spherule (called ``the zero model''). This modeled the replacive formation mechanism, in which pure hematite would replace all of the original material. If the spherules grew inclusively, chemical data should reflect a compositional component of the rock grains included during formation. Four models were developed to test for possible compositions of a rock component. These models could not easily explain the APXS data and thus demonstrate that the most plausible rock compositions are not components of blueberries.

  4. Carbohydrates as Fat Replacers.

    PubMed

    Peng, Xingyun; Yao, Yuan

    2017-02-28

    The overconsumption of dietary fat contributes to various chronic diseases, which encourages attempts to develop and consume low-fat foods. Simple fat reduction causes quality losses that impede the acceptance of foods. Fat replacers are utilized to minimize the quality deterioration after fat reduction or removal to achieve low-calorie, low-fat claims. In this review, the forms of fats and their functions in contributing to food textural and sensory qualities are discussed in various food systems. The connections between fat reduction and quality loss are described in order to clarify the rationales of fat replacement. Carbohydrate fat replacers usually have low calorie density and provide gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and other texture-modifying properties. In this review, carbohydrates, including starches, maltodextrins, polydextrose, gums, and fibers, are discussed with regard to their interactions with other components in foods as well as their performances as fat replacers in various systems.

  5. Electrospark Deposition for Depot- and Field-Level Component Repair and Replacement of Hard Chromium Plating

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-07

    aircraft repairs, including: 1. Single crystal turbine blade for two gas turbine engines ( FAA approved repair) 2. Second stage gas turbine blade ...gas turbine engine components. These include (a) application of corrosion resistant coatings to turbine blade tips where protective diffusion...base materials on many functional components (e.g., Ni-base superalloys, stainless steels, Monel, titanium alloys), thus allowing for self-repair

  6. Effect of Changes in Transepithelial Transport on the Uptake of Sodium across the Outer Surface of the Frog Skin

    PubMed Central

    Biber, Thomas U. L.

    1971-01-01

    The unidirectional sodium, uptake at the outer surface of the frog skin was measured by the method described by Biber and Curran (8). With bathing solutions containing 6 mM NaCl there is a good correlation between sodium uptake and short-circuit current (SCC) measured simultaneously except that the average uptake is about 40% higher than the average SCC. The discrepancy between uptake and SCC increases approximately in proportion to an increase in sodium concentration of the bathing solutions. Amiloride inhibits the unidirectional sodium uptake by 21 and 69% at a sodium concentration of 115 and 6 mM, respectively. This indicates that amiloride acts on the entry step of sodium but additional effects cannot be excluded. The sodium, uptake is not affected by 10-4 M ouabain at a sodium concentration of 115 mM but is inhibited by 40% at a sodium concentration of 6 mM. Replacement of air by nitrogen leads to a 40% decrease of sodium uptake at a sodium concentration of 6 mM. The results support the view proposed previously (8) that the sodium uptake is made up of two components, a linear component which is, essentially, not involved in transepithelial movement of sodium and a saturating component which reflects changes in transepithelial transport. Amiloride, seems largely to affect the saturating component. PMID:5559619

  7. Microprocessor-based control systems application in nuclear power plant critical systems

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

    Shah, M.R.; Nowak, J.B.

    Microprocessor-based control systems have been used in fossil power plants and are receiving greater acceptance for application in nuclear plants. This technology is not new but it does require unique considerations when applied to nuclear power plants. Sargent and Lundy (S and L) has used a microprocessor-based component logic control system (interposing Logic System) for safety- and non-safety-related components in nuclear power plants under construction overseas. Currently, S and L is in the design stage to replace an existing analog control system with a microprocessor-based control system in the U.S. The trend in the industry is to replace systems inmore » existing plants or design new power plants with microprocessor-based control systems.« less

  8. Surface forcing of non-stand-replacing fires in Siberian larch forests

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Dong; Loboda, Tatiana V.

    2018-04-01

    Wildfires are the dominant disturbance agent in the Siberian larch forests. Extensive low- to mediate-intensity non-stand-replacing fires are a notable property of fire regime in these forests. Recent large scale studies of these fires have focused mostly on their impacts on carbon budget; however, their potential impacts on energy budget through post-fire albedo changes have not been considered. This study quantifies the post-fire surface forcing for Siberian larch forests that experienced non-stand-replacing fires between 2001 and 2012 using the full record of MODIS MCD43A3 albedo product and a burned area product developed specifically for the Russian forests. Despite a large variability, the mean effect of non-stand-replacing fires imposed through albedo is a negative forcing which lasts for at least 14 years. However, the magnitude of the forcing is much smaller than that imposed by stand-replacing fires, highlighting the importance of differentiating between the two fire types in the studies involving the fire impacts in the region. The results of this study also show that MODIS-based summer differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) provides a reliable metric for differentiating non-stand-replacing from stand-replacing fires with an overall accuracy of 88%, which is of considerable importance for future work on modeling post-fire energy budget and carbon budget in the region.

  9. Special features of total knee replacement in hemophilia.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Merchan, Emerito Carlos

    2013-12-01

    Total knee replacement is an operation frequently needed by hemophilia patients, which greatly improves their quality of life. This operation, however, carries a higher risk of bleeding and infection for hemophiliacs than it does for osteoarthritis sufferers. It is advisable to implant prosthetic components using antibiotic-loaded cement. It is essential to maintain a level of 100% of the replacement clotting factor for 2 weeks. Hematological treatment must be established, depending on the patient's factor levels and other pharmacokinetic parameters such as recovery and half-life, optimal doses and treatment time. It is preferable to use general anesthesia due to the risk of spinal bleeding. The lifespan of total knee replacement in hemophilic patients is shorter than in patients with osteoarthritis because of the increased risk of infection.

  10. Cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery in hip and knee replacement: a systematic review protocol.

    PubMed

    Murphy, Jacqueline; Pritchard, Mark G; Cheng, Lok Yin; Janarthanan, Roshni; Leal, José

    2018-03-14

    Hip and knee replacement represents a significant burden to the UK healthcare system. 'Enhanced recovery' pathways have been introduced in the National Health Service (NHS) for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement, with the aim of improving outcomes and timely recovery after surgery. To support policymaking, there is a need to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery pathways across jurisdictions. Our aim is to systematically summarise the published cost-effectiveness evidence on enhanced recovery in hip and knee replacement, both as a whole and for each of the various components of enhanced recovery pathways. A systematic review will be conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Econlit and the National Health Service Economic Evaluations Database. Separate search strategies were developed for each database including terms relating to hip and knee replacement/arthroplasty, economic evaluations, decision modelling and quality of life measures.We will extract peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2017 reporting economic evaluations of preoperative, perioperative or postoperative enhanced recovery interventions within hip or knee replacement. Economic evaluations alongside cohort studies or based on decision models will be included. Only studies with patients undergoing elective replacement surgery of the hip or knee will be included. Data will be extracted using a predefined pro forma following best practice guidelines for economic evaluation, decision modelling and model validation.Our primary outcome will be the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery (entire pathway and individual components) in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year. A narrative synthesis of all studies will be presented, focussing on cost-effectiveness results, study design, quality and validation status. This systematic review is exempted from ethics approval because the work is carried out on published documents. The results of the review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed academic journal and at conferences. CRD42017059473. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  11. Cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery in hip and knee replacement: a systematic review protocol

    PubMed Central

    Pritchard, Mark G; Cheng, Lok Yin; Janarthanan, Roshni

    2018-01-01

    Introduction Hip and knee replacement represents a significant burden to the UK healthcare system. ‘Enhanced recovery’ pathways have been introduced in the National Health Service (NHS) for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement, with the aim of improving outcomes and timely recovery after surgery. To support policymaking, there is a need to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery pathways across jurisdictions. Our aim is to systematically summarise the published cost-effectiveness evidence on enhanced recovery in hip and knee replacement, both as a whole and for each of the various components of enhanced recovery pathways. Methods and analysis A systematic review will be conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Econlit and the National Health Service Economic Evaluations Database. Separate search strategies were developed for each database including terms relating to hip and knee replacement/arthroplasty, economic evaluations, decision modelling and quality of life measures. We will extract peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2017 reporting economic evaluations of preoperative, perioperative or postoperative enhanced recovery interventions within hip or knee replacement. Economic evaluations alongside cohort studies or based on decision models will be included. Only studies with patients undergoing elective replacement surgery of the hip or knee will be included. Data will be extracted using a predefined pro forma following best practice guidelines for economic evaluation, decision modelling and model validation. Our primary outcome will be the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery (entire pathway and individual components) in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year. A narrative synthesis of all studies will be presented, focussing on cost-effectiveness results, study design, quality and validation status. Ethics and dissemination This systematic review is exempted from ethics approval because the work is carried out on published documents. The results of the review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed academic journal and at conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017059473. PMID:29540418

  12. MaxSynBio - Avenues towards creating cells from the bottom up.

    PubMed

    Schwille, Petra; Spatz, Joachim; Landfester, Katharina; Bodenschatz, Eberhard; Herminghaus, Stephan; Sourjik, Victor; Erb, Tobias; Bastiaens, Philippe; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Hyman, Anthony; Dabrock, Peter; Baret, Jean-Christophe; Vidakovic-Koch, Tanja; Bieling, Peter; Dimova, Rumiana; Mutschler, Hannes; Robinson, Tom; Tang, Dora; Wegner, Seraphine; Sundmacher, Kai

    2018-05-11

    A large Max Planck-based German research consortium ('MaxSynBio') was formed to investigate living systems from a fundamental perspective. The research program of MaxSynBio relies solely on the bottom-up approach to Synthetic Biology. MaxSynBio focuses on the detailed analysis and understanding of essential processes of life, via their modular reconstitution in minimal synthetic systems. The ultimate goal is to construct a basic living unit entirely from non-living components. The fundamental insights gained from the activities in MaxSynBio can eventually be utilized for establishing a new generation of biotechnological processes, which would be based on synthetic cell constructs that replace natural cells currently used in conventional biotechnology. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Field test report of the Department of Energy's 100-kW vertical axis wind turbine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nellums, R. O.

    1985-02-01

    Three second generation Darrieus type vertical axis wind turbines of approximately 120 kW capacity per unit were installed in 1980-1981. Through March 1984, over 9000 hours of operation had been accumulated, including 6600 hours of operation on the unit installed in Bushland, Texas. The turbines were heavily instrumented and have yielded a large amount of test data. Test results of this program, including aerodynamic, structural, drive train, and economic data are presented. Among the most favorable results were an aerodynamic peak performance coefficient of 0.41; fundamental structural integrity requiring few repairs and no major component replacements as of March 1984; and an average prototype fabrication cost of approximately $970 per peak kilowatt of output. A review of potential design improvements is presented.

  14. The relationship between operative and radiographic acetabular component orientation: which factors influence resultant cup orientation?

    PubMed

    Grammatopoulos, G; Pandit, H G; da Assunção, R; McLardy-Smith, P; De Smet, K A; Gill, H S; Murray, D W

    2014-10-01

    There is great variability in acetabular component orientation following hip replacement. The aims of this study were to compare the component orientation at impaction with the orientation measured on post-operative radiographs and identify factors that influence the difference between the two. A total of 67 hip replacements (52 total hip replacements and 15 hip resurfacings) were prospectively studied. Intra-operatively, the orientation of the acetabular component after impaction relative to the operating table was measured using a validated stereo-photogrammetry protocol. Post-operatively, the radiographic orientation was measured; the mean inclination/anteversion was 43° (sd 6°)/ 19° (sd 7°). A simulated radiographic orientation was calculated based on how the orientation would have appeared had an on-table radiograph been taken intra-operatively. The mean difference between radiographic and intra-operative inclination/anteversion was 5° (sd 5°)/ -8° (sd 8°). The mean difference between simulated radiographic and intra-operative inclination/anteversion, which quantifies the effect of the different way acetabular orientation is measured, was 3°/-6° (sd 2°). The mean difference between radiographic and simulated radiographic orientation inclination/anteversion, which is a manifestation of the change in pelvic position between component impaction and radiograph, was 1°/-2° (sd 7°). This study demonstrated that in order to achieve a specific radiographic orientation target, surgeons should implant the acetabular component 5° less inclined and 8° more anteverted than their target. Great variability (2 sd about ± 15°) in the post-operative radiographic cup orientation was seen. The two equally contributing causes for this are variability in the orientation at which the cup is implanted, and the change in pelvic position between impaction and post-operative radiograph. ©2014 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  15. Randomized central limit theorems: A unified theory.

    PubMed

    Eliazar, Iddo; Klafter, Joseph

    2010-08-01

    The central limit theorems (CLTs) characterize the macroscopic statistical behavior of large ensembles of independent and identically distributed random variables. The CLTs assert that the universal probability laws governing ensembles' aggregate statistics are either Gaussian or Lévy, and that the universal probability laws governing ensembles' extreme statistics are Fréchet, Weibull, or Gumbel. The scaling schemes underlying the CLTs are deterministic-scaling all ensemble components by a common deterministic scale. However, there are "random environment" settings in which the underlying scaling schemes are stochastic-scaling the ensemble components by different random scales. Examples of such settings include Holtsmark's law for gravitational fields and the Stretched Exponential law for relaxation times. In this paper we establish a unified theory of randomized central limit theorems (RCLTs)-in which the deterministic CLT scaling schemes are replaced with stochastic scaling schemes-and present "randomized counterparts" to the classic CLTs. The RCLT scaling schemes are shown to be governed by Poisson processes with power-law statistics, and the RCLTs are shown to universally yield the Lévy, Fréchet, and Weibull probability laws.

  16. Randomized central limit theorems: A unified theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eliazar, Iddo; Klafter, Joseph

    2010-08-01

    The central limit theorems (CLTs) characterize the macroscopic statistical behavior of large ensembles of independent and identically distributed random variables. The CLTs assert that the universal probability laws governing ensembles’ aggregate statistics are either Gaussian or Lévy, and that the universal probability laws governing ensembles’ extreme statistics are Fréchet, Weibull, or Gumbel. The scaling schemes underlying the CLTs are deterministic—scaling all ensemble components by a common deterministic scale. However, there are “random environment” settings in which the underlying scaling schemes are stochastic—scaling the ensemble components by different random scales. Examples of such settings include Holtsmark’s law for gravitational fields and the Stretched Exponential law for relaxation times. In this paper we establish a unified theory of randomized central limit theorems (RCLTs)—in which the deterministic CLT scaling schemes are replaced with stochastic scaling schemes—and present “randomized counterparts” to the classic CLTs. The RCLT scaling schemes are shown to be governed by Poisson processes with power-law statistics, and the RCLTs are shown to universally yield the Lévy, Fréchet, and Weibull probability laws.

  17. Development of plant condition measurement - The Jimah Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Evans, Roy F.; Syuhaimi, Mohd; Mazli, Mohammad; Kamarudin, Nurliyana; Maniza Othman, Faiz

    2012-05-01

    The Jimah Model is an information management model. The model has been designed to facilitate analysis of machine condition by integrating diagnostic data with quantitative and qualitative information. The model treats data as a single strand of information - metaphorically a 'genome' of data. The 'Genome' is structured to be representative of plant function and identifies the condition of selected components (or genes) in each machine. To date in industry, computer aided work processes used with traditional industrial practices, have been unable to consistently deliver a standard of information suitable for holistic evaluation of machine condition and change. Significantly the reengineered site strategies necessary for implementation of this "data genome concept" have resulted in enhanced knowledge and management of plant condition. In large plant with high initial equipment cost and subsequent high maintenance costs, accurate measurement of major component condition becomes central to whole of life management and replacement decisions. A case study following implementation of the model at a major power station site in Malaysia (Jimah) shows that modeling of plant condition and wear (in real time) can be made a practical reality.

  18. A recombinant Bacillus anthracis strain producing the Clostridium perfringens Ib component induces protection against iota toxins.

    PubMed

    Sirard, J C; Weber, M; Duflot, E; Popoff, M R; Mock, M

    1997-06-01

    The Bacillus anthracis toxinogenic Sterne strain is currently used as a live veterinary vaccine against anthrax. The capacity of a toxin-deficient derivative strain to produce a heterologous antigen by using the strong inducible promoter of the B. anthracis pag gene was investigated. The expression of the foreign gene ibp, encoding the Ib component of iota toxin from Clostridium perfringens, was analyzed. A pag-ibp fusion was introduced by allelic exchange into a toxin-deficient Sterne strain, thereby replacing the wild-type pag gene. This recombinant strain, called BAIB, was stable and secreted large quantities of Ib protein in induced culture conditions. Mice given injections of live BAIB spores developed an antibody response specific to the Ib protein. The pag-ibp fusion was therefore functional both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the immunized animals were protected against a challenge with C. perfringens iota toxin or with the homologous Clostridium spiroforme toxin. The protective immunity was mediated by neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, B. anthracis is promising for the development of live veterinary vaccines.

  19. A recombinant Bacillus anthracis strain producing the Clostridium perfringens Ib component induces protection against iota toxins.

    PubMed Central

    Sirard, J C; Weber, M; Duflot, E; Popoff, M R; Mock, M

    1997-01-01

    The Bacillus anthracis toxinogenic Sterne strain is currently used as a live veterinary vaccine against anthrax. The capacity of a toxin-deficient derivative strain to produce a heterologous antigen by using the strong inducible promoter of the B. anthracis pag gene was investigated. The expression of the foreign gene ibp, encoding the Ib component of iota toxin from Clostridium perfringens, was analyzed. A pag-ibp fusion was introduced by allelic exchange into a toxin-deficient Sterne strain, thereby replacing the wild-type pag gene. This recombinant strain, called BAIB, was stable and secreted large quantities of Ib protein in induced culture conditions. Mice given injections of live BAIB spores developed an antibody response specific to the Ib protein. The pag-ibp fusion was therefore functional both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the immunized animals were protected against a challenge with C. perfringens iota toxin or with the homologous Clostridium spiroforme toxin. The protective immunity was mediated by neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, B. anthracis is promising for the development of live veterinary vaccines. PMID:9169728

  20. Leaching of heavy metals from cementitious composites made of new ternary cements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuterasińska-Warwas, Justyna; Król, Anna

    2017-10-01

    The paper presents a comparison of research methods concerning the leaching of harmful substances (selected heavy metal cations ie. Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr) and their degree of immobilization in cement matrices. The new types of ternary cements were used in the study, where a large proportion of cement clinker was replaced by other non-clinker components - industrial wastes, ie. siliceous fly ash from power industry and granulated blast furnace slag from the iron and steel industry. In studied cementitious binders also ground limestone was used, which is a widely available raw material. The aim of research is determining the suitability of new cements for neutralizing harmful substances in the obtained matrices. The application of two research methods in accordance with EN 12457-4 and NEN 7275 intends to reflection of changing environmental conditions whom composite materials may actually undergo during their exploitation or storing on landfills. The results show that cements with high addition of non-clinker components are suitable for stabilization of toxic substances and the obtained cement matrices retain a high degree of immobilization of heavy metals at the level of 99%.

  1. A phase screen model for simulating numerically the propagation of a laser beam in rain

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

    Lukin, I P; Rychkov, D S; Falits, A V

    2009-09-30

    The method based on the generalisation of the phase screen method for a continuous random medium is proposed for simulating numerically the propagation of laser radiation in a turbulent atmosphere with precipitation. In the phase screen model for a discrete component of a heterogeneous 'air-rain droplet' medium, the amplitude screen describing the scattering of an optical field by discrete particles of the medium is replaced by an equivalent phase screen with a spectrum of the correlation function of the effective dielectric constant fluctuations that is similar to the spectrum of a discrete scattering component - water droplets in air. Themore » 'turbulent' phase screen is constructed on the basis of the Kolmogorov model, while the 'rain' screen model utiises the exponential distribution of the number of rain drops with respect to their radii as a function of the rain intensity. Theresults of the numerical simulation are compared with the known theoretical estimates for a large-scale discrete scattering medium. (propagation of laser radiation in matter)« less

  2. Discrete elements for 3D microfluidics.

    PubMed

    Bhargava, Krisna C; Thompson, Bryant; Malmstadt, Noah

    2014-10-21

    Microfluidic systems are rapidly becoming commonplace tools for high-precision materials synthesis, biochemical sample preparation, and biophysical analysis. Typically, microfluidic systems are constructed in monolithic form by means of microfabrication and, increasingly, by additive techniques. These methods restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems by placing unnecessary emphasis on complete functional integration of operational elements in a planar environment. Here, we present a solution based on discrete elements that liberates designers to build large-scale microfluidic systems in three dimensions that are modular, diverse, and predictable by simple network analysis techniques. We develop a sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using stereolithography. We predict and validate the flow characteristics of these individual components to design and construct a tunable concentration gradient generator with a scalable number of parallel outputs. We show that these systems are rapidly reconfigurable by constructing three variations of a device for generating monodisperse microdroplets in two distinct size regimes and in a high-throughput mode by simple replacement of emulsifier subcircuits. Finally, we demonstrate the capability for active process monitoring by constructing an optical sensing element for detecting water droplets in a fluorocarbon stream and quantifying their size and frequency. By moving away from large-scale integration toward standardized discrete elements, we demonstrate the potential to reduce the practice of designing and assembling complex 3D microfluidic circuits to a methodology comparable to that found in the electronics industry.

  3. Reviving the carbohydrate economy via multi-product lignocellulose biorefineries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Y-H Percival

    2008-05-01

    Before the industrial revolution, the global economy was largely based on living carbon from plants. Now the economy is mainly dependent on fossil fuels (dead carbon). Biomass is the only sustainable bioresource that can provide sufficient transportation fuels and renewable materials at the same time. Cellulosic ethanol production from less costly and most abundant lignocellulose is confronted with three main obstacles: (1) high processing costs (dollars /gallon of ethanol), (2) huge capital investment (dollars approximately 4-10/gallon of annual ethanol production capacity), and (3) a narrow margin between feedstock and product prices. Both lignocellulose fractionation technology and effective co-utilization of acetic acid, lignin and hemicellulose will be vital to the realization of profitable lignocellulose biorefineries, since co-product revenues would increase the margin up to 6.2-fold, where all purified lignocellulose co-components have higher selling prices (> approximately 1.0/kg) than ethanol ( approximately 0.5/kg of ethanol). Isolation of large amounts of lignocellulose components through lignocellulose fractionation would stimulate R&D in lignin and hemicellulose applications, as well as promote new markets for lignin- and hemicellulose-derivative products. Lignocellulose resource would be sufficient to replace significant fractionations (e.g., 30%) of transportation fuels through liquid biofuels, internal combustion engines in the short term, and would provide 100% transportation fuels by sugar-hydrogen-fuel cell systems in the long term.

  4. Broadband, Achromatic Twyman-Green Interferometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steimle, Lawrence J.

    1991-01-01

    Improved Twyman-Green interferometer used in wave-front testing optical components at wavelengths from 200 to 1,100 nm, without having to readjust focus when changing wavelength. Built to measure aberrations of light passing through optical filters. Collimating and imaging lenses of classical Twyman-Green configuration replaced by single spherical mirror. Field lens replaced by field mirror. Mirrors exhibit no axial chromatic aberration and made to reflect light efficiently over desired broad range of wavelengths.

  5. Comodulation masking release in an off-frequency masking paradigm.

    PubMed

    Grzeschik, Ramona; Lübken, Björn; Verhey, Jesko L

    2015-08-01

    Detection threshold of a sinusoidal signal masked by a broadband masker is lower when on- and off-frequency masker components have a correlated envelope, compared to a condition in which these masker components have different envelopes. This effect is commonly referred to as comodulation masking release (CMR). The present study investigated if there is a CMR in the absence of a masker component at the signal frequency, i.e., in an off-frequency masking paradigm. Thresholds were measured for a 500-Hz signal in the presence of a broadband masker with a spectral notch at the signal frequency. Thresholds were significantly lower for a (co-)modulated than for an unmodulated masker for all notch widths up to 400 Hz. An additional experiment showed that the particularly large CMR for the no-notch condition was due to the way the modulated masker was generated. No CMR was measured when the notched-noise masker was replaced by a pair of narrowband noises. The addition of more remote masker bands resulted in a CMR of about 3-4 dB. The notched-noise data were predicted on the basis of a modulation-filterbank model. The predictions of the narrowband noise conditions indicated that all mechanisms underlying CMR might still not be fully understood.

  6. Instantaneous Respiratory Estimation from Thoracic Impedance by Empirical Mode Decomposition.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fu-Tai; Chan, Hsiao-Lung; Wang, Chun-Li; Jian, Hung-Ming; Lin, Sheng-Hsiung

    2015-07-07

    Impedance plethysmography provides a way to measure respiratory activity by sensing the change of thoracic impedance caused by inspiration and expiration. This measurement imposes little pressure on the body and uses the human body as the sensor, thereby reducing the need for adjustments as body position changes and making it suitable for long-term or ambulatory monitoring. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) can decompose a signal into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) that disclose nonstationary components as well as stationary components and, similarly, capture respiratory episodes from thoracic impedance. However, upper-body movements usually produce motion artifacts that are not easily removed by digital filtering. Moreover, large motion artifacts disable the EMD to decompose respiratory components. In this paper, motion artifacts are detected and replaced by the data mirrored from the prior and the posterior before EMD processing. A novel intrinsic respiratory reconstruction index that considers both global and local properties of IMFs is proposed to define respiration-related IMFs for respiration reconstruction and instantaneous respiratory estimation. Based on the experiments performing a series of static and dynamic physical activates, our results showed the proposed method had higher cross correlations between respiratory frequencies estimated from thoracic impedance and those from oronasal airflow based on small window size compared to the Fourier transform-based method.

  7. Instantaneous Respiratory Estimation from Thoracic Impedance by Empirical Mode Decomposition

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Fu-Tai; Chan, Hsiao-Lung; Wang, Chun-Li; Jian, Hung-Ming; Lin, Sheng-Hsiung

    2015-01-01

    Impedance plethysmography provides a way to measure respiratory activity by sensing the change of thoracic impedance caused by inspiration and expiration. This measurement imposes little pressure on the body and uses the human body as the sensor, thereby reducing the need for adjustments as body position changes and making it suitable for long-term or ambulatory monitoring. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) can decompose a signal into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) that disclose nonstationary components as well as stationary components and, similarly, capture respiratory episodes from thoracic impedance. However, upper-body movements usually produce motion artifacts that are not easily removed by digital filtering. Moreover, large motion artifacts disable the EMD to decompose respiratory components. In this paper, motion artifacts are detected and replaced by the data mirrored from the prior and the posterior before EMD processing. A novel intrinsic respiratory reconstruction index that considers both global and local properties of IMFs is proposed to define respiration-related IMFs for respiration reconstruction and instantaneous respiratory estimation. Based on the experiments performing a series of static and dynamic physical activates, our results showed the proposed method had higher cross correlations between respiratory frequencies estimated from thoracic impedance and those from oronasal airflow based on small window size compared to the Fourier transform-based method. PMID:26198231

  8. Regulation of intramembranous absorption and amniotic fluid volume by constituents in fetal sheep urine

    PubMed Central

    Jonker, Sonnet S.; Louey, Samantha; Cheung, Cecilia Y.; Brace, Robert A.

    2013-01-01

    Our objective was to test the hypothesis that fetal urine contains a substance(s) that regulates amniotic fluid volume by altering the rate of intramembranous absorption of amniotic fluid. In late gestation ovine fetuses, amniotic fluid volumes, urine, and lung liquid production rates, swallowed volumes and intramembranous volume and solute absorption rates were measured over 2-day periods under control conditions and when urine was removed and continuously replaced at an equal rate with exogenous fluid. Intramembranous volume absorption rate decreased by 40% when urine was replaced with lactated Ringer solution or lactated Ringer solution diluted 50% with water. Amniotic fluid volume doubled under both conditions. Analysis of the intramembranous sodium and chloride fluxes suggests that the active but not passive component of intramembranous volume absorption was altered by urine replacement, whereas both active and passive components of solute fluxes were altered. We conclude that fetal urine contains an unidentified substance(s) that stimulates active intramembranous transport of amniotic fluid across the amnion into the underlying fetal vasculature and thereby functions as a regulator of amniotic fluid volume. PMID:23824958

  9. Evaluating fire-damaged components of historic covered bridges

    Treesearch

    Brian Kukay; Charles Todd; Tyler Jahn; Jenson Sannon; Logan Dunlap; Robert White; Mark Dietenberger

    2016-01-01

    Arson continues to claim many historic covered bridges. Site-specific, post-fire evaluations of the structural integrity of a bridge are often necessary in a fire’s aftermath. Decisions on whether individual wood components can be rehabilitated, reconstructed, or replaced must be made. This report includes coverage of existing approaches and exploratory approaches that...

  10. Use of a threshold animal model to estimate calving ease and stillbirth (co)variance components for US Holsteins

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    (Co)variance components for calving ease and stillbirth in US Holsteins were estimated using a single-trait threshold animal model and two different sets of data edits. Six sets of approximately 250,000 records each were created by randomly selecting herd codes without replacement from the data used...

  11. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SURGICAL SKIN PLANING

    PubMed Central

    Ayres, Samuel; Wilson, J. Walter; Luikart, Ralph

    1958-01-01

    In surgical skin planing steel wire brushes have been largely replaced by the less hazardous diamond chip burs or “fraises” and serrated steel wheels. In addition to acne pits and wrinkling, multiple actinic (senile) keratoses are an important indication for planing. Planing provides a nonscarring method for the treatment of existing keratoses, as well as a prophylaxis against skin cancer by replacing the sun-damaged, precancerous epidermis with new epidermal cells derived from the cutaneous adnexa (pilosebaceous and sweat gland units). There are clinical landmarks indicating the depth of planing which can serve as a guide to the operator and can be correlated with microscopic findings. The results of experiments on the comparative effects of refrigerants on animal and human skin indicate that human facial skin can tolerate considerable freezing with ethyl chloride or dichlorotetrafluoroethane (Freon 114) but that mixtures containing large proportions of the much colder dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon 12) may be undesirable. Refreezing an area of the skin in order to perform a more adequate planing is not considered hazardous. The regeneration of the skin following planing has three components: Epidermal, adnexal and dermal. The cells of the epidermis and the adnexa are equipotential. A knowledge of the anatomy of the acne pit enables the operator to decide which pits can be benefited by planing and which should be excised before planing. The successful treatment of acne pits of the face by planing in patients having keloids elsewhere on the body is reported. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5.Figure 6.Figure 7. PMID:13500217

  12. Proximal femoral bone loss and increased rate of fracture with a proximally hydroxyapatite-coated femoral component.

    PubMed

    Radl, R; Aigner, C; Hungerford, M; Pascher, A; Windhager, R

    2000-11-01

    We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip replacement using an uncemented femoral component proximally coated with hydroxyapatite. Of 136 patients, 118 who had undergone 124 primary total hip replacements were available for study. Their mean age was 66.5 years (19 to 90) and the mean follow-up was 5.6 years (4.25 to 7.25). At the final follow-up the mean Harris hip score was 92 (47.7 to 100). Periprosthetic femoral fractures, which occurred in seven patients (5.6%), were treated by osteosynthesis in six and conservatively in one. We had to revise five femoral components, one because of aseptic loosening, one because of septic loosening and three because of periprosthetic fracture. At the final follow-up there were definite signs of aseptic loosening in two patients. Radiologically, proximal femoral bone loss in Gruen zones I and VI was evident in 96.8% of hips, while bone hypertrophy in zones III and V was seen in 64.7%. In 24 hips (20.2%) the mean subsidence of the stem was 3.7 mm which occurred within the first 12 postoperative weeks. This indicated poor initial stability, which might have been aggravated by early weight-bearing. The high rate of failure in our study suggests that proximal femoral bone loss affects the long-term survival of the replacement.

  13. SPIDER: Next Generation Chip Scale Imaging Sensor Update

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duncan, A.; Kendrick, R.; Ogden, C.; Wuchenich, D.; Thurman, S.; Su, T.; Lai, W.; Chun, J.; Li, S.; Liu, G.; Yoo, S. J. B.

    2016-09-01

    The Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LM ATC) and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) are developing an electro-optical (EO) imaging sensor called SPIDER (Segmented Planar Imaging Detector for Electro-optical Reconnaissance) that seeks to provide a 10x to 100x size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction alternative to the traditional bulky optical telescope and focal-plane detector array. The substantial reductions in SWaP would reduce cost and/or provide higher resolution by enabling a larger-aperture imager in a constrained volume. Our SPIDER imager replaces the traditional optical telescope and digital focal plane detector array with a densely packed interferometer array based on emerging photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies that samples the object being imaged in the Fourier domain (i.e., spatial frequency domain), and then reconstructs an image. Our approach replaces the large optics and structures required by a conventional telescope with PICs that are accommodated by standard lithographic fabrication techniques (e.g., complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication). The standard EO payload integration and test process that involves precision alignment and test of optical components to form a diffraction limited telescope is, therefore, replaced by in-process integration and test as part of the PIC fabrication, which substantially reduces associated schedule and cost. This paper provides an overview of performance data on the second-generation PIC for SPIDER developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s SPIDER Zoom research funding. We also update the design description of the SPIDER Zoom imaging sensor and the second-generation PIC (high- and low resolution versions).

