Structural Maps of the V-17 Beta Regio Quadrangle, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basilevsky, A. t.; Head, James W.

2008-01-01

These represent slices of the geologic map into 7 time-stratigraphic levels whose descriptions are found in [3-6]. From older to younger they are: 1) Tessera material unit (t), 2) Densely fractured plains material unit (pdf), 3) Fractured and ridged plains material unit (pfr), 4) Tessera transitional terrain structural unit (tt), 5) Fracture belts structural unit (fb), 6) Shield plains (psh) and plains with wrinkle ridges (pwr) material units combined, and 7) Lobate (pl) and smooth (ps) plains material units combined and, approximately contemporaneous with them, the structural unit of rifted terrain (rt). Each slice shows the generalized pattern of structures typical of these units. Figures 1-7 show the seven maps and Figure 8 shows the combined map illustrating what is shown in the seven maps. To visualize the Beta Regio uplift outlines, the major structure of this area, we show the +0.5 km and +2.5 km contour lines, corresponding respectively to the base and the mid-height of the uplift. It is seen in Figures 1-2 and 4 the trends of t, pdf and tt occupy relatively small areas and their structures seen in these small windows appear rather variable and with almost no orientation heritage with time. Figure 3 shows that swarms of ridge belts trend mostly NW and go through the Beta structure with no alignment with it, suggesting that this structure did not yet exist at this time. Figure 5 shows that fracture belts align along the northern base of the Beta uplift suggesting onset of the formation of this structure. Figure 6 shows that wrinkle ridges do not show alignment with the Beta uplift suggesting that this already forming structure was not high enough to exert topographic stress in its vicinity. Figure 7 shows that the Beta uplift has Devana Chasma as an axial rift zone, suggesting a genetic link between the uplift and rifting. Figure 8 shows that structural trends in this area significantly changed with time.

Summary of the San Juan structural basin regional aquifer-system analysis, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Levings, G.W.; Kernodle, J.M.; Thorn, C.R.

1996-01-01

Ground-water resources are the only source of water in most of the San Juan structural basin and are mainly used for municipal, industrial, domestic, and stock purposes. Industrial use increased dramatically during the late 1970's and early 1980's because of increased exploration and development of uranium and coal resources. The San Juan structural basin is a northwest-trending, asymmetric structural depression at the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The basin contains as much as 14,000 feet of sedimentary rocks overlying a Precambrian basement complex. The sedimentary rocks dip basinward from the basin margins toward the troughlike structural center, or deepest part of the basin. Rocks of Triassic age were selected as the lower boundary for the study. The basin is well defined by structural boundaries in many places with structural relief of as much as 20,000 feet reported. Faulting is prevalent in parts of the basin with displacement of several thousand feet along major faults. The regional aquifers in the basin generally are coincident with the geologic units that have been mapped. Data on the hydrologic properties of the regional aquifers are minimal. Most data were collected on those aquifers associated with uranium and coal resource production. These data are summarized in table format in the report. The regional flow system throughout most of the basin has been affected by the production of oil or gas and subsequent disposal of produced brine. To date more than 26,000 oil- or gas- test holes have been drilled in the basin, the majority penetrating no deeper than the bottom of the Cretaceous rocks. The general water chemistry of the regional aquifers is based on available data. The depositional environments are the major factor controlling the quality of water in the units. The dominant ions are generally sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate. A detailed geochemical study of three sandstone aquifers--Morrison, Dakota, and Gallup--was undertaken in the northwestern part of the study area. Results of this study indicate that water chemistry changed in individual wells over short periods of time, not expected in a regional flow system. The chemistry of the water is affected by mixing of recharge, ion filtrate, or very dilute ancient water, and by leakage of saline water. The entire system of ground-water flow and its controlling factors has been defined as the conceptual model. A steady-state, three-dimensional ground-water flow model was constructed to simulate modern predevelopment flow in the post-Jurassic rocks of the regional flow system. In the ground-water flow model, 14 geologic units or combinations of geologic units were considered to be regional aquifers, and 5 geologic units or combinations of geologic units were considered to be regional confining units. The model simulated flow in 12 layers (hydrostratigraphic units) and used harmonic-mean vertical leakance to indirectly simulate aquifer connection across 3 other hydrostratigraphic confining units in addition to coupling the 12 units.

Telephoto lens view of Silver Spur in the Hadley Delta region from Apollo 15

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-07-31

AS15-84-11250 (31 July-2 Aug. 1971) --- A telephoto lens view of the prominent feature called Silver Spur in the Hadley Delta region, photographed during the Apollo 15 lunar surface extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Hadley-Apennine landing site. The distance from the camera to the spur is about 10 miles. The field of view across the bottom is about one mile. Structural formations in the mountain are clearly visible. There are two major units. The upper unit is characterized by massive subunits, each one of which is approximately 200 feet deep. The lower major unit is characterized by thinner bedding and cross bedding.

Operational Reservations: Considerations for a Total Army Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

individually proficient. To answer some of the questions about the viabil- ity of a 5-year training cycle for RC units, Major Gen- eral Tim Orr, the Adjutant...resident school). 85. “Structured Self-Development,” Ft. Bliss , TX: U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, available from https://usasma.bliss. army.mil

Life Course, Altruism, Rational Choice, and Aspirations in Social Work Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paat, Yok-Fong

2016-01-01

Utilising semi-structured interviews, this study investigated various educational determinants contributing to college major selection and career choice of 40 undergraduates who had been admitted to a social work programme in southwestern United States. Major key principles of the life course approach were incorporated in this study to elucidate…

Nomenclature of regional hydrogeologic units of the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, J.A.; Renken, R.A.

1988-01-01

Clastic sediments of the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system can be divided into four regional aquifers separated by three regional confining units. The four regional aquifers have been named for major rivers that cut across their outcrop areas and expose the aquifer materials. From youngest to oldest, the aquifers are called the Chickasawhay River, Pearl River, Chattahoochee River, and Black Warrior River aquifers, and the regional confining units separating them are given the same name as the aquifer they overlie. Most of the regional hydrogeologic units are subdivided within each of the four States that comprise the study area. Correlation of regional units is good with hydrogeologic units delineated by a similar regional study to the west and southwest. Because of complexity created by a major geologic structure to the northeast of the study area and dramatic facies change from clastic to carbonate strata to the southeast, correlation of regional hydrogeologic units is poor in these directions. (Author 's abstract)

First Year Engineering Graphics Curricula in Major Engineering Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyers, Frederick D.

2000-01-01

Investigates the commonalities and differences of graphics programs among nine universities in the United States by analyzing the course structure and reviewing attendance and course syllabi. (Author/YDS)

The Structure of Professional Profiles for Tourism in the United Kingdom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Chris; And Others

The tourism and leisure industries are among the fastest growing in the United Kingdom, generating jobs and spending and stimulating economic development. The hotel and catering sector is by far the best documented of the tourism industry and is the major employer. It is also an underqualified sector, despite a range of courses from craft to…

Spatial scaling of non-native fish richness across the United States

Treesearch

Qinfeng Guo; Julian D. Olden

2014-01-01

A major goal and challenge of invasion ecology is to describe and interpret spatial and temporal patterns of species invasions. Here, we examined fish invasion patterns at four spatially structured and hierarchically nested scales across the contiguous United States (i.e., from large to small: region, basin, watershed, and sub-watershed). All spatial relationships in...

An Investigation of the Linkage between Technology-Based Activities and STEM Major Selection in 4-Year Postsecondary Institutions in the United States: Multilevel Structural Equation Modelling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Ahlam

2015-01-01

Among the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), much attention has been paid to the influences of math- and science-related learning contexts on students' STEM major selection. However, the technology and engineering learning contexts that are linked to STEM major selection have been overlooked. In response, a…

Palm Islands, Dubai, UAE

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-02

The Palm Islands are artificial islands in Dubai, United Arab emirates on which major commercial and residential structures are being built. NASA Terra spacecraft acquired this image on November 17 and December 10, 2008.

Digital data sets for map products produced as part of the Black Hills Hydrology Study, western South Dakota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Williamson, Joyce E.; Jarrell, Gregory J.; Clawges, Rick M.; Galloway, Joel M.; Carter, Janet M.

2000-01-01

This compact disk contains digital data produced as part of the 1:100,000-scale map products for the Black Hills Hydrology Study conducted in western South Dakota. The digital data include 28 individual Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets: data sets for the hydrogeologic unit map including all mapped hydrogeologic units within the study area (1 data set) and major geologic structure including anticlines and synclines (1 data set); data sets for potentiometric maps including the potentiometric contours for the Inyan Kara, Minnekahta, Minnelusa, Madison, and Deadwood aquifers (5 data sets), wells used as control points for each aquifer (5 data sets), and springs used as control points for the potentiometric contours (1 data set); and data sets for the structure-contour maps including the structure contours for the top of each formation that contains major aquifers (5 data sets), wells and tests holes used as control points for each formation (5 data sets), and surficial deposits (alluvium and terrace deposits) that directly overlie each of the major aquifer outcrops (5 data sets). These data sets were used to produce the maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Priority research and management issues for the imperiled Great Basin of the western United States

Treesearch

Jeanne C. Chambers; Michael J. Wisdom

2009-01-01

Like many arid and semiarid regions, the Great Basin of the western United States is undergoing major ecological, social, and economic changes that are having widespread detrimental effects on the structure, composition, and function of native ecosystems. The causes of change are highly interactive and include urban, suburban, and exurban growth, past and present land...

Durability and Wood Protection for Historic Covered Bridges in the United States

Treesearch

Vina W. Yang; Carol A. Clausen

2014-01-01

A majority of the covered wooden bridges in United States were built in the mid -1800’s. These structures represent a unique cultural and technological heritage from that era. Over time, these bridges have been deteriorated by microorganisms and insects or damaged by acts of vandalism and arson. The National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation (NHCBP) Program...

Global stratigraphy of Venus: Analysis of a random sample of thirty-six test areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basilevsky, Alexander T.; Head, James W., III

1995-01-01

The age relations between 36 impact craters with dark paraboloids and other geologic units and structures at these localities have been studied through photogeologic analysis of Magellan SAR images of the surface of Venus. Geologic settings in all 36 sites, about 1000 x 1000 km each, could be characterized using only 10 different terrain units and six types of structures. Mapping of such units and structures in 36 randomly distributed large regions shows evidence for a distinctive regional and global stratigraphic and geologic sequence. On the basis of this sequence we have developed a model that illustrates several major themes in the history of Venus. Most of the history of Venus (that of its first 80% or so) is not preserved in the surface geomorphological record. The major deformation associated with tessera formation in the period sometime between 0.5-1.0 b.y. ago (Ivanov and Basilevsky, 1993) is the earliest event detected. Our stratigraphic analyses suggest that following tessera formation, extensive volcanic flooding resurfaced at least 85% of the planet in the form of the presently-ridged and fractured plains. Several lines of evidence favor a high flux in the post-tessera period but we have no independent evidence for the absolute duration of ridged plains emplacement. During this time, the net state of stress in the lithosphere apparently changed from extensional to compressional, first in the form of extensive ridge belt development, followed by the formation of extensive wrinkle ridges on the flow units. Subsequently, there occurred local emplacement of smooth and lobate plains units which are presently essentially undeformed. The major events in the latest 10% of the presently preserved history of Venus are continued rifting and some associated volcanism, and the redistribution of eolian material largely derived from impact crater deposits. Detailed geologic mapping and stratigraphic synthesis are necessary to test this sequence and to address many of the outstanding problems raised by this analysis.

KSC-03pd0262

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-04

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance (USA) technicians install thermal protection system tiles on Space Shuttle Discovery. Discovery is undergoing its Orbiter Major Modification Period, a regularly scheduled structural inspection and modification downtime, which began in September 2002. .

Searching the Sinus Amoris: Using profiles of geological units, impact and volcanic features to characterize a major terrane interface on the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P.; Joerg, S.; Dehon, R.

1994-01-01

Geochemical profiles of surface units, impact, and volcanic features are studied in detail to determine the underlying structure in an area of extensive mare/highland interface, Sinus Amoris. This study region includes and surrounds the northeastern embayment of Mare Tranquillitatis. The concentrations of two major rock-forming elements (Mg and Al), which were derived from the Apollo 15 orbital geochemical measurements, were used in this study. Mapped units and deposits associated with craters in the northwestern part of the region tend to have correlated low Mg and Al concentrations, indicating the presence of Potassium (K)-Rare Earth Elements (REE)-Phosphorus (P) (KREEP)-enriched basalt. Found along the northeastern rim of Tranquillitatis were areas with correlated high Mg and Al concentration, indicating the presence of troctolite. Distinctive west/east and north/south trends were observed in the concentrations of Mg and Al, and, by implication, in the distribution of major rock components on the surface. Evidence for a systematic geochemical transition in highland or basin-forming units may be observed here in the form of distinctive differences in chemistry in otherwise similar units in the western and eastern portions of the study region.

Cradle to Gate Life Cycle Assessment of Softwood Lumber Production from the Northeast-North Central

Treesearch

Maureen Puettmann; Elaine Oneil; Richard Bergman

2013-01-01

CORRIM, the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials, has derived life cycle inventory (LCI) data for major wood products and wood production regions in the United States. The life cycle inventory data cover from forest regeneration through to final product at the mill gate. Research has covered nine major forest products including both structural and...

Population Change as Related to Long-Term Cycles in Residential Construction in the United States.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

Research Paper Long-Term Cycles FPL 392 March 1 in Residential Construction in the United States , mllmill - -N ABSTRACT Major demographic changes have...ferent from what they are now. This paper analyzes the potential impact of changing population growth rates and the age structure of the population...United StatesPuiChangeDepartment of AgriculturePo ua inCng Forest Service Forest Lrouato as Related toP ductsLaboratory, Research Paper LongnTerm Cycles

Database Approach for Resource Management at ROK (Republic of Korea) Army Division Level.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

found in the general ledger at that unit activity. Major Classification Account series Asset accounts 1000 - 1999 Liability accounts 2000 - 2999...shludge Suplie -Maeil-W." mt~a eiin R Dai V-xp uni EQUIPME NT Figure 5.2 Logical model of DRMS. 66 -0• P Entities of the resource management system...through the company level around the division and identifies the chain of command of a unit. . C. Structure (1) 1st digit: units classified into their

Balancing Structure and Creativity in Culminating Projects for Liberal Arts Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kasman, Reva

2014-01-01

Liberal arts mathematics courses can provide non-majors the opportunity to connect mathematical topics with areas of personal interest. This article describes two end-of-unit writing assignments (on voting and graph theory) that have been structured so that each student is able to synthesize course material in a unique way, while ensuring a…

Thermal structures: Four decades of progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, Earl A.

1990-01-01

Since the first supersonic flight in October 1947, the United States has designed, developed and flown flight vehicles within increasingly severe aerothermal environments. Over this period, major advances in engineering capabilities have occurred that will enable the design of thermal structures for high speed flight vehicles in the twenty-first century. Progress in thermal-structures is surveyed for the last four decades to provide a historical perspective for future efforts.

Global Stratigraphy of Venus: Analysis of a Random Sample of Thirty-Six Test Areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basilevsky, Alexander T.; Head, James W., III

1995-01-01

The age relations between 36 impact craters with dark paraboloids and other geologic units and structures at these localities have been studied through photogeologic analysis of Magellan SAR images of the surface of Venus. Geologic settings in all 36 sites, about 1000 x 1000 km each, could be characterized using only 10 different terrain units and six types of structures. These units and structures form a major stratigraphic and geologic sequence (from oldest to youngest): (1) tessera terrain; (2) densely fractured terrains associated with coronae and in the form of remnants among plains; (3) fractured and ridged plains and ridge belts; (4) plains with wrinkle ridges; (5) ridges associated with coronae annulae and ridges of arachnoid annulae which are contemporary with wrinkle ridges of the ridged plains; (6) smooth and lobate plains; (7) fractures of coronae annulae, and fractures not related to coronae annulae, which disrupt ridged and smooth plains; (8) rift-associated fractures; and (9) craters with associated dark paraboloids, which represent the youngest 1O% of the Venus impact crater population (Campbell et al.), and are on top of all volcanic and tectonic units except the youngest episodes of rift-associated fracturing and volcanism; surficial streaks and patches are approximately contemporary with dark-paraboloid craters. Mapping of such units and structures in 36 randomly distributed large regions (each approximately 10(exp 6) sq km) shows evidence for a distinctive regional and global stratigraphic and geologic sequence. On the basis of this sequence we have developed a model that illustrates several major themes in the history of Venus. Most of the history of Venus (that of its first 80% or so) is not preserved in the surface geomorphological record. The major deformation associated with tessera formation in the period sometime between 0.5-1.0 b.y. ago (Ivanov and Basilevsky) is the earliest event detected. In the terminal stages of tessera fon-nation, extensive parallel linear graben swarms representing a change in the style of deformation from shortening to extension were formed on the tessera and on some volcanic plains that were emplaced just after, and perhaps also during the latter stages of the major compressional phase of tessera emplacement. Our stratigraphic analyses suggest that following tessera formation, extensive volcanic flooding resurfaced at least 85% of the planet in the form of the presently-ridged and fractured plains. Several lines of evidence favor a high flux in the post-tessera period but we have no independent evidence for the absolute duration of ridged plains emplacement. During this time, the net state of stress in the lithosphere apparently changed from extensional to compressional, first in the form of extensive ridge belt development, followed by the formation of extensive wrinkle ridges on the flow units. Subsequently, there occurred local emplacement of smooth and lobate plains units which are presently essentially undefortned. The major events in the latest 10% of the presently preserved history of Venus (less than 50 m.y. ago) are continued rifting and some associated volcanism, and the redistribution of eolian material largely derived from impact crater deposits.

Third United States Microgravity Payload: One Year Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currieri, P. A. (Compiler); McCauley, D. (Compiler); Walker, C. (Compiler)

1998-01-01

This document reports the one year science results for the Third United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-3). The USMP-3 major experiments were on a support structure in the Space Shuttle's payload bay and operated almost completely by the Principal Investigators through telescience. The mission included a Glovebox where the crew performed additional experiments for the investigators. Together about seven major scientific experiments were performed, advancing the state of knowledge in fields such as low temperature physics, solidification, and combustion. The results demonstrate the range of quality science that can be conducted utilizing orbital laboratories in microgravity and provide a look forward to a highly productive space station era.

Fourth United States Microgravity Payload: One Year Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ethridge, Edwin C. (Compiler); Curreri, Peter A. (Compiler); McCauley, D. E. (Compiler)

1999-01-01

This document reports the one year science results for the Fourth United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-4). The USMP-4 major experiments were on a support structure in the Space Shuttle's payload bay and operated almost completely by the Principal Investigators through telescience. The mission included a Glovebox where the crew performed additional experiments for the investigators. Together about eight major scientific experiments were performed, advancing the state of knowledge in fields such as low temperature physics, solidification, and combustion. The results demonstrate the range of quality science that can be conducted utilizing orbital laboratories in microgravity and provide a look forward to a highly productive Space Station era.

Tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic Tandilia sedimentary cover, Argentina: New evidence of contraction and extensional events in the southwest Gondwana margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández, Mariano; Arrouy, María Julia; Scivetti, Nicolás; Franzese, Juan R.; Canalicchio, José M.; Poiré, Daniel G.

2017-11-01

At the northwestern portion of the Tandilia System, a detailed structural analysis on the Precambrian sedimentary units exposed in the quarries of the Olavarría-Sierras Bayas area was carried out. These units exhibit deformational structures of several scales, from centimeters to hundreds of meters. The hundreds of meters scale involves E-W- and NW-SE-trending normal faults and NW-SE- and NE-SW-trending contractional folds. The centimeters to meters scale involves veins, joints, normal faults, shear fractures and stylolites, with a prevailing ∼ E-W to NW-SE trend. All these structures were formed by two major tectonic events. The first was the folding event at ∼580 Ma, with NNE-SSW to NE-SW and NW-SE direction of contraction. The second was the extensional faulting event, given by the widespread NNE-SSW-directed extension event during the Atlantic Ocean opening (Jurassic-Cretaceous). Both major events would have been controlled by the reactivation of basement anisotropies. These major tectonic events controlled the deformation of the Precambrian sedimentary cover of the Tandilia system, leading to an economically important aspect in the mining development of the Olavarría-Sierras Bayas area.

Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling and Social Cognitive Career Theory to Identify Factors in Choice of It as a Major

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luse, Andy; Rursch, Julie A.; Jacobson, Doug

2014-01-01

In the United States, the number of students entering into and completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas has declined significantly over the past decade. Although modest increases have been shown in enrollments in computer-related majors in the past 4 years, the prediction is that even in 3 to 4 years…

The brittle stage of the exhumation of a metamorphic core complex: Naxos, Cyclades, Greece and some general rules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neubauer, F.; Cao, S.

2012-04-01

Structures of hangingwall units of major detachment systems in extensional settings leading to metamorphic core complexes are equally important to the generally well-studied footwall rocks. Here, we describe hanging-wall structures of the North-Cycladic Detachment System on Naxos Island of the Aegean Sea and found that they well monitor the structural evolution of hanging blocks complementary to the footwall structures, vertical fluid flow as well as late-stage inversion of the whole extensional system. On Naxos, Upper Oligocene-Miocene and Pliocene sedimentary successions are deposited on the hangingwall unit, which is largely an ophiolite. The Upper Oligocene-Miocene and Pliocene sedimentary successions are separated by a hiatus arguing for a two-step evolution. Whereas the first step, Miocene, indicate moderate subsidence and relief, and only denudation of the hangingwall unit, the Pliocene conglomerates indicate a sharply increasing relief and an over-steepened topography. Hydrothermal systems developed in hangingwall rock succession (e.g. Miocene at Steladia) play an important role and resulted in large-scale silica precipitation and associated alteration similar as these found in subvolcanic epithermal systems. This constrains a close link between footwall granodiorite intrusion and near-surface processes. The Pliocene coarse boulder conglomerate with its abundant first appearance of granite/granodiorite, and subsequent marble-rich debris on distant places like Palatia indicate a sudden erosion and high-gradient relief leading to erosion of the mantle of the migmatite dome during Pliocene. On Naxos, we recognize, therefore, a three-stage tectonic evolution in the hangingwall unit: (i) moderate subsidence of an Upper Oligocene-Miocene basin, in part below sea level; (2) a second stage with deposition of Pliocene coarse conglomerates, and (iii) post-Pliocene faulting affecting the conglomerates. During the second stage, surface exposure of the metamorphic core complex was reached resulting in catastrophic alluvial fans. Structural data from the Upper Oligocene-Miocene rocks indicate that NNE-SSW extension still prevailed up to the Miocene/Pliocene boundary. Together with structural data from Pliocene conglomerates, we can distinguish between three major events: The first stage is characterized by mostly NNE-dipping and subordinate SSW-dipping normal faults indicating together ca. NNE-SSW extension. A second palaeostress tensor group (B) mainly comprises ca. NW-trending dextral and WSW-trending sinistral strike-slip faults indicating together ca. E-W strike-slip compression and monitor, therefore, inversion and compression perpendicular to the previous extension direction. The third palaeostress tensor group (C) is characterized by dominating mostly NE-trending subvertical sinistral strike-slip faults and steep NNW-trending dextral strike-slip faults constituting together ca. N-S strike-slip compression. In a few cases, S- to SW-dipping reverse faults also occur. On a general level, our study allows for the following major conclusions: (1) Structures of hangingwall units of major detachments above metamorphic core complexes are equally important compared to the generally well-studied footwall rocks. They allow date several tectonic events not necessarily found in footwall rocks. (2) On Naxos, we can distinguish between three major tectonic events, which are in accordance with large-scale tectonic processes in the Aegean Sea: (a) ca. NNE-SSW extension; (b) ca. E-W strike-slip compression and monitor therefore inversion and compression perpendicular to the previous extension direction, and (c) N-S strike-slip compression.

Tracking Students through Life: A Critical Structural Analysis of Academic Tracking of Mexican Immigrant Students in the United States and Korean Immigrant Students in Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagner, Kathryn; Dymes, Laurie; Wiggan, Greg

2017-01-01

Students in the United States and Japan from high and middle socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds are afforded greater academic opportunities due to the systemic presence of hegemony in public schools (Darvin and Norton in "J Lang Identity Educ" 13(2):111-117, 2014). Minority and immigrant students, the majority coming from low SES, are more…

Status Report on the Geology of the Oak Ridge Reservation

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

Hatcher, R.D., Jr.

1992-01-01

This report provides an introduction to the present state of knowledge of the geology of the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) and a cursory introduction to the hydrogeology. A detailed reported on hydrogeology is being produced in parallel to this one. An important element of this work is the construction of a modern detailed geologic map of the ORR containing subdivisions of all mappable rock units and displaying mesoscopic structural data. Understanding the geologic framework of the ORR is essential to many current and proposed activities related to land-use planning, waste management, environmental restoration, and waste remediation. This interim report ismore » the result of cooperation between geologists in two Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) divisions, Environmental Sciences and Energy, and is a major part of one doctoral dissertation in the Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Tennessee--Knoxville. Major long-term goals of geologic investigations in the ORR are to determine what interrelationships exist between fractures systems in individual rock or tectonic units and the fluid flow regimes, to understand how regional and local geology can be used to help predict groundwater movement, and to formulate a structural-hydrologic model that for the first time would enable prediction of the movement of groundwater and other subsurface fluids in the ORR. Understanding the stratigraphic and structural framework and how it controls fluid flow at depth should be the first step in developing a model for groundwater movement. Development of a state-of-the-art geologic and geophysical framework for the ORR is therefore essential for formulating an integrated structural-hydrologic model. This report is also intended to convey the present state of knowledge of the geologic and geohydrologic framework of the ORR and vicinity and to present some of the data that establish the need for additional geologic mapping and geohydrologic studies. An additional intended use should be for guided field trips or for self-guided tours by geoscientists. This guidebook provides the following: (1) the geologic setting of the ORR in the context of the Valley and Ridge province, (2) general descriptions of the major stratigraphic units mapped on the surface or recognized in drill holes, (3) a general description of geologic structure in the Oak Ridge area, (4) a discussion of the relationship between geology and geohydrology, and (5) descriptions of localities where each major stratigraphic unit may be observed in or near the ORR. Appendices contain field trip stop descriptions and data on soils.« less

Assessing hydraulic connections across a complex sequence of volcanic rocks - Analysis of U-20 WW multiple-well aquifer test, Pahute Mesa, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garcia, C. Amanda; Fenelon, Joseph M.; Halford, Keith J.; Reiner, Steven R.; Laczniak, Randell J.

2011-01-01

A maximum water-level drawdown of nearly 0.4 foot in well UE-20bh 1, which is more than 1 mile from the pumping well, was detected across a major fault. Drawdown estimates in the observation well nearest to (ER-20-6 #3, less than 1 mile) and within the same structural block as the pumping well were less than detection (<0.1 foot). Minimal drawdown within the same structural block indicates that lava units are likely separated by bedded tuff confining units. Hydraulic property estimates indicate that wells U-20 WW, UE-20bh 1, and ER-20-6 #3 produce water from moderately permeable fractured lava, as hydraulic conductivity and specific storage estimates average 4.8 feet per day and 2.1×10–6 per foot, respectively, and transmissivity estimates range from 1,200 to 3,600 feet squared per day. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the major fault is hydraulically similar to the permeable host rock and connects flow between structural blocks.

National perspective on in-hospital emergency units in Iraq

PubMed Central

Lafta, Riyadh K.; Al-Nuaimi, Maha A.

2013-01-01

Background: Hospitals play a crucial role in providing communities with essential medical care during times of disasters. The emergency department is the most vital component of hospitals' inpatient business. In Iraq, at present, there are many casualties that cause a burden of work and the need for structural assessment, equipment updating and evaluation of process. Objective: To examine the current pragmatic functioning of the existing set-up of services of in-hospital emergency departments within some general hospitals in Baghdad and Mosul in order to establish a mechanism for future evaluation for the health services in our community. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to evaluate the structure, process and function of six major hospitals with emergency units: four major hospitals in Baghdad and two in Mosul. Results: The six surveyed emergency units are distinct units within general hospitals that serve (collectively) one quarter of the total population. More than one third of these units feature observation unit beds, laboratory services, imaging facilities, pharmacies with safe storage, and ambulatory entrance. Operation room was found only in one hospital's reception and waiting area. Consultation/track area, cubicles for infection control, and discrete tutorial rooms were not available. Patient assessment was performed (although without adequate privacy). The emergency specialist, family medicine specialist and interested general practitioner exist in one-third of the surveyed units. Psychiatrist, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social work links are not available. The shortage in medication, urgent vaccines and vital facilities is an obvious problem. Conclusions: Our emergency unit's level and standards of care are underdeveloped. The inconsistent process and inappropriate environments need to be reconstructed. The lack of drugs, commodities, communication infrastructure, audit and training all require effective build up. PMID:25003053

1997 economic census : transportation 1997 commodity flow survey : United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-12-01

The 1997 Commodity Flow Survey is part of the 1997 Economic Census. The economic census is the major source of facts about the structure and functioning of the Nation's economy. It provides essential information for government, business, industry, an...

Videotex: Chimera or Dream Machine.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ball, A. J. S.

1981-01-01

Describes three current two-way public information systems representing the major technologies which are being proposed as international standards: Prestel (United Kingdom), Teletel (France), and Telidon (Canada). Information retrieval structures are compared, and difficulties for both the information provider and the information user are…

Synthesis of the project leadership staffing needs for successful development of alternative delivery programs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

This research provides a synthesis of practices in organizational structuring and professional staffing of the innovative delivery units in several state DOTs across the nation that are actively utilizing alternative project delivery. Several major c...

Fine refinement of solid state structure of racemic form of phospho-tyrosine employing NMR Crystallography approach.

PubMed

Paluch, Piotr; Pawlak, Tomasz; Oszajca, Marcin; Lasocha, Wieslaw; Potrzebowski, Marek J

2015-02-01

We present step by step facets important in NMR Crystallography strategy employing O-phospho-dl-tyrosine as model sample. The significance of three major techniques being components of this approach: solid state NMR (SS NMR), X-ray diffraction of powdered sample (PXRD) and theoretical calculations (Gauge Invariant Projector Augmented Wave; GIPAW) is discussed. Each experimental technique provides different set of structural constraints. From the PXRD measurement the size of the unit cell, space group and roughly refined molecular structure are established. SS NMR provides information about content of crystallographic asymmetric unit, local geometry, molecular motion in the crystal lattice and hydrogen bonding pattern. GIPAW calculations are employed for validation of quality of elucidation and fine refinement of structure. Crystal and molecular structure of O-phospho-dl-tyrosine solved by NMR Crystallography is deposited at Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center under number CCDC 1005924. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Hydrostratigraphic Model and Alternatives for the Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Model of Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat-Climax Mine, Lincoln and Nye Counties, Nevada

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

Geotechnical Sciences Group Bechtel Nevada

2006-01-01

A new three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic framework model for the Yucca Flat-Climax Mine Corrective Action Unit was completed in 2005. The model area includes Yucca Flat and Climax Mine, former nuclear testing areas at the Nevada Test Site, and proximal areas. The model area is approximately 1,250 square kilometers in size and is geologically complex. Yucca Flat is a topographically closed basin typical of many valleys in the Basin and Range province. Faulted and tilted blocks of Tertiary-age volcanic rocks and underlying Proterozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks form low ranges around the structural basin. During the Cretaceous Period a granitic intrusive wasmore » emplaced at the north end of Yucca Flat. A diverse set of geological and geophysical data collected over the past 50 years was used to develop a structural model and hydrostratigraphic system for the basin. These were integrated using EarthVision? software to develop the 3-dimensional hydrostratigraphic framework model. Fifty-six stratigraphic units in the model area were grouped into 25 hydrostratigraphic units based on each unit's propensity toward aquifer or aquitard characteristics. The authors organized the alluvial section into 3 hydrostratigraphic units including 2 aquifers and 1 confining unit. The volcanic units in the model area are organized into 13 hydrostratigraphic units that include 8 aquifers and 5 confining units. The underlying pre-Tertiary rocks are divided into 7 hydrostratigraphic units, including 3 aquifers and 4 confining units. Other units include 1 Tertiary-age sedimentary confining unit and 1 Mesozoic-age granitic confining unit. The model depicts the thickness, extent, and geometric relationships of these hydrostratigraphic units (''layers'' in the model) along with the major structural features (i.e., faults). The model incorporates 178 high-angle normal faults of Tertiary age and 2 low-angle thrust faults of Mesozoic age. The complexity of the model area and the non-uniqueness of some of the interpretations incorporated into the base model made it necessary to formulate alternative interpretations for some of the major features in the model. Five of these alternatives were developed so they could be modeled in the same fashion as the base model. This work was done for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office in support of the Underground Test Area subproject of the Environmental Restoration Project.« less

Modélisation magnétotellurique de la structure géologique profonde de l’unité granulitique de l’In Ouzzal (Hoggar occidental)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouzid, Abderrezak; Akacem, Nouredine; Hamoudi, Mohamed; Ouzegane, Khadidja; Abtout, Abdeslam; Kienast, Jean-Robert

2008-11-01

Magnetotelluric modeling of the deep geologic structure of In Ouzzal Granulitic Unit (western Hoggar). The In Ouzzal Granulitic Unit (IOGU) or In Ouzzal Terrane (IOT) is an Archaean block belonging to the Hoggar terrane mosaic. It has been reworked during the Eburnean and is characterized by ultrahigh temperature metamorphism of the structures, which are likely to be old dome and basin structures. The aim of this study, based on a survey of 12 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings, was to characterize the IOGU deep lateral boundaries and to see if it is possible to reconstruct some of these old dome and basin structures after their transformation by metamorphism and deformation. MT data analysis and modeling show that IOGU boundaries extend downwards, at least down to the crust's basement, and may represent suture zones. Inside the terrane, the MT observations do not allow separation between dome and basin structures, because these features are severely stretched. However, the main MT transverse response feature is a deeply rooted great accident, which may be interpreted as a major fault that separates IOGU into two compartments.

Structural investigation and optical properties of xMnO2-25Li2O-5Na2O-15Bi2O3-(55-x)B2O3 glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Shilpa; Jali, V. M.

2018-02-01

This paper deals with the new mixed system of glass compositions Lithium sodium bismuth borate glasses doped with transition metal oxide. The technique used to prepare a sample is by melt quenching. The XRD profile pattern confirmed the amorphous phase of the present glass system. The network structure is based on BO3, BO4 units and BiO6 octahedral units. No boroxyl rings observed in the glass structure. The addition of MnO2 in small amount does not account for major structural changes. Optical band gap lies in the range 1.89 to 0.96 eV. Density, molar volume, oxygen packing density, Tg, direct optical band gap and refractive index show anomalous behavior.

A Helical Structural Nucleus Is the Primary Elongating Unit of Insulin Amyloid Fibrils

PubMed Central

Roessle, Manfred; Kastrup, Jette S; van de Weert, Marco; Flink, James M; Frokjaer, Sven; Gajhede, Michael; Svergun, Dmitri I

2007-01-01

Although amyloid fibrillation is generally believed to be a nucleation-dependent process, the nuclei are largely structurally uncharacterized. This is in part due to the inherent experimental challenge associated with structural descriptions of individual components in a dynamic multi-component equilibrium. There are indications that oligomeric aggregated precursors of fibrillation, and not mature fibrils, are the main cause of cytotoxicity in amyloid disease. This further emphasizes the importance of characterizing early fibrillation events. Here we present a kinetic x-ray solution scattering study of insulin fibrillation, revealing three major components: insulin monomers, mature fibrils, and an oligomeric species. Low-resolution three-dimensional structures are determined for the fibril repeating unit and for the oligomer, the latter being a helical unit composed of five to six insulin monomers. This helical oligomer is likely to be a structural nucleus, which accumulates above the supercritical concentration used in our experiments. The growth rate of the fibrils is proportional to the amount of the helical oligomer present in solution, suggesting that these oligomers elongate the fibrils. Hence, the structural nucleus and elongating unit in insulin amyloid fibrillation may be the same structural component above supercritical concentrations. A novel elongation pathway of insulin amyloid fibrils is proposed, based on the shape and size of the fibrillation precursor. The distinct helical oligomer described in this study defines a conceptually new basis of structure-based drug design against amyloid diseases. PMID:17472440

[Independence in Plastic Surgery - Benefit or Barrier? Analysis of the Publication Performance in Academic Plastic Surgery Depending on Varying Organisational Structures].

PubMed

Schubert, C D; Leitsch, S; Haertnagl, F; Haas, E M; Giunta, R E

2015-08-01

Despite its recognition as an independent specialty, at German university hospitals the field of plastic surgery is still underrepresented in terms of independent departments with a dedicated research focus. The aim of this study was to analyse the publication performance within the German academic plastic surgery environment and to compare independent departments and dependent, subordinate organisational structures regarding their publication performance. Organisational structures and number of attending doctors in German university hospitals were examined via a website analysis. A pubmed analysis was applied to assess the publication performance (number of publications, cumulative impact factor, impact factor/publication, number of publications/MD, number of publications/unit) between 2009 and 2013. In a journal analysis the distribution of the cumulative impact factor and number of publications in different journals as well as the development of the impact factor in the top journals were analysed. Out of all 35 university hospitals there exist 12 independent departments for plastic surgery and 8 subordinate organisational structures. In 15 university hospitals there were no designated plastic surgery units. The number of attending doctors differed considerably between independent departments (3.6 attending doctors/unit) and subordinate organisational structures (1.1 attending doctors/unit). The majority of publications (89.0%) and of the cumulative impact factor (91.2%) as well as most of the publications/MD (54 publications/year) and publications/unit (61 publications/year) were created within the independent departments. Only in departments top publications with an impact factor > 5 were published. In general a negative trend regarding the number of publications (- 13.4%) and cumulative impact factor (- 28.9%) was observed. 58.4% of all publications were distributed over the top 10 journals. Within the latter the majority of articles were published in English journals (60% of publications, 79.9% of the cumulative impact factor). The average impact factor of the top 10 journals increased by 13.5% from 2009 to 2013. In contrast to subordinate and dependent organisational structures, independent departments of plastic surgery are the key performers within German academic plastic surgery which, however, suffers from a general declining publication performance. Hence, the type of organisational structure has a crucial influence on the research performance. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Material Units, Structures/Landforms, and Stratigraphy for the Global Geologic Map of Ganymede (1:15M)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, G. Wesley; Head, James W.; Collins, Geoffrey C.; Pappalardo, Robert T.; Prockter, Louis M.; Lucchitta, Baerbel K.

2008-01-01

In the coming year a global geological map of Ganymede will be completed that represents the most recent understanding of the satellite on the basis of Galileo mission results. This contribution builds on important previous accomplishments in the study of Ganymede utilizing Voyager data and incorporates the many new discoveries that were brought about by examination of Galileo data. Material units have been defined, structural landforms have been identified, and an approximate stratigraphy has been determined utilizing a global mosaic of the surface with a nominal resolution of 1 km/pixel assembled by the USGS. This mosaic incorporates the best available Voyager and Galileo regional coverage and high resolution imagery (100-200 m/pixel) of characteristic features and terrain types obtained by the Galileo spacecraft. This map has given us a more complete understanding of: 1) the major geological processes operating on Ganymede, 2) the characteristics of the geological units making up its surface, 3) the stratigraphic relationships of geological units and structures, and 4) the geological history inferred from these relationships. A summary of these efforts is provided here.

Advances in Understanding the Fate and Effects of Oil from Accidental Spills in the United States Beginning with the Exxon Valdez.

PubMed

Short, Jeffrey W

2017-07-01

Scientific studies of the environmental effects of oil spills in the United States have produced a steady stream of unexpected discoveries countering prior and often simplistic assumptions. In this brief review, I present how major discoveries from scientific studies of oil spill effects on marine ecosystems and environments, beginning with the 1989 Exxon Valdez, have led to a more informed appreciation for the complexity and the severity of the damage that major spills can do to marine ecosystems and to an increasing recognition that our ability to evaluate those damages is very limited, resulting in a structural bias toward underestimation of adverse environmental effects.

The petrology, structure and geochemistry of an Archean terrane in the North Snowy Block, Beartooth Mountains, Montana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mogk, D. W.

1984-12-01

Six major rock units in the North Snowy Block in an Archean mobile belt are recognized between all units representing discontinuities in metamorphic grade, structural style, geochemistry, and isotopic ages. Four of the units occur in NE trending linear belts; the Basement Gneiss; the phyllitic Davis Creek Schist; the mount cowen augen gneis; the Paragneiss unit. Overlying the linear units is the 3.2 Ga old Pine Creek Nappe Complex, an isoclinally folded, middle to upper amphibolite facies, thrust nappe consisting of the Barney Creek Amphibolite, George Lake Marble and Jewel Quartzite. The highest structural units, including a thick sequence of upper amphibolite grade supracrustal rocks and a lower section of injected 3.4 Ga old granitic to tonalitic migmatitic rocks were emplaced on the Columbine Thrust. It is shown that there was secular variation in tectonic style in the Archean of southwest Montana. Three stages are recognized: (1) melting of ancient matic crust produced trondhjemitic continental nuclei; (2) numerous ensialic basins were created and destroyed, resulting in high grade metamorphism and mignatization of supracrustal rocks; and (3) contemporary style plate tectonics resulted in generation of large volumes of andesities and calc-alkaline granitic rocks, transcurrent faulting, and thrust faulting.

[Thematic Issue: International Communications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howkins, John, Ed.

1977-01-01

The five major articles in this document examine a variety of subjects: communication issues involved in the upcoming United Nations conference "Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries"; the fundamental role that information plays in the economy and in social structures of advanced industrial economies; an investigation into the…

Innovative techniques for maintenance, repair and reconstruction (MRR) of asphalt roadways : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

Highway networks in the United States have been suffering from poor operational and structural condition states for the past decades. The consequent congestion problems often result in major delays, safety issues, and large amounts of additional fuel...

Symptom changes in five dimensions of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in refractory psychosis.

PubMed

Woodward, Todd S; Jung, Kwanghee; Smith, Geoffrey N; Hwang, Heungsun; Barr, Alasdair M; Procyshyn, Ric M; Flynn, Sean W; van der Gaag, Mark; Honer, William G

2014-12-01

Refractory psychosis units currently have little information regarding which symptoms profiles should be expected to respond to treatment. In the current study, we provide this information using structural equation modeling of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) ratings at admission and discharge on a sample of 610 patients admitted to a treatment refractory psychosis program at a Canadian tertiary care unit between 1990 and 2011. The hypothesized five-dimensional structure of the PANSS fit the data well at both admission and discharge, and the latent variable scores are reported as a function of symptom dimension and diagnostic category. The results suggest that, overall, positive symptoms (POS) responded to treatment better than all other symptoms dimensions, but for the schizoaffective and bipolar groups, greater response on POS was observed relative to the schizophrenia and major depression groups. The major depression group showed the most improvement on negative symptoms and emotional distress, and the bipolar group showed the most improvement on disorganization. Schizophrenia was distinct from schizoaffective disorder in showing reduced treatment response on all symptom dimensions. These results can assist refractory psychosis units by providing information on how PANSS symptom dimensions respond to treatment and how this depends on diagnostic category.

[Parent support activities in neonatal intensive care units: a national survey in Israel].

PubMed

Glasser, Saralee; Lerner-Geva, Liat; Levitski, Orna; Reichman, Brian

2009-04-01

Parents of infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) suffer extended periods of stress. The staffs of these departments have a major role in assisting them through this period. To describe services, programs and facilities to support parents of these infants, during and following hospitalization. Social workers of 23 NICU's completed a structured questionnaire, and the responses were summarized. The majority of units have paramedical staff in addition to social workers. Twenty-two units offer structured instruction for parents, and 12 offer lecture series. Topics include: coping with the birth of a premature infant, the infant's development and care, breastfeeding, discharge preparation, etc. In 19 departments grandparents are allowed to visit and nine also allow siblings. Most departments have breast-pump facilities and a lounge for parents; some also have refrigerators, personal lockers, etc.. Twenty units employ the "Kangaroo" method of skin-to-skin contact, and three practice elements of "individualized developmental care". Communication with parents is conducted both formally and informally. All departments have guidelines for contact with community health providers - some regularly, and some as-needed. Despite the multiplicity of programs reported in the survey, many are conducted in only a few departments. It is recommended that national guidelines be developed, which would integrate many existing activities, taking into account the needs of parents and families, medical and paramedical staff, as well as economic constraints. Clear policy guidelines and standards are necessary for this aspect of care, as they are for the medical aspects.

Services for the Detection and Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Major Indian Cities: The 11-City 9-State Study.

PubMed

Gilbert, Clare; Shukla, Rajan; Kumar, Rakesh; Khera, Ajay; Murthy, G Vs

2016-11-07

Control of visual loss from retinopathy of prematurity requires high quality neonatal care, and timely screening and treatment of sight-threatening disease. We assessed services for retinopathy of prematurity provided by ophthalmic training institutions in major Indian cities. Eleven cities were purposefully selected and eye-care facilities were evaluated using predefined criteria. Field teams visited these facilities to collect data by interview and observation using structured questionnaires. 30 training institutions were visited (18 public; 12 not-for-profit); 24 (24/30, 80%) provided a service for retinopathy of prematurity in 58 neonatal units (30 public, 28 private). 15/24 (63%) screened in one unit; six (25%) in 2-3 units and three (12%) in >3 units. Not-for-profit facilities (n=9) screened in more units than public facilities (n=15)(mean (range) 4.5 [1-12] vs 1.1 [1-2] units). Indirect ophthalmoscopy by ophthalmologists was the commonest screening modality but only half of these visited the units weekly. Laser was the commonest treatment, but only half treated babies in the neonatal unit. Annual treatments ranged from 1-200 (mean 39). Eye-care services for retinopathy of prematurity need to expand, particularly in the government sector.

Genetic population structure and relatedness in the narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata), a social Malagasy carnivore with sexual segregation.

PubMed

Schneider, Tilman C; Kappeler, Peter M; Pozzi, Luca

2016-06-01

Information on the genetic structure of animal populations can allow inferences about mechanisms shaping their social organization, dispersal, and mating system. The mongooses (Herpestidae) include some of the best-studied mammalian systems in this respect, but much less is known about their closest relatives, the Malagasy carnivores (Eupleridae), even though some of them exhibit unusual association patterns. We investigated the genetic structure of the Malagasy narrow-striped mongoose ( Mungotictis decemlineata ), a small forest-dwelling gregarious carnivore exhibiting sexual segregation. Based on mtDNA and microsatellite analyses, we determined population-wide haplotype structure and sex-specific and within-group relatedness. Furthermore, we analyzed parentage and sibship relationships and the level of reproductive skew. We found a matrilinear population structure, with several neighboring female units sharing identical haplotypes. Within-group female relatedness was significantly higher than expected by chance in the majority of units. Haplotype diversity of males was significantly higher than in females, indicating male-biased dispersal. Relatedness within the majority of male associations did not differ from random, not proving any kin-directed benefits of male sociality in this case. We found indications for a mildly promiscuous mating system without monopolization of females by males, and low levels of reproductive skew in both sexes based on parentages of emergent young. Low relatedness within breeding pairs confirmed immigration by males and suggested similarities with patterns in social mongooses, providing a starting point for further investigations of mate choice and female control of reproduction and the connected behavioral mechanisms. Our study contributes to the understanding of the determinants of male sociality in carnivores as well as the mechanisms of female competition in species with small social units.

Action of an endo-β-1,3(4)-glucanase on cellobiosyl unit structure in barley β-1,3:1,4-glucan

PubMed Central

Kuge, Takao; Nagoya, Hiroki; Tryfona, Theodora; Kurokawa, Tsunemi; Yoshimi, Yoshihisa; Dohmae, Naoshi; Tsubaki, Kazufumi; Dupree, Paul; Tsumuraya, Yoichi; Kotake, Toshihisa

2015-01-01

β-1,3:1,4-Glucan is a major cell wall component accumulating in endosperm and young tissues in grasses. The mixed linkage glucan is a linear polysaccharide mainly consisting of cellotriosyl and cellotetraosyl units linked through single β-1,3-glucosidic linkages, but it also contains minor structures such as cellobiosyl units. In this study, we examined the action of an endo-β-1,3(4)-glucanase from Trichoderma sp. on a minor structure in barley β-1,3:1,4-glucan. To find the minor structure on which the endo-β-1,3(4)-glucanase acts, we prepared oligosaccharides from barley β-1,3:1,4-glucan by endo-β-1,4-glucanase digestion followed by purification by gel permeation and paper chromatography. The endo-β-1,3(4)-glucanase appeared to hydrolyze an oligosaccharide with degree of polymerization 5, designated C5-b. Based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (ToF)/ToF-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis, C5-b was identified as β-Glc-1,3-β-Glc-1,4-β-Glc-1,3-β-Glc-1,4-Glc including a cellobiosyl unit. The results indicate that a type of endo-β-1,3(4)-glucanase acts on the cellobiosyl units of barley β-1,3:1,4-glucan in an endo-manner. PMID:26027730

High Resolution Mass Spectrometry of Polyfluorinated Polyether-Based Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimzon, Ian Ken; Trier, Xenia; Frömel, Tobias; Helmus, Rick; Knepper, Thomas P.; de Voogt, Pim

2016-02-01

High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was successfully applied to elucidate the structure of a polyfluorinated polyether (PFPE)-based formulation. The mass spectrum generated from direct injection into the MS was examined by identifying the different repeating units manually and with the aid of an instrument data processor. Highly accurate mass spectral data enabled the calculation of higher-order mass defects. The different plots of MW and the nth-order mass defects (up to n = 3) could aid in assessing the structure of the different repeating units and estimating their absolute and relative number per molecule. The three major repeating units were -C2H4O-, -C2F4O-, and -CF2O-. Tandem MS was used to identify the end groups that appeared to be phosphates, as well as the possible distribution of the repeating units. Reversed-phase HPLC separated of the polymer molecules on the basis of number of nonpolar repeating units. The elucidated structure resembles the structure in the published manufacturer technical data. This analytical approach to the characterization of a PFPE-based formulation can serve as a guide in analyzing not just other PFPE-based formulations but also other fluorinated and non-fluorinated polymers. The information from MS is essential in studying the physico-chemical properties of PFPEs and can help in assessing the risks they pose to the environment and to human health.

High Resolution Mass Spectrometry of Polyfluorinated Polyether-Based Formulation.

PubMed

Dimzon, Ian Ken; Trier, Xenia; Frömel, Tobias; Helmus, Rick; Knepper, Thomas P; de Voogt, Pim

2016-02-01

High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was successfully applied to elucidate the structure of a polyfluorinated polyether (PFPE)-based formulation. The mass spectrum generated from direct injection into the MS was examined by identifying the different repeating units manually and with the aid of an instrument data processor. Highly accurate mass spectral data enabled the calculation of higher-order mass defects. The different plots of MW and the nth-order mass defects (up to n = 3) could aid in assessing the structure of the different repeating units and estimating their absolute and relative number per molecule. The three major repeating units were -C2H4O-, -C2F4O-, and -CF2O-. Tandem MS was used to identify the end groups that appeared to be phosphates, as well as the possible distribution of the repeating units. Reversed-phase HPLC separated of the polymer molecules on the basis of number of nonpolar repeating units. The elucidated structure resembles the structure in the published manufacturer technical data. This analytical approach to the characterization of a PFPE-based formulation can serve as a guide in analyzing not just other PFPE-based formulations but also other fluorinated and non-fluorinated polymers. The information from MS is essential in studying the physico-chemical properties of PFPEs and can help in assessing the risks they pose to the environment and to human health. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

The system of sulfated galactans from the red seaweed Gymnogongrus torulosus (Phyllophoraceae, Rhodophyta): Location and structural analysis.

PubMed

Estevez, José M; Ciancia, Marina; Cerezo, Alberto S

2008-09-05

Sulfated polysaccharides were localized in the cuticle, cortex and medulla of the gametophyte thallus, being more concentrated in the intercellular matrix than in the cell walls. During the water extraction sequence, a small percentage of galactan sulfates (5.1% of dry seaweed) with average low Mr (6-11.4kDa) were extracted at room temperature without disturbing the cellular arrangement, while sulfated galactans of average medium Mr (18-45kDa) were obtained by further hot-water extractions (52.4% of dry seaweed), with diorganization of the tissue. The residue (40.0% of dry seaweed) still contained carrageenan-type (major) and agaran-type (minor) galactans. Part of these galactans was extracted with 8.4% LiCl solution in DMSO, from which "pure" κ/ι-carrageenans were isolated. Carrageenans and agarans were extracted in a ratio 1:0.5, showing the highest amount of agaran-structures for a carrageenophyte. The galactans comprise alternating 4-sulfated (major) and non-sulfated (minor) 3-linked β-d-galactopyranose units, and 4-linked α-galactopyranose units with the following substitutions: (i) non-sulfated and 2-sulfated 3,6-anhydro-α-d-galactopyranose residues in the carrageenan-structures, which belong to the κ-family (κ/ι-carrageenans); (ii) 3-sulfated α-l-galactopyranose units and 2-sulfated 3,6-anhydro-α-l-galactopyranose residues in the agaran-structures. Alkaline treatment and alkaline dialysis of the main extracts gave "pure" κ/ι-carrageenans, showing that carrageenan molecules are extracted together with low Mr agarans or agaran-dl-hybrids. Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring Community Health through the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnidge, Ellen K.; Baker, Elizabeth A.; Motton, Freda; Fitzgerald, Teresa; Rose, Frank

2011-01-01

Health disparities are a major concern in the United States. Research suggests that inequitable distribution of money, power, and resources shape the circumstances for daily life and create and exacerbate health disparities. In rural communities, inequitable distribution of these structural factors seems to limit employment opportunities. The…

Geological and hydrogeological investigation in West Malaysia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahmad, J. B. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The broad synoptic view of the images allowed easy identification of circular features and major fault traces in low lying areas. Sedimentary units were delineated in accordance with the prevailing rock types and where applicable the folding characteristics. Igneous units could easily be differentiated by tone, degree of fracturing, texture, and drainage pattern. The larger fold structures, anticlinoriums and synclinoriums, of the younger sediments on the eastern edge of the central belt could also be easily delineated.

Casper W. Weinberger to be Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Hearings Before the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. United States Senate, Ninety-Third Congress. Part 2: Appendix--Comprehensive HEW Simplification and Reform "MEGA Proposal".

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare.

A proposal up for consideration before the United States Senate is discussed. The program suggested is a redesign of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in keeping with the principles of the New Federalism. The proposal touches every major area of HEW policy: it simplifies the Department's program structure; it narrows and focuses the…

Grumman electric truck development

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

Kessler, J.C.; Ferdman, S.

1981-11-01

An electric truck development was undertaken to prepare for the markets of the 1980's. Grumman is using its aluminum truck bodies technology to create a light weight vehicle. A redesigned unitized, all aluminum body and a new propulsion system resulted in the desired vehicle. The vehicle meets the requirements of the US Postal Service and the DOE Demonstration program. The unitized chassisless structure is designed to take major driving loads. Design features and performance characteristics are enumerated. Safety and service considerations have been incorporated into the vehicle.

Extensive massive basal-ice structures in West Antarctica relate to ice-sheet anisotropy and ice-flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, N.; Bingham, R. G.; Corr, H. F. J.; Siegert, M. J.

2016-12-01

Complex structures identified within both the East Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are thought to be generated by the action of basal water freezing to the ice-sheet base, evolving under ice flow. Here, we use ice-penetrating radar to image an extensive series of similarly complex basal ice facies in West Antarctica, revealing a thick (>500 m) tectonised unit in an area of cold-based and relatively slow-flowing ice. We show that major folding and overturning of the unit perpendicular to ice flow elevates deep, warm ice into the mid ice-sheet column. Fold axes align with present ice flow, and axis amplitudes increase down-ice, suggesting long-term consistency in the direction and convergence of flow. In the absence of basal water, and the draping of the tectonised unit over major subglacial mountain ranges, the formation of the unit must be solely through the deformation of meteoric ice. Internal layer radar reflectivity is consistently greater parallel to flow compared with the perpendicular direction, revealing ice-sheet crystal anisotropy is associated with the folding. By linking layers to the Byrd ice-core site, we show the basal ice dates to at least the last glacial cycle and may be as old as the last interglacial. Deformation of deep-ice in this sector of WAIS, and potentially elsewhere in Antarctica, may be caused by differential shearing at interglacial-glacial boundaries, in a process analogous to that proposed for interior Greenland. The scale and heterogeneity of the englacial structures, and their subsequent impact on ice sheet rheology, means that the nature of ice flow across the bulk of West Antarctica must be far more complex that is currently accounted for by any numerical ice sheet model.

Phase I of roadmap towards incorporating intelligent structure technology for refining bridge inspection in Mississippi.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-02-25

"Bridge scour refers to the removal of sediments from the bridge foundation by flood. It is the most detrimental cause for the majority of : bridge failures in the United States. In the National Bridge Registry, there are 484,546 highway bridges over...

Seismic Discrimination of Earthquakes and Explosions, with Application to the Southwestern United States

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-22

multi-station discriminants than by those based on network averages. In spite of this situ - ation, average a posteriori probabilities were sometimes...Technology, Pasadena, California. Allen, C. R., L. T. Silver, and F. G. Stehi (1960). Agua Blanca fault - a major transverse structure of northern Baja

The Past, Present and Future of Widening Participation Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kettley, Nigel

2007-01-01

The provisions of the Higher Education Act (2004) have renewed interest in widening participation research. Therefore, this paper explores the development of this scholarly field, primarily in the United Kingdom, by examining major trends in the study of higher education. Political debates related to higher education, the prevailing structure of…

The Pediatric Diabetes Consortium: Improving care of children with Type 1 diabetes through collaborative research

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Although there are some interactions between the major pediatric diabetes programs in the United States, there has been no formal, independent structure for collaboration, the sharing of information, and the development of joint research projects that utilize common outcome measures. To fill this un...