  14. Testbed Experiment for SPIDER: A Photonic Integrated Circuit-based Interferometric imaging system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Badham, K.; Duncan, A.; Kendrick, R. L.; Wuchenich, D.; Ogden, C.; Chriqui, G.; Thurman, S. T.; Su, T.; Lai, W.; Chun, J.; Li, S.; Liu, G.; Yoo, S. J. B.

    The Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LM ATC) and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) are developing an electro-optical (EO) imaging sensor called SPIDER (Segmented Planar Imaging Detector for Electro-optical Reconnaissance) that seeks to provide a 10x to 100x size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction alternative to the traditional bulky optical telescope and focal-plane detector array. The substantial reductions in SWaP would reduce cost and/or provide higher resolution by enabling a larger-aperture imager in a constrained volume. Our SPIDER imager replaces the traditional optical telescope and digital focal plane detector array with a densely packed interferometer array based on emerging photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies that samples the object being imaged in the Fourier domain (i.e., spatial frequency domain), and then reconstructs an image. Our approach replaces the large optics and structures required by a conventional telescope with PICs that are accommodated by standard lithographic fabrication techniques (e.g., complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication). The standard EO payload integration and test process that involves precision alignment and test of optical components to form a diffraction limited telescope is, therefore, replaced by in-process integration and test as part of the PIC fabrication, which substantially reduces associated schedule and cost. In this paper we describe the photonic integrated circuit design and the testbed used to create the first images of extended scenes. We summarize the image reconstruction steps and present the final images. We also describe our next generation PIC design for a larger (16x area, 4x field of view) image.

  15. Advanced Self-Calibrating, Self-Repairing Data Acquisition System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Eckhoff, Anthony J. (Inventor); Angel, Lucena R. (Inventor); Perotti, Jose M. (Inventor)

    2002-01-01

    An improved self-calibrating and self-repairing Data Acquisition System (DAS) for use in inaccessible areas, such as onboard spacecraft, and capable of autonomously performing required system health checks, failure detection. When required, self-repair is implemented utilizing a "spare parts/tool box" system. The available number of spare components primarily depends upon each component's predicted reliability which may be determined using Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) analysis. Failing or degrading components are electronically removed and disabled to reduce power consumption, before being electronically replaced with spare components.

  16. Deep Space Network Revitalization: Operations for the 21st Century

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Statman, Joseph I.

    1999-01-01

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) supports unmanned space missions through a Deep Space Network (DSN) that is developed and operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL and its subcontractors. The DSN capabilities have been incrementally upgraded since its establishment in the late '50s and are delivered from three Deep Space Communications Complexes (DSCC's) near Goldstone, California, Madrid, Spain, and Canberra, Australia. At present each DSCC includes large antennas with diameters from 11 meters to 70 meters, that operate largely in S-band and X-band frequencies. In addition each DSCC includes all the associated electronics to receive and process the low-level telemetry signals, and radiate the necessary command with high-power transmitters. To accommodate support of the rapidly increasing number of missions by NASA and other space agencies, and to facilitate maintaining and increasing the level of service in a shrinking budget environment, JPL has initiated a bold road map with three key components: 1. A Network Simplification Project (NSP) to upgrade aging electronics, replacing them with modem commercially based components. NSP and related replacement tasks are projected to reduce the cost of operating the DSN by 50% relative to the 1997 levels. 2. Upgrade of all 34-m and 70-m antennas to provision of Ka-Band telemetry downlink capability, complemented by an existing X-band uplink capability. This will increase the effective telemetry downlink capacity by a factor of 4, without building any new antennas. 3. Establishment of an optical communications network to support for high data rate unmanned missions that cannot be accommodated with radiofrequency (RF) communications, as well as establish a path toward support of manned missions at Mars. In this paper we present the mission loading projected for 1998-2008 and the elements of the JPL road map that will enable supporting it with a reduced budget. Particular emphasis will be on streamlining the architecture and to reduce the DSN cost for operations, maintenance and sustaining engineering while at the same time also simplifying and reducing the operations cost for the flight missions.

  17. Relationships between early-life growth, intake, and birth season with first-lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Chester-Jones, H; Heins, B J; Ziegler, D; Schimek, D; Schuling, S; Ziegler, B; de Ondarza, M B; Sniffen, C J; Broadwater, N

    2017-05-01

    The objective was to determine the relationships between early-life parameters [including average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), milk replacer intake, starter intake, and birth season] and the first-lactation performance of Holstein cows. We collected data from birth years 2004 to 2012 for 2,880 Holstein animals. Calves were received from 3 commercial dairy farms and enrolled in 37 different calf research trials at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center from 3 to 195 d. Upon trial completion, calves were returned to their respective farms. Milk replacer options included varying protein levels and amounts fed, but in the majority of studies, calves were fed a milk replacer containing 20% crude protein and 20% fat at 0.57 kg/calf daily. Most calves (93%) were weaned at 6 wk. Milk replacer dry matter intake, starter intake, ADG, and BW at 6 wk were 21.5 ± 2.2 kg, 17.3 ± 7.3 kg, 0.53 ± 0.13 kg/d, and 62.4 ± 6.8 kg, respectively. Average age at first calving and first-lactation 305-d milk yield were 715 ± 46.5 d and 10,959 ± 1,527 kg, respectively. We conducted separate mixed-model analyses using the REML model-fitting protocol of JMP (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) to determine the effect of early-life BW or ADG, milk replacer and starter intake, and birth season on first-lactation 305-d milk, fat, and true protein yield. Greater BW and ADG at 6 wk resulted in increased first-lactation milk and milk component yields. Intake of calf starter at 8 wk had a significant positive relationship with first-lactation 305-d yield of milk and milk components. Milk replacer intake, which varied very little in this data set, had no effect on first-lactation 305-d yield of milk and milk components. Calves born in the fall and winter had greater starter intake, BW, and ADG at 8 wk. However, calves born in the summer had a higher 305-d milk yield during their first lactation than those born in the fall and winter. Improvements were modest, and variation was high, suggesting that additional factors not accounted for in these analyses affected first-lactation performance. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Application of principal component analysis to multispectral-multimodal optical image analysis for malaria diagnostics.

    PubMed

    Omucheni, Dickson L; Kaduki, Kenneth A; Bulimo, Wallace D; Angeyo, Hudson K

    2014-12-11

    Multispectral imaging microscopy is a novel microscopic technique that integrates spectroscopy with optical imaging to record both spectral and spatial information of a specimen. This enables acquisition of a large and more informative dataset than is achievable in conventional optical microscopy. However, such data are characterized by high signal correlation and are difficult to interpret using univariate data analysis techniques. In this work, the development and application of a novel method which uses principal component analysis (PCA) in the processing of spectral images obtained from a simple multispectral-multimodal imaging microscope to detect Plasmodium parasites in unstained thin blood smear for malaria diagnostics is reported. The optical microscope used in this work has been modified by replacing the broadband light source (tungsten halogen lamp) with a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting thirteen different wavelengths of monochromatic light in the UV-vis-NIR range. The LEDs are activated sequentially to illuminate same spot of the unstained thin blood smears on glass slides, and grey level images are recorded at each wavelength. PCA was used to perform data dimensionality reduction and to enhance score images for visualization as well as for feature extraction through clusters in score space. Using this approach, haemozoin was uniquely distinguished from haemoglobin in unstained thin blood smears on glass slides and the 590-700 spectral range identified as an important band for optical imaging of haemozoin as a biomarker for malaria diagnosis. This work is of great significance in reducing the time spent on staining malaria specimens and thus drastically reducing diagnosis time duration. The approach has the potential of replacing a trained human eye with a trained computerized vision system for malaria parasite blood screening.

  19. CRAX/Cassandra Reliability Analysis Software

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

    Robinson, D.

    1999-02-10

    Over the past few years Sandia National Laboratories has been moving toward an increased dependence on model- or physics-based analyses as a means to assess the impact of long-term storage on the nuclear weapons stockpile. These deterministic models have also been used to evaluate replacements for aging systems, often involving commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS). In addition, the models have been used to assess the performance of replacement components manufactured via unique, small-lot production runs. In either case, the limited amount of available test data dictates that the only logical course of action to characterize the reliability of these components ismore » to specifically consider the uncertainties in material properties, operating environment etc. within the physics-based (deterministic) model. This not only provides the ability to statistically characterize the expected performance of the component or system, but also provides direction regarding the benefits of additional testing on specific components within the system. An effort was therefore initiated to evaluate the capabilities of existing probabilistic methods and, if required, to develop new analysis methods to support the inclusion of uncertainty in the classical design tools used by analysts and design engineers at Sandia. The primary result of this effort is the CMX (Cassandra Exoskeleton) reliability analysis software.« less

  20. The principle of low frictional torque in the Charnley total hip replacement.

    PubMed

    Wroblewski, B M; Siney, P D; Fleming, P A

    2009-07-01

    The design of the Charnley total hip replacement follows the principle of low frictional torque. It is based on the largest possible difference between the radius of the femoral head and that of the outer aspect of the acetabular component. The aim is to protect the bone-cement interface by movement taking place at the smaller radius, the articulation. This is achieved in clinical practice by a 22.225 mm diameter head articulating with a 40 mm or 43 mm diameter acetabular component of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. We compared the incidence of aseptic loosening of acetabular components with an outer diameter of 40 mm and 43 mm at comparable depths of penetration with a mean follow-up of 17 years (1 to 40). In cases with no measurable wear none of the acetabular components were loose. With increasing acetabular penetration there was an increased incidence of aseptic loosening which reflected the difference in the external radii, with 1.5% at 1 mm, 8.8% at 2 mm, 9.7% at 3 mm and 9.6% at 4 mm of penetration in favour of the larger 43 mm acetabular component. Our findings support the Charnley principle of low frictional torque. The level of the benefit is in keeping with the predicted values.

  1. Orbit Transfer Rocket Engine Technology Program: Advanced engine study, task D.1/D.3

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martinez, A.; Erickson, C.; Hines, B.

    1986-01-01

    Concepts for space maintainability of OTV engines were examined. An engine design was developed which was driven by space maintenance requirements and by a failure mode and effects (FME) analysis. Modularity within the engine was shown to offer cost benefits and improved space maintenance capabilities. Space operable disconnects were conceptualized for both engine change-out and for module replacement. Through FME mitigation the modules were conceptualized to contain the least reliable and most often replaced engine components. A preliminary space maintenance plan was developed around a controls and condition monitoring system using advanced sensors, controls, and condition monitoring concepts. A complete engine layout was prepared satisfying current vehicle requirements and utilizing projected component advanced technologies. A technology plan for developing the required technology was assembled.

  2. A randomised controlled trial of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different knee prostheses: the Knee Arthroplasty Trial (KAT).

    PubMed

    Murray, David W; MacLennan, Graeme S; Breeman, Suzanne; Dakin, Helen A; Johnston, Linda; Campbell, Marion K; Gray, Alastair M; Fiddian, Nick; Fitzpatrick, Ray; Morris, Richard W; Grant, Adrian M

    2014-03-01

    In the late 1990s, new developments in knee replacement were identified as a priority for research within the NHS. The newer forms of arthroplasty were more expensive and information was needed on their safety and cost-effectiveness. The Knee Arthroplasty Trial examined the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of four aspects of knee replacement surgery: patellar resurfacing, mobile bearings, all-polyethylene tibial components and unicompartmental replacement. This study comprised a partial factorial, pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial with a trial-based cost-utility analysis which was conducted from the perspective of the NHS and the patients treated. Allocation was computer generated in a 1 : 1 ratio using a central system, stratified by eligible comparisons and surgeon, minimised by participant age, gender and site of disease. Surgeons were not blinded to allocated procedures. Participants were unblinded if they requested to know the prosthesis they received. The setting for the trial was UK secondary care. Patients were eligible for inclusion if a decision had been made for them to have primary knee replacement surgery. Patients were recruited to comparisons for which the surgeon was in equipoise about which type of operation was most suitable. Patients were randomised to receive a knee replacement with the following: patellar resurfacing or no patellar resurfacing irrespective of the design of the prosthesis used; a mobile bearing between the tibial and femoral components or a bearing fixed to the tibial component; a tibial component made of either only high-density polyethylene ('all polyethylene') or a polyethylene bearing fixed to a metal backing plate with attached stem; or unicompartmental or total knee replacement. The primary outcome was the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Other outcomes were Short Form 12; EuroQol 5D; intraoperative and postoperative complications; additional surgery; cost; and cost-effectiveness. Patients were followed up for a median of 10 years; the economic evaluation took a 10-year time horizon, discounting costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at 3.5% per annum. A total of 116 surgeons in 34 centres participated and 2352 participants were randomised: 1715 in patellar resurfacing; 539 in mobile bearing; 409 in all-polyethylene tibial component; and 34 in the unicompartmental comparisons. Of those randomised, 345 were randomised to two comparisons. We can be more than 95% confident that patellar resurfacing is cost-effective, despite there being no significant difference in clinical outcomes, because of increased QALYs [0.187; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.025 to 0.399] and reduced costs (-£104; 95% CI -£630 to £423). We found no definite advantage or disadvantage of mobile bearings in OKS, quality of life, reoperation and revision rates or cost-effectiveness. We found improved functional results for metal-backed tibias: complication, reoperation and revision rates were similar. The metal-backed tibia was cost-effective (particularly in the elderly), costing £35 per QALY gained. The results provide evidence to support the routine resurfacing of the patella and the use of metal-backed tibial components even in the elderly. Further follow-up is required to assess the stability of these findings over time and to inform the decision between mobile and fixed bearings. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN45837371. This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and the orthopaedic industry. It will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 18, No. 19. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

  3. Rehabilitation of a 410-MW utility boiler at Costa Sur, Puerto Rico

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

    Rosado, R.; Salmeron, M.

    1995-12-31

    To increase unit reliability and availability and to meet the current and future electric power demands in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) recently performed a scheduled outage rehabilitation of Costa Sur Power Station Unit 5. This major rehabilitation of a 23-year-old, 410 MW, oil-fired boiler was accompanied by the upgrading of the low-pressure turbine with new rotors. The boiler rehabilitation included the replacement of all waterwall floor panels from just below the burner windbox, down to the lower drum. Temporary support was provided for the lower drum and its structural system during the panel replacement. Themore » steam drum internals were completely rehabilitated, with the installation of a new liner and cleaning and repair of other internals as required. The superheater and reheater desuperheater liners were also replaced. In addition, all major components of both the firing system and the air preheaters were replaced. The gas recirculation fan was rehabilitated, and its discharge duct was replaced.« less

  4. Language continuity despite population replacement in Remote Oceania.

    PubMed

    Posth, Cosimo; Nägele, Kathrin; Colleran, Heidi; Valentin, Frédérique; Bedford, Stuart; Kami, Kaitip W; Shing, Richard; Buckley, Hallie; Kinaston, Rebecca; Walworth, Mary; Clark, Geoffrey R; Reepmeyer, Christian; Flexner, James; Maric, Tamara; Moser, Johannes; Gresky, Julia; Kiko, Lawrence; Robson, Kathryn J; Auckland, Kathryn; Oppenheimer, Stephen J; Hill, Adrian V S; Mentzer, Alexander J; Zech, Jana; Petchey, Fiona; Roberts, Patrick; Jeong, Choongwon; Gray, Russell D; Krause, Johannes; Powell, Adam

    2018-04-01

    Recent genomic analyses show that the earliest peoples reaching Remote Oceania-associated with Austronesian-speaking Lapita culture-were almost completely East Asian, without detectable Papuan ancestry. However, Papuan-related genetic ancestry is found across present-day Pacific populations, indicating that peoples from Near Oceania have played a significant, but largely unknown, ancestral role. Here, new genome-wide data from 19 ancient South Pacific individuals provide direct evidence of a so-far undescribed Papuan expansion into Remote Oceania starting ~2,500 yr BP, far earlier than previously estimated and supporting a model from historical linguistics. New genome-wide data from 27 contemporary ni-Vanuatu demonstrate a subsequent and almost complete replacement of Lapita-Austronesian by Near Oceanian ancestry. Despite this massive demographic change, incoming Papuan languages did not replace Austronesian languages. Population replacement with language continuity is extremely rare-if not unprecedented-in human history. Our analyses show that rather than one large-scale event, the process was incremental and complex, with repeated migrations and sex-biased admixture with peoples from the Bismarck Archipelago.

  5. Reliability-centered maintenance for ground-based large optical telescopes and radio antenna arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marchiori, G.; Formentin, F.; Rampini, F.

    2014-07-01

    In the last years, EIE GROUP has been more and more involved in large optical telescopes and radio antennas array projects. In this frame, the paper describes a fundamental aspect of the Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) process, that is the application of the Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) methodology for the generation of maintenance plans for ground-based large optical telescopes and radio antennas arrays. This helps maintenance engineers to make sure that the telescopes continue to work properly, doing what their users require them to do in their present operating conditions. The main objective of the RCM process is to establish the complete maintenance regime, with the safe minimum required maintenance, carried out without any risk to personnel, telescope and subsystems. At the same time, a correct application of the RCM allows to increase the cost effectiveness, telescope uptime and items availability, and to provide greater understanding of the level of risk that the organization is managing. At the same time, engineers shall make a great effort since the initial phase of the project to obtain a telescope requiring easy maintenance activities and simple replacement of the major assemblies, taking special care on the accesses design and items location, implementation and design of special lifting equipment and handling devices for the heavy items. This maintenance engineering framework is based on seven points, which lead to the main steps of the RCM program. The initial steps of the RCM process consist of: system selection and data collection (MTBF, MTTR, etc.), definition of system boundaries and operating context, telescope description with the use of functional block diagrams, and the running of a FMECA to address the dominant causes of equipment failure and to lay down the Critical Items List. In the second part of the process the RCM logic is applied, which helps to determine the appropriate maintenance tasks for each identified failure mode. Once the logic is completed for all the analyzed items, the resulting Maintenance Program is compiled in order to preserve all the system important functions and to rationalize the tasks periodicities. Lastly, the RCM is kept alive throughout the entire life of the telescope, where the effectiveness of the maintenance is constantly reviewed and adjusted on the basis of the "lesson learned". In addition to the RCM analysis methodology, a second basic concept is applied for the telescope maintenance: to design and install components in such a manner to restore a failure and to perform servicing procedures as close as possible to the telescope, maximizing the replacement of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) or Shop Replaceable Units (SRUs), rather than repair on-equipment.

  6. Mass and Reliability System (MaRS)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barnes, Sarah

    2016-01-01

    The Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) Directorate is responsible for mitigating risk, providing system safety, and lowering risk for space programs from ground to space. The S&MA is divided into 4 divisions: The Space Exploration Division (NC), the International Space Station Division (NE), the Safety & Test Operations Division (NS), and the Quality and Flight Equipment Division (NT). The interns, myself and Arun Aruljothi, will be working with the Risk & Reliability Analysis Branch under the NC Division's. The mission of this division is to identify, characterize, diminish, and communicate risk by implementing an efficient and effective assurance model. The team utilizes Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) and Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) to ensure decisions concerning risks are informed, vehicles are safe and reliable, and program/project requirements are realistic and realized. This project pertains to the Orion mission, so it is geared toward a long duration Human Space Flight Program(s). For space missions, payload is a critical concept; balancing what hardware can be replaced by components verse by Orbital Replacement Units (ORU) or subassemblies is key. For this effort a database was created that combines mass and reliability data, called Mass and Reliability System or MaRS. The U.S. International Space Station (ISS) components are used as reference parts in the MaRS database. Using ISS components as a platform is beneficial because of the historical context and the environment similarities to a space flight mission. MaRS uses a combination of systems: International Space Station PART for failure data, Vehicle Master Database (VMDB) for ORU & components, Maintenance & Analysis Data Set (MADS) for operation hours and other pertinent data, & Hardware History Retrieval System (HHRS) for unit weights. MaRS is populated using a Visual Basic Application. Once populated, the excel spreadsheet is comprised of information on ISS components including: operation hours, random/nonrandom failures, software/hardware failures, quantity, orbital replaceable units (ORU), date of placement, unit weight, frequency of part, etc. The motivation for creating such a database will be the development of a mass/reliability parametric model to estimate mass required for replacement parts. Once complete, engineers working on future space flight missions will have access a mean time to failures and on parts along with their mass, this will be used to make proper decisions for long duration space flight missions

  7. Fire-induced surface forcing of the Siberian larch forests since 2000 in the context of climate change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, D.; Loboda, T. V.; He, T.; Zhang, Y.; Liang, S.

    2017-12-01

    The Siberian larch forests are a major component of the global boreal biome with wildfire being the most important disturbance agent. However, due to their unique characteristics and remote location, coupled with a limited record of remotely sensed datasets, we know little about the post-fire albedo dynamics in the region as well as the associated climatic impact, especially over a relatively longer temporal span at the regional scale. This is unfortunate as it has been suggested that the fire-induced albedo changes may have a pivotal role in controlling the net climatic impact of the boreal forests. Utilizing a 30-m 24-year stand age distribution map of the Siberian larch forests, combined with the full record of the MODIS albedo product, this study quantified the surface forcing induced by stand-replacing fires in the Siberian larch forests over 2001-2015. The results show that the larch forests experienced stand-replacing fires in the region has a cooling effect lasting for more than 25 years, and the magnitude of the cooling (-9.60 ± 0.03 Wm-2) is much larger than previously expected. Due to the strong cooling of stand-replacing fires, coupled with their wide distribution, the net surface forcing of the Siberian larch forests between 2001 and 2013 is negative (-0.78 Wm-2). In contrast, the forests that did not experience stand-replacing fires since 2000 show a warming effect, which is largely attributable to a lengthening of snow-free duration in the region. These results together indicate that wildfire may play a much bigger role in modulating the climatic impact of the Siberian larch forests than we previously thought, but this role is likely weakened by the considerable warming in the region, thus needs to be evaluated in the context of global climate change.

  8. Can functional equivalency between seagrasses and other coastal habitats offset loss of ecosystem health with reduced seagrass abundance?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cebrian, J.; Anton, A.; Christiaen, B.; Gamble, R.; Stutes, J.

    2016-02-01

    Seagrasses provide important ecosystem services, such as habitat for fisheries, shoreline stabilization, pollution filtration, and carbon sequestration. Thus, seagrass loss may seriously compromise coastal ecosystem services worldwide. However, functional equivalency (or redundancy) between seagrasses and other components of coastal ecosystems, such as algae and marshes, can offset the loss of services under declining seagrass abundance. That is, if seagrasses are redundant with algae and marshes in their functionality, then ecosystem services may be preserved in changing coasts with declining seagrass but pervading algal and marsh communities. Here we present several instances of functional redundancy between seagrasses and other coastal components in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. We first examine how net ecosystem production, which sets a limit to carbon accumulation and export to neighbouring communities, changes with eutrophication-induced seagrass decline and concomitant increase in algal abundance. Results from comparative and manipulative field studies are congruent and show no change in net ecosystem production despite drastic shifts from seagrass to algal dominance. We further provide evidence that fringing marshes can counteract the reduction in habitat provision for structure-dependent fisheries due to seagrass loss. Using a large-scale field comparison we show that, as long as fringing marshes are preserved, the abundance and diversity of structure-dependent fisheries are maintained despite large seagrass loss. Functional redundancy for habitat provision also occurs between seagrasses and well-oxygenated macroagal stands, since canopy-dwelling faunal abundance remains unaltered if seagrasses are replaced by normoxic algal stands. In concert the results demonstrate substantial functional equivalency between seagrasses and other coastal components, and indicate seagrass loss does not necessarily result in depressed coastal ecosystem health and services.

  9. Animal component-free Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultivation media for better GMP-compliance increases biomass yield and pharmaceutical protein expression in Nicotiana benthamiana.

    PubMed

    Houdelet, Marcel; Galinski, Anna; Holland, Tanja; Wenzel, Kathrin; Schillberg, Stefan; Buyel, Johannes Felix

    2017-04-01

    Transient expression systems allow the rapid production of recombinant proteins in plants. Such systems can be scaled up to several hundred kilograms of biomass, making them suitable for the production of pharmaceutical proteins required at short notice, such as emergency vaccines. However, large-scale transient expression requires the production of recombinant Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains with the capacity for efficient gene transfer to plant cells. The complex media often used for the cultivation of this species typically include animal-derived ingredients that can contain human pathogens, thus conflicting with the requirements of good manufacturing practice (GMP). We replaced all the animal-derived components in yeast extract broth (YEB) cultivation medium with soybean peptone, and then used a design-of-experiments approach to optimize the medium composition, increasing the biomass yield while maintaining high levels of transient expression in subsequent infiltration experiments. The resulting plant peptone Agrobacterium medium (PAM) achieved a two-fold increase in OD 600 compared to YEB medium during a 4-L batch fermentation lasting 18 h. Furthermore, the yields of the monoclonal antibody 2G12 and the fluorescent protein DsRed were maintained when the cells were cultivated in PAM rather than YEB. We have thus demonstrated a simple, efficient and scalable method for medium optimization that reduces process time and costs. The final optimized medium for the cultivation of A. tumefaciens completely lacks animal-derived components, thus facilitating the GMP-compliant large-scale transient expression of recombinant proteins in plants. © 2017 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. The emerging role of exercise testing and stress echocardiography in valvular heart disease.

    PubMed

    Picano, Eugenio; Pibarot, Philippe; Lancellotti, Patrizio; Monin, Jean Luc; Bonow, Robert O

    2009-12-08

    Exercise testing has an established role in the evaluation of patients with valvular heart disease and can aid clinical decision making. Because symptoms may develop slowly and indolently in chronic valve diseases and are often not recognized by patients and their physicians, the symptomatic, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic responses to exercise can help identify patients who would benefit from early valve repair or replacement. In addition, stress echocardiography has emerged as an important component of stress testing in patients with valvular heart disease, with relevant established and potential applications. Stress echocardiography has the advantages of its wide availability, low cost, and versatility for the assessment of disease severity. The versatile applications of stress echocardiography can be tailored to the individual patient with aortic or mitral valve disease, both before and after valve replacement or repair. Hence, exercise-induced changes in valve hemodynamics, ventricular function, and pulmonary artery pressure, together with exercise capacity and symptomatic responses to exercise, provide the clinician with diagnostic and prognostic information that can contribute to subsequent clinical decisions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of convincing evidence that the results of stress echocardiography lead to clinical decisions that result in better outcomes, and therefore large-scale prospective randomized studies focusing on patient outcomes are needed in the future.

  11. Gene replacement in mice reveals that the heavily phosphorylated tail of neurofilament heavy subunit does not affect axonal caliber or the transit of cargoes in slow axonal transport

    PubMed Central

    Rao, Mala V.; Garcia, Michael L.; Miyazaki, Yukio; Gotow, Takahiro; Yuan, Aidong; Mattina, Salvatore; Ward, Chris M.; Calcutt, Nigel A.; Uchiyama, Yasuo; Nixon, Ralph A.; Cleveland, Don W.

    2002-01-01

    The COOH-terminal tail of mammalian neurofilament heavy subunit (NF-H), the largest neurofilament subunit, contains 44-51 lysine–serine–proline repeats that are nearly stoichiometrically phosphorylated after assembly into neurofilaments in axons. Phosphorylation of these repeats has been implicated in promotion of radial growth of axons, control of nearest neighbor distances between neurofilaments or from neurofilaments to other structural components in axons, and as a determinant of slow axonal transport. These roles have now been tested through analysis of mice in which the NF-H gene was replaced by one deleted in the NF-H tail. Loss of the NF-H tail and all of its phosphorylation sites does not affect the number of neurofilaments, alter the ratios of the three neurofilament subunits, or affect the number of microtubules in axons. Additionally, it does not reduce interfilament spacing of most neurofilaments, the speed of action potential propagation, or mature cross-sectional areas of large motor or sensory axons, although its absence slows the speed of acquisition of normal diameters. Most surprisingly, at least in optic nerve axons, loss of the NF-H tail does not affect the rate of transport of neurofilament subunits. PMID:12186852

  12. Lasers in automobile production

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pizzi, P.

    There is a trend in mechanical equipment to replace complicated mechanical components with electronics, especially microprocessors, laser technology represents an important new tool. The effects of laser technology can be seen in production systems concerned with cutting, welding, heat treatment, and the alloying of mechanical components. Applications in the automobile industry today are not very widespread and are concerned essentially with welding and cutting.

  13. Interior and Exterior Low-E Storm Window Installation

    ScienceCinema

    Witters, Sarah

    2018-01-16

    Until recently, energy-efficient window retrofit options have largely been limited to repair or replacement; leaving the homeowner to decide between affordability and deeper energy savings. A new and improved low-e storm window boasts a combination of curb appeal and energy efficiency, all for a fraction of the cost of window replacement. A recent whole-home experiment performed by PNNL suggests that attaching low-e storm windows can result in as much energy savings replacing the windows.

  14. Distinct developmental genetic mechanisms underlie convergently evolved tooth gain in sticklebacks

    PubMed Central

    Ellis, Nicholas A.; Glazer, Andrew M.; Donde, Nikunj N.; Cleves, Phillip A.; Agoglia, Rachel M.; Miller, Craig T.

    2015-01-01

    Teeth are a classic model system of organogenesis, as repeated and reciprocal epithelial and mesenchymal interactions pattern placode formation and outgrowth. Less is known about the developmental and genetic bases of tooth formation and replacement in polyphyodonts, which are vertebrates with continual tooth replacement. Here, we leverage natural variation in the threespine stickleback fish Gasterosteus aculeatus to investigate the genetic basis of tooth development and replacement. We find that two derived freshwater stickleback populations have both convergently evolved more ventral pharyngeal teeth through heritable genetic changes. In both populations, evolved tooth gain manifests late in development. Using pulse-chase vital dye labeling to mark newly forming teeth in adult fish, we find that both high-toothed freshwater populations have accelerated tooth replacement rates relative to low-toothed ancestral marine fish. Despite the similar evolved phenotype of more teeth and an accelerated adult replacement rate, the timing of tooth number divergence and the spatial patterns of newly formed adult teeth are different in the two populations, suggesting distinct developmental mechanisms. Using genome-wide linkage mapping in marine-freshwater F2 genetic crosses, we find that the genetic basis of evolved tooth gain in the two freshwater populations is largely distinct. Together, our results support a model whereby increased tooth number and an accelerated tooth replacement rate have evolved convergently in two independently derived freshwater stickleback populations using largely distinct developmental and genetic mechanisms. PMID:26062935

  15. Reserve Component Programs, Fiscal Year 1993. Report of the Reserve Forces Policy Board

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-01-01

    the Unicorns are gathering." The Bottom-Up Review and the Board’s vision for A quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Reserve components contained...projects a shortfall of $2.8 AC & Agency 92.4% million in 1994 as a result of Defense Finance and Accounting fees and simulator procurement. The Air...Component (JSS-RC) pay system was completed by the Defense Finance and At some future time, deoxyribonucleic acid Accounting Service in July 1993, replacing

  16. Summary of Fuel Cell Programs at the NASA Glenn Research Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perez-Davis, Marla

    2000-01-01

    The objective of this program is to develop passive ancillary component technology to be teamed with a hydrogen-oxygen unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) stack to form a revolutionary new regenerative fuel cell energy (RFC) storage system for aerospace applications. Replacement of active RFC ancillary components with passive components minimizes parasitic power losses and allows the RFC to operate as a H2/O2 battery. The goal of this program is to demonstrate an integrated passive lkW URFC system.

  17. CONCEPTS AND APPROACHES FOR THE ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This document is intended to assist users in establishing or refining protocols, including the specific methods related to field sampling, laboratory sample processing, taxonomy, data entry, management and analysis, and final assessment and reporting. It also reviews and provides information on development of monitoring designs to address certain types of environmental questions and approaches for documenting and reporting data quality and performance characteristics for large river biological monitoring. The approaches presented are not intended to replace existing program components but may in some cases be useful for refining them. The goal of this research is to develop methods and indicators that are useful for evaluating the condition of aquatic communities, for assessing the restoration of aquatic communities in response to mitigation and best management practices, and for determining the exposure of aquatic communities to different classes of stressors (i.e., pesticides, sedimentation, habitat alteration).

  18. Applied optics. Multiwavelength achromatic metasurfaces by dispersive phase compensation.

    PubMed

    Aieta, Francesco; Kats, Mikhail A; Genevet, Patrice; Capasso, Federico

    2015-03-20

    The replacement of bulk refractive optical elements with diffractive planar components enables the miniaturization of optical systems. However, diffractive optics suffers from large chromatic aberrations due to the dispersion of the phase accumulated by light during propagation. We show that this limitation can be overcome with an engineered wavelength-dependent phase shift imparted by a metasurface, and we demonstrate a design that deflects three wavelengths by the same angle. A planar lens without chromatic aberrations at three wavelengths is also presented. Our designs are based on low-loss dielectric resonators, which introduce a dense spectrum of optical modes to enable dispersive phase compensation. The suppression of chromatic aberrations in metasurface-based planar photonics will find applications in lightweight collimators for displays, as well as chromatically corrected imaging systems. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  19. A monolithic homotopy continuation algorithm with application to computational fluid dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brown, David A.; Zingg, David W.