The mapping competences of the nurse Case/Care Manager in the context of Intensive Care.

PubMed

Alfieri, Emanuela; Ferrini, Anna Chiara; Gianfrancesco, Francesca; Lise, Gianluca; Messana, Giovanni; Tirelli, Lorenzo; Lorenzo, Ana; Sarli, Leopoldo

2017-03-15

Since the recent introduction of the Case/Care Manager's professional figure, it is quite difficult to identify properly his/her own particular features, which could be mainly be found revising mainly in American studies. Therefore, the present study intended to identify the Case/Care Manager's skills and professional profile in an Intensive Care Unit experience, taking into consideration the staff's activities, perception and expectations towards the Case/Care Manager. In particular, it has been compared the experience of an Intensive Care Units where the Case/Care Manager's profile is operational to a different Unit where a Case/Care Manager is not yet in force. a Levati's model was used to map the Case/Care Manager's skills, involving each unit whole working staff, executives and caregivers through semi-structured interviews. It has been taken into consideration the Anaesthesia Unit and Emergency Unit of Cesena's healthcare organisation (AUSL of Romagna) and a Cardiology Intensive Care Unit of Piacenza's healthcare organisation, where the Case/Care Manager's profile has not been experimented yet. Firstly, it a data collection in each healthcare organization has been organised. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews to doctors, unit nurses, caregivers, nurses' coordinators and medical staff have been used to compare each healthcare system. The interviewees' described their expectations in relation to the Case/Care Manager working in a critical area. Then, every data collected during interviews has been organised to map a Case/Care Manager's essential professional profile to work in a critical area together with medical staff. Piacenza's O.U. critical area experience reported a major demand for patients' and patient's families' assistance. On the other hand, the very same aspects seem to have been better achieved in Cesena's O.U., where a Case/Care Manager's recent introduction has actually helped to overcome the void in organising systems. a Case/Care Manager's profile has been drafted on the basis of the comparative analysis conducted. It has been noted how the Case/Care Manager's professional profile can really improve relationships and communications between medical staff and patients, promoting a major unity among the working team. According to the present research, the Case/Care Manager's profile has been proved helpful in positively influencing the team activity and to elicit major satisfaction both in patients and their family.

FOSSIL2 energy policy model documentation: generic structures of the FOSSIL2 model

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

None

1980-10-01

This report discusses the structure, derivations, assumptions, and mathematical formulation of the FOSSIL2 model. Each major facet of the model - supply/demand interactions, industry financing, and production - has been designed to parallel closely the actual cause/effect relationships determining the behavior of the United States energy system. The data base for the FOSSIL2 program is large. When possible, all data were obtained from sources well known to experts in the energy field. Cost and resource estimates are based on DOE data whenever possible. This report presents the FOSSIL2 model at several levels. In Volume I, an overview of the basicmore » structures, assumptions, and behavior of the FOSSIL2 model is presented so that the reader can understand the results of various policy tests. The discussion covers the three major building blocks, or generic structures, used to construct the model: supply/demand balance; finance and capital formation; and energy production. These structures reflect the components and interactions of the major processes within each energy industry that directly affect the dynamics of fuel supply, demand, and price within the energy system as a whole.« less

Deformation style of the Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in southern Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanjanapayont, Pitsanupong

2014-10-01

Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in southern Thailand are widespread from NNE-SSW and N-S in Chumphon and Trang provinces. The Mesozoic stratigraphic units are the marine Triassic Sai Bon Formation and the non-marine Jurassic-Cretaceous Thung Yai Group, the latter subdivided into Khlong Min, Lam Thap, Sam Chom, and Phun Phin Formations. These units overlie Permian carbonate rocks with an angular unconformity, and are overlain unconformably by Cenozoic units and the Quaternary sediments. The Mesozoic rocks have been folded to form two huge first-ordered syncline or synclinoria, the Chumphon and Surat Thani-Krabi-Trang synclinoria. These synclinoria are elongated in NNE-SSW to N-S direction, and incorporate asymmetric lower-order parasitic folds. The folds have moderately to steeply dipping eastward limbs and more gently dipping westward limbs. These folds were transected by brittle fractures in four major directions. These geologic structures indicate WNW-ESE to E-W contraction with top-to-the-east simple shear at some time before the deposition of the Cenozoic sedimentary units. No major deformation has affected the rocks subsequently, apart from the formation of the fault-controlled Cenozoic basins.

Structural change in industry and futures for the electricity industry. Final report

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

Schwartz, P.; Harris, G.

1995-06-01

The electricity supply industry in the United States has been experiencing major technological changes and economics of the business have altered dramatically since the passage of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). This opening of power generation business to competition was under-pinned by significant increases in gas turbine efficiency, commercialization of smaller units with high efficiencies, low gas prices, and cost consciousness on the part of independent power producers (IPPs) and major industrial customers. The pace of change continues to accelerate, driven by ongoing technological innovations and customer demands for better, more customized services and lower costs.more » The purpose of this report is to provoke further thought on the likely course of structural change in the electric utility industry over the next twenty years. The prime focus of the report is on technological change and its impact on economics, and the resulting organizational and structural change. This report begins with a brief look at structural change in several capital-intensive industries to identify common patterns applicable to the electricity industry. The industries selected have network-like operations, similar to the electric utility industry. This is followed by two scenarios which illuminate different plausible futures for the electric power industry. The report concludes with insights on the potential course of regulations and suitable strategies to prosper during the transition phase.« less

Phylogeography in Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1848) along Two Biogeographical Provinces in the Chilean Coast

PubMed Central

González-Wevar, Claudio A.; Salinas, Pilar; Hüne, Mathias; Segovia, Nicolás I.; Vargas-Chacoff, Luis; Astorga, Marcela; Cañete, Juan I.; Poulin, Elie

2015-01-01

Major geologic and climatic changes during the Quaternary exerted a major role in shaping past and contemporary distribution of genetic diversity and structure of aquatic organisms in southern South America. In fact, the northern glacial limit along the Pacific coast, an area of major environmental changes in terms of topography, currents, and water salinity, represents a major biogeographic transition for marine and freshwater species. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences (D-loop) to investigate the consequences of Quaternary glacial cycles over the pattern of genetic diversity and structure of G. maculatus (Pisces: Galaxiidae) along two biogeographical provinces in the Chilean coast. Extreme levels of genetic diversity and strong phylogeographic structure characterize the species suggesting a low amount of influence of the last glacial cycle over its demography. However, we recognized contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and structure between main biogeographical areas here analyzed. Along the Intermediate Area (38°–41° S) each estuarine population constitutes a different unit. In contrast, Magellanic populations (43°–53° S) exhibited low levels of genetic differentiation. Contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and structure recorded in the species between the analyzed biogeographic areas are consistent with the marked differences in abiotic factors (i.e., different coastal configurations, Quaternary glacial histories, and oceanographic regimes) and to inherent characteristics of the species (i.e., salt-tolerance, physiology, and reproductive behavior). PMID:26161896

Crystal structure and phase transitions of sodium potassium niobate perovskites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellier, J.; Malic, B.; Dkhil, B.; Jenko, D.; Cilensek, J.; Kosec, M.

2009-02-01

This paper presents the crystal structure and the phase transitions of K xNa 1- xNbO 3 (0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.6). X-ray diffraction measurements were used to follow the change of the unit-cell parameters and the symmetry in the temperature range 100-800 K. At room temperature all the compositions exhibited a monoclinic metric of the unit cell with a small monoclinic distortion (90.32° ≤ β ≤ 90.34°). No major change of symmetry was evidenced in the investigated compositional range, which should be characteristic of the morphotropic phase-boundary region. With increasing temperature, the samples underwent first-order monoclinic-tetragonal and tetragonal-cubic transitions. Only the potassium-rich phases were rhombohedral at 100 K.

Nurse's perceptions of physiotherapists in critical care team: Report of a qualitative study.

PubMed

Gupte, Pranati; Swaminathan, Narasimman

2016-03-01

Interprofessional relationship plays a major role in effective patient care. Specialized units such as critical care require multidisciplinary care where perception about every members role may affect the delivery of patient care. The objective of this study was to find out nurses' perceptions of the role of physiotherapists in the critical care team. Qualitative study by using semi-structured interview was conducted among the qualified nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital. The interview consisted of 19 questions divided into 3 sections. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. In-depth content analysis was carried out to identify major themes in relation to the research question. Analysis identified five major issues which included role and image of a physiotherapist, effectiveness of treatment, communications, teamwork, and interprofessional relations. Physiotherapists were perceived to be an important member of the critical team with the role of mobilizing the patients. The respondents admitted that there existed limitations in interprofessional relationship. Nurses perceived the role of physiotherapist in the critical care unit as an integral part and agreed on the need for inclusion of therapist multidisciplinary critical care team.

Comparison of benthic bacterial community composition in nine streams

Treesearch

Xueqing Gao; Ola A. Olapade; Laura G. Leff

2005-01-01

In this study, the abundance of major bacterial taxa (based on fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH) and the structure of the bacterial community (based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DGGE) were determined in the benthos of 9 streams in the southeastern and midwestern United States and related to differences in environmental...

Camparison of benthic bacterial community composition in nine streams

Treesearch

Xuqing Gao; Ola A. Olapade; Laura G. Leff

2005-01-01

In this study, the abundance of major bacterial taxa (based on fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH) and the structure of the bacterial community (based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DGGE) were determined in the benthos of 9 streams in the southeastern and midwestern United States and related to differences in environmental conditions. Taxa examined...

Strategic Directions for Careers Services in Higher Education. NICEC Project Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watts, A. G.

Higher education career services are more strongly developed in the United Kingdom than in other European countries. Increasing numbers of students and pressures on university budgets and recent major transformations in the structures of work and career (including reduced recruitment into graduate training programs in large companies and erosion…

Introduction to Film.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Gary

There are numerous ways to structure the introduction to film course so as to meet the needs of the different types of students who typically enroll. Assuming there is no production component in the course, the teacher is left with two major approaches to choose from--historical and aesthetic. The units in the course will typically be built around…

Higher Education in Texas: Student Aid and Governance. Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolo, Kenneth W.

Current issues facing higher education in Texas are examined with an emphasis on student financial aid programs and governance. The formal organizational structure and the responsibilities of the major governmental units are described, and the role played by state government in higher education through its tuition policies and its student aid…

SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM. PUBLICATION 106, ANTHROPOLOGY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BOHANNAN, PAUL

A CURRICULUM GUIDE OUTLINES THE MAJOR CONCEPTS, STRUCTURE, AND METHODS OF ANTHROPOLOGY FOR GRADES K-6. THE FOLLOWING UNIT AREAS ARE INCLUDED--(1) NEEDS AND NEED SATISFACTION, (2) HUMAN PERSONALITY, (3) SOCIAL GROUPS, (4) SOCIAL NETWORKS, (5) HUMAN CULTURE, (6) CHANGE AND EVOLUTION, AND (7) CURRENT CULTURAL CHANGES. A SUMMARY CHART PRESENTS A FLOW…

Chesapeake Bay: Introduction to an Ecosystem.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the contiguous United States. The Bay and its tidal tributaries make up the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. This document, which focuses of various aspects of this ecosystem, is divided into four major parts. The first part traces the geologic history of the Bay, describes the overall physical structure of…

Statscasts: Screencasts for Complementing Lectures in Statistics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunn, Peter K.; McDonald, Christine; Loch, Birgit

2015-01-01

Students who are studying introductory statistics units but are enrolled in non-statistics majors often struggle with the content, and do not stay engaged. Support structures are in place at many Australian universities to help these students. Most of these are face-to-face support centres that the students can visit during opening hours. To…

Population structure of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) assessed on a global scale using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is a major pest of livestock in the United States and worldwide. To assess the genetic variability in geographically distant stable flies, samples were obtained from four biogeographical regions: Nearctic, Neotropical, Palearctic, and Aus...

Buffering against Performance Classroom Goal Structures: The Importance of Autonomy Support and Classroom Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ciani, Keith D.; Middleton, Michael J.; Summers, Jessica J.; Sheldon, Kennon M.

2010-01-01

The culture of schooling in the United States has become increasingly focused on outwardly proving student competence. Some achievement goal theorists suggest that a major casualty of performance-oriented classroom environments may be student motivation for developing and improving competence. The present study extends across theoretical…

Community structure of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in major almond producing areas of California, United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Several nut crops including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts can become contaminated with mycotoxins. Of greatest economic significance are aflatoxins, which are mainly produced by members of Aspergillus section Flavi. The distribution of the two sclerotial-size morphotypes of A. flavus (i.e. S and ...

Putting Learning First: Governing and Managing the Schools for High Achievement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Committee for Economic Development, New York, NY.

This statement by the Research and Policy Committe of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), a nonprofit organization of 250 business leaders and educators, calls for major behavioral changes in those who govern and manage schools in the United States. It articulates an effective incentive structure for students, teachers, and…

Structure of Pine Stands in the Southeast

Treesearch

William A. Bechtold; Gregory A. Ruark

1988-01-01

Distributional and statistical information associated with stand age, site index, basal area per acre, number of stems per acre, and stand density index is reported for major pine cover types of the Southeastern United States. Means, standard deviations, and ranges of these variables are listed by State and physiographic region for loblolly, slash, longleaf, pond,...

Women, Mental Health, and the Workplace in a Transnational Setting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gettman, Dawn; Pena, Devon G.

1986-01-01

Occupational social work in the United States-Mexico border region requires knowledge of how gender, cross-cultural factors, and systemic factors affect industrial workers' mental health. A major concern involves knowing when the very structure of the industrial organization must be challenged in order to promote mental health in the workplace.…

U.S. History for the Gifted and Talented.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zola, John; And Others

The major objective of this teaching guide is to help high school classroom teachers of United States history develop and implement curriculum for gifted and talented students. Specifically, it presents objectives for gifted students in the area of social studies, offers a structure upon which discussion questions and learning activities can be…

Origin and development of plains-type folds in the mid-continent (United States) during the late Paleozoic

USGS Publications Warehouse

Merriam, D.F.

2005-01-01

Plains-type folds are local, subtle anticlines formed in the thin sedimentary package overlying a shallow, crystalline basement on the craton. They are small in areal extent (usually less than 1-3 km 2 [0.4-1.2 mi2]), and their amplitude increases with depth (usually tens of meters), which is mainly the result of differential compaction of sediments (usually clastic units) over tilted, rigid, basement fault blocks. The development of these structural features by continuous but intermittent movement of the basement fault blocks in the late Paleozoic in the United States mid-continent is substantiated by a record of stratigraphic and sedimentological evidence. The recurrent structural movement, which reflects adjustment to external stresses, is expressed by the change in thickness of stratigraphic units over the crest of the fold compared to the flanks. By plotting the change in thickness for different stratigraphic units of anticlines on different fault blocks, it is possible to determine the timing of movement of the blocks that reflect structural adjustment. These readjustments are confirmed by sedimentological evidence, such as convolute, soft-sediment deformation features and small intraformational faults. The stratigraphic interval change in thickness for numerous structures in the Cherokee, Forest City, and Salina basins and on the Nemaha anticline of the mid-continent United States was determined and compared for location and timing of the adjustments. Most of the adjustment occurred during and after time of deposition of the Permian-Pennsylvanian clastic units, which, in turn, reflect tectonic disturbance in adjacent areas, and the largest amount of movement on the plains-type structures occurred on those nearest and semiparallel to major positive features, such as the Nemaha anticline. Depending on the time of origin and development of plains-type folds, they may control the entrapment and occurrence of oil and gas. Copyright ??2005. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

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

Wang, Che-Yen; Karolinska Institute Structural Virology, F68 Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, 112 Taipei,Taiwan

A recombinant virus-like particle that is a potential oral hepatitis E vaccine was crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to 8.3 Å resolution and the X-ray structure was phased with the aid of a low-resolution density map determined using cryo-electron microscopy data. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) accounts for the majority of enterically transmitted hepatitis infections worldwide. Currently, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine against HEV. The major structural protein is derived from open reading frame (ORF) 2 of the viral genome. A potential oral vaccine is provided by the virus-like particles formed by a protein construct of partial ORF3more » protein (residue 70–123) fused to the N-terminus of the ORF2 protein (residues 112–608). Single crystals obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method at 293 K diffract X-rays to 8.3 Å resolution. The crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 337, b = 343, c = 346 Å, α = β = γ = 90°, and contain one particle per asymmetric unit.« less

Preliminary Geological Map of the Fortuna Tessera (V-2) Quadrangle, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivanov, M. A.; Head, J. W.

2009-01-01

The Fortuna Tessera quadrangle (50-75 N, 0-60 E) is a large region of tessera [1] that includes the major portion of Fortuna and Laima Tesserae [2]. Near the western edge of the map area, Fortuna Tessera is in contact with the highest moun-tain belt on Venus, Maxwell Montes. Deformational belts of Sigrun-Manto Fossae (extensional structures) and Au ra Dorsa (contractional structures) separate the tessera regions. Highly deformed terrains correspond to elevated regions and mildly deformed units are with low-lying areas. The sets of features within the V-2 quadrangle permit us to address the following important questions: (1) the timing and processes of crustal thickening/thinning, (2) the nature and origin of tesserae and deformation belts and their relation to crustal thickening processes, (3) the existence or absence of major evolutionary trends of volcanism and tectonics. The key feature in all of these problems is the regional sequence of events. Here we present description of units that occur in the V-2 quadrangle, their regional correlation chart (Fig. 1), and preliminary geological map of the region (Fig. 2).

Productivity Analysis of Public and Private Airports: A Causal Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasigh, Bijan; Gorjidooz, Javad

2007-01-01

Around the world, airports are being viewed as enterprises, rather than public services, which are expected to be managed efficiently and provide passengers with courteous customer services. Governments are, increasingly, turning to the private sectors for their efficiency in managing the operation, financing, and development, as well as providing security for airports. Operational and financial performance evaluation has become increasingly important to airport operators due to recent trends in airport privatization. Assessing performance allows the airport operators to plan for human resources and capital investment as efficiently as possible. Productivity measurements may be used as comparisons and guidelines in strategic planning, in the internal analysis of operational efficiency and effectiveness, and in assessing the competitive position of an airport in transportation industry. The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the operational and financial efficiencies of 22 major airports in the United States and Europe. These airports are divided into three groups based on private ownership (7 British Airport Authority airports), public ownership (8 major United States airports), and a mix of private and public ownership (7 major European Union airports. The detail ownership structures of these airports are presented in Appendix A. Total factor productivity (TFP) model was utilized to measure airport performance in terms of financial and operational efficiencies and to develop a benchmarking tool to identify the areas of strength and weakness. A regression model was then employed to measure the relationship between TFP and ownership structure. Finally a Granger causality test was performed to determine whether ownership structure is a Granger cause of TFP. The results of the analysis presented in this paper demonstrate that there is not a significant relationship between airport TFP and ownership structure. Airport productivity and efficiency is, however dependent upon the level of competition, choice of the market, and regulatory control.

Comparative analysis of the mechanical signals in lung development and compensatory growth.

PubMed

Hsia, Connie C W

2017-03-01

This review compares the manner in which physical stress imposed on the parenchyma, vasculature and thorax and the thoraco-pulmonary interactions, drive both developmental and compensatory lung growth. Re-initiation of anatomical lung growth in the mature lung is possible when the loss of functioning lung units renders the existing physiologic-structural reserves insufficient for maintaining adequate function and physical stress on the remaining units exceeds a critical threshold. The appropriate spatial and temporal mechanical interrelationships and the availability of intra-thoracic space, are crucial to growth initiation, follow-on remodeling and physiological outcome. While the endogenous potential for compensatory lung growth is retained and may be pharmacologically augmented, supra-optimal mechanical stimulation, unbalanced structural growth, or inadequate remodeling may limit functional gain. Finding ways to optimize the signal-response relationships and resolve structure-function discrepancies are major challenges that must be overcome before the innate compensatory ability could be fully realized. Partial pneumonectomy reproducibly removes a known fraction of functioning lung units and remains the most robust model for examining the adaptive mechanisms, structure-function consequences and plasticity of the remaining functioning lung units capable of regeneration. Fundamental mechanical stimulus-response relationships established in the pneumonectomy model directly inform the exploration of effective approaches to maximize compensatory growth and function in chronic destructive lung diseases, transplantation and bioengineered lungs.

Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Signals in Lung Development and Compensatory Growth

PubMed Central

Hsia, Connie C.W.

2017-01-01

This review compares the manner in which physical stress imposed on the parenchyma, vasculature and thorax, and the thoraco-pulmonary interactions, drive both developmental and compensatory lung growth. Re-initiation of anatomical lung growth in the mature lung is possible when the loss of functioning lung units renders the existing physiologic-structural reserves insufficient for maintaining adequate function and physical stress on the remaining units exceeds a critical threshold. The appropriate spatial and temporal mechanical interrelationships, and the availability of intra-thoracic space, are crucial to growth initiation, follow-on remodeling and physiological outcome. While the endogenous potential for compensatory lung growth is retained and may be pharmacologically augmented, supra-optimal mechanical stimulation, unbalanced structural growth, or inadequate remodeling, may limit functional gain. Finding ways to optimize the signal-response relationships and resolve structure-function discrepancies are major challenges that must be overcome before the innate compensatory ability could be fully realized. Partial pneumonectomy reproducibly removes a known fraction of functioning lung units and remains the most robust model for examining the adaptive mechanisms, structure-function consequences, and plasticity of the remaining functioning lung units capable of regeneration. Fundamental mechanical stimulus-response relationships established in the pneumonectomy model directly inform the exploration of effective approaches to maximize compensatory growth and function in chronic destructive lung diseases, transplantation and bioengineered lungs. PMID:28084523

Novel structure of cockroach allergen Bla g 1 has implications for allergenicity and exposure assessment

PubMed Central

Mueller, Geoffrey A.; Pedersen, Lars C.; Lih, Fred B.; Glesner, Jill; Moon, Andrea F.; Chapman, Martin D.; Tomer, Kenneth B.; London, Robert E.; Pomés, Anna

2013-01-01

Background Sensitization to cockroach allergens is a major risk factor for asthma. The cockroach allergen Bla g 1 has multiple repeats of ~100 amino acids, but the fold of the protein and the biological function are unknown. Objective To determine the structure of Bla g 1, investigate the implications for allergic disease, and standardize cockroach exposure assays. Methods Natural Bla g 1 and recombinant constructs were compared by ELISA using specific murine IgG and human IgE. The structure of Bla g 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Mass spectrometry and NMR were utilized to examine ligand-binding properties of the allergen. Results The structure of a recombinant Bla g 1 construct with comparable IgE and IgG reactivity to the natural allergen was solved by X-ray crystallography. The Bla g 1 repeat forms a novel fold with 6 helices. Two repeats encapsulate a large and nearly spherical hydrophobic cavity, defining the basic structural unit. Lipids in the cavity varied depending on the allergen origin. Palmitic, oleic and stearic acids were associated with nBla g 1 from cockroach frass. One Unit of Bla g 1 was equivalent to 104 ng of allergen. Conclusions Bla g 1 has a novel fold with a capacity to bind various lipids, which suggests a digestive function associated with non-specific transport of lipid molecules in cockroaches. Defining the basic structural unit of Bla g 1 facilitates the standardization of assays in absolute units for the assessment of environmental allergen exposure. PMID:23915714

Chlorophyll a with a farnesyl tail in thermophilic cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Wiwczar, Jessica M; LaFountain, Amy M; Wang, Jimin; Frank, Harry A; Brudvig, Gary W

2017-11-01

Photosystem II (PSII) of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms normally contains exclusively chlorophyll a (Chl a) as its major light-harvesting pigment. Chl a canonically consists of the chlorin headgroup with a 20-carbon, 4-isoprene unit, phytyl tail. We have examined the 1.9 Å crystal structure of PSII from thermophilic cyanobacteria reported by Shen and coworkers in 2012 (PDB accession of 3ARC/3WU2). A newly refined electron density map from this structure, presented here, reveals that some assignments of the cofactors may be different from those modeled in the 3ARC/3WU2 structure, including a specific Chl a that appears to have a truncated tail by one isoprene unit. We provide experimental evidence using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for a small population of Chl a esterified to a 15-carbon farnesyl tail in PSII of thermophilic cyanobacteria.

Structure of a normal seismogenic fault zone in carbonates: The Vado di Corno Fault, Campo Imperatore, Central Apennines (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demurtas, Matteo; Fondriest, Michele; Balsamo, Fabrizio; Clemenzi, Luca; Storti, Fabrizio; Bistacchi, Andrea; Di Toro, Giulio

2016-09-01

The Vado di Corno Fault Zone (VCFZ) is an active extensional fault cutting through carbonates in the Italian Central Apennines. The fault zone was exhumed from ∼2 km depth and accommodated a normal throw of ∼2 km since Early-Pleistocene. In the studied area, the master fault of the VCFZ dips N210/54° and juxtaposes Quaternary colluvial deposits in the hangingwall with cataclastic dolostones in the footwall. Detailed mapping of the fault zone rocks within the ∼300 m thick footwall-block evidenced the presence of five main structural units (Low Strain Damage Zone, High Strain Damage Zone, Breccia Unit, Cataclastic Unit 1 and Cataclastic Unit 2). The Breccia Unit results from the Pleistocene extensional reactivation of a pre-existing Pliocene thrust. The Cataclastic Unit 1 forms a ∼40 m thick band lining the master fault and recording in-situ shattering due to the propagation of multiple seismic ruptures. Seismic faulting is suggested also by the occurrence of mirror-like slip surfaces, highly localized sheared calcite-bearing veins and fluidized cataclasites. The VCFZ architecture compares well with seismological studies of the L'Aquila 2009 seismic sequence (mainshock MW 6.1), which imaged the reactivation of shallow-seated low-angle normal faults (Breccia Unit) cut by major high-angle normal faults (Cataclastic Units).

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Leishmania major dihydroorotate dehydrogenase

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

Cordeiro, Artur T.; Feliciano, Patricia R.; Nonato, M. Cristina, E-mail: cristy@fcfrp.usp.br

2006-10-01

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase from L. major has been crystallized by the vapour-diffusion technique using lithium sulfate as the precipitant agent. A complete data set from a native crystal has been collected to 2.0 Å resolution using an in-house rotating-anode generator. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenases (DHODHs) are flavin-containing enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of l-dihydroorotate to orotate, the fourth step in the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis pathway. In this study, DHODH from Leishmania major has been crystallized by the vapour-diffusion technique using lithium sulfate as the precipitating agent. The crystals belong to space group P6{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 143.7, cmore » = 69.8 Å. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.0 Å resolution using an in-house rotating-anode generator. Analysis of the solvent content and the self-rotation function indicate the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The structure has been solved by the molecular-replacement technique.« less

Effects of unit empowerment and perceived support for professional nursing practice on unit effectiveness and individual nurse well-being: a time-lagged study.

PubMed

Spence Laschinger, Heather K; Nosko, Amanda; Wilk, Piotr; Finegan, Joan

2014-12-01

Recruitment and retention strategies have emphasized the importance of positive work environments that support professional nursing practice for sustaining the nursing workforce. Unit leadership that creates empowering workplace conditions plays a key role in establishing supportive practice environments that increase work effectiveness, and, ultimately, improves job satisfaction. To test a multi-level model examining the effect of both contextual and individual factors on individual nurse job satisfaction. At the unit level, structural empowerment and support for professional nursing practice (organizational resources) were hypothesized to be predictors of unit level effectiveness. At the individual level, core self-evaluation, and psychological empowerment (intrapersonal resources) were modeled as predictors of nurse job satisfaction one year later. Cross-level unit effects on individual nurses' job satisfaction were also examined. This study employed a longitudinal survey design with 545 staff nurses from 49 hospital units in Ontario, Canada. Participants completed a survey at two points in time (response rate of 40%) with standardized measures of the major study variables in the hypothesized model. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to test the model. Nurses shared perceptions of structural empowerment on their units indirectly influenced their shared perceptions of unit effectiveness (Level 2) through perceived unit support for professional nursing practice, which in turn, had a significant positive direct effect on unit effectiveness (Level 2). Unit effectiveness was also strongly related to individual nurse job satisfaction one year later. At Level 1, higher core self-evaluation had a direct and indirect effect on job satisfaction through increased psychological empowerment. The results suggest that nurses' job satisfaction is influenced by a combination of individual and contextual factors demonstrating utility in considering both sources of nurses' satisfaction with their work in creating effective nursing work environments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple Cosmic Sources for Meteorite Macromolecules?

PubMed Central

Watson, Jonathan S.; Meredith, William; Love, Gordon D.; Gilmour, Iain; Snape, Colin E.

2015-01-01

Abstract The major organic component in carbonaceous meteorites is an organic macromolecular material. The Murchison macromolecular material comprises aromatic units connected by aliphatic and heteroatom-containing linkages or occluded within the wider structure. The macromolecular material source environment remains elusive. Traditionally, attempts to determine source have strived to identify a single environment. Here, we apply a highly efficient hydrogenolysis method to liberate units from the macromolecular material and use mass spectrometric techniques to determine their chemical structures and individual stable carbon isotope ratios. We confirm that the macromolecular material comprises a labile fraction with small aromatic units enriched in 13C and a refractory fraction made up of large aromatic units depleted in 13C. Our findings suggest that the macromolecular material may be derived from at least two separate environments. Compound-specific carbon isotope trends for aromatic compounds with carbon number may reflect mixing of the two sources. The story of the quantitatively dominant macromolecular material in meteorites appears to be made up of more than one chapter. Key Words: Abiotic organic synthesis—Carbonaceous chondrite—Cosmochemistry—Meteorites. Astrobiology 15, 779–786. PMID:26418568

Beyond Columnar Organization: Cell Type- and Target Layer-Specific Principles of Horizontal Axon Projection Patterns in Rat Vibrissal Cortex

PubMed Central

Narayanan, Rajeevan T.; Egger, Robert; Johnson, Andrew S.; Mansvelder, Huibert D.; Sakmann, Bert; de Kock, Christiaan P.J.; Oberlaender, Marcel

2015-01-01

Vertical thalamocortical afferents give rise to the elementary functional units of sensory cortex, cortical columns. Principles that underlie communication between columns remain however unknown. Here we unravel these by reconstructing in vivo-labeled neurons from all excitatory cell types in the vibrissal part of rat primary somatosensory cortex (vS1). Integrating the morphologies into an exact 3D model of vS1 revealed that the majority of intracortical (IC) axons project far beyond the borders of the principal column. We defined the corresponding innervation volume as the IC-unit. Deconstructing this structural cortical unit into its cell type-specific components, we found asymmetric projections that innervate columns of either the same whisker row or arc, and which subdivide vS1 into 2 orthogonal [supra-]granular and infragranular strata. We show that such organization could be most effective for encoding multi whisker inputs. Communication between columns is thus organized by multiple highly specific horizontal projection patterns, rendering IC-units as the primary structural entities for processing complex sensory stimuli. PMID:25838038

Influence of surrounding structures upon the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the outdoor unit of a split air-conditioner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chengjun; Liu, Jiang; Pan, Jie

2014-07-01

DC-inverter split air-conditioner is widely used in Chinese homes as a result of its high-efficiency and energy-saving. Recently, the researches on its outdoor unit have focused on the influence of surrounding structures upon the aerodynamic and acoustic performance, however they are only limited to the influence of a few parameters on the performance, and practical design of the unit requires more detailed parametric analysis. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics(CFD) and computational aerodynamic acoustics(CAA) simulation based on FLUENT solver is used to study the influence of surrounding structures upon the aforementioned properties of the unit. The flow rate and sound pressure level are predicted for different rotating speed, and agree well with the experimental results. The parametric influence of three main surrounding structures(i.e. the heat sink, the bell-mouth type shroud and the outlet grille) upon the aerodynamic performance of the unit is analyzed thoroughly. The results demonstrate that the tip vortex plays a major role in the flow fields near the blade tip and has a great effect on the flow field of the unit. The inlet ring's size and throat's depth of the bell-mouth type shroud, and the through-flow area and configuration of upwind and downwind sections of the outlet grille are the most important factors that affect the aerodynamic performance of the unit. Furthermore, two improved schemes against the existing prototype of the unit are developed, which both can significantly increase the flow rate more than 6 %(i.e. 100 m3·h-1) at given rotating speeds. The inevitable increase of flow noise level when flow rate is increased and the advantage of keeping a lower rotating speed are also discussed. The presented work could be a useful guideline in designing the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the split air-conditioner in engineering practice.

Population genetic structure of critically endangered salamander (Hynobius amjiensis) in China: recommendations for conservation.

PubMed

Yang, J; Chen, C S; Chen, S H; Ding, P; Fan, Z Y; Lu, Y W; Yu, L P; Lin, H D

2016-06-10

Amji's salamander (Hynobius amjiensis) is a critically endangered species (IUCN Red List), which is endemic to mainland China. In the present study, five haplotypes were genotyped for the mtDNA cyt b gene in 45 specimens from three populations. Relatively low levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.524) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00532) were detected. Analyses of the phylogenic structure of H. amjiensis showed no evidence of major geographic partitions or substantial barriers to historical gene flow throughout the species' range. Two major phylogenetic haplotype groups were revealed, and were estimated to have diverged about 1.262 million years ago. Mismatch distribution analysis, neutrality tests, and Bayesian skyline plots revealed no evidence of dramatic changes in the effective population size. According to the SAMOVA and STRUCTURE analyses, H. amjiensis should be regarded as two different management units.

Cell structure and function in the visual cortex of the cat

PubMed Central

Kelly, J. P.; Van Essen, D. C.

1974-01-01

1. The organization of the visual cortex was studied with a technique that allows one to determine the physiology and morphology of individual cells. Micro-electrodes filled with the fluorescent dye Procion yellow were used to record intracellularly from cells in area 17 of the cat. The visual receptive field of each neurone was classified as simple, complex, or hypercomplex, and the cell was then stained by the iontophoretic injection of dye. 2. Fifty neurones were successfully examined in this way, and their structural features were compared to the varieties of cell types seen in Golgi preparations of area 17. The majority of simple units were stellate cells, whereas the majority of complex and hypercomplex units were pyramidal cells. Several neurones belonged to less common morphological types, such as double bouquet cells. Simple cells were concentrated in layer IV, hypercomplex cells in layer II + III, and complex cells in layers II + III, V and VI. 3. Electrically inexcitable cells that had high resting potentials but no impulse activity were stained and identified as glial cells. Glial cells responded to visual stimuli with slow graded depolarizations, and many of them showed a preference for a stimulus orientation similar to the optimal orientation for adjacent neurones. 4. The results show that there is a clear, but not absolute correlation between the major structural and functional classes of cells in the visual cortex. This approach, linking the physiological properties of a single cell to a given morphological type, will help in furthering our understanding of the cerebral cortex. ImagesPlate 4Plate 1Plate 2Plate 3 PMID:4136579

Restoring fire suppressed Texas pak woodlands to historic conditions using prescribed fire

Treesearch

Jeff C. Sparks; Michael C. Stambaugh; Eric L. Keith

2012-01-01

Comparable to many oak ecosystems across the eastern United States, oak woodlands in Texas display characteristics of changing composition and structure due to altered fire regimes. Information describing historic fire regimes suggests woodlands underwent relatively frequent and repeated burning prior to major Euro-American influence in the early 19th century. Oak...

New pine planting strategies for the Western Gulf States

Treesearch

Eric L. Taylor; Michael Blazier; A. Gordon Holley

2007-01-01

The structure of forest industry has experienced major changes over the last few years, both domestically and globally. Mills are closing, companies are merging, and forest products corporations are divesting their lands. The demand for smalldiameter trees in the southern United States has diminished largely due to the amount of wood fiber and wood products now...

Regional patterns of major nonnative invasive plants and associated factors in upper Midwest forests

Treesearch

Zhaofei Fan; W. Keith Moser; Mark H. Hansen; Mark D. Nelson

2013-01-01

Nonnative invasive plants (IPs) are rapidly spreading into natural ecosystems (e.g., forests and grasslands). Potential threats of IP invasion into natural ecosystems include biodiversity loss, structural and environmental change, habitat degradation, and economic losses. The Upper Midwest of the United States encompasses the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan...

Identifying Core Competencies to Advance Female Professors' Careers: An Exploratory Study in United States Academia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seo, Ga-eun; Hedayati Mehdiabadi, Amir; Huang, Wenhao

2017-01-01

This exploratory study aims to identify the core competencies necessary to successfully advance the careers of female associate professors in higher education. To ascertain these core career competencies, a critical incident interview technique was employed. One-to-one semi-structured interviews with six female full professors at a major research…

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.

basement reservoir geometry and properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, bastien; Geraud, yves; Diraison, marc

2017-04-01

Basement reservoirs are nowadays frequently investigated for deep-seated fluid resources (e.g. geothermal energy, groundwater, hydrocarbons). The term 'basement' generally refers to crystalline and metamorphic formations, where matrix porosity is negligible in fresh basement rocks. Geothermal production of such unconventional reservoirs is controlled by brittle structures and altered rock matrix, resulting of a combination of different tectonic, hydrothermal or weathering phenomena. This work aims to characterize the petro-structural and petrophysical properties of two basement surface analogue case studies in geological extensive setting (the Albert Lake rift in Uganda; the Ifni proximal margin of the South West Morocco Atlantic coast). Different datasets, using field structural study, geophysical acquisition and laboratory petrophysical measurements, were integrated to describe the multi-scale geometry of the porous network of such fractured and weathered basement formations. This study points out the multi-scale distribution of all the features constituting the reservoir, over ten orders of magnitude from the pluri-kilometric scale of the major tectonics structures to the infra-millimetric scale of the secondary micro-porosity of fractured and weathered basements units. Major fault zones, with relatively thick and impermeable fault core structures, control the 'compartmentalization' of the reservoir by dividing it into several structural blocks. The analysis of these fault zones highlights the necessity for the basement reservoirs to be characterized by a highly connected fault and fracture system, where structure intersections represent the main fluid drainage areas between and within the reservoir's structural blocks. The suitable fluid storage areas in these reservoirs correspond to the damage zone of all the fault structures developed during the tectonic evolution of the basement and the weathered units of the basement roof developed during pre-rift exhumation phases. Macroscopic fracture density is highly dependent on the petrographic nature of the basement, with values up to 80 frac./m in fault damage zones of crystalline rocks. Dense micro-cracks associated to major fault structures can develop porosity and permeability up to 10% and 0.1 D. In some weathered horizons, alteration can develop matrix porosity up to 40% and the permeability reaches up to 1D. This study highlights therefore that basement reservoir properties are the result of the long geodynamic evolution of such formations, and the different fault zone compartments or weathering horizons have to be considered separately for reservoir understanding.

Using Systems Theory to Examine Patient and Nurse Structures, Processes, and Outcomes in Centralized and Decentralized Units.

PubMed

Real, Kevin; Fay, Lindsey; Isaacs, Kathy; Carll-White, Allison; Schadler, Aric

2018-01-01

This study utilizes systems theory to understand how changes to physical design structures impact communication processes and patient and staff design-related outcomes. Many scholars and researchers have noted the importance of communication and teamwork for patient care quality. Few studies have examined changes to nursing station design within a systems theory framework. This study employed a multimethod, before-and-after, quasi-experimental research design. Nurses completed surveys in centralized units and later in decentralized units ( N = 26 pre , N = 51 post ). Patients completed surveys ( N = 62 pre ) in centralized units and later in decentralized units ( N = 49 post ). Surveys included quantitative measures and qualitative open-ended responses. Patients preferred the decentralized units because of larger single-occupancy rooms, greater privacy/confidentiality, and overall satisfaction with design. Nurses had a more complex response. Nurses approved the patient rooms, unit environment, and noise levels in decentralized units. However, they reported reduced access to support spaces, lower levels of team/mentoring communication, and less satisfaction with design than in centralized units. Qualitative findings supported these results. Nurses were more positive about centralized units and patients were more positive toward decentralized units. The results of this study suggest a need to understand how system components operate in concert. A major contribution of this study is the inclusion of patient satisfaction with design, an important yet overlooked fact in patient satisfaction. Healthcare design researchers and practitioners may consider how changing system interdependencies can lead to unexpected changes to communication processes and system outcomes in complex systems.

Isolation and characterisation of the biological repeating unit of cepacian, the exopolysaccharide produced by bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex.

PubMed

Cescutti, Paola; Foschiatti, Michela; Furlanis, Linda; Lagatolla, Cristina; Rizzo, Roberto

2010-07-02

The repeating unit of cepacian, the exopolysaccharide produced by the majority of the microorganisms belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex, was isolated from inner bacterial membranes and investigated by mass spectrometry, with and without prior derivatisation. Interpretation of the mass spectra led to the determination of the biological repeating unit primary structure, thus disclosing the nature of the oligosaccharide produced in vivo. Moreover, mass spectra recorded on the native sample revealed that acetyl substitution was very variable, producing a mixture of repeating units containing zero to four acyl groups. At the same time, finding acetylated oligosaccharides showed that binding of these substituents occurred in the cellular periplasmic space, before the polymerisation process took place. In the chromatographic peak containing the repeating unit, oligosaccharides shorter than the repeating unit co-eluted. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that they were biosynthetic intermediates of the repeating unit and further investigation revealed the biosynthetic sequence of cepacian building block. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Financing of regional occupational health service centers: structure and financial criteria in years 2000-2001].

PubMed

Rydlewska-Liszkowska, Izabela

2003-01-01

The rational planning and financing of occupational health services at the national level have to be based on an appropriate system of information about individual units and their financial status that could illustrate their financial administration. This is required not only in view of the internal needs of public money management, but also in view of the national health accounts. The major task in this regard is to assess the level and structure of financing to individual units and to check the soundness of criteria used in the process of supplying financial means. The results of such an analysis can be a valuable source of information for planning carried out also by the institutions which provide funds to cover the cost of tasks performed by individual units. The aim of the project implemented by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine was to collect, process and analyze data on the level and structure of financing of provincial occupational medicine centers. In this paper, the objectives, methodology and analytical tools are discussed. The results and structural data on the level and structure of financing of regional occupational health services centers covering a two-year period are presented. At the same time, the criteria for allocating funds were identified, which made it possible to evaluate the situation and to propose new solutions.

Geophysical studies of the Syncline Ridge area, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoover, D.B.; Hanna, W.F.; Anderson, L.A.; Flanigan, V.J.; Pankratz, L.W.

1982-01-01

A wide variety of geophysical methods were employed to study a proposed nuclear waste site at Syncline Ridge on the Nevada Test Site, Nev. The proposed site was believed to be a relatively undisturbed synclinal structure containing a thick argillite unit of Misslsslppian age, the Eleana Formation unit J, which would be the emplacement medium. Data acquisition for the geophysical studies was constrained because of rugged topography in a block of Tipplpah Limestone overlying the central part of the proposed site. This study employed gravity, magnetic, seismic refraction and reflection, and four distinct electrical methods to try and define the structural integrity and shape of the proposed repository medium. Detailed and regional gravity work revealed complex structure at the site. Magnetics helped only in identifying small areas of Tertiary volcanic rocks because of low magnetization of the rocks. Seismic refraction assisted in identifying near surface faulting and bedrock structure. Difficulty was experienced in obtaining good quality reflection data. This implied significant structural complexity but also revealed the principal features that were supported by other data. Electrical methods were used for fault identification and for mapping of a thick argillaceous unit of the Eleana Formation in which nuclear waste was to be emplaced. The geophysical studies indicate that major faults along the axis of Syncline Ridge and on both margins have large vertical offsets displacing units so as not only to make mining difficult, but also providing potential paths for waste migration to underlying carbonate aquifers. The Eleana Formation appeared heterogeneous, which was inferred to be due to structural complexity. Only a small region in the northwest part of the study area was found to contain a thick and relatively undisturbed volume of host rock.

Attributes for MRB_E2RF1 Catchments by Major River Basins in the Conterminous United States: Physiographic Provinces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieczorek, Michael; LaMotte, Andrew E.

2010-01-01

This tabular data set represents the area of each physiographic province (Fenneman and Johnson, 1946) in square meters, compiled for every MRB_E2RF1 catchment of selected Major River Basins (MRBs, Crawford and others, 2006). The source data are from Fenneman and Johnson's Physiographic Provinces of the United States, which is based on 8 major divisions, 25 provinces, and 86 sections representing distinctive areas having common topography, rock type and structure, and geologic and geomorphic history (Fenneman and Johnson, 1946).The MRB_E2RF1 catchments are based on a modified version of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) ERF1_2 and include enhancements to support national and regional-scale surface-water quality modeling (Nolan and others, 2002; Brakebill and others, 2011). Data were compiled for every MRB_E2RF1 catchment for the conterminous United States covering New England and Mid-Atlantic (MRB1), South Atlantic-Gulf and Tennessee (MRB2), the Great Lakes, Ohio, Upper Mississippi, and Souris-Red-Rainy (MRB3), the Missouri (MRB4), the Lower Mississippi, Arkansas-White-Red, and Texas-Gulf (MRB5), the Rio Grande, Colorado, and the Great basin (MRB6), the Pacific Northwest (MRB7) river basins, and California (MRB8).

Kinematic evolution of southern Hellenides (western Crete, Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatzaras, V.; Xypolias, P.; Kokkalas, S.; Koukouvelas, I. K.

2010-05-01

Combined kinematic, structural and paleostress analyses were performed to reevaluate the tectonic evolution of the southern Hellenides in western Crete. Our work shows that the structural architecture of the study area was mainly established by two contractional deformation phases. SSW-directed thrusting from Oligocene to lower Miocene times (D1 phase) lead to brittle stacking of the upper thrust sheets and concomitant ductile exhumation-related imbrication of the lower HP tectonic units (Phyllite-Quartzite (PQ), Tripali and Plattenkalk units). Kinematic analysis in the PQ unit reveals a main southward ductile transport followed by late bulk coaxial deformation. The PQ unit rocks comprise the body of a crustal scale shear zone confined at its base by a major ductile thrust and in accordance with the proposed models we suggest that the exhumation process of the PQ unit involved S-directed ductile extrusion. Structural trends of ductile D1 thrusts define a salient bounded to the east by a NE-trending transverse zone situated in the western margin of the Lefka Ori window. At the eastern limb of the salient, the trajectories of L1 stretching lineation formed on a gently dipping S1 foliation in the PQ unit, show a clockwise rotation with proximity to the transverse zone. This suggests that the latter acted as an oblique buttress against the southward extruding PQ unit rocks causing their lateral escape. D2 phase was governed by regional NNW to NNE compression and involved significant folding and out-of-sequence with respect to D1 thrusting. The early D2a phase is related to the brittle-stage of exhumation of the HP-units and spans from middle to upper Miocene. D2a deformation involved thrust-related folding, tectonic imbrication and the formation of a middle Miocene thrust-top basin. The F2a folds are characterized by a predominant S(SE)-vergence and show a pronounced curvature of their hinge orientations from a regional E-W to a local NE-SW trend, the latter only present at the eastern limb of the salient. In the transverse zone, combined forward-directed imbricate thrusting and backthrusting lead to the development of a major pop-up structure and a triangle zone. Moreover, the trend of compression axes at the salient's eastern limb are deflected from the regional NNE to NNW orientation to a local NW orientation perpendicular to the transverse zone. These findings suggest that the transverse zone should have served as an oblique ramp to the southward transport of HP-rocks, while the steep dip of the ramp may has impeded displacement of the PQ unit rocks up the ramp acting as a buttress to their foreland propagation. The late D2b phase lasted from upper Miocene to Pleistocene and involved SW-directed thrust-related folding with synchronous sinistral strike-slip faulting and NE-striking normal faulting causing extension parallel to F2b fold hinges. The D2b-related paleostress field is characterized by local NE compression and NW extension orientations defining a transpressive to pure extensive regime. Where these coexist, the normal faults related to tension cut all previous structures suggesting that the extension postdates compression. This could possibly be attributed to a relaxation of the NE compression, which progressively evolved to the NW extension. The described kinematic evolution of southern Hellenides in western Crete reveals that the NE-trending transverse zone, which is possibly aligned with an inherited rift-related Mesozoic fault system, exerted significant control on the deformation pattern at progressively shallower structural levels within the crust.

The Maritsa strike-slip shear zone between Kostenets and Krichim towns, South Bulgaria — Structural, petrographic and isotope geochronology study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naydenov, Kalin; Peytcheva, Irena; von Quadt, Albrecht; Sarov, Stoyan; Kolcheva, Krastina; Dimov, Dimo

2013-06-01

The present study describes the characteristics of the Maritsa Shear Zone (MSZ), a major tectonic element in the Balkanides in South Central Bulgaria. Metamorphic rocks of four lithotectonic units — Madan, Chepinska, Asenitsa and Thrace units crop out in the study area. Strike-slip ductile deformation in MSZ affects the Thrace Lithotectonic Unit (TLU) for up to 15 km. The stratigraphy of this unit is divided in two: Parvenets succession and variegated succession. U-Pb zircon dating reveals Late Jurassic protolith age for metagranitoids and metagabbros of the variegated succession. For its metasedimentary part Triassic to Upper Jurassic age is suggested based on the strontium isotope signature of the marbles. The Parvenets succession affiliates to the Variscan metamorphic basement of Europe. The metamorphic evolution of the zone is subdivided into synmetamorphic strike-slip deformations and annealing stages. The ductile shearing occurred in greenschist to lower amphibolite facies between 130 Ma (discordant U-Pb ages) and 82-78 Ma (late-syntectonic granites). This stage is connected with the oblique collision of the Rhodope Late Jurassic arc with the European platform. With the docking of the arc and the triggering of the strike-slip movements, MSZ represents an orogen-scale border between the Rhodope south-vergent thrust complex and the north-vergent deformations in the Srednogorie and Sakar-Strandzha zones. During the Late Cretaceous MSZ is the contact between the Srednogorie magmatic arc (part of the Apuseni-Banat-Timok-Srednogorie Belt) and the Rhodopean metamorphic core complexes. NW-SE dextral faulting characterized the brittle tectonics along the zone. Strike-slip faults of the southern border of the TLU are transferred into reverse faults, along which the TLU overthrusted Oligocene sediments. MSZ is an orogen-scale transpressional shear zone and an important border in the structure of the Balkanides. This multidisciplinary research emphasizes its role as a major tectonic element by presenting new structural, petrographic and isotope geochronology data.

A characteristic chondroitin sulfate trisaccharide unit with a sulfated fucose branch exhibits neurite outgrowth-promoting activity: Novel biological roles of fucosylated chondroitin sulfates isolated from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.

PubMed

Shida, Miharu; Mikami, Tadahisa; Tamura, Jun-Ichi; Kitagawa, Hiroshi

2017-06-03

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a class of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains that consist of repeating disaccharide unit composed of glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). CS chains are found throughout the pericellular and extracellular spaces and contribute to the formation of functional microenvironments for numerous biological events. However, their structure-function relations remain to be fully characterized. Here, a fucosylated CS (FCS) was isolated from the body wall of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Its promotional effects on neurite outgrowth were assessed by using isolated polysaccharides and the chemically synthesized FCS trisaccharide β-D-GalNAc(4,6-O-disulfate) (1-4)[α-l-fucose (2,4-O-disulfate) (1-3)]-β-D-GlcA. FCS polysaccharides contained the E-type disaccharide unit GlcA-GalNAc(4,6-O-disulfate) as a CS major backbone structure and carried distinct sulfated fucose branches. Despite their relatively lower abundance of E unit, FCS polysaccharides exhibited neurite outgrowth-promoting activity comparable to squid cartilage-derived CS-E polysaccharides, which are characterized by their predominant E units, suggesting potential roles of the fucose branch in neurite outgrowth. Indeed, the chemically synthesized FCS trisaccharide was as effective as CS-E tetrasaccharide in stimulating neurite elongation in vitro. In conclusion, FCS trisaccharide units with 2,4-O-disulfated fucose branches may provide new insights into understanding the structure-function relations of CS chains. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The First Global Geological Map of Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prockter, L. M.; Head, J. W., III; Byrne, P. K.; Denevi, B. W.; Kinczyk, M. J.; Fassett, C.; Whitten, J. L.; Thomas, R.; Ernst, C. M.

2015-12-01

Geological maps are tools with which to understand the distribution and age relationships of surface geological units and structural features on planetary surfaces. Regional and limited global mapping of Mercury has already yielded valuable science results, elucidating the history and distribution of several types of units and features, such as regional plains, tectonic structures, and pyroclastic deposits. To date, however, no global geological map of Mercury exists, and there is currently no commonly accepted set of standardized unit descriptions and nomenclature. With MESSENGER monochrome image data, we are undertaking the global geological mapping of Mercury at the 1:15M scale applying standard U.S. Geological Survey mapping guidelines. This map will enable the development of the first global stratigraphic column of Mercury, will facilitate comparisons among surface units distributed discontinuously across the planet, and will provide guidelines for mappers so that future mapping efforts will be consistent and broadly interpretable by the scientific community. To date we have incorporated three major datasets into the global geological map: smooth plains units, tectonic structures, and impact craters and basins >20 km in diameter. We have classified most of these craters by relative age on the basis of the state of preservation of morphological features and standard classification schemes first applied to Mercury by the Mariner 10 imaging team. Additional datasets to be incorporated include intercrater plains units and crater ejecta deposits. In some regions MESSENGER color data is used to supplement the monochrome data, to help elucidate different plains units. The final map will be published online, together with a peer-reviewed publication. Further, a digital version of the map, containing individual map layers, will be made publicly available for use within geographic information systems (GISs).

Molecular Modeling of Nucleic Acid Structure: Electrostatics and Solvation

PubMed Central

Bergonzo, Christina; Galindo-Murillo, Rodrigo; Cheatham, Thomas E.

2014-01-01

This unit presents an overview of computer simulation techniques as applied to nucleic acid systems, ranging from simple in vacuo molecular modeling techniques to more complete all-atom molecular dynamics treatments that include an explicit representation of the environment. The third in a series of four units, this unit focuses on critical issues in solvation and the treatment of electrostatics. UNITS 7.5 & 7.8 introduced the modeling of nucleic acid structure at the molecular level. This included a discussion of how to generate an initial model, how to evaluate the utility or reliability of a given model, and ultimately how to manipulate this model to better understand the structure, dynamics, and interactions. Subject to an appropriate representation of the energy, such as a specifically parameterized empirical force field, the techniques of minimization and Monte Carlo simulation, as well as molecular dynamics (MD) methods, were introduced as means to sample conformational space for a better understanding of the relevance of a given model. From this discussion, the major limitations with modeling, in general, were highlighted. These are the difficult issues in sampling conformational space effectively—the multiple minima or conformational sampling problems—and accurately representing the underlying energy of interaction. In order to provide a realistic model of the underlying energetics for nucleic acids in their native environments, it is crucial to include some representation of solvation (by water) and also to properly treat the electrostatic interactions. These are discussed in detail in this unit. PMID:18428877

Molecular modeling of nucleic Acid structure: electrostatics and solvation.

PubMed

Bergonzo, Christina; Galindo-Murillo, Rodrigo; Cheatham, Thomas E

2014-12-19

This unit presents an overview of computer simulation techniques as applied to nucleic acid systems, ranging from simple in vacuo molecular modeling techniques to more complete all-atom molecular dynamics treatments that include an explicit representation of the environment. The third in a series of four units, this unit focuses on critical issues in solvation and the treatment of electrostatics. UNITS 7.5 & 7.8 introduced the modeling of nucleic acid structure at the molecular level. This included a discussion of how to generate an initial model, how to evaluate the utility or reliability of a given model, and ultimately how to manipulate this model to better understand its structure, dynamics, and interactions. Subject to an appropriate representation of the energy, such as a specifically parameterized empirical force field, the techniques of minimization and Monte Carlo simulation, as well as molecular dynamics (MD) methods, were introduced as a way of sampling conformational space for a better understanding of the relevance of a given model. This discussion highlighted the major limitations with modeling in general. When sampling conformational space effectively, difficult issues are encountered, such as multiple minima or conformational sampling problems, and accurately representing the underlying energy of interaction. In order to provide a realistic model of the underlying energetics for nucleic acids in their native environments, it is crucial to include some representation of solvation (by water) and also to properly treat the electrostatic interactions. These subjects are discussed in detail in this unit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Structural mapping of Chikotra River basin in the Deccan Volcanic Province of Maharashtra, India from ground magnetic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand, S. P.; Erram, Vinit C.; Patil, J. D.; Pawar, N. J.; Gupta, Gautam; Suryavanshi, R. A.

2016-03-01

Ground magnetic data collected over Chikotra River in the peripheral region of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) of Maharashtra located in Kolhapur district was analysed to throw light on the structural pattern and distribution of magnetic sources within the basin. In order to isolate the magnetic anomalies showing varying trend and amplitude, several transformation operations including wavelength filtering, and upward continuation has been carried out on the reduced to pole anomaly map. Qualitative interpretation of these products help identify the distribution of magnetic sources, viz., the Deccan basalts, dolerite intrusives and older greenstone and schist belts in the subsurface. Present study suggests that the Chikotra basin is composed of three structural units; a NE-SW unit superposed on deeper NW-SE unit with randomly distributed trap flows on the surface. One of the major outcome of the present study is the delineation of almost 900-m thick Proterozoic Kaladgi sediments below the Deccan trap flows. The NE-SW magnetic sources may probably represent intrusives into the Kaladgi sediments, while the deeper NW-SE trends are interpreted as the northward extension of the Dharwars, underneath the Deccan lava flows, that forms the basement for the deposition of Kaladgi sediments.

Subjective control and health among Mexican-origin elders in Mexico and the United States: structural considerations in comparative research.

PubMed

Angel, Ronald J; Angel, Jacqueline L; Hill, Terrence D

2009-05-01

This study examines the joint impact of psychological and structural factors on Mexican and Mexican American elders' sense of personal control over important aspects of their lives and health in Mexico and the United States. We employ the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) and the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE) to explore patterns of association among structural factors, personal characteristics, indicators of material and physical vulnerability, and expressed locus of control. The results suggest that an older individual's sense of personal control over important aspects of his or her life, including health, reflects real material and social resources in addition to individual predispositions. In Mexico, only the most privileged segment of the population has health insurance, and coverage increases one's sense of personal control. In the United States, on the other hand, Medicare guarantees basic coverage to the vast majority of Mexican Americans over 65, reducing its impact on one's sense of control. Psychological characteristics affect older individuals' sense of personal control over aspects of their health, but the effects are mediated by the economic and health services context in which they are expressed.

Genetic Diversity and Geographical Distribution of Indigenous Soybean-Nodulating Bradyrhizobia in the United States

PubMed Central

Shiro, Sokichi; Matsuura, Syota; Saiki, Rina; Sigua, Gilbert C.; Yamamoto, Akihiro; Umehara, Yosuke; Hayashi, Masaki

2013-01-01

We investigated the relationship between the genetic diversity of indigenous soybean-nodulating bradyrhizobia and their geographical distribution in the United States using nine soil isolates from eight states. The bradyrhizobia were inoculated on three soybean Rj genotypes (non-Rj, Rj2Rj3, and Rj4). We analyzed their genetic diversity and community structure by means of restriction fragment length polymorphisms of PCR amplicons to target the 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer region, using 11 USDA Bradyrhizobium strains as reference strains. We also performed diversity analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis based on the Bray-Curtis index, and polar ordination analysis to describe the structure and geographical distribution of the soybean-nodulating bradyrhizobial community. The major clusters were Bradyrhizobium japonicum Bj123, in the northern United States, and Bradyrhizobium elkanii, in the middle to southern regions. Dominance of bradyrhizobia in a community was generally larger for the cluster belonging to B. elkanii than for the cluster belonging to B. japonicum. The indigenous American soybean-nodulating bradyrhizobial community structure was strongly correlated with latitude. Our results suggest that this community varies geographically. PMID:23563944

Geology and habitat of oil in Ras Budran field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

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

Chowdhary, L.R.; Taha, S.

1987-05-01

Deminex discovered the Ras Budran oil field in 1978. Discovery well EE 85-1 was drilled in about 140 ft of water, 4 km off the Sinai coast of the Gulf of Suez. Appraisal drilling (EE 85-2, 3, and 4 wells) confirmed the presence of a major field with an estimated 700 million bbl oil in place. The field, developed from three wellhead platforms, went on production in April 1983. To date, 20 development wells have been drilled. The Ras Budran structure at the deepest mappable seismic reflector, top Kareem (middle Miocene), is a broad northeast-southwest-trending anticlinal feature striking nearly atmore » right angles to the main Gulf of Suez trend. At pre-Miocene producing horizons, the structure is complex and consists of a northeast-dipping flank (14-15) broken into several blocks by faults and limited to the south and west by major bounding faults. Oil is produced from three units of Nubian sandstone at a depth of 11,000 to 12,000 ft. The lower unit of Paleozoic age averages 10% porosity and up to 200 md in -situ permeability. The wells completed in this unit produce up to 2000 BOPD. In contrast, the sands of the upper two units of Lower Cretaceous age have a 15-20% porosity and up to 700 md permeability. The wells completed in these units produce 6000-8000 BOPD. The Ras Budran structure was primarily formed during the intra-Rudeis tectonic phase (lower Miocene). Migration of oil for accumulation in Ras Budran started late in the upper Miocene or Pliocene when the Santonian Brown Limestone and the Eocene Thebes Formation, the main source beds in the Gulf, reached the threshold of oil generation at a burial depth of about 10,000 ft (3000 m). At these depths, the organic matter in the source beds have a transformation ratio (0.10 to 0.15), increased yields of C15 + soluble organic matter and C15 + saturated hydrocarbons, a vitrinite reflectance of 0.62%, and a TTI value of 15.« less

A personality theory of U.S. migration geography.

PubMed

Stetzer, F C

1985-01-01

"Neoclassical models of migration fail to account adequately for individual differences in propensity to migrate, rates of emigration from states and cities, and the generally high rates of population circulation common in the United States. This article proposes that migration propensity is related to an individual's personality. Using the facts that personality traits are generationally regenerative, both through inheritance and culture, and that the United States was settled in a series of migration waves from east to west, this theory predicts a spatial structuring of emigration rates which closely correspond to actual rates for states and major cities." excerpt

Maine: 2002 Economic Census. Educational Services, Geographic Area Series. EC02-61A-ME.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Commerce, 2005

2005-01-01

The economic census is the major source of facts about the structure and functioning of the nation's economy. It provides essential information for government, business, industry, and the general public. Title 13 of the United States Code (Sections 131, 191, and 224) directs the Census Bureau to take the economic census every 5 years, covering…

The Musculoskeletal System. Instructional Materials in Anatomy and Physiology for Pennsylvania Health Occupations Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Evaluation Systems, Inc., Amherst, MA.

This instructional modular unit with instructor's guide provides materials on aspects of one of the major systems of the human body--the musculoskeletal system. Its purpose is to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human musculoskeletal system--and the interrelationships of the two--and to familiarize the student with some…

Fine structure of selected mouthpart sensory organs of gypsy moth larvae

Treesearch

Vonnie D.C. Shields

2011-01-01

Gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar (L.), are major pest defoliators in most of the United States and destroy millions of acres of trees annually. They are highly polyphagous and display a wide host plant preference, feeding on the foliage of hundreds of plants, such as oak, maple, and sweet gum. Lepidopteran larvae, such as the gypsy moth, depend...

The Circulatory System. Instructional Materials in Anatomy and Physiology for Pennsylvania Health Occupations Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Evaluation Systems, Inc., Amherst, MA.

This instructional modular unit with instructor's guide provides materials on aspects of one of the major systems of the human body--the circulatory system. Its purpose is to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human circulatory system--and the interrelationships of the two--and to familiarize the student with some of the…

The Respiratory System. Instructional Materials in Anatomy and Physiology for Pennsylvania Health Occupations Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Evaluation Systems, Inc., Amherst, MA.

This instructional modular unit with instructor's guide provides materials on aspects of one of the major systems of the human body--the respiratory system. Its purpose is to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human respiratory system--and the interrelationships of the two--and to famlliarize the student with some of the…

Accountants with Attitude: A Career Survey of Women and Men in the Profession.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, C.; Hayday, S.

The career attitudes of professionally qualified accountants from the six major accountancy bodies in the United Kingdom and Ireland were examined through a survey of a sample structured so that a minium of 100 men and 100 women were chosen from the membership of each professional body. Of the 1,478 questionnaires mailed, 745 (50.4%) were included…

Impact of Protection Motivation Theory and General Deterrence Theory on the Behavioral Intention to Implement and Misuse Active Cyber Defense

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Jautau Kelton

2017-01-01

Current cybersecurity measures have become a major concern for commercial organizations in the United States. As the cyber-attack landscape expands and the skills and knowledge of the cyber-attacker become broader, the current measures that are taken and the laws structured around them are making it increasingly difficult for commercial…

Structural heterogeneity leads to functional homogeneity in A. marina phycocyanin.

PubMed

Bar-Zvi, Shira; Lahav, Avital; Harris, Dvir; Niedzwiedzki, Dariusz M; Blankenship, Robert E; Adir, Noam

2018-07-01

The major light harvesting antenna in all cyanobacterial species is the phycobilisome (PBS). The smallest PBS identified to date is that of Acaryochloris marina (A. marina), composed of a single four-hexamer rod. We have determined the crystal structure of phycocyanin (AmPC), the major component of the A. marina PBS (AmPBS) to 2.1 Å. The basic unit of the AmPC is a heterodimer of two related subunits (α and β), and we show that the asymmetric unit contains a superposition of two α and two β isoforms, the products of the simultaneous expression of different genes. This is the first time to our knowledge that isolated proteins crystallized with such identifiable heterogeneity. We believe that the presence of the different isoforms allows the AmPBS to have a significant bathochromic shift in its fluorescence emission spectrum, allowing, in the total absence of allophycocyanin, a better overlap with absorption of the chlorophyll d-containing reaction centers. We show that this bathochromic shift exists in intact AmPBS as well as in its disassembled components, thus suggesting that AmPC can efficiently serve as the AmPBS terminal emitter. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of groundwater chemistry along fault structures in sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dausse, A.; Guiheneuf, N.; Pierce, A. A.; Cherry, J. A.; Parker, B. L.

2016-12-01

Fluid-rock interaction across geological structures plays a major role on evolution of groundwater chemistry and physical properties of reservoirs. In particular, groundwater chemistry evolve on different facies according to residence times which can be linked to hydraulic properties of the geological unit. In this study, we analyze groundwater samples collected at an 11 km² site located in southern California (USA) to evaluate the evolution of groundwater chemistry according to different geological structures. Major and minor elements were sampled at the same period of time from 40 wells located along the main structures in the northeast of the site, where major NE-SW trending faults and other oriented ESE-WNW are present in sandstone Chatsworth formation. By analyzing the spatial distribution of ions concentration at the site scale, several hydrochemical compartments (main- and sub-compartments) can be distinguished and are in agreement with structural and hydrological information. In particular, as previously observed from piezometric informations, the shear zone fault serves as a barrier for groundwater flow and separates the site on two mains compartments. In addition, the analysis along major faults oriented orthogonal to this shear zone (ESE-WNW) in the eastern part of the site, shows an increase in mineralization following the hydraulic gradient. This salinization has been confirmed by ionic ratio and Gibbs plots and is attributed to fluid-rock interaction processes. In particular, groundwater chemistry seems to evolve from bicarbonate to sodium facies. Moreover, the gradient of concentrations vary depending on fault locations and can be related to their hydraulic properties and hence to different characteristic times from point to point. To conclude, major faults across the site display different degrees of groundwater chemistry evolution, linked to their physical properties, which may in turn have a large impact on contaminant transport and attenuation.

Genome-Scale Multilocus Microsatellite Typing of Trypanosoma cruzi Discrete Typing Unit I Reveals Phylogeographic Structure and Specific Genotypes Linked to Human Infection

PubMed Central

Llewellyn, Martin S.; Miles, Michael A.; Carrasco, Hernan J.; Lewis, Michael D.; Yeo, Matthew; Vargas, Jorge; Torrico, Faustino; Diosque, Patricio; Valente, Vera; Valente, Sebastiao A.; Gaunt, Michael W.

2009-01-01

Trypanosoma cruzi is the most important parasitic infection in Latin America and is also genetically highly diverse, with at least six discrete typing units (DTUs) reported: Tc I, IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, and IIe. However, the current six-genotype classification is likely to be a poor reflection of the total genetic diversity present in this undeniably ancient parasite. To determine whether epidemiologically important information is “hidden” at the sub-DTU level, we developed a 48-marker panel of polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate population structure among 135 samples from across the geographic distribution of TcI. This DTU is the major cause of resurgent human disease in northern South America but also occurs in silvatic triatomine vectors and mammalian reservoir hosts throughout the continent. Based on a total dataset of 12,329 alleles, we demonstrate that silvatic TcI populations are extraordinarily genetically diverse, show spatial structuring on a continental scale, and have undergone recent biogeographic expansion into the southern United States of America. Conversely, the majority of human strains sampled are restricted to two distinct groups characterised by a considerable reduction in genetic diversity with respect to isolates from silvatic sources. In Venezuela, most human isolates showed little identity with known local silvatic strains, despite frequent invasion of the domestic setting by infected adult vectors. Multilocus linkage indices indicate predominantly clonal parasite propagation among all populations. However, excess homozygosity among silvatic strains and raised heterozygosity among domestic populations suggest that some level of genetic recombination cannot be ruled out. The epidemiological significance of these findings is discussed. PMID:19412340

Petroleum exploration contribution to the structural history of Golfe du Lin

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

Curnelle, R.

1988-08-01

Petroleum exploration has strongly contributed to the knowledge of the post-Hercynian structural history of the Golfe du Lion. It shows three stages: (1) Pyrenean orogenesis which started in the Late Cretaceous and culminated during the Eocene (40-75 Ma), (2) Oligocene rifting associated with the oceanic accretion of the Provencal basin, and (3) post-Messinian deformations due to salt tectonics. Pyrenean deformation of the area seems to have been controlled by its Hercynian inheritance: the major transcurrent faults of the Cevenole belt, Nimes, and the Durance. They favored displacement of the deformation in a northeasterly direction along the fault corridors, inside whichmore » the overthrust units were put into place. These east-west-oriented structures show northward vergence. The Pyrenean axial zone in this downthrown part of the belt consist of progressively more northerly units offset by transverse faults. The Oligocene rifting is represented by a series of horsts and deeply subsiding grabens linked to preexisting major faults. The horst are deeply eroded and the Mesozoic carbonates are karstified. The extension of the Messinian evaporitic deposits known throughout the Mediterranean basin is located north of the shallower deep-water well. The gravitational deformation of the salt is expressed by a large number of listric faults which originate in the salt bodies. The sedimentary sequence ends with a thick discordant, erosional, undeformed Pliocene-Quaternary series.« less

3D geometry and kinematic evolution of the Wadi Mayh sheath fold, Oman, using detailed mapping from high-resolution photography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornish, Sam; Searle, Mike

2017-08-01

The Wadi Mayh sheath fold in north-eastern Oman is one of the largest and best-exposed sheath folds known, and presents a unique opportunity to better understand this somewhat enigmatic style of deformation. We undertook high-resolution photographic surveying along Wadi Mayh to document the sheath fold in 61 georeferenced panoramic photomerges. Here we present ten such images that provide a structural interpretation of the sheath fold and surrounding structure. We resolve this structure in a simplified three-dimensional model and in two orthogonal cross sections, and propose a kinematic evolution to explain the geometry. The Wadi Mayh sheath fold is the most prominent example within what we suggest is a composite sequence of sheath folds, which is itself enclosed within a SSW-closing recumbent syncline at the base of the major Saih Hatat nappe. Sheath folding is accommodated within Permian Saiq Formation limestones showing carpholite assemblages (6-8 kbar; 275-375 °C). A major discontinuity separates this sequence from enveloping older rock units. The sequence formed during progressive top-to-north, ductile shearing as the overlying nappe migrated northwards with respect to the underthrusting Hulw unit. This process occurred during SSW-directed exhumation of partially subducted continental crust in NE Oman, approximately 15 Ma after obduction of the Oman ophiolite initiated.

Survey of staff attitudes to the smoking ban in a medium secure unit.

PubMed

Garg, Shruti; Shenoy, Suraj; Badee, May; Varghese, Joe; Quinn, Patrick; Kent, John

2009-10-01

The aim of this survey was to explore staff attitudes to the indoor smoking ban in a medium secure unit and to ascertain if they had experienced any difficulties in imposing the ban in the four months after its introduction. All staff members available on duty who agreed to participate in the survey were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The response rate was 65%. Sixty-four percent of the staff supported the smoking ban. Forty-three percent reported experiencing patient management problems with the majority complaining of increased patient aggression, increased use of staff time in supervising patients smoking. Additionally, supervising staff were still being exposed to passive smoking. Sixty-five percent reported positive effects due to the ban with the majority reporting that patients were sleeping at night due to the smoking area being closed at night. A significant proportion of the staff is still opposed to the smoking ban. Changing staff attitudes through educational programmes will be important in ensuring success of a possible future total ban in psychiatric units. 2009 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine.

The Evolving Market Structure of the U.S. Residential Solar PV Installation Industry, 2000-2016

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

OShaughnessy, Eric J.

This study uses data on over 900,000 solar PV installations to summarize the evolving market structure of the U.S. residential solar PV installation industry. Over 8,000 companies have installed residential PV systems in the United States. The vast majority of these installers are small local companies. At the same time, a subset of national-scale high-volume PV installation companies hold high market shares. This study examines the factors behind these trends in market concentration, including the role of customer financing options.

Receiver subsystem analysis report (RADL Item 4-1). The 10-MWe solar thermal central-receiver pilot plant: Solar-facilities design integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-04-01

The results of thermal hydraulic, design for the stress analyses which are required to demonstrate that the receiver design for the Barstow Solar Pilot Plant satisfies the general design and performance requirements during the plant's design life are presented. Recommendations are made for receiver operation. The analyses are limited to receiver subsystem major structural parts (primary tower, receiver unit core support structure), pressure parts (absorber panels, feedwater, condensate and steam piping/components, flash tank, and steam mainfold) and shielding.

In Vivo Imaging of Human Sarcomere Twitch Dynamics in Individual Motor Units.

PubMed

Sanchez, Gabriel N; Sinha, Supriyo; Liske, Holly; Chen, Xuefeng; Nguyen, Viet; Delp, Scott L; Schnitzer, Mark J

2015-12-16

Motor units comprise a pre-synaptic motor neuron and multiple post-synaptic muscle fibers. Many movement disorders disrupt motor unit contractile dynamics and the structure of sarcomeres, skeletal muscle's contractile units. Despite the motor unit's centrality to neuromuscular physiology, no extant technology can image sarcomere twitch dynamics in live humans. We created a wearable microscope equipped with a microendoscope for minimally invasive observation of sarcomere lengths and contractile dynamics in any major skeletal muscle. By electrically stimulating twitches via the microendoscope and visualizing the sarcomere displacements, we monitored single motor unit contractions in soleus and vastus lateralis muscles of healthy individuals. Control experiments verified that these evoked twitches involved neuromuscular transmission and faithfully reported muscle force generation. In post-stroke patients with spasticity of the biceps brachii, we found involuntary microscopic contractions and sarcomere length abnormalities. The wearable microscope facilitates exploration of many basic and disease-related neuromuscular phenomena never visualized before in live humans. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural analysis of Herbaspirillum seropedicae lipid-A and of two mutants defective to colonize maize roots.

PubMed

Serrato, Rodrigo V; Balsanelli, Eduardo; Sassaki, Guilherme L; Carlson, Russell W; Muszynski, Artur; Monteiro, Rose A; Pedrosa, Fábio O; Souza, Emanuel M; Iacomini, Marcello

2012-11-01

Lipid-A was isolated by mild acid hydrolysis from lipopolysaccharides extracted from cells of Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strain SMR1, and from two mutants deficient in the biosynthesis of rhamnose (rmlB⁻ and rmlC⁻). Structural analyzes were carried out using MALDI-TOF and derivatization by per-O-trimethylsilylation followed by GC-MS in order to determine monosaccharide and fatty acid composition. De-O-acylation was also performed to determine the presence of N-linked fatty acids. Lipid-A from H. seropedicae SMR1 showed a major structure comprising 2-amino-2-deoxy-glucopyranose-(1→6)-2-amino-2-deoxy-glucopyranose phosphorylated at C4' and C1 positions, each carrying a unit of 4-amino-4-deoxy-arabinose. C2 and C2' positions were substituted by amide-linked 3-hydroxy-dodecanoic acids. Both rhamnose-defective mutants showed similar structure for their lipid-A moieties, except for the lack of 4-amino-4-deoxy-arabinose units attached to phosphoryl groups. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antifreeze (glyco)protein mimetic behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol): detailed structure ice recrystallization inhibition activity study.

PubMed

Congdon, Thomas; Notman, Rebecca; Gibson, Matthew I

2013-05-13

This manuscript reports a detailed study on the ability of poly(vinyl alcohol) to act as a biomimetic surrogate for antifreeze(glyco)proteins, with a focus on the specific property of ice-recrystallization inhibition (IRI). Despite over 40 years of study, the underlying mechanisms that govern the action of biological antifreezes are still poorly understood, which is in part due to their limited availability and challenging synthesis. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has been shown to display remarkable ice recrystallization inhibition activity despite its major structural differences to native antifreeze proteins. Here, controlled radical polymerization is used to synthesize well-defined PVA, which has enabled us to obtain the first quantitative structure-activity relationships, to probe the role of molecular weight and comonomers on IRI activity. Crucially, it was found that IRI activity is "switched on" when the polymer chain length increases from 10 and 20 repeat units. Substitution of the polymer side chains with hydrophilic or hydrophobic units was found to diminish activity. Hydrophobic modifications to the backbone were slightly more tolerated than side chain modifications, which implies an unbroken sequence of hydroxyl units is necessary for activity. These results highlight that, although hydrophobic domains are key components of IRI activity, the random inclusion of addition hydrophobic units does not guarantee an increase in activity and that the actual polymer conformation is important.

An investigation on wireless sensors for asset management and health monitoring of civil structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furkan, Mustafa; Mao, Qiang; Mazzotti, Matteo; DeVitis, John; Sumitro, S. Paul; Faridazar, Fred; Aktan, A. Emin; Moon, Franklin; Bartoli, Ivan

2016-04-01

Application of wireless sensors and sensor networks for Structural Health Monitoring has been investigated for a long time. Key limitations for practical use are energy requirements, connectivity, and integration with existing systems. Current sensors and sensor networks mainly rely on wired connectivity for communication and external power source for energy. This paper presents a suite of wireless sensors that are low-cost, maintenance free, rugged, and have long service life. The majority of the sensors considered were designed by transforming existing, proven, and robust wired sensors into wireless units. In this study, the wireless sensors were tested in laboratory conditions for calibration and evaluation along with wired sensors. The experimental results were also compared to theoretical results. The tests mostly show satisfactory performance of the wireless units. This work is part of a broader Federal Highway Administration sponsored project intended to ultimately validate a wireless sensing system on a real, operating structure to account for all the uncertainties, environmental conditions and operational variability that are encountered in the field.

An analysis of the stressors and coping strategies of Chinese adults with a partner admitted to an intensive care unit in Hong Kong: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Chan, Keung-Sum; Twinn, Sheila

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify the major stressors affecting Chinese adults whose partner had been admitted to an intensive care unit and to understand the major coping strategies employed to manage such stressors. Recently a greater number of patients of higher acuity have been admitted to intensive care units and survive lengthy illnesses of an unpredictable course. Such critical illnesses have been identified as a major life event to family members of these patients. Little is known, however, about the stressors and coping mechanisms of Chinese adults whose critically ill partner is admitted to an intensive care unit. An exploratory qualitative design was selected to achieve the aims of the study. A purposive sample of 10 Chinese adults with a partner in an intensive care unit of a regional general hospital in Hong Kong participated in tape-recorded semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was employed to analyse the translated interviews. Categories of stressors included uncertainty, difficulties in communication, changes in roles and responsibilities, difficulties in decision making, financial strain as well as changes in relationships. Analysis identified a range of coping strategies which included seeking information, seeking support, reliance on cultural beliefs and practices, turning to religious beliefs, maintaining hope and acceptance of illness. The findings demonstrate the importance of cultural beliefs and practices in determining the coping mechanisms employed to manage the stressors identified by this sample of Chinese adults. Such findings indicate the use of both internal and external coping strategies in order to maintain equilibrium in the family. Implications for nursing practice highlight the significance of seeking information throughout the critical period and also culturally appropriate support from healthcare professionals.

Automated MAD and MIR structure solution

PubMed Central

Terwilliger, Thomas C.; Berendzen, Joel

1999-01-01

Obtaining an electron-density map from X-ray diffraction data can be difficult and time-consuming even after the data have been collected, largely because MIR and MAD structure determinations currently require many subjective evaluations of the qualities of trial heavy-atom partial structures before a correct heavy-atom solution is obtained. A set of criteria for evaluating the quality of heavy-atom partial solutions in macromolecular crystallography have been developed. These have allowed the conversion of the crystal structure-solution process into an optimization problem and have allowed its automation. The SOLVE software has been used to solve MAD data sets with as many as 52 selenium sites in the asymmetric unit. The automated structure-solution process developed is a major step towards the fully automated structure-determination, model-building and refinement procedure which is needed for genomic scale structure determinations. PMID:10089316

Effects of seawater acidification on a coral reef meiofauna community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarmento, V. C.; Souza, T. P.; Esteves, A. M.; Santos, P. J. P.

2015-09-01

Despite the increasing risk that ocean acidification will modify benthic communities, great uncertainty remains about how this impact will affect the lower trophic levels, such as members of the meiofauna. A mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of water acidification on a phytal meiofauna community from a coral reef. Community samples collected from the coral reef subtidal zone (Recife de Fora Municipal Marine Park, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil), using artificial substrate units, were exposed to a control pH (ambient seawater) and to three levels of seawater acidification (pH reductions of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 units below ambient) and collected after 15 and 30 d. After 30 d of exposure, major changes in the structure of the meiofauna community were observed in response to reduced pH. The major meiofauna groups showed divergent responses to acidification. Harpacticoida and Polychaeta densities did not show significant differences due to pH. Nematoda, Ostracoda, Turbellaria, and Tardigrada exhibited their highest densities in low-pH treatments (especially at the pH reduction of 0.6 units, pH 7.5), while harpacticoid nauplii were strongly negatively affected by low pH. This community-based mesocosm study supports previous suggestions that ocean acidification induces important changes in the structure of marine benthic communities. Considering the importance of meiofauna in the food web of coral reef ecosystems, the results presented here demonstrate that the trophic functioning of coral reefs is seriously threatened by ocean acidification.

Structural styles and zircon ages of the South Tianshan accretionary complex, Atbashi Ridge, Kyrgyzstan: Insights for the anatomy of ocean plate stratigraphy and accretionary processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Miao; Xiao, Wenjiao; Orozbaev, Rustam; Bakirov, Apas; Sakiev, Kadyrbek; Pak, Nikolay; Ivleva, Elena; Zhou, Kefa; Ao, Songjian; Qiao, Qingqing; Zhang, Zhixin

2018-03-01

The anatomy of an ancient accretionary complex has a significance for a better understanding of the tectonic processes of accretionary orogens and complex because of its complicated compositions and strong deformation. With a thorough structural and geochronological study of a fossil accretionary complex in the Atbashi Ridge, South Tianshan (Kyrgyzstan), we analyze the structure and architecture of ocean plate stratigraphy in the western Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The architecture of the Atbashi accretionary complex is subdivisible into four lithotectonic assemblages, some of which are mélanges with "block-in-matrix" structure: (1) North Ophiolitic Mélange; (2) High-pressure (HP)/Ultra-high-pressure (UHP) Metamorphic Assemblage; (3) Coherent & Mélange Assemblage; and (4) South Ophiolitic Mélange. Relationships between main units are tectonic contacts presented by faults. The major structures and lithostratigraphy of these units are thrust-fold nappes, thrusted duplexes, and imbricated ocean plate stratigraphy. All these rock units are complicatedly stacked in 3-D with the HP/UHP rocks being obliquely southwestward extruded. Detrital zircon ages of meta-sediments provide robust constraints on their provenance from the Ili-Central Tianshan Arc. The isotopic ages of the youngest components of the four units are Late Permian, Early-Middle Triassic, Early Carboniferous, and Early Triassic, respectively. We present a new tectonic model of the South Tianshan; a general northward subduction polarity led to final closure of the South Tianshan Ocean in the End-Permian to Late Triassic. These results help to resolve the long-standing controversy regarding the subduction polarity and the timing of the final closure of the South Tianshan Ocean. Finally, our work sheds lights on the use of ocean plate stratigraphy in the analysis of the tectonic evolution of accretionary orogens.

Non-basin Mare Provinces on the Moon: The Roles of Primordial Rifting and Adjacent Basin Loading at Mare Frigoris and Mare Tranquillitatis.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGovern, P. J., Jr.; Kramer, G. Y.; Neumann, G. A.

2017-12-01

In the last decade, new missions to the Moon have returned a flood of new high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, topography, and gravity data that have triggered major advances in our knowledge of that body's origin, structure, and evolution. One major development is the identification of several large mare provinces (basalt-covered plains) that lack a clear association with the interiors of large impact basins. These include the broad but narrow Mare Frigoris (MF) north of the Imbrium and Serentiatis basins, and Mare Tranquillitatis (MT), which occupies the center of a triangular region delineated by the Crisium, Serenitatis, and Nectaris basins ("CSN Triangle"). MF and the western margin of MT coincide with the proposed volcano-tectonic (rift) boundary structures of the Procellarum region detected in the GRAIL gravity data, but a search for gravitational signals of basins revealed evidence for only one small basin in western MT and none in the remainder of MT or MF. These observations clearly show that the standard paradigm for creating maria, with basaltic melt ascending from an anomalously warm (and presumably impact-heated) mantle region beneath an impact basin to fill the basin, is insufficient to explain the Frigoris and Tranquillitatis mare units (and corresponding intrusives below). Alternative scenarios for mare unit emplacement include 1) volcanism generated from ancient Procellarum-bounding rift (PBR) structures, and 2) stress-enhanced magma ascent potential from central mare unit lithospheric loading in adjacent basins. The PBR scenario can in principle explain the emplacement of MF, but the concentric nature of the geometry of western and central MF with respect to Imbrium and eastern MF with respect to Serenitatis is then rendered coincidental. Some element of outer ring structure inheritance from these basins is suggested by the geometric relationships. The PBR scenario is also relevant to the western margin of Mare Tranquillitatis, where a strong linear gravity anomaly and low elevation point to the role of rifting there, but the majority of MT is at higher elevation, including the broad Cauchy volcanic edifice (a proposed shield volcano) and volcanic centers and plains in northern MT, where high density high-Ti basalts suggest a role for the magma ascent-enhancing stress scenario.

Biomedical and environmental sciences programs at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Richmond, C.R.; Johnson, C.A.

1988-02-01

This progress report summarizes the research and development activities conducted in the Biomedical and Environmental Sciences Programs of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The report is structured to provide descriptions of current activities and accomplishments in each of the major organizational units. Following the accounts of research programs, is a list of publications and awards to its members. 6 figs., 14 tabs.

Tectonic and neotectonic framework of the Yucca Mountain Region

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

Schweickert, R.A.

1992-09-30

Highlights of major research accomplishments concerned with the tectonics and neotectonics of the Yucca Mountain Region include: structural studies in Grapevine Mountains, Bullfrog Hills, and Bare Mountain; recognition of significance of pre-Middle Miocene normal and strike-slip faulting at Bare Mountain; compilation of map of quaternary faulting in Southern Amargosa Valley; and preliminary paleomagnetic analysis of Paleozoic and Cenozoic units at Bare Mountain.

The Digestive System [and] Instructor's Guide. Instructional Materials in Anatomy and Physiology for Pennsylvania Health Occupations Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Evaluation Systems, Inc., Amherst, MA.

This instructional modular unit wlth instructor's guide provides materials on important aspects of one of the major systems of the human body--the digestive system. Its purpose is to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human digestive system--and the interrelationships of the two--and to familiarize the student with some…

The Generic Structure Potential of Science Nonfiction Selections in Four Basal Reading Series, Grades One and Two

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anthony, Angela Beckman

2009-01-01

Basal reading series are used in a majority of classrooms in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of fiction and nonfiction genres included in four recently published first and second grade basal reading series and to compare the frequencies to studies of older basal reading series. Based on the work of…

Joint Services Electronics Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-30

the specific objectives and progress in each work unit are reported. The focus of the JSEP project on transport properties of 1- dimensional...path. The properties of carrier transport and storage in various regions of these ultra-small, 3- dimensionally confined structures are not well...capabilities of MBE to grow and investigate the transport in these materials. SUMMARY OF RESEARCH: 1. One Dimensional Electron Transport One of the major goals

ASC Distribution Management Center (DMC) Provides Materiel Management Capability

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

Distribution Management Center (DMC) is the single interface for the synchronization and integration of logistical functions among active Army units in CONUS...with an integrated team of Soldiers, government service employees, and contractors assigned to Rock Island, as well as forward-positioned Distribution ... Management Teams (DMTs) at 15 major Army installations throughout CONUS, Alaska, and Hawaii. The current DMC structure provides the benefit of

Employer-Sponsored Recurrent Education in the United States: A Report on Recent Inquiries into Its Structure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, G. B.

Employer-sponsored recurrent (or lifelong) learning has grown from its World War II beginnings to become a large, important, but little-studied aspect of American education, one with major implications for the U.S. economy and society. U.S. employers spend from 20 to 100 billion dollars on educational programs for anywhere from 37 to 73 million…

The Emperor’s New Clothes -- SF Force Structure and EAF Force Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-07-01

Competencies.129 USAF Major Commands and Wings should develop supporting Mission Essential Task Lists tailored to their specific situation. Outsourcing ...United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College Marine Corps University 2076 South Street Marine Corps Combat Development Command Quantico...Within current resource constraints, some present SF functions must be outsourced or reassigned, other present functions must be expanded, and some

The effectiveness of vegetation management practices for prevention and control of bark beetle infestations in coniferous forests of the western and southern United States

Treesearch

Christopher J. Fettig; Kier D. Klepzig; Ronald f. Billings; A. Steven Munson; T. Evan Nebeker; Jose F. Negron; John T. Nowak

2007-01-01

Insects are major components of forest ecosystems, representing most of the biological diversity and affecting virtually all processes and uses. In the USA, bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) heavily influence the structure and function of these ecosystems by regulating certain aspects of primary production, nutrient cycling, ecological succession and...

The Children of Immigrants and Host-Society Educational Systems: Mexicans in the United States and North Africans in France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alba, Richard; Silberman, Roxane

2009-01-01

Background/Context: The educational fate of the children of low-wage immigrants is a salient issue in all the economically developed societies that have received major immigration flows since the 1950s. The article considers the way in which educational systems in the two countries structure the educational experiences and shape the opportunities…

Taxonomic profiling of bacterial community structure from coastal sediment of Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yard near Bhavnagar, India.

PubMed

Patel, Vilas; Munot, Hitendra; Shah, Varun; Shouche, Yogesh S; Madamwar, Datta

2015-12-30

The Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yard (ASSBY) is considered the largest of its kind in the world, and a major source of anthropogenic pollutants. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of shipbreaking activities on the bacterial community structure with a combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. In the culture-dependent approach, 200 bacterial cultures were isolated and analyzed by molecular fingerprinting and 16S ribosomal RNA (r-RNA) gene sequencing, as well as being studied for degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In the culture-independent approach, operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were related to eight major phyla, of which Betaproteobacteria (especially Acidovorax) was predominantly found in the polluted sediments of ASSBY and Gammaproteobacteria in the pristine sediment sample. The statistical approaches showed a significant difference in the bacterial community structure between the pristine and polluted sediments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effect of shipbreaking activity on the bacterial community structure of the coastal sediment at ASSBY. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Global stratigraphy. [of planet Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanaka, Kenneth L.; Scott, David H.; Greeley, Ronald

1992-01-01

Attention is given to recent major advances in the definition and documentation of Martian stratigraphy and geology. Mariner 9 provided the images for the first global geologic mapping program, resulting in the recognition of the major geologic processes that have operated on the planet, and in the definition of the three major chronostratigraphic divisions: the Noachian, Hesperian, and Amazonian Systems. Viking Orbiter images permitted the recognition of additional geologic units and the formal naming of many formations. Epochs are assigned absolute ages based on the densities of superposed craters and crater-flux models. Recommendations are made with regard to future areas of study, namely, crustal stratigraphy and structure, the highland-lowland boundary, the Tharsis Rise, Valles Marineris, channels and valley networks, and possible Martian oceans, lakes, and ponds.

Improved reservoir characterisation using fuzzy logic platform: an integrated petrophysical, seismic structural and poststack inversion study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafri, Muhammad Kamran; Lashin, Aref; Ibrahim, El-Khedr Hassan; Hassanein, Kamal A.; Al Arifi, Nassir; Naeem, Muhammad

2017-06-01

There is a tendency for applying different integrated geophysical approaches for better hydrocarbon reservoir characterisation and interpretation. In this study, petrophysical properties, seismic structural and poststack seismic inversion results are integrated using the fuzzy logic AND operator to characterise the Tensleep Sandstone Formation (TSF) at Powder River Basin (PRB), Wyoming, USA. TSF is deposited in a coastal plain setting during the Pennsylvanian era, and contains cross-bedded sandstone of Aeolian origin as a major lithology with alternative sabkha dolomite/carbonates. Wireline logging datasets from 17 wells are used for the detailed petrophysical evaluation. Three units of the TSF (A-sandstone, B-dolomite and B-sandstone) are targeted and their major rock properties estimated (i.e. shale/clay volume, Vsh; porosity, φEff permeability, K; fluid saturations, Sw and SH; and bulk volume water, BVW). The B-sandstone zone, with its petrophysical properties of 5-20% effective porosity, 0.10-250 mD permeability and hydrocarbon potential up to 72%, is considered the best reservoir zone among the three studied units. Distributions of the most important petrophysical parameters of the B-sandstone reservoir (Vsh, φEff, K, Sw) are generated as GIS thematic layers. The two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic structural interpretations revealed that the hydrocarbons are entrapped in an anticlinal structure bounded with fault closures at the west of the study area. Poststack acoustic impedance (PSAI) inversion is performed on 3D seismic data to extract the inverted acoustic impedance (AI) cube. Two attribute slices (inverted AI and seismic amplitude) were extracted at the top of the B-sandstone unit as GIS thematic layers. The reservoir properties and inverted seismic attributes were then integrated using fuzzy AND operator. Finally, a fuzzy reservoir quality map was produced, and a prospective reservoir area with best reservoir characteristics is proposed for future exploration. The current study showed that integration of petrophysical, seismic structural and poststack inversion under a fuzzy logic platform can be used as an effective tool for interpreting multiple reservoir zones.

Nanoarchitectonics from Molecular Units to Living-Creature-Like Motifs.

PubMed

Ariga, Katsuhiko; Mori, Taizo; Shrestha, Lok Kumar

2017-12-04

Important points for the fabrication of functional materials are the creation of nanoscale/molecular-scale units and architecting them into functional materials and systems. Recently, a new conceptual paradigm, nanoarchitectonics, has been proposed to combine nanotechnology and other methodologies including supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly and self-organization to satisfy major features of nanoscience and promote the creation of functional materials and systems. In this account article, our recent research results in materials development based on the nanoarchitectonics concept are summarized in two stories, (i) nanoarchitectonics from fullerenes as the simplest nano-units and (ii) dimension-dependent nanoarchitectonics from various structural units. The former demonstrates creativity of the nanoarchitectonics concept only with simple construction stuffs on materials fabrications, and a wide range of material applicability for the nanoarchitectonics strategy is realized in the latter ones. © 2017 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The air transportation industry birthplace of reliability-centered maintenance

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

Matteson, T.D.

1996-08-01

The 1980s and 1970s provided a timely opportunity for examining and radically changing the process called {open_quotes}preventive maintenance{close_quotes} as it is applied to the aircraft used for scheduled air transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration and four major airlines, United, American, Pan American and Trans World, were the {open_quotes}principals{close_quotes} in that process. While United`s work with the FAA on the Boeing 737 had opened the door a crack, the Boeing 747 presented a major opportunity to radically improve the process for maintenance program design. That program was guided by the results of United`s analyses of failure data from operations of severalmore » fleets, each larger than 100 aircraft, and the concurrent experience of American, Pan American and Trans World. That knowledge provided the insights necessary to support an entirely different approach to maintenance program design. As a result, while United`s existing maintenance program required scheduled overhaul of 339 items on each DC-8, it required overhaul of only 8 items on the B-7471 Although the initial thrust of that work focused on components of active systems, there was concurrent work focused on items whose principal function was to carry the loads associated with operations. That program focused on the classification of structurally-significant items and their classification as {open_quotes}safe life{close_quotes} or {open_quotes}damage tolerant{close_quote} to determine what periodic replacements or repeated inspections were required. That work came to the attention of the Department of Defense which supported preparation of the book-length report by F. Stanley Nowlan and Howard F. Heap at United Airlines entitled {open_quote}Reliability-Centered maintenance{close_quotes}.« less

Nurse-physician leadership: insights into interprofessional collaboration.

PubMed

Clark, Rebecca Culver; Greenawald, Mark

2013-12-01

The objective of this qualitative research study was to identify themes characterizing collaboration from the perspectives of nurses and physicians serving in complementary leadership roles in intensive and progressive care hospital units. Failures of communication are reported as a major cause of sentinel events. Most frequently, communication breakdown occurs between physicians and nurses. In this qualitative research study, taped interviews with nursing and medical unit directors (physicians) were analyzed for themes regarding factors influencing collaboration. Themes identified included the impact of organizational support, shared expectations, relationships, and communication. Findings of this study support the need for organizations and professionals to facilitate deliberate, structured interprofessional communication to advance collaboration between nurses and physicians.

A new look at Togo through the eyes of a SLAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dellwig, L. F.

1980-01-01

Imaging of Togo in 1977 with SLAR provided the data required for the production of map controlled radar mosaics at a scale of 1:200,000 with 95 percent of all control points at that scale within + or - 4.0 millimeters of true positions. The moasics served as the base for the generation of a revised geologic map of Togo. Aided by two looks, numerous revisions resulted, not only with the addition of previously unknown structural features, a revision of age relationships, and the refinement of unit boundaries, but also with the repositioning of rock units and the reorientation of major faults.

Identification of a highly sulfated fucoidan from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei with well-repeated tetrasaccharides units.

PubMed

Hu, Yaqin; Li, Shan; Li, Junhui; Ye, Xingqian; Ding, Tian; Liu, Donghong; Chen, Jianchu; Ge, Zhiwei; Chen, Shiguo

2015-12-10

Sea cucumber fucoidan is a major bioactive component of sea cucumber. The structures of fucoidans have significant influences on their biological activities. The present study clarified the delicate structure of a fucoidan from Pearsonothuria graeffei. Fucoidan was obtained after papain digestion and purified by ion chromatography. The carbohydrate sequence of fucoidan was firstly determined by negative-ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS) with collision-induced dissociation of the oligosaccharide fragments, which were obtained by mild acid hydrolysis, and completed by NMR for assignment of the anomeric conformation. It was unambiguously identified as a tetrasaccharide repeating unit with a backbone of [ → 3Fuc (2S, 4S) α1 → 3Fucα1→ 3Fuc (4S) α1 → 3Fuc#7 × 10#]n. The glycosidic bonds between the non-sulfated and 2,4-O-disulfated fucose residues were selectively cleaved, and highly ordered oligosaccharide fragments with a tetrasaccharide repeating unit were obtained. The highly 4-O- and 2, 4-di-O-sulfated polysaccharide deserves further developments for Pharmacia use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fate of Carbohydrates and Lignin during Composting and Mycelium Growth of Agaricus bisporus on Wheat Straw Based Compost

PubMed Central

Jurak, Edita; Punt, Arjen M.; Arts, Wim; Kabel, Mirjam A.; Gruppen, Harry

2015-01-01

In wheat straw based composting, enabling growth of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, it is unknown to which extent the carbohydrate-lignin matrix changes and how much is metabolized. In this paper we report yields and remaining structures of the major components. During the Phase II of composting 50% of both xylan and cellulose were metabolized by microbial activity, while lignin structures were unaltered. During A. bisporus’ mycelium growth (Phase III) carbohydrates were only slightly consumed and xylan was found to be partially degraded. At the same time, lignin was metabolized for 45% based on pyrolysis GC/MS. Remaining lignin was found to be modified by an increase in the ratio of syringyl (S) to guaiacyl (G) units from 0.5 to 0.7 during mycelium growth, while fewer decorations on the phenolic skeleton of both S and G units remained. PMID:26436656

In Vivo Imaging of Human Sarcomere Twitch Dynamics in Individual Motor Units

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Gabriel N.; Sinha, Supriyo; Liske, Holly; Chen, Xuefeng; Nguyen, Viet; Delp, Scott L.; Schnitzer, Mark J.

2017-01-01

SUMMARY Motor units comprise a pre-synaptic motor neuron and multiple post-synaptic muscle fibers. Many movement disorders disrupt motor unit contractile dynamics and the structure of sarcomeres, skeletal muscle’s contractile units. Despite the motor unit’s centrality to neuromuscular physiology, no extant technology can image sarcomere twitch dynamics in live humans. We created a wearable microscope equipped with a microendoscope for minimally invasive observation of sarcomere lengths and contractile dynamics in any major skeletal muscle. By electrically stimulating twitches via the microendoscope and visualizing the sarcomere displacements, we monitored single motor unit contractions in soleus and vastus lateralis muscles of healthy individuals. Control experiments verified that these evoked twitches involved neuromuscular transmission and faithfully reported muscle force generation. In post-stroke patients with spasticity of the biceps brachii, we found involuntary microscopic contractions and sarcomere length abnormalities. The wearable microscope facilitates exploration of many basic and disease-related neuromuscular phenomena never visualized before in live humans. PMID:26687220

Subjective Control and Health Among Mexican-Origin Elders in Mexico and the United States: Structural Considerations in Comparative Research

PubMed Central

Hill, Terrence D.

2009-01-01

Objectives This study examines the joint impact of psychological and structural factors on Mexican and Mexican American elders' sense of personal control over important aspects of their lives and health in Mexico and the United States. Methods We employ the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) and the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE) to explore patterns of association among structural factors, personal characteristics, indicators of material and physical vulnerability, and expressed locus of control. Results The results suggest that an older individual's sense of personal control over important aspects of his or her life, including health, reflects real material and social resources in addition to individual predispositions. In Mexico, only the most privileged segment of the population has health insurance, and coverage increases one's sense of personal control. In the United States, on the other hand, Medicare guarantees basic coverage to the vast majority of Mexican Americans over 65, reducing its impact on one's sense of control. Discussion Psychological characteristics affect older individuals' sense of personal control over aspects of their health, but the effects are mediated by the economic and health services context in which they are expressed. PMID:19332436

Extended history of a 3.5 Ga trondhjemitic gneiss, Wyoming Province, USA: Evidence from U-Pb systematics in zircon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mueller, P.A.; Wooden, J.L.; Mogk, D.W.; Nutman, A.P.; Williams, I.S.

1996-01-01

The Beartooth-Bighorn magmatic zone (BBMZ) and the Montana metasedimentary province (MMP) are two major subprovinces of the Archean Wyoming province. In the northwestern Beartooth Mountains, these subprovinces are separated by a structurally, lithologically and metamorphically complex assemblage of lithotectonic units that include: (1) a strongly deformed complex of trondhjemitic gneiss and interlayered amphibolites; and (2) an amphibolite facies mafic unit that occurs in a nappe that structurally overlies the gneiss complex. Zircons from a trondhjemitic blastomylonite in the gneiss complex yield concordant U-Pb ages of 3.5 Ga, establishing it as the oldest rock yet documented in the Wyoming province. Two younger events are also recorded by zircons in this rock: (1) an apparently protracted period of high-grade metamorphism and/or intrusion of additional magmas at ??? 3.25 Ga; and (2) growth of hydrothermal zircon at ??? 2.55 Ga, apparently associated with ductile deformation that immediately preceded structural emplacement of the gneiss. Although this latter event appears confined to areas along the BBMZ-MMP boundary, evidence of ??? 3.25 Ga igneous activity is found in the overlying amphibolite (3.24 Ga) and throughout the MMP. These data suggest that this boundary first developed as a major intracratonic zone of displacement at or before 3.25 Ga. The limited occurrences of 2.8 Ga magmatic activity in the MMP suggest that it had a controlling influence on late Archean magmatism as well.

Linking hydro-morphology with invertebrate ecology in diverse morphological units of a large river-floodplain system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blettler, Martín. C. M.; Amsler, Mario L.; Eberle, Eliana G.; Szupiany, Ricardo; Latosinski, Francisco G.; Abrial, Elie; Oberholster, Paul J.; Espinola, Luis A.; Paira, Aldo; Poza, Ailen; Rodrigues Capítulo, Alberto

2016-12-01

Interdisciplinary research in the fields of ecohydrology and ecogeomorphology is becoming increasingly important as a way to understand how biological and physical processes interact with each other in river systems. The objectives of the current study were 1) to determine changes in invertebrate community due to hydrological stages, 2) to link local physical features [flow configuration, sediment composition and morphological feature) with the ecological structure between and within dissimilar morphological units (meander and confluence), and 3) to determine the existence and the origin of bed hydro-geomorphic patches, determining their ecological structure. Results were discussed in the frame of prevailing ecological models and concepts. The study site extends over a floodplain area of the large Paraná River (Argentina), including minor and major secondary channels as well as the main channel. Overall results suggested that hydrodynamics was the driving force determining distribution patterns of benthic assemblages in the floodplain. However, while the invertebrates living in minor secondary channels seem to benefit from flooding, this hydrological phase had the opposite effect on organisms from the main and major secondary channels. We also found a clear linkage between physical features and invertebrate ecology, which caused a dissimilar fauna structure between and within the meander and the confluence. Furthermore, several sandy-patches were recorded in the confluence. These patches were colonized by the particular benthic assemblage recorded in the main channel, supported the view of rivers as patchy discontinua, under uncertain ecological equilibrium.

Finite strain analysis of metavolcanics and metapyroclastics in gold-bearing shear zone of the Dungash area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassem, Osama M. K.; Abd El Rahim, Said H.

2014-11-01

The Dungash gold mine area is situated in an EW-trending quartz vein along a shear zone in metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. These rocks are associated with the major geologic structures, which are attributed to various deformational stages of the Neoproterozoic basement rocks. Field geology, finite strain and microstructural analyses were carried out and the relation-ships between the lithological contacts and major/minor structures have been studied. The R f/ϕ and Fry methods were applied on the metavolcano-sedimentary and metapyroclastic samples from 5 quartz veins samples, 7 metavolcanics samples, 3 metasedimentary samples and 4 metapyroclastic samples in Dungash area. Finite-strain data show that a low to moderate range of deformation of the metavolcano-sedimentary samples and axial ratios in the XZ section range from 1.70 to 4.80 for the R f/ϕ method and from 1.65 to 4.50 for the Fry method. We conclude that finite strain in the deformed rocks is of the same order of magnitude for all units of metavolcano-sedimentary rocks. Furthermore, the contact between principal rock units is sheared in the Dungash area under brittle to semi-ductile deformation conditions. In this case, the accumulated finite strain is associated with the deformation during thrusting to assemble nappe structure. It indicates that the sheared contacts have been formed during the accumulation of finite strain.

Change Levers for Unifying Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches to the Adoption and Diffusion of e-Learning in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Gurmak; Hardaker, Glenn

2017-01-01

Using Giddens' theory of structuration as a theoretical framework, this paper outlines how five prominent United Kingdom universities aimed to integrate top-down and bottom-up approaches to the adoption and diffusion of e-learning. The aim of this paper is to examine the major challenges that arise from the convergence of bottom-up perspectives…

Cradle-To-Gate Life Cycle Assessment of North American Hardboard and Engineered Wood Siding and Trim Production

Treesearch

Maureen Puettmann; Richard Bergman; Elaine Oneil

2016-01-01

CORRIM, the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (www.corrim.org), has derived life-cycle inventory (LCI) data for nine major wood products and four wood production regions in the United States (US). The LCI data cover forest regeneration through to final product at the mill gate. CORRIM’s LCI studies have included both structural and nonstructural...

Mass timber rocking panel retrofit of a four-story soft-story building with full-scale shake table validation

Treesearch

Pouria Bahmani; John van de Lindt; Asif Iqbal; Douglas Rammer

2017-01-01

Soft-story wood-frame buildings have been recognized as a disaster preparedness problem for decades. There are tens of thousands of these multi-family three- and four-story structures throughout California and the United States. The majority were constructed between 1920 and 1970, with many being prevalent in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The NEES Soft...

Biology Division progress report, October 1, 1991--September 30, 1993

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

Hartman, F.C.; Cook, J.S.

This Progress Report summarizes the research endeavors of the Biology Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the period October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1993. The report is structured to provide descriptions of current activities and accomplishments in each of the Division`s major organizational units. Lists of information to convey the entire scope of the Division`s activities are compiled at the end of the report.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of prunin-1, a major component of the almond (Prunus dulcis) allergen amandin.

PubMed

Albillos, Silvia M; Jin, Tengchuan; Howard, Andrew; Zhang, Yuzhu; Kothary, Mahendra H; Fu, Tong-Jen

2008-07-09

The 11S globulins from plant seeds account for a number of major food allergens. Because of the interest in the structural basis underlying the allergenicity of food allergens, we sought to crystallize the main 11S seed storage protein from almond ( Prunus dulcis). Prunin-1 (Pru1) was purified from defatted almond flour by water extraction, cryoprecipitation, followed by sequential anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and size exclusion chromatography. Single crystals of Pru1 were obtained in a screening with a crystal screen kit, using the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. Diffraction quality crystals were grown after optimization. The Pru1 crystals diffracted to at least 3.0 A and belong to the tetragonal space group P4(1)22, with unit cell parameters of a = b = 150.912 A, c = 165.248 A. Self-rotation functions and molecular replacement calculations showed that there are three molecules in the asymmetry unit with water content of 51.41%. The three Pru1 protomers are related by a noncrystallographic 3-fold axis and they form a doughnut-shaped trimer. Two prunin trimers form a homohexamer. Elucidation of prunin structure will allow further characterization of the allergenic features of the 11S protein allergens at the molecular level.

Major Crustal Fault Zone Trends and Their Relation to Mineral Belts in the North-Central Great Basin, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rodriguez, Brian D.; Sampson, Jay A.; Williams, Jackie M.

2007-01-01

The Great Basin physiographic province covers a large part of the western United States and contains one of the world's leading gold-producing areas, the Carlin Trend. In the Great Basin, many sedimentary-rock-hosted disseminated gold deposits occur along such linear mineral-occurrence trends. The distribution and genesis of these deposits is not fully understood, but most models indicate that regional tectonic structures play an important role in their spatial distribution. Over 100 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings were acquired between 1994 and 2001 by the U.S. Geological Survey to investigate crustal structures that may underlie the linear trends in north-central Nevada. MT sounding data were used to map changes in electrical resistivity as a function of depth that are related to subsurface lithologic and structural variations. Two-dimensional (2-D) resistivity modeling of the MT data reveals primarily northerly and northeasterly trending narrow 2-D conductors (1 to 30 ohm-m) extending to mid-crustal depths (5-20 km) that are interpreted to be major crustal fault zones. There are also a few westerly and northwesterly trending 2-D conductors. However, the great majority of the inferred crustal fault zones mapped using MT are perpendicular or oblique to the generally accepted trends. The correlation of strike of three crustal fault zones with the strike of the Carlin and Getchell trends and the Alligator Ridge district suggests they may have been the root fluid flow pathways that fed faults and fracture networks at shallower levels where gold precipitated in favorable host rocks. The abundant northeasterly crustal structures that do not correlate with the major trends may be structures that are open to fluid flow at the present time.

Geologic hypotheses of Lake Tanganyika region, Zaire, drawn from ERTS imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolyce, U.; Ilunga, S.

1974-01-01

Based on initial work in the Lake Tanganyika area of eastern Zaire, it has been concluded that ERTS imagery is extremely useful for reconnaissance level geologic mapping and analysis in this region of the humid tropics. In particular, ERTS imagery has proven useful for recognizing and mapping regional structural units, for recognizing major structural features, and for arriving at some preliminary hypotheses about the mineral potential of the area. Results so far indicate that ERTS imagery can make a major contribution to the development of the mineral resources of the country. Research has concentrated on applications of ERTS imagery in the field of cartography, geology, forestry, hydrology and agriculture. For the work in geology, a test site was chosen in eastern Zaire on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in the vicinity of the Lukuga River. This area was selected because of its varied geology and the existence of two frames of cloud-free ERTS imagery.

Recent health sciences library building projects.

PubMed Central

Ludwig, L

1993-01-01

The Medical Library Association's third annual survey of recent health sciences library building projects identified fourteen libraries planning, expanding, or constructing new library facilities. Three of five new library buildings are freestanding structures where the library occupies all or a major portion of the space. The two other new facilities are for separately administered units where the library is a major tenant. Nine projects involve additions to or renovations of existing space. Six projects are in projected, predesign, or design stages or are awaiting funding approval. This paper describes four projects that illustrate technology's growing effect on librarians and libraries. They are designed to accommodate change, a plethora of electronic gear, and easy use of technology. Outwardly, they do not look much different than many other modern buildings. But, inside, the changes have been dramatic although they have evolved slowly as the building structure has been adapted to new conditions. Images PMID:8251970

Microbial community structures in an integrated two-phase anaerobic bioreactor fed by fruit vegetable wastes and wheat straw.