    2016-09-01

    A new class of homotopy continuation methods is developed suitable for globalizing quasi-Newton methods for large sparse nonlinear systems of equations. The new continuation methods, described as monolithic homotopy continuation, differ from the classical predictor-corrector algorithm in that the predictor and corrector phases are replaced with a single phase which includes both a predictor and corrector component. Conditional convergence and stability are proved analytically. Using a Laplacian-like operator to construct the homotopy, the new algorithm is shown to be more efficient than the predictor-corrector homotopy continuation algorithm as well as an implementation of the widely-used pseudo-transient continuation algorithm for some inviscid and turbulent, subsonic and transonic external aerodynamic flows over the ONERA M6 wing and the NACA 0012 airfoil using a parallel implicit Newton-Krylov finite-difference flow solver.

  20. Emerging Techniques for Vicarious Calibration of Visible Through Short Wave Infrared Remote Sensing Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ryan, Robert E.; Harrington, Gary; Holekamp, Kara; Pagnutti, Mary; Russell, Jeffrey; Frisbie, Troy; Stanley, Thomas

    2007-01-01

    Autonomous Visible to SWIR ground-based vicarious Cal/Val will be an essential Cal/Val component with such a large number of systems. Radiometrically calibrated spectroradiometers can improve confidence in current ground truth data through validation of radiometric modeling and validation or replacement of traditional sun photometer measurement. They also should enable significant reduction in deployed equipment such as equipment used in traditional sun photometer approaches. Simple, field-portable, white-light LED calibration source shows promise for visible range (420-750 nm). Prototype demonstrated <0.5% drift over 10-40 C temperature range. Additional complexity (more LEDs) will be necessary for extending spectral range into the NIR and SWIR. LED long lifetimes should produce at least several hundreds of hours or more of stability, minimizing the need for expensive calibrations and supporting long-duration field campaigns.

  1. A cost-effectiveness analysis of hormone replacement therapy in the menopause.

    PubMed

    Cheung, A P; Wren, B G

    1992-03-02

    To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in the menopause with particular reference to osteoporotic fracture and myocardial infarction. The multiple-decrement form of the life table was the mathematical model used to follow women of age 50 through their lifetime under the "no hormone replacement" and "hormone replacement" assumptions. Standard demographic and health economic techniques were used to calculate the corresponding lifetime differences in direct health care costs (net costs in dollars) and health effects ("net effectiveness" in terms of life expectancy and quality, in "quality-adjusted life-years"). This was then expressed as a cost-effectiveness ratio or the cost ($) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for each of the chosen hormone replacement regimens. All women of age 50 in New South Wales, Australia (n = 27,021). The analysis showed that the lifetime net increments in direct medical care costs were largely contributed by hormone drug and consultation costs. Hormone replacement was associated with increased quality-adjusted life expectancy, a large percentage of which was attributed to a relief of menopausal symptoms. Cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from under 10,000 to over a million dollars per QALY. Factors associated with improved cost-effectiveness were prolonged treatment duration, the presence of menopausal symptoms, minimum progestogen side effects (in the case of oestrogen with progestogen regimens), oestrogen use after hysterectomy and the inclusion of cardiac benefits in addition to fracture prevention. Hormone replacement therapy for symptomatic women is cost-effective when factors that enhance its efficiency are considered. Short-term treatment of asymptomatic women for prevention of osteoporotic fractures and myocardial infarction is an inefficient use of health resources. Cost-effectiveness of hormone replacement in asymptomatic women is dependent on the magnitude of cardiac benefits associated with hormone use and the treatment duration.

  2. Interventions for the prediction and management of chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement: systematic review of randomised controlled trials

    PubMed Central

    Beswick, Andrew D; Wylde, Vikki; Gooberman-Hill, Rachael

    2015-01-01

    Objectives Total knee replacement can be a successful operation for pain relief. However, 10–34% of patients experience chronic postsurgical pain. Our aim was to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of applying predictive models to guide preventive treatment, and for interventions in the management of chronic pain after total knee replacement. Setting We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials using appropriate search strategies in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to October 2014. No language restrictions were applied. Participants Adult patients receiving total knee replacement. Interventions Predictive models to guide treatment for prevention of chronic pain. Interventions for management of chronic pain. Primary and secondary outcome measures Reporting of specific outcomes was not an eligibility criterion but we sought outcomes relating to pain severity. Results No studies evaluated the effectiveness of predictive models in guiding treatment and improving outcomes after total knee replacement. One study evaluated an intervention for the management of chronic pain. The trial evaluated the use of a botulinum toxin A injection with antinociceptive and anticholinergic activity in 49 patients with chronic postsurgical pain after knee replacement. A single injection provided meaningful pain relief for about 40 days and the authors acknowledged the need for a large trial with repeated injections. No trials of multidisciplinary interventions or individualised treatments were identified. Conclusions Our systematic review highlights a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of prediction and management strategies for chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement. As a large number of people are affected by chronic pain after total knee replacement, development of an evidence base about care for these patients should be a research priority. PMID:25967998

  3. A methodology for probabilistic remaining creep life assessment of gas turbine components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhimin

    Certain gas turbine components operate in harsh environments and various mechanisms may lead to component failure. It is common practice to use remaining life assessments to help operators schedule maintenance and component replacements. Creep is a major failure mechanisms that affect the remaining life assessment, and the resulting life consumption of a component is highly sensitive to variations in the material stresses and temperatures, which fluctuate significantly due to the changes in real operating conditions. In addition, variations in material properties and geometry will result in changes in creep life consumption rate. The traditional method used for remaining life assessment assumes a set of fixed operating conditions at all times, and it fails to capture the variations in operating conditions. This translates into a significant loss of accuracy and unnecessary high maintenance and replacement cost. A new method that captures these variations described above and improves the prediction accuracy of remaining life is developed. First, a metamodel is built to approximate the relationship between variables (operating conditions, material properties, geometry, etc.) and a creep response. The metamodel is developed using Response Surface Method/Design of Experiments methodology. Design of Experiments is an efficient sampling method, and for each sampling point a set of finite element analyses are used to compute the corresponding response value. Next, a low order polynomial Response Surface Equation (RSE) is used to fit these values. Four techniques are suggested to dramatically reduce computational effort, and to increase the accuracy of the RSE: smart meshing technique, automatic geometry parameterization, screening test and regional RSE refinement. The RSEs, along with a probabilistic method and a life fraction model are used to compute current damage accumulation and remaining life. By capturing the variations mentioned above, the new method results in much better accuracy than that available using the traditional method. After further development and proper verification the method should bring significant savings by reducing the number of inspections and deferring part replacement.

  4. Why the Pre-Copernican Cosmological Revolution Was Not a Revolution?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pacholczyk, A. G.

    The 'scientific component' of the Copernican cosmological revolution followed a seemingly minor local structural change (consisting of the transposition of the Earth and the Sun), initially not affecting the global Platonic-Aristotelian spherical symmetry of the Universe and the general arrangement of astronomical bodies at sufficiently large distances from its center. Yet this change resulted in a rich 'ideological component' of the Copernican revolution in the Popperian sense; the importance of this ideological component is generally regarded as a consequence of the tensions arising from apparent contradictions between the new cosmos and several Scriptural passages (as if the previous Platonic-Aristotelian cosmos were in perfect agreement with the Scriptures, which certainly was not the case). The scientific component of the pre-Copernican cosmological revolution (replacing the plane-parallel scriptural cosmos with the spherically symmetric non-scriptural Universe of Plato and Aristotle), was a major global change in the large-scale structure of the Universe. This change took place at different times in different places in Christendom, and was by no means ideologically revolutionary: the pre-Copernican revolution had a very insignificant 'ideological component'. In this paper, after examining this transition in more detail, we shall ask the pertinent question: why did the pre-Copernican cosmological revolution not have any significant 'ideological component'? If the God-created Universe could be depicted in the opinion of the majority of Church Fathers and Schoolmen by the (non-scriptural) spherically symmetric Platonic or Aristotelian model as well as by the (scriptural) tabernacular Babylonian model, then why couldn't it be described just as well in the opinion of 17th century churchmen by the (also non-scriptural) Copernican model? The paper suggests that the tentative answers to these questions are provided by different anthropocentric ramifications of respective cosmologies which determine the difference between the ideological components of the two cosmological revolutions. At the time of the Copernican revolution, there was no conceivable alternative to a geometric conceptualization of mankind's centrality in the Universe. That is why geometric decentralization was fought against with such intensity. It took three centuries and a radically different cosmological paradigm to find another (anthropic) form of understanding this centrality, after it was seemingly lost for such a long time.

  5. An Expert System for Automating Nuclear Strike Aircraft Replacement, Aircraft Beddown, and Logistics Movement for the Theater Warfare Exercise.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-12-01

    that can be easily understood. (9) Parallelism. Several system components may need to execute in parallel. For example, the processing of sensor data...knowledge base are not accessible for processing by the database. Also in the likely case that the expert system poses a series of related queries, the...hiharken nxpfilcs’Iog - Knowledge base for the automation of loCgistics rr-ovenet T’he Ii rectorY containing the strike aircraft replacement knowledge base

  6. Physics of Incandescent Lamp Burnout

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gluck, Paul; King, John

    2008-01-01

    Incandescent lamps with tungsten filaments have been in use for about a century while being gradually replaced by fluorescent lamps; in another generation both will quite probably be largely replaced by light-emitting diodes. Incandescent lamps (simply called "lamps" in what follows) burn out after a lifetime that depends mostly on the temperature…

  7. Proposal for a New College.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abbs, Peter; Carey, Graham

    It is argued that in an age of decelerated expansion, cultural values must replace consumption; that the local, small, and organic must replace the international, large, and synthetic. One radical college is proposed as a center for this kind of change. Its inspiration is seen in the past: stable primitive communities, classical treatises,…

  8. Effectively Transparent Front Contacts for Optoelectronic Devices

    DOE PAGES

    Saive, Rebecca; Borsuk, Aleca M.; Emmer, Hal S.; ...

    2016-06-10

    Effectively transparent front contacts for optoelectronic devices achieve a measured transparency of up to 99.9% and a measured sheet resistance of 4.8 Ω sq-1. These 3D microscale triangular cross-section grid fingers redirect incoming photons efficiently to the active semiconductor area and can replace standard grid fingers as well as transparent conductive oxide layers in optoelectronic devices. Optoelectronic devices such as light emitting diodes, photodiodes, and solar cells play an important and expanding role in modern technology. Photovoltaics is one of the largest optoelectronic industry sectors and an ever-increasing component of the world's rapidly growing renewable carbon-free electricity generation infrastructure. Inmore » recent years, the photovoltaics field has dramatically expanded owing to the large-scale manufacture of inexpensive crystalline Si and thin film cells and modules. The current record efficiency (η = 25.6%) Si solar cell utilizes a heterostructure intrinsic thin layer (HIT) design[1] to enable increased open circuit voltage, while more mass-manufacturable solar cell architectures feature front contacts.[2, 3] Thus improved solar cell front contact designs are important for future large-scale photovoltaics with even higher efficiency.« less

  9. An origin of good electrical conduction in La{sub 4}BaCu{sub 5}O{sub 13+δ}

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

    Mori, Daiki; Asai, Shinichiro; Terasaki, Ichiro, E-mail: terra@cc.nagoya-u.ac.jp

    2015-07-21

    We have prepared a set of polycrystalline samples of the metallic copper oxide La{sub 4}BaCu{sub 5−x}Co{sub x}O{sub 13+δ} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.35) and have measured the resistivity from 4 to 800 K. All the resistivities show metallic temperature dependence with a small magnitude less than 2 mΩ cm at 800 K, indicating that the metallic conduction is robust against impurities. The robust metallic conduction further suggests that this class of oxide is a promising candidate for electrical leads at high temperature, which might replace platinum. A detailed measurement and analysis on the Hall resistivity have revealed that at least two components are responsible for the electricalmore » conduction, in which a large number of electrons of moderate mobility coexist with a much smaller number of holes of extremely high mobility. This large electron density well screens the impurity potential and retains the metallic conduction against 7% impurity doping.« less

  10. The underlying process of early ecological and genetic differentiation in a facultative mutualistic Sinorhizobium meliloti population.

    PubMed

    Toro, Nicolás; Villadas, Pablo J; Molina-Sánchez, María Dolores; Navarro-Gómez, Pilar; Vinardell, José M; Cuesta-Berrio, Lidia; Rodríguez-Carvajal, Miguel A

    2017-04-06

    The question of how genotypic and ecological units arise and spread in natural microbial populations remains controversial in the field of evolutionary biology. Here, we investigated the early stages of ecological and genetic differentiation in a highly clonal sympatric Sinorhizobium meliloti population. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that a large DNA region of the symbiotic plasmid pSymB was replaced in some isolates with a similar synteny block carrying densely clustered SNPs and displaying gene acquisition and loss. Two different versions of this genomic island of differentiation (GID) generated by multiple genetic exchanges over time appear to have arisen recently, through recombination in a particular clade within this population. In addition, these isolates display resistance to phages from the same geographic region, probably due to the modification of surface components by the acquired genes. Our results suggest that an underlying process of early ecological and genetic differentiation in S. meliloti is primarily triggered by acquisition of genes that confer resistance to soil phages within particular large genomic DNA regions prone to recombination.

  11. A study of some economic factors relating to the development and implementation of a satellite power system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    Areas are examined relating to the design, development and implementation of a satellite power system (SPS): an analysis of the effect of energy R&D programs in general and SPS in particular on optimal fossil fuel consumption patterns, a study of alternative uses of SPS technologies, and a study of the electric power market penetration potential for SPS. It is shown that a credible program of R&D on long-range energy alternatives leads to lower optimal prices for fossil fuels, resulting in large short-term benefits accruing to the specific program elements. Several alternative uses of SPS technologies were identified; however the markets for these technologies are generally quite diffuse and difficult to assess. The notable exception is solar array technology which has, potentially, a very large non-SPS market. It is shown that the market for SPS units derives from two components of demand: the demand created by growth in the electrical energy demand which leads to an increased demand for baseload generating capacity, and a demand created by the need to replace retiring capacity.

  12. Accelerating Large Data Analysis By Exploiting Regularities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moran, Patrick J.; Ellsworth, David

    2003-01-01

    We present techniques for discovering and exploiting regularity in large curvilinear data sets. The data can be based on a single mesh or a mesh composed of multiple submeshes (also known as zones). Multi-zone data are typical to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Regularities include axis-aligned rectilinear and cylindrical meshes as well as cases where one zone is equivalent to a rigid-body transformation of another. Our algorithms can also discover rigid-body motion of meshes in time-series data. Next, we describe a data model where we can utilize the results from the discovery process in order to accelerate large data visualizations. Where possible, we replace general curvilinear zones with rectilinear or cylindrical zones. In rigid-body motion cases we replace a time-series of meshes with a transformed mesh object where a reference mesh is dynamically transformed based on a given time value in order to satisfy geometry requests, on demand. The data model enables us to make these substitutions and dynamic transformations transparently with respect to the visualization algorithms. We present results with large data sets where we combine our mesh replacement and transformation techniques with out-of-core paging in order to achieve significant speed-ups in analysis.

  13. Novel Amalgams for In-Space Fabrication of Replacement Parts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cochran, Calvin T.; Van Hoose, James R.; Grugel, R. N.

    2012-01-01

    Being able to fabricate replacement parts during extended space flight missions precludes the weight, storage volume, and speculation necessary to accommodate spares. Amalgams, widely used in dentistry, are potential candidates for fabricating parts in microgravity environments as they are moldable, do not require energy for melting, and do not pose fluid handling problems. Unfortunately, amalgams have poor tensile strength and the room temperature liquid component is mercury. To possibly resolve these issues a gallium-indium alloy was substituted for mercury and small steel fibers were mixed in with the commercial alloy powder. Subsequent microscopic examination of the novel amalgam revealed complete bonding of the components, and mechanical testing of comparable samples showed those containing steel fibers to have a significant improvement in strength. Experimental procedures, microstructures, and test results are presented and discussed in view of further improving properties.

  14. Disposable blast shields for use on NIF imaging diagnostics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, Cal A.; Wang, Karen M.; Masters, Nathan

    2015-08-01

    The NIFs 192 lasers can deliver 2 MJ of energy to Target Chamber Center (TCC) to produce environments not available in any other experimental laboratory. The NIFs ability to deliver such intense energy to a small volume causes harsh consequences to experimental equipment and supporting diagnostics such as holhraums, support packages, target positioners, diagnostic equipment, and laser optics. Of these, the hohlraum and support packages are typically quickly vaporized and transformed into an expanding shell of high-hypersonic gases referred to as debris wind. During an experimental event such as fusion implosion, the target diagnostic components used to measure key observables in the experiment are subjected to extreme pressures and impact shocks due to incident debris wind loading. As diagnostics are positioned closer to TCC, the diagnostic pinhole stacks and other components along the diagnostic structure become more likely to be at or above the yield strength of the materials commonly used. In particular, the pinhole stack components and data recording instruments behind the pinholes are the most costly to replace. Thus, a conceptual configuration for a pinhole shield is proposed, analyzed, and tested with the intent of mitigating damage to the pinhole stack and imaging equipment and allowing immediate re-use of this diagnostic equipment. This pinhole shield would be a replaceable window that can be replaced quickly by inserting and removing it before and after each experimental laser shot, which will allow NIF to benefit from significant material and labor costs.

  15. [Local infiltration analgesia in total joint replacement].

    PubMed

    de Jonge, Tamás; Görgényi, Szabolcs; Szabó, Gabriella; Torkos, Miklós Bulcsú

    2017-03-01

    Total hip and knee replacment surgeries are characterized by severe postoperative pain. Local infiltration analgesia is proved to be very effective. However this method has not been widely used in Hungary. To evaluate the efficacy of the local infiltration analgesia with modified components in patients underwent total hip or knee replacement surgery. Data of 99 consecutive patients underwent primary total hip or knee replacement surgery were evaluated prospectively. In all the 99 surgeries modified local infiltration analgesia was applied. Postoperative pain reported on a visual analog scale was recorded as well as the need for further analgetics during the first 18 hours after surgery. The cost of the analgetic drugs was calculated. The control group comprised 97 consecutive patients underwent total hip or knee replacement, where local infiltration analgesia was not applied. Statistical analysis was done. Patients received local infiltration analgesia reported significantly less pain (p<0.001). The need for postoperatively given analgetics was almost 50% less, and the cost of all postoperative analgetics was 47% less than in the control group. In total hip and knee replacement surgeries the modified local infiltration analgesia decreases postoperative pain effectively and contribute to the early mobilization of the patients. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(9), 352-357.

  16. Component Design Report: International Transportation Energy Demand Determinants Model

    EIA Publications

    2017-01-01

    This Component Design Report discusses working design elements for a new model to replace the International Transportation Model (ITran) in the World Energy Projection System Plus (WEPS ) that is maintained by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The key objective of the new International Transportation Energy Demand Determinants (ITEDD) model is to enable more rigorous, quantitative research related to energy consumption in the international transportation sectors.

  17. Environmentally Benign Stab Detonators

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-07-11

    composition. In addition we will work with our DoD partner TACOM-ARDEC in identifying and testing more environmentally suitable replacement transfer...components identified is shown in Figure 1 below. Figure 1. Photo of M55 stab detonator Al cup with initiation train and components. Common...primer mixes, such as NOL-130, are made up of lead styphnate (basic) 40%, lead azide ( dextrinated ) 20%, barium nitrate 20%, antimony sulfide 15%, and

  18. How Will Rhode Island's New Hybrid Pension Plan Affect Teachers? A Report of the Public Pension Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Richard W.; Butrica, Barbara A.; Haaga, Owen; Southgate, Benjamin G.

    2014-01-01

    In 2011 Rhode Island replaced the stand-alone defined benefit pension plan it provided to state employees with a hybrid plan that reduced the defined benefit component and added a 401(k)-type, defined contribution component. Although controversial, the new hybrid plan will boost retirement incomes for most of the states public school teachers. Our…

  19. Macro-retentive replaceable veneers on crowns and fixed dental prostheses: a new approach in implant-prosthodontics.

    PubMed

    Schweiger, Josef; Neumeier, Peter; Stimmelmayr, Michael; Beuer, Florian; Edelhoff, Daniel

    2013-04-01

    Implant-supported prosthetic restorations with veneered crowns and fixed dental prostheses are a proven, scientifically accepted treatment concept in fixed prosthodontics. However, in this area of indication there is a comparatively high technical complication rate, which occurs mainly in the area of the superstructure in the form of minor or major chipping of the veneering material. Various studies have shown that purely implant-supported restorations are subjected to higher loading than those on natural abutment teeth due to the special biomechanical conditions. A possible approach to prevent technical complications is to create higher stability for the implant superstructure through the use of high-strength materials. This would, however, result in undiminished overloading being transmitted to the implant components and could cause increased technical and biological complications. This article describes a new procedure for the use of replaceable veneers made from high-performance polymer material on modified implant abutments. By storing digital datasets for the veneer section, it can be replaced easily and quickly if it becomes worn or is fractured. A reduction in the stresses for the implant components and biological structures under the polymer is also to be expected due the material properties of polymers.

  20. GMT azimuth bogie wheel-rail interface wear study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teran, Jose; Lindh, Cory; Morgan, Chris; Manuel, Eric; Bigelow, Bruce C.; Burgett, William S.

    2016-07-01

    Performance of the GMT azimuth drive system is vital for the operation of the telescope and, as such, all components subject to wear at the drive interface merit a high level of scrutiny for achieving a proper balance between capital costs, maintenance costs, and the risk for downtime during planned and unplanned maintenance or replacement procedures. Of particular importance is the interface between the azimuth wheels and rail, as usage frequency is high, the full weight of the enclosure must be transferred through small patches of contact, and replacement of the rail would pose a greater logistical challenge than the replacement of smaller components such as bearings and gearmotors. This study investigates tradeoffs between various wheel-rail and roller-track interfaces, including performance, complexity, and anticipated wear considerations. First, a survey of railway and overhead crane industry literature is performed and general detailing recommendations are made to minimize wear and the risk of rolling contact fatigue. Second, Adams/VI-Rail is used to simulate lifetime wear of four specific configurations under consideration for the GMT azimuth wheel-rail interface; all studied configurations are shown to be viable, and their relative merits are discussed.

  1. First non-OEM steam-generator replacement in US a success

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

    Hendsbee, P.M.; Lees, M.D.; Smith, J.C.

    1994-04-01

    In selecting replacements for major powerplant components, a fresh approach can be advantageous--even when complex nuclear components are involved. This was the experience at Unit 2 of Millstone nuclear station, which features an 870-MW pressurized-water reactor (PWR) with two nuclear recirculating steam generators. The unit began operation in 1975. In the early 1980s, pitting problems surfaced in the steam generator tubing; by the mid eighties, tube corrosion had reached an unacceptable level. Virtually all of the 17,000 tubes in the two units were deteriorating, with 2500 plugged and 5000 sleeved. Several new problems also were identified, including secondary-side circumferential crackingmore » of the Alloy 600 tubing near the tubesheet face, and deterioration of the carbon steel egg-crate tube supports. Despite improvements to primary and secondary steam-generator water chemistry, including almost complete copper removal from the condensate and feedwater loops, Northeast Utilities (NU) was unable to completely control degradation of the tube bundles. The utility decided in 1987 that full replacement was the most viable alternative. NU made a bold move, selecting a supplier other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).« less

  2. Polyethylene Wear in Retrieved Reverse Total Shoulder Components

    PubMed Central

    Day, Judd S; MacDonald, Daniel W; Olsen, Madeline; Getz, Charles; Williams, Gerald R; Kurtz, Steven M

    2011-01-01

    Background Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been used to treat rotator cuff tear arthropathy, proximal humeral fractures and for failed conventional total shoulder prostheses. It has been suggested that polyethylene wear is potentially higher in reverse shoulder replacements than in conventional shoulder replacements. The modes and degree of polyethylene wear have not been completely elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polyethylene wear patterns in seven specimens retrieved at revision arthroplasty and identify factors that may be associated with increased wear. Methods Reverse total shoulder components were retrieved from 7 patients during revision arthroplasty for loosening and/or pain. Pre-operative glenoid tilt and placement, and scapular notching were evaluated using pre-operative radiographs. Polyethylene wear was evaluated using microCT and optical microscopy. Results Wear on the rim of the polyethylene humeral cup, was identified on all retrieved components. The extent of rim wear varied from a penetration depth of 0.1 to 4.7 mm. We could not demonstrate a correlation between scapular notching and rim wear. However, rim wear was more extensive when the inferior screw had made contact with the liner. Metal on metal wear between the humeral component and the inferior screw of one component was also observed. Wear of the intended bearing surface was minimal. Discussion Rim damage was the predominant cause of polyethylene wear in our retrieved specimens. Direct contact between the humeral component and inferior metaglene screws is concerning because this could lead to accelerated UHMWPE wear and also induce mechanical loosening of the glenoid component. PMID:21724419

  3. Sodium-dependent potassium channels of a Slack-like subtype contribute to the slow afterhyperpolarization in lamprey spinal neurons

    PubMed Central

    Wallén, Peter; Robertson, Brita; Cangiano, Lorenzo; Löw, Peter; Bhattacharjee, Arin; Kaczmarek, Leonard K; Grillner, Sten

    2007-01-01

    The slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) following the action potential is the main determinant of spike frequency regulation. The sAHP after single action potentials in neurons of the lamprey locomotor network is largely due to calcium-dependent K+ channels (80%), activated by calcium entering the cell during the spike. The residual (20%) component becomes prominent during high level activity (50% of the sAHP). It is not Ca2+ dependent, has a reversal potential like that of potassium, and is not affected by chloride injection. It is not due to rapid activation of Na+/K+-ATPase. This non-KCa-sAHP is reduced markedly in amplitude when sodium ions are replaced by lithium ions, and is thus sodium dependent. Quinidine also blocks this sAHP component, further indicating an involvement of sodium-dependent potassium channels (KNa). Modulators tested do not influence the KNa-sAHP amplitude. Immunofluorescence labelling with an anti-Slack antibody revealed distinct immunoreactivity of medium-sized and large neurons in the grey matter of the lamprey spinal cord, suggesting the presence of a Slack-like subtype of KNa channel. The results strongly indicate that a KNa potassium current contributes importantly to the sAHP and thereby to neuronal frequency regulation during high level burst activity as during locomotion. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a functional role for the Slack gene in contributing to the slow AHP. PMID:17884929

  4. Doppler Lidar System Design via Interdisciplinary Design Concept at NASA Langley Research Center - Part I

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boyer, Charles M.; Jackson, Trevor P.; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Petway, Larry B.

    2013-01-01

    Optimized designs of the Navigation Doppler Lidar (NDL) instrument for Autonomous Landing Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) were accomplished via Interdisciplinary Design Concept (IDEC) at NASA Langley Research Center during the summer of 2013. Three branches in the Engineering Directorate and three students were involved in this joint task through the NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program. The Laser Remote Sensing Branch (LRSB), Mechanical Systems Branch (MSB), and Structural and Thermal Systems Branch (STSB) were engaged to achieve optimal designs through iterative and interactive collaborative design processes. A preliminary design iteration was able to reduce the power consumption, mass, and footprint by removing redundant components and replacing inefficient components with more efficient ones. A second design iteration reduced volume and mass by replacing bulky components with excessive performance with smaller components custom-designed for the power system. Mechanical placement collaboration reduced potential electromagnetic interference (EMI). Through application of newly selected electrical components and thermal analysis data, a total electronic chassis redesign was accomplished. Use of an innovative forced convection tunnel heat sink was employed to meet and exceed project requirements for cooling, mass reduction, and volume reduction. Functionality was a key concern to make efficient use of airflow, and accessibility was also imperative to allow for servicing of chassis internals. The collaborative process provided for accelerated design maturation with substantiated function.

  5. Interpreting beta-diversity components over time to conserve metacommunities in highly dynamic ecosystems.

    PubMed

    Ruhí, Albert; Datry, Thibault; Sabo, John L

    2017-12-01

    The concept of metacommunity (i.e., a set of local communities linked by dispersal) has gained great popularity among community ecologists. However, metacommunity research mostly addresses questions on spatial patterns of biodiversity at the regional scale, whereas conservation planning requires quantifying temporal variation in those metacommunities and the contributions that individual (local) sites make to regional dynamics. We propose that recent advances in diversity-partitioning methods may allow for a better understanding of metacommunity dynamics and the identification of keystone sites. We used time series of the 2 components of beta diversity (richness and replacement) and the contributions of local sites to these components to examine which sites controlled source-sink dynamics in a highly dynamic model system (an intermittent river). The relative importance of the richness and replacement components of beta diversity fluctuated over time, and sample aggregation led to underestimation of beta diversity by up to 35%. Our literature review revealed that research on intermittent rivers would benefit greatly from examination of beta-diversity components over time. Adequately appraising spatiotemporal variability in community composition and identifying sites that are pivotal for maintaining biodiversity at the landscape scale are key needs for conservation prioritization and planning. Thus, our framework may be used to guide conservation actions in highly dynamic ecosystems when time-series data describing biodiversity across sites connected by dispersal are available. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

  6. EPC1/TIP60-Mediated Histone Acetylation Facilitates Spermiogenesis in Mice.

    PubMed

    Dong, Yixin; Isono, Kyo-Ichi; Ohbo, Kazuyuki; Endo, Takaho A; Ohara, Osamu; Maekawa, Mamiko; Toyama, Yoshiro; Ito, Chizuru; Toshimori, Kiyotaka; Helin, Kristian; Ogonuki, Narumi; Inoue, Kimiko; Ogura, Atsuo; Yamagata, Kazutsune; Kitabayashi, Issay; Koseki, Haruhiko

    2017-10-01

    Global histone hyperacetylation is suggested to play a critical role for replacement of histones by transition proteins and protamines to compact the genome during spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms for hyperacetylation-mediated histone replacement remains poorly understood. Here, we report that EPC1 and TIP60, two critical components of the mammalian nucleosome acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) complexes, are coexpressed in male germ cells. Strikingly, genetic ablation of either Epc1 or Tip60 disrupts hyperacetylation and impairs histone replacement, in turn causing aberrant spermatid development. Taking these observations together, we reveal an essential role of the NuA4 complexes for histone hyperacetylation and subsequent compaction of the spermatid genome. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  7. Total elbow arthroplasty in primary osteoarthritis of the elbow.

    PubMed

    Kozak, T K; Adams, R A; Morrey, B F

    1998-10-01

    Primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is an infrequent condition typically managed by some form of debridement. There is no comment in the literature regarding prosthetic replacement for this condition. We report 5 patients (mean age, 68), with a minimum assessment of 3 years (range, 37-125 years) after total elbow arthroplasty. Complications in 4 patients included subluxation, fracture of a humeral component with particulate synovitis, heterotopic ossification, recurrent osteophyte formation, and transient ulnar neuropathy. Although revision was required in 2 of the 5, currently all experience had satisfactory outcomes. While replacement has proven ultimately to be a successful option for this high-demand patient group because of the high complication rate, we do not recommend replacement unless alternate operative options are deemed unacceptable.

  8. Development and Technology of Large Thickness TMCP Steel Plate with 390MPA Grade Used for Engineering Machinery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaoshu; Zhang, Zhijun; Zhang, Peng

    Recently, with the rapid upgrading of the equipment in the steel Corp, the rolling technology of TMCP has been rapidly developed and widely applied. A large amount of steel plate has been produced by using the TMCP technology. The TMCP processes have been used more and more widely and replaced the heat treatment technology of normalizing, quenching and tempering heat process. In this paper, low financial input is considered in steel plate production and the composition of the steel has been designed with low C component, a limited alloy element of the Nb, and certain amounts of Mn element. During the continuous casting process, the size of the continuous casting slab section is 300 mm × 2400 mm. The rolling technology of TMCP is controlled at a lower rolling and red temperature to control the transformation of the microstructure. Four different rolling treatments are chosen to test its effects on the 390MPa grade low carbon steel of bainitic microstructure and properties. This test manages to produce a proper steel plate fulfilling the standard mechanical properties. Specifically, low carbon bainite is observed in the microstructure of the steel plate and the maximum thickness of steel plate under this TMCP technology is up to 80mm. The mechanical property of the steel plate is excellent and the KV2 at -40 °C performs more than 200 J. Moreover, the production costs are greatly reduced when the steel plate is produced by this TMCP technology when replacing the current production process of quenching and tempering. The low cost steel plate could well meet the requirements of producing engineering machinery in the steel market.

  9. A carbon fiber reinforced polymer cage for vertebral body replacement: technical note.

    PubMed

    Ciappetta, P; Boriani, S; Fava, G P

    1997-11-01

    We analyzed the surgical technique used for the replacement of damaged vertebral bodies of the thoracolumbar spine and the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages that are used to replace the pathological vertebral bodies. We also evaluated the biomechanical properties of carbon composite materials used in spinal surgery. The surgical technique of CFRP implants may be divided into two distinct steps, i.e., assembling the components that will replace the pathological vertebral bodies and connecting the cage to an osteosynthetic system to immobilize the cage. The CFRP cages, made of Ultrapek polymer and AS-4 pyrolytic carbon fiber (AcroMed, Rotterdam, The Netherlands), are of different sizes and may be placed one on top of the other and fixed together with a titanium rod. These components are hollow to allow fragments of bone to be pressed manually into them and present threaded holes at 15, 30, and 90 degrees on the external surface, permitting the insertion of screws to connect the cage to an anterior or posterior osteosynthetic system. To date, we have used CFRP cages in 13 patients undergoing corporectomies and 10 patients undergoing spondylectomies. None of our patients have reported complications. CFRP implants offer several advantages compared with titanium or surgical grade stainless steel implants, demonstrating high versatility and outstanding biological and mechanical properties. Furthermore, CFRP implants are radiolucent and do not hinder radiographic evaluation of bone fusion, allowing for better follow-up studies.