PubMed

Wang, Chong; Zuo, Jiane; Chen, Xiaojie; Xing, Wei; Xing, Linan; Li, Peng; Lu, Xiangyang; Li, Chao

2014-12-01

The microbial community structures in an integrated two-phase anaerobic reactor (ITPAR) were investigated by 16S rDNA clone library technology. The 75L reactor was designed with a 25L rotating acidogenic unit at the top and a 50L conventional upflow methanogenic unit at the bottom, with a recirculation connected to the two units. The reactor had been operated for 21 stages to co-digest fruit/vegetable wastes and wheat straw, which showed a very good biogas production and decomposition of cellulosic materials. The results showed that many kinds of cellulose and glycan decomposition bacteria related with Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Syntrophobacterales were dominated in the reactor, with more bacteria community diversities in the acidogenic unit. The methanogens were mostly related with Methanosaeta, Methanosarcina, Methanoculleus, Methanospirillum and Methanobacterium; the predominating genus Methanosaeta, accounting for 40.5%, 54.2%, 73.6% and 78.7% in four samples from top to bottom, indicated a major methanogenesis pathway by acetoclastic methanogenesis in the methanogenic unit. The beta diversity indexes illustrated a more similar distribution of bacterial communities than that of methanogens between acidogenic unit and methanogenic unit. The differentiation of methanogenic community composition in two phases, as well as pH values and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations confirmed the phase separation of the ITPAR. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the special designing of ITPAR maintained a sufficient number of methanogens, more diverse communities and stronger syntrophic associations among microorganisms, which made two phase anaerobic digestion of cellulosic materials more efficient. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Evaluating MEDEVAC Force Structure Requirements Using an Updated Army Scenario, Total Army Analysis Admission Data, Monte Carlo Simulation, and Theater Structure.

PubMed

Fulton, Lawrence; Kerr, Bernie; Inglis, James M; Brooks, Matthew; Bastian, Nathaniel D

2015-07-01

In this study, we re-evaluate air ambulance requirements (rules of allocation) and planning considerations based on an Army-approved, Theater Army Analysis scenario. A previous study using workload only estimated a requirement of 0.4 to 0.6 aircraft per admission, a significant bolus over existence-based rules. In this updated study, we estimate requirements for Phase III (major combat operations) using a simulation grounded in previously published work and Phase IV (stability operations) based on four rules of allocation: unit existence rules, workload factors, theater structure (geography), and manual input. This study improves upon previous work by including the new air ambulance mission requirements of Department of Defense 51001.1, Roles and Functions of the Services, by expanding the analysis over two phases, and by considering unit rotation requirements known as Army Force Generation based on Department of Defense policy. The recommendations of this study are intended to inform future planning factors and already provided decision support to the Army Aviation Branch in determining force structure requirements. Reprint & Copyright © 2015 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

X-ray Diffraction from Membrane Protein Nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Hunter, M.S.; DePonte, D.P.; Shapiro, D.A.; Kirian, R.A.; Wang, X.; Starodub, D.; Marchesini, S.; Weierstall, U.; Doak, R.B.; Spence, J.C.H.; Fromme, P.

2011-01-01

Membrane proteins constitute >30% of the proteins in an average cell, and yet the number of currently known structures of unique membrane proteins is <300. To develop new concepts for membrane protein structure determination, we have explored the serial nanocrystallography method, in which fully hydrated protein nanocrystals are delivered to an x-ray beam within a liquid jet at room temperature. As a model system, we have collected x-ray powder diffraction data from the integral membrane protein Photosystem I, which consists of 36 subunits and 381 cofactors. Data were collected from crystals ranging in size from 100 nm to 2 μm. The results demonstrate that there are membrane protein crystals that contain <100 unit cells (200 total molecules) and that 3D crystals of membrane proteins, which contain <200 molecules, may be suitable for structural investigation. Serial nanocrystallography overcomes the problem of x-ray damage, which is currently one of the major limitations for x-ray structure determination of small crystals. By combining serial nanocrystallography with x-ray free-electron laser sources in the future, it may be possible to produce molecular-resolution electron-density maps using membrane protein crystals that contain only a few hundred or thousand unit cells. PMID:21190672

Deconstructing thermodynamic parameters of a coupled system from site-specific observables.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Sandipan; Chanda, Baron

2010-11-02

Cooperative interactions mediate information transfer between structural domains of a protein molecule and are major determinants of protein function and modulation. The prevalent theories to understand the thermodynamic origins of cooperativity have been developed to reproduce the complex behavior of a global thermodynamic observable such as ligand binding or enzyme activity. However, in most cases the measurement of a single global observable cannot uniquely define all the terms that fully describe the energetics of the system. Here we establish a theoretical groundwork for analyzing protein thermodynamics using site-specific information. Our treatment involves extracting a site-specific parameter (defined as χ value) associated with a structural unit. We demonstrate that, under limiting conditions, the χ value is related to the direct interaction terms associated with the structural unit under observation and its intrinsic activation energy. We also introduce a site-specific interaction energy term (χ(diff)) that is a function of the direct interaction energy of that site with every other site in the system. When combined with site-directed mutagenesis and other molecular level perturbations, analyses of χ values of site-specific observables may provide valuable insights into protein thermodynamics and structure.

The geomorphology and hydrogeology of the karstic Islands Maratua, East Kalimantan, Indonesia: the potential and constraints for tourist destination development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haryono, E.; Sasongko, M. H. D.; Barianto, D. H.; Setiawan, J. B.; Hakim, A. A.; Zaenuri, A.

2018-04-01

Maratua Island is one of the islands of Berau District, East Kalimantan which has great potential of natural beauty for tourism development. The area currently is one of famous tourist destination in East Kalimantan which is a carbonate reef built-up or so-called karst island. This paper is an endeavor 1) to unveil geomorphological and hydrogeological characteristics of the island, and 2) to recommend Island development as a tourist destination. Maratua Island is a V shape atoll with the open lagoon. Six geomorphological units were found on the island, i.e., fringing reef, beach, marine terrace, karst ridge, structural valley, and lagoon. Caves are also found in the karst ridge and the coast as an inundated passage. Three structural depressions in the karst ridge are other unique geomorphological feature in the area of which a marine lake environment with jellyfish is inhabited. The island is typified by two different aquifer units, i.e., porous media and fractured media aquifer. Porous aquifer lies on the beach of Boibukut area. Fractured-aquifer characterizes the other geomorphological units in the area. Freshwater accordingly is found in the beach area with a limited amount. Unfortunately, the groundwater in the marine terrace and karst ridge are saline. Maratua Island has enormous potential for tourism destination development. The major tourist activities in the area based on the geomorphological unit are snorkeling and diving (in fringing reef and lagoo n), hiking, cave exploration and marine lake exploration and cave diving (in karst ridge and structural valley); recreation and picnic (beach). The major limitation in the area is a shortage of freshwater resource and land. Limited water supply should be extracted from the beach area of Bohe Bukut village. Groundwater extraction from the beach area of Bohe Bukut must be for drinking water only. Supply of drinking water should be substituted from collected rainwater or desalination from sea water and water in the cave. Restrictions in the number of visitors and lodging development should also be considered.

Structure, age, and regional significance of syntectonic augen gneisses in the Pan-African Zambezi belt, south-central Zambia

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

Hanson, R.E.; Wilson, T.J.; Wardlaw, M.S.

1985-01-01

The Pan-African Zambezi belt in Zambia contains two major augen gneiss units that are elongated parallel to regional strike. These were previously regarded as slices of sialic basement structurally interleaved with Katangan metasedimentary rocks. New field and geochronologic evidence suggests that the gneisses are syntectonic granites intruded as large concordant sheets during main-phase (D/sub 1/) Pan-African deformation. A pervasive, horizontal or shallowly plunging mineral lineation on S/sub 1/ in the gneisses indicates that the parent granites were injected along major zones of transcurrent shear. The northern gneiss unit shows local discordant contacts against, and contains xenoliths of, adjacent Katangan rocks.more » Large, partly polygonized K-spar augen in the gneiss are wrapped around by S/sub 1/ and offset by microfractures antithetic to S/sub 1/. Finer grained granites intruding the gneiss are penetratively foliated to nondeformed, indicating that they were injected at various times relative to D/sub 1/. In the more intensely deformed southern gneiss unit, local pods of protomylonitic flaser gneiss grade into mylonites containing asymmetric K-spar augen set in a dynamically recrystallized matrix. U-Pb analyses of four fractions plus an air-abraded split of one fraction form a normal linear discordance pattern with an upper intercept of 820 +/- 7 Ma, taken as the age of igneous crystallization. Comparison with other available geochronologic data indicates that this age dates main-phase deformation in the Zambezi belt, and that deformation in the supposedly continuous Damaran belt to the SW was significantly younger.« less

Pore Structure and Diagenetic Controls on Relative Permeability: Implications for Enhanced Oil Recovery and CO2 Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldman, J.; Dewers, T. A.; Heath, J. E.; Cather, M.; Mozley, P.

2016-12-01

Multiphase flow in clay-bearing sandstones of the Morrow Sandstone governs the efficiency of CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery at the Farnsworth Unit, Texas. This formation is the target for enhanced oil recovery and injection of one million metric ton of anthropogenically-sourced CO2. The sandstone hosts eight major flow units that exhibit distinct microstructural characteristics due to diagenesis, including: "clean" macro-porosity; quartz overgrowths constricting some pores; ghost grains; intergranular porosity filled by microporous authigenic clay; and feldspar dissolution. We examine the microstructural controls on macroscale (core scale) relative permeability and capillary pressure behavior through: X-ray computed tomography, Robomet.3d, and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy imaging of the pore structure of the major flow units of the Morrow Sandstone; relative permeability and capillary pressure in the laboratory using CO2, brine, and oil at reservoir pressure and effective stress conditions. The combined data sets inform links between patterns of diagenesis and multiphase flow. These data support multiphase reservoir simulation and performance assessment by the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP). Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory through the SWP under Award No. DE-FC26-05NT42591. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Structure, stratigraphy, and eruption dynamics of a young tuff ring: Hanauma Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rottas, K. M.; Houghton, B. F.

2012-09-01

The Hanauma Bay-Koko Head complex is one of several young volcanic landforms along the Koko fissure, in southeastern O'ahu. The Hanauma Bay region of the complex comprises two nested tuff rings, inner and outer Hanauma Bay, and multiple smaller vents. The internal structure of the inner tuff ring, well exposed due to subsequent breaching by the ocean and wave erosion, indicates that it formed during a minimum of five distinct phases of deposition that produced five mappable units. Significant inward collapses generated major unconformities that separate the units exposed in the inner wall. The planes of failure are cut by narrow steep-walled, locally overhung channels and gullies, suggesting that the collapse events were each followed by short time breaks during which the deposits were eroded by rainfall runoff. Within each pyroclastic unit, there are many local slump scars and unconformities, suggesting that minor instability of the inner wall was a near-constant feature. From bedding sags and surge bed forms, it is apparent that the vent shifted at least twice during tuff ring growth. Ballistic blocks in the youngest unit indicate that the eruption overlapped in time with a separate eruption to the north, most likely to be that of the Kahauloa tuff ring 880 m away.

Report of the matrix of biological knowledge workshop

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

Morowitz, H.J.; Smith, T.

1987-10-30

Current understanding of biology involves complex relationships rooted in enormous amounts of data. These data include entries from biochemistry, ecology, genetics, human and veterinary medicine, molecular structure studies, agriculture, embryology, systematics, and many other disciplines. The present wealth of biological data goes beyond past accumulations now include new understandings from molecular biology. Several important biological databases are currently being supported, and more are planned; however, major problems of interdatabase communication and management efficiency abound. Few scientists are currently capable of keeping up with this ever-increasing wealth of knowledge, let alone searching it efficiently for new or unsuspected links and importantmore » analogies. Yet this is what is required if the continued rapid generation of such data is to lead most effectively to the major conceptual, medical, and agricultural advances anticipated over the coming decades in the United States. The opportunity exists to combine the potential of modern computer science, database management, and artificial intelligence in a major effort to organize the vast wealth of biological and clinical data. The time is right because the amount of data is still manageable even in its current highly-fragmented form; important hardware and computer science tools have been greatly improved; and there have been recent fundamental advances in our comprehension of biology. This latter is particularly true at the molecular level where the information for nearly all higher structure and function is encoded. The organization of all biological experimental data coordinately within a structure incorporating our current understanding - the Matrix of Biological Knowledge - will provide the data and structure for the major advances foreseen in the years ahead.« less

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

Ross, Howard P.; Moore, Joseph N.; Christensen, Odin D.

Geological, geochemical and geophysical data are presented for one of the major geothermal systems in the western United States. Regional data indicate major tectonic structures which are still active and provide the conduits for the geothermal system. Detailed geologic mapping has defined major glide blocks of Tertiary volcanics which moved down from the Tushar Mountains and locally act as a leaky cap to portions of the presently known geothermal system. Mapping and geochemical studies indicate three periods of mineralization have affected the area, two of which are unrelated to the present geothermal activity. The geologic relationships demonstrate that the majormore » structures have been opened repeatedly since the Tertiary. Gravity and magnetic data are useful in defining major structures beneath alluvium and basalt cover, and indicate the importance of the Cove Fort-Beaver graben and the Cove Creek fault in localizing the geothermal reservoir. These structures and a high level of microearthquake activity also suggest other target areas within the larger thermal anomaly. Electrical resistivity surveys and thermal gradient holes both contribute to the delineation of the known reservoir. Deep exploration wells which test the reservoir recorded maximum temperatures of 178 C and almost isothermal behavior beginning at 700 to 1000 m and continuing to a depth of 1800 m. Costly drilling, high corrosion rates and low reservoir pressure coupled with the relatively low reservoir temperatures have led to the conclusion that the reservoir is not economic for electric power production at present. Plans are underway to utilize the moderate-temperature fluids for agribusiness, and exploration continues for a deep high-temperature reservoir.« less

A nonlinear cointegration approach with applications to structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, H.; Worden, K.; Cross, E. J.

2016-09-01

One major obstacle to the implementation of structural health monitoring (SHM) is the effect of operational and environmental variabilities, which may corrupt the signal of structural degradation. Recently, an approach inspired from the community of econometrics, called cointegration, has been employed to eliminate the adverse influence from operational and environmental changes and still maintain sensitivity to structural damage. However, the linear nature of cointegration may limit its application when confronting nonlinear relations between system responses. This paper proposes a nonlinear cointegration method based on Gaussian process regression (GPR); the method is constructed under the Engle-Granger framework, and tests for unit root processes are conducted both before and after the GPR is applied. The proposed approach is examined with real engineering data from the monitoring of the Z24 Bridge.

Use of satellite pictures for determining major shield fractures relevant for ore prospecting, northern Finland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuominen, H. V.; Aarnisalo, J. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A combined analysis of LANDSAT 1 imagery, aeromagnetic and other maps, and aerial photos has revealed a dense network of bedrock fractures in northern Finland. They form several fracturing zones, which obviously represent surficial manifestations of major fractures. The fractures follow, in general, the eight main trends of crustal shear characteristics of the Baltic Shield, but show distinct deviations from them in detail. The major fracture zones divide the bedrock into a mosaic of polygonal blocks, which in many cases coincide with the main rock units of the area and are characterized by different patterns of internal fracturing. Known mineralizations show a tendency to concentrate along the fracture zones. Optical filtering of original LANDSAT images might provide a rapid tool for the analysis of major structural trends in extensive areas such as shields or entire continents.

Development and fabrication of structural components for a scramjet engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchmann, O. A.

1990-01-01

A program broadly directed toward design and development of long-life (100 hours and 1,000 cycles with a goal of 1,000 hours and 10,000 cycles) hydrogen-cooled structures for application to scramjets is presented. Previous phases of the program resulted in an overall engine design and analytical and experimental characterization of selected candidate materials and concepts. The latter efforts indicated that the basic life goals for the program can be reached with available means. The main objective of this effort was an integrated, experimental evaluation of the results of the previous program phases. The fuel injection strut was selected for this purpose, including fabrication development and fabrication of a full-scale strut. Testing of the completed strut was to be performed in a NASA-Langley wind tunnel. In addition, conceptual designs were formulated for a heat transfer test unit and a flat panel structural test unit. Tooling and fabrication procedures required to fabricate the strut were developed, and fabrication and delivery to NASA of all strut components, including major subassemblies, were completed.

Identification and Characterization of a New Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] Allergen, Car i 2.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuzhu; Lee, BoRam; Du, Wen-Xian; Lyu, Shu-Chen; Nadeau, Kari C; Grauke, Larry J; Zhang, Yan; Wang, Shuo; Fan, Yuting; Yi, Jiang; McHugh, Tara H

2016-05-25

The 7S vicilin and 11S legumin seed storage globulins belong to the cupin protein superfamily and are major food allergens in many foods from the "big eight" food allergen groups. Here, for the first time, pecan vicilin was found to be a food allergen. Western blot experiments revealed that 30% of 27 sera used in this study and 24% of the sera from 25 patients with double-blind, placebo controlled clinical pecan allergy contained IgE antibodies specific to pecan vicilin. This allergen consists of a low-complexity region at its N-terminal and a structured domain at the C-terminal that contains two cupin motifs and forms homotrimers. The crystal structure of recombinant pecan vicilin was determined. The refined structure gave R/Rfree values of 0.218/0.262 for all data to 2.65 Å. There were two trimeric biological units in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. Pecan vicilin is also a copper protein. These data may facilitate the understanding of the nutritional value and the allergenicity relevance of the copper binding property of seed storage proteins in tree nuts.

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

Seismic stratigraphy of sedimentary cover in Amerasian Basin based on the results of Russian High Arctic expeditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poselov, Viktor; Kireev, Artem; Smirnov, Oleg; Butsenko, Viktor; Zholondz, Sergey; Savin, Vasily

2016-04-01

Massive amount of multichannel seismic (MCS) data were obtained by Russian High Arct ic expeditions "Arctica-2011", "Acrtica-2012" and "Arctica-2014". More than 40 MCS lines are located in the Amerasian basin and help to substantiate the seismic stratigraphy model of its sedimentary cover. The proposed seismic stratigraphy model was successively determined for the Cenozoic and pre-Cenozoic parts of the sedimentary section and was based on correlation of the Russian MCS data and seismic data documented by boreholes. Cenozoic part of the sedimentary cover is based on correlation of the Russian MCS data and AWI91090 section calibrated by ACEX-2004 boreholes on the Lomonosov Ridge. Two major unconformities are traced. The upper regional unconformity (RU) is associated with a major pre-Miocene hiatus. Another major hiatus is recorded in the borehole section between the Campanian and the Upper Paleocene units. It is recognized as the post-Campanian unconformity (pCU) in the seismic sections. Formation of the regional unconformities is associated with a fundamental change in depositional environment. Formation of RU was initiated by opening of the Fram Strait gateway at the Paleogene/Neogene boundary. Post-Campanian unconformity is linked with the initial stage of the Eurasian Basin opening between the Cretaceous and the Paleogene. Cenozoic sedimentary units are continuously traced from the East-Siberian and Chukchi sea shelves across the transit zone to the Amerasian basin. Paleogene unit (between pCU and RU) is formed under the neritic depositional environment and it is characterized by an extremely small thickness on the Lomonosov Ridge (less than 200 m), on the Mendeleev Rise and in the Podvodnikov Basin (not more than 300-400 m). Neogene unit (above RU) consists of hemipelagic deposits and occupies the essential part of thickness of the Cenozoic section in Podvodnikov and Makarov Basins. Interval velocities in the Paleogene unit vary within 2.8-3.2 km/s, in the Neogene unit they vary within 1.8-2.7 km/s. Pre-Cenozoic part of the sedimentary cover is based on tracing major unconformities from boreholes on the Chukchi shelf (Crackerjack, Klondike, Popcorn) to the North-Chuckchi Trough and further to the Mendeleev Rise as well as to the Vilkitsky Trough and the adjacent Podvodnikov Basin. Three regional unconformities are correlated: Jurassic (JU - top of the Upper Ellesmerian unit), Lower Cretaceous (LCU) and Brookian (BU - base of the Lower Brookian unit). Above the acoustic basement the pre-Cenozoic section is mainly represented by terrigenous units. Two major unconformities: RU and pCU are allocated on all MCS lines intersecting the Mendeleev Rise along its entire extent. BU is traced nearly everywhere along the rise excepting certain acoustic basement highs. All unconformities are also traced from the Mendeleev Rise to the continental structure of the Chuckchi Borderland. Sedimentary sequence between pCU and JU which underlies deposits of the Upper Ellesmerian unit is recorded as a synrift unit of the entire area of the Podvodnikov Basin. MCS data show a natural prolongation of the sedimentary cover from the shelf to the Podvodnikov Basin without any breaks and tectonic movements. Interval velocities in the Upper Cretaceous unit (between pCU and BU) vary within 3.2-3.9 km/s, in the pre-Upper Cretaceous units (between BU and the acoustic basement) vary within 4.1-4.8 km/s.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Topology-Symmetry Analysis of a New Modification of NaIn[IO3]4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belokoneva, E. L.; Karamysheva, A. S.; Dimitrova, O. V.; Volkov, A. S.

2018-01-01

Crystals of new iodate NaIn[IO3]4 were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis. The unit cell parameters are a = 7.2672(2) Å, b = 15.2572(6) Å, c = 15.0208(6) Å, β = 101.517(3)°, sp. gr. P21/ c. The formula was determined during the structure determination and refinement of a twinned crystal based on a set of reflections from the atomic planes of the major individual. The refinement with anisotropic displacement parameters was performed for both twin components to the final R factor of 0.050. The In and Na atoms are in octahedral coordination formed by oxygen atoms. The oxygen octahedra are arranged into columns by sharing edges, and the columns are connected by isolated umbrella-like [IO3]- groups to form layers. The new structure is most similar to the isoformular iodate NaIn[IO3]4, which crystallizes in the same sp. gr. P21/ c and is structurally similar, but has a twice smaller unit cell and is characterized by another direction of the monoclinic axis. The structural similarity and difference between the two phases were studied by topologysymmetry analysis. The formation of these phases is related to different combinations of identical one-dimensional infinite chains of octahedra.

The depositional environment and petrology of the White Rim Sandstone Member of the Permian Cutler Formation, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steele-Mallory, B. A.

1982-01-01

The White Rim Sandstone Member of the Cutler Formation of Permian age in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, was deposited in coastal eolian and associated interdune environments. This conclusion is based on stratigraphic relationships primary sedimentary structures, and petrologic features. The White Rim consists of two major genetic units. The first represents a coastal dune field and the second represents related interdune ponds. Distinctive sedimentary structures of the coastal dune unit include large- to medium-scale, unidirectional, tabular-planar cross-bedding; high-index ripples oriented parallel to dip direction of the foresets; coarse-grained lag layers; avalanche or slump marks; and raindrop impressions. Cross-bedding measurements suggest the dunes were deposited as transverse ridges by a dominantly northwest to southeast wind. Distinctive sedimentary structures of the interdune pond unit include wavy, horizontally laminated bedding, adhesion ripples, and desiccation polygons. These features may have been produced by alternate wetting and drying of sediment during water-table fluctuations. Evidence of bioturbation is also present in this unit. Petrologic characteristics of the White Rim helped to define the depositional environment as coastal. A crinoid fragment was identified at one location; both units are enriched in heavy minerals, and small amounts of well rounded, reworked glauconite were found in the White Rim throughout the study area. Earlier work indicates that the White Rim sandstone is late Wolfcampian to early Leonardian in age. During this time, the Canyonlands area was located in a depositional area alternately dominated by marine and nonmarine environments. Results of this study suggest the White Rim represents a coastal dune field that was deposited by predominantly on-shore winds during a period of marine transgression.

Preliminary crystallographic analysis of the major capsid protein P2 of the lipid-containing bacteriophage PM2

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

Abrescia, Nicola G. A.; Kivelä, Hanna M.; Grimes, Jonathan M.

2005-08-01

The viral capsid protein P2 of bacteriophage PM2 has been crystallized. Preliminary X-ray analysis demonstrates the position and orientation of the two trimers in the asymmetric unit. PM2 (Corticoviridae) is a dsDNA bacteriophage which contains a lipid membrane beneath its icosahedral capsid. In this respect it resembles bacteriophage PRD1 (Tectiviridae), although it is not known whether the similarity extends to the detailed molecular architecture of the virus, for instance the fold of the major coat protein P2. Structural analysis of PM2 has been initiated and virus-derived P2 has been crystallized by sitting-nanodrop vapour diffusion. Crystals of P2 have been obtainedmore » in space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2, with two trimers in the asymmetric unit and unit-cell parameters a = 171.1, b = 78.7, c = 130.1 Å. The crystals diffract to 4 Å resolution at the ESRF BM14 beamline (Grenoble, France) and the orientation of the non-crystallographic threefold axes, the spatial relationship between the two trimers and the packing of the trimers within the unit cell have been determined. The trimers form tightly packed layers consistent with the crystal morphology, possibly recapitulating aspects of the arrangement of subunits in the virus.« less

HLA class II and TNF genes in African Americans from the Southeastern United States: regional differences in allele frequencies.

PubMed

Kuffner, Tamara; Whitworth, William; Jairam, Maya; McNicholl, Janet

2003-06-01

Knowledge of population major histocompatibility complex gene frequencies is important for construction of organ donor pools and for studies of disease association. Human leukocyte antigen DRB1 (HLA-DRB1), HLA-DQB1, and TNFalpha -308 (G-A) promoter genetic typing was performed in 112 healthy, unrelated African Americans (AAs) from the southeastern United States. Allele frequencies were compared with published frequency data from other AA populations. Our AA population had the highest frequency of HLA- DRB1*09 (6.7%) reported in any AA population. The frequency of the TNF alpha -308A polymorphism was also high (14.4%), when compared with published frequencies in AAs. Significant regional differences in the distribution of most HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles were observed in all AA populations examined. The AA HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 frequencies also differed from published Caucasian frequencies. This is the first report describing the distribution of TNF alpha promoter alleles in the Southeastern United States. The high DRB1*09 and TNF alpha -308A allele frequencies of our population most resemble the frequencies of these alleles in certain West African populations. These varying major histocompatibility complex gene frequencies may reflect different regional population structures among AAs in the United States, which may be due to differences in ancestral origins, migration, and racial admixture.

Reinterpretation of the palynology and age of Laramide syntectonic deposits, southwestern Montana, and revision of the Beaverhead Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nichols, D. J.; Perry, W. J., Jr.; Haley Johns, J. C.

1985-02-01

New palynological data from syntectonic deposits in southwestern Montana have major temporal implications for Laramide structural relations in the northern Rocky Mountains. Conglomerate and associated sandstones representing the bulk of material eroded from the thrust-faulted margin of the Blacktail-Snowcrest foreland massif are middle Campanian (Aquilapollenites senonicus Interval Zone; estimated absolute age 78 81 Ma). As a major consequence, the foreland buttress responsible for the shape of the southwestern Montana recess of the Cordilleran thrust belt was uplifted and in place by middle Campanian time. Palynomorph assemblages from the Campanian deposits include reworked spores of Paleozoic age that are evidence of provenance. Other less precisely dated syntectonic units in the area differ in age and provenance as well as lithology. Formerly, all these deposits were assigned to the Beaverhead Formation, which is raised to group status herein. The stratigraphic unit shed from the Blacktail-Snowcrest uplift is raised to formation status as the Lima Conglomerate. The term “Beaverhead Group” is restricted to the Lima Conglomerate and to contemporaneous and younger conglomeratic units that differ in lithology and probably in provenance; older sandstone units are removed from the Beaverhead Group. Deposits at the original type section of the Beaverhead Formation are not precisely dated but are no older than Campanian and probably no younger than early Maestrichtian.

New structures and composition of cell wall teichoic acids from Nocardiopsis synnemataformans, Nocardiopsis halotolerans, Nocardiopsis composta and Nocardiopsis metallicus: a chemotaxonomic value.

PubMed

Tul'skaya, Elena M; Shashkov, Alexander S; Streshinskaya, Galina M; Potekhina, Natalia V; Evtushenko, Ludmila I

2014-12-01

The structures of the cell wall teichoic acids (TA) from some species of the genus Nocardiopsis were established by chemical and NMR spectroscopic methods. The cell walls of Nocardiopsis synnemataformans VKM Ac-2518(T) and Nocardiopsis halotolerans VKM Ac-2519(T) both contain two TA with unique structures-poly(polyol phosphate-glycosylpolyol phosphate)-belonging to the type IV TA. In both organisms, the minor TA have identical structures: poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate) with the phosphodiester bond between C-3 of glycerol and C-4 of the amino sugar. This structure is found for the first time. The major TA of N. halotolerans has a hitherto unknown structure: poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate), the N-acetyl-β-galactosamine being acetalated with pyruvic acid at positions 4 and 6. The major TA of N. synnemataformans is a poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate) with the phosphodiester bond between C-3 of glycerol and C-3 of the amino sugar. The cell walls of Nocardiopsis composta VKM Ac-2520 and N. composta VKM Ac-2521(T) contain only one TA, namely 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) partially substituted with N-acetyl-α-glucosamine. The cell wall of Nocardiopsis metallicus VKM Ac-2522(T) contains two TA. The major TA is 1,5-poly(ribitol phosphate), each ribitol unit carrying a pyruvate ketal group at positions 2 and 4. The structure of the minor TA is the same as that of N. composta. The results presented correlate well with the phylogenetic grouping of strains and confirm the species and strain specific features of cell wall TA in members of the genus Nocardiopsis.

Experimental seismic behavior of a full-scale four-story soft-story wood-frame building with retrofits I: building design, retrofit methodology, and numerical validation

Treesearch

Pouria Bahmani; John W. van de Lindt; Mikhail Gershfeld; Gary L. Mochizuki; Steven E. Pryor; Douglas Rammer

2016-01-01

Soft-story wood-frame buildings have been recognized as a disaster preparedness problem for decades. There are tens of thousands of these multifamily three- and four-story structures throughout California and other parts of the United States. The majority were constructed between 1920 and 1970 and are prevalent in regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area in...

Solid wood timber products consumption in major end uses in the United States, 1950-2009 : a technical document supporting the Forest Service 2010 RPA assessment

Treesearch

David B. McKeever; James L. Howard

2011-01-01

Solid wood timber products provide important raw materials to the construction, manufacturing, and shipping sectors of the U.S. economy. Nearly all new single-family houses and low-rise multifamily residential structures are wood framed and sheathed. Large amounts of solid wood timber products are also used in the construction of new nonresidential buildings, and in...

Non-governmental organizational health operations in humanitarian crises: the case for technical support units.

PubMed

Greenough, P Gregg; Nazerali, Rahim; Fink, Sheri; VanRooyen, Michael J

2007-01-01

As the humanitarian health response industry grows, there is a need for technical health expertise that can build an evidence base around outcome measures and raise the quality and accountability of the health relief response. We propose the formation of technical support units (TSUs), entities of health expertise institutionalized within humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which will bridge the gap between the demand for evidence-based, humanitarian programming and the field capacity to accomplish it. With the input of major humanitarian NGOs and donors, this paper discusses the attributes and capacities ofTSUs; and the mechanisms for creating and enhancing TSUs within the NGO management structure.

Structure of the North American Atlantic Continental Margin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schlee, J.S.; Klitgord, K.K.

1986-01-01

Off E N America, where the structure of the continental margin is essentially constructional, seismic profiles have approximated geologic cross sections up to 10-15km below the sea floor and revealed major structural and stratigraphic features that have regional hydrocarbon potential. These features include a) a block-faulted basement hinge zone; b) a deep, broad, rifted basement filled with clastic sediment and salt; and c) a buried paleoshelf-edge complex that has many forms. The mapping of seismostratigraphic units over the continental shelf, slope, and rise has shown that the margin's developmental state included infilling of a rifted margin, buildup of a carbonate platform, and construction of an onlapping continental-rise wedge that was accompanied by erosion of the slope. -from Authors

Exploring community health through the Sustainable Livelihoods framework.

PubMed

Barnidge, Ellen K; Baker, Elizabeth A; Motton, Freda; Fitzgerald, Teresa; Rose, Frank

2011-02-01

Health disparities are a major concern in the United States. Research suggests that inequitable distribution of money, power, and resources shape the circumstances for daily life and create and exacerbate health disparities. In rural communities, inequitable distribution of these structural factors seems to limit employment opportunities. The Sustainable Livelihoods framework, an economic development model, provides a conceptual framework to understand how distribution of these social, economic, and political structural factors affect employment opportunities and community health in rural America. This study uses photo-elicitation interviews, a qualitative, participatory method, to understand community members' perceptions of how distribution of structural factors through creation and maintenance of institutional practices and policies influence employment opportunities and, ultimately, community health for African Americans living in rural Missouri.

The Topology of a Local Trade Web and Impacts of the us Financial Crisis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Xiaobing; Hu, Haibo; Wang, Xiaofan

In this paper a local trade web (LTW) in the Asia-Pacific region is examined using the data derived from the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund. The topology of the LTW has been specified, based upon which the impacts of US financial crisis on the structural and behavior pattern of the LTW are further investigated. The major findings are given as follows. Firstly, the LTW is much more integrated than the global trade web; secondly, after the financial crisis, the fundamental structure of the network remains relatively stable but the strength of the web has been changed and the structure of the web has evolved over time. Economic implications for what have been observed are also discussed.

Highly structured genetic diversity of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis population in Djibouti.

PubMed

Godreuil, S; Renaud, F; Choisy, M; Depina, J J; Garnotel, E; Morillon, M; Van de Perre, P; Bañuls, A L

2010-07-01

Djibouti is an East African country with a high tuberculosis incidence. This study was conducted over a 2-month period in Djibouti, during which 62 consecutive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were included. Genetic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit variable-number tandem-repeat typing and spoligotyping, was performed. The genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed only three major families (Central Asian, East African Indian and T). The high diversity and linkage disequilibrium within each family suggest a long period of clonal evolution. A Bayesian approach shows that the phylogenetic structure observed in our sample of 62 isolates is very likely to be representative of the phylogenetic structure of the M. tuberculosis population in the total number of TB cases.

The social and community opportunities profile social inclusion measure: Structural equivalence and differential item functioning in community mental health residents in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Huxley, Peter John; Chan, Kara; Chiu, Marcus; Ma, Yanni; Gaze, Sarah; Evans, Sherrill

2016-03-01

China's future major health problem will be the management of chronic diseases - of which mental health is a major one. An instrument is needed to measure mental health inclusion outcomes for mental health services in Hong Kong and mainland China as they strive to promote a more inclusive society for their citizens and particular disadvantaged groups. To report on the analysis of structural equivalence and item differentiation in two mentally unhealthy and one healthy sample in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. The mental health sample in Hong Kong was made up of non-governmental organisation (NGO) referrals meeting the selection/exclusion criteria (being well enough to be interviewed, having a formal psychiatric diagnosis and living in the community). A similar sample in the United Kingdom meeting the same selection criteria was obtained from a community mental health organisation, equivalent to the NGOs in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis and logistic regression were conducted. The single-variable, self-rated 'overall social inclusion' differs significantly between all of the samples, in the way we would expect from previous research, with the healthy population feeling more included than the serious mental illness (SMI) groups. In the exploratory factor analysis, the first two factors explain between a third and half of the variance, and the single variable which enters into all the analyses in the first factor is having friends to visit the home. All the regression models were significant; however, in Hong Kong sample, only one-fifth of the total variance is explained. The structural findings imply that the social and community opportunities profile-Chinese version (SCOPE-C) gives similar results when applied to another culture. As only one-fifth of the variance of 'overall inclusion' was explained in the Hong Kong sample, it may be that the instrument needs to be refined using different or additional items within the structural domains of inclusion. © The Author(s) 2015.

Hemimorphite Ores: A Review of Processing Technologies for Zinc Extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ailiang; Li, Mengchun; Qian, Zhen; Ma, Yutian; Che, Jianyong; Ma, Yalin

2016-10-01

With the gradual depletion of zinc sulfide ores, exploration of zinc oxide ores is becoming more and more important. Hemimorphite is a major zinc oxide ore, attracting much attention in the field of zinc metallurgy although it is not the major zinc mineral. This paper presents a critical review of the treatment for extraction of zinc with emphasis on flotation, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods based on the properties of hemimorphite. The three-dimensional framework structure of hemimorphite with complex linkage of its structural units lead to difficult desilicification before extracting zinc in the many metallurgical technologies. It is found that the flotation method is generally effective in enriching zinc minerals from hemimorphite ores into a high-grade concentrate for recovery of zinc. Pure zinc can be produced from hemimorphite or/and willemite with a reducing reagent, like methane or carbon. Leaching reagents, such as acid and alkali, can break the complex structure of hemimorphite to release zinc in the leached solution without generation of silica gel in the hydrometallurgical process. For optimal zinc extraction, combing flotation with pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical methods may be required.

Present opto-mechanical design status of NFIRAOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrnes, Peter W. G.; Atwood, Jenny; Boucher, Marc-André; Fitzsimmons, Joeleff; Hill, Alexis; Herriot, Glen; Spanò, Paolo; Szeto, Kei; Wevers, Ivan

2014-07-01

This paper describes the current opto-mechanical design of NFIRAOS (Narrow Field InfraRed Adaptive Optics System) for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The preliminary design update review for NFIRAOS was successfully held in December 2011, and incremental design progress has since occurred on several fronts. The majority of NFIRAOS is housed within an insulated and cooled enclosure, and operates at -30 C to reduce background emissivity. The cold optomechanics are attached to a space-frame structure, kinematically supported by bipods that penetrate the insulated enclosure. The bipods are attached to an exo-structure at ambient temperature, which also supports up to three client science instruments and a science calibration unit.

Strain localization in a fossilized subduction channel: Insights from the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (Syros, Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurent, Valentin; Jolivet, Laurent; Roche, Vincent; Augier, Romain; Scaillet, Stéphane; Cardello, Giovanni Luca

2016-03-01

Syros Island is worldwide known for its preservation of HP-LT parageneses in the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU) providing one of the best case-studies to understand the tectonometamorphic evolution of a subduction channel. Conflicting structural interpretations have been proposed to explain the geological architecture of Syros, in part reflecting a lack of consensus about the tectonic structure of the CBU. In this study, the geological and tectonometamorphic maps of Syros have been entirely redrawn in order to decipher the structure of a fossilized subduction channel. Based on structural and petrological observations, the CBU has been subdivided into three subunits separated by major ductile shear zones. New observations of the Vari Unit confirm that it rests on top of the CBU through a detachment or exhumation fault. While retrograde top-to-the E/NE shearing overprinting prograde deformation is widespread across the island, the prograde deformation has been only locally preserved within the less retrograded units. We show that after the prograde top-to-the S/SW shearing deformation, the CBU was exhumed by an overall top-to-the E/NE shearing from the depth of the eclogite-facies all the way to the depth of the greenschist-facies and finally, to the brittle crust. The exhumation process encompassed the syn-orogenic stage (contemporaneous of subduction, within the subduction channel - Eocene) to the post-orogenic stage (contemporaneous with the formation of the Aegean Sea - Oligocene to Miocene). From syn-orogenic to post-orogenic exhumation, deformation progressively localized toward the base of the CBU, along large-scale ductile shear zones, allowing the preservation of earlier HP-LT structures and HP-LT metamorphic parageneses. Finally, this study brings new insights on the tectonometamorphic evolution of a subduction channel showing how strain localizes during the history of an accretionary complex, both during the prograde and retrograde history.

[Crystal structure of SMU.2055 protein from Streptococcus mutans and its small molecule inhibitors design and selection].

PubMed

Xiaodan, Chen; Xiurong, Zhan; Xinyu, Wu; Chunyan, Zhao; Wanghong, Zhao

2015-04-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the three-dimensional crystal structure of SMU.2055 protein, a putative acetyltransferase from the major caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The design and selection of the structure-based small molecule inhibitors are also studied. The three-dimensional crystal structure of SMU.2055 protein was obtained by structural genomics research methods of gene cloning and expression, protein purification with Ni²⁺-chelating affinity chromatography, crystal screening, and X-ray diffraction data collection. An inhibitor virtual model matching with its target protein structure was set up using computer-aided drug design methods, virtual screening and fine docking, and Libdock and Autodock procedures. The crystal of SMU.2055 protein was obtained, and its three-dimensional crystal structure was analyzed. This crystal was diffracted to a resolution of 0.23 nm. It belongs to orthorhombic space group C222(1), with unit cell parameters of a = 9.20 nm, b = 9.46 nm, and c = 19.39 nm. The asymmetric unit contained four molecules, with a solvent content of 56.7%. Moreover, five small molecule compounds, whose structure matched with that of the target protein in high degree, were designed and selected. Protein crystallography research of S. mutans SMU.2055 helps to understand the structures and functions of proteins from S. mutans at the atomic level. These five compounds may be considered as effective inhibitors to SMU.2055. The virtual model of small molecule inhibitors we built will lay a foundation to the anticaries research based on the crystal structure of proteins.

Three-Dimensional Geologic Model of Complex Fault Structures in the Upper Seco Creek Area, Medina and Uvalde Counties, South-Central Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pantea, Michael P.; Cole, James C.; Smith, Bruce D.; Faith, Jason R.; Blome, Charles D.; Smith, David V.

2008-01-01

This multimedia report shows and describes digital three-dimensional faulted geologic surfaces and volumes of the lithologic units of the Edwards aquifer in the upper Seco Creek area of Medina and Uvalde Counties in south-central Texas. This geologic framework model was produced using (1) geologic maps and interpretations of depositional environments and paleogeography; (2) lithologic descriptions, interpretations, and geophysical logs from 31 drill holes; (3) rock core and detailed lithologic descriptions from one drill hole; (4) helicopter electromagnetic geophysical data; and (5) known major and minor faults in the study area. These faults were used because of their individual and collective effects on the continuity of the aquifer-forming units in the Edwards Group. Data and information were compared and validated with each other and reflect the complex relationships of structures in the Seco Creek area of the Balcones fault zone. This geologic framework model can be used as a tool to visually explore and study geologic structures within the Seco Creek area of the Balcones fault zone and to show the connectivity of hydrologic units of high and low permeability between and across faults. The software can be used to display other data and information, such as drill-hole data, on this geologic framework model in three-dimensional space.

Hot-compressed water extraction of polysaccharides from soy hulls.

PubMed

Liu, Hua-Min; Wang, Fei-Yun; Liu, Yu-Lan

2016-07-01

The polysaccharides of soy hulls were extracted by hot-compressed water at temperatures of 110 from 180°C and various treatment times (10-150min) in a batch system. It was determined that a moderate temperature and short time are suitable for the preparation of polysaccharides. The structure of xylan and the inter- and intra-chain hydrogen bonding of cellulose fibrils in the soy hulls were not significantly broken down. The polysaccharides obtained were primarily composed of α-L-arabinofuranosyl units, 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid units and α-D-galactose units attached with substituted units. A sugar analysis indicated that arabinose was the major component, constituting 35.6-46.9% of the polysaccharide products extracted at 130°C, 140°C, and 150°C. This investigation contributes to the knowledge of the polysaccharides of soy by-products, which can reduce the environmental impact of waste from the food industries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RAPID COMMUNICATION: Study of superstructure II in multiferroic BiMnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Bing-Hui; Li, Fang-Hua; Li, Xue-Ming; Wang, Yu-Mei; Chi, Zhen-Hua; Jin, Chang-Qing

2008-09-01

The crystal structure of the minor phase, named superstructure II, existing in multiferroic compound BiMnO3 has been studied by electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Domains of major and minor phases coexisting in BiMnO3 were observed in high-resolution electron microscope images. The unit cell of minor phase was determined to be triclinic with the size 4×4×4 times as large as the distorted perovskite subcell. The [111] and [10bar 1] projected structure maps of the minor phase have been derived from the corresponding images by means of the image processing. A possible rough three-dimensional (3D) structure model was proposed based on the 3D structural information extracted from the two projected structure maps. Since there is no inversion centre in the proposed model, the minor phase may contribute to the ferroelectric property of BiMnO3.

Surficial geologic map of the southwest Memphis Quadrangle, Shelby County, Tennessee, and Crittenden County, Arkansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, David W.; Diehl, Sharon F.

2004-01-01

This map is one of seven 1:24,000-scale (7.5-minute) quadrangle maps of the surficial geology of the Memphis, Tennessee, area--part of a series of urban hazard maps. Wind-deposited silt and clayey silt (loess) is the predominant surficial deposit in this quadrangle. The loess was deposited as dust during the last major continental glaciation of the region and it covers the upland to depths of 4.5-16 m. River alluvium (unit Qal), which is chiefly a sandy and gravelly sand deposit about 30 m thick, underlies the Mississippi River floodplain. This unit supports extensive artificial fill and infrastructure used for shipping storage and petroleum processing and storage. Based on paleoliquefaction structures (sand boils) documented in Mississippi River alluvium elsewhere, this unit probably has the potential to liquefy during strong earthquake shaking. No paleoliquefaction structures were observed within the Southwest Memphis quadrangle. Another deposit in the quadrangle is silty alluvium of the Nonconnah Creek floodplain, and is 1-10 m thick. Sparse, unconsolidated pebbly sand deposits are 0.5-3 m thick and make up point bars and channel deposits of Nonconnah Creek.

A GLOBAL GEOLOGIC MAP OF GANYMEDE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, G.; Collins, G. C.; Head, J. W.; Pappalardo, R. T.; Prockter, L. M.; Lucchitta, B. K.

2009-12-01

Ganymede is a planet-sized world, the solar system’s largest satellite with a radius of 2631 km. Its physiography, geology, geophysics, surface composition, and evolution are correspondingly planet-like in intricacy. We have completed a global geological map of Ganymede that represents the most recent understanding of the satellite on the basis of Galileo mission results. This contribution builds on important previous accomplishments in the study of Ganymede utilizing Voyager data and incorporates the many new discoveries that were brought about by examination of Galileo data. Material units have been defined, structural landforms have been identified, and an approximate stratigraphy has been determined utilizing a global mosaic of the surface with a nominal resolution of 1 km/pixel assembled by the USGS. This mosaic incorporates the best available Voyager and Galileo regional coverage and high resolution imagery (100-200 m/pixel) of characteristic features and terrain types obtained by the Galileo spacecraft. This effort has provided a more complete understanding of: 1) the major geological processes operating on Ganymede, 2) the characteristics of the geological units making up its surface, 3) the stratigraphic relationships of geological units and structures, and 4) the geological history inferred from these relationships.

Sutures and an Anomalous Deep Lithospheric Electrical Resistor in the Southeastern United States as Revealed by EarthScope Magnetotelluric Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, B. S.; Egbert, G. D.

2016-12-01

We use newly acquired long-period magnetotelluric data to examine lithospheric structure beneath the modern Southern Appalachian Mountains and the adjacent Piedmont. The New York-Alabama Lineament is clearly visible both in inverse models and in the data themselves as a major Appalachian-parallel, mid- to lower-crustal conductive feature. This observation supports geologically-based interpretations of the NY-AL Lineament as a major Grenville suture. We also discern several other suture zones in our inverse models, including the Central Piedmont Suture. Interestingly, we do not observe any geoelectric signature of the Suwannee Suture. Most strikingly, we find a zone of exceptionally high resistivity (>1000 μm) that extends to a depth of more than 200 km beneath the modern Piedmont. This resistive block abuts more conductive lithosphere ( 100 μm, as would be expected for Phanerozoic lithosphere) to the northwest. The boundary between these two distinct domains coincides with the modern Appalachian topographic escarpment to within our resolution. The high resistivity values would seem to require completely dry, highly depleted lithosphere at anomalously cold temperatures; however, corresponding seismically fast lithospheric mantle that would be expected for such a structure has not been observed in any previous studies. The exact nature of this feature therefore remains uncertain at present. Regardless, as it is a persistent feature in inversions and it is also readily apparent in the impedance data, this geoelectric structure likely holds important implications for the past, present, and future tectonic evolution of the Southeastern United States.

Evidence of Variscan and Alpine tectonics in the structural and thermochronological record of the central Serbo-Macedonian Massif (south-eastern Serbia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antić, Milorad D.; Kounov, Alexandre; Trivić, Branislav; Spikings, Richard; Wetzel, Andreas

2017-07-01

The Serbo-Macedonian Massif (SMM) represents a composite crystalline belt within the Eastern European Alpine orogen, outcropping from the Pannonian basin in the north to the Aegean Sea in the south. The central parts of this massif (south-eastern Serbia) consist of the medium- to high-grade Lower Complex and the low-grade Vlasina Unit. Outcrop- and micro-scale ductile structures in this area document three major stages of ductile deformation. The earliest stage D1 is related to isoclinal folding, commonly preserved as up to decimetre-scale quartz-feldspar rootless fold hinges. D2 is associated with general south-eastward tectonic transport and refolding of earlier structures into recumbent metre- to kilometre-scale tight to isoclinal folds. Stages D1 and D2 could not be temporally separated and probably took place in close sequence. The age of these two ductile deformation stages was constrained to the Variscan orogeny based on indirect geological evidence (i.e. ca. 408-ca. 328). During this period, the SMM was involved in a transpressional amalgamation of the western and eastern parts of the Galatian super-terrane and subsequent collision with Laurussia. Outcrop-scale evidence of the final stage D3 is limited to spaced and crenulation cleavage, which are probably related to formation of large-scale open upright folds as reported previously. 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology was applied on hornblende, muscovite, and biotite samples in order to constrain the age of tectonothermal events and activity along major shear zones. These 40Ar/39Ar data reveal three major cooling episodes affecting the central SMM. Cooling below greenschist facies conditions in the western part of the Vlasina Unit took place in a post-orogenic setting (extensional or transtensional) in the early Permian (284 ± 1 Ma). The age of activity along the top-to-the-west shear zone formed within the orthogneiss in the Božica area of the Vlasina Unit was constrained to Middle Triassic (246 ± 1 Ma). This age coincides with widespread extension related to the opening of the Mesozoic Tethys. The greenschist facies retrogression in the Lower Complex probably occurred in the Early Jurassic (195 ± 1 Ma), and it was related to the thermal processes in the overriding plate above the subducting slab of the Mesozoic Tethys Ocean.

1991 survey of recent health sciences library building projects.

PubMed Central

Ludwig, L T

1992-01-01

Twenty health sciences libraries reported building planning, expansion, or construction of new facilities in the association's second annual survey of recent building projects. Six projects are new, freestanding structures in which the library occupies all or a major portion of the space. Six other projects are part of new construction for separately administered units in which the library is a major tenant. The final eight projects involve additions to or renovations of existing space. Seven of these twenty libraries were still in projected, predesign, or design stages of awaiting funding approval; of those seven, five were not prepared to release the requested information. Six projects are reported here as illustrative of current building projects. Images PMID:1600420

Organizational models of educational technology in U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

PubMed

Souza, Kevin H; Kamin, Carol; O'Sullivan, Patricia; Moses, Anna; Heestand, Diane

2008-07-01

To examine the organizational structure of educational technology units within U.S. and Canadian medical schools in order to (1) identify organization models that support educational technology, (2) describe key attributes of these models, and (3) discuss the strengths and challenges associated with these models. The authors distributed a survey to 88 schools that had previously provided information on their educational technology services and infrastructure. The authors developed the survey through a series of pilots and, then, from the data for each respondent school, created concept maps, which were used to identify organizational models. The authors conducted analyses to determine differences among models. The authors coded the comments about organizational models and identified themes. The authors received adequate data for analysis from 61 schools (69%). Four models for educational technology organizations emerged: (1) centralized units located in the school of medicine, (2) centralized units located at the health science center, (3) centralized units at the comprehensive university, and (4) no centralized unit (Dispersed Model). The majority (75%) of schools relied on some type of centralized organization. Whereas few organization attributes proved to be statistically significant, the centralized models have more resources devoted to educational technology and a closer alignment with the academic mission than the Dispersed Model. Medical schools primarily use central models. The authors recommend that schools structuring their educational technology resources consider exploration of a central model because of its focused use of resources to improve teaching and learning.

Genetic variation in horizontally transmitted fungal endophytes of pine needles reveals population structure in cryptic species.

PubMed

Oono, Ryoko; Lutzoni, François; Arnold, A Elizabeth; Kaye, Laurel; U'Ren, Jana M; May, Georgiana; Carbone, Ignazio

2014-08-01

• Fungal endophytes comprise one of the most ubiquitous groups of plant symbionts, inhabiting healthy leaves and stems of all major lineages of plants. Together, they comprise immense species richness, but little is known about the fundamental processes that generate their diversity. Exploration of their population structure is needed, especially with regard to geographic distributions and host affiliations.• We take a multilocus approach to examine genetic variation within and among populations of Lophodermium australe, an endophytic fungus commonly associated with healthy foliage of pines in the southeastern United States. Sampling focused on two pine species ranging from montane to coastal regions of North Carolina and Virginia.• Our sampling revealed two genetically distinct groups within Lophodermium australe. Our analysis detected less than one migrant per generation between them, indicating that they are distinct species. The species comprising the majority of isolates (major species) demonstrated a panmictic structure, whereas the species comprising the minority of isolates (cryptic species) demonstrated isolation by distance. Distantly related pine species hosted the same Lophodermium species, and host species did not influence genetic structure.• We present the first evidence for isolation by distance in a foliar fungal endophyte that is horizontally transmitted. Cryptic species may be common among microbial symbionts and are important to delimit when exploring their genetic structure and microevolutionary processes. The hyperdiversity of endophytic fungi may be explained in part by cryptic species without apparent ecological and morphological differences as well as genetic diversification within rare fungal species across large spatial scales. © 2014 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Tornado and extreme wind design criteria for nuclear power plants

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

None

1973-12-01

Nuclear power plant design criteria for tornadoes and extreme winds are presented. Data, formulas, and procedures for determining maximum wind loading on structures and parts of structures are included. Extreme wind loading is applied to structures using methods and procedures consistent with ANSI Building Code A58.1- 1972. The design wind velocities specified generally exceed 100-year recurrent interval winds. Tornado wind loading is applied to structures using procedures paralleling those for extrene winds with additional criteria resulting from the atmospheric pressure change accompanying tornadoes and tornado missile inipact effects. Tornado loading for the 48 contiguous United States is specified for twomore » major zones separated by the Continental Divide. A cross reference listing items related to Atomic Energy Commission Safety Analysis Report format is provided. Development supporting tornado criteria is included. (auth)« less

Common clay and shale

USGS Publications Warehouse

Virta, R.L.

2006-01-01

At present, 150 companies produce common clay and shale in 41 US states. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), domestic production in 2005 reached 24.8 Mt valued at $176 million. In decreasing order by tonnage, the leading producer states include North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Ohio. For the whole year, residential and commercial building construction remained the major market for common clay and shale products such as brick, drain tile, lightweight aggregate, quarry tile and structural tile.

The Civil-Military Gap in the United States. Does It Exist, Why, and Does It Matter?

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

and/or the general public. Based on this framework, our analysis then compares the char- acteristics of military and civilian respondents using a...armed forces, three major force structure reviews (1990 Base Force, 1993 Bottom-Up Review, 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review) took place in the space...Defense Planning in a Decade of Change: Lessons from the Base Force, Bottom-Up Review, and Quadrennial Defense Review, Santa Monica, CA: RAND

Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery of Wyoming and its application to evaluation of Wyoming's natural resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houston, R. S. (Principal Investigator); Marrs, R. W.

1972-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The major effort has been toward interpretation of the intermediate and high altitude aircraft data which was available. Project investigators were able to delineate various structures and lithologic units in well-exposed sedimentary sequences and in regions of Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks. In one area, the Precambrian lithologies, which were previously unmapped, include a taconite formation which might be economically important.

Purification, Crystallization and Preliminary X-ray Characterization of Prunin-1, a Major Component of the Almond (Prunus dulcis) Allergen Amandin

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

Albillos, Silvia M.; Jin, Tengchuan; Howard, Andrew

2008-08-04

The 11S globulins from plant seeds account for a number of major food allergens. Because of the interest in the structural basis underlying the allergenicity of food allergens, we sought to crystallize the main 11S seed storage protein from almond (Prunus dulcis). Prunin-1 (Pru1) was purified from defatted almond flour by water extraction, cryoprecipitation, followed by sequential anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and size exclusion chromatography. Single crystals of Pru1 were obtained in a screening with a crystal screen kit, using the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. Diffraction quality crystals were grown after optimization. The Pru1 crystals diffracted to at least 3.0more » {angstrom} and belong to the tetragonal space group P4{sub 1}22, with unit cell parameters of a = b = 150.912 {angstrom}, c = 165.248 {angstrom}. Self-rotation functions and molecular replacement calculations showed that there are three molecules in the asymmetry unit with water content of 51.41%. The three Pru1 protomers are related by a noncrystallographic 3-fold axis and they form a doughnut-shaped trimer. Two prunin trimers form a homohexamer. Elucidation of prunin structure will allow further characterization of the allergenic features of the 11S protein allergens at the molecular level.« less

Degradation of carbohydrates and lignins in buried woods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hedges, J.I.; Cowie, G.L.; Ertel, J.R.; James, Barbour R.; Hatcher, P.G.

1985-01-01

Spruce, alder, and oak woods deposited in coastal sediments were characterized versus their modern counterparts by quantification of individual neutral sugars and lignin-derived phenols as well as by scanning electron microscopy, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. The buried spruce wood from a 2500 yr old deposit was unaltered whereas an alder wood from the same horizon and an oak wood from an open ocean sediment were profoundly degraded. Individual sugar and lignin phenol analyses indicate that at least 90 and 98 wt% of the initial total polysaccharides in the buried alder and oak woods, respectively, have been degraded along with 15-25 wt% of the lignin. At least 75% of the degraded biopolymer has been physically lost from these samples. This evidence is supported by the SEM, 13C NMR and elemental analyses, all of which indicate selective loss of the carbohydrate moiety. The following order of stability was observed for the major biochemical constituents of both buried hardwoods: vanillyl and p-hydroxyl lignin structural units > syringyl lignin structural units > pectin > ??-cellulose > hemicellulose. This sequence can be explained by selective preservation of the compound middle lamella regions of the wood cell walls. The magnitude and selectivity of the indicated diagenetic reactions are sufficient to cause major changes in the chemical compositions of wood-rich sedimentary organic mixtures and to provide a potentially large in situ nutrient source. ?? 1985.

Fluid Spatial Dynamics of West Nile Virus in the United States: Rapid Spread in a Permissive Host Environment.

PubMed

Di Giallonardo, Francesca; Geoghegan, Jemma L; Docherty, Douglas E; McLean, Robert G; Zody, Michael C; Qu, James; Yang, Xiao; Birren, Bruce W; Malboeuf, Christine M; Newman, Ruchi M; Ip, Hon S; Holmes, Edward C

2016-01-15

The introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999 is a classic example of viral emergence in a new environment, with its subsequent dispersion across the continent having a major impact on local bird populations. Despite the importance of this epizootic, the pattern, dynamics, and determinants of WNV spread in its natural hosts remain uncertain. In particular, it is unclear whether the virus encountered major barriers to transmission, or spread in an unconstrained manner, and if specific viral lineages were favored over others indicative of intrinsic differences in fitness. To address these key questions in WNV evolution and ecology, we sequenced the complete genomes of approximately 300 avian isolates sampled across the United States between 2001 and 2012. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a relatively star-like tree structure, indicative of explosive viral spread in the United States, although with some replacement of viral genotypes through time. These data are striking in that viral sequences exhibit relatively limited clustering according to geographic region, particularly for those viruses sampled from birds, and no strong phylogenetic association with well-sampled avian species. The genome sequence data analyzed here also contain relatively little evidence for adaptive evolution, particularly of structural proteins, suggesting that most viral lineages are of similar fitness and that WNV is well adapted to the ecology of mosquito vectors and diverse avian hosts in the United States. In sum, the molecular evolution of WNV in North America depicts a largely unfettered expansion within a permissive host and geographic population with little evidence of major adaptive barriers. How viruses spread in new host and geographic environments is central to understanding the emergence and evolution of novel infectious diseases and for predicting their likely impact. The emergence of the vector-borne West Nile virus (WNV) in North America in 1999 represents a classic example of this process. Using approximately 300 new viral genomes sampled from wild birds, we show that WNV experienced an explosive spread with little geographical or host constraints within birds and relatively low levels of adaptive evolution. From its introduction into the state of New York, WNV spread across the United States, reaching California and Florida within 4 years, a migration that is clearly reflected in our genomic sequence data, and with a general absence of distinct geographical clusters of bird viruses. However, some geographically distinct viral lineages were found to circulate in mosquitoes, likely reflecting their limited long-distance movement compared to avian species. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Ranked set sampling: cost and optimal set size.

PubMed

Nahhas, Ramzi W; Wolfe, Douglas A; Chen, Haiying

2002-12-01

McIntyre (1952, Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 3, 385-390) introduced ranked set sampling (RSS) as a method for improving estimation of a population mean in settings where sampling and ranking of units from the population are inexpensive when compared with actual measurement of the units. Two of the major factors in the usefulness of RSS are the set size and the relative costs of the various operations of sampling, ranking, and measurement. In this article, we consider ranking error models and cost models that enable us to assess the effect of different cost structures on the optimal set size for RSS. For reasonable cost structures, we find that the optimal RSS set sizes are generally larger than had been anticipated previously. These results will provide a useful tool for determining whether RSS is likely to lead to an improvement over simple random sampling in a given setting and, if so, what RSS set size is best to use in this case.

After the oil boom: The holiday ends in the gulf

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

Zanoyan, V.

1995-11-01

The most unmanageable risk facing American interests in the Persian Gulf is the slow but sure decay of the economic and political structure of the United States` key regional allies. They are the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states: Saudia Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). External threats to these friendly governments and the direct risks to the continued flow of oil has blinded Washington to the end of these countries 20-year holiday from politics and economics. The holiday from economics was characterized by, among other syndromes, the lack of binding budget constraints, which reduced andmore » sometimes even eliminated the need to set spending priorities and allocate scarce economic resources. It is no longer possible to cover up structural weaknesses and policy inconsistencies. All major interest groups, including governments, ruling families, merchant families, and the population at large, are under pressure to earn not only their privileges but their keep. The need for Washington to address these new threats is examined.« less

A vibrational spectroscopic study of the silicate mineral lomonosovite Na5Ti2(Si2O7)(PO4)O2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, Ray L.; López, Andrés; Theiss, Frederick L.; Graça, Leonardo M.; Scholz, Ricardo

2015-01-01

The mineral lomonosovite has been studied using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and vibrational spectroscopy. Qualitative chemical analysis gave Si, P, Na and Ti as the as major elements with small amounts of Mn, Ca, Fe and Al. The mineral lomonosovite has a formula Na5Ti2(Si2O7)(PO4)O2. Raman bands observed at 909, 925 and 939 cm-1 are associated with phosphate units. Raman bands found at 975, 999, 1070, 1080 and 1084 cm-1 are attributed to siloxane stretching vibrations. The observation of multiple bands in both the phosphate stretching and bending regions supports the concept that the symmetry of the phosphate anion in the structure of lomonosovite is significantly reduced. Infrared spectroscopy identifies bands in the water stretching and bending regions, thus suggesting that water is involved with the structure of lomonosovite either through adsorption on the surface or by bonding to the phosphate units.

Chemical structure and anticoagulant activity of highly pyruvylated sulfated galactans from tropical green seaweeds of the order Bryopsidales.

PubMed

Arata, Paula X; Quintana, Irene; Canelón, Dilsia J; Vera, Beatriz E; Compagnone, Reinaldo S; Ciancia, Marina

2015-05-20

Sulfated and pyruvylated galactans were isolated from three tropical species of the Bryopsidales, Penicillus capitatus, Udotea flabellum, and Halimeda opuntia. They represent the only important sulfated polysaccharides present in the cell walls of these highly calcified seaweeds of the suborder Halimedineae. Their structural features were studied by chemical analyses and NMR spectroscopy. Their backbone comprises 3-, 6-, and 3,6-linkages, constituted by major amounts of 3-linked 4,6-O-(1'-carboxy)ethylidene-d-galactopyranose units in part sulfated on C-2. Sulfation on C-2 was not found in galactans from other seaweeds of this order. In addition, a complex sulfation pattern, comprising also 4-, 6-, and 4,6-disulfated galactose units was found. A fraction from P. capitatus, F1, showed a moderate anticoagulant activity, evaluated by general coagulation tests and also kinetics of fibrin formation was assayed. Besides, preliminary results suggest that one of the possible mechanisms involved is direct thrombin inhibition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure, form, and meaning in the mental lexicon: evidence from Arabic

PubMed Central

Boudelaa, Sami; Marslen-Wilson, William D.

2015-01-01

Does the organization of the mental lexicon reflect the combination of abstract underlying morphemic units or the concatenation of word-level phonological units? We address these fundamental issues in Arabic, a Semitic language where every surface form is potentially analyzable into abstract morphemic units – the word pattern and the root – and where this view contrasts with stem-based approaches, chiefly driven by linguistic considerations, in which neither roots nor word patterns play independent roles in word formation and lexical representation. Five cross-modal priming experiments examine the processing of morphologically complex forms in the three major subdivisions of the Arabic lexicon – deverbal nouns, verbs, and primitive nouns. The results demonstrate that root and word pattern morphemes function as abstract cognitive entities, operating independently of semantic factors and dissociable from possible phonological confounds, while stem-based approaches consistently fail to accommodate the basic psycholinguistic properties of the Arabic mental lexicon. PMID:26682237

Isotopic perspectives on the western Himalayan syntaxis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argles, T. W.; Foster, G. L.; Whittington, A. G.; George, M. T.

2003-04-01

The western syntaxis has been characterised as a structural and metamorphic anomaly within the Himalaya, resulting from extreme Neogene exhumation and associated partial melting. However, an integration of detailed fieldwork with whole-rock isotopic data indicates that all the major tectonic units observed along the arc of the orogen also occur in the syntaxis. Most of the rocks exposed by the extreme exhumation have very different characteristics to their correlatives in the rest of the Himalayan mountain belt, because they represent very different crustal levels. The generally higher metamorphic grade of most syntaxial units obscures their affinities, while high strain throughout the syntaxis also conspires to mask the major tectonic faults that form boundaries to the units in the rest of the orogen. The Lesser Himalayan affinity of the gneissic core of the Nanga Parbat massif has been revealed previously using Nd isotopes. This study confirms the distinction between Lesser (E(Nd) = -20 to -29) and High (E(Nd) = -12 to -19) Himalayan rocks, but further subdivides those units with a High Himalayan Nd signature using Sr isotopic data. Some low-grade schists within the syntaxis have a relatively low 87Sr/86Sr ratio (<0.720) that distinguishes them from the High Himalayan rocks, and suggests they are metamorphic equivalents of the Tethyan sediments exposed in the main Himalayan orogen. The tectonic contact between the Lesser and High Himalayan units in the central Himalaya is the Main Central Thrust, a zone characterised by inverted metamorphism and high strain, but in the uniformly high-strain syntaxis this thrust is difficult to locate except by isotopic signatures. Extensive thermobarometric studies in the syntaxis, however, show two things. The first is the varying intensity of Neogene metamorphic overprint, whose strength is closely related to the degree of deformation (and rheology). The second is a zone of distinctly lower temperature mineral assemblages related to extensional (top-to-the-north) fabrics that straddles the boundary between the High Himalayan gneisses and the Tethyan metasediments. This extensional zone occupies the same structural position in the syntaxis as the South Tibetan Detachment System does in the central Himalaya.

Geochemical Comparison of Four Cores from the Manson Impact Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korotev, Randy L.; Rockow, Kaylynn M.; Jolliff, Bradley L.; Haskin, Larry A.; McCarville, Peter; Crossey, Laura J.

1996-01-01

Concentrations of 33 elements were determined in relatively unaltered, matrix-rich samples of impact breccia at approximately 3-m-depth intervals in the M-1 core from the Manson impact structure, Iowa. In addition, 46 matrix-rich samples from visibly altered regions of the M-7, M-8, and M-10 cores were studied, along with 42 small clasts from all four cores. Major element compositions were determined for a subset of impact breccias from the M-1 core, including matrix-rich impact-melt breccia. Major- and trace-element compositions were also determined for a suite of likely target rocks. In the M-1 core, different breccia units identified from lithologic examination of cores are compositionally distinct. There is a sharp compositional discontinuity at the boundary between the Keweenawan-shale-clast breccia and the underlying unit of impact-melt breccia (IMB) for most elements, suggesting minimal physical mixing between the two units during emplacement. Samples from the 40-m-thick IMB (M-1) are all similar to each other in composition, although there are slight increases in concentration with depth for those elements that have high concentrations in the underlying fragmental-matrix suevite breccia (SB) (e.g., Na, Ca, Fe, Sc), presumably as a result of greater clast proportions at the bottom margin of the unit of impact-melt breccia. The high degree of compositional similarity we observe in the impact-melt breccias supports the interpretation that the matrix of this unit represents impact melt. That our analyses show such compositional similarity results in part from our technique for sampling these breccias: for each sample we analyzed a few small fragments (total mass: approximately 200 mg) selected to be relatively free of large clasts and visible signs of alteration instead of subsamples of powders prepared from a large mass of breccia. The mean composition of the matrix-rich part of impact-melt breccia from the M-1 core can be modeled as a mixture of approximately 35% shale and siltstone (Proterozoic "Red Clastics"), 23% granite, 40% hornblende-biotite gneiss, and a small component (less than 2%) of mafic-dike rocks.

Environmental setting of the Yellowstone River basin, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zelt, Ronald B.; Boughton, G.K.; Miller, K.A.; Mason, J.P.; Gianakos, L.M.

1999-01-01

Natural and anthropogenic factors influence water-quality conditions in the Yellowstone River Basin. Physiography parallels the structural geologic setting that is generally composed of several uplifts and structural basins. Contrasts in climate and vegetation reflect topographic controls and the midcontinental location of the study unit. Surface-water hydrology reflects water surpluses in mountainous areas that are dominated by snowmelt runoff, and arid to semiarid conditions in the plains that are dissected by typically irrigated valleys in the remainder of the study unit. Principal shallow aquifers are Tertiary sandstones and unconsolidated Quaternary deposits. Human population, though sparsely distributed in general, is growing most rapidly in a few urban centers and resort areas, mostly in the northwestern part of the basin. Land use is areally dominated by grazing in the basins and plains and economically dominated by mineral-extraction activities. Forests are the dominant land cover in mountainous areas. Cropland is a major land use in principal stream valleys. Water use is dominated by irrigated agriculture overall, but mining and public-supply facilities are major users of ground water. Coal and hydrocarbon production and reserves distinguish the Yellowstone River Basin as a principal energy-minerals resources region. Current metallic ore production or reserves are nationally significant for platinum-group elements and chromium.The study unit was subdivided as an initial environmental stratification for use in designing the National Water-Quality Assessment Program investigation that began in 1997. Ecoregions, geologic groups, mineral-resource areas, and general land-cover and land-use categories were used in combination to define 18 environmental settings in the Yellowstone River Basin. It is expected that these different settings will be reflected in differing water-quality or aquatic-ecological characteristics.

Employing 2D Forward Modeling of Gravity and Magnetic Data to Further Constrain the Magnitude of Extension Recorded by the Caetano Caldera, Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritzinger, B. T.; Glen, J. M. G.; Athens, N. D.; Denton, K. M.; Bouligand, C.

2015-12-01

Regionally continuous Cenozoic rocks in the Basin and Range that predate the onset of major mid-Miocene extension provide valuable insight into the sequence of faulting and magnitude of extension. An exceptional example of this is Caetano caldera, located in north-central Nevada, that formed during the eruption of the Caetano Tuff at the Eocene-Oligocene transition. The caldera and associated deposits, as well as conformable caldera-filling sedimentary and volcanic units allow for the reconstruction of post Oligocene extensional faulting. Extensive mapping and geochronologic, geochemical and paleomagnetic analyses have been conducted over the last decade to help further constrain the eruptive and extensional history of the Caetano caldera and associated deposits. Gravity and magnetic data, that highlight contrasts in density and magnetic properties (susceptibility and remanence), respectively, are useful for mapping and modeling structural and lithic discontinuities. By combining existing gravity and aeromagnetic data with newly collected high-resolution gravity data, we are performing detailed potential field modeling to better characterize the subsurface within and surrounding the caldera. Modeling is constrained by published geologic map and cross sections and by new rock properties for these units determined from oriented drill core and hand samples collected from outcrops that span all of the major rock units in the study area. These models will enable us to better map the margins of the caldera and more accurately determine subsurface lithic boundaries and complex fault geometries, as well as aid in refining estimates of the magnitude of extension across the caldera. This work highlights the value in combining geologic and geophysical data to build an integrated structural model to help characterize the subsurface and better constrain the extensional tectonic history if this part of the Great Basin.

Geostatistics applied to cross-well reflection seismic for imaging carbonate aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parra, Jorge; Emery, Xavier

2013-05-01

Cross-well seismic reflection data, acquired from a carbonate aquifer at Port Mayaca test site near the eastern boundary of Lake Okeechobee in Martin County, Florida, are used to delineate flow units in the region intercepted by two wells. The interwell impedance determined by inversion from the seismic reflection data allows us to visualize the major boundaries between the hydraulic units. The hydraulic (flow) unit properties are based on the integration of well logs and the carbonate structure, which consists of isolated vuggy carbonate units and interconnected vug systems within the carbonate matrix. The vuggy and matrix porosity logs based on Formation Micro-Imager (FMI) data provide information about highly permeable conduits at well locations. The integration of the inverted impedance and well logs using geostatistics helps us to assess the resolution of the cross-well seismic method for detecting conduits and to determine whether these conduits are continuous or discontinuous between wells. A productive water zone of the aquifer outlined by the well logs was selected for analysis and interpretation. The ELAN (Elemental Log Analysis) porosity from two wells was selected as primary data and the reflection seismic-based impedance as secondary data. The direct and cross variograms along the vertical wells capture nested structures associated with periodic carbonate units, which correspond to connected flow units between the wells. Alternatively, the horizontal variogram of impedance (secondary data) provides scale lengths that correspond to irregular boundary shapes of flow units. The ELAN porosity image obtained by cokriging exhibits three similar flow units at different depths. These units are thin conduits developed in the first well and, at about the middle of the interwell separation region, these conduits connect to thicker flow units that are intercepted by the second well. In addition, a high impedance zone (low porosity) at a depth of about 275 m, after being converted to ELAN porosity, is characterized as a more confined low porosity structure. This continuous zone corresponds to a permeability barrier in the carbonate aquifer that separates the three connected conduits observed in the cokriging image. In the zones above and below this permeability barrier, the water production is very high, which agrees with water well observations at the Port Mayaca aquifer.

Nonnative forest insects and pathogens in the United States: Impacts and policy options.

PubMed

Lovett, Gary M; Weiss, Marissa; Liebhold, Andrew M; Holmes, Thomas P; Leung, Brian; Lambert, Kathy Fallon; Orwig, David A; Campbell, Faith T; Rosenthal, Jonathan; McCullough, Deborah G; Wildova, Radka; Ayres, Matthew P; Canham, Charles D; Foster, David R; LaDeau, Shannon L; Weldy, Troy

2016-07-01

We review and synthesize information on invasions of nonnative forest insects and diseases in the United States, including their ecological and economic impacts, pathways of arrival, distribution within the United States, and policy options for reducing future invasions. Nonnative insects have accumulated in United States forests at a rate of ~2.5 per yr over the last 150 yr. Currently the two major pathways of introduction are importation of live plants and wood packing material such as pallets and crates. Introduced insects and diseases occur in forests and cities throughout the United States, and the problem is particularly severe in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Nonnative forest pests are the only disturbance agent that has effectively eliminated entire tree species or genera from United States forests within decades. The resulting shift in forest structure and species composition alters ecosystem functions such as productivity, nutrient cycling, and wildlife habitat. In urban and suburban areas, loss of trees from streets, yards, and parks affects aesthetics, property values, shading, stormwater runoff, and human health. The economic damage from nonnative pests is not yet fully known, but is likely in the billions of dollars per year, with the majority of this economic burden borne by municipalities and residential property owners. Current policies for preventing introductions are having positive effects but are insufficient to reduce the influx of pests in the face of burgeoning global trade. Options are available to strengthen the defenses against pest arrival and establishment, including measures taken in the exporting country prior to shipment, measures to ensure clean shipments of plants and wood products, inspections at ports of entry, and post-entry measures such as quarantines, surveillance, and eradication programs. Improved data collection procedures for inspections, greater data accessibility, and better reporting would support better evaluation of policy effectiveness. Lack of additional action places the nation, local municipalities, and property owners at high risk of further damaging and costly invasions. Adopting stronger policies to reduce establishments of new forest insects and diseases would shift the major costs of control to the source and alleviate the economic burden now borne by homeowners and municipalities. © 2016 by the Ecological Society of America.

Hierarchy of facies of pyroclastic flow deposits generated by Laacher See type eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freundt, A.; Schmincke, H.-U.

1985-04-01

The upper Quaternary pyroclastic flow deposits of Laacher See volcano show compositional and structural facies variations on four different scales: (1) eruptive units of pyroclastic flows, composed of many flow units; (2) depositional cycles of as many as five flow units; flow units containing (3) regional intraflow-unit facies; and (4) local intraflow-unit subfacies. These facies can be explained by successively overlapping processes beginning in the magma column and ending with final deposition. The pyroclastic flow deposits thus reflect major aspects of the eruptive history of Laacher See volcano: (a) drastic changes in eruptive mechanism due to increasing access of water to the magma chamber and (b) change in chemical composition and crystal and gas content as evacuation of a compositionally zoned magma column progressed. The four scales of facies result from four successive sets of processes: (1) differentiation in the magma column and external factors governing the mechanism of eruption; (2) temporal variations of factors inducing eruption column collapse; (3) physical conditions in the eruption column and the way in which its collapse proceeds; and (4) interplay of flow-inherent and morphology-induced transport mechanics.

Environmental Sciences Division annual progress report for period ending September 30, 1994

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

NONE

1994-12-31

This progress report summarizes the research and development activities conducted in the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory during fiscal year (FY) 1994, which extended from October 1, 1993, through September 30, 1994. The report is structured to provide descriptions of current activities and accomplishments in each of the division`s major organizational units. Following the sections describing the organizational units are sections highlighting ESD Scientific, Technical, and Administrative Achievement awards and listing information necessary to covey the scope of the work in the division. An organizational chart of staff and long-term guests who wee in ESD atmore » the end of FY 1994 is located in the final section of the report.« less

HDU Pressurized Excursion Module (PEM) Prototype Systems Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Tracy R.; Kennedy, Kriss; Tri, Terry; Toups, Larry; Howe, A. Scott

2010-01-01

The Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) project team constructed an analog prototype lunar surface laboratory called the Pressurized Excursion Module (PEM). The prototype unit subsystems were integrated in a short amount of time, utilizing a skunk-works approach that brought together over 20 habitation-related technologies from a variety of NASA centers. This paper describes the system integration strategies and lessons learned, that allowed the PEM to be brought from paper design to working field prototype using a multi-center team. The system integration process included establishment of design standards, negotiation of interfaces between subsystems, and scheduling fit checks and installation activities. A major tool used in integration was a coordinated effort to accurately model all the subsystems using CAD, so that conflicts were identified before physical components came together. Some of the major conclusions showed that up-front modularity that emerged as an artifact of construction, such as the eight 45 degree "pie slices" making up the module whose steel rib edges defined structural mounting and loading points, dictated much of the configurational interfaces between the major subsystems and workstations. Therefore, 'one of the lessons learned included the need to use modularity as a tool for organization in advance, and to work harder to prevent non-critical aspects of the platform from dictating the modularity that may eventually inform the fight system.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of nurse shark β2-microglobulin.

PubMed

Lu, Shuangshuang; Yao, Shugang; Chen, Rong; Zhang, Nianzhi; Chen, Jianmin; Gao, Feng; Xia, Chun

2012-04-01

β(2)-Microglobulin (β(2)m) is an essential subunit of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule that helps to stabilize the structure of peptide-MHC I (pMHC I). It is also one of the typical immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) molecules in the adaptive immune system (AIS). Sharks belong to the cartilaginous fish, which are the oldest jawed vertebrate ancestors with an AIS to exist in the world. Thus, the study of cartilaginous fish β(2)m would help in understanding the evolution of IgSF molecules. In order to demonstrate this, β(2)m from a cartilaginous fish, nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), was expressed, refolded, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.3 Å. The crystal belonged to space group P3(2)21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 88.230, c = 67.146 Å. The crystal structure contained two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The results will provide structural information for study of the evolution of β(2)m and IgSF in the AIS. © 2012 International Union of Crystallography. All rights reserved.

Geologic Insights and Suggestions on Mineral Potential Based on Analyses of Geophysical Data of the Southern Toquima Range, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shawe, D.R.; Kucks, R.P.; Hildenbrand, T.G.

2004-01-01

Aeromagnetic and gravity data provide confirmation of major structural and lithologic units in the southern Toquima Range, Nevada. These units include Cretaceous granite plutons and Tertiary calderas. In addition, the geophysical maps pinpoint numerous faults and lesser intrusions, and they suggest locations of several inferred subsurface intrusions. They also corroborate a system of northwesterly and northeasterly conjugate structures that probably are fundamental to the structural framework of the Toquima Range. A combination of geophysical, geochemical, and geologic data available for the widely mineralized and productive area suggests additional mineral resource potential, especially in and (or) adjacent to the Round Mountain, Jefferson, Manhattan, and Belmont mining districts. Also, evidence for mineral potential exists for areas near the Flower mercury mine south of Mount Jefferson caldera, and in the Bald Mountain Canyon belt of gold-quartz veins in the Manhattan caldera. A few other areas also show potential for mineral resources. The various geologic environments indicated within the map area suggest base- and precious-metal potential in porphyry deposits as well as in quartz-vein and skarn deposits associated with intrusive stocks.

Virucidal Influence of Ionic Liquids on Phages P100 and MS2

PubMed Central

Fister, Susanne; Mester, Patrick; Sommer, Julia; Witte, Anna K.; Kalb, Roland; Wagner, Martin; Rossmanith, Peter

2017-01-01

An increasing number of publications describe the potential of ionic liquids (ILs) as novel antimicrobials, antibacterial coatings and even as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Nevertheless, a major research area, notably their impact on viruses, has so far been neglected. Consequently the aim of this study was to examine the effects of ILs on the infectivity of viruses. A systematic analysis to investigate the effects of defined structural elements of ILs on virus activity was performed using 55 ILs. All structure activity relationships (SARs) were tested on the human norovirus surrogate phage MS2 and phage P100 representing non-enveloped DNA viruses. Results demonstrate that IL SAR conclusions, established for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, are not readily applicable to the examined phages. A virus-type-dependent IL influence was also apparent. Overall, four ILs, covering different structural elements, were found to reduce phage P100 infectivity by ≥4 log10 units, indicating a virucidal effect, whereas the highest reduction for phage MS2 was about 3 log10 units. Results indicate that future applications of ILs as virucidal agents will require development of novel SARs and the obtained results serve as a good starting point for future studies. PMID:28883814

Surficial geology, structure, and thickness of selected geohydrologic units in the Columbia Plateau, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drost, B.W.; Whiteman, K.J.

1986-01-01

A 2-1/2 year study of the Columbia Plateau in Washington was begun in March 1982 to define spatial and temporal variations in dissolved sodium in the Columbia River Basalt Group aquifers and to relate these variations to the groundwater system and its geologic framework. This report describes the geologic framework , including the vertical and areal extent of the major basalt units, interbeds, and overlying materials. Thickness and structure of the Grande Ronde, Wanapum, and Saddle Mountains Basalts, thickness of the interbeds between the Grande Ronde and Wanapum, and Wanapum and Saddle Mountains Basalts, and thickness of the overburden were mapped at a scale of 1:500,000. Information was compiled from 2,500 well records using chemical analyses of core or drill chips, geophysical logs, and driller 's logs, in decreasing order of reliability. Surficial geology and surficial expression of structural features were simplified from published maps to provide maps with this information at the 1:500,000 scale. This report is intended to serve as a base for evaluating the distribution of dissolved sodium in basalt aquifers and as a base for future water resource studies. (USGS)

The Nature of Hololignin

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

Meng, Xianzhi; Pu, Yunqiao; Sannigrahi, Poulomi

Acid chlorite delignification is frequently used to obtain a mixture of cellulose and hemicellulose known as holocellulose from biomass. While a majority of lignin is removed after holocellulose pulping, there appears to be a minor fraction of lignin that is more resistant to acid chlorite treatment and remains in the holocellulose even after repeated delignification treatment. This type of lignin, defined as hololignin, has not been characterized, is likely to contribute to biomass recalcitrance and is clearly of fundamental interest to understand its structural characteristics. In this study, hololignin isolated from poplar holocellulose was characterized with a wide array ofmore » techniques including GPC, quantitative 13C, DEPT-135, HSQC, and 31P NMR. The results were then compared to those from milled wood lignin (MWL), the representative native lignin isolated from poplar. NMR analysis demonstrated a depletion of cinnamyl aldehyde, acetyl group, and decrease of p-hydroxybenzoate structural units in hololignin. An enrichment of condensed structures in hololignin was observed. Hololignin also had a significantly lower molecular weight than MWL. Finally, hololignin is relatively enriched in guaiacyl units and has a lower S/G ratio, lower β-O-4 ether linkages, fewer aliphatic and phenolic hydroxyl groups, and more carboxylic acid groups than MWL.« less

Multilocus Sequence Typing of Bartonella henselae in the United Kingdom Indicates that Only a Few, Uncommon Sequence Types Are Associated with Zoonotic Disease▿†

PubMed Central

Chaloner, Gemma L.; Harrison, Timothy G.; Coyne, Karen P.; Aanensen, David M.; Birtles, Richard J.

2011-01-01

Bartonella henselae is one of the most common zoonotic agents acquired from companion animals (cats) in industrialized countries. Nonetheless, although the prevalence of infections in cats is high, the number of human cases reported is relatively low. One hypothesis for this discrepancy is that B. henselae strains vary in their zoonotic potential. To test this hypothesis, we employed structured sampling to explore the population structure of B. henselae in the United Kingdom and to determine the distribution of strains associated with zoonotic disease within this structure. A total of 118 B. henselae strains were delineated into 12 sequence types (STs) using multilocus sequence typing. We observed that most (85%) of the zoonosis-associated strains belonged to only three genotypes, i.e., ST2, ST5, and ST8. Conversely, most (74%) of the feline isolates belonged to ST4, ST6, and ST7. The difference in host association of ST2, ST5, and ST8 (zoonosis associated) and ST6 (feline) was statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating that a few, uncommon STs were responsible for the majority of symptomatic human infections. PMID:21471345

Structural investigation of cell wall polysaccharides of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 17.

PubMed

Vinogradov, E; Sadovskaya, I; Cornelissen, A; van Sinderen, D

2015-09-02

Lactobacilli are valuable strains for commercial (functional) food fermentations. Their cell surface-associated polysaccharides (sPSs) possess important functional properties, such as acting as receptors for bacteriophages (bacterial viruses), influencing autolytic characteristics and providing protection against antimicrobial peptides. The current report provides an elaborate molecular description of several surface carbohydrates of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain 17. The cell surface of this strain was shown to contain short chain poly(glycerophosphate) teichoic acids and at least two different sPSs, designated here as sPS1 and sPS2, whose chemical structures were examined by 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and methylation analysis. Neutral branched sPS1, extracted with n-butanol, was shown to be composed of hexasaccharide repeating units (-[α-d-Glcp-(1-3)-]-4-β-l-Rhap2OAc-4-β-d-Glcp-[α-d-Galp-(1-3)]-4-α-Rhap-3-α-d-Galp-), while the major component of the TCA-extracted sPS2 was demonstrated to be a linear d-galactan with the repeating unit structure being (-[Gro-3P-(1-6)-]-3-β-Galf-3-α-Galp-2-β-Galf-6-β-Galf-3-β-Galp-). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Nature of Hololignin

DOE PAGES

Meng, Xianzhi; Pu, Yunqiao; Sannigrahi, Poulomi; ...

2017-11-07

Acid chlorite delignification is frequently used to obtain a mixture of cellulose and hemicellulose known as holocellulose from biomass. While a majority of lignin is removed after holocellulose pulping, there appears to be a minor fraction of lignin that is more resistant to acid chlorite treatment and remains in the holocellulose even after repeated delignification treatment. This type of lignin, defined as hololignin, has not been characterized, is likely to contribute to biomass recalcitrance and is clearly of fundamental interest to understand its structural characteristics. In this study, hololignin isolated from poplar holocellulose was characterized with a wide array ofmore » techniques including GPC, quantitative 13C, DEPT-135, HSQC, and 31P NMR. The results were then compared to those from milled wood lignin (MWL), the representative native lignin isolated from poplar. NMR analysis demonstrated a depletion of cinnamyl aldehyde, acetyl group, and decrease of p-hydroxybenzoate structural units in hololignin. An enrichment of condensed structures in hololignin was observed. Hololignin also had a significantly lower molecular weight than MWL. Finally, hololignin is relatively enriched in guaiacyl units and has a lower S/G ratio, lower β-O-4 ether linkages, fewer aliphatic and phenolic hydroxyl groups, and more carboxylic acid groups than MWL.« less

Using cryoEM Reconstruction and Phase Extension to Determine Crystal Structure of Bacteriophage $${\\Phi}$$6 Major Capsid Protein

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

Nemecek, Daniel; Plevka, Pavel; Boura, Evzen

2013-11-29

Bacteriophagemore » $${\\Phi}$$6 is a double-stranded RNA virus that has been extensively studied as a model organism. In this paper we describe structure determination of $${\\Phi}$$6 major capsid protein P1. The protein crystallized in base centered orthorhombic space group C2221. Matthews’s coefficient indicated that the crystals contain from four to seven P1 subunits in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. The self-rotation function had shown presence of fivefold axes of non-crystallographic symmetry in the crystals. Thus, electron density map corresponding to a P1 pentamer was excised from a previously determined cryoEM reconstruction of the $${\\Phi}$$6 procapsid at 7 Å resolution and used as a model for molecular replacement. The phases for reflections at higher than 7 Å resolution were obtained by phase extension employing the fivefold non-crystallographic symmetry present in the crystal. Lastly, the averaged 3.6 Å-resolution electron density map was of sufficient quality to allow model building.« less

Isolation, purification and some structural features of the mucilaginous exudate from Musa paradisiaca.

PubMed

Mondal, S K; Ray, B; Thakur, S; Ghosal, P K

2001-03-01

The water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from the vascular gel of Musa paradisiaca, were fractionated via anion exchange chromatography into four fractions. Fractionated polymers contained arabinose, xylose and galacturonic acid as major sugars, together with traces of galactose, rhamnose, mannose and glucose residues. Methylation analysis revealed the presence of a highly branched arabinoxylan with a significant amount of terminal arabinopyranosyl units and an arabinogalactan type I pectin. Periodate oxidation studies supported the results of methylation analysis.

Pacific Sardine Characteristics Affecting the Conduct of an Acoustic Clutter Experiment off the West Coast of the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-15

P. Cotel, "Three-dimensional structure and avoidance behavior of anchovy and common sardine schools in central southern Chile ," ICES J. Mar. Sei. 61...the most abundant species of schooling fish off the West Coast Therefore, sardines are the best candidates to be clutter targets. In preparation for...fish and to interpret the results, pertinent characteristics of the major fish species in the region must be known. The best source of that knowledge

Geologic and Fossil Locality Maps of the West-Central Part of the Howard Pass Quadrangle and Part of the Adjacent Misheguk Mountain Quadrangle, Western Brooks Range, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dover, James H.; Tailleur, Irvin L.; Dumoulin, Julie A.

2004-01-01

The map depicts the field distribution and contact relations between stratigraphic units, the tectonic relations between major stratigraphic sequences, and the detailed internal structure of these sequences. The stratigraphic sequences formed in a variety of continental margin depositional environments, and subsequently underwent a complexde formational history of imbricate thrust faulting and folding. A compilation of micro and macro fossil identifications is included in this data set.

Interpretation of the Last Chance thrust, Death Valley region, California, as an Early Permian décollement in a previously undeformed shale basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stevens, Calvin H.; Stone, Paul

2005-01-01

We interpret the Last Chance thrust as similar in many ways to Appalachian-type décollements in which the zone of thrusting is localized along a shale interval. The Last Chance thrust, however, has been dismembered during later geologic events so that its original geometry has been obscured. Our model may have unrecognized analogs in other structurally complex shale basins in which the initial deformation was along a major shale unit.

Economic organization of medicine and the Committee on the Costs of Medical Care.

PubMed Central

Perkins, B B

1998-01-01

Recent strategies in managed care and managed competition illustrate how health care reforms may reproduce the patterns of economic organization of their times. Such a reform approach is not a new development in the United States. The work of the 1927-1932 Committee on the Costs of Medical Care exemplifies an earlier effort that applied forms of economic organization to medical care. The committee tried to restructure medicine along lines consistent with its economic environment while attributing its models variously to science, profession, and business. Like current approaches, the committee's reports defined costs as the major problem and business models of organization as the major solution. The reports recommended expanded financial management and group medicine, which would include growth in self-supporting middle-class services such as fee clinics and middle-rate hospital units. Identifying these elements as corporate practice of medicine, the American Medical Association-based minority dissented from the final report in favor of conserving individual entrepreneurial practice. This continuum in forms of economic organization has limited structural reform strategies in medicine for the remainder of the century. PMID:9807547

Perception of intensive care unit stressors in Malaysian Federal Territory hospitals.

PubMed

Soh, Kim Lam; Soh, Kim Geok; Ahmad, Zaiton; Abdul Raman, Rosna; Japar, Salimah

2008-12-01

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a therapeutic place for monitoring critically ill patients. However, it is a stressful area for the patients and it is causing them great anxiety. Previous studies have identified three groups of stressors in ICU namely; physical, psychological and environmental. The aims of this study were to determine the ICU stressors as experienced by patients and to determine the level of stressors felt by patients in ICU. A cross sectional study was done on 70 patients from two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. A face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire was used for patients. Data collection occurred from 15 December 2006 to 31 January 2007. The five major ICU stressors perceived by patients were pain, being stuck with needles, boredom, missing their spouses and being too hot/cold. The ICU physical stressors were the major items ranked by post ICU patients. The findings from this study provided a set of baseline information to the health care providers, particularly ICU nurses in Malaysia, with which to provide better care for the patients in ICU.

Models of metal binding structures in fulvic acid from the Suwannee River, Georgia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leenheer, J.A.; Brown, G.K.; MacCarthy, P.; Cabaniss, S.E.

1998-01-01

Fulvic acid, isolated from the Suwannee River, Georgia, was assessed for its ability to bind Ca2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ ions at pH 6 before and after extensive fractionation that was designed to reveal the nature of metal binding functional groups. The binding constant for Ca2+ ion had the greatest increase of all the ions in a metal binding fraction that was selected for intensive characterization for the purpose of building quantitative average model structures. The 'metal binding' fraction was characterized by quantitative 13C NMR, 1H NMR, and FT-1R spectrometry and elemental, titrimetric, and molecular weight determinations. The characterization data revealed that carboxyl groups were clustered in short- chain aliphatic dibasic acid structures. The Ca2+ binding data suggested that ether-substituted oxysuccinic acid structures are good models for the metal binding sites at pH 6. Structural models were derived based upon oxidation and photolytic rearrangements of cutin, lignin, and tannin precursors. These structural models rich in substituted dibasic acid structures revealed polydentate binding sites with the potential for both inner-sphere and outer-sphere type binding. The majority of the fulvic acid molecule was involved with metal binding rather than a small substructural unit.Fulvic acid, isolated from the Suwannee River, Georgia, was assessed for its ability to bind Ca2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ ions at pH 6 before and after extensive fractionation that was designed to reveal the nature of metal binding functional groups. The binding constant for Ca2+ ion had the greatest increase of all the ions in a metal binding fraction that was selected for intensive characterization for the purpose of building quantitative average model structures. The `metal binding' fraction was characterized by quantitative 13C NMR, 1H NMR, and FT-IR spectrometry and elemental, titrimetric, and molecular weight determinations. The characterization data revealed that carboxyl groups were clustered in short-chain aliphatic dibasic acid structures. The Ca2+ binding data suggested that ether-substituted oxysuccinic acid structures are good models for the metal binding sites at pH 6. Structural models were derived based upon oxidation and photolytic rearrangements of cutin, lignin, and tannin precursors. These structural models rich in substituted dibasic acid structures revealed polydentate binding sites with the potential for both inner-sphere and outer-sphere type binding. The majority of the fulvic acid molecule was involved with metal binding rather than a small substructural unit.

NORAD

Science.gov Websites

TERRENCE J. O'SHAUGHNESSY, USAF Command, United States Northern Command VIEW BIO LIEUTENANT GENERAL REYNOLD N. HOOVER, USA Deputy Commander, United States Northern Command VIEW BIO MAJOR GENERAL PEGGY C . COMBS, USA Chief of Staff, United States Northern Command VIEW BIO SERGEANT MAJOR PAUL MCKENNA, USMC

Is Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) a Major Component of the Mechanism Responsible for Microvascular Remodeling in the Brain?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaManna, Joseph C.; Sun, Xiaoyan; Ivy, Andre D.; Ward, Nicole L.

We have used a relatively simple model of hypoxia that triggers adaptive structural changes in the cerebral microvasculature to study the process of physiological angiogenesis. This model can be used to obtain mechanistic data for the processes that probably underlie the dynamic structural changes that occur in learning and the control of oxygen availability to the neurovascular unit. These mechanisms are broadly involved in a wide variety of pathophysiological processes. This is the vascular component to CNS functional plasticity, supporting learning and adaptation. The angiogenic process may wane with age, contributing to the decreasing ability to survive metabolic stress and the diminution of neuronal plasticity.

Crystallization of Macromolecules

PubMed Central

Friedmann, David; Messick, Troy; Marmorstein, Ronen

2014-01-01

X-ray crystallography has evolved into a very powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes. The major bottleneck in structure determination by X-ray crystallography is the preparation of suitable crystalline samples. This unit outlines steps for the crystallization of a macromolecule, starting with a purified, homogeneous sample. The first protocols describe preparation of the macromolecular sample (i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, and macromolecular complexes). The preparation and assessment of crystallization trials is then described, along with a protocol for confirming whether the crystals obtained are composed of macromolecule as opposed to a crystallization reagent . Next, the optimization of crystallization conditions is presented. Finally, protocols that facilitate the growth of larger crystals through seeding are described. PMID:22045560

Mesozoic intracontinental underthrust in the SE margin of the North China Block: Insights from the Xu-Huai thrust-and-fold belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Liangshu; Yin, Hongwei; Faure, Michel; Chen, Yan

2017-06-01

The Xu-Huai thrust-and-fold belt, located in the southeastern margin of the North China Block, consists mainly of thrust and folded pre-Mesozoic strata. Its geodynamic evolution and tectonic setting are topics of long debate. This paper provides new evidence from geological mapping, structural analysis, and making balance cross-sections, with restoration of cross-sections. Results suggest that this belt was subjected to two-phase deformation, including an early-phase regional-scale NW-ward thrust and fold, and a late-phase extension followed by the emplacement of dioritic, monzodioritic porphyrites dated at 131-135 Ma and locally strike-slip shearing. According to the mapping, field observations and drill-hole data, three structural units were distinguished, namely, (1) the pre-Neoproterozoic crystalline basement in the eastern segment, (2) the nappe unit or the thrust-and-fold zone in the central segment, which is composed of Neoproterozoic to Ordovician carbonate rocks and Carboniferous-Permian coal-bearing rocks, about 2600 m thick, and (3) the western frontal zone. A major decollement fault has also been identified in the base of the nappe unit, on which dozen-meter to km-scale thrust-and-fold bodies were commonly developed. All pre-Mesozoic depositional sequences were involved into a widespread thrust and fold event. Six uncompetent-rock layers with biostratigraphic ages (Nanjing University, 1996) have been recognized, and each uncompetent-rock layer occurred mainly in the top of the footwall, playing an important role in the development of the Xu-Huai thrust-and-fold belt. Geometry of the major decollement fault suggests that the nappe unit of this belt was rooted in its eastern side, near the Tan-Lu Fault Zone. Two geological cross-sections were chosen for structural balancing and restoration. From the balanced cross-sections, ramp-flat and imbricated faults as well as fault-related folds were identified. A shortening of 20.6-29.6 km was obtained from restoration of balanced sections, corresponding to a shortening rate of 43.6-46.4%. This shortening deformation was likely related to the SE-ward intracontinental underthrust of the North China Block beneath the South China Block during the Mesozoic.

Stratigraphy and structural evolution of southern Mare Serenitatis - A reinterpretation based on Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharpton, V. L.; Head, J. W., III

1983-01-01

Two subsurface reflecting horizons have been detected by the Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment (ALSE) in the southern Mare Serenitatis which appear to be regolith layers more than 2 m thick, and are correlated with major stratigraphic boundaries in the southeastern Mare Serenitatis. The present stratigraphic boundaries in the southeastern Mare Serenitatis. The present analysis implies that the lower horizon represents the interface between the earliest mare unit and the modified Serenitatis basin material below. The depth of volcanic fill within Serenitatis is highly variable, with an average thickness of mare basalts under the ALSE ground track of 1.6 km. Comparisons with the Orientale basin topography suggests that a major increaae in load thickness could occur a few km basinward of the innermost extent of the traverse. The history of volcanic infilling of Mare Serenitatis was characterized by three major episodes of volcanism.

Taxonomic classification of world map units in crop producing areas of Argentina and Brazil with representative US soil series and major land resource areas in which they occur

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huckle, H. F. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

The most probable current U.S. taxonomic classification of the soils estimated to dominate world soil map units (WSM)) in selected crop producing states of Argentina and Brazil are presented. Representative U.S. soil series the units are given. The map units occurring in each state are listed with areal extent and major U.S. land resource areas in which similar soils most probably occur. Soil series sampled in LARS Technical Report 111579 and major land resource areas in which they occur with corresponding similar WSM units at the taxonomic subgroup levels are given.

Advance Care Planning in palliative care: a qualitative investigation into the perspective of Paediatric Intensive Care Unit staff.

PubMed

Mitchell, Sarah; Dale, Jeremy

2015-04-01

The majority of children and young people who die in the United Kingdom have pre-existing life-limiting illness. Currently, most such deaths occur in hospital, most frequently within the intensive care environment. To explore the experiences of senior medical and nursing staff regarding the challenges associated with Advance Care Planning in relation to children and young people with life-limiting illnesses in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit environment and opportunities for improvement. Qualitative one-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Paediatric Intensive Care Unit consultants and senior nurses, to gain rich, contextual data. Thematic content analysis was carried out. UK tertiary referral centre Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Eight Paediatric Intensive Care Unit consultants and six senior nurses participated. Four main themes emerged: recognition of an illness as 'life-limiting'; Advance Care Planning as a multi-disciplinary, structured process; the value of Advance Care Planning and adverse consequences of inadequate Advance Care Planning. Potential benefits of Advance Care Planning include providing the opportunity to make decisions regarding end-of-life care in a timely fashion and in partnership with patients, where possible, and their families. Barriers to the process include the recognition of the life-limiting nature of an illness and gaining consensus of medical opinion. Organisational improvements towards earlier recognition of life-limiting illness and subsequent Advance Care Planning were recommended, including education and training, as well as the need for wider societal debate. Advance Care Planning for children and young people with life-limiting conditions has the potential to improve care for patients and their families, providing the opportunity to make decisions based on clear information at an appropriate time, and avoid potentially harmful intensive clinical interventions at the end of life. © The Author(s) 2015.

Structure, stratigraphy, and hydrocarbons offshore southern Kalimantan, Indonesia

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

Bishop, W.F.

1980-01-01

Offshore southern Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia, the Sunda Shelf is bounded on the south by the east-west-trending Java-Madura foreland basin and on the north by outcrops of the granitic core of Kalimantan. Major northeast-southwest-trending faults created a basin and ridge province which controlled sedimentation at least until early Miocene time. Just above the unconformity, the oldest pre-CD Limestone clastic strata are fluviatile and lacustrine, the remainder consisting largely of shallow-marine, calcareous shale with interbeds of fine-grained, quartzose sandstone. A flood of terrigenous detritus - Kudjung unit 3 - resulted from post-CD Limestone uplift, and is more widely distributed. Unit 3 consistsmore » largely of fluviatile sandstone interbedded with shale and mudstone, grading upward to marine clastics with a few thin limestones near the top. The resulting Kudjing unit 2 is largely a shallow-basinal deposit, comprising thin, micritic limestones interbedded with calcareous shale and mudstone. Infilling of the basins was nearly complete by the end of Kudjing unit 1 deposition. Eastern equivalents of Kudjing units 1 and 2 are known as the Berai limestone interval (comprising bank, reefal, basinal, and open-marine limestones, and marl). Of the three oil fields in the area, two are shut in, but one has produced nearly 100 million bbl. Gas shows were recorded in most wells of the area, but the maximum flow was 1.8 MMcf methane/day, although larger flows with high percentages of carbon dioxide and nitrogen were reported. Fine-grained clastic strata of unit 3 are continuous with those farther south, where geochemical data indicate good source and hydrocarbon-generating potential. Sandstones with reservoir capability are present in the clastic intervals, and several carbonate facies have sporadically developed porosity. A variety of structural and stratigraphic traps is present. 20 figures, 1 table.« less

Human communication needs and organizational productivity: the potential impact of office automation.

PubMed

Culnan, M J; Bair, J H

1983-05-01

Much of what white collar workers do in offices is communication-related. White collar workers make up the majority of the labor force in the United States today and the majority of current labor costs. Because office automation represents more productive structured techniques for handling both written and oral communication, office automation therefore offers the potential to make organizations more productive by improving organizational communication. This article: (1) defines communication, (2) identifies the potential benefits to be realized from implementing office automation, and (3) offers caveats related to the implementation of office automation systems. Realization of the benefits of office automation depends upon the degree to which new modes of communication may be successfully substituted for traditional modes.

Religiousness and aggression in adolescents: The mediating roles of self-control and compassion.

PubMed

Shepperd, James A; Miller, Wendi A; Smith, Colin Tucker

2015-01-01

Although people have used religion to justify aggression, evidence suggests that greater religiousness corresponds with less aggression. We explored two explanations for the religion-aggression link. First, most major religions teach self-control (e.g., delaying gratification, resisting temptation), which diminishes aggression. Second, most major religions emphasize compassionate beliefs and behavior (i.e., perspective taking, forgiveness, a broader love of humanity) that are incompatible with aggression. We tested whether self-control and compassion mediated the relationship between religion and aggression (direct and indirect) in a longitudinal study of 1,040 adolescents in the United States. Structural equation analyses revealed that self-control and compassion together completely mediated the religion-aggression relationship for both types of aggression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of the Geo-Anomaly Unit Concept in Quantitative Delineation and Assessment of Gold Ore Targets in Western Shandong Uplift Terrain, Eastern China

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

Chen Yongqing, E-mail: ydonglai@mail.cgs.gov.cn; Zhao Pengda; Chen Jianguo

2001-03-15

A number of large and giant ore deposits have been discovered within the relatively small areas of lithospheric structure anomalies, including various boundary zones of tectonic plates. The regions have become the well-known intercontinental ore-forming belts, such as the circum-Pacific gold-copper, copper-molybdenum, and tungsten-tin metallogenic belts. These belts are typical geological anomalous areas. An investigation into the hydrothermal ore deposits in different regions in the former Soviet Union illustrated that the geologic structures of ore fields of almost all major commercial deposits have distinct features compared with the neighboring areas. These areas with distinct features are defined as geo-anomalies. Amore » geo-anomaly refers to such a geologic body or a combination of bodies that their composition, texture-structure, and genesis are significantly different from those of their surroundings. A geo-anomaly unit (GU) is an area containing distinct features that can be delineated with integrated ore-forming information using computer techniques on the basis of the geo-anomaly concept. Herein, the GU concept is illustrated by a case study of delineating the gold ore targets in the western Shandong uplift terrain, eastern China. It includes: (1) analyses of gold ore-forming factors; (2) compilation of normalized regional geochemical map and extraction of geochemical anomalies; (3) compilation of gravitational and aeromagnetic tectonic skeleton map and extraction of gravitational and aeromagnetic anomalies; (4) extraction of circular and linear anomalies from remote-sensing Landsat TM images; (5) establishment of a geo-anomaly conceptual model associated with known gold mineralization; (6) establishment of gold ore-forming favorability by computing techniques; and (7) delineation and assessment of ore-forming units. The units with high favorability are suggested as ore targets.« less

Control of the Lithospheric Mantle on intracontinental Deformation: Revival of Eastern U.S. Tectonism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biryol, C. B.; Wagner, L. S.; Fischer, K. M.; Hawman, R. B.

2016-12-01

The present tectonic configuration of the southeastern United States is a product of earlier episodes of arc accretion, continental collision and breakup. This region is located in the interior of the North American Plate, some 1500 km away from closest active plate margin. However, there is ongoing tectonism across the area with multiple zones of seismicity, rejuvenation of the Appalachians of North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and Cenozoic intraplate volcanism. The mechanisms controlling this activity and the modern-day state of stress remain enigmatic. Two factors often regarded as major contributors are plate strength and preexisting inherited structures. Recent improvements in broadband seismic data coverage in the region associated with the South Eastern Suture of the Appalachian Margin Experiment (SESAME) and EarthScope Transportable Array make it possible to obtain detailed information on the structure of the lithosphere in the region. Here we present new tomographic images of the upper mantle beneath the Southeastern United States, revealing large-scale structural variations in the upper mantle. Our results indicate fast seismic velocity patterns that can be interpreted as ongoing lithospheric foundering. We observe an agreement between the locations of these upper mantle anomalies and the location of major zones of tectonism, volcanism and seismicity, providing a viable explanation for modern-day activity in this plate interior setting long after it became a passive margin. Based on distinct variations in the geometry and thickness of the lithospheric mantle and foundered lithosphere, we propose that piecemeal delamination has occurred beneath the region throughout the Cenozoic, removing a significant amount of reworked/deformed mantle lithosphere. Ongoing lithospheric foundering beneath the eastern margin of stable North America explains significant variations in thickness of lithospheric mantle across the former Grenville deformation front.

Characterization of the ligand-binding site of the transferrin receptor in Trypanosoma brucei demonstrates a structural relationship with the N-terminal domain of the variant surface glycoprotein.

PubMed

Salmon, D; Hanocq-Quertier, J; Paturiaux-Hanocq, F; Pays, A; Tebabi, P; Nolan, D P; Michel, A; Pays, E

1997-12-15

The Trypanosoma brucei transferrin (Tf) receptor is a heterodimer encoded by ESAG7 and ESAG6, two genes contained in the different polycistronic transcription units of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene. The sequence of ESAG7/6 differs slightly between different units, so that receptors with different affinities for Tf are expressed alternatively following transcriptional switching of VSG expression sites during antigenic variation of the parasite. Based on the sequence homology between pESAG7/6 and the N-terminal domain of VSGs, it can be predicted that the four blocks containing the major sequence differences between pESAG7 and pESAG6 form surface-exposed loops and generate the ligand-binding site. The exchange of a few amino acids in this region between pESAG6s encoded by different VSG units greatly increased the affinity for bovine Tf. Similar changes in other regions were ineffective, while mutations predicted to alter the VSG-like structure abolished the binding. Chimeric proteins containing the N-terminal dimerization domain of VSG and the C-terminal half of either pESAG7 or pESAG6, which contains the ligand-binding domain, can form heterodimers that bind Tf. Taken together, these data provided evidence that the T.brucei Tf receptor is structurally related to the N-terminal domain of the VSG and that the ligand-binding site corresponds to the exposed surface loops of the protein.

A modern regional geological analysis of Venezuela - lessons from a major new world oil province on exploration in mature areas

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

Daly, M.; Audemard, F.; Valdes, G.

1993-09-01

Venezuela has produced some 44 billion bbl of oil since the early part of the century. As such, it represents one of the world's major oil producers and a mature petroleum province. However, major tracts of Venezuela's sedimentary basins remain underexplored and large discoveries are still being made in new and old reservoir systems. A regional geological analysis of Venezuela, focusing on basin evolution and sequence stratigraphy and incorporating data from the three national oil companies, is presented. The analysis presents a regionally consistent tectonostratigraphic model capable of explaining the evolution of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins of Venezuela andmore » placing the major reservoir facies in their regional tectonic and sequence stratigraphic context. Four regional cross sections describe the stratigraphic and structural model. The model recognizes a Jurassic rifting event and inversion, succeeded by an Early Cretaceous passive margin. In western Venezuela, the Early Cretaceous passive subsidence is enhanced locally by extension related to the Colombian active margin. Venezuela experienced a major change in the Campanian with the initial collision of the Caribbean arc, recorded by foreland structuring and widespread stratigraphic changes. From the Campanian onward, the tectonostratigraphic evolution can be modeled in terms of a progressive southeast-directed arc-continent collision and the migration of the associated foredeep and rift basins. Within the tectonic framework, the major sequence stratigraphic units are identified and the reservoir distribution interpreted. This model provides a strong predictive tool to extrapolate reservoir systems into Venezuela's underexplored areas and to readdress its traditional areas.« less

Structural deformation and sedimentation in an active Caldera, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greene, H. Gary; Tiffin, D.L.; McKee, C.O.

1986-01-01

Recent seismic and tectonic activity in Rabaul Caldera, Papua New Guinea, suggests that magma is accumulating at a shallow depth beneath this partially submerged structure and that a new volcano may be developing. Changes in onshore elevation since 1971 (as much as 2 m on south Matupit Island) indicate that rapid and large-scale uplifts have occurred on the seafloor near the center of the caldera. The frequency of seismic events within the caldera has also increased during this period. Earthquake locations define an elliptical ring surrounding the center of this uplift within the caldera. A marine geophysical survey in 1982 by the U.S. Geological Survey's R/V "S.P. Lee" in Rabaul Caldera shows the development of a bulge in the seafloor near the center of the caldera. High-resolution seismic reflection profiles show that this bulge consists of two domal uplifts bounded and separated by two major north-south-trending fault zones. Deformed sediments overlie these zones; a prominent slump flanks the area of the bulge. Five major acoustic units were identified in the seismic reflection profiles: an acoustic basement and four sedimentary units consisting of irregularly layered, cross-layered, contorted, and well-layered sequences. The acoustic basement is probably composed of crystalline volcanic rocks, and the layered acoustic units are probably sediments, primarily ash deposited in different environments. The cross-layered, irregularly layered, and contorted units appear to have been deposited in a dynamic environment subjected to strong currents, seismicity, and/or mass wasting, while the well-layered units were deposited in a low-energy environment. Locally, well-layered sequences interfinger with the other sedimentary units, indicating a transitional environment that alternated between high-energy and low-energy depositional processes. A submarine channel cuts most of the acoustic units and appears to be the conduit for sediment transport out of the caldera; it occupies an older buried channel north of the caldera that is presently being exhumed. In the south, active erosion of well-layered sediments is taking place. What are believed to be several young volcanic cones also disrupt the depositional layers. We conclude that the bulge in the seafloor and the associated fault zones are a result of emplacement of magma at a shallow depth. Contorted sediment and slumps adjacent to the bulge are probably the result of uplift and seismic activity. The pattern of seismicity appears to reflect increased magma pressure at depth beneath the caldera floor. This activity may eventually lead to an eruption. ?? 1986.

Detection of sedimentary structural elements using formation micro imager technique, a case study from South Mansoura-1 well, Nile Delta, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El-Wahed, Ahmed G.; Anan, Tarek I.