  10. Seroprevalence and trends in transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in a university hospital blood bank: a 5 year study.

    PubMed

    Pallavi, P; Ganesh, C K; Jayashree, K; Manjunath, G V

    2011-03-01

    Blood is life. Transfusion of blood and blood components, as a specialized modality of patient management saves millions of lives worldwide each year and reduce morbidity. It is well known that blood transfusion is associated with a large number of complications, some are only trivial and others are potentially life threatening, demanding for meticulous pretransfusion testing and screening particularly for transfusion transmissible infections (TTI). These TTI are a threat to blood safety. The priority objective of BTS is thus to ensure safety, adequacy, accessibility and efficiency of blood supply at all levels. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence and trend of transfusion transmitted infections (TTI) among voluntary and replacement donors in the Department of Blood bank and transfusion Medicine of JSS College Hospital, a teaching hospital of Mysore during the period from 2004 to 2008. A retrospective review of donors record covering the period between 2004 and 2008 at the blood bank, JSS Hospital, Mysore was carried out. All samples were screened for HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis and malaria. Of the 39,060, 25,303 (64.78%) were voluntary donors and the remaining 13,757 (35.22%) were replacement donors. The overall prevalence of HIV, HbsAg, HCV and syphilis were 0.44, 1.27, 0.23 and 0.28%, respectively. No blood donor tested showed positivity for malarial parasite. Majority were voluntary donors with male preponderance. In all the markers tested there was increased prevalence of TTI among the replacement donors as compared to voluntary donors. With the implementation of strict donor criteria and use of sensitive screening tests, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of TTI in the Indian scenario.

  11. Preliminary evaluation of physical and chemical characterization of waste palm oil shell as cool material replaced in asphaltic concrete as fine aggregate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anuar, M. A. M.; Anting, N.; Shahidan, S.; Lee, Y. Y.; Din, M. F. Md; Khalid, F. S.; Nazri, W. M. H. W.

    2017-11-01

    Malaysia is one of the biggest producer of palm oil product and currently as main source of economy for the country. During the production of crude palm oil, a large amount of waste material is generated, such as palm oil fibres, palm oil shells and empty fruit bunches. Palm oil shell aggregate (POSA) is identified as a material that shows good potential to be used as a fine aggregate replacement in asphaltic concrete. On other hand, the chemical compound that exist in the Palm Oil Shell (POS) have shown a good potential as reflective component in cool-material. The purpose of this study is to obtain the physical and chemical properties of palm oil shell. The result shows the apparent particle density of Palm Oil Shell is 1.6 mg/m3. The specific gravity of palm oil shell was obtained with the value 1.6 and the water absorption amount of palm oil shell recorded from this study was 25.1%. The X-Ray Fluorescence study shows that palm oil shell contains the highest amount of SiO2 (46.412 wt%) and the second highest amount of Fe2O3 (34.016 wt%), both is the main output of relectivity compound. As a conclusion, waste palm oil shell has a potential to be used as alternative material for fine aggregate replacement. Besides that, the amount of chemical element that consist in palm oil shell which high in SiO2 and Fe2O3, promising the benefit to mitigate urban heat island as a cooling material agent.

  12. Empowered or Beleaguered? Principals' Accountability under New York City's Diverse Provider Regime

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shipps, Dorothy

    2012-01-01

    By 2008, New York City's school governing regime contained two market-creation policies. Each reshaped principal incentives. One closed large high schools, replacing them with four-to-eight small schools. Another replaced uniform district-provided services with eleven School Support Organizations (SSOs). Both aimed to empower principals with new…

  13. Blind-Anchor-Nut-Installation Fixture (BANIF)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willey, Norman F., Jr.; Linker, James F.

    1994-01-01

    Blind-anchor-nut-installation fixture, BANIF, developed for replacing or installing anchor nuts in blind holes or other inaccessible places. Attachment of anchor nut to BANIF enables placement of anchor nut on blind side of component.

  14. Accelerating bridge construction to minimize traffic disruption : research spotlight.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-12-01

    Since 2008, MDOT has been using accelerated bridge construction, which utilizes prefabricated components and structural placements, to minimize traffic disruptions during bridge replacement or rehabilitation. A recent project provided MDOT with a new...

  15. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2016 Greener Synthetic Pathways Award

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge 2016 award winners, Albemarle and CB&I, developed a safer technology to produce alkylate, a clean gasoline component by replacing liquid acid catalysts with a lower environmental impact catalyst

  16. Survivorship of Total Hip Joint Replacements Following Isolated Liner Exchange for Wear.

    PubMed

    Vadei, Leone; Kieser, David C; Frampton, Chris; Hooper, Gary

    2017-11-01

    Liner exchange for articular component wear in total hip joint replacements (THJRs) is a common procedure, often thought to be benign with reliable outcomes. Recent studies, however, suggest high failure rates of liner exchange revisions with significant complications. The primary aim of this study was, therefore, to analyze the survivorship of isolated liner exchange for articular component wear, and secondarily to assess the influence of patient demographics (gender, age, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists [ASA] ratings) on rerevisions following isolated liner exchange for wear. A retrospective review of the 15-year New Zealand Joint Registry (1999-2014) was performed, analyzing the outcomes of isolated liner exchange for articular component wear. The survivorship as defined as rerevision with component exchange was determined and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were constructed. These revision rates were compared to age, gender, and ASA rating groups using a log-rank test. The 10-year survivorship of THJR following liner exchange revision for liner wear was 75.3%. If a rerevision was required, the median time to rerevision was 1.33 years with a rerevision rate of 3.33 per 100 component years (95% confidence interval 2.68-4.08/100 component years). The principle reasons for rerevision were dislocation (48.4%) and acetabular component loosening (20.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in rerevision rates based on gender, age categories, or ASA scores. THJR isolated liner exchange for liner wear is not a benign procedure with a survivorship of 75.3% at 10 years. Surgeons contemplating liner exchange revisions should be cognisant of this risk and should adequately assess component position and stability preoperatively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Revealing Beta-Diversity Patterns of Breeding Bird and Lizard Communities on Inundated Land-Bridge Islands by Separating the Turnover and Nestedness Components

    PubMed Central

    Si, Xingfeng; Baselga, Andrés; Ding, Ping

    2015-01-01

    Beta diversity describes changes in species composition among sites in a region and has particular relevance for explaining ecological patterns in fragmented habitats. However, it is difficult to reveal the mechanisms if broad sense beta-diversity indices (i.e. yielding identical values under nestedness and species replacement) are used. Partitioning beta diversity into turnover (caused by species replacement from site to site) and nestedness-resultant components (caused by nested species losses) could provide a unique way to understand the variation of species composition in fragmented habitats. Here, we collected occupancy data of breeding birds and lizards on land-bridge islands in an inundated lake in eastern China. We decomposed beta diversity of breeding bird and lizard communities into spatial turnover and nestedness-resultant components to assess their relative contributions and respective relationships to differences in island area, isolation, and habitat richness. Our results showed that spatial turnover contributed more to beta diversity than the nestedness-resultant component. The degree of isolation had no significant effect on overall beta diversity or its components, neither for breeding birds nor for lizards. In turn, in both groups the nestedness-resultant component increased with larger differences in island area and habitat richness, respectively, while turnover component decreased with them. The major difference among birds and lizards was a higher relevance of nestedness-resultant dissimilarity in lizards, suggesting that they are more prone to local extinctions derived from habitat fragmentation. The dominance of the spatial turnover component of beta diversity suggests that all islands have potential conservation value for breeding bird and lizard communities. PMID:25992559

  18. Dedication file preparation for commercial-grade electric components

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

    Hendricks, J.R.; Farwell, C.R. Jr.

    1988-01-01

    Dedication is the process of making a commercial-grade item into a basic component that can be installed in safety systems. This process ensures that the commercially manufactured items are of the same or equivalent form, fit, function, and materials as the originally provided safety item. This process must ensure that the original utility's equipment qualification program is maintained per licensing commitments to 10CFR50.49 and general design criterion No. 4. Today, utilities recognize the need for establishing a dedication program to provide the flexibility in obtaining replacement items directly from the original manufacturers. This need has arisen because (a) most systemmore » houses, large manufacturers, and component manufacturers will sell their products only through distributors as straight commercial-grade items or only service former clients, and (b) lack of competition for specific safety-related items has resulted in excessive hardware cost and very long delivery schedules, which could affect plant availability. The vehicle for utilities to obtain safety-related items is to establish and manage a comprehensive dedication program for their own use or provide the direction for a nuclear supplier to follow. This paper provides both utilities and nuclear suppliers insight into the complexities of a dedication program. This insight is provided from our experience as a utilities agent and as a third-party nuclear supplier.« less

  19. Large-Scale Crustal-Block-Extrusion During Late Alpine Collision.

    PubMed

    Herwegh, Marco; Berger, Alfons; Baumberger, Roland; Wehrens, Philip; Kissling, Edi

    2017-03-24

    The crustal-scale geometry of the European Alps has been explained by a classical subduction-scenario comprising thrust-and-fold-related compressional wedge tectonics and isostatic rebound. However, massive blocks of crystalline basement (External Crystalline Massifs) vertically disrupt the upper-crustal wedge. In the case of the Aar massif, top basement vertically rises for >12 km and peak metamorphic temperatures increase along an orogen-perpendicular direction from 250 °C-450 °C over horizontal distances of only <15 km (Innertkirchen-Grimselpass), suggesting exhumation of midcrustal rocks with increasing uplift component along steep vertical shear zones. Here we demonstrate that delamination of European lower crust during lithosphere mantle rollback migrates northward in time. Simultaneously, the Aar massif as giant upper crustal block extrudes by buoyancy forces, while substantial volumes of lower crust accumulate underneath. Buoyancy-driven deformation generates dense networks of steep reverse faults as major structures interconnected by secondary branches with normal fault component, dissecting the entire crust up to the surface. Owing to rollback fading, the component of vertical motion reduces and is replaced by a late stage of orogenic compression as manifest by north-directed thrusting. Buoyancy-driven vertical tectonics and modest late shortening, combined with surface erosion, result in typical topographic and metamorphic gradients, which might represent general indicators for final stages of continent-continent collisions.

  20. Gas-Liquid Supersonic Cleaning and Cleaning Verification Spray System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parrish, Lewis M.

    2009-01-01

    NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) recently entered into a nonexclusive license agreement with Applied Cryogenic Solutions (ACS), Inc. (Galveston, TX) to commercialize its Gas-Liquid Supersonic Cleaning and Cleaning Verification Spray System technology. This technology, developed by KSC, is a critical component of processes being developed and commercialized by ACS to replace current mechanical and chemical cleaning and descaling methods used by numerous industries. Pilot trials on heat exchanger tubing components have shown that the ACS technology provides for: Superior cleaning in a much shorter period of time. Lower energy and labor requirements for cleaning and de-scaling uper.ninih. Significant reductions in waste volumes by not using water, acidic or basic solutions, organic solvents, or nonvolatile solid abrasives as components in the cleaning process. Improved energy efficiency in post-cleaning heat exchanger operations. The ACS process consists of a spray head containing supersonic converging/diverging nozzles, a source of liquid gas; a novel, proprietary pumping system that permits pumping liquid nitrogen, liquid air, or supercritical carbon dioxide to pressures in the range of 20,000 to 60,000 psi; and various hoses, fittings, valves, and gauges. The size and number of nozzles can be varied so the system can be built in configurations ranging from small hand-held spray heads to large multinozzle cleaners. The system also can be used to verify if a part has been adequately cleaned.

  1. Improving Software Sustainability: Lessons Learned from Profiles in Science.

    PubMed

    Gallagher, Marie E

    2013-01-01

    The Profiles in Science® digital library features digitized surrogates of historical items selected from the archival collections of the U.S. National Library of Medicine as well as collaborating institutions. In addition, it contains a database of descriptive, technical and administrative metadata. It also contains various software components that allow creation of the metadata, management of the digital items, and access to the items and metadata through the Profiles in Science Web site [1]. The choices made building the digital library were designed to maximize the sustainability and long-term survival of all of the components of the digital library [2]. For example, selecting standard and open digital file formats rather than proprietary formats increases the sustainability of the digital files [3]. Correspondingly, using non-proprietary software may improve the sustainability of the software--either through in-house expertise or through the open source community. Limiting our digital library software exclusively to open source software or to software developed in-house has not been feasible. For example, we have used proprietary operating systems, scanning software, a search engine, and office productivity software. We did this when either lack of essential capabilities or the cost-benefit trade-off favored using proprietary software. We also did so knowing that in the future we would need to replace or upgrade some of our proprietary software, analogous to migrating from an obsolete digital file format to a new format as the technological landscape changes. Since our digital library's start in 1998, all of its software has been upgraded or replaced, but the digitized items have not yet required migration to other formats. Technological changes that compelled us to replace proprietary software included the cost of product licensing, product support, incompatibility with other software, prohibited use due to evolving security policies, and product abandonment. Sometimes these changes happen on short notice, so we continually monitor our library's software for signs of endangerment. We have attempted to replace proprietary software with suitable in-house or open source software. When the replacement involves a standalone piece of software with a nearly equivalent version, such as replacing a commercial HTTP server with an open source HTTP server, the replacement is straightforward. Recently we replaced software that functioned not only as our search engine but also as the backbone of the architecture of our Web site. In this paper, we describe the lessons learned and the pros and cons of replacing this software with open source software.

  2. What Not To Do: Anti-patterns for Developing Scientific Workflow Software Components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Futrelle, J.; Maffei, A. R.; Sosik, H. M.; Gallager, S. M.; York, A.

    2013-12-01

    Scientific workflows promise to enable efficient scaling-up of researcher code to handle large datasets and workloads, as well as documentation of scientific processing via standardized provenance records, etc. Workflow systems and related frameworks for coordinating the execution of otherwise separate components are limited, however, in their ability to overcome software engineering design problems commonly encountered in pre-existing components, such as scripts developed externally by scientists in their laboratories. In practice, this often means that components must be rewritten or replaced in a time-consuming, expensive process. In the course of an extensive workflow development project involving large-scale oceanographic image processing, we have begun to identify and codify 'anti-patterns'--problematic design characteristics of software--that make components fit poorly into complex automated workflows. We have gone on to develop and document low-effort solutions and best practices that efficiently address the anti-patterns we have identified. The issues, solutions, and best practices can be used to evaluate and improve existing code, as well as guiding the development of new components. For example, we have identified a common anti-pattern we call 'batch-itis' in which a script fails and then cannot perform more work, even if that work is not precluded by the failure. The solution we have identified--removing unnecessary looping over independent units of work--is often easier to code than the anti-pattern, as it eliminates the need for complex control flow logic in the component. Other anti-patterns we have identified are similarly easy to identify and often easy to fix. We have drawn upon experience working with three science teams at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, each of which has designed novel imaging instruments and associated image analysis code. By developing use cases and prototypes within these teams, we have undertaken formal evaluations of software components developed by programmers with widely varying levels of expertise, and have been able to discover and characterize a number of anti-patterns. Our evaluation methodology and testbed have also enabled us to assess the efficacy of strategies to address these anti-patterns according to scientifically relevant metrics, such as ability of algorithms to perform faster than the rate of data acquisition and the accuracy of workflow component output relative to ground truth. The set of anti-patterns and solutions we have identified augments of the body of more well-known software engineering anti-patterns by addressing additional concerns that obtain when a software component has to function as part of a workflow assembled out of independently-developed codebases. Our experience shows that identifying and resolving these anti-patterns reduces development time and improves performance without reducing component reusability.

  3. The Prediction of Long-Term Thermal Aging in Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel

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

    Byun, Thak Sang; Yang, Ying; Lach, Timothy G.

    Cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) materials are extensively used for many massive primary coolant system components of light water reactors (LWRs) including coolant piping, valve bodies, pump casings, and piping elbows. Many of these components are operated in complex and persistently damaging environments of elevated temperature, high pressure, corrosive environment, and sometimes radiation for long periods of time. Since a large number of CASS components are installed in every nuclear power plant and replacing such massive components is prohibitively expensive, any significant degradation in mechanical properties that affects structural integrity, cracking resistance in particular, of CASS components will raise amore » serious concern on the performance of entire power plant. The CASS materials for nuclear components are highly corrosion-resistant Fe-Cr-Ni alloys with 300 series stainless steel compositions and mostly austenite (γ)–ferrite (δ) duplex structures, which result from the casting processes consisting of alloy melting and pouring or injecting liquid metal into a static or spinning mold. Although the commonly used static and centrifugal casting processes enable the fabrication of massive components with proper resistance to environmental attacks, the alloying and microstructural conditions are not highly controllable in actual fabrication, especially in the casting processes of massive components. In the corrosion-resistant Fe-Cr-Ni alloy system, the minor phase (i.e., the δ-ferrite phase) is inevitably formed during the casting process, and is in a non-equilibrium state subject to detrimental changes during exposure to elevated temperature and/or radiation. In general, relatively few critical degradation modes are expected within the current design lifetime of 40 years, given that the CASS components have been processed properly. It has been well known, however, that both the thermal aging and the neutron irradiation can cause degradation of static and impact toughness in the cast stainless steels, and if combined with any flaws formed during the fabrication process or in service, the thermal degradation in CASS components can be a serious concern for the integrity of the power plant. On the integrity of the CASS components during the extended lifetime of 60 years or longer, no conclusive prediction has been possible, primarily because no direct experience with these materials currently exists, and the aging behavior of CASS alloys still remains largely uncertain. The ongoing research for CASS aging, as part of the LWRS Program/Materials Aging and Degradation Pathway, is an integrated research using holistic experimental and modeling means to provide both the scientific understanding on the aging and failure phenomena and the practical models to predict the degree of property degradation.« less

  4. Microscope collision protection apparatus

    DOEpatents

    DeNure, Charles R.

    2001-10-23

    A microscope collision protection apparatus for a remote control microscope which protects the optical and associated components from damage in the event of an uncontrolled collision with a specimen, regardless of the specimen size or shape. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a counterbalanced slide for mounting the microscope's optical components. This slide replaces the rigid mounts on conventional upright microscopes with a precision ball bearing slide. As the specimen contacts an optical component, the contacting force will move the slide and the optical components mounted thereon. This movement will protect the optical and associated components from damage as the movement causes a limit switch to be actuated, thereby stopping all motors responsible for the collision.

  5. Interface-coupled dissolution-precipitation processes allow a photonic crystal to replace an ionic crystal along lattice planes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liesegang, Moritz; Milke, Ralf

    2015-04-01

    Nanocolloidal amorphous silica (SiO2×nH2O) is a major component of environmental aqueous solutions and surface coatings on rocks or mineral grains. Detailed knowledge of amorphous silica formation is indispensable for a better understanding of silicate rock alteration and diagenetic processes. We analyzed a wide range of samples from the Australian precious opal fields in South Australia and Queensland using petrographic microscopy, XRPD, SEM, and EPMA to characterize opaline silica, the mineral assemblage, and the host rock. Over the past 90 Ma the Lower Cretaceous lithologies of central Australia have undergone a weathering regime ranging from sub-tropical to arid, in which pH fluctuated from alkaline to acidic. The prolonged chemical alteration of sedimentary rocks derived from andesitic volcaniclastics and organic matter liberated large volumes of silica into solution, eventually leading to precipitation of nanocolloidal amorphous silica and formation of opal-A. A regular arrangement of close-packed uniform (monodisperse) spheres permits diffraction of white light and gives rise to the famous play-of-color. The opals in this study consist of silica spheres with an average diameter of 100-320 nm and often show a prominent core-shell structure. Two groups are separated by their relative standard deviation (RSD): monodisperse spheres (RSD<6%) and polydisperse spheres (RDS>10%). Monodisperse and polydisperse spheres are separated by their Na/K ratio, restricting the appearance of monodisperse spheres to values <1.2 and polydisperse spheres to values >3.0. We suggest that the Na/K ratio represents significant differences in the overall solution characteristics. The associated minerals (e.g., alunite, gypsum, kaolinite, K feldspar) indicate large variations of fluid composition and pH. Probably, uniform spheres grew at acidic pH, with repulsive forces large enough to arrange them in an ordered array prior to the evaporation of interstitial fluids. The investigation of fossil shells replaced by opal-A reveals clues for the understanding of structural and chemical reorganization mechanisms behind silica pseudomorphism. Fundamental knowledge about the highly selective replacement process is absent so far, impeding an adequate interpretation of the observations. The replacement of calcitic shells by amorphous silica spheres (~300 nm in size) is a unique example for the transformation of an ionic to a photonic crystal accompanied by a large size contrast of ions and spheres, respectively, but preserving lattice planes. The observed replication of polysynthetic twinning and cleavage planes of calcite by opal-A spheres indicates that silicification occurs via dissolution of shell material and immediate precipitation of amorphous silica. This follows the interface-coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanism model (Putnis and Putnis, 2007), but requires some modification to allow for open space necessary to form spheres in the 100s-nm size range with a core-shell structure. While sphere growth by a gravitational ordering process is implausible, we assume that the ordered array of monodisperse spheres forms via layer-by-layer deposition. References: Putnis A. and Putnis C.V. (2007), J. Solid State Chem., 180, 1783-1786

  6. Kinetic-rheological insights uncovered by the self-accelerating brucite-for-periclase replacement - but only if adjusted on volume. The blind spot of geochemists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Merino, E.

    2013-12-01

    Geochemists of weathering, metamorphism, dolomitization, etc., have long adjusted mineral reactions conserving one or another component among the minerals, but paying no attention to whether the volumetric consequences of such adjustments are consistent with independent petrographic evidence. In fact the widespread occurrence of replacement in all types of water-rock interaction implies that the mineral reactions involved did conserve solid volume, not a component. The conflict has been hidden in a blind spot that geochemists appear to be unaware of having. Characteristically, replacement preserves both volume and morphological details of the host. It originates not by dissolution-precipitation, but by guest-growth-driven pressure solution of host by guest (Merino/Dewers 1998; Merino/Canals 2011) The replacement of periclase by brucite common in magnesian marbles is attributed (Turner 1965; Ferry 2000) to: MgO(per) + H2O = Mg(OH)2(bruc), (EQ 1), which conserves Mg between the two minerals. But with formula volumes of pericl & bruc ~11 & 25 cm3, this reaction cannot preserve mineral volume; it conflicts with excellent petrographic evidence that mineral volume was preserved. However, by adjusting the local mass balance on volume, as observed, 2.2MgO(per) + 2.4H+ = Mg(OH)2(bruc) + 1.2Mg++ + 0.2H2O (EQ 2), we gain striking dynamic/geochemical insights: (I) Seeing that Mg++ is locally released to the pore fluid, we suddenly grasp why the brucite is typically surrounded by a rim of dolomite replacing matrix calcite. As it is released, the Mg++ reacts with calcite and produces dolomite that replaces calcite, also isovolumetrically, as observed. (II) The second replacement (dolo-for-calc) was simultaneous and thus adjacent to the first, and must have happened at the same T,P, and at the same rate, as the first. (In the conventional view, the dolomite rim is attributed, ad hoc, to the reaction bruc + calc + CO2 = dolo + water, which necessarily happens later and at different T,P; which doesn't preserve volume; and which tells us nothing about rates.) (III) The Mg++ released by each increment of bruc-for-pericl replacement must increase the local ion-activity product for brucite growth from its ions, and thus the growth rate of the next increment of replacement, and so on: The bruc-for-pericl replacement is self-accelerating. This is why it always reaches completion - the brucite keeps replacing periclase faster and faster until all the periclase is gone. (Also self-accelerating are the dolo-for-calc replacement in dolomitization [Merino/Canals, 2011], and the serp-for-oliv replacement in serpentinization.) (IV) A dramatic feedback arises: As a self-accelerating replacement takes place in a non-newtonian rock of the strain-rate-softening kind (as crystalline carbonates and dunites are), it must reduce the local rock viscosity more and more, and, unless a needed reactant is used up first, the viscosity may become low enough for the growth of the guest mineral to gradually pass by itself from replacive to displacive (both régimes being driven by the guest-growth induced stress). This is how thin, displacive zebra veins form routinely in burial dolomitization (Merino/Canals 2006, 2011) and in serpentinization of dunite.

  7. Is drop impact the same for both moving and inclined surfaces?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buksh, Salman; Marengo, Marco; Amirfazli, Alidad; -Team

    2017-11-01

    Drop impact is an important phenomenon in a wide variety of applications. Researchers have largely examined drop impact onto a moving surface, and an inclined surface separately. Given that in both systems the impact phenomenon is influenced by tangential and normal velocity components, the question remains, if these two systems are essentially equivalent or gravity and boundary layer effects are such that the outcomes will be different. Experiments have been performed by varying liquid surface tension, viscosity and both normal and tangential velocities (0.3 to 2.9 m/s). The desired velocity components were achieved by changing the height where drop is released, the surface inclination angle for inclined system, and the horizontal velocity for the moving surface. To compare the systems, spreading was analyzed by measuring the width and length of the lamella at various time intervals; for splashing, top view images were compared to see the extent of splashing at initial stage. The data suggests that, for the given velocity, neither the boundary layer differences between the two systems nor the gravity play a role on spreading and splashing of the drop, as such one system can replace the other for future studies.

  8. Using the ISS as a Testbed to Prepare for the Next Generation of Space-Based Telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ess, Kim; Thronson, Harley; Boyles, Mark; Sparks, William; Postman, Marc; Carpenter, Kenneth

    2012-01-01

    The ISS provides a unique opportunity to develop the technologies and operational capabilities necessary to assemble future large space telescopes that may be used to investigate planetary systems around neighboring stars. Assembling telescopes in space is a paradigm-shifting approach to space astronomy. Using the ISS as a testbed will reduce the technical risks of implementing this major scientific facility, such as laser metrology and wavefront sensing and control (WFSC). The Optical Testbed and Integration on ISS eXperiment (OpTIIX) will demonstrate the robotic assembly of major components, including the primary and secondary mirrors, to mechanical tolerances using existing ISS infrastructure, and the alignment of the optical elements to a diffraction-limited optical system in space. Assembling the optical system and removing and replacing components via existing ISS capabilities, such as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) or the ISS flight crew, allows for future experimentation and repair, if necessary. First flight on ISS for OpTIIX, a small 1.5 meter optical telescope, is planned for 2015. In addition to demonstration of key risk-retiring technologies, the OpTIIX program includes a public outreach program to show the broad value of ISS utilization.

  9. Normal probabilities for Cape Kennedy wind components: Monthly reference periods for all flight azimuths. Altitudes 0 to 70 kilometers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Falls, L. W.

    1973-01-01

    This document replaces Cape Kennedy empirical wind component statistics which are presently being used for aerospace engineering applications that require component wind probabilities for various flight azimuths and selected altitudes. The normal (Gaussian) distribution is presented as an adequate statistical model to represent component winds at Cape Kennedy. Head-, tail-, and crosswind components are tabulated for all flight azimuths for altitudes from 0 to 70 km by monthly reference periods. Wind components are given for 11 selected percentiles ranging from 0.135 percent to 99,865 percent for each month. Results of statistical goodness-of-fit tests are presented to verify the use of the Gaussian distribution as an adequate model to represent component winds at Cape Kennedy, Florida.

  10. 49 CFR 173.36 - Hazardous materials in Large Packagings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... an inner packaging is constructed of paper or flexible plastic, the inner packaging must be replaced...) The Large Packaging is free from corrosion, contamination, cracks, cuts, or other damage which would...

  11. 49 CFR 173.36 - Hazardous materials in Large Packagings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... an inner packaging is constructed of paper or flexible plastic, the inner packaging must be replaced...) The Large Packaging is free from corrosion, contamination, cracks, cuts, or other damage which would...

  12. Impact of conversion to mixed-oxide fuels on reactor structural components

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

    Yahr, G.T.

    1997-04-01

    The use of mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel to replace conventional uranium fuel in commercial light-water power reactors will result in an increase in the neutron flux. The impact of the higher flux on the structural integrity of reactor structural components must be evaluated. This report briefly reviews the effects of radiation on the mechanical properties of metals. Aging degradation studies and reactor operating experience provide a basis for determining the areas where conversion to MOX fuels has the potential to impact the structural integrity of reactor components.

  13. The Aging of Engines: An Operator’s Perspective

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2000-10-01

    internal HCF failures of blades . Erosion of compressor gas path 2-3 components can be minimized through the use of inlet aluminide intermetallic...fatigue problems in the dovetails durability in accelerated burner rig tests [2,35]. areas of titanium alloy fan and compressor blades . Shot peening in...Criticality Analysis replacement of durability-critical components, such as FOD Foreign object damage blades and vanes. The need to balance risk and escalating

  14. A leading edge heating array and a flat surface heating array - operation, maintenance and repair manual

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1975-01-01

    A general description of the leading edge/flat surface heating array is presented along with its components, assembly instructions, installation instructions, operation procedures, maintenance instructions, repair procedures, schematics, spare parts lists, engineering drawings of the array, and functional acceptance test log sheets. The proper replacement of components, correct torque values, step-by-step maintenance instructions, and pretest checkouts are described.

  15. Evaluating Naturally Durable Wood Species for Repair and Rehabilitation of Above-Ground Components of Covered Bridges

    Treesearch

    Grant T. Kirker; Carol A. Clausen; A. B Blodgett; Stan T. Lebow

    2013-01-01

    More than 1,500 covered bridges remain in the United States. They are a unique part of our history; thus, replacement of bridge components is an equally important part of preserving this uncommon style of craftsmanship. The goal of this project was to evaluate seven wood species for their durability in above-ground field exposure. Chemical analysis was also conducted...

  16. Cemented total knee replacement in 24 dogs: surgical technique, clinical results, and complications.

    PubMed

    Allen, Matthew J; Leone, Kendall A; Lamonte, Kimberly; Townsend, Katy L; Mann, Kenneth A

    2009-07-01

    To characterize the performance of cemented total knee replacement (TKR) in dogs. Preclinical research study. Skeletally mature, male Hounds (25-30 kg; n=24) with no preexisting joint pathology. Dogs had unilateral cemented TKR and were evaluated at 6, 12, 26, or 52 weeks (6 dogs/time point) by radiography, bone density analysis, visual gait assessment, and direct measurement of thigh circumference and stifle joint range of motion as indicators of functional recovery. At study end, the stability of the cemented tibial component was determined by destructive mechanical testing. Joint stability was excellent in 16 dogs (67%) and good in 8 dogs. None of the tibial components had evidence of migration or periprosthetic osteolysis whereas 1 femoral component was loose at 52 weeks. There was an early and significant decrease in tibial bone density, likely because of disuse of the operated limb. Dogs returned to full activity by 12 weeks. The tibial cement-bone interface maintained its strength over 52 weeks. Cement provides stable fixation of the tibial component in canine TKR. Cemented TKR yields adequate clinical function and stifle joint excursion in the dog. Clinical studies are needed to determine the long-term fate of cemented TKR implants, to assess the influence of implant design on implant fixation and wear, and to obtain objective functional data.

  17. Tin whiskers in electronic circuits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stupian, Gary W.

    1992-12-01

    Fibrous, conducting 'whiskers' often grow on pure tin plating. These tin whiskers have, for many years, been known to pose a reliability problem in electronic circuitry; therefore, the use of pure tin coatings in any critical electronic application is not recommended. Despite the warnings of the experts, tin plating is still found on electronic and mechanical components and problems with whiskers still arise. This document summarizes what is known about the growth of tin whiskers. A number of factors (e.g., coating thickness, plating conditions) are thought to be important in determining whether whiskers will grow. Although tin whiskers have been investigated from some decades, there is still disagreement on the effects of virtually every coating parameter. There is no disagreement, however, on the essential fact that it is very difficult to predict with certainty whether whiskers will grow on any specific tin-plated component, which of course is the basis of the 'experts' advice not to use pure tin plating. If tin-plated components are found in an electronic system, replacement is the safest policy. Some additional recommendations to minimize risk are presented here that may be of use in situations in which replacement of all suspect components is not the option of choice because of cost or schedule constraints.

  18. Doppler Lidar System Design via Interdisciplinary Design Concept at NASA Langley Research Center - Part II

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crasner, Aaron I.; Scola,Salvatore; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Petway, Larry B.

    2014-01-01

    Optimized designs of the Navigation Doppler Lidar (NDL) instrument for Autonomous Landing Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) were accomplished via Interdisciplinary Design Concept (IDEC) at NASA Langley Research Center during the summer of 2013. Three branches in the Engineering Directorate and three students were involved in this joint task through the NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program. The Laser Remote Sensing Branch (LRSB), Mechanical Systems Branch (MSB), and Structural and Thermal Systems Branch (STSB) were engaged to achieve optimal designs through iterative and interactive collaborative design processes. A preliminary design iteration was able to reduce the power consumption, mass, and footprint by removing redundant components and replacing inefficient components with more efficient ones. A second design iteration reduced volume and mass by replacing bulky components with excessive performance with smaller components custom-designed for the power system. Thermal modeling software was used to run steady state thermal analyses, which were used to both validate the designs and recommend further changes. Analyses were run on each redesign, as well as the original system. Thermal Desktop was used to run trade studies to account for uncertainty and assumptions about fan performance and boundary conditions. The studies suggested that, even if the assumptions were significantly wrong, the redesigned systems would remain within operating temperature limits.

  19. COMBINED REPLACEMENT OF THE AORTIC VALVE AND ASCENDING AORTA IN JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES: REPORT OF TWO CASES

    PubMed Central

    Beddermann, Christoph; Norman, John C.; Cooley, Denton A.

    1979-01-01

    Two Jehovah's Witnesses with large ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic insufficiency secondary to annuloaortic ectasia underwent successful combined replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta. One patient received a composite graft containing an aortic valve prosthesis, which necessitated supravalvular coronary ostia reimplantation; the other patient underwent separate aortic valve and left supracoronary ascending aneurysm replacement, with reimplantation of the right coronary ostium into the graft. No blood or blood derivatives were administered. Both patients had uneventful recoveries and continue to do well. To our knowledge, they represent the first reported cases of successful combined replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta in Jehovah's Witnesses. Images PMID:15216324

  20. Design of the Women's Health Initiative clinical trial and observational study. The Women's Health Initiative Study Group.

    PubMed

    1998-02-01

    The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) is a large and complex clinical investigation of strategies for the prevention and control of some of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among postmenopausal women, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporotic fractures. The WHI was initiated in 1992, with a planned completion date of 2007. Postmenopausal women ranging in age from 50 to 79 are enrolled at one of 40 WHI clinical centers nationwide into either a clinical trial (CT) that will include about 64,500 women or an observational study (OS) that will include about 100,000 women. The CT is designed to allow randomized controlled evaluation of three distinct interventions: a low-fat eating pattern, hypothesized to prevent breast cancer and colorectal cancer and, secondarily, coronary heart disease; hormone replacement therapy, hypothesized to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases and, secondarily, to reduce the risk of hip and other fractures, with increased breast cancer risk as a possible adverse outcome; and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, hypothesized to prevent hip fractures and, secondarily, other fractures and colorectal cancer. Overall benefit-versus-risk assessment is a central focus in each of the three CT components. Women are screened for participation in one or both of the components--dietary modification (DM) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)--of the CT, which will randomize 48,000 and 27,500 women, respectively. Women who prove to be ineligible for, or who are unwilling to enroll in, these CT components are invited to enroll in the OS. At their 1-year anniversary of randomization, CT women are invited to be further randomized into the calcium and vitamin D (CaD) trial component, which is projected to include 45,000 women. The average follow-up for women in either CT or OS is approximately 9 years. Concerted efforts are made to enroll women of racial and ethnic minority groups, with a target of 20% of overall enrollment in both the CT and OS. This article gives a brief description of the rationale for the interventions being studied in each of the CT components and for the inclusion of the OS component. Some detail is provided on specific study design choices, including eligibility criteria, recruitment strategy, and sample size, with attention to the partial factorial design of the CT. Some aspects of the CT monitoring approach are also outlined. The scientific and logistic complexity of the WHI implies particular leadership and management challenges. The WHI organization and committee structure employed to respond to these challenges is also briefly described.

  1. HT-FRTC: a fast radiative transfer code using kernel regression

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thelen, Jean-Claude; Havemann, Stephan; Lewis, Warren

    2016-09-01

    The HT-FRTC is a principal component based fast radiative transfer code that can be used across the electromagnetic spectrum from the microwave through to the ultraviolet to calculate transmittance, radiance and flux spectra. The principal components cover the spectrum at a very high spectral resolution, which allows very fast line-by-line, hyperspectral and broadband simulations for satellite-based, airborne and ground-based sensors. The principal components are derived during a code training phase from line-by-line simulations for a diverse set of atmosphere and surface conditions. The derived principal components are sensor independent, i.e. no extra training is required to include additional sensors. During the training phase we also derive the predictors which are required by the fast radiative transfer code to determine the principal component scores from the monochromatic radiances (or fluxes, transmittances). These predictors are calculated for each training profile at a small number of frequencies, which are selected by a k-means cluster algorithm during the training phase. Until recently the predictors were calculated using a linear regression. However, during a recent rewrite of the code the linear regression was replaced by a Gaussian Process (GP) regression which resulted in a significant increase in accuracy when compared to the linear regression. The HT-FRTC has been trained with a large variety of gases, surface properties and scatterers. Rayleigh scattering as well as scattering by frozen/liquid clouds, hydrometeors and aerosols have all been included. The scattering phase function can be fully accounted for by an integrated line-by-line version of the Edwards-Slingo spherical harmonics radiation code or approximately by a modification to the extinction (Chou scaling).

  2. 7 CFR 1724.40 - General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... ELECTRIC ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AND DESIGN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Electric System Planning... long-term needs for plant additions, improvements, replacements, and retirements for their electric systems. The primary components of the planning system consist of long-range engineering plans and...

  3. 76 FR 2922 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-18

    ... in emissions through a requirement to retrofit or replace certain high bleed pneumatic controllers with ``low bleed'' components. The Department of Justice will receive for a period of thirty (30) days...

  4. A novel dynamic mechanical testing technique for reverse shoulder replacements.

    PubMed

    Dabirrahmani, Danè; Bokor, Desmond; Appleyard, Richard

    2014-04-01

    In vitro mechanical testing of orthopedic implants provides information regarding their mechanical performance under simulated biomechanical conditions. Current in vitro component stability testing methods for reverse shoulder implants are based on anatomical shoulder designs, which do not capture the dynamic nature of these loads. With glenoid component loosening as one of the most prevalent modes of failure in reverse shoulder replacements, it is important to establish a testing protocol with a more realistic loading regime. This paper introduces a novel method of mechanically testing reverse shoulder implants, using more realistic load magnitudes and vectors, than is currently practiced. Using a custom made jig setup within an Instron mechanical testing system, it is possible to simulate the change in magnitude and direction of the joint load during arm abduction. This method is a step towards a more realistic testing protocol for measuring reverse shoulder implant stability.

  5. Core Vessel Insert Handling Robot for the Spallation Neutron Source

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

    Graves, Van B; Dayton, Michael J

    2011-01-01

    The Spallation Neutron Source provides the world's most intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development. Its eighteen neutron beam lines will eventually support up to twenty-four simultaneous experiments. Each beam line consists of various optical components which guide the neutrons to a particular instrument. The optical components nearest the neutron moderators are the core vessel inserts. Located approximately 9 m below the high bay floor, these inserts are bolted to the core vessel chamber and are part of the vacuum boundary. They are in a highly radioactive environment and must periodically be replaced. During initial SNS construction,more » four of the beam lines received Core Vessel Insert plugs rather than functional inserts. Remote replacement of the first Core Vessel Insert plug was recently completed using several pieces of custom-designed tooling, including a highly complicated Core Vessel Insert Robot. The design of this tool are discussed.« less

  6. RSM 1.0 user's guide: A resupply scheduler using integer optimization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Viterna, Larry A.; Green, Robert D.; Reed, David M.

    1991-01-01

    The Resupply Scheduling Model (RSM) is a PC based, fully menu-driven computer program. It uses integer programming techniques to determine an optimum schedule to replace components on or before a fixed replacement period, subject to user defined constraints such as transportation mass and volume limits or available repair crew time. Principal input for RSJ includes properties such as mass and volume and an assembly sequence. Resource constraints are entered for each period corresponding to the component properties. Though written to analyze the electrical power system on the Space Station Freedom, RSM is quite general and can be used to model the resupply of almost any system subject to user defined resource constraints. Presented here is a step by step procedure for preparing the input, performing the analysis, and interpreting the results. Instructions for installing the program and information on the algorithms are given.

  7. User's manual for the BNW-II optimization code for dry/wet-cooled power plants

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

    Braun, D.J.; Bamberger, J.A.; Braun, D.J.

    1978-05-01

    The User's Manual describes how to operate BNW-II, a computer code developed by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) as a part of its activities under the Department of Energy (DOE) Dry Cooling Enhancement Program. The computer program offers a comprehensive method of evaluating the cost savings potential of dry/wet-cooled heat rejection systems. Going beyond simple ''figure-of-merit'' cooling tower optimization, this method includes such items as the cost of annual replacement capacity, and the optimum split between plant scale-up and replacement capacity, as well as the purchase and operating costs of all major heat rejection components. Hence the BNW-II code ismore » a useful tool for determining potential cost savings of new dry/wet surfaces, new piping, or other components as part of an optimized system for a dry/wet-cooled plant.« less

  8. KSC-08pd2361

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover has been installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  9. KSC-08pd2358

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help guide the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover alongside the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  10. KSC-08pd2357

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lowers the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover alongside the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  11. KSC-08pd2359

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help maneuver the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover alongside the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  12. KSC-08pd2354

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover awaits a move to be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  13. KSC-08pd2360

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help maneuver the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover into place on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  14. A Successful Replacement of Phenols with Isocyanides in the Bargellini Reaction: Synthesis of 3-Carboxamido-Isobutyric Acids.

    PubMed

    Giustiniano, Mariateresa; Pelliccia, Sveva; Galli, Ubaldina; Amato, Jussara; Travagin, Fabio; Novellino, Ettore; Tron, Gian Cesare

    2016-11-18

    Old multicomponent reactions are still a source of inspiration for discovering novel combinations of three or more reactants. A simple idea is to replace one of the educts of a known multicomponent reaction with another functional group and still be able to mimic the same reactivity. Following this line of thought, we report a three-component reaction in which isocyanides are able to open the epoxide intermediate of the Bargellini reaction affording 3-carboxamido-isobutyric acids in yields of 47-95%.

  15. Industrial Implementation of Environmentally Friendly Nanometal Electroplating Process for Chromium and Copper Beryllium Replacement using Low Cost Pulse Current Power Supplies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-10

    Cr-Mo, and stainless steel have to some extent found acceptance in various military and commercial CuBe-replacement roles. 1.1.2 Proposed...including low and high strength steels , stainless steel , Inconel and nickel. Figure 4-8 Activation line used to prepare components for nCoP plating...size up to a maximum thickness of 0.012”, can be produced in the tank by electroforming onto a flat stainless steel mandrel and subsequently

  16. Characteristics of electromagnetic interference generated during discharge of Mylar samples. [spacecraft-environment interaction simulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leung, P. L.

    1984-01-01

    This paper discusses the measurements of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated during discharges of Mylar samples. The two components of EMI, the conducted emission and the radiated emission, are characterized by the replacement current and the radiated RF spectrum respectively. The measured radiated RF spectra reveal important information on the source of the electromagnetic radiation. The possible sources are the replacement current pulse and the discharged generated plasma. The scaling of the amplitudes of the EMI, as a function of the area of the test sample, is also discussed.

  17. Hip and knee replacement in osteogenesis imperfecta.

    PubMed

    Papagelopoulos, P J; Morrey, B F

    1993-04-01

    Five total hip and three total knee arthroplasties were performed, from 1969 to 1990, in six patients who had osteogenesis imperfecta. The patients who had a hip arthroplasty were followed for a mean of seven years, and those who had a knee arthroplasty, for a mean of ten years. Postoperatively, all had relief of pain and were able to walk; one patient used a walker and two used a cane. The only postoperative complication was an intrapelvic protrusion of the acetabular component six years after a bipolar hip replacement.

  18. Evaluation of Graphite Fiber/Polyimide PMCs from Hot Melt vs Solution Prepreg

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shin, E. Eugene; Sutter, James K.; Eakin, Howard; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Scheiman, Dan; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Thesken, John; Fink, Jeffrey E.

    2002-01-01

    Carbon fiber reinforced high temperature polymer matrix composites (PMC) have been extensively investigated as potential weight reduction replacements of various metallic components in next generation high performance propulsion rocket engines. The initial phase involves development of comprehensive composite material-process-structure-design-property-in-service performance correlations and database, especially for a high stiffness facesheet of various sandwich structures. Overview of the program plan, technical approaches and current multi-team efforts will be presented. During composite fabrication, it was found that the two large volume commercial prepregging methods (hot-melt vs. solution) resulted in considerably different composite cure behavior. Details of the process-induced physical and chemical modifications in the prepregs, their effects on composite processing, and systematic cure cycle optimization studies will be discussed. The combined effects of prepregging method and cure cycle modification on composite properties and isothermal aging performance were also evaluated.

  19. Subwavelength-thick lenses with high numerical apertures and large efficiency based on high-contrast transmitarrays

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

    Arbabi, Amir; Horie, Yu; Ball, Alexander J.

    2015-05-07

    Flat optical devices thinner than a wavelength promise to replace conventional free-space components for wavefront and polarization control. Transmissive flat lenses are particularly interesting for applications in imaging and on-chip optoelectronic integration. Several designs based on plasmonic metasurfaces, high-contrast transmitarrays and gratings have been recently implemented but have not provided a performance comparable to conventional curved lenses. Here we report polarization-insensitive, micron-thick, high-contrast transmitarray micro-lenses with focal spots as small as 0.57 λ. The measured focusing efficiency is up to 82%. A rigorous method for ultrathin lens design, and the trade-off between high efficiency and small spot size (or largemore » numerical aperture) are discussed. The micro-lenses, composed of silicon nano-posts on glass, are fabricated in one lithographic step that could be performed with high-throughput photo or nanoimprint lithography, thus enabling widespread adoption.« less

  20. 3-D Packaging: A Technology Review

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Strickland, Mark; Johnson, R. Wayne; Gerke, David

    2005-01-01

    Traditional electronics are assembled as a planar arrangement of components on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other type of substrate. These planar assemblies may then be plugged into a motherboard or card cage creating a volume of electronics. This architecture is common in many military and space electronic systems as well as large computer and telecommunications systems and industrial electronics. The individual PCB assemblies can be replaced if defective or for system upgrade. Some applications are constrained by the volume or the shape of the system and are not compatible with the motherboard or card cage architecture. Examples include missiles, camcorders, and digital cameras. In these systems, planar rigid-flex substrates are folded to create complex 3-D shapes. The flex circuit serves the role of motherboard, providing interconnection between the rigid boards. An example of a planar rigid - flex assembly prior to folding is shown. In both architectures, the interconnection is effectively 2-D.

  1. Potential of Jatropha curcas as a source of renewable oil and animal feed.

    PubMed

    King, Andrew J; He, Wei; Cuevas, Jesús A; Freudenberger, Mark; Ramiaramanana, Danièle; Graham, Ian A

    2009-01-01

    Jatropha curcas (L.) is a perennial plant of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Recently, it has received much attention as a potential source of vegetable oil as a replacement for petroleum, and, in particular, the production of biodiesel. Despite the interest that is being shown in the large-scale cultivation of J. curcas, genetic resources remain poorly characterized and conserved and there has been very little plant breeding for improved traits. At present, the varieties being used to establish plantations in Africa and Asia are inedible. The meal obtained after the extraction of oil cannot, therefore, be used as a source of animal feed. Naturally existing edible varieties are, however, known to occur in Mexico. The toxic components of J. curcas seeds, the potential for plant breeding to generate improved varieties, and the suitability of J. curcas oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production are discussed.

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

    Chen, Dong; Heidelberger, Philip; Sugawara, Yutaka

    An apparatus and method for extending the scalability and improving the partitionability of networks that contain all-to-all links for transporting packet traffic from a source endpoint to a destination endpoint with low per-endpoint (per-server) cost and a small number of hops. An all-to-all wiring in the baseline topology is decomposed into smaller all-to-all components in which each smaller all-to-all connection is replaced with star topology by using global switches. Stacking multiple copies of the star topology baseline network creates a multi-planed switching topology for transporting packet traffic. Point-to-point unified stacking method using global switch wiring methods connects multiple planes ofmore » a baseline topology by using the global switches to create a large network size with a low number of hops, i.e., low network latency. Grouped unified stacking method increases the scalability (network size) of a stacked topology.« less

  3. Concept of a utility scale dispatch able solar thermal electricity plant with an indirect particle receiver in a single tower layout

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schwaiger, Karl; Haider, Markus; Haemmerle, Martin; Steiner, Peter; Obermaier, Michael-Dario

    2016-05-01

    Flexible dispatch able solar thermal electricity plants applying state of the art power cycles have the potential of playing a vital role in modern electricity systems and even participating in the ancillary market. By replacing molten salt via particles, operation temperatures can be increased and plant efficiencies of over 45 % can be reached. In this work the concept for a utility scale plant using corundum as storage/heat transfer material is thermodynamically modeled and its key performance data are cited. A novel indirect fluidized bed particle receiver concept is presented, profiting from a near black body behavior being able to heat up large particle flows by realizing temperature cycles over 500°C. Specialized fluidized bed steam-generators are applied with negligible auxiliary power demand. The performance of the key components is discussed and a rough sketch of the plant is provided.

  4. Cross-Spectrum PM Noise Measurement, Thermal Energy, and Metamaterial Filters.

    PubMed

    Gruson, Yannick; Giordano, Vincent; Rohde, Ulrich L; Poddar, Ajay K; Rubiola, Enrico

    2017-03-01

    Virtually all commercial instruments for the measurement of the oscillator PM noise make use of the cross-spectrum method (arXiv:1004.5539 [physics.ins-det], 2010). High sensitivity is achieved by correlation and averaging on two equal channels, which measure the same input, and reject the background of the instrument. We show that a systematic error is always present if the thermal energy of the input power splitter is not accounted for. Such error can result in noise underestimation up to a few decibels in the lowest-noise quartz oscillators, and in an invalid measurement in the case of cryogenic oscillators. As another alarming fact, the presence of metamaterial components in the oscillator results in unpredictable behavior and large errors, even in well controlled experimental conditions. We observed a spread of 40 dB in the phase noise spectra of an oscillator, just replacing the output filter.

  5. Evaluation of Graphite Fiber/Polyimide PMCs from Hot Melt versus Solution Prepreg

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shin, Eugene E.; Sutter, James K.; Eakin, Howard; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Scheiman, Dan; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Thesken, John; Fink, Jeffrey E.; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    Carbon fiber reinforced high temperature polymer matrix composites (PMC) have been extensively investigated as potential weight reduction replacements of various metallic components in next generation high performance propulsion rocket engines. The initial phase involves development of comprehensive composite material-process-structure-design-property in-service performance correlations and database, especially for a high stiffness facesheet of various sandwich structures. Overview of the program plan, technical approaches and current multi-team efforts will be presented. During composite fabrication, it was found that the two large volume commercial prepregging methods (hot-melt vs. solution) resulted in considerably different composite cure behavior. Details of the process-induced physical and chemical modifications in the prepregs, their effects on composite processing, and systematic cure cycle optimization studies will be discussed. The combined effects of prepregging method and cure cycle modification on composite properties and isothermal aging performance were also evaluated.

  6. The pilot climate data system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reph, M. G.; Treinish, L. A.; Smith, P. H.

    1984-01-01

    The Pilot Climate Data System (PCDS) is an interactive scientific information management system for locating, obtaining, manipulating, and displaying climate-research data. The PCDS was developed to manage a large collection of data of interest to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) research community and currently provides such support for approximately twenty data sets. In order to provide the PCDS capabilities, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) has integrated the capabilities of several general-purpose software packages with specialized software for reading and reformatting the supported data sets. These capabilities were integrated in a manner which allows the PCDS to be easily expanded, either to provide support for additional data sets or to provide additional functional capabilities. This also allows the PCDS to take advantage of new technology as it becomes available, since parts of the system can be replaced with more powerful components without significantly affecting the user interface.

  7. Human factors in technology replacement: a case study in interface design for a public transport monitoring system.

    PubMed

    Harper, J G; Fuller, R; Sweeney, D; Waldmann, T

    1998-04-01

    This paper describes ergonomic issues raised during a project to provide a replacement real-time bus route control system to a large public transport company. Task and system analyses highlighted several deficiencies in the original system architecture, the human-machine interfaces and the general approach to system management. The eventual live prototype replaced the existing original system for a trial evaluation period of several weeks. During this period a number of studies was conducted with the system users in order to measure any improvements the new system, with its ergonomic features, produced over the old. Importantly, the results confirmed that (a) general responsiveness and service quality were improved, and (b) users were more comfortable with the new design. We conclude with a number of caveats which we believe will be useful to any group addressing technology impact in a large organisation.

  8. Post-fire assessment of structural wood members

    Treesearch

    Robert J. Ross; Brian K. Brashaw; Xiping Wang; Robert H. White; Roy F. Pellerin

    2005-01-01

    Since the interior of a charred wood member normally retains its structural integrity, large structural wood members often do not need to be replaced after a fire. Engineering judgement is required to determine which members can remain and which members need to be replaced or repaired. Due to the lack of established methods to directly determine the residual capacity...

  9. The effect of replacing lactose by starch on protein and fat digestion in milk-fed veal calves.

    PubMed

    Pluschke, A M; Gilbert, M S; Williams, B A; van den Borne, J J G C; Schols, H A; Gerrits, W J J

    2016-08-01

    Replacing dairy components from milk replacer (MR) with vegetable products has been previously associated with decreased protein and fat digestibility in milk-fed calves resulting in lower live weight gain. In this experiment, the major carbohydrate source in MR, lactose, was partly replaced with gelatinized corn starch (GCS) to determine the effect on protein and fat digestibility in milk-fed calves. In total, 16 male Holstein-Friesian calves received either MR with lactose as the carbohydrate source (control) or 18% GCS at the expense of lactose. In the adaptation period, calves were exposed to an increasing dose of GCS for 14 weeks. The indigestible marker cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was incorporated into the MR for calculating apparent nutrient digestibility, whereas a pulse dose of chromium (Cr) chloride was fed with the last MR meal 4 h before slaughter as an indicator of passage rates. The calves were anesthetized and exsanguinated at 30 weeks of age. The small intestine was divided in three; small intestine 1 and 2 (SI1 and SI2, respectively) and the terminal ileum (last ~100 cm of small intestine) and samples of digesta were collected. Small intestinal digesta was analysed for α-amylase, lipase and trypsin activity. Digestibility of protein was determined for SI1, SI2, ileum and total tract, whereas digestibility of fat was determined for SI1, SI2 and total tract. Apparent protein digestibility in the small intestine did not differ between treatments but was higher in control calves at total tract level. Apparent crude fat digestibility tended to be increased in SI1 and SI2 for GCS calves, but no difference was found at total tract level. Activity of α-amylase in SI2 and lipase in both SI1 and SI2 was higher in GCS calves. Activity of trypsin tended to be higher in control calves and was higher in SI1 compared with SI2. A lower recovery of Cr in SI2 and a higher recovery of Cr in the large intestine suggest an increased rate of passage for GCS calves. Including 18% of GCS in a milk replacer at the expense of lactose increased passage rate and decreased apparent total tract protein digestibility. In the small intestine, protein digestion did not decrease when feeding GCS and fat digestion even tended to increase. Overall, effects on digestion might be levelled when partially replacing lactose with GCS, because starch digestion is lower than that of lactose but fat digestion may be slightly increased when feeding GCS.

  10. [Intra-prosthetic dislocation of the Bousquet dual mobility socket].

    PubMed

    Lecuire, F; Benareau, I; Rubini, J; Basso, M

    2004-05-01

    The Bousquet system is a dual mobility head-polyethylene polyethylene-metal cup socket. The polyethylene insert retaining the femoral head moves in the noncemented metal cup, increasing both mobility and stability. Between 1989 and 1997, seven cases of intra-prosthetic dislocation (six patients) were observed. The femoral head escaped from the polyethylene insert due to wear. On the average, this complication occurred ten Years after implantation. Risk of dislocation was high in six of the seven hips. All patients had a large sized stem screwed into the femoral neck. There was a characteristic radiological aspect with loss of the concentric head metal cup configuration. The head was applied against the upper wall of the metal cup. Surgical replacement was undertaken early in six patients by simply changing the insert without modifying the other stable components. Outcome remained good at three to eight Years. One patient underwent late surgery. The insert and the cup were replaced with a classical implant. Functional outcome was good but recurrent dislocation occurred. At mid-term, intra-prosthetic dislocation of dual mobility sockets appears to be exceptional. Dislocation results from polyethylene wear leading to failure of the insert to retain the prosthetic head. Wear is favored by direct phenomena (direct contact between neck and insert which can occur early if there is a small difference in the head and neck diameters) or indirect phenomena (factors limiting polyethylene metal-cup mobility). Surgical treatment is necessary. If undertaken early, replacement with a modular head and insert can be sufficient if the prosthesis has not loosened but the metal cup may have to be replaced in the event of metal-metal contact between the head and the cup. Prosthesis loosening, wear of the metal cup, or an identified cause of dislocation imply replacing the failing implants. Implantation of the dual mobility system is particularly interesting for patients with a high risk of dislocation or a chronically unstable hip prosthesis. Careful technique is required to reduce or retard the risk of intra-prosthetic dislocation. Intra-prosthetic dislocation of a dual mobility socket is an exceptional complication at mid-term. Surgical treatment is required but may be limited to simple insert replacement. Systematic use of this type of implant in young subjects must be carefully examined, but for us, the risk of dislocation does not outweigh the advantages of this original concept of dual mobility. This type of socket remains an useful preventive technique for high-risk hips or for curative treatment of recurrent dislocation.

  11. Trade study comparing specimen chamber servicing methods for the Space Station Centrifuge Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Calvisi, Michael L.; Sun, Sidney C.

    1991-01-01

    The Specimen Chamber Service Unit, a component of the Space Station Centrifuge Facility, must provide a clean enclosure on a continuing basis for the facility's plant, rodent and primate specimens. The specimen chambers can become soiled and can require periodic servicing to maintain a clean environment for the specimens. Two methods of servicing the specimen chambers are discussed: washing the chambers with an on-board washer, or disposing of the soiled chambers and replacing them with clean ones. Many of these issues are addressed by developing several servicing options, using either cleaning or replacement as the method of providing clean specimen chambers, and then evaluating each option according to a set of established quantitative and qualitative criteria. Disposing and replacing the Specimen Chambers is preferable to washing them.

  12. KSC-08pd2084

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, for the Hubble Space Telescope is unwrapped and awaits final processing for launch. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  13. The potential of sarcospan in adhesion complex replacement therapeutics for the treatment of muscular dystrophy

    PubMed Central

    Marshall, Jamie L.; Kwok, Yukwah; McMorran, Brian; Baum, Linda G.; Crosbie-Watson, Rachelle H.

    2013-01-01

    Three adhesion complexes span the sarcolemma and facilitate critical connections between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton: the dystrophin- and utrophin-glycoprotein complexes and α7β1 integrin. Loss of individual protein components results in a loss of the entire protein complex and muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive, lethal wasting disease characterized by repetitive cycles of myofiber degeneration and regeneration. Protein replacement therapy offers a promising approach for the treatment of muscular dystrophy. Recently, we demonstrated that sarcospan facilitates protein-protein interactions amongst the adhesion complexes and is an important therapeutic target. Here, we review current protein replacement strategies, discuss the potential benefits of sarcospan expression, and identify important experiments that must be addressed for sarcospan to move to the clinic. PMID:23601082

  14. Interventions for the prediction and management of chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Beswick, Andrew D; Wylde, Vikki; Gooberman-Hill, Rachael

    2015-05-12

    Total knee replacement can be a successful operation for pain relief. However, 10-34% of patients experience chronic postsurgical pain. Our aim was to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of applying predictive models to guide preventive treatment, and for interventions in the management of chronic pain after total knee replacement. We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials using appropriate search strategies in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to October 2014. No language restrictions were applied. Adult patients receiving total knee replacement. Predictive models to guide treatment for prevention of chronic pain. Interventions for management of chronic pain. Reporting of specific outcomes was not an eligibility criterion but we sought outcomes relating to pain severity. No studies evaluated the effectiveness of predictive models in guiding treatment and improving outcomes after total knee replacement. One study evaluated an intervention for the management of chronic pain. The trial evaluated the use of a botulinum toxin A injection with antinociceptive and anticholinergic activity in 49 patients with chronic postsurgical pain after knee replacement. A single injection provided meaningful pain relief for about 40 days and the authors acknowledged the need for a large trial with repeated injections. No trials of multidisciplinary interventions or individualised treatments were identified. Our systematic review highlights a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of prediction and management strategies for chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement. As a large number of people are affected by chronic pain after total knee replacement, development of an evidence base about care for these patients should be a research priority. 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.

  15. Evolution of high tooth replacement rates in sauropod dinosaurs.

    PubMed

    D'Emic, Michael D; Whitlock, John A; Smith, Kathlyn M; Fisher, Daniel C; Wilson, Jeffrey A

    2013-01-01

    Tooth replacement rate can be calculated in extinct animals by counting incremental lines of deposition in tooth dentin. Calculating this rate in several taxa allows for the study of the evolution of tooth replacement rate. Sauropod dinosaurs, the largest terrestrial animals that ever evolved, exhibited a diversity of tooth sizes and shapes, but little is known about their tooth replacement rates. We present tooth replacement rate, formation time, crown volume, total dentition volume, and enamel thickness for two coexisting but distantly related and morphologically disparate sauropod dinosaurs Camarasaurus and Diplodocus. Individual tooth formation time was determined by counting daily incremental lines in dentin. Tooth replacement rate is calculated as the difference between the number of days recorded in successive replacement teeth. Each tooth family in Camarasaurus has a maximum of three replacement teeth, whereas each Diplodocus tooth family has up to five. Tooth formation times are about 1.7 times longer in Camarasaurus than in Diplodocus (315 vs. 185 days). Average tooth replacement rate in Camarasaurus is about one tooth every 62 days versus about one tooth every 35 days in Diplodocus. Despite slower tooth replacement rates in Camarasaurus, the volumetric rate of Camarasaurus tooth replacement is 10 times faster than in Diplodocus because of its substantially greater tooth volumes. A novel method to estimate replacement rate was developed and applied to several other sauropodomorphs that we were not able to thin section. Differences in tooth replacement rate among sauropodomorphs likely reflect disparate feeding strategies and/or food choices, which would have facilitated the coexistence of these gigantic herbivores in one ecosystem. Early neosauropods are characterized by high tooth replacement rates (despite their large tooth size), and derived titanosaurs and diplodocoids independently evolved the highest known tooth replacement rates among archosaurs.

  16. Evolution of High Tooth Replacement Rates in Sauropod Dinosaurs

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Kathlyn M.; Fisher, Daniel C.; Wilson, Jeffrey A.

    2013-01-01

    Background Tooth replacement rate can be calculated in extinct animals by counting incremental lines of deposition in tooth dentin. Calculating this rate in several taxa allows for the study of the evolution of tooth replacement rate. Sauropod dinosaurs, the largest terrestrial animals that ever evolved, exhibited a diversity of tooth sizes and shapes, but little is known about their tooth replacement rates. Methodology/Principal Findings We present tooth replacement rate, formation time, crown volume, total dentition volume, and enamel thickness for two coexisting but distantly related and morphologically disparate sauropod dinosaurs Camarasaurus and Diplodocus. Individual tooth formation time was determined by counting daily incremental lines in dentin. Tooth replacement rate is calculated as the difference between the number of days recorded in successive replacement teeth. Each tooth family in Camarasaurus has a maximum of three replacement teeth, whereas each Diplodocus tooth family has up to five. Tooth formation times are about 1.7 times longer in Camarasaurus than in Diplodocus (315 vs. 185 days). Average tooth replacement rate in Camarasaurus is about one tooth every 62 days versus about one tooth every 35 days in Diplodocus. Despite slower tooth replacement rates in Camarasaurus, the volumetric rate of Camarasaurus tooth replacement is 10 times faster than in Diplodocus because of its substantially greater tooth volumes. A novel method to estimate replacement rate was developed and applied to several other sauropodomorphs that we were not able to thin section. Conclusions/Significance Differences in tooth replacement rate among sauropodomorphs likely reflect disparate feeding strategies and/or food choices, which would have facilitated the coexistence of these gigantic herbivores in one ecosystem. Early neosauropods are characterized by high tooth replacement rates (despite their large tooth size), and derived titanosaurs and diplodocoids independently evolved the highest known tooth replacement rates among archosaurs. PMID:23874921

  17. Cobalt toxicity after revision total hip replacement due to fracture of a ceramic head.

    PubMed

    Pelayo-de Tomás, J M; Novoa-Parra, C; Gómez-Barbero, P

    Symptomatic cobalt toxicity from a failed total hip replacement is a rare, but devastating complication. Potential clinical findings include cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, skin rash, visual and hearing impairment, polycythaemia, weakness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and neuropathy. The case is presented of a 74year-old man in whom, after a ceramic-ceramic replacement and two episodes of prosthetic dislocation, it was decided to replace it with a polyethylene-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA). At 6months after the revision he developed symptoms of cobalt toxicity, confirmed by analytical determination (serum cobalt level=651.2μg/L). After removal of the prosthesis, the levels of chromium and cobalt in blood and urine returned to normal, with the patient currently being asymptomatic. It is recommended to use a new ceramic on ceramic bearing at revision, in order to minimise the risk of wear-related cobalt toxicity following breakage of ceramic components. Copyright © 2016 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  18. Replacement cost valuation of Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) subsistence harvest in Arctic and sub-Arctic North America

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Goldstein, Joshua H.; Thogmartin, Wayne E.; Bagstad, Kenneth J.; Dubovsky, James A.; Mattsson, Brady J.; Semmens, Darius J.; López-Hoffman, Laura; Diffendorfer, James E.