2016-12-01

A detailed structure and sedimentology interpretation was performed for the South Mansoura-1 well. The Formation Micro Imager (FMI) is recorded and interpreted over the interval 9100-8009 ft. This interval belongs to Sidi Salem and Qawasim Formations. Based on azimuth trend of manually picked dips (bed boundaries), the interval can be divided into 4 structural dip zones (Zone 1 (9100-8800 ft), variable azimuth direction with the major trends mainly to SW&NE; Zone 2 (8800-8570 ft), bedding dip azimuth is mainly to the NW; Zone 3 (8570-8250 ft), bedding dip azimuth is mainly to the NE; and Zone 4 (8250-8009 ft), bedding dip azimuth is mainly to the NW). Lamination identified over the interval shows a dominant dip azimuth trend toward North North-West direction. The interbedded shale units are highly laminated and show little evidence of bioturbation. Sand exhibits abundant cross bedding showing a dominant dip azimuth trends toward NNE and NE and more locally to the E. Sixteen truncations identified over the interval show variable azimuth trend with the major trend mainly to the North North-West.

Deep resistivity structure of Yucca Flat, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Asch, Theodore H.; Rodriguez, Brian D.; Sampson, Jay A.; Wallin, Erin L.; Williams, Jackie M.

2006-01-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at their Nevada Site Office are addressing groundwater contamination resulting from historical underground nuclear testing through the Environmental Management program and, in particular, the Underground Test Area project. One issue of concern is the nature of the somewhat poorly constrained pre Tertiary geology and its effects on ground-water flow in the area adjacent to a nuclear test. Ground water modelers would like to know more about the hydrostratigraphy and geologic structure to support a hydrostratigraphic framework model that is under development for the Yucca Flat Corrective Action Unit (CAU). During 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey, supported by the DOE and NNSA-NSO, collected and processed data from 51 magnetotelluric (MT) and audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) stations at the Nevada Test Site in and near Yucca Flat to assist in characterizing the pre-Tertiary geology in that area. The primary purpose was to refine the character, thickness, and lateral extent of pre Tertiary confining units. In particular, a major goal has been to define the upper clastic confining unit (late Devonian - Mississippian-age siliciclastic rocks assigned to the Eleana Formation and Chainman Shale) in the Yucca Flat area. The MT and AMT data have been released in separate USGS Open File Reports. The Nevada Test Site magnetotelluric data interpretation presented in this report includes the results of detailed two-dimensional (2 D) resistivity modeling for each profile (including alternative interpretations) and gross inferences on the three dimensional (3 D) character of the geology beneath each station. The character, thickness, and lateral extent of the Chainman Shale and Eleana Formation that comprise the Upper Clastic Confining Unit are generally well determined in the upper 5 km. Inferences can be made regarding the presence of the Lower Clastic Confining Unit at depths below 5 km. Large fault structures such as the CP Thrust fault, the Carpetbag fault, and the Yucca fault that cross Yucca Flat are also discernable as are other smaller faults. The subsurface electrical resistivity distribution and inferred geologic structures determined by this investigation should help constrain the hydrostratigraphic framework model that is under development.

Styrene-spaced copolymers including anthraquinone and β-O-4 lignin model units: synthesis, characterization and reactivity under alkaline pulping conditions.

PubMed

Megiatto, Jackson D; Cazeils, Emmanuel; Ham-Pichavant, Frédérique; Grelier, Stéphane; Gardrat, Christian; Castellan, Alain

2012-05-14

A series of random copoly(styrene)s has been synthesized via radical polymerization of functionalized anthraquinone (AQ) and β-O-4 lignin model monomers. The copolymers were designed to have a different number of styrene spacer groups between the AQ and β-O-4 lignin side chains aiming at investigating the distance effects on AQ/β-O-4 electron transfer mechanisms. A detailed molecular characterization, including techniques such as size exclusion chromatography, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and (1)H, (13)C, (31)P NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies, afforded quantitative information about the composition of the copolymers as well as the average distribution of the AQ and β-O-4 groups in the macromolecular structures. TGA and DSC thermal analysis have indicated that the copolymers were thermally stable under regular pulping conditions, revealing the inertness of the styrene polymer backbone in the investigation of electron transfer mechanisms. Alkaline pulping experiments showed that close contact between the redox active side chains in the copolymers was fundamental for an efficient degradation of the β-O-4 lignin model units, highlighting the importance of electron transfer reactions in the lignin degradation mechanisms catalyzed by AQ. In the absence of glucose, AQ units oxidized phenolic β-O-4 lignin model parts, mainly by electron transfer leading to vanillin as major product. By contrast, in presence of glucose, anthrahydroquinone units (formed by reduction of AQ) reduced the quinone-methide units (issued by dehydration of phenolic β-O-4 lignin model part) mainly by electron transfer leading to guaiacol as major product. Both processes were distance dependent.

Potential Visual Impacts of Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development within Solar Energy Zones on Selected Viewpoints in Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks, and El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

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

Sullivan, Robert G.; Abplanalp, Jennifer M.; Cantwell, Brian L.

In connection with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Solar PEIS), Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) has conducted an extended visual impact analysis for selected key observation points (KOPs) within three National Park Service (NPS) units located within the 25-mi (40-km) viewshed of four solar energy zones (SEZs) identified in the Solar PEIS. The analysis includes only those NPS units that the Solar PEIS identified as potentially subject to moderate or strong visual contrasts associated with solar development within the SEZs. The NPS units included in the analysis are Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parksmore » and El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. The analysis showed that certain KOPs in each of these NPS units could potentially be subject to major visual contrast and impacts from solar development within the SEZs, but many of the KOPs would likely be subject to moderate, minor, or negligible contrasts and impacts, generally because they were relatively distant from the relevant SEZ, had views of the SEZ partially blocked by intervening terrain, and/or had very low vertical angles of view toward the SEZ. For all three NPS units, power tower facilities were found to be major contributors to potential visual contrasts, primarily because of the long-distance visibility of intensely bright reflection of light from the receivers on the central towers, but also because of the height and strong vertical line of the tower structures and the potential for night-sky impacts from FAA-mandated hazard navigation lighting.« less

Stratigraphy and structural evolution of southern Mare Serenitatis: A reinterpretation based on Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment data

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

Sharpton, V.L.; Head, J.W. III

1982-12-10

The Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment (ALSE) detected two subsurface reflecting horizons in southern Mare Serenitatis. These horizons appear to be regolith layers, >2 m thick, which correlate with major stratigraphic boundaries in southeastern Mare Serenitatis. Our analysis differs from previous interpretations and implies that the lower horizon represents the interface between the earliest mare unit (unit I; approx.3.8 b.y.) and the modified Serenitatis basin material below. The upper horizon represents the regolith developed by sustained impact bombardment of the unit I surface prior to the emplacement of the intermediate basalts (unit II; approx.3.5 b.y.). The latest volcanic episode (unit III;more » approx.3.2 b.y.) resulted in a very thin infilling (<400 m deep) in the southern portion of the basin and was undetected by ALSE. Profiles of the stratigraphic surfaces represented by the ALSE reflecting horizons are reconstructed for three stages in the basin filling history. These reconstructions permit the timing and magnitude of various volcanic and tectonic events within the Serenitatis basin to be assessed. On the basis of comparison with Orientale ring topography, the large subsurface arch is interpreted to be the peak-ring-related topography of the Serenitatis basin. The thickness of mare basalts across the ALSE ground track is highly variable: basalts are <400 m thick above the peak ring, while they reach a maximum thickness of approx.2.5 km in the depression between the first and second basin rings. Comparison with Orientale topography suggests that a major increase in basalt thickness of approx.6 km may occur approx.50 km inside the peak ring.« less

Biocompatibility assessment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice fetoplacental unit.

PubMed

Naserzadeh, Parvaneh; Ghanbary, Fatemeh; Ashtari, Parviz; Seydi, Enayatollah; Ashtari, Khadijeh; Akbari, Mohsen

2018-02-01

As the applications of titanium dioxide nanomaterials (nTiO 2 ) are growing with an ever-increasing speed, the hazardous risks of this material have become a major concern. Several recent studies have reported that nTiO 2 can cross the placental barrier in pregnant mice and cause neurotoxicity in their offspring. However, the influence of these nanoparticles on the fetoplacental unit during the pregnancy is yet to be studied. The present study reports on the effects of nTiO 2 on the anatomical structure of fetal brain and liver in a pregnant mice model. Moreover, changes in the size and weight of the fetus and placenta are investigated as markers of fetal growth. Lastly, the toxicity of nTiO 2 in primary brain and liver is quantified. Animals treated with nTiO 2 showed a disrupted anatomical structure of the fetal brain and liver. Furthermore, the fetus and placental unit in the mice treated with these nanoparticles were smaller compared to untreated controls. Toxicity analyses revealed that nTiO 2 was toxic to the brain and liver cells and the mechanism of cell death was mostly necrosis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 580-589, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Utilizing ERTS-1 imagery for tectonic analysis through study of the Bighorn Mountains region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Comparisons of imagery of three seasons, late summer-fall, winter, and spring indicate that for this region fall imagery is the best for overall geologic analysis. Winter scenes with light to moderate snow cover provide excellent topographic detail owing to snow enhancement, lower sun angle, and clarity of the atmosphere. Spring imagery has considerable reduction of tonal contrast owing to the low reflecting heavy green grass cover which subdues lithologic effects; heavy snow cover in the uplands masks topography. Mapping of geologic formations is impractical in most cases. Separation into tonal units can provide some general clues on structure. A given tonal unit can include parts of several geologic formations and different stratigraphic units can have the same tonal signature. Drainage patterns and anomalies provide the most consistent clues for detecting folds, monoclines, and homoclines. Vegetation only locally reflects lithology and structure. False color infrared 9 x 9 transparencies are the most valuable single imagery. Where these can be supplemented by U-2 color infrared for more detailed work, a tremendous amount of information is available. Adequately field checking such a large area just in one scene is the major logistic problem even in a fairly well known region.

A New Compact Double-Negative Miniaturized Metamaterial for Wideband Operation.

PubMed

Hasan, Md Mehedi; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal; Islam, Sikder Sunbeam; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2016-10-13

The aim of this paper is to introduce a compact double-negative (DNG) metamaterial that exhibits a negative refractive index (NRI) bandwidth of more than 3.6 GHz considering the frequency from 2 to 14 GHz. In this framework, two arms of the designed unit cell are split in a way that forms a Modified-Z-shape structure of the FR-4 substrate material. The finite integration technique (FIT)-based Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio is applied for computation, and the experimental setup for measuring the performance is performed inside two waveguide ports. Therefore, the measured data complies well with the simulated data of the unit cell at 0-degree and 90-degree rotation angles. The designed unit cell shows a negative refractive index from 3.482 to 7.096 GHz (bandwidth of 3.61 GHz), 7.876 to 10.047 GHz (bandwidth of 2.171 GHz), and 11.594 to 14 GHz (bandwidth of 2.406 GHz) in the microwave spectra. The design also exhibits almost the same wide negative refractive index bandwidth in the major region of the C-band and X-band if it is rotated 90 degrees. However, the novelty of the proposed structure lies in its effective medium ratio of more than 4, wide bandwidth, and compact size.

A New Compact Double-Negative Miniaturized Metamaterial for Wideband Operation

PubMed Central

Hasan, Md. Mehedi; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal; Islam, Sikder Sunbeam; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2016-01-01

The aim of this paper is to introduce a compact double-negative (DNG) metamaterial that exhibits a negative refractive index (NRI) bandwidth of more than 3.6 GHz considering the frequency from 2 to 14 GHz. In this framework, two arms of the designed unit cell are split in a way that forms a Modified-Z-shape structure of the FR-4 substrate material. The finite integration technique (FIT)-based Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio is applied for computation, and the experimental setup for measuring the performance is performed inside two waveguide ports. Therefore, the measured data complies well with the simulated data of the unit cell at 0-degree and 90-degree rotation angles. The designed unit cell shows a negative refractive index from 3.482 to 7.096 GHz (bandwidth of 3.61 GHz), 7.876 to 10.047 GHz (bandwidth of 2.171 GHz), and 11.594 to 14 GHz (bandwidth of 2.406 GHz) in the microwave spectra. The design also exhibits almost the same wide negative refractive index bandwidth in the major region of the C-band and X-band if it is rotated 90 degrees. However, the novelty of the proposed structure lies in its effective medium ratio of more than 4, wide bandwidth, and compact size. PMID:28773951

Isotopic structure of Lake Whitefish in Lake Huron: Evidence for regional and local populations based on resource use

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eberts, Rebecca L.; Wissel, Bjorn; Simpson, Gavin L.; Crawford, Stephen S.; Stott, Wendylee; Hanner, Robert H.; Manzon, Richard G.; Wilson, Joanna Y.; Boreham, Douglas R.; Somers, Christopher M.

2017-01-01

Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis is the most commercially valuable species in Lake Huron. The fishery for this species has historically been managed based on 25 management units (17 in Canada, 8 in the USA). However, congruence between the contemporary population structure of Lake Whitefish and management units is poorly understood. We used stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), food web markers that reflect patterns in resource use (i.e., prey, location, habitat), to assess the population structure of spawning-phase Lake Whitefish collected from 32 sites (1,474 fish) across Lake Huron. We found large isotopic variation among fish from different sites (ranges: δ13C = 10.2‰, δ15N = 5.5‰) and variable niche size and levels of overlap (standard ellipse area = 1.0–4.3‰2). Lake Huron contained spawning-phase fish from four major isotopic clusters largely defined by extensive variation in δ13C, and the isotopic composition of fish sampled was spatially structured both within and between lake basins. Based on cluster compositions, we identified six putative regional groups, some of which represented sites of high diversity (three to four clusters) and others with less (one to two clusters). Analysis of isotopic values from Lake Whitefish collected from summer feeding locations and baseline prey items showed similar isotopic variation and established spatial linkage between spawning-phase and summer fish. Our results show that summer feeding location contributes strongly to the isotopic structure we observed in spawning-phase fish. One of the regional groups we identified in northern Georgian Bay is highly distinct based on isotopic composition and possibly ecologically unique within Lake Huron. Our findings are congruent with several previous studies using different markers (genetics, mark–recapture), and we conclude that current management units are generally too small and numerous to reflect the population structure of Lake Whitefish in Lake Huron.

Degradation of lignin β-aryl ether units in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing LigD , LigF and LigG from Sphingomonas paucimobilis SYK-6

DOE PAGES

Mnich, Ewelina; Vanholme, Ruben; Oyarce, Paula; ...

2016-10-24

Here, lignin is a major polymer in the secondary plant cell wall and composed of hydrophobic interlinked hydroxyphenylpropanoid units. The presence of lignin hampers conversion of plant biomass into biofuels; plants with modified lignin are therefore being investigated for increased digestibility. The bacterium Sphingomonas paucimobilis produces lignin-degrading enzymes including LigD, LigF and LigG involved in cleaving the most abundant lignin interunit linkage, the β-aryl ether bond. In this study, we expressed the LigD, LigF and LigG ( LigDFG) genes in Arabidopsis thaliana to introduce postlignification modifications into the lignin structure. The three enzymes were targeted to the secretory pathway. Phenolicmore » metabolite profiling and 2D HSQC NMR of the transgenic lines showed an increase in oxidized guaiacyl and syringyl units without concomitant increase in oxidized β-aryl ether units, showing lignin bond cleavage. Saccharification yield increased significantly in transgenic lines expressing LigDFG, showing the applicability of our approach. Additional new information on substrate specificity of the LigDFG enzymes is also provided.« less

Degradation of lignin β-aryl ether units in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing LigD , LigF and LigG from Sphingomonas paucimobilis SYK-6

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

Mnich, Ewelina; Vanholme, Ruben; Oyarce, Paula

Here, lignin is a major polymer in the secondary plant cell wall and composed of hydrophobic interlinked hydroxyphenylpropanoid units. The presence of lignin hampers conversion of plant biomass into biofuels; plants with modified lignin are therefore being investigated for increased digestibility. The bacterium Sphingomonas paucimobilis produces lignin-degrading enzymes including LigD, LigF and LigG involved in cleaving the most abundant lignin interunit linkage, the β-aryl ether bond. In this study, we expressed the LigD, LigF and LigG ( LigDFG) genes in Arabidopsis thaliana to introduce postlignification modifications into the lignin structure. The three enzymes were targeted to the secretory pathway. Phenolicmore » metabolite profiling and 2D HSQC NMR of the transgenic lines showed an increase in oxidized guaiacyl and syringyl units without concomitant increase in oxidized β-aryl ether units, showing lignin bond cleavage. Saccharification yield increased significantly in transgenic lines expressing LigDFG, showing the applicability of our approach. Additional new information on substrate specificity of the LigDFG enzymes is also provided.« less

Lessons from an audit of psychoeducation at an older adolescent inpatient unit.

PubMed

Swadi, Harith; Bobier, Candace; Price, Lisa; Craig, Brian

2010-02-01

The aim of this paper was to determine if patients undergoing treatment at an older adolescent inpatient unit receive psychoeducation according to the unit philosophy of providing timely and pertinent information regarding illness/diagnosis, medication, diet, outpatient follow-up, and alcohol/ drug use. Data were gathered prospectively as part of a quality assurance initiative at the Christchurch Youth Inpatient Unit. Patients were interviewed by a registered nurse using a structured audit tool. Participants reported receiving adequate information on medication and illness, and most received information on outpatient follow-up and alcohol and drug use. However, the majority reported a lack of information/ advice about diet. Patients' reported awareness of relapse prevention and the relationship of alcohol and other drugs use to medication and treatment was lower than expected. The audit highlighted areas of discrepancy between information staff believed they had delivered and information youth perceived as received. Psychiatric staff working with young people need be aware of the timing, language and mode of delivery of psychoeducation to enable their patients to 'take in' the information provided.

Triassic structural and stratigraphic evolution of the Central German North Sea sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Marco; Jähne-Klingberg, Fabian

2017-04-01

The subsurface of the Central German North Sea sector is characterized by a complex sequence of tectonic events that span from the Permo-Carboniferous initiation of the Southern Permian Basin to the present day. The Triassic period is one of the most prominent stratigraphic intervals in this area due to alternating phases of relatively tectonic quiescence and intense tectonic activity with the development of grabens, salt-tectonics movements, various regional and local erosional events and strong local and regional changes in subsidence over time. The heterogeneous geological history led to complex structural and lithological patterns. The presented results are part of a comprehensive investigation of the Central German North Sea sector. It was carried out within the scope of the project TUNB (www.bgr.bund.de). The main goal was to enhance the understanding of the Triassic geological development in the area of interest due to detailed seismic interpretation of several hundred 2D seismic lines and as well 3D seismic data sets. A seismostratigraphic concept was used to interpret most formations of the Triassic resulting in a detailed subdivision of the Triassic unit. Depth and thickness maps for every stratigraphic unit and geological cross sections provided new insights regarding an overall basin evolution as well as the timing and mechanisms of rifting and salt-tectonics. New results concerning the evolution of the Keuper in the German North Sea and especially the Triassic evolution of the Horn Graben, as one of the major Triassic rift-structures in the North Sea, will be highlighted. We will show aspects of strong tectonic subsidence in the Horn Graben in the Lower Triassic. In parts of the study area, halotectonic movements started in the Upper Triassic, earlier than previously proposed. Besides mapping of regional seismic reflectors, distinct sedimentary features like fluvial channel systems of the Stuttgart formation (Middle Keuper) or subrosion-like structures along the major Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous unconformity, which are related to erosion of Triassic evaporitic formations, will be shown.

Research Networks Map | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

The Division of Cancer Prevention supports major scientific collaborations and research networks at more than 100 sites across the United States. Seven Major Programs' sites are shown on this map. | The Division of Cancer Prevention supports major scientific collaborations and research networks at more than 100 sites across the United States.

Teaching Three-Dimensional Structural Chemistry Using Crystal Structure Databases. 2. Teaching Units that Utilize an Interactive Web-Accessible Subset of the Cambridge Structural Database

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Battle, Gary M.; Allen, Frank H.; Ferrence, Gregory M.

2010-01-01

A series of online interactive teaching units have been developed that illustrate the use of experimentally measured three-dimensional (3D) structures to teach fundamental chemistry concepts. The units integrate a 500-structure subset of the Cambridge Structural Database specially chosen for their pedagogical value. The units span a number of key…

Optimized unconventional superconductivity in a molecular Jahn-Teller metal

PubMed Central

Zadik, Ruth H.; Takabayashi, Yasuhiro; Klupp, Gyöngyi; Colman, Ross H.; Ganin, Alexey Y.; Potočnik, Anton; Jeglič, Peter; Arčon, Denis; Matus, Péter; Kamarás, Katalin; Kasahara, Yuichi; Iwasa, Yoshihiro; Fitch, Andrew N.; Ohishi, Yasuo; Garbarino, Gaston; Kato, Kenichi; Rosseinsky, Matthew J.; Prassides, Kosmas

2015-01-01

Understanding the relationship between the superconducting, the neighboring insulating, and the normal metallic state above Tc is a major challenge for all unconventional superconductors. The molecular A3C60 fulleride superconductors have a parent antiferromagnetic insulator in common with the atom-based cuprates, but here, the C603– electronic structure controls the geometry and spin state of the structural building unit via the on-molecule Jahn-Teller effect. We identify the Jahn-Teller metal as a fluctuating microscopically heterogeneous coexistence of both localized Jahn-Teller–active and itinerant electrons that connects the insulating and superconducting states of fullerides. The balance between these molecular and extended lattice features of the electrons at the Fermi level gives a dome-shaped variation of Tc with interfulleride separation, demonstrating molecular electronic structure control of superconductivity. PMID:26601168

A Ground-Based Study on Extruder Standoff Distance for the 3D Printing in Zero Gravity Technology Demonstration Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prater, T. J.; Bean, Q. A.; Werkheiser, N. J.; Beshears, R. D.; Rolin, T. D.; Rabenberg, E. M.; Soohoo, H. A.; Ledbetter, F. E., III; Bell, S. C.

2017-01-01

Analysis of phase I specimens produced as part of the 3D printing in zero G technology demonstration mission exhibited some differences in structure and performance for specimens printed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and specimens produced on the ground with the same printer prior to its launch. This study uses the engineering test unit for the printer, identical to the unit on ISS, to conduct a ground-based investigation of the impact of the distance between the extruder tip and the build tray on material outcomes. This standoff distance was not held constant for the phase I flight prints and is hypothesized to be a major source of the material variability observed in the phase I data set.

North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tanaka, K.L.; Rodriguez, J.A.P.; Skinner, J.A.; Bourke, M.C.; Fortezzo, C.M.; Herkenhoff, K. E.; Kolb, E.J.; Okubo, C.H.

2008-01-01

We have remapped the geology of the north polar plateau on Mars, Planum Boreum, and the surrounding plains of Vastitas Borealis using altimetry and image data along with thematic maps resulting from observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. New and revised geographic and geologic terminologies assist with effectively discussing the various features of this region. We identify 7 geologic units making up Planum Boreum and at least 3 for the circumpolar plains, which collectively span the entire Amazonian Period. The Planum Boreum units resolve at least 6 distinct depositional and 5 erosional episodes. The first major stage of activity includes the Early Amazonian (???3 to 1 Ga) deposition (and subsequent erosion) of the thick (locally exceeding 1000 m) and evenly-layered Rupes Tenuis unit (Abrt), which ultimately formed approximately half of the base of Planum Boreum. As previously suggested, this unit may be sourced by materials derived from the nearby Scandia region, and we interpret that it may correlate with the deposits that regionally underlie pedestal craters in the surrounding lowland plains. The second major episode of activity during the Middle to Late Amazonian (??? <1 Ga) began with a section of dark, sand-rich and light-toned ice-rich irregularly-bedded sequences (Planum Boreum cavi unit, Abbc) along with deposition of evenly-bedded light-toned ice- and moderate-toned dust-rich layers (Planum Boreum 1 unit, Abb1). These units have transgressive and gradational stratigraphic relationships. Materials in Olympia Planum underlying the dunes of Olympia Undae are interpreted to consist mostly of the Planum Boreum cavi unit (Abbc). Planum Boreum materials were then deeply eroded to form spiral troughs, Chasma Boreale, and marginal scarps that define the major aspects of the polar plateau's current regional topography. Locally- to regionally-extensive (though vertically minor) episodes of deposition of evenly-bedded, light- and dark-toned layered materials and subsequent erosion of these materials persisted throughout the Late Amazonian. Sand saltation, including dune migration, is likely to account for much of the erosion of Planum Boreum, particularly at its margin, alluding to the lengthy sedimentological history of the circum-polar dune fields. Such erosion has been controlled largely by topographic effects on wind patterns and the variable resistance to erosion of materials (fresh and altered) and physiographic features. Some present-day dune fields may be hundreds of kilometers removed from possible sources along the margins of Planum Boreum, and dark materials, comprised of sand sheets, extend even farther downwind. These deposits also attest to the lengthy period of erosion following emplacement of the Planum Boreum 1 unit. We find no evidence for extensive glacial flow, topographic relaxation, or basal melting of Planum Boreum materials. However, minor development of normal faults and wrinkle ridges may suggest differential compaction of materials across buried scarps. Timing relations are poorly-defined mostly because resurfacing and other uncertainties prohibit precise determinations of surface impact crater densities. The majority of the stratigraphic record may predate the recent (<20 Ma) part of the orbitally-driven climate record that can be reliably calculated. Given the strong stratigraphic but loose temporal constraints of the north polar geologic record, a comparison of north and south polar stratigraphy permits a speculative scenario in which major Amazonian depositional and erosional episodes driven by global climate activity is plausible. ?? 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatiotemporal expression of chondroitin sulfate sulfotransferases in the postnatal developing mouse cerebellum.

PubMed

Ishii, Maki; Maeda, Nobuaki

2008-08-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans are major components of the cell surface and the extracellular matrix in the developing brain and bind to various proteins via CS chains in a CS structure-dependent manner. This study demonstrated the expression pattern of three CS sulfotransferase genes, dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase (D4ST), uronyl 2-O-sulfotransferase (UST), and N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase (GalNAc4S-6ST), in the mouse postnatal cerebellum. These sulfotransferases are responsible for the biosynthesis of oversulfated structures in CS chains such as B, D, and E units, which constitute the binding sites for various heparin-binding proteins. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the expression of UST increased remarkably during cerebellar development. The amounts of B and D units, which are generated by UST activity, in the cerebellar CS chains also increased during development. In contrast, the expression of GalNAc4S-6ST and its biosynthetic product, E unit, decreased during postnatal development. In situ hybridization experiments revealed the levels of UST and GalNAc4S-6ST mRNAs to correlate inversely in many cells including Purkinje cells, granule cells in the external granular layer, and inhibitory interneurons. In these neurons, the expression of UST increased and that of GalNAc4S-6ST decreased during development and/or maturation. D4ST was also expressed by many neurons, but its expression was not simply correlated with development, which might contribute to the diversification of CS structures expressed by distinct neurons. These results suggest that the CS structures of various cerebellar neurons change during development and such changes of CS are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways.

Structural studies on molecular interactions between camel peptidoglycan recognition protein, CPGRP-S, and peptidoglycan moieties N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid.

PubMed

Sharma, Pradeep; Yamini, Shavait; Dube, Divya; Singh, Amar; Sinha, Mau; Dey, Sharmistha; Mitra, Dipendra K; Kaur, Punit; Sharma, Sujata; Singh, Tej P

2012-06-22

Peptidoglycan (PGN) consists of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc), which are cross-linked by short peptides. It is well known that PGN forms a major cell wall component of bacteria making it an important ligand for the recognition by peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) of the host. The binding studies showed that PGN, GlcNAc, and MurNAc bind to camel PGRP-S (CPGRP-S) with affinities corresponding to dissociation constants of 1.3 × 10(-9), 2.6 × 10(-7), and 1.8 × 10(-7) M, respectively. The crystal structure determinations of the complexes of CPGRP-S with GlcNAc and MurNAc showed that the structures consist of four crystallographically independent molecules, A, B, C, and D, in the asymmetric unit that exists as A-B and C-D units of two neighboring linear polymers. The structure determinations showed that compounds GlcNAc and MurNAc bound to CPGRP-S at the same subsite in molecule C. Both GlcNAc and MurNAc form several hydrogen bonds and extensive hydrophobic interactions with protein atoms, indicating the specific nature of their bindings. Flow cytometric studies showed that PGN enhanced the secretions of TNF-α and IL-6 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The introduction of CPGRP-S to the PGN-challenged cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6. This showed that CPGRP-S inhibited PGN-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and down-regulated macrophage-mediated inflammation, indicating its potential applications as an antibacterial agent.

The implementation of the ICF among Israeli rehabilitation centers--the case of physical therapy.

PubMed

Jacob, Tamar

2013-10-01

The extent of the implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), developed by the WHO, in rehabilitation units and in physical therapy (PT) departments is unknown. The study aims to describe the extent to which the ICF has been implemented in PT services within rehabilitation units in Israel. To update data on ICF implementation since its inception. An online semi-structured survey was administered to 25 physiotherapists in charge of PT departments in all rehabilitation units throughout Israel. Rehabilitation units were grouped into three categories: general, geriatric and pediatric. The questionnaire included items regarding the ICF implementation, its strengths, and weaknesses. Twenty two physiotherapists (88%) completed the questionnaire. The majority was familiar with the ICF and nearly two thirds reported partial implementation in their units. Implementation focused mostly on adopting the biopsychosocial concepts and using ICF terms. The ICF was not used either for evaluating patients, or for reporting or encoding patient information. Physiotherapists, directors of most Israeli PT departments in rehabilitation units are familiar with the ICF; however, its clinical implementation is very limited. There is need for further research into the processes of knowledge transfer and implementation of the ICF, in order to better understand the factors that facilitate and those that impede ICF implementation.

Prescriptions for medical research. I--Management within the Medical Research Council.

PubMed Central

Gillett, R; Harrow, J

1993-01-01

In their submission to the government in advance of the white paper on science policy in the United Kingdom the Medical Research Council commends the MRC's own approach to managing directly funded research. But a series of semi-structured interviews with the directors of some of the MRC's units suggests a gap between the MRC's model of managed research and the reality. Although such units are theoretically managed from MRC head office (and units are charged an overhead for this), in practice each unit runs its own affairs. Between major reviews average contact time with the head office contact person is seven hours a year. The first paper argues that a purchaser-provider split would recognise the benefits of decentralisation and allow units to bid for research funds from several sources, the successful ones guaranteeing their survival through a rolling series of research programmes. The second paper criticises the MRC's cumbersome peer review system. Reliance on outside experts atrophies the scientific skills of head office staff and builds delays into decision making. A purchaser-provider model would allow the head office scientific staff to act like commercial research and development managers, commissioning research, and using the outcome, rather than peer review, as a criterion for continued funding. PMID:8324441

Compressional behavior of omphacite to 47 GPa

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Dongzhou; Hu, Yi; Dera, Przemyslaw K.

2016-07-08

Omphacite is an important mineral component of eclogite. Single crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction data on natural (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)Si 2O 6 omphacite have been collected at the Advanced Photon Source beamlines 13-BM-C and 13-ID-D up to 47 GPa at ambient temperature. Unit cell parameter and crystal structure refinements were carried out to constrain the isothermal equation of state and compression mechanism. The 3rd order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (BM3) fit of all data gives V o = 423.9(3) Å3, K To = 116(2) GPa and K To’ = 4.3(2). These elastic parameters are consistent with the general trend of the diopside-jadeite join.more » The eight-coordinated polyhedra (M2 and M21) are the most compressible, and contribute to majority of the unit cell compression, while the SiO 4 tetrahedra (Si1 and Si2) behave as rigid structural units and are the most incompressible. Axial compressibilities are determined by fitting linearized BM 3 equation of state to pressure dependences of unit cell parameters. Throughout the investigated pressure range, the b-axis is more compressible than the c-axis. Here, the axial compressibility of the α-axis is the largest among the three axes at 0 GPa, yet it quickly drops to the smallest at pressures above 5 GPa, which is explained by the rotation of the stiffest compression axis toward the a-axis with the increase of pressure.« less

Geologic map of Lake Mead and surrounding regions, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and northwestern Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Felger, Tracey J.; Beard, Sue

2010-01-01

Regional stratigraphic units and structural features of the Lake Mead region are presented as a 1:250,000 scale map, and as a Geographic Information System database. The map, which was compiled from existing geologic maps of various scales, depicts geologic units, bedding and foliation attitudes, faults and folds. Units and structural features were generalized to highlight the regional stratigraphic and tectonic aspects of the geology of the Lake Mead region. This map was prepared in support of the papers presented in this volume, Special Paper 463, as well as to facilitate future investigations in the region. Stratigraphic units exposed within the area record 1800 million years of geologic history and include Proterozoic crystalline rocks, Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, Mesozoic plutonic rocks, Cenozoic volcanic and intrusive rocks, sedimentary rocks and surfi cial deposits. Following passive margin sedimentation in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic, late Mesozoic (Sevier) thrusting and Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary compression produced major folding, reverse faulting, and thrust faulting in the Basin and Range, and resulted in regional uplift and monoclinal folding in the Colorado Plateau. Cenozoic extensional deformation, accompanied by sedimentation and volcanism, resulted in large-magnitude high- and low-angle normal faulting and strike-slip faulting in the Basin and Range; on the Colorado Plateau, extension produced north-trending high-angle normal faults. The latest history includes integration of the Colorado River system, dissection, development of alluvial fans, extensive pediment surfaces, and young faulting.

Major Appliance Repair. Teacher Edition and Student Edition. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smreker, Gene; Calvert, King

This second edition contains teacher and student guides for 14 units of instruction in major appliance repair. Each unit in the teacher edition includes some or all of the following basic components: objective sheet, suggested activities, answers to assignment sheets, answers to the written test, written test, a unit evaluation form, teacher…

Structure and U-Pb zircon geochronology of an Alpine nappe stack telescoped by extensional detachment faulting (Kulidzhik area, Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgiev, Neven; Froitzheim, Nikolaus; Cherneva, Zlatka; Frei, Dirk; Grozdev, Valentin; Jahn-Awe, Silke; Nagel, Thorsten J.

2016-10-01

The Rhodope Metamorphic Complex is a stack of allochthons assembled during obduction, subduction, and collision processes from Jurassic to Paleogene and overprinted by extensional detachment faults since Middle Eocene. In the study area, the following nappes occur in superposition (from base to top): an orthogneiss-dominated unit (Unit I), garnet-bearing schist with amphibolite and serpentinite lenses (Unit II), greenschist, phyllite, and calcschist with reported Jurassic microfossils (Unit III), and muscovite-rich orthogneiss (Unit IV). U-Pb dating of zircons from a K-feldspar augengneiss (Unit I) yielded a protolith age of ca. 300 Ma. Garnet-bearing metasediment from Unit II yielded an age spectrum with distinct populations between 310 and 250 Ma (detrital), ca. 150 Ma, and ca. 69 Ma (the last two of high-grade metamorphic origin). An orthogneiss from Unit IV yielded a wide spectrum of ages. The youngest population gives a concordia age of 581 ± 5 Ma, interpreted as the age of the granitic protolith. Unit I represents the Lower Allochthon (Byala Reka-Kechros Dome), Unit II the Upper Allochthon (Krumovitsa-Kimi Unit), Unit III the Uppermost Allochthon (Circum-Rhodope Belt), and Unit IV a still higher, far-travelled unit of unknown provenance. Telescoping of the entire Rhodope nappe stack to a thickness of only a few 100 m is due to Late Eocene north directed extensional shearing along the newly defined Kulidzhik Detachment which is part of a major detachment system along the northern border of the Rhodopes. Older top-to-the south mylonites in Unit I indicate that Tertiary extension evolved from asymmetric (top-to-the-south) to symmetric (top-to-the-south and top-to-the-north), bivergent unroofing.

Sudbury project (University of Muenster-Ontario Geological Survey): Summary of results - an updated impact model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avermann, M.; Bischoff, L.; Brockmeyer, P.; Buhl, D.; Deutsch, A.; Dressler, B. O.; Lakomy, R.; Mueller-Mohr, V.; Stoeffler, D.

1992-01-01

In 1984 the Ontario Geological Survey initiated a research project on the Sudbury structure (SS) in cooperation with the University of Muenster. The project included field mapping (1984-1989) and petrographic, chemical, and isotope analyses of the major stratigraphic units of the SS. Four diploma theses and four doctoral theses were performed during the project (1984-1992). Specific results of the various investigations are reported. Selected areas of the SS were mapped and sampled: Footwall rocks; Footwall breccia and parts of the sublayer and lower section of the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC); Onaping Formation and the upper section of the SIC; and Sudbury breccia and adjacent Footwall rocks along extended profiles up to 55 km from the SIC. All these stratigraphic units of the SS were studied in substantial detail by previous workers. The most important characteristic of the previous research is that it was based either on a volcanic model or on a mixed volcanic-impact model for the origin of the SS. The present project was clearly directed toward a test of the impact origin of the SS without invoking an endogenic component. In general, our results confirm the most widely accepted stratigraphic division of the SS. However, our interpretation of some of the major stratigraphic units is different from most views expressed. The stratigraphy of the SS and its new interpretation is given as a basis for discussion.

Optimizing the post-START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) US strategic nuclear force mix. Master's thesis

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

Leary, D.A.

1989-06-01

This thesis examines the impact a START agreement might have on the United States and Soviet strategic nuclear forces. It then proposes an optimum post-START force mix for the United States and the Soviet Union. The current, as well as projected, post-START targeting policies are discussed. It is concluded that the impact of a START agreement on the current U.S. strategic targeting policy will be minimal. Although the target data base will not shrink as much as the forces tasked to cover it, a prioritization of targets is all that should be necessary with a post-START force. A START agreementmore » will mean major reductions in U.S. and Soviet strategic nuclear forces. As proposed in this thesis, only the ICBM leg of the Triad will require any major re-structuring. This would include the addition of mobile ICBM systems. The SLBM and bomber legs will feel minimal changes (i.e., retiring POSEIDON SSBNs and retiring or converting some older B-52s). It is recommended that the B-52 program be cancelled, and funding be re-directed into mobile ICBM systems. By doing so the United States could utilize technology available today to strengthen its forces and not gamble on the low-observable technology which a stealth bomber might have.« less

Mathematical structure of unit systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitano, Masao

2013-05-01

We investigate the mathematical structure of unit systems and the relations between them. Looking over the entire set of unit systems, we can find a mathematical structure that is called preorder (or quasi-order). For some pair of unit systems, there exists a relation of preorder such that one unit system is transferable to the other unit system. The transfer (or conversion) is possible only when all of the quantities distinguishable in the latter system are always distinguishable in the former system. By utilizing this structure, we can systematically compare the representations in different unit systems. Especially, the equivalence class of unit systems (EUS) plays an important role because the representations of physical quantities and equations are of the same form in unit systems belonging to an EUS. The dimension of quantities is uniquely defined in each EUS. The EUS's form a partially ordered set. Using these mathematical structures, unit systems and EUS's are systematically classified and organized as a hierarchical tree.

Advanced composite structural concepts and material technologies for primary aircraft structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, Anthony

1991-01-01

Structural weight savings using advanced composites have been demonstrated for many years. Most military aircraft today use these materials extensively and Europe has taken the lead in their use in commercial aircraft primary structures. A major inhibiter to the use of advanced composites in the United States is cost. Material costs are high and will remain high relative to aluminum. The key therefore lies in the significant reduction in fabrication and assembly costs. The largest cost in most structures today is assembly. As part of the NASA Advanced Composite Technology Program, Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company has a contract to explore and develop advanced structural and manufacturing concepts using advanced composites for transport aircraft. Wing and fuselage concepts and related trade studies are discussed. These concepts are intended to lower cost and weight through the use of innovative material forms, processes, structural configurations and minimization of parts. The approach to the trade studies and the downselect to the primary wing and fuselage concepts is detailed. The expectations for the development of these concepts is reviewed.

Using inertial measurement units originally developed for biomechanics for modal testing of civil engineering structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hester, David; Brownjohn, James; Bocian, Mateusz; Xu, Yan; Quattrone, Antonino

2018-05-01

This paper explores the use of wireless Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) originally developed for bio-mechanical research applications for modal testing of civil engineering infrastructure. Due to their biomechanics origin, these devices combine a triaxial accelerometer with gyroscopes and magnetometers for orientation, as well as on board data logging capability and wireless communication for optional data streaming and to coordinate synchronisation with other IMUs in a network. The motivation for application to civil structures is that their capabilities and simple operating procedures make them suitable for modal testing of many types of civil infrastructure of limited dimension including footbridges and floors while also enabling recovering of dynamic forces generated and applied to structures by moving humans. To explore their capabilities in civil applications, the IMUs are evaluated through modal tests on three different structures with increasing challenge of spatial and environmental complexity. These are, a full-scale floor mock-up in a laboratory, a short span road bridge and a seven story office tower. For each case, the results from the IMUs are compared with those from a conventional wired system to identify the limitations. The main conclusion is that the relatively high noise floor and limited communication range will not be a serious limitation in the great majority of typical civil modal test applications where convenient operation is a significant advantage over conventional wired systems.

A combined photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of the quasi-planar B24(-) cluster.

PubMed

Popov, Ivan A; Piazza, Zachary A; Li, Wei-Li; Wang, Lai-Sheng; Boldyrev, Alexander I

2013-10-14

The structure and chemical bonding of the 24-atom boron cluster are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. The joint experimental and theoretical investigation shows that B24(-) possesses a quasi-planar structure containing fifteen outer and nine inner atoms with six of the inner atoms forming a filled pentagonal moiety. The central atom of the pentagonal moiety is puckered out of plane by 0.9 Å, reminiscent of the six-atom pentagonal caps of the well-known B12 icosahedral unit. The next closest isomer at the ROCCSD(T) level of theory has a tubular double-ring structure. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental data shows that the global minimum quasi-planar B24(-) isomer is the major contributor to the observed photoelectron spectrum, while the tubular isomer has no contribution to the experiment. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that the periphery of the quasi-planar B24 constitutes 15 classical 2c-2e B-B σ-bonds, whereas delocalized σ- and π-bonds are found in the interior of the cluster with one unique 6c-2e π-bond responsible for bonding in the B-centered pentagon. The current work suggests that the 24-atom boron cluster continues to be quasi-2D, albeit the tendency to form filled pentagonal units, characteristic of 3D cage-like structures of bulk boron, is observed.

Job-sharing in paediatric training in Australia: availability and trainee perceptions.

PubMed

Whitelaw, C M; Nash, M C

2001-04-16

To examine the current availability of job-sharing in paediatric training hospitals in Australia and to evaluate job-sharing from the trainees' perspective. National survey with structured telephone interviews and postal questionnai res. The eight major paediatric training hospitals in Australia. Directors of Paediatric Physician Training (DPPTs) at each hospital (or a staff member nominated by them) provided information by phone interview regarding job-sharing. All paediatric trainees who job-shared in 1998 (n=34) were sent written questionnaires, of which 25 were returned. Hospitals differed in terms of whether a trainee was required to give a reason for wishing to job-share, and what reasons were acceptable. One hospital stated that two specialty units (Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care) were excluded from job-sharing, and another stated that certain units were unlikely to be allocated job-sharers. The remaining six hospitals said that all units were available for job-sharing, but the majority of their trainees disagreed. Only one hospital had a cap on the number of job-share positions available yearly. Trainees perceived benefits of job-sharing to include decreased tiredness, increased enthusiasm for work, and the ability to strike a balance between training and other aspects of life. Trainees believed job-sharing did not adversely affect the quality of service provided to patients, and that part-time training was not of lower quality than full-time training. Job-sharing in Australian paediatric training hospitals varies in terms of the number of positions available, eligibility criteria, and which units are available for job-sharing. In our survey, trainees' experience of job-sharing was overwhelmingly positive.

Paediatric cardiac intensive care unit: current setting and organization in 2010.

PubMed

Fraisse, Alain; Le Bel, Stéphane; Mas, Bertrand; Macrae, Duncan

2010-10-01

Over recent decades, specialized paediatric cardiac intensive care has emerged as a central component in the management of critically ill, neonatal, paediatric and adult patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. The majority of high-volume centres (dealing with over 300 surgical cases per year) have dedicated paediatric cardiac intensive care units, with the smallest programmes more likely to care for paediatric cardiac patients in mixed paediatric or adult intensive care units. Specialized nursing staff are also a crucial presence at the patient's bedside for quality of care. A paediatric cardiac intensive care programme should have patients (preoperative and postoperative) grouped together geographically, and should provide proximity to the operating theatre, catheterization laboratory and radiology department, as well as to the regular ward. Age-appropriate medical equipment must be provided. An optimal strategy for running a paediatric cardiac intensive care programme should include: multidisciplinary collaboration and involvement with paediatric cardiology, anaesthesia, cardiac surgery and many other subspecialties; a risk-stratification strategy for quantifying perioperative risk; a personalized patient approach; and anticipatory care. Finally, progressive withdrawal from heavy paediatric cardiac intensive care management should be institutionalized. Although the countries of the European Union do not share any common legislation on the structure and organization of paediatric intensive care or paediatric cardiac intensive care, any paediatric cardiac surgery programme in France that is agreed by the French Health Ministry must perform at least '150 major procedures per year in children' and must provide a 'specialized paediatric intensive care unit'. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

[Structural development of ambulatory surgical care in the United States of America. What can we learn or apply?].

PubMed

Kraus, T; Wolkener, F; Mieth, M; Möller, J; Büchler, M W

2002-10-01

Expansion of ambulatory surgical care is a major focus in United States health politics. In 1996 a total of 31.5 million ambulatory operations were performed, currently accounting for 45% of yearly procedures. Operations in ophthalmology and gastroenterology are predominant. Ambulatory surgery is organized in different forms: "office-based surgery," "hospital outpatient departments," and "ambulatory surgery centers" (ASC). The numbers of ASCs are rapidly increasing. The current proportion of ASCs is 16% of all operations. The type of ambulatory surgery is primarily defined by payors. Medicare standards are the benchmark for private organizations. Recovery care centers now offer postoperative care beyond the former 23-h threshold. This may lead to a further expanded ASC access. Revenues for ambulatory surgery were so far mostly based on fees for service. The implementation of an outpatient prospective payment system ("OPPS") is planned by Medicare, using fixed package prices within a newly defined ambulatory payment classification ("APC"). The dimension of structural changes could be enormous and possibly be compared with the implementation of DRGs in 1983.

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

Malet, Hélène; Dalle, Karen; Brémond, Nicolas

The SARS-CoV macro domain was expressed, purified and crystallized. Selenomethionine-labelled crystals diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution. Macro domains or X domains are found as modules of multidomain proteins, but can also constitute a protein on their own. Recently, biochemical and structural studies of cellular macro domains have been performed, showing that they are active as ADP-ribose-1′′-phosphatases. Macro domains are also present in a number of positive-stranded RNA viruses, but their precise function in viral replication is still unknown. The major human pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) encodes 16 non-structural proteins (nsps), one of which (nsp3) encompasses a macromore » domain. The SARS-CoV nsp3 gene region corresponding to amino acids 182–355 has been cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized. The crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 37.5, b = 55.6, c = 108.9 Å, β = 91.4°, and the asymmetric unit contains either two or three molecules. Both native and selenomethionine-labelled crystals diffract to 1.8 Å.« less

X-ray crystallographic characterization of rhesus macaque MHC Mamu-A*02 complexed with an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide

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

Feng, Youjun; Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing; Qi, Jianxun

2006-01-01

X-ray crystallographic characterization of rhesus macaque MHC Mamu-A*02 complexed with an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in the rhesus macaque is regarded as a classic animal model, playing a crucial role in HIV vaccine strategies and therapeutics by characterizing various cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in macaque monkeys. However, the availability of well documented structural reports focusing on rhesus macaque major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules remains extremely limited. Here, a complex of the rhesus macaque MHC I molecule (Mamu-A*02) with human β{sub 2}m and an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide, GESNLKSLY (GY9), has been crystallized. The crystal diffractsmore » X-rays to 2.7 Å resolution and belongs to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 124.11, b = 110.45, c = 100.06 Å, and contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The availability of the structure, which is being solved by molecular replacement, will provide new insights into rhesus macaque MHC I (Mamu-A*02) presenting pathogenic SIV peptides.« less

O-Acetyl location on cepacian, the principal exopolysaccharide of Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria.

PubMed

Cescutti, Paola; Impallomeni, Giuseppe; Garozzo, Domenico; Rizzo, Roberto

2011-12-27

Cepacian is an exopolysaccharide produced by the majority of the isolates belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria, a group of 17 species, some of which infect cystic fibrosis patients, sometime with fatal outcome. The repeating unit of cepacian consists of a backbone having a trisaccharidic repeating unit with three side chains, as reported in the formula below. The exopolysaccharide is also acetylated, carrying from one to three acetyl esters per repeating unit, depending on the strain examined. The consequences of O-acetyl substitution in a polysaccharide are important both for its biological functions and for industrial applications, including the preparation of conjugated vaccines, since O-acetyl groups are important immunogenic determinants. The location of acetyl groups was achieved by NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry and revealed that these substituents are scattered in non-stoichiometric ratio on many sugar residues in different positions, a feature which adds to the already unique carbohydrate structure of the polysaccharide. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and testing of a coil-unit barrel for helical coil electromagnetic launcher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Dong; Liu, Zhenxiang; Shu, Ting; Yang, Lijia; Ouyang, Jianming

2018-01-01

A coil-unit barrel for a helical coil electromagnetic launcher is described. It provides better features of high structural strength and flexible adjustability. It is convenient to replace the damaged coil units and easy to adjust the number of turns in the stator coils due to the modular design. In our experiments, the highest velocity measured for a 4.5-kg projectile is 47.3 m/s and the mechanical reinforcement of the launcher could bear 35 kA peak current. The relationship between the energy conversion efficiency and the inductance gradient of the launcher is also studied. In the region of low inductance gradient, the efficiency is positively correlated with the inductance gradient. However, in the region of high inductance gradient, the inter-turn arc erosion becomes a major problem of limiting the efficiency and velocity of the launcher. This modular barrel allows further studies in the inter-turn arc and the variable inductance gradient helical coil launcher.

Design and testing of a coil-unit barrel for helical coil electromagnetic launcher.

PubMed

Yang, Dong; Liu, Zhenxiang; Shu, Ting; Yang, Lijia; Ouyang, Jianming

2018-01-01

A coil-unit barrel for a helical coil electromagnetic launcher is described. It provides better features of high structural strength and flexible adjustability. It is convenient to replace the damaged coil units and easy to adjust the number of turns in the stator coils due to the modular design. In our experiments, the highest velocity measured for a 4.5-kg projectile is 47.3 m/s and the mechanical reinforcement of the launcher could bear 35 kA peak current. The relationship between the energy conversion efficiency and the inductance gradient of the launcher is also studied. In the region of low inductance gradient, the efficiency is positively correlated with the inductance gradient. However, in the region of high inductance gradient, the inter-turn arc erosion becomes a major problem of limiting the efficiency and velocity of the launcher. This modular barrel allows further studies in the inter-turn arc and the variable inductance gradient helical coil launcher.

Situational and dispositional influences on nurses' workplace well-being: the role of empowering unit leadership.

PubMed

Spence Laschinger, Heather K; Finegan, Joan; Wilk, Piotr

2011-01-01

Unit-level leadership and structural empowerment play key roles in creating healthy work environments, yet few researchers have examined these contextual effects on nurses' well-being. The aim of this study was to test a multilevel model of structural empowerment examining the effect of nursing unit leadership quality and structural empowerment on nurses' experiences of burnout and job satisfaction and to examine the effect of a personal dispositional variable, core self-evaluation, on these nurse experiences. Nurses (n = 3,156) from 217 hospital units returned surveys that included measures of leader-member exchange, structural empowerment, burnout, core self-evaluation, and job satisfaction. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to test the model. Nurses' shared perceptions of leader-member exchange quality on their units positively influenced their shared perceptions of unit structural empowerment (Level 2), which resulted in significantly higher levels of individual nurse job satisfaction (Level 1). Unit-level leader-member exchange quality also directly influenced individual nurse job satisfaction. Unit leader-member exchange quality and structural empowerment influenced emotional exhaustion and cynicism differentially. Higher unit-level leader-member exchange quality was associated with lower cynicism; higher unit-level structural empowerment was associated with lower emotional exhaustion. At Level 1, higher core self-evaluation was associated with lower levels of both emotional exhaustion and cynicism, both of which were associated with lower job satisfaction. This study provides a theoretical understanding of how unit leadership affects both unit- and individual-level outcomes.

Physicians' Migration: Perceptions of Pakistani Medical Students.

PubMed

Hossain, Nazli; Shah, Nusrat; Shah, Tahira; Lateef, Sidra Binte

2016-08-01

To study the perceptions of medical students about factors responsible for physicians'migration. Cross-sectional survey. Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Karachi, from April to May 2015. Aself-administered structured questionnaire was used including demographic details, attitudes about push and pull factors of migration, and reasons for migrating or not migrating abroad. Final year students and interns were included. Likert scale from 1 to 4 (1=strongly disagree to 4=strongly agree) was used to assess attitudes. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16. Atotal of 240 medical students, mostly females (n=181, 75%) (60% final year and 40% interns), participated in the study. Majority wished to go abroad (n=127; 54%) with United States being the favourite destination (n=80; 66.1%) and internal medicine fields being the preferred choice for specialization (n=126; 54%). The major pull factors were better quality of postgraduate education abroad (n=110; 48.2%) and economic prospects (80; 35.2%); while the push factors were a weak healthcare system (n=219; 94.3%), inadequate salary structure (n=205; 88.3%), insecurity (n=219; 93.9%) and increasing religious intolerance in Pakistan (n=183; 78.5%). This survey highlights the continuing trend of physician migration from Pakistan owing to an interplay of various push and pull factors. Majority of our medical students wish to migrate, mainly due to low salaries, poor job structure, and insecurity. Urgent interventions are required to reverse this trend of medical brain-drain.

Chromite deposits of the north-central Zambales Range, Luzon, Philippines

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rossman, D.L.

1970-01-01

Peridotite and gabbro form an intrusive complex which is exposed over an area about 35 km wide and 150 km long in the center of the Zambales Range of western Luzon. The Zambales Complex is remarkable for its total known resources, mined and still remaining, of about 15 million metric tons of chromite ore. Twenty percent of Free World production was obtained from this area between 1950 and the end of 1964; in 1960 production reached a high of 606,103 metric tons of refractory-grade ore, mostly from the Coto mine near Masinloc, and 128,426 metric tons of metallurgical ore from the Acoje mine. The United States imports 80 to 90 percent of its refractory-grade chromite from the Philippines, and its basic refractory technology has been designed upon the chemical and physical characteristics of Coto high-alumina chromite ore. Continuation of this pattern will depend upon discovery of additional ore reserves to replace those depleted by mining. The Zambales Ultramafic Complex is of the alpine type in which lenticular or podiform deposits of chromite lie in peridotite or dunite, mostly near Contacts with gabbroic rocks. Layered structures, foliation, and lineation commonly are well developed and transect boundaries between major rock units, including chromite deposits, at any angle. Accordingly, these structures cannot be used as guides in exploration and mining as they are used in stratiform complexes such as the Bushveld, where chromite layers extend for many miles. Probably 90 percent of the known deposits in the Zambales Complex are located in two belts in its northern part. One zone containing high-aluminua refractory-grade deposits extends northeast from the Coto mine and Chromite Reservation No. I along a peridotite contact with olivine gabbro, and another of high-chromium metallurgical grade chromite extends south through the Zambales and Acoje properties, and swings westward around the south side of Mount Lanai along a peridotite contact with norite. The textures of ores, association of chromite with dunite as gangue and as halos, and the transecting nature of the layering, foliation, and lineation in relation to chromite, are similar in all deposits regardless of composition of the chromite mineral itself. Textures in chromite ores, and structural relationships between chromite deposits and country rocks, show that layering and related foliation and lineation were formed or modified by flowage. Gabbro is believed to form the upper part of the Complex in general. Geophysical methods have been rather unsuccessful in finding chromite in the Zambales Complex. Gravity surveys, in order to be successful, must correct for all features influencing gravity except for the chromite itself. Too often the uncertainties in position of rock units and in knowledge of rock densities or position of hidden geologic features (dikes, zones of alteration) preclude the possibility of making adequate corrections. Magnetic surveys have failed to reveal any magnetic patterns attributable to the presence of chromite. Exploration for chromite should be guided by the knowledge that chromite occurs only in certain geologic environments. Thus because nearly all known chromite deposits in the Zambales Complex lie in peridotite near the gabbro contact, search for chromite should be concentrated there. Likewise it is evident from structural evidence presented here that there is little relation between layering and distribution of either major rock units or chromite deposits. Thus one is not justified in using the layered structure to predict either the position or attitude of major rock unit contacts, or presence or position of chromite deposits. In such a productive complex it is geologically certain that unknown deposits still remain undiscovered. The most promising areas for exploration are near known groups of large deposits like Acoje and Chromite Reservation No. 1. Underground drilling has been very successful in finding buried tabular

Low-angle normal faulting and isostatic response in the Gulf of Suez: Evidence from seismic interpretation and geometric reconstruction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perry, S. K.; Schamel, S.