    2014-01-01

    Migratory species provide economically beneficial ecosystem services to people throughout their range, yet often, information is lacking about the magnitude and spatial distribution of these benefits at regional scales. We conducted a case study for Northern Pintails (hereafter pintail) in which we quantified regional and sub-regional economic values of subsistence harvest to indigenous communities in Arctic and sub-Arctic North America. As a first step, we used the replacement cost method to quantify the cost of replacing pintail subsistence harvest with the most similar commercially available protein (chicken). For an estimated annual subsistence harvest of ˜15,000 pintail, our mean estimate of the total replacement cost was ˜$63,000 yr−1 ($2010 USD), with sub-regional values ranging from \\$263 yr−1 to \\$21,930 yr−1. Our results provide an order-of-magnitude, conservative estimate of one component of the regional ecosystem-service values of pintails, providing perspective on how spatially explicit values can inform migratory species conservation.

  19. Technology Applications Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1995-01-01

    The HFA technology also has some important transportation applications, replacing camshafts and associated valve train components to open and close...illicit drug factories in the clutter of trees to searching through mug shot data banks at the police station, object identification systems have many

  20. Degreasing of titanium to minimize stress corrosion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carpenter, S. R.

    1967-01-01

    Stress corrosion of titanium and its alloys at elevated temperatures is minimized by replacing trichloroethylene with methanol or methyl ethyl ketone as a degreasing agent. Wearing cotton gloves reduces stress corrosion from perspiration before the metal components are processed.

  1. Variant surface glycoprotein density defines an immune evasion threshold for African trypanosomes undergoing antigenic variation.

    PubMed

    Pinger, Jason; Chowdhury, Shanin; Papavasiliou, F Nina

    2017-10-10

    Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that evades its host's adaptive immune response by repeatedly replacing its dense variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat from its large genomic VSG repertoire. While the mechanisms regulating VSG gene expression and diversification have been examined extensively, the dynamics of VSG coat replacement at the protein level, and the impact of this process on successful immune evasion, remain unclear. Here we evaluate the rate of VSG replacement at the trypanosome surface following a genetic VSG switch, and show that full coat replacement requires several days to complete. Using in vivo infection assays, we demonstrate that parasites undergoing coat replacement are only vulnerable to clearance via early IgM antibodies for a limited time. Finally, we show that IgM loses its ability to mediate trypanosome clearance at unexpectedly early stages of coat replacement based on a critical density threshold of its cognate VSGs on the parasite surface. Trypanosoma brucei evades the host immune system through replacement of a variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat. Here, the authors show that VSG replacement takes several days to complete, and the parasite is vulnerable to the host immune system for a short period of time during the process.

  2. Development and manufacture of an investigational human living dermal equivalent (ICX-SKN).

    PubMed

    Flasza, Marzena; Kemp, Paul; Shering, David; Qiao, Jizeng; Marshall, Damian; Bokta, Ausha; Johnson, Penny A

    2007-11-01

    To design and manufacture an investigational living skin graft replacement (ICX-SKN) that is able to incorporate into the host, providing healing by primary intent without the need for a second intervention. The ICX-SKN skin graft replacement has been designed as an allogeneic dermal substitute comprising an extracellular matrix composed largely of human collagen and human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs). ICX-SKN is first formed by casting a provisional matrix of fibrin, into which HDFs are seeded. Through a process of maturation, HDFs are induced to lay down collagen and other extracellular matrix materials and, as the construct matures, the original fibrin is largely replaced by collagen, which provides tensile strength and flexibility to the construct. In order to design a product and manufacturing system that lends itself to large-scale production the process was developed as a discontinuous process consisting of four stages: 1. batch casting and maturation of the initial construct (pSKN), 2. freeze-drying of pSKN to produce a second intermediate (dSKN), 3. sterilization by gamma-irradiation of dSKN to produce a third intermediate (sSKN), and finally, 4. repopulation of sSKN by fresh HDFs to produce the final product, ICX-SKN skin graft replacement. Preliminary characterization of ICX-SKN and its application in a preclinical model are described. The 7-week maturation period resulted in a construct (pSKN) with robust handling properties, which was composed mainly of human collagen I. Following development of a process for freeze-drying and subsequent sterilization, the matrix was successfully repopulated with fresh HDFs. In addition, it was demonstrated that human keratinocytes attached and differentiated on the matrix. Application of human keratinocytes to the repopulated constructs (ICX-SKN) resulted in expression of markers of basement membranes that was largely dependent on the presence of living HDFs on the constructs. ICX-SKN graft replacements applied to excision wounds in mice healed and were rapidly re-epithelialized. ICX-SKN has been developed as a platform product that can be used as a skin graft replacement and the process by which it is manufactured has been designed for the product to be available to the end-user off-the-shelf and for ease-of-use in practice.

  3. Conservation lessons from large-mammal manipulations in East African savannas: the KLEE, UHURU, and GLADE experiments

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    African savannas support an iconic fauna, but they are undergoing large-scale population declines and extinctions of large (>5 kg) mammals. Long-term, controlled, replicated experiments that explore the consequences of this defaunation (and its replacement with livestock) are rare. The Mpala Researc...

  4. Electrospark Deposition for Depot- and Field-Level Component Repair and Replacement of Hard Chromium Plating

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-02-01

    with an ASAP proprietary process. Corrosion applications frequently are addressed with iron- aluminide and nickel alloys such as Inconel 625 alloy...IN625) and Hastelloy C-22. Wear applications commonly treated with ESD include cutting edges of chipper knives, saw teeth, and mower blades ; wear...Applications for ESD repair include components of steel, stainless steel, nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys, aluminum, Monel, titanium , and magnesium

  5. EPDM rocket motor insulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guillot, David G. (Inventor); Harvey, Albert R. (Inventor)

    2003-01-01

    A novel and improved EPDM formulation for a solid propellant rocket motor is described wherein hexadiene EPDM monomer components are replaced by alkylidene norbornene components and with appropriate adjustment of curing and other additives functionally-required rheological and physical characteristics are achieved with the desired compatibility with any one of a plurality of solid filler materials, e.g. powder silica, carbon fibers or aramid fibers, and with appropriate adhesion and extended storage or shelf life characteristics.

  6. EPDM rocket motor insulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guillot, David G. (Inventor); Harvey, Albert R. (Inventor)

    2008-01-01

    A novel and improved EPDM formulation for a solid propellant rocket motor is described wherein hexadiene EPDM monomer components are replaced by alkylidene norbornene components, and, with appropriate adjustment of curing and other additives, functionally required rheological and physical characteristics are achieved with the desired compatibility with any one of a plurality of solid filler materials, e.g., powder silica, carbon fibers or aramid fibers, and with appropriate adhesion and extended storage or shelf-life characteristics.

  7. EPDM rocket motor insulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guillot, David G. (Inventor); Harvey, Albert R. (Inventor)

    2004-01-01

    A novel and improved EPDM formulation for a solid propellant rocket motor is described wherein hexadiene EPDM monomer components are replaced by alkylidene norbornene components, and, with appropriate adjustment of curing and other additives, functionally required rheological and physical characteristics are achieved with the desired compatibility with any one of a plurality of solid filler materials, e.g., powder silica, carbon fibers or aramid fibers, and with appropriate adhesion and extended storage or shelf-life characteristics.

  8. [Endoprostheses in geriatric traumatology].

    PubMed

    Buecking, B; Eschbach, D; Bliemel, C; Knobe, M; Aigner, R; Ruchholtz, S

    2017-01-01

    Geriatric traumatology is increasing in importance due to the demographic transition. In cases of fractures close to large joints it is questionable whether primary joint replacement is advantageous compared to joint-preserving internal fixation. The aim of this study was to describe the importance of prosthetic joint replacement in the treatment of geriatric patients suffering from frequent periarticular fractures in comparison to osteosynthetic joint reconstruction and conservative methods. A selective search of the literature was carried out to identify studies and recommendations concerned with primary arthroplasty of fractures in the region of the various joints (hip, shoulder, elbow and knee). The importance of primary arthroplasty in geriatric traumatology differs greatly between the various joints. Implantation of a prosthesis has now become the gold standard for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. In addition, reverse shoulder arthroplasty has become an established alternative option to osteosynthesis in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. Due to a lack of large studies definitive recommendations cannot yet be given for fractures around the elbow and the knee. Nowadays, joint replacement for these fractures is recommended only if reconstruction of the joint surface is not possible. The importance of primary joint replacement for geriatric fractures will probably increase in the future. Further studies with larger patient numbers must be conducted to achieve more confidence in decision making between joint replacement and internal fixation especially for shoulder, elbow and knee joints.

  9. Rogue Waves in Multi-Ion Cometary Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sreekala, G.; Manesh, M.; Neethu, T. W.; Anu, V.; Sijo, S.; Venugopal, C.

    2018-01-01

    The effect of pair ions on the formation of rogue waves in a six-component plasma composed of two hot and one colder electron component, hot ions, and pair ions is studied. The kappa distribution, which provides an unambiguous replacement for a Maxwellian distribution in space plasmas, is connected with nonextensive statistical mechanics and provides a continuous energy spectrum. Hence, the colder and one component of the hotter electrons is modeled by kappa distributions and the other hot electron component, by a q-nonextensive distribution. It is found that the rogue wave amplitude is different for various pair-ion components. The magnitude, however, increases with increasing spectral index and nonextensive parameter q. These results may be useful in understanding the basic characteristics of rogue waves in cometary plasmas.

  10. Is adapted measured resection superior to gap-balancing in determining femoral component rotation in total knee replacement?

    PubMed

    Luyckx, T; Peeters, T; Vandenneucker, H; Victor, J; Bellemans, J

    2012-09-01

    Obtaining a balanced flexion gap with correct femoral component rotation is one of the prerequisites for a successful outcome after total knee replacement (TKR). Different techniques for achieving this have been described. In this study we prospectively compared gap-balancing versus measured resection in terms of reliability and accuracy for femoral component rotation in 96 primary TKRs performed in 96 patients using the Journey system. In 48 patients (18 men and 30 women) with a mean age of 65 years (45 to 85) a tensor device was used to determine rotation. In the second group of 48 patients (14 men and 34 women) with a mean age of 64 years (41 to 86), an 'adapted' measured resection technique was used, taking into account the native rotational geometry of the femur as measured on a pre-operative CT scan. Both groups systematically reproduced a similar external rotation of the femoral component relative to the surgical transepicondylar axis: 2.4° (SD 2.5) in the gap-balancing group and 1.7° (SD 2.1) in the measured resection group (p = 0.134). Both gap-balancing and adapted measured resection techniques proved equally reliable and accurate in determining femoral component rotation after TKR. There was a tendency towards more external rotation in the gap-balancing group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.134). The number of outliers for our 'adapted' measured resection technique was much lower than reported in the literature.

  11. The results of a proximally-coated cementless femoral component in total hip replacement: a five- to 12-year follow-up.

    PubMed

    Kim, Y-H

    2008-03-01

    This study reviewed the results of a cementless anatomical femoral component to give immediate post-operative stability, and with a narrow distal section in order not to contact the femoral cortex in the diaphysis, ensuring exclusively metaphyseal loading. A total of 471 patients (601 hips) who had a total hip replacement between March 1995 and February 2002 were included in the study. There were 297 men and 174 women. The mean age at the time of operation was 52.7 years (28 to 63). Clinical and radiological evaluation were performed at each follow-up. Bone densitometry was carried out on all patients two weeks after operation and at the final follow-up examination. The mean follow-up was 8.8 years (5 to 12). The mean pre-operative Harris hip score was 41 points (16 to 54), which improved to a mean of 96 (68 to 100) at the final follow-up. No patient complained of thigh pain at any stage. No acetabular or femoral osteolysis was observed and no hip required revision for aseptic loosening of either component. Deep infection occurred in two hips (0.3%) which required revision. One hip (0.2%) required revision of the acetabular component for recurrent dislocation. Bone mineral densitometry revealed a minimal bone loss in the proximal femur. This cementless anatomical femoral component with metaphyseal loading but without distal fixation produced satisfactory fixation and encourages proximal femoral loading.

  12. Identifying effective intervention components for smoking cessation: a factorial screening experiment.

    PubMed

    Piper, Megan E; Fiore, Michael C; Smith, Stevens S; Fraser, David; Bolt, Daniel M; Collins, Linda M; Mermelstein, Robin; Schlam, Tanya R; Cook, Jessica W; Jorenby, Douglas E; Loh, Wei-Yin; Baker, Timothy B

    2016-01-01

    To identify promising intervention components intended to help smokers to attain and maintain abstinence in their quit smoking attempts. A fully crossed, six-factor randomized fractional factorial experiment. Eleven primary care clinics in southern Wisconsin, USA. A total of 637 adult smokers (55% women, 88% white) motivated to quit smoking who visited primary care clinics. Six intervention components designed to prepare smokers to quit, and achieve and maintain abstinence (i.e. for the preparation, cessation and maintenance phases of smoking treatment): (1) preparation nicotine patch versus none; (2) preparation nicotine gum versus none; (3) preparation counseling versus none; (4) intensive cessation in-person counseling versus minimal; (5) intensive cessation telephone counseling versus minimal; and (6) 16 versus 8 weeks of combination nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch  +  nicotine gum). Seven-day self-reported point-prevalence abstinence at 16 weeks. Preparation counseling significantly improved week 16 abstinence rates (P = .04), while both forms of preparation nicotine replacement therapy interacted synergistically with intensive cessation in-person counseling (P < 0.05). Conversely, intensive cessation phone counseling and intensive cessation in-person counseling interacted antagonistically (P < 0.05)-these components produced higher abstinence rates by themselves than in combination. Preparation counseling and the combination of intensive cessation in-person counseling with preparation nicotine gum or patch are promising intervention components for smoking and should be evaluated as an integrated treatment package. © 2015 Society for the Study of Addiction.

  13. Higher failure rate and stem migration of an uncemented femoral component in patients with femoral head osteonecrosis than in patients with osteoarthrosis.

    PubMed

    Radl, Roman; Hungerford, Marc; Materna, Wilfried; Rehak, Peter; Windhager, Reinhard

    2005-02-01

    Several authors have found poorer outcome after hip replacement for osteonecrosis than after hip replacement for arthrosis. In a retrospective study we evaluated the performance of an uncemented femoral component in patients with osteonecrosis and arthrosis of the hip. 31 patients operated for osteonecrosis, and 49 patients operated for osteoarthrosis were included. The median follow-up time was 6.1 (2-11) years for the patients with osteonecrosis, and 5.9 (4-8) for the arthrosis patients. Migration analysis performed by the Einzel-Bild-Roentgen Analysis (EBRA) technique revealed a median stem migration of 1.5 (-8.8-0) mm in the patients with osteonecrosis, but only 0.6 (-2.8-0.7) mm in the patients with arthrosis (p < 0.001). Survivorship analysis with stem revision as endpoint for failure was 74% (95% CI: 55-94) in the osteonecrosis, and 98% (95% CI: 94-100) in the arthrosis group (p = 0.01). We suggest that the higher failure rate and stem migration of uncemented total hip replacement in the patients with osteonecrosis is a consequence of the disease. On the basis of these findings, we recommend close monitoring of the patients with osteonecrosis, which should include migration measurements.

  14. Innovative on board payload optical architecture for high throughput satellites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baudet, D.; Braux, B.; Prieur, O.; Hughes, R.; Wilkinson, M.; Latunde-Dada, K.; Jahns, J.; Lohmann, U.; Fey, D.; Karafolas, N.

    2017-11-01

    For the next generation of HighThroughPut (HTP) Telecommunications Satellites, space end users' needs will result in higher link speeds and an increase in the number of channels; up to 512 channels running at 10Gbits/s. By keeping electrical interconnections based on copper, the constraints in term of power dissipation, number of electrical wires and signal integrity will become too demanding. The replacement of the electrical links by optical links is the most adapted solution as it provides high speed links with low power consumption and no EMC/EMI. But replacing all electrical links by optical links of an On Board Payload (OBP) is challenging. It is not simply a matter of replacing electrical components with optical but rather the whole concept and architecture have to be rethought to achieve a high reliability and high performance optical solution. In this context, this paper will present the concept of an Innovative OBP Optical Architecture. The optical architecture was defined to meet the critical requirements of the application: signal speed, number of channels, space reliability, power dissipation, optical signals crossing and components availability. The resulting architecture is challenging and the need for new developments is highlighted. But this innovative optically interconnected architecture will substantially outperform standard electrical ones.

  15. Do the radial head prosthesis components fit with the anatomical structures of the proximal radioulnar joint?

    PubMed

    Wegmann, Kilian; Hain, Moritz K; Ries, Christian; Neiss, Wolfram F; Müller, Lars P; Burkhart, Klaus J

    2015-09-01

    The fitting accuracy of radial head components has been investigated in the capitulo-radial joint, and reduced contact after prosthetic replacement of the radial head has been observed. The kinematics of the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) are affected by radial head arthroplasty as well, but have not yet been investigated in this regard. The elbow joints of 60 upper extremities of formalin-fixed body donors were disarticulated to obtain a good view of the PRUJ. Each specimen was mounted on the examining table and radial head position in the native PRUJ was assessed in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. Measurements were repeated after implantation of mono- and bi-polar prostheses. Analysis of the distribution of the joint contacts in the compartments showed significant differences after radial head replacement. In comparison to the native joint, after bipolar and monopolar radial head replacement, the physiological shift of the proximal radius was altered. The physiological shift of the joint contact of the radial head from anterior to posterior during forearm rotation that was found in the native joint in our cadaver model was not observed after prosthetic replacement. With higher conformity and physiological kinematic of radial head prostheses, possibly lower shear forces and lower contact pressures would be generated. The tested radial head prostheses do not replicate the physiological kinematics of the radial head. Further development in the prosthesis design has to be made. The meticulous reconstruction of the annular ligament seems to be of importance to increase joint contact.

  16. Energy balances in sugar cane, coffee and natural vegetation in the northeastern side of the São Paulo state, Brazil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de C. Teixeira, Antônio H.; Leivas, Janice F.; Ronquim, Carlos C.; Bayma-Silva, Gustavo; de C. Victoria, Daniel

    2016-10-01

    Under land and climate change scenarios, agriculture has experienced water competitions among other sectors in the São Paulo state, Brazil. On the one hand, in several occasions, in the northeastern side of this state, nowadays sugar-cane is expanding, while coffee plantations are losing space. On the other hand, both crops have replaced the natural vegetation composed by Savannah and Atlantic Coastal Forest species. Under this dynamic situation, geosciences are valuable tools for evaluating the large-scale energy and mass exchanges between these different agro-ecosystems and the lower atmosphere. For quantification of the energy balance components in these mixed agro-ecosystems, the bands 1 and 2 from the MODIS product MOD13Q1 were used throughout SAFER (Surface Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving) algorithm, which was applied together with a net of 12 automatic weather stations, during the year 2015 in the main sugar cane and coffee growing regions, located at the northeastern side of the state. The fraction of the global solar radiation (RG) transformed into net radiation (Rn) was 52% for sugar cane and 53% for both, coffee and natural vegetation. The respective annual fractions of Rn used as λE were 0.68, 0.87 and 0.77, while for the sensible heat (H) fluxes they were 0.27, 0.07 and 0.16. From April to July, heat advection raised λE values above Rn promoting negative H, however these effects were much and less strong in coffee and sugar cane crops, respectively. The smallest daily Rn fraction for all agro-ecosystems was for the soil heat flux (G), with averages of 5%, 6% and 7% in sugar cane, coffee and natural vegetation. From the energy balance analyses, we could conclude that, sugar-cane crop presented lower annual water consumption than that for coffee crop, what can be seen as an advantage in situations of water scarcity. However, the replacement of natural vegetation by sugar cane can contribute for warming the environment, while when this occur with coffee crop there was noticed cooling conditions. The large scale modeling satisfactory results confirm the suitability of using MODIS products together with weather stations to study the energy balance components in mixed agro-ecosystems under land-use and climate change conditions.

  17. Response of mountain Picea abies forests to stand-replacing bark beetle outbreaks: Neighbourhood effects lead to self-replacement

    Treesearch

    Thorsten Zeppenfeld; Miroslav Svoboda; R. Justin DeRose; Marco Heurich; Jorg Muller; Pavla Cizkova; Martin Stary; Radek Bace; Daniel C. Donato

    2015-01-01

    Large, severe disturbances drive many forest ecosystems over the long term, but pose management uncertainties when human experience with them is limited. Recent continent-scale outbreaks of bark beetles across the temperate Northern Hemisphere have raised major concerns as to whether coniferous forests will regenerate back towards pre-outbreak condition and...

  18. Novel Concept for Flexible and Resilient Large Power Transformers

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

    Upadhyay, Parag; Englebretson, Steven; Ramanan, V. R. R.

    This feasibility study investigates a flexible and adaptable LPT design solution which can facilitate long-term replacement in the event of both catastrophic failures as well as scheduled replacements, thereby increasing grid resilience. The scope of this project has been defined based on an initial system study and identification of the transformer requirements from an overall system load flow perspective.

  19. Assigned versus Perceived Placebo Effects in Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Reduction in Swiss Smokers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dar, Reuven; Stronguin, Florencia; Etter, Jean-Francois

    2005-01-01

    In this report, the authors explore the relationships of perceived treatment to outcome in a large, placebo-controlled trial of nicotine replacement treatment for smoking reduction. In the original study (J. F. Etter, E. Laszlo, J. P. Zellweger, C. Perrot, & T. V. Perneger, 2002), which was conducted in French-speaking Switzerland, smokers were…

  20. Roguing with replacement in perennial crops: conditions for successful disease management.

    PubMed

    Sisterson, Mark S; Stenger, Drake C

    2013-02-01

    Replacement of diseased plants with healthy plants is commonly used to manage spread of plant pathogens in perennial cropping systems. This strategy has two potential benefits. First, removing infected plants may slow pathogen spread by eliminating inoculum sources. Second, replacing infected plants with uninfected plants may offset yield losses due to disease. The extent to which these benefits are realized depends on multiple factors. In this study, sensitivity analyses of two spatially explicit simulation models were used to evaluate how assumptions concerning implementation of a plant replacement program and pathogen spread interact to affect disease suppression. In conjunction, effects of assumptions concerning yield loss associated with disease and rates of plant maturity on yields were simultaneously evaluated. The first model was used to evaluate effects of plant replacement on pathogen spread and yield on a single farm, consisting of a perennial crop monoculture. The second model evaluated effects of plant replacement on pathogen spread and yield in a 100 farm crop growing region, with all farms maintaining a monoculture of the same perennial crop. Results indicated that efficient replacement of infected plants combined with a high degree of compliance among farms effectively slowed pathogen spread, resulting in replacement of few plants and high yields. In contrast, inefficient replacement of infected plants or limited compliance among farms failed to slow pathogen spread, resulting in replacement of large numbers of plants (on farms practicing replacement) with little yield benefit. Replacement of infected plants always increased yields relative to simulations without plant replacement provided that infected plants produced no useable yield. However, if infected plants produced useable yields, inefficient removal of infected plants resulted in lower yields relative to simulations without plant replacement for perennial crops with long maturation periods in some cases.

  1. Menopausal Symptom Relief and Side Effects Experienced by Women Using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Synthetic Conjugated Equine Estrogen and/or Progestin Hormone Replacement Therapy, Part 1.

    PubMed

    Deleruyelle, Laura J

    2016-01-01

    The use of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy by menopausal women has become a popular alternative to traditional synthetic conjugated equine estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy due to safety concerns raised by recent studies. However, due to the lack of randomized, large-scale trials to evaluate the efficacy and side-effect profile of compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy many healthcare providers are reluctant to prescribe such therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare women's menopausal symptom relief and side effects experienced when using compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and traditional hormone replacement therapy. A descriptive comparative design was used. Inferential and descriptive statistical procedures including a paired difference t -test, two-sample t -test, and f tests (percentage, mean, standard deviation, frequency) were run on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The framework used to guide this study was Lenz and Pugh's Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. Surveys were distributed once to a convenient sample of women aged 35 and older when they dropped off or picked up their prescriptions at a pharmacy. Of the 216 surveys distributed, 70 were returned from those women taking compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and 53 from traditional hormone replacement therapy. The survey contained 15 questions pertaining to age, duration of hormone replacement therapy, type and formulation of hormone replacement therapy, reasons for initiating hormone replacement therapy, symptoms before and one month after hormone replacement therapy, and side effects related to hormone replacement therapy. The results of this study will be summarized in forthcoming articles in this series. Copyright© by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc.

  2. High accuracy in knee alignment and implant placement in unicompartmental medial knee replacement when using patient-specific instrumentation.

    PubMed

    Volpi, P; Prospero, E; Bait, C; Cervellin, M; Quaglia, A; Redaelli, A; Denti, M

    2015-05-01

    The influence of patient-specific instrumentations on the accuracy of unicompartmental medial knee replacement remains unclear. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of patient-specific instrumentation to accurately reproduce postoperatively what the surgeon had planned preoperatively. Twenty consecutive patients (20 knees) who suffered from isolated unicompartmental medial osteoarthritis of the knee and underwent medial knee replacement using newly introduced magnetic resonance imaging-based patient-specific instrumentation were assessed. This assessment recorded the following parameters: (1) the planned and the postoperative mechanical axis acquired through long-leg AP view radiographies; (2) the planned and the postoperative tibial slope acquired by means of standard AP and lateral view radiographies; and (3) the postoperative fit of the implanted components to the bone in coronal and sagittal planes. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no statistically significant difference between postoperative results and preoperatively planned values. The study showed that (1) the difference between the postoperative mechanical axis (mean 1.9° varus ± 1.2° SD) and the planned mechanical axis (mean 1.8° varus ± 1.2° SD) was not statistically significant; (2) the difference between the postoperative tibial slope (mean 5.2° ± 0.6° SD) and the planned tibial slope (mean 5.4° ± 0.6° SD) was statistically significant (p = 0.008); and (3) the postoperative component fit to bone in the coronal and sagittal planes was accurate in all cases; nevertheless, in one knee, all components were implanted one size smaller than preoperatively planned. Moreover, in two additional cases, one size thinner and one size thicker of the polyethylene insert were used. This study suggests that overall patient-specific instrumentation was highly accurate in reproducing postoperatively what the surgeon had planned preoperatively in terms of mechanical axis, tibial slope and component fit to bone. IV.

  3. Repair of Budd Pioneer Coach car crush zones

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2007-05-01

    The research team conducted a project to repair cars for use in a full-scale train-to-train collision test with crash energy management systems. The two cars had been damaged in previous dynamic tests. Several components required replacement, and som...

  4. Rotating Cylinder Treatment System Demonstration (Presentation)

    EPA Science Inventory

    In August 2008, a rotating cylinder treatment system (RCTSTM) demonstration was conducted near Gladstone, CO. The RCTSTM is a novel technology developed to replace the aeration/oxidation and mixing components of a conventional lime precipitation treatment s...

  5. Rotating Cylinder Treatment System Demonstration

    EPA Science Inventory

    In August 2008, a rotating cylinder treatment system (RCTSTM) demonstration was conducted near Gladstone, CO. The RCTSTM is a novel technology developed to replace the aeration/oxidation and mixing components of a conventional lime precipitation treatment s...

  6. 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.

  7. Engineering the genomes of wild insect populations: challenges, and opportunities provided by synthetic Medea selfish genetic elements

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Chun-Hong; Ward, Catherine M.; Huang, Haixia; Su, Jessica T.; Guo, Ming

    2013-01-01

    Advances in insect transgenesis and our knowledge of insect physiology and genomics are making it possible to create transgenic populations of beneficial or pest insects that express novel traits. There are contexts in which we may want the transgenes responsible for these traits to spread so that all individuals within a wild population carry them, a process known as population replacement. Transgenes of interest are unlikely to confer an overall fitness benefit on those who carry them. Therefore, an essential component of any population replacement strategy is the presence of a drive mechanism that will ensure the spread of linked transgenes. We discuss contexts in which population replacement might be desirable and the requirements a drive system must satisfy to be both effective and safe. We then describe the creation of synthetic Medea elements, the first selfish genetic elements synthesized de novo, with the capability of driving population replacement, in this case in Drosophila. The strategy used to create Drosophila Medea is applicable to a number of other insect species and the Medea system satisfies key requirements for scientific and social acceptance. Finally, we highlight several challenges to implementing population replacement in the wild. PMID:20570677

  8. 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

  9. Low-Cost Resin Transfer Molding Process Developed for High-Temperature Polyimide Matrix Composites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1996-01-01

    The use of high-temperature polymer matrix composites (PMC's) in aircraft engine applications can significantly reduce engine weight and improve performance and fuel efficiency. High-temperature PMC's, such as those based on the PMR-15 polyimide matrix resin developed by the NASA Lewis Research Center, have been used extensively in military applications where performance improvements have justified their use regardless of the cost involved in producing the component. However, in commercial engines cost is a primary driver, and PMC components must be produced at costs comparable to those of the metal components that they will replace.

  10. Dissociation of modular total hip arthroplasty at the neck-stem interface without dislocation.

    PubMed

    Kouzelis, A; Georgiou, C S; Megas, P

    2012-12-01

    Modular femoral and acetabular components are now widely used, but only a few complications related to the modularity itself have been reported. We describe a case of dissociation of the modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) at the femoral neck-stem interface during walking. The possible causes of this dissociation are discussed. Successful treatment was provided with surgical revision and replacement of the modular neck components. Surgeons who use modular components in hip arthroplasties should be aware of possible early complications in which the modularity of the prostheses is the major factor of failure.

  11. ITER in-vessel system design and performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parker, R. R.

    2000-03-01

    The article reviews the design and performance of the in-vessel components of ITER as developed for the Engineering Design Activities (EDA) Final Design Report. The double walled vacuum vessel is the first confinement boundary and is designed to maintain its integrity under all normal and off-normal conditions, e.g. the most intense vertical displacement events (VDEs) and seismic events. The shielding blanket consists of modules connected to a toroidal backplate by flexible connectors which allow differential displacements due to temperature non-uniformities. Breeding blanket modules replace the shield modules for the Enhanced Performance Phase. The divertor concept is based on a cassette structure which is convenient for remote installation and removal. High heat flux (HHF) components are mechanically attached and can be removed and replaced in the hot cell. Operation of the divertor is based on achieving partially detached plasma conditions along and near the separatrix. Nominal heat loads of 5-10 MW/m2 are expected on the target. These are accommodated by HHF technology developed during the EDA. Disruptions and VDEs can lead to melting of the first wall armour but no damage to the underlying structure. Stresses in the main structural components remain within allowable ranges for all postulated disruption and seismic events.

  12. Status of nuclear Class 1 component requalification: Final report

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

    Cooper, W.E.

    1986-12-01

    Qualification relates to assurance of acceptability of the component with respect to structural integrity, operability and functional capability. Requalification is required if existing qualification is lost because of: expiration of the qualified service life (life extension); reactivation of a cancelled or suspended plant; failure to conform with certain requirements of the Technical Specifications, or revision to the applicable Regulatory requirements. The alternatives to requalification are replacement or removal from service. The choice between requalification, replacement and removal from service is governed by economics. The purpose of requalification standards is to ensure the acceptability of the requalification process. A previous EPRImore » Report prepared by Teledyne Engineering Services (TES) (NP-1921) developed a rationale for, and a draft of, a generic requalification standard for Class 1 Pressure Boundary Components presently considered by the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code published by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME/BPVC). International Energy Associates Limited (IEA) prepared another report for EPRI shortly thereafter (NP-2418), which reviewed the economic and technologies factors of nuclear plant life extension, and concluded that NP-1921 makes a strong case that the nuclear industry will benefit from the development of the proposed standard.« less

  13. The Influence Of Component Alignment On The Life Of Total Knee Prostheses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bugariu, Delia; Bereteu, Liviu

    2012-12-01

    An arthritic knee affects the patient's life by causing pain and limiting movement. If the cartilage and the bone surfaces are severely affected, the natural joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The procedure is called total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Lately, the numbers of implanted total knee prostheses grow steadily. An important factor in TKA is the perfect alignment of the total knee prosthesis (TKP) components. Component misalignment can lead to the prosthesis loss by producing wear particles. The paper proposes a study on mechanical behaviors of a TKP based on numerical analysis, using ANSYS software. The numerical analysis is based on both the normal and the changed angle of the components alignment.

  14. Vanishing large ovarian cyst with thyroxine therapy.

    PubMed

    Dharmshaktu, Pramila; Kutiyal, Aditya; Dhanwal, Dinesh

    2013-01-01

    A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery. Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult females presenting with multicystic ovarian tumours.Adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy can prevent these patients from undergoing unnecessary and catastrophic ovarian resection.Surgical excision should be considered only when adequate thyroid replacement therapy fails to resolve ovarian enlargement.In younger women with ovarian cysts, it is also desirable to avoid unnecessary surgery so as to not compromise fertility in the future.

  15. Vanishing large ovarian cyst with thyroxine therapy

    PubMed Central

    Dharmshaktu, Pramila; Kutiyal, Aditya; Dhanwal, Dinesh

    2013-01-01

    Summary A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery. Learning points Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult females presenting with multicystic ovarian tumours.Adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy can prevent these patients from undergoing unnecessary and catastrophic ovarian resection.Surgical excision should be considered only when adequate thyroid replacement therapy fails to resolve ovarian enlargement.In younger women with ovarian cysts, it is also desirable to avoid unnecessary surgery so as to not compromise fertility in the future. PMID:24683475

  16. A survey on dielectric elastomer actuators for soft robots.

    PubMed

    Gu, Guo-Ying; Zhu, Jian; Zhu, Li-Min; Zhu, Xiangyang

    2017-01-23

    Conventional industrial robots with the rigid actuation technology have made great progress for humans in the fields of automation assembly and manufacturing. With an increasing number of robots needing to interact with humans and unstructured environments, there is a need for soft robots capable of sustaining large deformation while inducing little pressure or damage when maneuvering through confined spaces. The emergence of soft robotics offers the prospect of applying soft actuators as artificial muscles in robots, replacing traditional rigid actuators. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are recognized as one of the most promising soft actuation technologies due to the facts that: i) dielectric elastomers are kind of soft, motion-generating materials that resemble natural muscle of humans in terms of force, strain (displacement per unit length or area) and actuation pressure/density; ii) dielectric elastomers can produce large voltage-induced deformation. In this survey, we first introduce the so-called DEAs emphasizing the key points of working principle, key components and electromechanical modeling approaches. Then, different DEA-driven soft robots, including wearable/humanoid robots, walking/serpentine robots, flying robots and swimming robots, are reviewed. Lastly, we summarize the challenges and opportunities for the further studies in terms of mechanism design, dynamics modeling and autonomous control.

  17. Low-dimensional representation of near-wall dynamics in shear flows, with implications to wall-models.

    PubMed

    Schmid, P J; Sayadi, T

    2017-03-13

    The dynamics of coherent structures near the wall of a turbulent boundary layer is investigated with the aim of a low-dimensional representation of its essential features. Based on a triple decomposition into mean, coherent and incoherent motion and a dynamic mode decomposition to recover statistical information about the incoherent part of the flow field, a driven linear system coupling first- and second-order moments of the coherent structures is derived and analysed. The transfer function for this system, evaluated for a wall-parallel plane, confirms a strong bias towards streamwise elongated structures, and is proposed as an 'impedance' boundary condition which replaces the bulk of the transport between the coherent velocity field and the coherent Reynolds stresses, thus acting as a wall model for large-eddy simulations (LES). It is interesting to note that the boundary condition is non-local in space and time. The extracted model is capable of reproducing the principal Reynolds stress components for the pretransitional, transitional and fully turbulent boundary layer.This article is part of the themed issue 'Toward the development of high-fidelity models of wall turbulence at large Reynolds number'. © 2017 The Author(s).

  18. Novel Low Cost, High Reliability Wind Turbine Drivetrain

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

    Chobot, Anthony; Das, Debarshi; Mayer, Tyler

    2012-09-13

    Clipper Windpower, in collaboration with United Technologies Research Center, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, developed a low-cost, deflection-compliant, reliable, and serviceable chain drive speed increaser. This chain and sprocket drivetrain design offers significant breakthroughs in the areas of cost and serviceability and addresses the key challenges of current geared and direct-drive systems. The use of gearboxes has proven to be challenging; the large torques and bending loads associated with use in large multi-MW wind applications have generally limited demonstrated lifetime to 8-10 years [1]. The large cost of gearbox replacement and the required use of large,more » expensive cranes can result in gearbox replacement costs on the order of $1M, representing a significant impact to overall cost of energy (COE). Direct-drive machines eliminate the gearbox, thereby targeting increased reliability and reduced life-cycle cost. However, the slow rotational speeds require very large and costly generators, which also typically have an undesirable dependence on expensive rare-earth magnet materials and large structural penalties for precise air gap control. The cost of rare-earth materials has increased 20X in the last 8 years representing a key risk to ever realizing the promised cost of energy reductions from direct-drive generators. A common challenge to both geared and direct drive architectures is a limited ability to manage input shaft deflections. The proposed Clipper drivetrain is deflection-compliant, insulating later drivetrain stages and generators from off-axis loads. The system is modular, allowing for all key parts to be removed and replaced without the use of a high capacity crane. Finally, the technology modularity allows for scalability and many possible drivetrain topologies. These benefits enable reductions in drivetrain capital cost by 10.0%, levelized replacement and O&M costs by 26.7%, and overall cost of energy by 10.2%. This design was achieved by: (1) performing an extensive optimization study that deter-mined the preliminary cost for all practical chain drive topologies to ensure the most competitive configuration; (2) conducting detailed analysis of chain dynamics, contact stresses, and wear and efficiency characteristics over the chain's life to ensure accurate physics-based predictions of chain performance; and (3) developing a final product design, including reliability analysis, chain replacement procedures, and bearing and sprocket analysis. Definition of this final product configuration was used to develop refined cost of energy estimates. Finally, key system risks for the chain drive were defined and a comprehensive risk reduction plan was created for execution in Phase 2.« less

  19. Helium compressors for closed-cycle, 4.5-Kelvin refrigerators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hanson, T. R.

    1992-01-01

    An improved helium compressor for traveling-wave maser and closed-cycle refrigerator systems was developed and is currently being supplied to the DSN. This new 5-hp compressor package is designed to replace the current 3-hp DSN compressors. The new compressor package was designed to retrofit into the existing 3-hp compressor frame and reuse many of the same components, therefore saving the cost of documenting and fabricating these components when implementing a new 5-hp compressor.

  20. United States Air Force Research Initiation Program for 1987. Volume 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-04-01

    complexity for analyzing such models depends upon the repair or replace- ment times distributions, the repair policy for damaged components and a...distributions, repair policy for various comDonents and a number of other factors. Problems o interest for such models include the determinations of (a...Thus. some more assumption is needed as to the order in which repair is to be made when more than one component is damaged. We will adopt a policy

  1. Singular-value decomposition of a tomosynthesis system

    PubMed Central

    Burvall, Anna; Barrett, Harrison H.; Myers, Kyle J.; Dainty, Christopher

    2010-01-01

    Tomosynthesis is an emerging technique with potential to replace mammography, since it gives 3D information at a relatively small increase in dose and cost. We present an analytical singular-value decomposition of a tomosynthesis system, which provides the measurement component of any given object. The method is demonstrated on an example object. The measurement component can be used as a reconstruction of the object, and can also be utilized in future observer studies of tomosynthesis image quality. PMID:20940966

  2. Understanding the Spatio-Temporal Response of Coral Reef Fish Communities to Natural Disturbances: Insights from Beta-Diversity Decomposition

    PubMed Central

    Lamy, Thomas; Legendre, Pierre; Chancerelle, Yannick; Siu, Gilles; Claudet, Joachim

    2015-01-01

    Understanding how communities respond to natural disturbances is fundamental to assess the mechanisms of ecosystem resistance and resilience. However, ecosystem responses to natural disturbances are rarely monitored both through space and time, while the factors promoting ecosystem stability act at various temporal and spatial scales. Hence, assessing both the spatial and temporal variations in species composition is important to comprehensively explore the effects of natural disturbances. Here, we suggest a framework to better scrutinize the mechanisms underlying community responses to disturbances through both time and space. Our analytical approach is based on beta diversity decomposition into two components, replacement and biomass difference. We illustrate this approach using a 9-year monitoring of coral reef fish communities off Moorea Island (French Polynesia), which encompassed two severe natural disturbances: a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak and a hurricane. These disturbances triggered a fast logistic decline in coral cover, which suffered a 90% decrease on all reefs. However, we found that the coral reef fish composition remained largely stable through time and space whereas compensatory changes in biomass among species were responsible for most of the temporal fluctuations, as outlined by the overall high contribution of the replacement component to total beta diversity. This suggests that, despite the severity of the two disturbances, fish communities exhibited high resistance and the ability to reorganize their compositions to maintain the same level of total community biomass as before the disturbances. We further investigated the spatial congruence of this pattern and showed that temporal dynamics involved different species across sites; yet, herbivores controlling the proliferation of algae that compete with coral communities were consistently favored. These results suggest that compensatory changes in biomass among species and spatial heterogeneity in species responses can provide further insurance against natural disturbances in coral reef ecosystems by promoting high levels of key species (herbivores). They can also allow the ecosystem to recover more quickly. PMID:26393511

  3. Atmospheric impacts of black carbon emission reductions through the strategic use of biodiesel in California.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongliang; Magara-Gomez, Kento T; Olson, Michael R; Okuda, Tomoaki; Walz, Kenneth A; Schauer, James J; Kleeman, Michael J

    2015-12-15

    The use of biodiesel as a replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel has gained interest as a strategy for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy security, and economic advantage. Biodiesel adoption may also reduce particulate elemental carbon (EC) emissions from conventional diesel engines that are not equipped with after-treatment devices. This study examines the impact of biodiesel blends on EC emissions from a commercial off-road diesel engine and simulates the potential public health benefits and climate benefits. EC emissions from the commercial off-road engine decreased by 76% when ultra-low sulfur commercial diesel (ULSD) fuel was replaced by biodiesel. Model calculations predict that reduced EC emissions translate directly into reduced EC concentrations in the atmosphere, but the concentration of secondary particulate matter was not directly affected by this fuel change. Redistribution of secondary particulate matter components to particles emitted from other sources did change the size distribution and therefore deposition rates of those components. Modification of meteorological variables such as water content and temperature influenced secondary particulate matter formation. Simulations with a source-oriented WRF/Chem model (SOWC) for a severe air pollution episode in California that adopted 75% biodiesel blended with ULSD in all non-road diesel engines reduced surface EC concentrations by up to 50% but changed nitrate and total PM2.5 mass concentrations by less than ±5%. These changes in concentrations will have public health benefits but did not significantly affect radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere. The removal of EC due to the adoption of biodiesel produced larger coatings of secondary particulate matter on other atmospheric particles containing residual EC leading to enhanced absorption associated with those particles. The net effect was a minor change in atmospheric optical properties despite a large change in atmospheric EC concentrations. These results emphasize the importance of considering EC mixing state in climate research. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  4. The Tonian Beck Spring Dolomite: Marine dolomitization in a shallow, anoxic sea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shuster, Alice Mary; Wallace, Malcolm William; van Smeerdijk Hood, Ashleigh; Jiang, Ganqing

    2018-06-01

    The reason for the abundance of dolomite lithologies in Earth's early geological record compared to modern environments remains contentious. This study provides new insight into this Precambrian "dolomite problem" by revisiting one of the most controversial dolomite localities, the Beck Spring Dolomite, of Death Valley, USA. Consistent with some previous studies, petrographic evidence indicates that although the Beck Spring Dolomite now consists almost entirely of dolomite, it was originally precipitated largely as aragonite and high-Mg calcite. Depositional constituents (microbialites and ooids) were likely originally aragonitic, and early marine length-fast cements (now dolomite) are suggested to have precipitated as high-Mg calcite then replaced syntaxially by dolomite. Based on petrographic and geochemical evidence, we suggest that marine dolomitization was the dominant synsedimentary diagenetic process in the unit, and for the most part, involved syntaxial and mimetic replacement. Further, a length-slow fibrous dolomite generation was precipitated during the later stages of marine diagenesis as a primary marine dolomite cement. This is indicated by the length-slow crystallographic structure of the cement and from its preserved geochemical and cathodoluminescence growth zonation. This new evidence for Tonian marine dolomite precipitation reinforces the idea of Precambrian marine environmental conditions, including the chemical composition of seawater, promoting dolomite formation at this time. The trace metal geochemical composition of well-preserved marine components, especially dolomite marine cements, reveals information about redox conditions in this Tonian shallow seawater. In terms of rare earth element geochemistry, the Beck Spring Dolomite has no significant Ce anomaly, and a ubiquitous positive Eu anomaly, consistent with widespread oceanic anoxia during deposition. Furthermore, the relatively low levels of iron and chalcophile elements Co, Cu, Pb and Zn in marine components compared to other Neoproterozoic carbonates suggest euxinic conditions (both anoxic and sulphidic) prevailed during deposition of the Beck Spring Dolomite.

  5. Space Shuttle Upgrades Advanced Hydraulic Power System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2004-01-01

    Three Auxiliary Power Units (APU) on the Space Shuttle Orbiter each provide 145 hp shaft power to a hydraulic pump which outputs 3000 psi hydraulic fluid to 41 hydraulic actuators. A hydrazine fuel powered APU utilized throughout the Shuttle program has undergone many improvements, but concerns remain with flight safety, operational cost, critical failure modes, and hydrazine related hazards. The advanced hydraulic power system (AHPS), also known as the electric APU, is being evaluated as an upgrade to replace the hydrazine APU. The AHPS replaces the high-speed turbine and hydrazine fuel supply system with a battery power supply and electric motor/pump that converts 300 volt electrical power to 3000 psi hydraulic power. AHPS upgrade benefits include elimination of toxic hydrazine propellant to improve flight safety, reduction in hazardous ground processing operations, and improved reliability. Development of this upgrade provides many interesting challenges and includes development of four hardware elements that comprise the AHPS system: Battery - The battery provides a high voltage supply of power using lithium ion cells. This is a large battery that must provide 28 kilowatt hours of energy over 99 minutes of operation at 300 volts with a peak power of 130 kilowatts for three seconds. High Voltage Power Distribution and Control (PD&C) - The PD&C distributes electric power from the battery to the EHDU. This 300 volt system includes wiring and components necessary to distribute power and provide fault current protection. Electro-Hydraulic Drive Unit (EHDU) - The EHDU converts electric input power to hydraulic output power. The EHDU must provide over 90 kilowatts of stable, output hydraulic power at 3000 psi with high efficiency and rapid response time. Cooling System - The cooling system provides thermal control of the Orbiter hydraulic fluid and EHDU electronic components. Symposium presentation will provide an overview of the AHPS upgrade, descriptions of the four hardware elements, and a summary of development results to date.

  6. Understanding the Spatio-Temporal Response of Coral Reef Fish Communities to Natural Disturbances: Insights from Beta-Diversity Decomposition.

    PubMed

    Lamy, Thomas; Legendre, Pierre; Chancerelle, Yannick; Siu, Gilles; Claudet, Joachim

    2015-01-01

    Understanding how communities respond to natural disturbances is fundamental to assess the mechanisms of ecosystem resistance and resilience. However, ecosystem responses to natural disturbances are rarely monitored both through space and time, while the factors promoting ecosystem stability act at various temporal and spatial scales. Hence, assessing both the spatial and temporal variations in species composition is important to comprehensively explore the effects of natural disturbances. Here, we suggest a framework to better scrutinize the mechanisms underlying community responses to disturbances through both time and space. Our analytical approach is based on beta diversity decomposition into two components, replacement and biomass difference. We illustrate this approach using a 9-year monitoring of coral reef fish communities off Moorea Island (French Polynesia), which encompassed two severe natural disturbances: a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak and a hurricane. These disturbances triggered a fast logistic decline in coral cover, which suffered a 90% decrease on all reefs. However, we found that the coral reef fish composition remained largely stable through time and space whereas compensatory changes in biomass among species were responsible for most of the temporal fluctuations, as outlined by the overall high contribution of the replacement component to total beta diversity. This suggests that, despite the severity of the two disturbances, fish communities exhibited high resistance and the ability to reorganize their compositions to maintain the same level of total community biomass as before the disturbances. We further investigated the spatial congruence of this pattern and showed that temporal dynamics involved different species across sites; yet, herbivores controlling the proliferation of algae that compete with coral communities were consistently favored. These results suggest that compensatory changes in biomass among species and spatial heterogeneity in species responses can provide further insurance against natural disturbances in coral reef ecosystems by promoting high levels of key species (herbivores). They can also allow the ecosystem to recover more quickly.

  7. Supportability for Beyond Low Earth Orbit Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crillo, William M.; Goodliff, Kandyce E.; Aaseng, Gordon; Stromgren, Chel; Maxwell, Andrew J.

    2011-01-01

    Exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) presents many unique challenges that will require changes from current Supportability approaches. Currently, the International Space Station (ISS) is supported and maintained through a series of preplanned resupply flights, on which spare parts, including some large, heavy Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), are delivered to the ISS. The Space Shuttle system provided for a robust capability to return failed components to Earth for detailed examination and potential repair. Additionally, as components fail and spares are not already on-orbit, there is flexibility in the transportation system to deliver those required replacement parts to ISS on a near term basis. A similar concept of operation will not be feasible for beyond LEO exploration. The mass and volume constraints of the transportation system and long envisioned mission durations could make it difficult to manifest necessary spares. The supply of on-demand spare parts for missions beyond LEO will be very limited or even non-existent. In addition, the remote nature of the mission, the design of the spacecraft, and the limitations on crew capabilities will all make it more difficult to maintain the spacecraft. Alternate concepts of operation must be explored in which required spare parts, materials, and tools are made available to make repairs; the locations of the failures are accessible; and the information needed to conduct repairs is available to the crew. In this paper, ISS heritage information is presented along with a summary of the challenges of beyond LEO missions. A number of Supportability issues are discussed in relation to human exploration beyond LEO. In addition, the impacts of various Supportability strategies will be discussed. Any measure that can be incorporated to reduce risk and improve mission success should be evaluated to understand the advantages and disadvantages of implementing those measures. Finally, an effort to model and evaluate Supportability for beyond LEO missions will be described.

  8. The potential of sarcospan in adhesion complex replacement therapeutics for the treatment of muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Marshall, Jamie L; Kwok, Yukwah; McMorran, Brian J; Baum, Linda G; Crosbie-Watson, Rachelle H

    2013-09-01

    Three adhesion complexes span the sarcolemma and facilitate critical connections between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton: the dystrophin- and utrophin-glycoprotein complexes and α7β1 integrin. Loss of individual protein components results in a loss of the entire protein complex and muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive, lethal wasting disease characterized by repetitive cycles of myofiber degeneration and regeneration. Protein-replacement therapy offers a promising approach for the treatment of muscular dystrophy. Recently, we demonstrated that sarcospan facilitates protein-protein interactions amongst the adhesion complexes and is an important potential therapeutic target. Here, we review current protein-replacement strategies, discuss the potential benefits of sarcospan expression, and identify important experiments that must be addressed for sarcospan to move to the clinic. © 2013 FEBS.

  9. KSC-08pd2077

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  10. KSC-08pd2081

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  11. KSC-08pd2075

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center begin to remove the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  12. KSC-08pd2074

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope is secured on a work platform by workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  13. KSC-08pd2076

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  14. KSC-08pd2070

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope is lifted from its transportation canister by workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  15. KSC-08pd2073

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope is positioned on a work platform by workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  16. KSC-08pd2080

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  17. KSC-08pd2078

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  18. KSC-08pd2079

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-07-18

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  19. Self-monitoring as a viable fading option in check-in/check-out.

    PubMed

    Miller, Leila M; Dufrene, Brad A; Joe Olmi, D; Tingstrom, Daniel; Filce, Hollie

    2015-04-01

    This study systematically replaced the teacher completed Daily Behavior Report Card (DBRC) and feedback component of check-in/check-out (CICO) with self-monitoring for four elementary students referred for Tier 2 behavioral supports within School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). An ABAB withdrawal design was used to test the effectiveness of CICO. Then, following the second B phase, teacher completion of the DBRC and corresponding feedback to students was replaced with self-monitoring. For all four participants, CICO was associated with increases in academic engagement and reductions in disruptive behavior. Moreover, students' behavioral gains were maintained when teacher completion of the DBRC was replaced with self-monitoring. Results are discussed in terms of CICO research and practice. Copyright © 2014 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. KSC-08pd2355

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers lift the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover before attaching a crane. The cover will be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  1. KSC-08pd2356

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2008-08-08

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane moves the Fine Guidance Sensor Scientific Instrument Protective Enclosure, or FSIPE, cover to be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, below. The ORUC is one of three carriers that are being prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. PHoto credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

  2. The impact of obesity on the outcome of total ankle replacement.

    PubMed

    Bouchard, Maryse; Amin, Amit; Pinsker, Ellie; Khan, Ryan; Deda, Erisa; Daniels, Timothy R

    2015-06-03

    Obese patients have a slightly higher proportion of revision and infection following knee or hip replacement, but functional improvement is equivalent to that of normal-weight patients. We compared outcomes of total ankle replacement for end-stage ankle arthritis in obese and normal-weight patients. This retrospective cohort study compared thirty-nine obese patients (those with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m(2)) at a mean follow-up time of 3.76 years and forty-eight non-obese patients (those with a body mass index of <30 kg/m(2)) at a mean follow-up time of 3.92 years after total ankle replacement. Outcome measure scores (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale [AOS] and Short-Form 36 [SF-36]) were collected preoperatively and at least two years postoperatively. Complication and revision data were collected by manual chart audits. Statistical analyses were performed with use of t tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Survival analysis was conducted with use of the Kaplan-Meier method. The two cohorts had similar demographic characteristics. Ten (26%) of thirty-nine patients in the obese group were morbidly obese (having a body mass index of >40 kg/m(2)). There were thirty-nine patients in the obese group and forty-eight patients in the non-obese group. The mean body mass index (and standard deviation) was 36.28 ± 5.43 kg/m(2) for the obese group and 25.84 ± 3.00 kg/m(2) for the non-obese group. The obese group had significantly worse preoperative SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores (p = 0.01) than the non-obese group. Preoperatively to postoperatively, both obese and non-obese patients demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.001) in AOS pain, AOS disability, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores, and the changes in these scores were similar for both groups. The SF-36 Mental Component Summary scores did not change significantly (p = 0.30) in either group. There was no significant difference (p = 0.48) in the proportion of complications or revisions between the groups. Although obese patients had increased disability and worse function preoperatively, total ankle replacement significantly and similarly improved pain and disability scores in both obese and non-obese patients, with no significant difference in the proportion of complications. We therefore maintain that total ankle replacement is a reliable treatment option for patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, including those who are obese. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. Copyright © 2015 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

  3. Primary hypothyroidism in the community: Lower daily dosages of levothyroxine replacement therapy for Asian patients.

    PubMed

    Tan, Ngiap Chuan; Chew, Rong Quan; Koh, Yi Ling Eileen; Subramanian, Reena Chandini; Sankari, Usha; Meyappan, Meykkumar; Cho, Li Wei

    2017-02-01

    The goal of treatment in patients with primary hypothyroidism is to attain euthyroidism guided by the stipulated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels range so as to minimize any potential long-term adverse effects. However, various factors may result in their Levothyroxine (T4) under and over-replacement.Our study aimed to evaluate the mean daily dose of L-T4 replacement for Asian patients with primary hypothyroidism. The secondary aims were to determine the proportion of those who were either over or under-replaced, and the factors associated with their thyroid function status and replacement adherence.Data collected using questionnaire survey from targeted patients managed in a typical public primary care center in Singapore: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, laboratory investigations, mean daily L-T4-replacement doses, and replacement regimens. The thyroid status of patients was classified based on thyroid function investigations.Complete data of 229 patients were analyzed. A total of 59.8% of patients had TSH within the normal range, 27.5% and 12.7% were under and over-replaced, respectively. About 60% of Asian patients with primary hypothyroidism achieved normal TSH status requiring average of 1.1 μg of daily L-T4/kgBW (kg body weight). Subjects who were over-replaced had a higher daily L-T4 dose/kgBW when compared to the euthyroid and the under replaced groups. Those with L-T4 over-replacement were largely due to excessive dosage. Patients who were younger, from lower socioeconomic strata, and higher BMI were more likely to be over or under-replaced.Majority of Asian patients with hypothyroidism required replacement of 1.1 μg of daily L-T4/kgBW. Their thyroid status was influenced by demographic and dosing factors.

  4. Flight service evaluation of composite components on the Bell Helicopter model 206L: Design, fabrication and testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zinberg, H.

    1982-01-01

    The design, fabrication, and testing phases of a program to obtain long term flight service experience on representative helicopter airframe structural components operating in typical commercial environments are described. The aircraft chosen is the Bell Helicopter Model 206L. The structural components are the forward fairing, litter door, baggage door, and vertical fin. The advanced composite components were designed to replace the production parts in the field and were certified by the FAA to be operable through the full flight envelope of the 206L. A description of the fabrication process that was used for each of the components is given. Static failing load tests on all components were done. In addition fatigue tests were run on four specimens that simulated the attachment of the vertical fin to the helicopter's tail boom.

  5. 48 CFR 52.225-7 - Waiver of Buy American Statute for Civil Aircraft and Related Articles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... incorporation into the aircraft; and (4) Any ground flight simulators, and parts and components of these simulators, for use with respect to the aircraft, whether to be used as original or replacement equipment in...

  6. 49 CFR 830.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., search and rescue, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource..., and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling...

  7. 49 CFR 830.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., search and rescue, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource..., and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling...

  8. 49 CFR 830.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., search and rescue, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource..., and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling...

  9. Liquid-fuel valve with precise throttling control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcdougal, A. R.; Porter, R. N.; Riebling, R. W.

    1971-01-01

    Prototype liquid-fuel valve performs on-off and throttling functions in vacuum without component cold-welding or excessive leakage. Valve design enables simple and rapid disassembly and parts replacement and operates with short working stroke, providing maximum throttling sensitivity commensurate with good control.

  10. Development of laboratory test methods to replace the simulated high-temperature grout fluidity test : [summary].

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2014-06-01

    Concretes remarkable role in construction depends on its marriage with reinforcing steel. Concrete is very strong in compression, but weak in tension, so reinforcing steel is added to increase tensile strength, yielding structural components capab...

  11. Handling Rapid Growth.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scheideman, Dale; Dufresne, Ray

    2001-01-01

    Nevada's Clark County, the fastest growing school district in the nation, uses a life-cycle facilities management approach that monitors the individual components of each building on a database. The district's 10-year building program is addressing facilities infrastructure renewal, deferred maintenance, replacement, and new school construction.…

  12. Transformer and Meter Tester

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stoms, R. M.

    1984-01-01

    Numerically-controlled 5-axis machine tool uses transformer and meter to determine and indicate whether tool is in home position, but lacks built-in test mode to check them. Tester makes possible test, and repair of components at machine rather then replace them when operation seems suspect.

  13. 41 CFR 109-1.5303 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... a larger assembly, a complex operating system, or an older facility. The review of this property will be completed, prior to disposition, when replacing components or when operating systems and... Section 109-1.5303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System...

  14. 41 CFR 109-1.5303 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... a larger assembly, a complex operating system, or an older facility. The review of this property will be completed, prior to disposition, when replacing components or when operating systems and... Section 109-1.5303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System...

  15. 41 CFR 109-1.5303 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... a larger assembly, a complex operating system, or an older facility. The review of this property will be completed, prior to disposition, when replacing components or when operating systems and... Section 109-1.5303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System...

  16. 41 CFR 109-1.5303 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... a larger assembly, a complex operating system, or an older facility. The review of this property will be completed, prior to disposition, when replacing components or when operating systems and... Section 109-1.5303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System...

  17. 41 CFR 109-1.5303 - Procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... a larger assembly, a complex operating system, or an older facility. The review of this property will be completed, prior to disposition, when replacing components or when operating systems and... Section 109-1.5303 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System...

  18. 49 CFR 830.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., search and rescue, law enforcement, aeronautical research, or biological or geological resource..., and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling...

  19. Innovations in food technology for health.

    PubMed

    Hsieh, Yun-Hwa Peggy; Ofori, Jack Appiah

    2007-01-01

    Modern nutritional science is providing ever more information on the functions and mechanisms of specific food components in health promotion and/or disease prevention. In response to demands from increasingly health conscious consumers, the global trend is for food industries to translate nutritional information into consumer reality by developing food products that provide not only superior sensory appeal but also nutritional and health benefits. Today's busy life styles are also driving the development of healthy convenience foods. Recent innovations in food technologies have led to the use of many traditional technologies, such as fermentation, extraction, encapsulation, fat replacement, and enzyme technology, to produce new health food ingredients, reduce or remove undesirable food components, add specific nutrient or functional ingredients, modify food compositions, mask undesirable flavors or stabilize ingredients. Modern biotechnology has even revolutionized the way foods are created. Recent discoveries in gene science are making it possible to manipulate the components in natural foods. In combination with biofermentation, desirable natural compounds can now be produced in large amounts at a low cost and with little environmental impact. Nanotechnology is also beginning to find potential applications in the area of food and agriculture. Although the use of new technologies in the production of health foods is often a cause for concern, the possibility that innovative food technology will allow us to produce a wide variety of food with enhanced flavor and texture, while at the same time conferring multiple health benefits on the consumer, is very exciting.

  20. Robust power spectral estimation for EEG data

    PubMed Central

    Melman, Tamar; Victor, Jonathan D.

    2016-01-01

    Background Typical electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings often contain substantial artifact. These artifacts, often large and intermittent, can interfere with quantification of the EEG via its power spectrum. To reduce the impact of artifact, EEG records are typically cleaned by a preprocessing stage that removes individual segments or components of the recording. However, such preprocessing can introduce bias, discard available signal, and be labor-intensive. With this motivation, we present a method that uses robust statistics to reduce dependence on preprocessing by minimizing the effect of large intermittent outliers on the spectral estimates. New method Using the multitaper method[1] as a starting point, we replaced the final step of the standard power spectrum calculation with a quantile-based estimator, and the Jackknife approach to confidence intervals with a Bayesian approach. The method is implemented in provided MATLAB modules, which extend the widely used Chronux toolbox. Results Using both simulated and human data, we show that in the presence of large intermittent outliers, the robust method produces improved estimates of the power spectrum, and that the Bayesian confidence intervals yield close-to-veridical coverage factors. Comparison to existing method The robust method, as compared to the standard method, is less affected by artifact: inclusion of outliers produces fewer changes in the shape of the power spectrum as well as in the coverage factor. Conclusion In the presence of large intermittent outliers, the robust method can reduce dependence on data preprocessing as compared to standard methods of spectral estimation. PMID:27102041

  1. Robust power spectral estimation for EEG data.

    PubMed

    Melman, Tamar; Victor, Jonathan D

    2016-08-01

    Typical electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings often contain substantial artifact. These artifacts, often large and intermittent, can interfere with quantification of the EEG via its power spectrum. To reduce the impact of artifact, EEG records are typically cleaned by a preprocessing stage that removes individual segments or components of the recording. However, such preprocessing can introduce bias, discard available signal, and be labor-intensive. With this motivation, we present a method that uses robust statistics to reduce dependence on preprocessing by minimizing the effect of large intermittent outliers on the spectral estimates. Using the multitaper method (Thomson, 1982) as a starting point, we replaced the final step of the standard power spectrum calculation with a quantile-based estimator, and the Jackknife approach to confidence intervals with a Bayesian approach. The method is implemented in provided MATLAB modules, which extend the widely used Chronux toolbox. Using both simulated and human data, we show that in the presence of large intermittent outliers, the robust method produces improved estimates of the power spectrum, and that the Bayesian confidence intervals yield close-to-veridical coverage factors. The robust method, as compared to the standard method, is less affected by artifact: inclusion of outliers produces fewer changes in the shape of the power spectrum as well as in the coverage factor. In the presence of large intermittent outliers, the robust method can reduce dependence on data preprocessing as compared to standard methods of spectral estimation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Properties of Cement Mortar Produced from Mixed Waste Materials with Pozzolanic Characteristics.

    PubMed

    Yen, Chi-Liang; Tseng, Dyi-Hwa; Wu, Yue-Ze

    2012-07-01

    Waste materials with pozzolanic characteristics, such as sewage sludge ash (SSA), coal combustion fly ash (FA), and granulated blast furnace slag (GBS), were reused as partial cement replacements for making cement mortar in this study. Experimental results revealed that with dual replacement of cement by SSA and GBS and triple replacement by SSA, FA, and GBS at 50% of total cement replacement, the compressive strength (Sc) of the blended cement mortars at 56 days was 93.7% and 92.9% of the control cement mortar, respectively. GBS had the highest strength activity index value and could produce large amounts of CaO to enhance the pozzolanic activity of SSA/FA and form calcium silicate hydrate gels to fill the capillary pores of the cement mortar. Consequently, the Sc development of cement mortar with GBS replacement was better than that without GBS, and the total pore volume of blended cement mortars with GBS/SSA replacement was less than that with FA/SSA replacement. In the cement mortar with modified SSA and GBS at 70% of total cement replacement, the Sc at 56 days was 92.4% of the control mortar. Modifying the content of calcium in SSA also increased its pozzolanic reaction. CaCl(2) accelerated the pozzolanic activity of SSA better than lime did. Moreover, blending cement mortars with GBS/SSA replacement could generate more monosulfoaluminate to fill capillary pores.