1985-01-01

Tectonic extension within continental crust creates a variety of major features best classed as extensional orogens. These features have come under increasing attention in recent years, with the welding of field observation and theoretical concepts. Most recent advances have come from the Basin and Range Province of the southwestern United States and from the North Sea. Application of these geometric and isostatic concepts, in combination with seismic interpretation, to the southern Gulf of Suez, an active extensional orogen, allows generation of detailed structural maps and geometrically balanced sections which suggest a regional structural model. Geometric models which should prove to be a valuable adjunct to numerical and thermal models for the rifting process are discussed.

Normal feline brain: clinical anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Mogicato, G; Conchou, F; Layssol-Lamour, C; Raharison, F; Sautet, J

2012-04-01

The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical anatomy atlas of the feline brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brains of twelve normal cats were imaged using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance unit and an inversion/recovery sequence (T1). Fourteen relevant MRI sections were chosen in transverse, dorsal, median and sagittal planes. Anatomic structures were identified and labelled using anatomical texts and Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, sectioned specimen heads, and previously published articles. The MRI sections were stained according to the major embryological and anatomical subdivisions of the brain. The relevant anatomical structures seen on MRI will assist clinicians to better understand MR images and to relate this neuro-anatomy to clinical signs. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Using Arabidopsis to understand centromere function: progress and prospects.

PubMed

Copenhaver, Gregory P

2003-01-01

Arabidopsis thaliana has emerged in recent years as a leading model for understanding the structure and function of higher eukaryotic centromeres. Arabidopsis centromeres, like those of virtually all higher eukaryotes, encompass large DNA domains consisting of a complex combination of unique, dispersed middle repetitive and highly repetitive DNA. For this reason, they have required creative analysis using molecular, genetic, cytological and genomic techniques. This synergy of approaches, reinforced by rapid progress in understanding how proteins interact with the centromere DNA to form a complete functional unit, has made Arabidopsis one the best understood centromere systems. Yet major problems remain to be solved: gaining a complete structural definition of the centromere has been surprisingly difficult, and developing synthetic mini-chromosomes in plants has been even more challenging.

Structure of a new crystal form of human Hsp70 ATPase domain.

PubMed

Osipiuk, J; Walsh, M A; Freeman, B C; Morimoto, R I; Joachimiak, A

1999-05-01

Hsp70 proteins are highly conserved proteins induced by heat shock and other stress conditions. An ATP-binding domain of human Hsp70 protein has been crystallized in two major morphological forms at pH 7.0 in the presence of PEG 8000 and CaCl2. Both crystal forms belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, but show no resemblance in unit-cell parameters. Analysis of the crystal structures for both forms shows a 1-2 A shift of one of the subdomains of the protein. This conformational change could reflect a 'natural' flexibility of the protein which might be relevant to ATP binding and may facilitate the interaction of other proteins with Hsp70 protein.

Landslide Hazard Map of The Upper Tiber River Basin, Central Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardinali, M.; Carrara, A.; Guzzetti, F.; Reichenbach, P.

For the Upper Tiber River basin, which extends over 4000 km2 in Central Italy, a landslide hazard map was derived from a statistical model based on a mix of morpho- logical, lithological, structural and land use data. All these data were obtained from the analysis of different sets of aerial photographs, ranging in scale from 1:33,000 to 1:13,000, systematic field surveys and bibliographical information. Rock types were grouped in 37 units on the basis of the hard vs. soft rock percentage, as as- certained from photo-geological interpretation and field surveys. During the photo- interpretation, the spatial relations between bedding plane attitude and slope aspect were also systematically determined. The landslide inventory map recognised 17,600 slope-failures that cover nearly 12.5% of the basin area. Landslides, which are mainly slide flow slide earth-flow and compound or complex movements, were classified and mapped as shallow or deep seated. A DTM, with a grid resolution of 25x25 m, was derived from digitised contour lines of base topographic maps, 1:25,000.in scale. The basin was then automatically partitioned into nearly 16,000 main slope-units through a specifically-designed software module that, starting from a high quality DTM gen- erates fully connected and complementary drainage and divide networks and a wide spectrum of morphometric parameters. Main slope-units were then subdivided accord- ing to the major rock types cropping out in the basin generating over 28,700 hydro- morphological-lithological terrain-units. Using the presence/absence of landslide in each terrain unit, as the grouping variable, a stepwise discriminant function was ap- plied to the terrain units. of the 50 variables entered into the discriminant function, 15 are lithological, 15 morphological, 11 express the structural setting or bedding plane attitude, 7 refer to land use and the last 2 reflect local climatic conditions. The model proved to be capable of correctly classifying as stable or unstable over 75% of the terrain units.

American Views of the Cultural Imperialism Charge.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breen, Myles P.

The United States is a major exporter but a minor importer of films and television programs; this situation has been described as a one-way flow of information from the United States to other nations. Although the official United States position is one of dedication to the two-way flow of communication, the "majority" view is that the…

Soviet women and the autonomous family.

PubMed

Imbrogno, S; Imbrogno, N I

1989-01-01

"The USSR family is changing in form from that of a social collectivity, a bedrock conception to socialism, to that of an autonomous family. Autonomy discloses a lack of homogeneity, an independence of choices over life-styles and a flexibility toward an interpretation given to the meaning of a socialistic state. Women are exceedingly active in making greater use of their legal rights to divorce and abortion and demanding equal status with men both in the workplace and in the home. Women are initiating major social changes, are readily adapting to changing relations and patterns in a complex society and are serving to spearhead changes in the family unit. These factors have generated major changes in the normative, behavioral and structural dimensions of marriage and family life in the Soviet Union." excerpt

Petrology and chemistry of Jebel Tanumah complex, Khamis Mushayt, Southern Arabian shield, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassief, M. O.; Ali, H. M.; Zakir, F. A.

The mafic intrusive complex at Jebel Tanumah is located 15 km north-west of Khamis Mushayt in the southern Arabian Shield and includes olivine-bearing gabbro as well as amphibole-diopside-hornblende gabbro cumulates. These rocks have been generally metamorphosed to upper greeenschist-lower amphibolite facies. Fourteen white rock silicate analyses indicate that the majority of the rocks are calc-alkaline to tholeiitic in composition. The two major structural units in the Khamis Mushayt region identified by Coleman consist of the basement complex of Asir Mountains and the younger metamorphic rocks. Syntectonic granitic rocks intruded the antiforms characterizing the younger rocks whereas the lower parts of the synforms are intruded by post-tectonic intrusions of layered gabbros such as the one studied at Jebel Tanumah.

Variability in Rheumatology day care hospitals in Spain: VALORA study.

PubMed

Hernández Miguel, María Victoria; Martín Martínez, María Auxiliadora; Corominas, Héctor; Sanchez-Piedra, Carlos; Sanmartí, Raimon; Fernandez Martinez, Carmen; García-Vicuña, Rosario

To describe the variability of the day care hospital units (DCHUs) of Rheumatology in Spain, in terms of structural resources and operating processes. Multicenter descriptive study with data from a self-completed questionnaire of DCHUs self-assessment based on DCHUs quality standards of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. Structural resources and operating processes were analyzed and stratified by hospital complexity (regional, general, major and complex). Variability was determined using the coefficient of variation (CV) of the variable with clinical relevance that presented statistically significant differences when was compared by centers. A total of 89 hospitals (16 autonomous regions and Melilla) were included in the analysis. 11.2% of hospitals are regional, 22,5% general, 27%, major and 39,3% complex. A total of 92% of DCHUs were polyvalent. The number of treatments applied, the coordination between DCHUs and hospital pharmacy and the post graduate training process were the variables that showed statistically significant differences depending on the complexity of hospital. The highest rate of rheumatologic treatments was found in complex hospitals (2.97 per 1,000 population), and the lowest in general hospitals (2.01 per 1,000 population). The CV was 0.88 in major hospitals; 0.86 in regional; 0.76 in general, and 0.72 in the complex. there was variability in the number of treatments delivered in DCHUs, being greater in major hospitals and then in regional centers. Nonetheless, the variability in terms of structure and function does not seem due to differences in center complexity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

Perceptions among occupational and physical therapy students of a nontraditional methodology for teaching laboratory gross anatomy.

PubMed

Thomas, K Jackson; Denham, Bryan E; Dinolfo, John D

2011-01-01

This pilot study was designed to assess the perceptions of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the use of computer-assisted pedagogy and prosection-oriented communications in the laboratory component of a human anatomy course at a comprehensive health sciences university in the southeastern United States. The goal was to determine whether student perceptions changed over the course of a summer session regarding verbal, visual, tactile, and web-based teaching methodologies. Pretest and post-test surveys were distributed online to students who volunteered to participate in the pilot study. Despite the relatively small sample size, statistically significant results indicated that PT and OT students who participated in this study perceived an improved ability to name major anatomical structures from memory, to draw major anatomical structures from memory, and to explain major anatomical relationships from memory. Students differed in their preferred learning styles. This study demonstrates that the combination of small group learning and digital web-based learning seems to increase PT and OT students' confidence in their anatomical knowledge. Further research is needed to determine which forms of integrated instruction lead to improved student performance in the human gross anatomy laboratory. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.

Biosynthesis and maturation of cellular membrane glycoproteins.

PubMed

Hunt, L A

1979-01-01

The biosynthesis and the processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of cellular membrane glycoproteins were examined in monolayer cultures of BHK21 cells and human diploid fibroblasts after pulse- and pulse-chase labeling with [2-3H]mannose. After pronase digestion, radiolabeled glycopeptides were characterized by high-resolution gel filtration, with or without additional digestion with various exoglycosidases and endoglycosidases. Pulse-labeled glycoproteins contained a relatively homogenous population of neutral oligosaccharides (major species: Man9GlcNAc2ASN). The vast majority of these asparagine-linked oligosaccharides was smaller than the major fraction of lipid-linked oligosaccharides from the cell and was apparently devoid of terminal glucose. After pulse-chase or long labeling periods, a significant fraction of the large oligomannosyl cores was processed by removal of mannose units and addition of branch sugars (NeuNAc-Gal-GlcNAc), resulting in complex acidic structures containing three and possibly five mannoses. In addition, some of the large oligomannosyl cores were processed by the removal of only several mannoses, resulting in a mixture of neutral structures with 5-9 mannoses. This oligomannosyl core heterogeneity in both neutral and acidic oligosaccharides linked to asparagine in cellular membrane glycoproteins was analogous to the heterogeneity reported for the oligosaccharides of avian RNA tumor virus glycoproteins (Hunt LA, Wright SE, Etchison JR, Summers DF: J Virol 29:336, 1979).

Complex assembly, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of rhesus macaque MHC Mamu-A*01 complexed with an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide

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

Chu, Fuliang; Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing; Lou, Zhiyong

2005-06-01

Crystallization of the first rhesus macaque MHC class I complex. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaques has been used as the best model for the study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in humans, especially in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. However, the structure of rhesus macaque (or any other monkey model) major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) presenting a specific peptide (the ligand for CTL) has not yet been elucidated. Here, using in vitro refolding, the preparation of the complex of the rhesus macaque MHC I allele (Mamu-A*01) with human β{sub 2}m and an immunodominant peptide,more » CTPYDINQM (Gag-CM9), derived from SIV Gag protein is reported. The complex (45 kDa) was crystallized; the crystal belongs to space group I422, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 183.8, c = 155.2 Å. The crystal contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit and diffracts X-rays to 2.8 Å resolution. The structure is being solved by molecular replacement and this is the first attempt to determined the crystal structure of a peptide–nonhuman primate MHC complex.« less

Delineation of tectonic provinces of New York state as a component of seismic-hazard evaluation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fakundiny, R.H.

2004-01-01

Seismic-hazard evaluations in the eastern United States must be based on interpretations of the composition and form of Proterozoic basement-rock terranes and overlying Paleozoic strata, and on factors that can cause relative movements among their units, rather than Phanerozoic orogenic structures, which may be independent of modern tectonics. The tectonic-province concept is a major part of both probabilistic and deterministic seismic-hazard evaluations, yet those that have been proposed to date have not attempted to geographically correlate modern earthquakes with regional basement structure. Comparison of basement terrane (megablock) boundaries with the spatial pattern of modern seismicity may lead to the mechanically sound definition of tectonic provinces, and thus, better seismic-hazard evaluation capability than is currently available. Delineation of megablock boundaries will require research on the many factors that affect their structure and movement. This paper discusses and groups these factors into two broad categories-megablock tectonics in relation to seismicity and regional horizontal-compressive stresses, with megablock tectonics divided into subcategories of basement, overlying strata, regional lineaments, basement tectonic terranes, earthquake epicenter distribution, and epeirogeny, and compressive stresses divided into pop-ups and the contemporary maximum horizontal-compressive stress field. A list presenting four to nine proposed research topics for each of these categories is given at the end.

Terrain Analysis Procedural Guide for Railroads (Report Number 10 in the ETL Series on Guides for Army Terrain Analysis).

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

study was conducted under DA Project 4A762707A855, Task C, Work 6 Unit 21, "Military Geographic Analysis Technology." This study was done under the...supplement to the Terrain Analysis Procedural Guide for Roads and Related Structures (ETL-0205, October 1979). In sparsely inhabited study areas, railroad data... study area. " W, In general, three major sources of information are available that will = be helpful in the production of factor overlays for railroads

Impact of the National Debt on United States Army Funding

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

GCV) to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle ( BFV ). In FY13 the Army has budgeted $640M which increases to over $1B by FY16. By reducing the funding...to delay the development of the CGV by a few years. The BFV is still a good vehicle and variants are expected to be in the Army inventory until 2040...the majority of the BFV fleet has been reset back to zero miles coming out of Iraq. With the Army also facing future force structure reductions, a

Application of multispectral photography to mineral and land resources of South Carolina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, N. K. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Good results were obtained from using Skylab photography in conjunction with LANDSAT imagery for visual interpretation of various geologic features, particularly lineaments. It was concluded that visual interpretation alone of Skylab photographs was quite limited, and much of this was because of the low contrast, heavily vegetated terrain in southeastern United States. Lineaments of major structural features are detectable but subtle. An intimate knowledge of the geologic field relationships is needed before a meaningful analysis is feasible using current satellite photography alone.

Inventory of Shale Formations in the US, Including Geologic, Hydrological, and Mechanical Characteristics

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

Dobson, Patrick; Houseworth, James

2013-11-22

The objective of this report is to build upon previous compilations of shale formations within many of the major sedimentary basins in the US by developing GIS data delineating isopach and structural depth maps for many of these units. These data are being incorporated into the LANL digital GIS database being developed for determining host rock distribution and depth/thickness parameters consistent with repository design. Methods were developed to assess hydrological and geomechanical properties and conditions for shale formations based on sonic velocity measurements.

Bottomland Hardwood Forests along the Upper Mississippi River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yin, Y.; Nelson, J.C.; Lubinski, S.J.

1997-01-01

Bottomland hardwood forests along the United States' Upper Mississippi River have been drastically reduced in acreage and repeatedly logged during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Conversion to agricultural land, timber harvesting, and river modifications for flood prevention and for navigation were the primary factors that caused the changes. Navigation structures and flood-prevention levees have altered the fluvial geomorphic dynamics of the river and floodplain system. Restoration and maintenance of the diversity, productivity, and natural regeneration dynamics of the bottomland hardwood forests under the modified river environment represent a major management challenge.

Biology Division progress report, October 1, 1993--September 30, 1995

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

NONE

1995-10-01

This Progress Report summarizes the research endeavors of the Biology Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the period October 1, 1993, through September 30, 1995. The report is structured to provide descriptions of current activities and accomplishments in each of the Division`s major organizational units. Lists of information to convey the entire scope of the Division`s activities are compiled at the end of the report. Attention is focused on the following research activities: molecular, cellular, and cancer biology; mammalian genetics and development; genome mapping program; and educational activities.

FACTS ON THE MAJOR KILLING AND CRIPPLING DISEASES IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Health Education Committee, Inc., New York, NY.

MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH AND DISABILITY, RESULTS OF MEDICAL RESEARCH, LIFE EXPECTANCY FIGURES, COST OF ILLNESS TO THE UNITED STATES, AND GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES IN MEDICINE AND HEALTH ARE PRESENTED TABULARLY AND GRAPHICALLY IN QUESTION AND ANSWER FORM. FOR EACH OF 14 MAJOR DISEASES, PERTINENT FACTS ARE LISTED ABOUT INCIDENCE, COST, DEATH RATE,…

UK service level audit of insulin pump therapy in paediatrics.

PubMed

Ghatak, A; Paul, P; Hawcutt, D B; White, H D; Furlong, N J; Saunders, S; Morrison, G; Langridge, P; Weston, P J

2015-12-01

To conduct an audit of insulin pump therapy in the UK after the issue of guidelines for the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion by NICE in 2008 (Technology Appraisal 151). All centres in the UK, providing pump services to children and young people were invited to participate in an online audit. Audit metrics were aligned to NICE Technology Appraisal 151 and an electronic data collection tool was used. Of the 176 UK centres identified as providing pump services, 166 (94.3%) participated in the study. A total of 5094 children and young people were identified as using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (19% of all paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes), with a median (range) of 16.9 (0.67-69.4)% per centre. Units had a median of 0.58 consultant sessions, 0.43 full-time equivalent diabetic specialist nurses, and 0.1 full-time equivalent dieticians delivering the pump service. The majority of this time was not formally funded. Families could access 24-h clinical and technical support (83% units), although the delivery varied between consultant, diabetic specialist nurse and company representatives. Only 53% of units ran, or accessed, structured education programmes for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion use. Most units (86%) allowed continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion use for paediatric inpatients, but only 56% had written guidelines for this scenario. Nine percent of units had encountered funding refusal for a patient fulfilling NICE (Technology Appraisal 151) criteria. The number of children and young people on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy is consistent with numbers estimated by NICE. There is a worrying lack of funded healthcare professional time. The audit also identified gaps in the provision of structured education and absence of written inpatient guidelines. © 2015 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2015 Diabetes UK.

Stratigraphic framework of Cambrian and Ordovician rocks in the central Appalachian Basin from Medina County, Ohio, through southwestern and south-central Pennsylvania to Hampshire County, West Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryder, Robert T.; Harris, Anita G.; Repetski, John E.; revised and digitized by Crangle, Robert D.

2003-01-01

A 275-mi-long restored stratigraphic cross section from Medina County, Ohio, through southwestern and south-central Pennsylvania to Hampshire County, W. Va., provides new details on Cambrian and Ordovician stratigraphy in the central Appalachian basin and the structure of underlying Precambrian basement rocks. From west to east, the major structural elements of the block-faulted basement in this section are (1) the relatively stable, slightly extended craton, which includes the Wooster arch, (2) the fault-controlled Ohio-West Virginia hinge zone, which separates the craton from the adjoining Rome trough, (3) the Rome trough, which consists of an east-facing asymmetric graben and an overlying sag basin, and (4) a positive fault block, named here the South-central Pennsylvania arch, which borders the eastern margin of the graben part of the Rome trough. Pre-Middle Ordovician structural relief on Precambrian basement rocks across the down-to-the-west normal fault that separates the Rome trough and the adjoining South-central Pennsylvania arch amounted to between 6,000 and 7,000 ft. The restored cross section shows eastward thickening of the Cambrian and Ordovician sequence from about 3,000 ft near the crest of the Wooster arch at the western end of the section to about 5,150 ft at the Ohio-West Virginia hinge zone adjoining the western margin of the Rome trough to about 19,800 ft near the depositional axis of the Rome trough. East of the Rome trough, at the adjoining western edge of the South-central Pennsylvania arch, the Cambrian and Ordovician sequence thins abruptly to about 13,500 ft and then thins gradually eastward across the arch to about 12,700 ft near the Allegheny structural front and to about 10,150 ft at the eastern end of the restored section. In general, the Cambrian and Ordovician sequence along this section consists of four major lithofacies that are predominantly shallow marine to peritidal in origin. In ascending stratigraphic order, the lithofacies are identified by the following descriptive names: (1) sandstone, shale, limestone, and dolomite unit, (2) dolomite and sandstone unit, (3) limestone and black shale unit, and (4) shale and sandstone unit. Each of these units and their associated subunits thicken from west to east across the restored section to a maximum near the depositional axis of the Rome trough and then thin eastward to the end of the section. The sandstone, shale, limestone, and dolomite unit is largely confined to the asymmetric graben that marks the initial phase of the Rome trough. This unit is Early and Middle Cambrian in age and consists, in ascending order, of a basal sandstone unit (undrilled but probably present), the Tomstown Dolomite (undrilled but probably present), the Waynesboro Formation, and the Pleasant Hill Limestone and its equivalent lower one-third of the Elbrook Formation at the eastern end of the section. The dolomite and sandstone unit forms the core of the Cambrian and Ordovician sequence. In the Rome trough and on the adjoining South-central Pennsylvania arch, this unit consists, in ascending order, of the Middle and Upper Cambrian Warrior Formation and the equivalent upper two-thirds of the Elbrook Formation at the eastern end of the section, the Upper Cambrian Gatesburg Formation, and the Lower Ordovician and Middle Ordovician (Whiterockian and Chazyan) Beekmantown Group. West of the Ohio-West Virginia hinge zone, the dolomite and sandstone unit consists, in ascending order, of the Conasauga Formation of Janssens (1973), the Krysik sandstone of driller's usage, the B zone of Calvert (1964), the Knox Dolomite and the associated Rose Run Sandstone Member, and the Wells Creek Formation. The widespread Knox unconformity is located at the base of the Wells Creek Formation and at or near the top of the adjoining Beekmantown Group, except near the depositional axis of the Rome trough, where the unconformity seems to be absent. The limestone and black shale unit i

Diffraction Techniques in Structural Biology

PubMed Central

Egli, Martin

2016-01-01

A detailed understanding of chemical and biological function and the mechanisms underlying the molecular activities ultimately requires atomic-resolution structural data. Diffraction-based techniques such as single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction are well established and they have paved the road to the stunning successes of modern-day structural biology. The major advances achieved in the last 20 years in all aspects of structural research, including sample preparation, crystallization, the construction of synchrotron and spallation sources, phasing approaches, and high-speed computing and visualization, now provide specialists and nonspecialists alike with a steady flow of molecular images of unprecedented detail. The present unit combines a general overview of diffraction methods with a detailed description of the process of a single-crystal X-ray structure determination experiment, from chemical synthesis or expression to phasing and refinement, analysis, and quality control. For novices it may serve as a stepping-stone to more in-depth treatises of the individual topics. Readers relying on structural information for interpreting functional data may find it a useful consumer guide. PMID:27248784

Diffraction Techniques in Structural Biology.

PubMed

Egli, Martin

2016-06-01

A detailed understanding of chemical and biological function and the mechanisms underlying the molecular activities ultimately requires atomic-resolution structural data. Diffraction-based techniques such as single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction are well established and they have paved the road to the stunning successes of modern-day structural biology. The major advances achieved in the last twenty years in all aspects of structural research, including sample preparation, crystallization, the construction of synchrotron and spallation sources, phasing approaches, and high-speed computing and visualization, now provide specialists and nonspecialists alike with a steady flow of molecular images of unprecedented detail. The present unit combines a general overview of diffraction methods with a detailed description of the process of a single-crystal X-ray structure determination experiment, from chemical synthesis or expression to phasing and refinement, analysis, and quality control. For novices it may serve as a stepping-stone to more in-depth treatises of the individual topics. Readers relying on structural information for interpreting functional data may find it a useful consumer guide. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Catchment-Scale Conservation Units Identified for the Threatened Yarra Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca obscura) in Highly Modified River Systems

PubMed Central

Brauer, Chris J.; Unmack, Peter J.; Hammer, Michael P.; Adams, Mark; Beheregaray, Luciano B.

2013-01-01

Habitat fragmentation caused by human activities alters metapopulation dynamics and decreases biological connectivity through reduced migration and gene flow, leading to lowered levels of population genetic diversity and to local extinctions. The threatened Yarra pygmy perch, Nannoperca obscura, is a poor disperser found in small, isolated populations in wetlands and streams of southeastern Australia. Modifications to natural flow regimes in anthropogenically-impacted river systems have recently reduced the amount of habitat for this species and likely further limited its opportunity to disperse. We employed highly resolving microsatellite DNA markers to assess genetic variation, population structure and the spatial scale that dispersal takes place across the distribution of this freshwater fish and used this information to identify conservation units for management. The levels of genetic variation found for N. obscura are amongst the lowest reported for a fish species (mean heterozygosity of 0.318 and mean allelic richness of 1.92). We identified very strong population genetic structure, nil to little evidence of recent migration among demes and a minimum of 11 units for conservation management, hierarchically nested within four major genetic lineages. A combination of spatial analytical methods revealed hierarchical genetic structure corresponding with catchment boundaries and also demonstrated significant isolation by riverine distance. Our findings have implications for the national recovery plan of this species by demonstrating that N. obscura populations should be managed at a catchment level and highlighting the need to restore habitat and avoid further alteration of the natural hydrology. PMID:24349405

REACH. Major Appliance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

English, Charles; And Others

As a part of the REACH (Refrigeration, Electro-Mechanical, Air-Conditioning, Heating) electromechanical cluster, this student manual contains individualized instructional units in the area of major appliances. The instructional units focus on installation of appliances, troubleshooting washing machines, troubleshooting electric dryers,…

Structured Qualitative Research: Organizing “Mountains of Words” for Data Analysis, both Qualitative and Quantitative

PubMed Central

Johnson, Bruce D.; Dunlap, Eloise; Benoit, Ellen

2008-01-01

Qualitative research creates mountains of words. U.S. federal funding supports mostly structured qualitative research, which is designed to test hypotheses using semi-quantitative coding and analysis. The authors have 30 years of experience in designing and completing major qualitative research projects, mainly funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. This article reports on strategies for planning, organizing, collecting, managing, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and writing about qualitative data so as to most efficiently manage the mountains of words collected in large-scale ethnographic projects. Multiple benefits accrue from this approach. Several different staff members can contribute to the data collection, even when working from remote locations. Field expenditures are linked to units of work so productivity is measured, many staff in various locations have access to use and analyze the data, quantitative data can be derived from data that is primarily qualitative, and improved efficiencies of resources are developed. The major difficulties involve a need for staff who can program and manage large databases, and who can be skillful analysts of both qualitative and quantitative data. PMID:20222777

Resection and reconstruction of pelvic and extremity soft tissue sarcomas with major vascular involvement: Current concepts

PubMed Central

McGoldrick, Niall P; Butler, Joseph S; Lavelle, Maire; Sheehan, Stephen; Dudeney, Sean; O'Toole, Gary C

2016-01-01

Soft tissue sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. When these rare malignant mesodermal tumours arise in the pelvis and extremities, they may potentially encase or invade large calibre vascular structures. This presents a major challenge in terms of safe excision while also leaving acceptable surgical margins. In recent times, the trend has been towards limb salvage with vascular reconstruction in preference to amputation. Newer orthopaedic and vascular reconstructive techniques including both synthetic and autogenous graft reconstruction have made complex limb-salvage surgery feasible. Despite this, limb-salvage surgery with concomitant vascular reconstruction remains associated with higher rates of post-operative complications including infection and amputation. In this review we describe the initial presentation and investigation of patients presenting with soft tissue sarcomas in the pelvis and extremities, which involve vascular structures. We further discuss the key surgical reconstructive principles and techniques available for the management of these complex tumours, drawn from our institution’s experience as a national tertiary referral sarcoma service. PMID:27190757

Resection and reconstruction of pelvic and extremity soft tissue sarcomas with major vascular involvement: Current concepts.

PubMed

McGoldrick, Niall P; Butler, Joseph S; Lavelle, Maire; Sheehan, Stephen; Dudeney, Sean; O'Toole, Gary C

2016-05-18

Soft tissue sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. When these rare malignant mesodermal tumours arise in the pelvis and extremities, they may potentially encase or invade large calibre vascular structures. This presents a major challenge in terms of safe excision while also leaving acceptable surgical margins. In recent times, the trend has been towards limb salvage with vascular reconstruction in preference to amputation. Newer orthopaedic and vascular reconstructive techniques including both synthetic and autogenous graft reconstruction have made complex limb-salvage surgery feasible. Despite this, limb-salvage surgery with concomitant vascular reconstruction remains associated with higher rates of post-operative complications including infection and amputation. In this review we describe the initial presentation and investigation of patients presenting with soft tissue sarcomas in the pelvis and extremities, which involve vascular structures. We further discuss the key surgical reconstructive principles and techniques available for the management of these complex tumours, drawn from our institution's experience as a national tertiary referral sarcoma service.

Comprehensive analysis of Arabidopsis expression level polymorphisms with simple inheritance

PubMed Central

Plantegenet, Stephanie; Weber, Johann; Goldstein, Darlene R; Zeller, Georg; Nussbaumer, Cindy; Thomas, Jérôme; Weigel, Detlef; Harshman, Keith; Hardtke, Christian S

2009-01-01

In Arabidopsis thaliana, gene expression level polymorphisms (ELPs) between natural accessions that exhibit simple, single locus inheritance are promising quantitative trait locus (QTL) candidates to explain phenotypic variability. It is assumed that such ELPs overwhelmingly represent regulatory element polymorphisms. However, comprehensive genome-wide analyses linking expression level, regulatory sequence and gene structure variation are missing, preventing definite verification of this assumption. Here, we analyzed ELPs observed between the Eil-0 and Lc-0 accessions. Compared with non-variable controls, 5′ regulatory sequence variation in the corresponding genes is indeed increased. However, ∼42% of all the ELP genes also carry major transcription unit deletions in one parent as revealed by genome tiling arrays, representing a >4-fold enrichment over controls. Within the subset of ELPs with simple inheritance, this proportion is even higher and deletions are generally more severe. Similar results were obtained from analyses of the Bay-0 and Sha accessions, using alternative technical approaches. Collectively, our results suggest that drastic structural changes are a major cause for ELPs with simple inheritance, corroborating experimentally observed indel preponderance in cloned Arabidopsis QTL. PMID:19225455

Feasibility study for the implementation of NASTRAN on the ILLIAC 4 parallel processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Field, E. I.

1975-01-01

The ILLIAC IV, a fourth generation multiprocessor using parallel processing hardware concepts, is operational at Moffett Field, California. Its capability to excel at matrix manipulation, makes the ILLIAC well suited for performing structural analyses using the finite element displacement method. The feasibility of modifying the NASTRAN (NASA structural analysis) computer program to make effective use of the ILLIAC IV was investigated. The characteristics are summarized of the ILLIAC and the ARPANET, a telecommunications network which spans the continent making the ILLIAC accessible to nearly all major industrial centers in the United States. Two distinct approaches are studied: retaining NASTRAN as it now operates on many of the host computers of the ARPANET to process the input and output while using the ILLIAC only for the major computational tasks, and installing NASTRAN to operate entirely in the ILLIAC environment. Though both alternatives offer similar and significant increases in computational speed over modern third generation processors, the full installation of NASTRAN on the ILLIAC is recommended. Specifications are presented for performing that task with manpower estimates and schedules to correspond.

Leaf venation: structure, function, development, evolution, ecology and applications in the past, present and future.

PubMed

Sack, Lawren; Scoffoni, Christine

2013-06-01

The design and function of leaf venation are important to plant performance, with key implications for the distribution and productivity of ecosystems, and applications in paleobiology, agriculture and technology. We synthesize classical concepts and the recent literature on a wide range of aspects of leaf venation. We describe 10 major structural features that contribute to multiple key functions, and scale up to leaf and plant performance. We describe the development and plasticity of leaf venation and its adaptation across environments globally, and a new global data compilation indicating trends relating vein length per unit area to climate, growth form and habitat worldwide. We synthesize the evolution of vein traits in the major plant lineages throughout paleohistory, highlighting the multiple origins of individual traits. We summarize the strikingly diverse current applications of leaf vein research in multiple fields of science and industry. A unified core understanding will enable an increasing range of plant biologists to incorporate leaf venation into their research. © 2013 The Authors New Phytologist © 2013 New Phytologist Trust.

Argument structure hierarchy system and method for facilitating analysis and decision-making processes

DOEpatents

Janssen, Terry

2000-01-01

A system and method for facilitating decision-making comprising a computer program causing linkage of data representing a plurality of argument structure units into a hierarchical argument structure. Each argument structure unit comprises data corresponding to a hypothesis and its corresponding counter-hypothesis, data corresponding to grounds that provide a basis for inference of the hypothesis or its corresponding counter-hypothesis, data corresponding to a warrant linking the grounds to the hypothesis or its corresponding counter-hypothesis, and data corresponding to backing that certifies the warrant. The hierarchical argument structure comprises a top level argument structure unit and a plurality of subordinate level argument structure units. Each of the plurality of subordinate argument structure units comprises at least a portion of the grounds of the argument structure unit to which it is subordinate. Program code located on each of a plurality of remote computers accepts input from one of a plurality of contributors. Each input comprises data corresponding to an argument structure unit in the hierarchical argument structure and supports the hypothesis or its corresponding counter-hypothesis. A second programming code is adapted to combine the inputs into a single hierarchical argument structure. A third computer program code is responsive to the second computer program code and is adapted to represent a degree of support for the hypothesis and its corresponding counter-hypothesis in the single hierarchical argument structure.

Buckling behavior of origami unit cell facets under compressive loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kshad, Mohamed Ali Emhmed; Naguib, Hani E.

2018-03-01

Origami structures as cores for sandwich structures are designed to withstand the compressive loads and to dissipate compressive energy. The deformation of the origami panels and the unit cell facets are the primary factors behind the compressive energy dissipation in origami structures. During the loading stage, the origami structures deform through the folding and unfolding process of the unit cell facets, and also through the plastic deformation of the facets. This work presents a numerical study of the buckling behavior of different origami unit cell elements under compressive loading. The studied origami configurations were Miura and Ron-Resch-like origami structures. Finite element package was used to model the origami structures. The study investigated the buckling behavior of the unit cell facets of two types of origami structures Miura origami and Ron-Resch-Like origami structures. The simulation was conducted using ANSYS finite element software, in which the model of the unit cell represented by shell elements, and the eigenvalues buckling solver was used to predict the theoretical buckling of the unit cell elements.

Attributes for NHDPlus Catchments (Version 1.1) for the Conterminous United States: Physiographic Provinces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieczorek, Michael; LaMotte, Andrew E.

2010-01-01

This dataset represents the area of each physiographic province (Fenneman and Johnson, 1946) in square meters, compiled for every catchment of NHDPlus for the conterminous United States. The source data are from Fenneman and Johnson's Physiographic Provinces of the United States, which is based on 8 major divisions, 25 provinces, and 86 sections representing distinctive areas having common topography, rock type and structure, and geologic and geomorphic history (Fenneman and Johnson, 1946). The NHDPlus Version 1.1 is an integrated suite of application-ready geospatial datasets that incorporates many of the best features of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and the National Elevation Dataset (NED). The NHDPlus includes a stream network (based on the 1:100,00-scale NHD), improved networking, naming, and value-added attributes (VAAs). NHDPlus also includes elevation-derived catchments (drainage areas) produced using a drainage enforcement technique first widely used in New England, and thus referred to as "the New England Method." This technique involves "burning in" the 1:100,000-scale NHD and when available building "walls" using the National Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD). The resulting modified digital elevation model (HydroDEM) is used to produce hydrologic derivatives that agree with the NHD and WBD. Over the past two years, an interdisciplinary team from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and contractors, found that this method produces the best quality NHD catchments using an automated process (USEPA, 2007). The NHDPlus dataset is organized by 18 Production Units that cover the conterminous United States. The NHDPlus version 1.1 data are grouped by the U.S. Geologic Survey's Major River Basins (MRBs, Crawford and others, 2006). MRB1, covering the New England and Mid-Atlantic River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 1 and 2. MRB2, covering the South Atlantic-Gulf and Tennessee River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 3 and 6. MRB3, covering the Great Lakes, Ohio, Upper Mississippi, and Souris-Red-Rainy River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 4, 5, 7 and 9. MRB4, covering the Missouri River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 10-lower and 10-upper. MRB5, covering the Lower Mississippi, Arkansas-White-Red, and Texas-Gulf River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 8, 11 and 12. MRB6, covering the Rio Grande, Colorado and Great Basin River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Units 13, 14, 15 and 16. MRB7, covering the Pacific Northwest River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Unit 17. MRB8, covering California River basins, contains NHDPlus Production Unit 18.

Multi-scale strain localization within orthogneiss during subduction and exhumation (Tenda unit, Alpine Corsica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaudoin, Alexandre; Augier, Romain; Jolivet, Laurent; Raimbourg, Hugues; Jourdon, Anthony; Scaillet, Stéphane; Cardello, Giovanni Luca

2016-04-01

Strain localization depends upon scale-related factors resulting in a gap between small-scale studies of deformation mechanisms and large-scale numerical and tectonic models. The former often ignore the variations in composition and water content across tectonic units, while the latter oversimplify the role of the deformation mechanisms. This study aims to heal this gap, by considering microstructures and strain localization not only at a single shear zone-scale but across a 40km-wide tectonic unit and throughout its complex polyphased evolution. The Tenda unit (Alpine Corsica) is an external continental unit mainly composed of granites, bounded by the East Tenda Shear Zone (ETSZ) that separates it from the overlying oceanic-derived HP tectonic units. Previous studies substantially agreed on (1) the burial of the Tenda unit down to blueschist-facies conditions associated with top-to-the-west shearing (D1) and (2) subsequent exhumation accommodated by a localized top-to-the-east shear zone (D2). Reaction-softening is the main localizing mechanism proposed in the literature, being associated with the transformation of K-feldspar into white-mica. In this work, the Tenda unit is reviewed through (1) the construction of a new field-based strain map accompanied by cross-sections representing volumes of rock deformed at different grades related to large-scale factors of strain localization and (2) the structural study of hand-specimens and thin-sections coupled with EBSD analysis in order to target the deformation processes. We aim to find how softening and localization are in relation to the map-scale distribution of strain. The large-scale study shows that the whole Tenda unit is affected by the two successive stages of deformation. However, a more intense deformation is observed along the eastern margin, which originally led to the definition of the ETSZ, with a present-day anastomosed geometry of deformation. Strain localization is clearly linked to rheological/lithological contrasts as it concentrates either along preexisting intrusive and tectonic contacts. As K-feldspar-poor granites remain relatively undeformed, reaction-softening seems to be a major mechanism during D1. However, evidences suggest that this mechanism is in competition with dynamic recrystallization: at outcrop and hand-specimen scale, the correlation between localized structures such as C-planes and phengite-rich zones is not always observed. This same competition remains active during D2 where top-to-the-east C-planes are common in phengite-rich layers, but an overall grain-size reduction is also observed across the different strain grades, suggesting that dynamic recrystallization remains active during the whole story. Final localization is sometimes observed in phengite-poor aplitic ultramylonites characterized by a very fine quartz-albite matrix suggesting that grain-size sensitive flow would be the major mechanism involved in the final rheology of the ETSZ.

The discovery of the alpha-helix and beta-sheet, the principal structural features of proteins.

PubMed

Eisenberg, David

2003-09-30

PNAS papers by Linus Pauling, Robert Corey, and Herman Branson in the spring of 1951 proposed the alpha-helix and the beta-sheet, now known to form the backbones of tens of thousands of proteins. They deduced these fundamental building blocks from properties of small molecules, known both from crystal structures and from Pauling's resonance theory of chemical bonding that predicted planar peptide groups. Earlier attempts by others to build models for protein helices had failed both by including nonplanar peptides and by insisting on helices with an integral number of units per turn. In major respects, the Pauling-Corey-Branson models were astoundingly correct, including bond lengths that were not surpassed in accuracy for >40 years. However, they did not consider the hand of the helix or the possibility of bent sheets. They also proposed structures and functions that have not been found, including the gamma-helix.

The discovery of the -helix and -sheet, the principal structural features of proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenberg, David

2003-09-01

PNAS papers by Linus Pauling, Robert Corey, and Herman Branson in the spring of 1951 proposed the -helix and the -sheet, now known to form the backbones of tens of thousands of proteins. They deduced these fundamental building blocks from properties of small molecules, known both from crystal structures and from Pauling's resonance theory of chemical bonding that predicted planar peptide groups. Earlier attempts by others to build models for protein helices had failed both by including nonplanar peptides and by insisting on helices with an integral number of units per turn. In major respects, the Pauling-Corey-Branson models were astoundingly correct, including bond lengths that were not surpassed in accuracy for >40 years. However, they did not consider the hand of the helix or the possibility of bent sheets. They also proposed structures and functions that have not been found, including the -helix.

Investigation of methanogenic community structures in rural biogas digesters from different climatic regions in Yunnan, southwest China.

PubMed

Dong, Minghua; Wu, Yan; Li, Qiumin; Tian, Guangliang; Yang, Bin; Li, Yingjuan; Zhang, Lijuan; Wang, Yongxia; Xiao, Wei; Yin, Fang; Zhao, Xingling; Zhang, Wudi; Cui, Xiaolong

2015-05-01

Understanding of the microbial community structures of the biogas digesters in different climatic regions can help improve the methane production in the fermentation process. The methanogenic archaeal diversity in four rural biogas digesters (BNA, JSA, LJA, and XGA) was investigated by a culture-independent rRNA approach in different climatic regions in Yunnan. Community structure composed of 711 clones in the all libraries. A total of 33 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected, and major groups of methanogens were the orders Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales. 63.2 % of all archaeal OTUs belong to the order Methanosarcinales which mostly contain acetotrophic methanogens. Methanomicrobiales (19.5 % in all OTUs) were detected in considerable number. Additionally, there were minor rates of uncultured archaea. The principal component analysis indicated that the genus Methanosaeta was mainly affected by the fermentation temperatures.

Aquarium Microbiome Response to Ninety-Percent System Water Change: Clues to Microbiome Management

PubMed Central

Van Bonn, William; LaPointe, Allen; Gibbons, Sean M.; Frazier, Angel; Hampton-Marcell, Jarrad; Gilbert, Jack

2016-01-01

The bacterial community composition and structure of water from an established teleost fish system was examined before, during and after a major water change to explore the impact of such a water-change disturbance on the stability of the aquarium water microbiome. The diversity and evenness of the bacterial community significantly increased following the 90% water replacement. While the change in bacterial community structure was significant, it was slight, and was also weakly correlated with changes in physicochemical parameters. Interestingly there was a significant shift in the correlative network relationships between operational taxonomic units from before to after the water replacement. We suggest this shift in network structure is due to the turnover of many taxa during the course of water replacement. These observations will inform future studies into manipulation of the microbiome by changing system environmental parameter values to optimize resident animal health. PMID:26031788

The Origin of Clusters and Large-Scale Structures: Panoramic View of the High-z Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouchi, Masami

We will report results of our on-going survey for proto-clusters and large-scale structures at z=3-6. We carried out very wide and deep optical imaging down to i=27 for a 1 deg^2 field of the Subaru/XMM Deep Field with 8.2m Subaru Telescope. We obtain maps of the Universe traced by ~1,000 Ly-a galaxies at z=3, 4, and 6 and by ~10,000 Lyman break galaxies at z=3-6. These cosmic maps have a transverse dimension of ~150 Mpc x 150 Mpc in comoving units at these redshifts, and provide us, for the first time, a panoramic view of the high-z Universe from the scales of galaxies, clusters to large-scale structures. Major results and implications will be presented in our talk. (Part of this work is subject to press embargo.)

The Structured Interview and Interviewer Training in the Admissions Process

PubMed Central

Cox, Wendy C.; White-Harris, Carla; Blalock, Susan J.

2007-01-01

Objectives To determine the extent to which the structured interview is used in the PharmD admissions process in US colleges and schools of pharmacy, and the prevalence and content of interviewer training. Methods A survey instrument consisting of 7 questions regarding interviews and interviewer training was sent to 92 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States that were accredited or seeking accreditation. Results Sixty survey instruments (65% response rate) were returned. The majority of the schools that responded (80%) used interviews as part of the PharmD admissions process. Of the schools that used an interview as part of the admissions process, 86% provided some type of interviewer training and 13% used a set of predefined questions in admissions interviews. Conclusions Most colleges and schools of pharmacy use some components of the structured interview in the PharmD admissions process; however, training for interviewers varies widely among colleges and schools of pharmacy. PMID:17998980

3-Methyl-5-methyl­sulfanyl-1,3,4-thia­diazole-2(3H)-thione

PubMed Central

Suarez, Sebastian A.; Hazari, Saroj K. S.; Ganguly, Biplab; Doctorovich, Fabio; G. Roy, Tapashi; Baggio, Ricardo

2012-01-01

The title compound, C4H6N2S3, has two very similar mol­ecules per asymmetric unit. The nine non-H atoms in each mol­ecule are coplanar, both having comparable r.m.s. deviations of 0.002 Å. The main inter­est in the rather simple structure resides in a survey of very weak (in some cases, borderline) non-bonding inter­actions of various kinds, viz. S⋯S, C—H⋯π, π–π [centroid–centroid distance = 3.8958 (13) Å] and C—S⋯π [3.7271 (11) Å], which act as the major driving force for the arrangement of mol­ecules in the structure. The role of long, though highly directional, S⋯S contacts (d > 3.60 Å), and their relevance to the stability of the structure is discussed. PMID:23125808

Structural analysis of proanthocyanidins isolated from fruit stone of Chinese hawthorn with potent antityrosinase and antioxidant activity.

PubMed

Chai, Wei-Ming; Chen, Chih-Min; Gao, Yu-Sen; Feng, Hui-Ling; Ding, Yu-Mei; Shi, Yan; Zhou, Han-Tao; Chen, Qing-Xi

2014-01-08

Proanthocyanidins were isolated from fruit stone of Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.). Their structures were analyzed and elucidated by methods of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The results demonstrated that these compounds are complicated mixtures of homo- and heteropolymers consisting of procyanidin/procyanidin gallate and prodelphinidin. They possessed structural heterogeneity in monomer units, polymer length, and interflavan linkage (A-type and B-type). Their antityrosinase and antioxidant activity were then investigated. The results revealed that they can inhibit tyrosinase activities, including the monophenolase activity and the diphenolase activity. In addition, proanthocyanidins possessed potent antioxidant activity. Our studies revealed that proanthocyanidins isolated from fruit stone of Chinese hawthorn may be applied in food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Aquarium microbiome response to ninety-percent system water change: Clues to microbiome management.

PubMed

Van Bonn, William; LaPointe, Allen; Gibbons, Sean M; Frazier, Angel; Hampton-Marcell, Jarrad; Gilbert, Jack

2015-01-01

The bacterial community composition and structure of water from an established teleost fish system was examined before, during and after a major water change to explore the impact of such a water-change disturbance on the stability of the aquarium water microbiome. The diversity and evenness of the bacterial community significantly increased following the 90% water replacement. While the change in bacterial community structure was significant, it was slight, and was also weakly correlated with changes in physicochemical parameters. Interestingly there was a significant shift in the correlative network relationships between operational taxonomic units from before to after the water replacement. We suggest this shift in network structure is due to the turnover of many taxa during the course of water replacement. These observations will inform future studies into manipulation of the microbiome by changing system environmental parameter values to optimize resident animal health. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maternal depression in the United States: nationally representative rates and risks.

PubMed

Ertel, Karen A; Rich-Edwards, Janet W; Koenen, Karestan C

2011-11-01

To examine the public health burden of major depressive disorder (MDD) among mothers: its prevalence and sociodemographic patterns; associated functioning, comorbidities, and adversities; and racial/ethnic disparities. This was a cross-sectional analysis of 8916 mothers in the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative survey of the civilian U.S. population in 2001?2002. Past-year MDD was assessed with a structured interview protocol. Ten percent of mothers experienced depression in the past year. White and Native American women, those with low education or income, and those not married had high rates of depression. Depression was not strongly patterned by number of or age of children. Depressed mothers experienced more adversities (poverty, separation or divorce, unemployment, financial difficulties) and had worse functioning. Half of depressed mothers received services for their depression. Black and Hispanic depressed mothers were more likely to experience multiple adversities and less likely to receive services than white depressed mothers. Maternal depression is a major public health problem in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 10 children experiencing a depressed mother in any given year. Professionals who work with mothers and children should be aware of its prevalence and its detrimental effects.

The tectonic evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift/São Miguel region (Azores)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiß, B. J.; Hübscher, C.; Lüdmann, T.

2015-07-01

The eastern Azores Archipelago with São Miguel being the dominant subaerial structure is located at the intersection of an oceanic rift (Terceira Rift) with a major transform fault (Gloria Fault) representing the westernmost part of the Nubian-Eurasian plate boundary. The evolution of islands, bathymetric highs and basin margins involves strong volcanism, but the controlling geodynamic and tectonic processes are currently under debate. In order to study this evolution, multibeam bathymetry and marine seismic reflection data were collected to image faults and stratigraphy. The basins of the southeastern Terceira Rift are rift valleys whose southwestern and northeastern margins are defined by few major normal faults and several minor normal faults, respectively. Since São Miguel in between the rift valleys shows an unusual W-E orientation, it is supposed to be located on a leaky transform. South of the island and separated by a N120° trending graben system, the Monacco Bank represents a N160° oriented flat topped volcanic ridge dominated by tilted fault blocks. Up to six seismic units are interpreted for each basin. Although volcanic ridges hamper a direct linking of depositional strata between the rift and adjacent basins, the individual seismic stratigraphic units have distinct characteristics. Using these units to provide a consistent relative chrono-stratigraphic scheme for the entire study area, we suggest that the evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift occurred in two stages. Considering age constrains from previous studies, we conclude that N140° structures developed orthogonal to the SW-NE direction of plate-tectonic extension before ~ 10 Ma. The N160° trending volcanic ridges and faults developed later as the plate tectonic spreading direction changed to WSW-ENE. Hence, the evolution of the southeastern Terceira Rift domain is predominantly controlled by plate kinematics and lithospheric stress forming a kind of a re-organized rift system.

Limited access to HIV prevention in French prisons (ANRS PRI2DE): implications for public health and drug policy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Overpopulation, poor hygiene and disease prevention conditions in prisons are major structural determinants of increased infectious risk within prison settings but evidence-based national and WHO guidelines provide clear indications on how to reduce this risk. We sought to estimate the level of infectious risk by measuring how French prisons adhere to national and WHO guidelines. Methods A nationwide survey targeting the heads of medical (all French prisons) and psychiatric (26 French prisons) units was conducted using a postal questionnaire and a phone interview mainly focusing on access to prevention interventions, i.e. bleach, opioid substitution treatment (OST), HBV vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for French prisoners. Two scores were built reflecting adherence to national and WHO international guidelines, ranging from 0 (no adherence) to 10 (maximum adherence) and 0 to 9 respectively. Results A majority (N = 113 (66%)) of the 171 prisons answered the questionnaires, representing 74% coverage (46,786 prisoners) of the French prison population: 108 were medical units and 12 were psychiatric units. Inmate access to prevention was poor. The median[IQR] score measuring adherence to national guidelines was quite low (4.5[2.5; 5.5]) but adherence to WHO guidelines was even lower 2.5[1.5; 3.5]; PEP was absent despite reported risky practices. Unsuitable OST delivery practices were frequently observed. Conclusions A wide gap exists between HIV prevention policies and their application in prisons. Similar assessments in other countries may be needed to guide a global policy reform in prison settings. Adequate funding together with innovative interventions able to remove structural and ideological barriers to HIV prevention are now needed to motivate those in charge of prison health, to improve their working environment and to relieve French prisoners from their currently debilitating conditions. PMID:21619573

Parental involvement and kangaroo care in European neonatal intensive care units: a policy survey in eight countries.

PubMed

Pallás-Alonso, Carmen R; Losacco, Valentina; Maraschini, Alice; Greisen, Gorm; Pierrat, Veronique; Warren, Inga; Haumont, Dominique; Westrup, Björn; Smit, Bert J; Sizun, Jacques; Cuttini, Marina

2012-09-01

To compare, in a large representative sample of European neonatal intensive care units, the policies and practices regarding parental involvement and holding babies in the kangaroo care position as well as differences in the tasks mothers and fathers are allowed to carry out. Prospective multicenter survey. Neonatal intensive care units in eight European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). Patients were not involved in this study. None. A structured questionnaire was mailed to 362 units (response rate 78%); only units with ≥50 very-low-birth-weight annual admissions were considered for this study. Facilities for parents such as reclining chairs near the babies' cots, beds, and a dedicated room were common, but less so in Italy and Spain. All units in Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Belgium reported encouraging parental participation in the care of the babies, whereas policies were more restrictive in Italy (80% of units), France (73%), and Spain (41%). Holding babies in the kangaroo care position was widespread. However, in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain, many units applied restrictions regarding its frequency (sometimes or on parents request only, rather than routinely), method (conventional rather than skin-to-skin), and clinical conditions (especially mechanical ventilation and presence of umbilical lines) that would prevent its practice. In these countries, fathers were routinely offered kangaroo care less frequently than mothers (p < .001) and less often it was skin-to-skin (p < .0001). This study showed that, although the majority of units in all countries reported a policy of encouraging both parents to take part in the care of their babies, the intensity and ways of involvement as well as the role played by mothers and fathers varied within and between countries.

Seismic model study of Patrick Draw field, Wyoming: a stratigraphic trap in the Upper Cretaceous Almond Formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, Robert C.; Ryder, Robert T.

1978-01-01

The Patrick Draw field, located on the eastern flank of the Rock Springs uplift in the Washakie basin of southwestern Wyoming, was discovered in 1959 without the use of geophysical methods. The field is a classic example of a stratigraphic trap, where Upper Cretaceous porous sandstone units pinch out on a structural nose. Two-dimensional seismic modeling was used to construct the seismic waveform expressions of the Patrick Draw field, and to better understand how to explore for other 'Patrick Draw' fields. Interpretation of the model shows that the detection of the reservoir sand is very difficult, owing to a combination of acoustic contrasts and bed thickness. Because the model included other major stratigraphic units in the subsurface, several stratigraphic traps are suggested as potential exploration targets.

Assessment of Molecular Modeling & Simulation

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

None

2002-01-03

This report reviews the development and applications of molecular and materials modeling in Europe and Japan in comparison to those in the United States. Topics covered include computational quantum chemistry, molecular simulations by molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, mesoscale modeling of material domains, molecular-structure/macroscale property correlations like QSARs and QSPRs, and related information technologies like informatics and special-purpose molecular-modeling computers. The panel's findings include the following: The United States leads this field in many scientific areas. However, Canada has particular strengths in DFT methods and homogeneous catalysis; Europe in heterogeneous catalysis, mesoscale, and materials modeling; and Japan in materialsmore » modeling and special-purpose computing. Major government-industry initiatives are underway in Europe and Japan, notably in multi-scale materials modeling and in development of chemistry-capable ab-initio molecular dynamics codes.« less

[Structural organization of 5S ribosomal DNA of Rosa rugosa].

PubMed

Tynkevych, Iu O; Volkov, R A

2014-01-01

In order to clarify molecular organization of the genomic region encoding 5S rRNA in diploid species Rosa rugosa several 5S rDNA repeated units were cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the obtained sequences revealed that only one length variant of 5S rDNA repeated units, which contains intact promoter elements in the intergenic spacer region (IGS) and appears to be transcriptionally active is present in the genome. Additionally, a limited number of 5S rDNA pseudogenes lacking a portion of coding sequence and the complete IGS was detected. A high level of sequence similarity (from 93.7 to 97.5%) between the IGS of major 5S rDNA variants of East Asian R. rugosa and North American R. nitida was found indicating comparatively recent divergence of these species.

International Adaptation: Psychosocial and parenting experiences of caregivers who travel to the United States to obtain acute medical care for their seriously ill child

PubMed Central

Margolis, Rachel; Ludi, Erica; Pao, Maryland; Wiener, Lori

2013-01-01

Despite the increasing trend of travel for medical purposes, little is known about the experience of parents and other caregivers who come to the United States specifically to obtain medical treatment for their seriously ill child. In this exploratory, descriptive qualitative study, we used a semi-structured narrative guide to conduct in-depth interviews with 22 Spanish or English-speaking caregivers about the challenges encountered and adaptation required when entering a new medical and cultural environment. Caregivers identified the language barrier and transnational parenting as challenges while reporting hospital staff and their own families as major sources of support. Using the results of the study as a guide, clinical and program implications are provided and recommendations for social work practice discussed. PMID:23947542

The impact of an invasive ambrosia beetle on the riparian habitats of the Tijuana River Valley, California

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The Tijuana River Valley is the first natural habitat in California to be substantially invaded by the Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer (KSHB, Euwallacea sp.), an ambrosia beetle native to Southeast Asia. This paper documents the distribution of the KSHB in the riparian vegetation in the valley and assesses the damage done to the vegetation as of early 2016, approximately six months after the beetle was first observed in the valley. I divided the riparian habitats into 29 survey units so that the vegetation within each unit was relatively homogenous in terms of plant species composition, age and density. From a random point within each unit, I examined approximately 60 individuals of the dominant plant species for evidence of KSHB infestation and evidence of major damage such as limb breakage. In the 22 forested units,I examined the dominant arroyo and black willows (Salix lasiolepis Benth. and S. gooddingii C.R. Ball), and in the seven scrub units, I examined mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.). Evidence of KSHB infestation was found in 25 of the 29 units. In the forest units, infestation rates ranged from 0 to 100% and were high (>60%) in 16 of the units. In the scrub units, infestation rates ranged from 0 to 33%. Infestation rates were significantly correlated with the wetness of a unit; wetter units had higher infestation rates. Evidence of major physical damage was found in 24 units, and dense stands of willows were reduced to broken trunks in several areas. Overall, I estimated that more than 280,000 (70%) of the willows in the valley were infested, and more than 140,000 had suffered major limb damage. In addition, I recorded evidence of KSHB infestation in the other common plant species in the valley; of the 23 species examined, 14 showed evidence of beetle attack. The four species with the highest rates of infestation were native trees in the Salicaceae family. The three species considered to be the worst invasive plants in the valley, Ricinus communis L., Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. and Arundo donax L., had low rates of infestation. Several findings from this study have significance for resource managers: (1) the KSHB attack caused extensive mortality of trees soon after being first discovered so, if managers are to control the spread of the beetle, they will need to develop an effective early detection and rapid response program; (2) infestation rates were highest in units that were wet, so resource managers trying to detect the beetle in other areas should thoroughly search trees near water, particularly nutrient-enriched water; (3) the infestation appears to be a novel form of disturbance, and the affected forests may need special management actions in order to recover; and (4) the infestation has altered the structure of the forest canopy, and this is likely to promote the growth of invasive plant species that were relatively inconspicuous in the forests prior to the beetle attack but will now need more attention. PMID:27366644

The impact of an invasive ambrosia beetle on the riparian habitats of the Tijuana River Valley, California.