  3. Properties of Cement Mortar Produced from Mixed Waste Materials with Pozzolanic Characteristics

    PubMed Central

    Yen, Chi-Liang; Tseng, Dyi-Hwa; Wu, Yue-Ze

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Waste materials with pozzolanic characteristics, such as sewage sludge ash (SSA), coal combustion fly ash (FA), and granulated blast furnace slag (GBS), were reused as partial cement replacements for making cement mortar in this study. Experimental results revealed that with dual replacement of cement by SSA and GBS and triple replacement by SSA, FA, and GBS at 50% of total cement replacement, the compressive strength (Sc) of the blended cement mortars at 56 days was 93.7% and 92.9% of the control cement mortar, respectively. GBS had the highest strength activity index value and could produce large amounts of CaO to enhance the pozzolanic activity of SSA/FA and form calcium silicate hydrate gels to fill the capillary pores of the cement mortar. Consequently, the Sc development of cement mortar with GBS replacement was better than that without GBS, and the total pore volume of blended cement mortars with GBS/SSA replacement was less than that with FA/SSA replacement. In the cement mortar with modified SSA and GBS at 70% of total cement replacement, the Sc at 56 days was 92.4% of the control mortar. Modifying the content of calcium in SSA also increased its pozzolanic reaction. CaCl2 accelerated the pozzolanic activity of SSA better than lime did. Moreover, blending cement mortars with GBS/SSA replacement could generate more monosulfoaluminate to fill capillary pores. PMID:22783062

  4. Improvement in the assessment of wear of total knee replacements using coordinate-measuring machine techniques.

    PubMed

    Blunt, L A; Bills, P J; Jiang, X-Q; Chakrabarty, G

    2008-04-01

    Total joint replacement is one of the most common elective surgical procedures performed worldwide, with an estimate of 1.5x 10(6) operations performed annually. Currently joint replacements are expected to function for 10-15 years; however, with an increase in life expectancy, and a greater call for knee replacement due to increased activity levels, there is a requirement to improve their function to offer longer-term improved quality of life for patients. Wear analysis of total joint replacements has long been an important means in determining failure mechanisms and improving longevity of these devices. The effectiveness of the coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) technique for assessing volumetric material loss during simulated life testing of a replacement knee joint has been proved previously by the present authors. The purpose of the current work is to present an improvement to this method for situations where no pre-wear data are available. To validate the method, simulator tests were run and gravimetric measurements taken throughout the test, such that the components measured had a known wear value. The implications of the results are then discussed in terms of assessment of joint functionality and development of standardized CMM-based product standards. The method was then expanded to allow assessment of clinically retrieved bearings so as to ascertain a measure of true clinical wear.

  5. Five-day recorder seismic system

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Criley, Ed; Eaton, Jerry P.; Ellis, Jim

    1978-01-01

    The 10-day recorder seismic system used by the USGS since 1965 has been modified substantially to improve its dynamic range and frequency response, to decrease its power consumption and physical complexity, and to make its recordings more compatible with other NCER systems to facilitate data processing. The principal changes include: 1. increasing tape speed from 15/160 ips to 15/80 ips (reducing running time from 10 days to 5 days with a 14' reel of 1 mil tape), 2. increasing the FM center frequency by a factor of 4, from 84.4 Hz to 337.6 Hz, 3. replacing the original amplifiers and FM modulators with new low-power units, 4. replacing the chronometer with a higher quality time code generator (with IRIG-C) to permit automation of data retrieval, 5. eliminating the amplifier/WWVB radio field case by incorporating these elements, along with the new TCG, in the weatherproof tape-recorder box, 6. reducing the power consumption of the motor-drive circuit by removal of a redundant component. In the new system, the tape-recorder case houses all components except the seismometers, the WWVB antenna, the 70-amp-hour 12-VDC battery (which powers the system for 5 days), and the cables to connect these external elements to the recorder box. The objectives of this report are: 1. to describe the new 5-day-recorder seismic system in terms of its constituent parts and their functions, 2. to describe modifications to parts of the original system that were retained and to document new or replacement components with appropriate circuit diagrams and constructional details, 3. to provide detailed instructions for the correct adjustment or alignment of the system in the laboratory, and 4. to provide detailed instructions for installing and operating the system in the field.

  6. Refurbishment and Automation of the Thermal/Vacuum Facilities at the Goddard Space Flight Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Donohue, John T.; Johnson, Chris; Ogden, Rick; Sushon, Janet

    1998-01-01

    The thermal/vacuum facilities located at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) have supported both manned and unmanned space flight since the 1960s. Of the 11 facilities, currently 10 of the systems are scheduled for refurbishment and/or replacement as part of a 5-year implementation. Expected return on investment includes the reduction in test schedules, improvements in the safety of facility operations, reduction in the complexity of a test and the reduction in personnel support required for a test. Additionally, GSFC will become a global resource renowned for expertise in thermal engineering, mechanical engineering and for the automation of thermal/vacuum facilities and thermal/vacuum tests. Automation of the thermal/vacuum facilities includes the utilization of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These components allow the computer control and automation of mechanical components such as valves and pumps. In some cases, the chamber and chamber shroud require complete replacement while others require only mechanical component retrofit or replacement. The project of refurbishment and automation began in 1996 and has resulted in the computer control of one Facility (Facility #225) and the integration of electronically controlled devices and PLCs within several other facilities. Facility 225 has been successfully controlled by PLC and SCADA for over one year. Insignificant anomalies have occurred and were resolved with minimal impact to testing and operations. The amount of work remaining to be performed will occur over the next four to five years. Fiscal year 1998 includes the complete refurbishment of one facility, computer control of the thermal systems in two facilities, implementation of SCADA and PLC systems to support multiple facilities and the implementation of a Database server to allow efficient test management and data analysis.

  7. Endoscopic or arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomy for iliopsoas impingement following total hip replacement. A prospective multicenter 64-case series.

    PubMed

    Guicherd, W; Bonin, N; Gicquel, T; Gedouin, J E; Flecher, X; Wettstein, M; Thaunat, M; Prevost, N; Ollier, E; May, O

    2017-12-01

    Impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon is a cause of anterior pain after total hip replacement (THR). Treatment can be non-operative, endoscopic or arthroscopic, or by open revision of the acetabular component. Few studies have assessed these options. The present study hypothesis was that endo/arthroscopic treatment provides rapid pain relief with a low rate of complications. A prospective multicenter study included 64 endoscopic or arthroscopic tenotomies for impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon, performed in 8 centers. Mean follow-up was 8months, with a minimum of 6months and no loss to follow-up. Oxford score, patient satisfaction, anterior pain and iliopsoas strength were assessed at last follow-up. Complications and revision procedures were collated. Forty-four percent of patients underwent rehabilitation. At last follow-up, 92% of patients reported pain alleviation. Oxford score, muscle strength and pain in hip flexion showed significant improvement. The complications rate was 3.2%, with complete resolution. Mean hospital stay was 0.8 nights. In 2 cases, arthroscopy revealed metallosis, indicating revision of the acetabular component. The only predictive factor was acetabular projection on oblique view. Rehabilitation significantly improved muscle strength. Endoscopic or arthroscopic tenotomy for impingement between the acetabular component and the iliopsoas tendon following THR significantly alleviated anterior pain in more than 92% of cases. The low complications rate makes this the treatment of choice in case of failure of non-operative management. Arthroscopy also reorients diagnosis in case of associated joint pathology. Projection of the acetabular component on preoperative oblique view is the most predictive criterion, guiding treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  8. The gap technique does not rotate the femur parallel to the epicondylar axis.

    PubMed

    Matziolis, Georg; Boenicke, Hinrich; Pfiel, Sascha; Wassilew, Georgi; Perka, Carsten

    2011-02-01

    In the analysis of painful total knee replacements, the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) has become established as a standard in the diagnosis of femoral component rotation. It remains unclear whether the gap technique widely used to determine femoral rotation, when applied correctly, results in a rotation parallel to the SEA. In this prospective study, 69 patients (69 joints) were included who received a navigated bicondylar surface replacement due to primary arthritis of the knee joint. In 67 cases in which a perfect soft-tissue balancing of the extension gap (<1° asymmetry) was achieved, the flexion gap and the rotation of the femoral component necessary for its symmetry was determined and documented. The femoral component was implanted additionally taking into account the posterior condylar axis and the Whiteside's line. Postoperatively, the rotation of the femoral component to the SEA was determined and this was used to calculate the angle between a femur implanted according to the gap technique and the SEA. If the gap technique had been used consistently, it would have resulted in a deviation of the femoral components by -0.6° ± 2.9° (-7.4°-5.9°) from the SEA. The absolute deviation would have been 2.4° ± 1.8°, with a range between 0.2° and 7.4°. Even if the extension gap is perfectly balanced, the gap technique does not lead to a parallel alignment of the femoral component to the SEA. Since the clinical results of this technique are equivalent to those of the femur first technique in the literature, an evaluation of this deviation as a malalignment must be considered critically.

  9. Determining Component Probability using Problem Report Data for Ground Systems used in Manned Space Flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Monaghan, Mark W.; Gillespie, Amanda M.

    2013-01-01

    During the shuttle era NASA utilized a failure reporting system called the Problem Reporting and Corrective Action (PRACA) it purpose was to identify and track system non-conformance. The PRACA system over the years evolved from a relatively nominal way to identify system problems to a very complex tracking and report generating data base. The PRACA system became the primary method to categorize any and all anomalies from corrosion to catastrophic failure. The systems documented in the PRACA system range from flight hardware to ground or facility support equipment. While the PRACA system is complex, it does possess all the failure modes, times of occurrence, length of system delay, parts repaired or replaced, and corrective action performed. The difficulty is mining the data then to utilize that data in order to estimate component, Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), and system reliability analysis metrics. In this paper, we identify a methodology to categorize qualitative data from the ground system PRACA data base for common ground or facility support equipment. Then utilizing a heuristic developed for review of the PRACA data determine what reports identify a credible failure. These data are the used to determine inter-arrival times to perform an estimation of a metric for repairable component-or LRU reliability. This analysis is used to determine failure modes of the equipment, determine the probability of the component failure mode, and support various quantitative differing techniques for performing repairable system analysis. The result is that an effective and concise estimate of components used in manned space flight operations. The advantage is the components or LRU's are evaluated in the same environment and condition that occurs during the launch process.

  10. Properties of concrete modified with waste Low Density Polyethylene and saw dust ash

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srimanikandan, P.; Sreenath, S.

    2017-07-01

    The increase in industrialization creates need for disposal of large quantity of by-products. To overcome the difficulty of disposal, these by-products can be used as a replacement for raw material. In this concern, non-conventional industrial wastes such as plastic bags, PET bottles, pulverized waste Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and biological waste such as saw-dust ash, coconut coir were used as a replacement in concrete. In this project, saw-dust ash and pulverized waste LDPE were introduced as the partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates respectively. 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of sand by volume was replaced with LDPE and 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% of cement by volume was replaced with saw dust ash. Standard cube, cylinder and prism specimens were cast to assess the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of modified concrete after 28 days of curing. Optimum percentage of replacement was found by comparing the test results. The mix with 5% of LDPE and 3% of saw dust ash showed a better result among the other mixes.

  11. Reality versus Simulation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Srinivasan, Srilekha; Perez, Lance C.; Palmer, Robert D.; Brooks, David W.; Wilson, Kathleen; Fowler, David

    2006-01-01

    A systematic study of the implementation of simulation hardware (TIMS) replacing software (MATLAB) was undertaken for advanced undergraduate and early graduate courses in electrical engineering. One outcome of the qualitative component of the study was remarkable: most students interviewed (4/4 and 6/9) perceived the software simulations as…

  12. 16 CFR § 1500.88 - Exemptions from lead limits under section 101 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    .... (9) Lead oxide in the glass envelope of Black Light Blue (BLB) lamps. (e) Components of electronic devices that are removable or replaceable, such as battery packs and light bulbs that are inaccessible...

  13. 16 CFR 1500.88 - Exemptions from lead limits under section 101 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    .... (9) Lead oxide in the glass envelope of Black Light Blue (BLB) lamps. (e) Components of electronic devices that are removable or replaceable, such as battery packs and light bulbs that are inaccessible...

  14. 16 CFR 1500.88 - Exemptions from lead limits under section 101 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    .... (9) Lead oxide in the glass envelope of Black Light Blue (BLB) lamps. (e) Components of electronic devices that are removable or replaceable, such as battery packs and light bulbs that are inaccessible...

  15. 16 CFR 1500.88 - Exemptions from lead limits under section 101 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    .... (9) Lead oxide in the glass envelope of Black Light Blue (BLB) lamps. (e) Components of electronic devices that are removable or replaceable, such as battery packs and light bulbs that are inaccessible...

  16. LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT FOR PC BLEND 2 AIRCRAFT RADOME DEPAINTER

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report describes the life cycle assessment on a potential replacement solvent blend for aircraft radome depainting at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base. The life cycle assessment is composed of three separate but interrelated components: life cy...

  17. Epimorphic regeneration approach to tissue replacement in adult mammals

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Urodeles and fetal mammals are capable of impressive epimorphic regeneration in a variety of tissues, whereas the typical default response to injury in adult mammals consists of inflammation and scar tissue formation. One component of epimorphic regeneration is the recruitment of resident progenitor...

  18. 49 CFR 234.207 - Adjustment, repair, or replacement of component.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... warning system fails to perform its intended function, the cause shall be determined and the faulty... completed, a railroad shall take appropriate action under § 234.105, Activation failure, § 234.106, Partial activation, or § 234.107, False activation, of this part. ...

  19. 49 CFR 234.207 - Adjustment, repair, or replacement of component.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... warning system fails to perform its intended function, the cause shall be determined and the faulty... completed, a railroad shall take appropriate action under § 234.105, Activation failure, § 234.106, Partial activation, or § 234.107, False activation, of this part. ...

  20. 40 CFR 1060.601 - How do the prohibitions of 40 CFR 1068.101 apply with respect to the requirements of this part?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... not intended for use with fuels. (2) Applicability of standards after January 1, 2020. Starting January 1, 2020 it is presumed that replacement components will be used with nonroad engines regulated...

  1. 40 CFR 1060.601 - How do the prohibitions of 40 CFR 1068.101 apply with respect to the requirements of this part?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... not intended for use with fuels. (2) Applicability of standards after January 1, 2020. Starting January 1, 2020 it is presumed that replacement components will be used with nonroad engines regulated...

  2. 40 CFR 1060.601 - How do the prohibitions of 40 CFR 1068.101 apply with respect to the requirements of this part?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... not intended for use with fuels. (2) Applicability of standards after January 1, 2020. Starting January 1, 2020 it is presumed that replacement components will be used with nonroad engines regulated...

  3. Conversion between network-level and project-level units of measure for use in a bridge-management system.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-01-01

    VDOT is implementing Pontis 3.0 to provide the analytical component of its Bridge Management System (BMS). This system prioritizes bridge maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement (MRR & R) needs using cost/benefit analysis. The accuracy o...

  4. 49 CFR 830.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... associated with the performance of, a governmental function such as firefighting, search and rescue, law... normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small...

  5. Advanced Testing Techniques to Measure the PWSCC Resistance of Alloy 690 and its Weld Metals

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

    P.Andreson

    2004-10-01

    Wrought Alloy 600 and its weld metals (Alloy 182 and Alloy 82) were originally used in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) due to the material's inherent resistance to general corrosion in a number of aggressive environments and because of a coefficient of thermal expansion that is very close to that of low alloy and carbon steel. Over the last thirty years, stress corrosion cracking in PWR primary water (PWSCC) has been observed in numerous Alloy 600 component items and associated welds, sometimes after relatively long incubation times. The occurrence of PWSCC has been responsible for significant downtime and replacement power costs.more » As part of an ongoing, comprehensive program involving utilities, reactor vendors and engineering/research organizations, this report will help to ensure that corrosion degradation of nickel-base alloys does not limit service life and that full benefit can be obtained from improved designs for both replacement components and new reactors.« less

  6. Investigation on wear characteristic of biopolymer gear

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghazali, Wafiuddin Bin Md; Daing Idris, Daing Mohamad Nafiz Bin; Sofian, Azizul Helmi Bin; Basrawi, Mohamad Firdaus bin; Khalil Ibrahim, Thamir

    2017-10-01

    Polymer is widely used in many mechanical components such as gear. With the world going to a more green and sustainable environment, polymers which are bio based are being recognized as a replacement for conventional polymers based on fossil fuel. The use of biopolymer in mechanical components especially gear have not been fully explored yet. This research focuses on biopolymer for spur gear and whether the conventional method to investigate wear characteristic is applicable. The spur gears are produced by injection moulding and tested on several speeds using a custom test equipment. The wear formation such as tooth fracture, tooth deformation, debris and weight loss was observed on the biopolymer spur gear. It was noted that the biopolymer gear wear mechanism was similar with other type of polymer spur gears. It also undergoes stages of wear which are; running in, linear and rapid. It can be said that the wear mechanism of biopolymer spur gear is comparable to fossil fuel based polymer spur gear, thus it can be considered to replace polymer gears in suitable applications.

  7. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the sialic acid-binding domain (VP8*) of porcine rotavirus strain CRW-8

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

    Scott, Stacy A.; Holloway, Gavan; Coulson, Barbara S.

    2005-06-01

    The sialic acid-binding domain (VP8*) component of the porcine CRW-8 rotavirus spike protein has been overexpressed in E. coli, purified and co-crystallized with an N-acetylneuraminic acid derivative. X-ray diffraction data have been collected to 2.3 Å, which has enabled determination of the structure by molecular replacement. Rotavirus recognition and attachment to host cells involves interaction with the spike protein VP4 that projects outwards from the surface of the virus particle. An integral component of these spikes is the VP8* domain, which is implicated in the direct recognition and binding of sialic acid-containing cell-surface carbohydrates and facilitates subsequent invasion by themore » virus. The expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of VP8* from porcine CRW-8 rotavirus is reported. Diffraction data have been collected to 2.3 Å resolution, enabling the determination of the VP8* structure by molecular replacement.« less

  8. Food availability affects the maternal transfer of androgens and antibodies into eggs of a colonial seabird

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Gasparini, J.; Boulinier, T.; Gill, V.A.; Gil, D.; Hatch, Shyla A.; Roulin, A.

    2007-01-01

    Mothers can improve the quality of their offspring by increasing the level of certain components in their eggs. To examine whether or not mothers increase deposition of such components in eggs as a function of food availability, we food-supplemented black-legged kittiwake females (Rissa tridactyla) before and during egg laying and compared deposition of androgens and antibodies into eggs of first and experimentally induced replacement clutches. Food-supplemented females transferred lower amounts of androgens and antibodies into eggs of induced replacement clutches than did non-food-supplemented mothers, whereas first clutches presented no differences between treatments. Our results suggest that when females are in lower condition, they transfer more androgens and antibodies into eggs to facilitate chick development despite potential long-term costs for juveniles. Females in prime condition may avoid these potential long-term costs because they can provide their chicks with more and higher quality resources. ?? 2007 The Authors.

  9. Analogy of transistor function with modulating photonic band gap in electromagnetically induced grating

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Zhiguo; Ullah, Zakir; Gao, Mengqin; Zhang, Dan; Zhang, Yiqi; Gao, Hong; Zhang, Yanpeng

    2015-01-01

    Optical transistor is a device used to amplify and switch optical signals. Many researchers focus on replacing current computer components with optical equivalents, resulting in an optical digital computer system processing binary data. Electronic transistor is the fundamental building block of modern electronic devices. To replace electronic components with optical ones, an equivalent optical transistor is required. Here we compare the behavior of an optical transistor with the reflection from a photonic band gap structure in an electromagnetically induced transparency medium. A control signal is used to modulate the photonic band gap structure. Power variation of the control signal is used to provide an analogy between the reflection behavior caused by modulating the photonic band gap structure and the shifting of Q-point (Operation point) as well as amplification function of optical transistor. By means of the control signal, the switching function of optical transistor has also been realized. Such experimental schemes could have potential applications in making optical diode and optical transistor used in quantum information processing. PMID:26349444

  10. Analogy of transistor function with modulating photonic band gap in electromagnetically induced grating

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhiguo; Ullah, Zakir; Gao, Mengqin; Zhang, Dan; Zhang, Yiqi; Gao, Hong; Zhang, Yanpeng

    2015-09-01

    Optical transistor is a device used to amplify and switch optical signals. Many researchers focus on replacing current computer components with optical equivalents, resulting in an optical digital computer system processing binary data. Electronic transistor is the fundamental building block of modern electronic devices. To replace electronic components with optical ones, an equivalent optical transistor is required. Here we compare the behavior of an optical transistor with the reflection from a photonic band gap structure in an electromagnetically induced transparency medium. A control signal is used to modulate the photonic band gap structure. Power variation of the control signal is used to provide an analogy between the reflection behavior caused by modulating the photonic band gap structure and the shifting of Q-point (Operation point) as well as amplification function of optical transistor. By means of the control signal, the switching function of optical transistor has also been realized. Such experimental schemes could have potential applications in making optical diode and optical transistor used in quantum information processing.

  11. Quantification and probabilistic modeling of CRT obsolescence for the State of Delaware.

    PubMed

    Schumacher, Kelsea A; Schumacher, Thomas; Agbemabiese, Lawrence

    2014-11-01

    The cessation of production and replacement of cathode ray tube (CRT) displays with flat screen displays have resulted in the proliferation of CRTs in the electronic waste (e-waste) recycle stream. However, due to the nature of the technology and presence of hazardous components such as lead, CRTs are the most challenging of electronic components to recycle. In the State of Delaware it is due to this challenge and the resulting expense combined with the large quantities of CRTs in the recycle stream that electronic recyclers now charge to accept Delaware's e-waste. Therefore it is imperative that the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) understand future quantities of CRTs entering the waste stream. This study presents the results of an assessment of CRT obsolescence in the State of Delaware. A prediction model was created utilizing publicized sales data, a variety of lifespan data as well as historic Delaware CRT collection rates. Both a deterministic and a probabilistic approach using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) were performed to forecast rates of CRT obsolescence to be anticipated in the State of Delaware. Results indicate that the peak of CRT obsolescence in Delaware has already passed, although CRTs are anticipated to enter the waste stream likely until 2033. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. UV-cured polymer optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piñón, Victor; Santiago, Freddie; Vogelsberg, Ashten; Davenport, Amelia; Cramer, Neil

    2017-10-01

    Although many optical-quality glass materials are available for use in optical systems, the range of polymeric materials is limited. Polymeric materials have some advantages over glass when it comes to large-scale manufacturing and production. In smaller scale systems, they offer a reduction in weight when compared to glass counterparts. This is especially important when designing optical systems meant to be carried by hand. We aimed to expand the availability of polymeric materials by exploring both crown-like and flint-like polymers. In addition, rapid and facile production was also a goal. By using UV-cured thiolene-based polymers, we were able to produce optical materials within seconds. This enabled the rapid screening of a variety of polymers from which we down-selected to produce optical flats and lenses. We will discuss problems with production and mitigation strategies in using UV-cured polymers for optical components. Using UV-cured polymers present a different set of problems than traditional injection-molded polymers, and these issues are discussed in detail. Using these produced optics, we integrated them into a modified direct view optical system, with the end goal being the development of drop-in replacements for glass components. This optical production strategy shows promise for use in lab-scale systems, where low-cost methods and flexibility are of paramount importance.

  13. Dynamic behavior of tripolar hip endoprostheses under physiological conditions and their effect on stability.

    PubMed

    Fabry, Christian; Kaehler, Michael; Herrmann, Sven; Woernle, Christoph; Bader, Rainer

    2014-01-01

    Tripolar systems have been implanted to reduce the risk of recurrent dislocation. However, there is little known about the dynamic behavior of tripolar hip endoprostheses under daily life conditions and achieved joint stability. Hence, the objective of this biomechanical study was to examine the in vivo dynamics and dislocation behavior of two types of tripolar systems compared to a standard total hip replacement (THR) with the same outer head diameter. Several load cases of daily life activities were applied to an eccentric and a concentric tripolar system by an industrial robot. During testing, the motion of the intermediate component was measured using a stereo camera system. Additionally, their behavior under different dislocation scenarios was investigated in comparison to a standard THR. For the eccentric tripolar system, the intermediate component demonstrated the shifting into moderate valgus-positions, regardless of the type of movement. This implant showed the highest resisting torque against dislocation in combination with a large range of motion. In contrast, the concentric tripolar system tended to remain in varus-positions and was primarily moved after stem contact. According to the results, eccentric tripolar systems can work well under in vivo conditions and increase hip joint stability in comparison to standard THRs. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Thermochemical treatment of sewage sludge ash with sodium salt additives for phosphorus fertilizer production--Analysis of underlying chemical reactions.

    PubMed

    Stemann, Jan; Peplinski, Burkhard; Adam, Christian

    2015-11-01

    Stocks of high grade phosphate rock are becoming scarce, and there is growing concern about potentially harmful impurities in conventional phosphorus fertilizers. Sewage sludge ash is a promising secondary phosphorus source. However, to remove heavy metals and convert the phosphorus contained in sewage sludge ash into mineral phases available to plants, an after-treatment is required. Laboratory-scale calcination experiments of sewage sludge ash blended with sodium salts using dried sewage sludge as a reducing agent were carried out at 1000°C. Thus, the Ca3(PO4)2 or whitlockite component of raw sewage sludge ash, which is not readily plant available, was converted to CaNaPO4 (buchwaldite). Consequently, nearly complete phosphorus solubility in ammonium citrate (a well-established indicator for plant availability) was achieved. Moreover, it was shown that Na2CO3 may be replaced by moderately priced Na2SO4. However, molar ratios of Na/P>2 were required to achieve >80% phosphorus solubility. Such over-stoichiometric Na consumption is largely caused by side reactions with the SiO2 component of the sewage sludge ash - an explanation for which clear evidence is provided for the first time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Hydration: special issues for playing football in warm and hot environments.

    PubMed

    Shirreffs, S M

    2010-10-01

    The high metabolic rates and body temperatures sustained by football players during training and matches causes sweating--particularly when in warm or hot environments. There is limited published data on the effects of this sweat loss on football performance. The limited information available, together with knowledge of the effects of sweat loss in other sports with skill components as well as endurance and sprint components, suggests that the effects of sweating will be similar as in these other activities. Therefore, the generalization that, on average, a body mass reduction equivalent to 2% should be the acceptable limit of sweat losses seems reasonable. This magnitude and more, of sweat loss is a common occurrence for some players. Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat but there is large variability in sodium losses between players. However, the extent of sodium losses in some players may be such that its replacement is warranted for these players. Although football is a team sport, the great individual variability in sweat and electrolyte losses of players in the same training session or match dictates that individual monitoring to determine individual water and electrolyte requirements should be an essential part of a player's nutrition strategy. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  16. Chexal-Horowitz flow-accelerated corrosion model -- Parameters and influences

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

    Chexal, V.K.; Horowitz, J.S.

    1995-12-01

    Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) continues to cause problems in nuclear and fossil power plants. Thinning caused by FAC has lead to many leaks and complete ruptures. These failures have required costly repairs and occasionally have caused lengthy shutdowns. To deal with FAC, utilities have instituted costly inspection and piping replacement programs. Typically, a nuclear unit will inspect about 100 large bore piping components plus additional small bore components during every refueling outage. To cope with FAC, there has been a great deal of research and development performed to obtain a greater understanding of the phenomenon. Currently, there is general agreement onmore » the mechanism of FAC. This understanding has lead to the development of computer based tools to assist utility engineers in dealing with this issue. In the United States, the most commonly used computer program to predict and control is CHECWORKS{trademark}. This paper presents a description of the mechanism of FAC, and introduces the predictive algorithms used in CHECWORKS{trademark}. The parametric effects of water chemistry, materials, flow and geometry as predicted by CHECWORKS{trademark} will then be discussed. These trends will be described and explained by reference to the corrosion mechanism. The remedial actions possible to reduce the rate of damage caused by FAC will also be discussed.« less

  17. Life Support Filtration System Trade Study for Deep Space Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Agui, Juan H.; Perry, Jay L.

    2017-01-01

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) technical developments for highly reliable life support systems aim to maximize the viability of long duration deep space missions. Among the life support system functions, airborne particulate matter filtration is a significant driver of launch mass because of the large geometry required to provide adequate filtration performance and because of the number of replacement filters needed to a sustain a mission. A trade analysis incorporating various launch, operational and maintenance parameters was conducted to investigate the trade-offs between the various particulate matter filtration configurations. In addition to typical launch parameters such as mass, volume and power, the amount of crew time dedicated to system maintenance becomes an increasingly crucial factor for long duration missions. The trade analysis evaluated these parameters for conventional particulate matter filtration technologies and a new multi-stage particulate matter filtration system under development by NASAs Glenn Research Center. The multi-stage filtration system features modular components that allow for physical configuration flexibility. Specifically, the filtration system components can be configured in distributed, centralized, and hybrid physical layouts that can result in considerable mass savings compared to conventional particulate matter filtration technologies. The trade analysis results are presented and implications for future transit and surface missions are discussed.

  18. Wnt signaling during tooth replacement in zebrafish (Danio rerio): pitfalls and perspectives

    PubMed Central

    Huysseune, Ann; Soenens, Mieke; Elderweirdt, Fien

    2014-01-01

    The canonical (β-catenin dependent) Wnt signaling pathway has emerged as a likely candidate for regulating tooth replacement in continuously renewing dentitions. So far, the involvement of canonical Wnt signaling has been experimentally demonstrated predominantly in amniotes. These studies tend to show stimulation of tooth formation by activation of the Wnt pathway, and inhibition of tooth formation when blocking the pathway. Here, we report a strong and dynamic expression of the soluble Wnt inhibitor dickkopf1 (dkk1) in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) tooth germs, suggesting an active repression of Wnt signaling during morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation of a tooth, and derepression of Wnt signaling during start of replacement tooth formation. To further analyse the role of Wnt signaling, we used different gain-of-function approaches. These yielded disjunct results, yet none of them indicating enhanced tooth replacement. Thus, masterblind (mbl) mutants, defective in axin1, mimic overexpression of Wnt, but display a normally patterned dentition in which teeth are replaced at the appropriate times and positions. Activating the pathway with LiCl had variable outcomes, either resulting in the absence, or the delayed formation, of first-generation teeth, or yielding a regular dentition with normal replacement, but no supernumerary teeth or accelerated tooth replacement. The failure so far to influence tooth replacement in the zebrafish by perturbing Wnt signaling is discussed in the light of (i) potential technical pitfalls related to dose- or time-dependency, (ii) the complexity of the canonical Wnt pathway, and (iii) species-specific differences in the nature and activity of pathway components. Finally, we emphasize the importance of in-depth knowledge of the wild-type pattern for reliable interpretations. It is hoped that our analysis can be inspiring to critically assess and elucidate the role of Wnt signaling in tooth development in polyphyodonts. PMID:25339911

  19. Feeding milk replacer instead of whole milk affects blood plasma proteome and lipid profile in preruminant calves.

    PubMed

    Lepczyński, A; Herosimczyk, A; Ożgo, M; Skrzypczak, W F

    2015-01-01

    The study was undertaken to determine the effect of feeding milk or milk-replacer on the blood plasma proteome and lipid profile in calves during the second week of life. Feeding milk-replacer significantly decreased the expression of plasma apoA-I. Age of calves affected apoA-I expression, which was higher on the 8th than on the 11th and 14th day of life. A significant effect of interaction between diet and age was also observed. The expression of apoA-IV, was significantly affected by diet and was lower in calves fed milk replacer. Expression of this protein was significantly lower at the 8th day of life and was up-regulated in the calves fed milk-replacer at the second week of life. Calves fed milk-replacer had greater expression of haptoglobin, which differed significantly between days of blood sampling, being higher on the 8th than on the 11th and 14th day. The interactive effect of diet and age affected haptoglobin expression, which was successively down-regulated in calves fed milk re- placer. Diet had a significant effect on the plasma lipid profile. Animals fed milk had a greater concentration of TC, HDLC and LDLC. The composition of milk-replacer, especially fat source, is probably the main factor that affects expression of proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism and level of components of lipid profile in calves fed formula. We claim that the initially increased level of haptoglobin, followed by its decrease during the second week of life in calves fed milk-replacer may indicate the presence of short-term stress induced by changes in the feeding system.

  20. Generator replacement is associated with an increased rate of ICD lead alerts.

    PubMed

    Lovelock, Joshua D; Cruz, Cesar; Hoskins, Michael H; Jones, Paul; El-Chami, Mikhael F; Lloyd, Michael S; Leon, Angel; DeLurgio, David B; Langberg, Jonathan J

    2014-10-01

    Lead malfunction is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). We have shown that the failure of recalled high-voltage leads significantly increases after ICD generator replacement. However, generator replacement has not been recognized as a predictor of lead failure in general. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of ICD generator exchange on the rate of ICD lead alerts. A time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze a database of remotely monitored ICDs. The model assessed the impact of generator exchange on the rate of lead alerts after ICD generator replacement. The analysis included 60,219 patients followed for 37 ± 19 months. The 5-year lead survival was 99.3% (95% confidence interval 99.2%-99.4%). Of 60,219 patients, 7458 patients (12.9%) underwent ICD generator exchange without lead replacement. After generator replacement, the rate of lead alerts was more than 5-fold higher than in controls with leads of the same age without generator replacement (hazard ratio 5.19; 95% confidence interval 3.45-7.84). A large number of lead alerted within 3 months of generator replacement. Lead alerts were more common in patients with single- vs dual-chamber ICDs and in younger patients. Sex was not associated with lead alerts. Routine generator replacement is associated with a 5-fold higher risk of lead alert compared to age-matched leads without generator replacement. This suggests the need for intense surveillance after generator replacement and the development of techniques to minimize the risk of lead damage during generator replacement. Copyright © 2014 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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