PubMed

Boland, John M

2016-01-01

The Tijuana River Valley is the first natural habitat in California to be substantially invaded by the Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer (KSHB, Euwallacea sp.), an ambrosia beetle native to Southeast Asia. This paper documents the distribution of the KSHB in the riparian vegetation in the valley and assesses the damage done to the vegetation as of early 2016, approximately six months after the beetle was first observed in the valley. I divided the riparian habitats into 29 survey units so that the vegetation within each unit was relatively homogenous in terms of plant species composition, age and density. From a random point within each unit, I examined approximately 60 individuals of the dominant plant species for evidence of KSHB infestation and evidence of major damage such as limb breakage. In the 22 forested units,I examined the dominant arroyo and black willows (Salix lasiolepis Benth. and S. gooddingii C.R. Ball), and in the seven scrub units, I examined mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.). Evidence of KSHB infestation was found in 25 of the 29 units. In the forest units, infestation rates ranged from 0 to 100% and were high (>60%) in 16 of the units. In the scrub units, infestation rates ranged from 0 to 33%. Infestation rates were significantly correlated with the wetness of a unit; wetter units had higher infestation rates. Evidence of major physical damage was found in 24 units, and dense stands of willows were reduced to broken trunks in several areas. Overall, I estimated that more than 280,000 (70%) of the willows in the valley were infested, and more than 140,000 had suffered major limb damage. In addition, I recorded evidence of KSHB infestation in the other common plant species in the valley; of the 23 species examined, 14 showed evidence of beetle attack. The four species with the highest rates of infestation were native trees in the Salicaceae family. The three species considered to be the worst invasive plants in the valley, Ricinus communis L., Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. and Arundo donax L., had low rates of infestation. Several findings from this study have significance for resource managers: (1) the KSHB attack caused extensive mortality of trees soon after being first discovered so, if managers are to control the spread of the beetle, they will need to develop an effective early detection and rapid response program; (2) infestation rates were highest in units that were wet, so resource managers trying to detect the beetle in other areas should thoroughly search trees near water, particularly nutrient-enriched water; (3) the infestation appears to be a novel form of disturbance, and the affected forests may need special management actions in order to recover; and (4) the infestation has altered the structure of the forest canopy, and this is likely to promote the growth of invasive plant species that were relatively inconspicuous in the forests prior to the beetle attack but will now need more attention.

Crystal structure of full-length Zika virus NS5 protein reveals a conformation similar to Japanese encephalitis virus NS5

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

Upadhyay, Anup K.; Cyr, Matthew; Longenecker, Kenton

The rapid spread of the recentZika virus(ZIKV) epidemic across various countries in the American continent poses a major health hazard for the unborn fetuses of pregnant women. To date, there is no effective medical intervention. The nonstructural protein 5 ofZika virus(ZIKV-NS5) is critical for ZIKV replication through the 5'-RNA capping and RNA polymerase activities present in its N-terminal methyltransferase (MTase) and C-terminal RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, respectively. The crystal structure of the full-length ZIKV-NS5 protein has been determined at 3.05 Å resolution from a crystal belonging to space groupP2 12 12 and containing two protein molecules in the asymmetricmore » unit. The structure is similar to that reported for the NS5 protein fromJapanese encephalitis virusand suggests opportunities for structure-based drug design targeting either its MTase or RdRp domain.« less

Connectomics-based analysis of information flow in the Drosophila brain.

PubMed

Shih, Chi-Tin; Sporns, Olaf; Yuan, Shou-Li; Su, Ta-Shun; Lin, Yen-Jen; Chuang, Chao-Chun; Wang, Ting-Yuan; Lo, Chung-Chuang; Greenspan, Ralph J; Chiang, Ann-Shyn

2015-05-18

Understanding the overall patterns of information flow within the brain has become a major goal of neuroscience. In the current study, we produced a first draft of the Drosophila connectome at the mesoscopic scale, reconstructed from 12,995 images of neuron projections collected in FlyCircuit (version 1.1). Neuron polarities were predicted according to morphological criteria, with nodes of the network corresponding to brain regions designated as local processing units (LPUs). The weight of each directed edge linking a pair of LPUs was determined by the number of neuron terminals that connected one LPU to the other. The resulting network showed hierarchical structure and small-world characteristics and consisted of five functional modules that corresponded to sensory modalities (olfactory, mechanoauditory, and two visual) and the pre-motor center. Rich-club organization was present in this network and involved LPUs in all sensory centers, and rich-club members formed a putative motor center of the brain. Major intra- and inter-modular loops were also identified that could play important roles for recurrent and reverberant information flow. The present analysis revealed whole-brain patterns of network structure and information flow. Additionally, we propose that the overall organizational scheme showed fundamental similarities to the network structure of the mammalian brain. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated evaluation of the geology, aerogammaspectrometry and aeromagnetometry of the Sul-Riograndense Shield, southernmost Brazil.

PubMed

Hartmann, Léo A; Lopes, William R; Savian, Jairo F

2016-03-01

An integrated evaluation of geology, aerogammaspectrometry and aeromagnetometry of the Sul-Riogran-dense Shield is permitted by the advanced stage of understanding of the geology and geochronology of the southern Brazilian Shield and a 2010 airborne geophysical survey. Gamma rays are registered from the rocks near the surface and thus describe the distribution of major units in the shield, such as the Pelotas batholith, the juvenile São Gabriel terrane, the granulite-amphibolite facies Taquarembó terrane and the numerous granite intrusions in the foreland. Major structures are also observed, e.g., the Dorsal de Canguçu shear. Magnetic signals register near surface crustal compositions (analytic signal) and total crust composition (total magnetic signal), so their variation as measured indicates either shallow or whole crustal structures. The Caçapava shear is outstanding on the images as is the magnetic low along the N-S central portion of the shield. These integrated observations lead to the deepening of the understanding of the largest and even detailed structures of the Sul-Riograndense Shield, some to be correlated to field geology in future studies. Most significant is the presence of different provinces and their limits depending on the method used for data acquisition - geology, aerogammaspectrometry or aeromagnetometry.

The Vertebrate Brain, Evidence of Its Modular Organization and Operating System: Insights into the Brain's Basic Units of Structure, Function, and Operation and How They Influence Neuronal Signaling and Behavior.

PubMed

Baslow, Morris H

2011-01-01

The human brain is a complex organ made up of neurons and several other cell types, and whose role is processing information for use in eliciting behaviors. However, the composition of its repeating cellular units for both structure and function are unresolved. Based on recent descriptions of the brain's physiological "operating system", a function of the tri-cellular metabolism of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) for supply of energy, and on the nature of "neuronal words and languages" for intercellular communication, insights into the brain's modular structural and functional units have been gained. In this article, it is proposed that the basic structural unit in brain is defined by its physiological operating system, and that it consists of a single neuron, and one or more astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and vascular system endothelial cells. It is also proposed that the basic functional unit in the brain is defined by how neurons communicate, and consists of two neurons and their interconnecting dendritic-synaptic-dendritic field. Since a functional unit is composed of two neurons, it requires two structural units to form a functional unit. Thus, the brain can be envisioned as being made up of the three-dimensional stacking and intertwining of myriad structural units which results not only in its gross structure, but also in producing a uniform distribution of binary functional units. Since the physiological NAA-NAAG operating system for supply of energy is repeated in every structural unit, it is positioned to control global brain function.

[Criteria of quality of structure in rehabilitation units with inpatient treatment].

PubMed

Klein, K; Farin, E; Jäckel, W H; Blatt, O; Schliehe, F

2004-04-01

The structure of a rehabilitation unit is an important feature of the quality of care. Adequate and qualitatively good structures provide the basis for appropriate therapy offers and treatment and eventually, a better health for rehabilitants. The quality of structures is generally recorded without any evaluation of the aspects in particular. The definition of standards is the basis for such an evaluation. The project presented is aimed at the definition of relevant structural standards for rehab units with inpatient treatment for musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurological, gastroenterological, oncological, pneumological and dermatological diseases. Here, the distinction between basal criteria which have to be fulfilled by every rehab unit with inpatient treatment and criteria important for a well-aimed assignment of patients with specific needs ("assignment criteria") should be made. Apart from the documentation of structural attributes, the structural quality of a rehab unit can be described individually as well as in comparison with other units. Relevant structural criteria were defined in expert meetings by means of a modified Delphi-technique with five inquiries. Overall, 199 "basal criteria" and "assignment criteria" were defined. All criteria can be assigned to the two domains general structural characteristics (general characteristics and equipment of rooms; medical/technical equipment; therapy, education, care; staff) and process-related structures (conceptual frames; internal quality management; internal communication and personnel development). The structural standards are applicable to units for musculoskeletal, cardiac, neurological, oncological, gastroenterological, dermatological and pneumological rehabilitation financed by the two main providers of rehabilitation, the statutory pension insurance scheme and the statutory health insurance scheme for all other five indications. The definition of structural standards agreed by experts in a formal consensus process, provides comprehensive and concrete requirements for German rehab units with inpatient medical rehabilitation. If the two main providers of rehabilitation both use the standards this can be regarded as a hallmark on the path to a unitary programme for quality management. The results enable units to analyse their weak points not just on an individual basis but allow also for a comparison between units, along with contributing to optimizing the structural quality of rehab units.

Deciding on Science: An Analysis of Higher Education Science Student Major Choice Criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Stephen Wilson

The number of college students choosing to major in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the United States affects the size and quality of the American workforce (Winters, 2009). The number of graduates in these academic fields has been on the decline in the United States since the 1960s, which, according to Lips and McNeil (2009), has resulted in a diminished ability of the United States to compete in science and engineering on the world stage. The purpose of this research was to learn why students chose a STEM major and determine what decision criteria influenced this decision. According to Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behavior (TPB), the key components of decision-making can be quantified and used as predictors of behavior. In this study the STEM majors' decision criteria were compared between different institution types (two-year, public four-year, and private four-year), and between demographic groups (age and sex). Career, grade, intrinsic, self-efficacy, and self-determination were reported as motivational factors by a majority of science majors participating in this study. Few students reported being influenced by friends and family when deciding to major in science. Science students overwhelmingly attributed the desire to solve meaningful problems as central to their decision to major in science. A majority of students surveyed credited a teacher for influencing their desire to pursue science as a college major. This new information about the motivational construct of the studied group of science majors can be applied to the previously stated problem of not enough STEM majors in the American higher education system to provide workers required to fill the demand of a globally STEM-competitive United States (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, & Institute of Medicine, 2010).

A Global Overview of Male Escort Websites.

PubMed

Kumar, Navin; Minichiello, Victor; Scott, John; Harrington, Taylor

2017-01-01

This article details a preliminary dataset of global male escort sites to give insight into the scale of the online market. We conducted a content analysis of 499 Web sites and also measured traffic to these sites. Our analysis examined the structural characteristics of escort services, geographical and regulatory contexts, and resilience of such services. Results suggest that most sites are independent and not affiliated to escort agencies, and the majority cater to male escorts soliciting male clients, with a number of sites for female clientele and couples. These Web sites are dispersed globally, with Asian, European, and South American countries the major hubs in the market and a small number of large multinational sites based in the United States and Europe figuring as a major presence in markets. Although still subject to high levels of regulation in many parts of the world, the data suggest that male escorting is becoming more visible in diverse cultural contexts as measured by the number of Web sites appearing in public spaces.

Global geological mapping of Ganymede

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, G. Wesley; Collins, Geoffrey C.; Head, James W.; Pappalardo, Robert T.; Prockter, Louise M.; Lucchitta, Baerbel K.; Kay, Jonathan P.

2010-06-01

We have compiled a global geological map of Ganymede that represents the most recent understanding of the satellite based on Galileo mission results. This contribution builds on important previous accomplishments in the study of Ganymede utilizing Voyager data and incorporates the many new discoveries that were brought about by examination of Galileo data. We discuss the material properties of geological units defined utilizing a global mosaic of the surface with a nominal resolution of 1 km/pixel assembled by the USGS with the best available Voyager and Galileo regional coverage and high resolution imagery (100-200 m/pixel) of characteristic features and terrain types obtained by the Galileo spacecraft. We also use crater density measurements obtained from our mapping efforts to examine age relationships amongst the various defined units. These efforts have resulted in a more complete understanding of the major geological processes operating on Ganymede, especially the roles of cryovolcanic and tectonic processes in the formation of might materials. They have also clarified the characteristics of the geological units that comprise the satellite's surface, the stratigraphic relationships of those geological units and structures, and the geological history inferred from those relationships. For instance, the characteristics and stratigraphic relationships of dark lineated material and reticulate material suggest they represent an intermediate stage between dark cratered material and light material units.

Learning spatially coherent properties of the visual world in connectionist networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Suzanna; Hinton, Geoffrey E.

1991-10-01

In the unsupervised learning paradigm, a network of neuron-like units is presented with an ensemble of input patterns from a structured environment, such as the visual world, and learns to represent the regularities in that input. The major goal in developing unsupervised learning algorithms is to find objective functions that characterize the quality of the network's representation without explicitly specifying the desired outputs of any of the units. The sort of objective functions considered cause a unit to become tuned to spatially coherent features of visual images (such as texture, depth, shading, and surface orientation), by learning to predict the outputs of other units which have spatially adjacent receptive fields. Simulations show that using an information-theoretic algorithm called IMAX, a network can be trained to represent depth by observing random dot stereograms of surfaces with continuously varying disparities. Once a layer of depth-tuned units has developed, subsequent layers are trained to perform surface interpolation of curved surfaces, by learning to predict the depth of one image region based on depth measurements in surrounding regions. An extension of the basic model allows a population of competing neurons to learn a distributed code for disparity, which naturally gives rise to a representation of discontinuities.

Climatology and Meteorological Evolution of Major Wildfire Events over the Northeast United States

Treesearch

Joseph B. Pollina; Brian A. Colle; Joseph J. Charney

2013-01-01

This study presents a spatial and temporal climatology of major wildfire events, defined as >100 acres burned (>40.47 ha, where 1 ha = 2.47 acre), in the northeast United States from 1999 to 2009 and the meteorological conditions associated with these events. The northeast United States is divided into two regions: region 1 is centered over the higher terrain of...

Auditing the standard of anaesthesia care in obstetric units.

PubMed

Mörch-Siddall, J; Corbitt, N; Bryson, M R

2001-04-01

We undertook an audit of 15 obstetric units in the north of England over a 10-month period to ascertain to what extent they conformed to the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association 'Recommended Minimum Standards for Obstetric Anaesthetic Services' using a quality assurance approach. We demonstrated that all units conformed to the majority of standards but did not conform in at least one major and minor area.

An overview of wireless structural health monitoring for civil structures.

PubMed

Lynch, Jerome Peter

2007-02-15

Wireless monitoring has emerged in recent years as a promising technology that could greatly impact the field of structural monitoring and infrastructure asset management. This paper is a summary of research efforts that have resulted in the design of numerous wireless sensing unit prototypes explicitly intended for implementation in civil structures. Wireless sensing units integrate wireless communications and mobile computing with sensors to deliver a relatively inexpensive sensor platform. A key design feature of wireless sensing units is the collocation of computational power and sensors; the tight integration of computing with a wireless sensing unit provides sensors with the opportunity to self-interrogate measurement data. In particular, there is strong interest in using wireless sensing units to build structural health monitoring systems that interrogate structural data for signs of damage. After the hardware and the software designs of wireless sensing units are completed, the Alamosa Canyon Bridge in New Mexico is utilized to validate their accuracy and reliability. To improve the ability of low-cost wireless sensing units to detect the onset of structural damage, the wireless sensing unit paradigm is extended to include the capability to command actuators and active sensors.

Terrorism in Bulgaria.

PubMed

Shanduorkov, George

2003-01-01

The Republic of Bulgaria is one of the smallest countries in southeastern Europe and has little experience with terrorist acts. During the past 20 years, only nine terrorism-related events have been recorded in Bulgaria, and no unconventional weapons have been used. Factors contributing to terrorism in Bulgaria have been: (1) Communist Party domination of the government and political process from 1944 to 1989; (2) ethnic and religious conflicts between the Bulgarian Orthodox Christian majority and the Turkish Muslim minority from 1983 to 1987; and (3) the relatively high level of organized crime after the Communist regime ended in 1990. The structure and function of the Disaster Relief System in Bulgaria not only are focused on the prevention of terrorism, but also on preparedness for the emergency response to terrorism-related events. Institutional components of the Disaster Relief System structure responsible for the emergency response to terrorism-related events include: (1) the Government of Bulgaria; (2) the State Agency for Civil Protection with 28 regional directorates; (3) the Ministry of Health with five national hospitals, 28 regional hospitals, and 28 EMS systems; (4) the Ministry of Defense with special military units for response to unconventional terrorist events, including nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons; (5) the Ministry of Internal Affairs with 28 police departments, 28 fire departments, and specialized anti-terrorist units; and (6) the Bulgarian Red Cross. A major future challenge in Bulgaria is the prevention of terrorism through political stability, economic prosperity, ethnic and religious tolerance, and more effective measures against organized criminal activities. A related challenge will be to improve the level of preparedness of all components of Disaster Relief.

Nursing Unit Environment Associated with Provision of Language Services in Pediatric Hospices.

PubMed

Lindley, Lisa C; Held, Mary L; Henley, Kristen M; Miller, Kathryn A; Pedziwol, Katherine E; Rumley, Laurie E

2017-04-01

Provision of language services in pediatric hospice enables nurses to communicate effectively with patients who have limited English proficiency. Language barriers contribute to ethnic disparities in health care. While language service use corresponds with improved patient comprehension of illness and care options, we lack an understanding of how the nurse work environment affects the provision of these services. Data were obtained from the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey and included a study sample of 1251 pediatric hospice agencies. Variable selection was guided by structural contingency theory, which posits that organizational effectiveness is dependent upon how well an organization's structure relates to its context. Using multivariate logistic regression, we analyzed the extent to which nursing unit environment predicted provision of translation services and interpreter services. The majority of hospices provided translation services (74.9 %) and interpreter services (87.1 %). Four variables predicted translation services: registered nurse (RN) unit size, RN leadership, RN medical expertise, and for-profit status. RN medical expertise and having a safety climate within the hospice corresponded with provision of interpreter services. Findings indicate that nursing unit environment predicts provision of language services. Hospices with more specialized RNs and a stronger safety climate might include staffs who are dedicated to best care provision, including language services. This study provides valuable data on the nurse work environment as a predictor of language services provision, which can better serve patients with limited English proficiency and ultimately reduce ethnic disparities in end-of-life care for children and their families.

Nursing unit environment associated with provision of language services in pediatric hospices

PubMed Central

Lindley, Lisa C.; Held, Mary L.; Henley, Kristen M.; Miller, Kathryn A.; Pedziwol, Katherine E.; Rumley, Laurie E.

2016-01-01

Background Provision of language services in pediatric hospice enables nurses to communicate effectively with patients who have limited English proficiency. Language barriers contribute to ethnic disparities in health care. While language service use corresponds with improved patient comprehension of illness and care options, we lack an understanding of how the nurse work environment affects the provision of these services. Methods Data were obtained from the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey and included a study sample of 1,251 pediatric hospice agencies. Variable selection was guided by Structural Contingency Theory, which posits that organizational effectiveness is dependent upon how well an organization’s structure relates to its context. Using multivariate logistic regression, we analyzed the extent to which nursing unit environment predicted provision of translation services and interpreter services. Results The majority of hospices provided translation services (74.9%) and interpreter services (87.1%). Four variables predicted translation services: registered nurse (RN) unit size, RN leadership, RN medical expertise, and for-profit status. RN medical expertise and having a safety climate within the hospice corresponded with provision of interpreter services. Conclusions Findings indicate that nursing unit environment predict provision of language services. Hospices with more specialized RNs and a stronger safety climate might include staff who are dedicated to best care provision, including language services. This study provides valuable data on the nurse work environment as a predictor of language services provision, which can better serve patients with limited English proficiency, and ultimately reduce ethnic disparities in end-of-life care for children and their families. PMID:27059050

Geological Map of the Fredegonde (V-57) Quadrangle, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivanov, M. A.; Head, J. W.

2009-01-01

The area of V-57, the Fredegonde quadrangle (50-75degS, 60-120degE, Fig.1), is located within the eastern portion of Lada Terra within the topographic province of midlands (0-2 km above MPR [1,2]). Midlands form the most abundant portion of the surface of Venus and are characterized by diverse sets of units and structures [3-11]. The area of the Fredegonde quadrangle is in contact with the elevated portion of Lada Terra to the W and with the lowland of Aino Planitia to the NE. The transitions of the mid-lands to the lowlands and highlands are, thus, one of the main themes of the geology within the V-57 quadrangle. The character of the transitions and distribution and sequence of units/structures in the midlands are crucially important in understanding the time and modes of formation of this topographic province. The most prominent features in the map area are linear deformational zones consisting of swarms of grooves and graben and large coronae. The zones characterize the central and NW portions of the map area and represent regionally important, broad (up to 100s km wide) ridges that are 100s m high. Relatively small (100s km across, 100s m deep) equidimensional basins occur between the corona-groove-chains in the west and border the central chain from the east. Here we describe units that make up the surface within the V-57 quadrangle and present a summary of our geological map that shows the areal distribution of the major groups of units.

Hydrologic framework of Long Island, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smolensky, Douglas A.; Buxton, Herbert T.; Shernoff, Peter K.

1990-01-01

Long Island, N.Y., is underlain by a mass of unconsolidated geologic deposits of clay, silt, sand, and gravel that overlie southward-sloping consolidated bedrock. These deposits are thinnest in northern Queens County (northwestern Long Island), where bedrock crops out, and increase to a maximum thickness of 2,000 ft in southeastern Long Island. This sequence of unconsolidated deposits consists of several distinct geologic units ranging in age from late Cretaceous through Pleistocene, with some recent deposits near shores and streams. These units are differentiated by age, depositional environment, and lithology in table 1. Investigations of ground-water availability and flow patterns may require information on the internal geometry of the hydrologic system that geologic correlations and interpretation alone cannot provide; hydrologic interpretations in which deposits are differentiated on the basis of water-transmitting properties are generally needed also. This set of maps and vertical sections depicts the hydrogeologic framework of the unconsolidated deposits that form Long Island's ground-water system. These deposits can be classified into eight major hydrogeologic units (table 1). The hydrogeologic interpretations presented herein are not everywhere consistent with strict geologic interpretation owing to facies changes and local variations in the water-transmitting properties within geologic units. These maps depict the upper-surface altitude of seven of the eight hydrogeologic units, which, in ascending order, are: consolidated bedrock, Lloyd aquifer, Raritan confining unit, Magothy aquifer, Monmouth greensand, Jameco aquifer, and Gardiners Clay. The upper glacial aquifer—the uppermost unit—is at land surface over most of Long Island and is, therefore, not included. The nine north-south hydrogeologic sections shown below depict the entire sequence of unconsolidated deposits and, together with the maps, provide a detailed three-dimensional interpretation of Long Island's hydrogeologic framework. The structure-contour map that shows the upper-surface altitude of the Cretaceous deposits is included to illustrate the erosional unconformity between the Cretaceous and overlying Pleistocene deposits. Pleistocene erosion played a major role in determining the shape and extent of the Lloyd aquifer, the Raritan confining unit, and the Magothy aquifer, and thus partly determined their hydrogeologic relation with subsequent (post-Cretaceous) deposits.

Bedrock geology and hydrostratigraphy of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers within the Driftwood and Wimberley 7.5-minute quadrangles, Hays and Comal Counties, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, Allan K.; Morris, Robert R.

2017-11-16

The Edwards and Trinity aquifers are major sources of water in south-central Texas and are both classified as major aquifers by the State of Texas. The population in Hays and Comal Counties is rapidly growing, increasing demands on the area’s water resources. To help effectively manage the water resources in the area, refined maps and descriptions of the geologic structures and hydrostratigraphic units of the aquifers are needed. This report presents the detailed 1:24,000-scale bedrock hydrostratigraphic map as well as names and descriptions of the geologic and hydrostratigraphic units of the Driftwood and Wimberley 7.5-minute quadrangles in Hays and Comal Counties, Tex.Hydrostratigraphically, the rocks exposed in the study area represent a section of the upper confining unit to the Edwards aquifer, the Edwards aquifer, the upper zone of the Trinity aquifer, and the middle zone of the Trinity aquifer. In the study area, the Edwards aquifer is composed of the Georgetown Formation and the rocks forming the Edwards Group. The Trinity aquifer is composed of the rocks forming the Trinity Group. The Edwards and Trinity aquifers are karstic with high secondary porosity along bedding and fractures. The Del Rio Clay is a confining unit above the Edwards aquifer and does not supply appreciable amounts of water to wells in the study area.The hydrologic connection between the Edwards and Trinity aquifers and the various hydrostratigraphic units is complex because the aquifer system is a combination of the original Cretaceous depositional environment, bioturbation, primary and secondary porosity, diagenesis, and fracturing of the area from Miocene faulting. All of these factors have resulted in development of modified porosity, permeability, and transmissivity within and between the aquifers. Faulting produced highly fractured areas which allowed for rapid infiltration of water and subsequently formed solutionally enhanced fractures, bedding planes, channels, and caves that are highly permeable and transmissive. Because of faulting the juxtaposition of the aquifers and hydrostratigraphic units has resulted in areas of interconnectedness between the Edwards and Trinity aquifers and the various hydrostratigraphic units that form the aquifers.

Vocal clans in sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).

PubMed Central

Rendell, L E; Whitehead, H

2003-01-01

Cultural transmission may be a significant source of variation in the behaviour of whales and dolphins, especially as regards their vocal signals. We studied variation in the vocal output of 'codas' by sperm whale social groups. Codas are patterns of clicks used by female sperm whales in social circumstances. The coda repertoires of all known social units (n = 18, each consisting of about 11 females and immatures with long-term relationships) and 61 out of 64 groups (about two social units moving together for periods of days) that were recorded in the South Pacific and Caribbean between 1985 and 2000 can be reliably allocated into six acoustic 'clans', five in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean. Clans have ranges that span thousands of kilometres, are sympatric, contain many thousands of whales and most probably result from cultural transmission of vocal patterns. Units seem to form groups preferentially with other units of their own clan. We suggest that this is a rare example of sympatric cultural variation on an oceanic scale. Culture may thus be a more important determinant of sperm whale population structure than genes or geography, a finding that has major implications for our understanding of the species' behavioural and population biology. PMID:12614570

Analytical relationships for prediction of the mechanical properties of additively manufactured porous biomaterials

PubMed Central

Hedayati, Reza

2016-01-01

Abstract Recent developments in additive manufacturing techniques have motivated an increasing number of researchers to study regular porous biomaterials that are based on repeating unit cells. The physical and mechanical properties of such porous biomaterials have therefore received increasing attention during recent years. One of the areas that have revived is analytical study of the mechanical behavior of regular porous biomaterials with the aim of deriving analytical relationships that could predict the relative density and mechanical properties of porous biomaterials, given the design and dimensions of their repeating unit cells. In this article, we review the analytical relationships that have been presented in the literature for predicting the relative density, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, yield stress, and buckling limit of regular porous structures based on various types of unit cells. The reviewed analytical relationships are used to compare the mechanical properties of porous biomaterials based on different types of unit cells. The major areas where the analytical relationships have improved during the recent years are discussed and suggestions are made for future research directions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 3164–3174, 2016. PMID:27502358

CHARACTERIZATION OF CELL WALL POLYSACCHARIDES OF THE COENCOCYTIC GREEN SEAWEED BRYOPSIS PLUMOSA (BRYOPSIDACEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) FROM THE ARGENTINE COAST(1).

PubMed

Ciancia, Marina; Alberghina, Josefina; Arata, Paula Ximena; Benavides, Hugo; Leliaert, Frederik; Verbruggen, Heroen; Estevez, Jose Manuel

2012-04-01

Bryopsis sp. from a restricted area of the rocky shore of Mar del Plata (Argentina) on the Atlantic coast was identified as Bryopsis plumosa (Hudson) C. Agardh (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) based on morphological characters and rbcL and tufA DNA barcodes. To analyze the cell wall polysaccharides of this seaweed, the major room temperature (B1) and 90°C (X1) water extracts were studied. By linkage analysis and NMR spectroscopy, the structure of a sulfated galactan was determined, and putative sulfated rhamnan structures and furanosidic nonsulfated arabinan structures were also found. By anion exchange chromatography of X1, a fraction (F4), comprising a sulfated galactan as major structure was isolated. Structural analysis showed a linear backbone constituted of 3-linked β-d-galactose units, partially sulfated on C-6 and partially substituted with pyruvic acid forming an acetal linked to O-4 and O-6. This galactan has common structural features with those of green seaweeds of the genus Codium (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta), but some important differences were also found. This is the first report about the structure of the water-soluble polysaccharides biosynthesized by seaweeds of the genus Bryopsis. These sulfated galactans and rhamnans were in situ localized mostly in two layers, one close to the plasma membrane and the other close to the apoplast, leaving a middle amorphous, unstained cell wall zone. In addition, fibrillar polysaccharides, comprising (1→3)-β-d-xylans and cellulose, were obtained by treatment of the residue from the water extractions with an LiCl/DMSO solution at high temperature. These polymers were also localized in a bilayer arrangement. © 2012 Phycological Society of America.

DoD Major Automated Information Systems: Improvements Can Be Made in Applying Leading Practices for Managing Risk and Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

Government Accountability Office Highlights of GAO-17-322, a report to congressional committees March 2017 DOD MAJOR AUTOMATED INFORMATION ...DOD MAJOR AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS Improvements Can Be Made in Applying Leading Practices for Managing Risk and...Testing Report to Congressional Committees March 2017 GAO-17-322 United States Government Accountability Office United States

Remote sensing and geologic studies of the Balmer-Kapteyn region of the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawke, B. Ray; Gillis, J. J.; Giguere, T. A.; Blewett, D. T.; Lawrence, D. J.; Lucey, P. G.; Smith, G. A.; Spudis, P. D.; Taylor, G. Jeffrey

2005-06-01

The Balmer-Kapteyn (B-K) region is located just east of Mare Fecunditatis on the east limb of the Moon. It is centered on the Balmer-Kapteyn basin, a pre-Nectarian impact structure that exhibits two rings, approximately 225 km and 450 km in diameter. Clementine multispectral images and Lunar Prospector (LP) gamma-ray spectrometer (GRS) data were used to investigate the composition, age, and origin of geologic units in the region. A major expanse of cryptomare was mapped within the B-K basin. Spectral and chemical data obtained for dark-haloed craters (DHCs) established that these impact craters excavated mare basalt from beneath higher-albedo, highland-rich surface units. The buried basalts exposed by DHCs in the region are dominated by low-titanium mare basalts. The fresh DHC FeO values (15.0-15.7 wt.%) that best represent those of buried mare basalts are well within the range of values exhibited by high-alumina mare basalts. While most cryptomare deposits occur beneath surfaces that range in age from Imbrian to Nectarian, it is possible that some mare flows were emplaced during pre-Nectarian time. Most cryptomare deposits in the B-K region were formed by the contamination of mare surfaces by highland-rich distal ejecta from surrounding impact craters. These Balmer-type cryptomare deposits are usually associated with light plains units. Major LP-GRS FeO enhancements are associated with cryptomaria in the Balmer-Kapteyn, Lomonosov-Fleming, Schiller-Schickard, and Mendel-Rydberg regions.

Broadening GHG accounting with LCA: application to a waste management business unit.

PubMed

Fallaha, Sophie; Martineau, Geneviève; Bécaert, Valérie; Margni, Manuele; Deschênes, Louise; Samson, Réjean; Aoustin, Emmanuelle

2009-11-01

In an effort to obtain the most accurate climate change impact assessment, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting is evolving to include life-cycle thinking. This study (1) identifies similarities and key differences between GHG accounting and life-cycle assessment (LCA), (2) compares them on a consistent basis through a case study on a waste management business unit. First, GHG accounting is performed. According to the GHG Protocol, annual emissions are categorized into three scopes: direct GHG emissions (scope 1), indirect emissions related to electricity, heat and steam production (scope 2) and other indirect emissions (scope 3). The LCA is then structured into a comparable framework: each LCA process is disaggregated into these three scopes, the annual operating activities are assessed, and the environmental impacts are determined using the IMPACT2002+ method. By comparing these two approaches it is concluded that both LCA and GHG accounting provide similar climate change impact results as the same major GHG contributors are determined for scope 1 emissions. The emissions from scope 2 appear negligible whereas emissions from scope 3 cannot be neglected since they contribute to around 10% of the climate change impact of the waste management business unit. This statement is strengthened by the fact that scope 3 generates 75% of the resource use damage and 30% of the ecosystem quality damage categories. The study also shows that LCA can help in setting up the framework for a annual GHG accounting by determining the major climate change contributors.

WW Domains of the Yes-Kinase-Associated-Protein (YAP) Transcriptional Regulator Behave as Independent Units with Different Binding Preferences for PPxY Motif-Containing Ligands

PubMed Central

Iglesias-Bexiga, Manuel; Castillo, Francisco; Cobos, Eva S.; Oka, Tsutomu; Sudol, Marius; Luque, Irene

2015-01-01

YAP is a WW domain-containing effector of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, and the object of heightened interest as a potent oncogene and stemness factor. YAP has two major isoforms that differ in the number of WW domains they harbor. Elucidating the degree of co-operation between these WW domains is important for a full understanding of the molecular function of YAP. We present here a detailed biophysical study of the structural stability and binding properties of the two YAP WW domains aimed at investigating the relationship between both domains in terms of structural stability and partner recognition. We have carried out a calorimetric study of the structural stability of the two YAP WW domains, both isolated and in a tandem configuration, and their interaction with a set of functionally relevant ligands derived from PTCH1 and LATS kinases. We find that the two YAP WW domains behave as independent units with different binding preferences, suggesting that the presence of the second WW domain might contribute to modulate target recognition between the two YAP isoforms. Analysis of structural models and phage-display studies indicate that electrostatic interactions play a critical role in binding specificity. Together, these results are relevant to understand of YAP function and open the door to the design of highly specific ligands of interest to delineate the functional role of each WW domain in YAP signaling. PMID:25607641

The geologic structure of part of the southern Franklin Mountains, El Paso County, Texas

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

Smith, W.R.; Julian, F.E.

1993-02-01

The Franklin Mountains are a west tilted fault block mountain range which extends northwards from the city of El Paso, Texas. Geologic mapping in the southern portion of the Franklin Mountains has revealed many previously unrecognized structural complexities. Three large high-angle faults define the boundaries of map. Twenty lithologic units are present in the field area, including the southernmost Precambrian meta-sedimentary rocks in the Franklin Mountains (Lanoria Quartzite and Thunderbird group conglomerates). The area is dominated by Precambrian igneous rocks and lower Paleozoic carbonates, but Cenozoic ( ) intrusions are also recognized. Thin sections and rock slabs were used tomore » describe and identify many of the lithologic units. The Franklin Mountains are often referred to as a simple fault block mountain range related to the Rio Grande Rift. Three critical regions within the study area show that these mountains contain structural complexities. In critical area one, Precambrian granites and rhyolites are structurally juxtaposed, and several faults bisecting the area affect the Precambrian/Paleozoic fault contact. Critical area two contains multiple NNW-trending faults, three sills and a possible landslide. This area also shows depositional features related to an island of Precambrian rock exposed during deposition of the lower Paleozoic rocks. Critical area three contains numerous small faults which generally trend NNE. They appear to be splays off of one of the major faults bounding the area. Cenozoic kaolinite sills and mafic intrusion have filled many of the fault zones.« less

The FlyBase database of the Drosophila genome projects and community literature

PubMed Central

2002-01-01

FlyBase (http://flybase.bio.indiana.edu/) provides an integrated view of the fundamental genomic and genetic data on the major genetic model Drosophila melanogaster and related species. Following on the success of the Drosophila genome project, FlyBase has primary responsibility for the continual reannotation of the D.melanogaster genome. The ultimate goal of the reannotation effort is to decorate the euchromatic sequence of the genome with as much biological information as is available from the community and from the major genome project centers. The current cycle of reannotation focuses on establishing a comprehensive data set of gene models (i.e. transcription units and CDSs). There are many points of entry to the genome within FlyBase, most notably through maps, gene ontologies, structured phenotypic and gene expression data, and anatomy. PMID:11752267

The Vertebrate Brain, Evidence of Its Modular Organization and Operating System: Insights into the Brain's Basic Units of Structure, Function, and Operation and How They Influence Neuronal Signaling and Behavior

PubMed Central

Baslow, Morris H.

2011-01-01

The human brain is a complex organ made up of neurons and several other cell types, and whose role is processing information for use in eliciting behaviors. However, the composition of its repeating cellular units for both structure and function are unresolved. Based on recent descriptions of the brain's physiological “operating system”, a function of the tri-cellular metabolism of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) for supply of energy, and on the nature of “neuronal words and languages” for intercellular communication, insights into the brain's modular structural and functional units have been gained. In this article, it is proposed that the basic structural unit in brain is defined by its physiological operating system, and that it consists of a single neuron, and one or more astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and vascular system endothelial cells. It is also proposed that the basic functional unit in the brain is defined by how neurons communicate, and consists of two neurons and their interconnecting dendritic–synaptic–dendritic field. Since a functional unit is composed of two neurons, it requires two structural units to form a functional unit. Thus, the brain can be envisioned as being made up of the three-dimensional stacking and intertwining of myriad structural units which results not only in its gross structure, but also in producing a uniform distribution of binary functional units. Since the physiological NAA–NAAG operating system for supply of energy is repeated in every structural unit, it is positioned to control global brain function. PMID:21720525

Terrestrial Ecosystems of the Conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sayre, Roger G.; Comer, Patrick; Cress, Jill; Warner, Harumi

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with support from NatureServe, has modeled the potential distribution of 419 terrestrial ecosystems for the conterminous United States using a comprehensive biophysical stratification approach that identifies distinct biophysical environments and associates them with known vegetation distributions (Sayre and others, 2009). This standardized ecosystem mapping effort used an ecosystems classification developed by NatureServe (Comer and others, 2003). The ecosystem mapping methodology was developed for South America (Sayre and others, 2008) and is now being implemented globally (Sayre and others, 2007). The biophysical stratification approach is based on mapping the major structural components of ecosystems (land surface forms, topographic moisture potential, surficial lithology, isobioclimates and biogeographic regions) and then spatially combining them to produce a set of unique biophysical environments. These physically distinct areas are considered as the fundamental structural units ('building blocks') of ecosystems, and are subsequently aggregated and labeled using the NatureServe classification. The structural footprints were developed from the geospatial union of several base layers including biogeographic regions, isobioclimates (Cress and others, 2009a), land surface forms (Cress and others, 2009b), topographic moisture potential (Cress and others, 2009c), and surficial lithology (Cress and others, in press). Among the 49,168 unique structural footprint classes that resulted from the union, 13,482 classes met a minimum pixel count threshold (20,000 pixels) and were aggregated into 419 NatureServe ecosystems using a semiautomated labeling process based on rule-set formulations for attribution of each ecosystem. The resulting ecosystems are those that are expected to occur based on the combination of the bioclimate, biogeography, and geomorphology. Where land use by humans has not altered land cover, natural vegetation assemblages are expected to occur, and these are described in the ecosystems classification. The map does not show the distribution of urban and agricultural areas - these will be masked out in subsequent analyses to depict the current land cover in addition to the potential distribution of natural ecosystems. This map depicts the smoothed and generalized image of the terrestrial ecosystems dataset. Additional information about this map and any data developed for the ecosystems modeling of the conterminous United States is available online at: http://rmgsc.cr.usgs.gov/ecosystems/.

Local structure order in Pd 78Cu 6Si 16 liquid

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

Yue, G. Q.; Zhang, Y.; Sun, Y.

2015-02-05

The short-range order (SRO) in Pd 78Cu 6Si 16 liquid was studied by high energy x-ray diffraction and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The calculated pair correlation functions at different temperatures agree well with the experimental results. The partial pair correlation functions from ab intio MD simulations indicate that Si atoms prefer to be uniformly distributed while Cu atoms tend to aggregate. By performing structure analysis using Honeycutt-Andersen index, Voronoi tessellation, and atomic cluster alignment method, we show that the icosahedron and face-centered cubic SRO increase upon cooling. The dominant SRO is the Pd-centered Pd 9Si 2 motif, namelymore » the structure of which motif is similar to the structure of Pd-centered clusters in the Pd 9Si 2 crystal. The study further confirms the existence of trigonal prism capped with three half-octahedra that is reported as a structural unit in Pd-based amorphous alloys. The majority of Cu-centered clusters are icosahedra, suggesting that the presence of Cu is benefit to promote the glass forming ability.« less

Pleomorphic Structures in Human Blood Are Red Blood Cell-Derived Microparticles, Not Bacteria.

PubMed

Mitchell, Adam J; Gray, Warren D; Schroeder, Max; Yi, Hong; Taylor, Jeannette V; Dillard, Rebecca S; Ke, Zunlong; Wright, Elizabeth R; Stephens, David; Roback, John D; Searles, Charles D

2016-01-01

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are a common, life-saving therapy for many patients, but they have also been associated with poor clinical outcomes. We identified unusual, pleomorphic structures in human RBC transfusion units by negative-stain electron microscopy that appeared identical to those previously reported to be bacteria in healthy human blood samples. The presence of viable, replicating bacteria in stored blood could explain poor outcomes in transfusion recipients and have major implications for transfusion medicine. Here, we investigated the possibility that these structures were bacteria. Flow cytometry, miRNA analysis, protein analysis, and additional electron microscopy studies strongly indicated that the pleomorphic structures in the supernatant of stored RBCs were RBC-derived microparticles (RMPs). Bacterial 16S rDNA PCR amplified from these samples were sequenced and was found to be highly similar to species that are known to commonly contaminate laboratory reagents. These studies suggest that pleomorphic structures identified in human blood are RMPs and not bacteria, and they provide an example in which laboratory contaminants may can mislead investigators.

The relationship between nurse staffing and failure to rescue: where does it matter most?

PubMed

Talsma, AkkeNeel; Jones, Katherine; Guo, Ying; Wilson, Deleise; Campbell, Darrell A

2014-09-01

This study further expands on the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes, in particular, failure to rescue. Many studies are based on single-site hospitals or single-year data, thus limiting the generalizations of the findings. The purpose was to evaluate in a multisite multiyear study the relationship between unit-level nurse staffing and FTR mortality, for ICU and non-ICU patients. Using administrative and actual unit level nurse staffing data, we used AHRQ 2003 Patient Safety Indicator (2003) software and matched those with the patient's discharge month. Fixed effects multilevel logistic analyses were used to take into account the hierarchical structure of the database and patient clustering within units. We controlled for patient demographics, clinical conditions, and CCS categories. The majority (94%) of cases were discharged from general care units, ICUs reported higher nurse staffing levels based on patient complexity. Expired cases were 3 years older, male, and nonwhite. For general care discharges, the relationship between RN level HPPD approached significance (P = 0.07), suggesting increased odds of higher FTR mortality with higher staffing levels. We did not observe any of the expected associations between the nurse staffing variables and FTR for either general care unit or ICU discharges. The comprehensive risk adjustments provided adequate "leveling of the playing field" to evaluate the impact of unit-based nurse staffing levels on FTR mortality. Future studies should evaluate the influence of unit environment and patient risk.

Research of a real-time overload monitoring and response system of bridges and roads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yan; Shi, Yan; Zhao, Xuefeng; Ou, Jinping

2012-04-01

Due to the general overloading of vehicles, premature failure of bridges and roads are more and more obvious. Structural behaviors of engineering structures need real-time monitoring and diagnosis, timely detection of structural damage, evaluation of their safety, and necessary precautions, in order to prevent major accident such as the collapse of bridges and roads. But the existing monitoring system, which is very expensive, does not apply to the low budget structures. Therefore, a potable, low-cost, low-power structural monitoring system, which consists of electric resistance strain gauge, collection and execution unit, graph collection system and analysis software, is designed in this paper. The system can collect the critical data about the force of pavement to take the certain judge algorithm. The alarm will be given and the overburden data will be transmitted to IDC to make the further analysis when the pavement is overburden. At the same time, the plates of overweight vehicles can be collected and sent to the relevant departments. The system has the features of simple structure, easy realization, and low cost, which fills the application gaps in structural health monitoring of low-budget project.

Effect of blood transfusion on outcome after major burn injury: a multicenter study.

PubMed

Palmieri, Tina L; Caruso, Daniel M; Foster, Kevin N; Cairns, Bruce A; Peck, Michael D; Gamelli, Richard L; Mozingo, David W; Kagan, Richard J; Wahl, Wendy; Kemalyan, Nathan A; Fish, Joel S; Gomez, Manuel; Sheridan, Robert L; Faucher, Lee D; Latenser, Barbara A; Gibran, Nicole S; Klein, Robert L; Solem, Lynn D; Saffle, Jeffrey R; Morris, Stephen E; Jeng, James C; Voigt, David; Howard, Pamela A; Molitor, Fred; Greenhalgh, David G

2006-06-01

To delineate blood transfusion practices and outcomes in patients with major burn injury. Patients with major burn injury frequently require multiple blood transfusions; however, the effect of blood transfusion after major burn injury has had limited study. Multicenter retrospective cohort analysis. Regional burn centers throughout the United States and Canada. Patients admitted to a participating burn center from January 1 through December 31, 2002, with acute burn injuries of >or=20% total body surface area. Outcome measurements included mortality, number of infections, length of stay, units of blood transfused in and out of the operating room, number of operations, and anticoagulant use. A total of 21 burn centers contributed data on 666 patients; 79% of patients survived and received a mean of 14 units of packed red blood cells during their hospitalization. Mortality was related to patient age, total body surface area burn, inhalation injury, number of units of blood transfused outside the operating room, and total number of transfusions. The number of infections per patient increased with each unit of blood transfused (odds ratio, 1.13; p<.001). Patients on anticoagulation during hospitalization received more blood than patients not on anticoagulation (16.3+/-1.5 vs. 12.3+/-1.5, p<.001). The number of transfusions received was associated with mortality and infectious episodes in patients with major burns even after factoring for indices of burn severity. The utilization of blood products in the treatment of major burn injury should be reserved for patients with a demonstrated physiologic need.

The Silent Canyon caldera complex: a three-dimensional model based on drill-hole stratigraphy and gravity inversion

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKee, Edwin H.; Hildenbrand, Thomas G.; Anderson, Megan L.; Rowley, Peter D.; Sawyer, David A.

1999-01-01

The structural framework of Pahute Mesa, Nevada, is dominated by the Silent Canyon caldera complex, a buried, multiple collapse caldera complex. Using the boundary surface between low density Tertiary volcanogenic rocks and denser granitic and weakly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks (basement) as the outer fault surfaces for the modeled collapse caldera complex, it is postulated that the caldera complex collapsed on steeply- dipping arcuate faults two, possibly three, times following eruption of at least two major ash-flow tuffs. The caldera and most of its eruptive products are now deeply buried below the surface of Pahute Mesa. Relatively low-density rocks in the caldera complex produce one of the largest gravity lows in the western conterminous United States. Gravity modeling defines a steep sided, cup-shaped depression as much as 6,000 meters (19,800 feet) deep that is surrounded and floored by denser rocks. The steeply dipping surface located between the low-density basin fill and the higher density external rocks is considered to be the surface of the ring faults of the multiple calderas. Extrapolation of this surface upward to the outer, or topographic rim, of the Silent Canyon caldera complex defines the upper part of the caldera collapse structure. Rock units within and outside the Silent Canyon caldera complex are combined into seven hydrostratigraphic units based on their predominant hydrologic characteristics. The caldera structures and other faults on Pahute Mesa are used with the seven hydrostratigraphic units to make a three-dimensional geologic model of Pahute Mesa using the "EarthVision" (Dynamic Graphics, Inc.) modeling computer program. This method allows graphic representation of the geometry of the rocks and produces computer generated cross sections, isopach maps, and three-dimensional oriented diagrams. These products have been created to aid in visualizing and modeling the ground-water flow system beneath Pahute Mesa.

Mapping the Sedna-Lavinia Region of Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Bruce A.; Anderson, Ross F.

2008-01-01

Geologic mapping of Venus at 1:5 M scale has shown in great detail the flow complexes of volcanoes, coronae, and shield fields, and the varying structural patterns that differentiate tesserae from corona rims and isolated patches of densely lineated terrain. In most cases, however, the lower-elevation plains between the higher-standing landforms are discriminated only on the basis of potentially secondary features such as late-stage lava flooding or tectonic overprinting. This result, in which volcanoes and tesserae appear as "islands in the sea," places weak constraints on the relative age of large upland regions and the nature of the basement terrain. In this work, we focus on the spatial distribution and topography of densely lineated and tessera units over a large region of Venus, and their relationship to apparently later corona and shield flow complexes. The goal is to identify likely connections between patches of deformed terrain that suggest earlier features of regional extent, and to compare the topography of linked patches with other such clusters as a guide to whether they form larger tracts beneath the plains. Mapping Approach. We are mapping the region from 57S to 57N, 300E-60E. Since the 1:5 M quadrangles emphasize detail of tessera structure and corona/edifice flows, we simply adopt the outlines of these features as they relate to the outcrops of either "densely lineated terrain" or tessera (Fig. 1). The densely lineated material is mapped in many quadrangles based on pervasive structural deformation, typically with a single major axis (in contrast to the overlapping orthogonal patterns on tesserae). This unit definition is often extended to include material of corona rims. We do not at present differentiate between plains units, since earlier efforts show that their most defining attributes may be secondary to the original emplacement (e.g., lobate or sheet-like flooding by thin flow units, tectonic patterns related to regional and localized stress regimes) [1].

Evidence for volcanism in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaddis, L.; Greeley, Ronald

1989-01-01

Venera 15/16 radar data for an area in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus, show an area with moderate radar return and a smooth textured surface which embays low lying areas of the surrounding mountainous terrain. Although this unit may be an extension of the lava plains of Lakshmi Planum to the southeast, detailed study suggests a separate volcanic center in NW Ishtar Terra. Lakshmi Planum, on the Ishtar Terra highland, exhibits major volcanic and tectonic features. On the Venera radar image radar brightness is influenced by slope and roughness; radar-facing slopes (east-facing) and rough surfaces (approx. 8 cm average relief) are bright, while west-facing slopes and smooth surfaces are dark. A series of semi-circular features, apparently topographic depressions, do not conform in orientation to major structural trends in this region of NW Ishtar Terra. The large depression in NW Ishtar Terra is similar to the calderas of Colette and Sacajawea Paterae, as all three structures are large irregular depressions. NW Ishtar Terra appears to be the site of a volcanic center with a complex caldera structure, possibly more than one eruptive vent, and associated lobed flows at lower elevations. The morphologic similarity between this volcanic center and those of Colette and Sacajawea suggests that centralized eruptions have been the dominant form of volcanism in Ishtar. The location of this volcanic center at the intersection of two major compressional mountain belts and the large size of the calders (with an inferred larg/deep magma source) support a crustal thickening/melting rather than a hot-spot origin for these magmas.

Evidence for volcanism in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaddis, L.; Greeley, Ronald

Venera 15/16 radar data for an area in NW Ishtar Terra, Venus, show an area with moderate radar return and a smooth textured surface which embays low lying areas of the surrounding mountainous terrain. Although this unit may be an extension of the lava plains of Lakshmi Planum to the southeast, detailed study suggests a separate volcanic center in NW Ishtar Terra. Lakshmi Planum, on the Ishtar Terra highland, exhibits major volcanic and tectonic features. On the Venera radar image radar brightness is influenced by slope and roughness; radar-facing slopes (east-facing) and rough surfaces (approx. 8 cm average relief) are bright, while west-facing slopes and smooth surfaces are dark. A series of semi-circular features, apparently topographic depressions, do not conform in orientation to major structural trends in this region of NW Ishtar Terra. The large depression in NW Ishtar Terra is similar to the calderas of Colette and Sacajawea Paterae, as all three structures are large irregular depressions. NW Ishtar Terra appears to be the site of a volcanic center with a complex caldera structure, possibly more than one eruptive vent, and associated lobed flows at lower elevations. The morphologic similarity between this volcanic center and those of Colette and Sacajawea suggests that centralized eruptions have been the dominant form of volcanism in Ishtar. The location of this volcanic center at the intersection of two major compressional mountain belts and the large size of the calders (with an inferred large/deep magma source) support a crustal thickening/melting rather than a hot-spot origin for these magmas.

Structure of N-linked oligosaccharides attached to chlorovirus PBCV-1 major capsid protein reveals unusual class of complex N-glycans

PubMed Central

De Castro, Cristina; Molinaro, Antonio; Piacente, Francesco; Gurnon, James R.; Sturiale, Luisa; Palmigiano, Angelo; Lanzetta, Rosa; Parrilli, Michelangelo; Garozzo, Domenico; Tonetti, Michela G.; Van Etten, James L.

2013-01-01

The major capsid protein Vp54 from the prototype chlorovirus Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1 (PBCV-1) contains four Asn-linked glycans. The structure of the four N-linked oligosaccharides and the type of substitution at each glycosylation site was determined by chemical, spectroscopic, and spectrometric analyses. Vp54 glycosylation is unusual in many ways, including: (i) unlike most viruses, PBCV-1 encodes most, if not all, of the machinery to glycosylate its major capsid protein; (ii) the glycans are attached to the protein by a β-glucose linkage; (iii) the Asn-linked glycans are not located in a typical N-X-(T/S) consensus site; and (iv) the process probably occurs in the cytoplasm. The four glycoforms share a common core structure, and the differences are related to the nonstoichiometric presence of two monosaccharides. The most abundant glycoform consists of nine neutral monosaccharide residues, organized in a highly branched fashion. Among the most distinctive features of the glycoforms are (i) a dimethylated rhamnose as the capping residue of the main chain, (ii) a hyperbranched fucose unit, and (iii) two rhamnose residues with opposite absolute configurations. These glycoforms differ from what has been reported so far in the three domains of life. Considering that chloroviruses and other members of the family Phycodnaviridae may have a long evolutionary history, we suggest that the chlorovirus glycosylation pathway is ancient, possibly existing before the development of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi pathway, and involves still unexplored mechanisms. PMID:23918378

NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askins, Bruce; Robinson, Kimberly F.

2017-01-01

Major hardware and software for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) began rolling off assembly lines in 2016, setting the stage for critical testing in 2017 and the launch of a major new capability for deep space human exploration. SLS continues to pursue a 2018 first launch of Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1). At NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, LA, Boeing completed welding of structural test and flight liquid hydrogen tanks, and engine sections. Test stands for core stage structural tests at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL. neared completion. The B2 test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center, MS, completed major structural renovation to support core stage green run testing in 2018. Orbital ATK successfully test fired its second qualification solid rocket motor in the Utah desert and began casting the motor segments for EM-1. Aerojet Rocketdyne completed its series of test firings to adapt the heritage RS-25 engine to SLS performance requirements. Production is under way on the first five new engine controllers. NASA also signed a contract with Aerojet Rocketdyne for propulsion of the RL10 engines for the Exploration Upper Stage. United Launch Alliance delivered the structural test article for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage to MSFC for tests and construction was under way on the flight stage. Flight software testing at MSFC, including power quality and command and data handling, was completed. Substantial progress is planned for 2017. Liquid oxygen tank production will be completed at Michoud. Structural testing at Marshall will get under way. RS-25 hotfire testing will verify the new engine controllers. Core stage horizontal integration will begin. The core stage pathfinder mockup will arrive at the B2 test stand for fit checks and tests. EUS will complete preliminary design review. This paper will discuss the technical and programmatic successes and challenges of 2016 and look ahead to plans for 2017.

Food insecurity, chronic illness, and gentrification in the San Francisco Bay Area: An example of structural violence in United States public policy.

PubMed

Whittle, Henry J; Palar, Kartika; Hufstedler, Lee Lemus; Seligman, Hilary K; Frongillo, Edward A; Weiser, Sheri D

2015-10-01

Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge in the United States, affecting 49 million individuals. Quantitative studies show that food insecurity has serious negative health impacts among individuals suffering from chronic illnesses, including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Formulating effective interventions and policies to combat these health effects requires an in-depth understanding of the lived experience and structural drivers of food insecurity. Few studies, however, have elucidated these phenomena among people living with chronic illnesses in resource-rich settings, including in the United States. Here we sought to explore the experiences and structural determinants of food insecurity among a group of low-income PLHIV in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thirty-four semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with low-income PLHIV receiving food assistance from a local non-profit in San Francisco and Alameda County, California, between April and June 2014. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed according to content analysis methods following an inductive-deductive approach. The lived experience of food insecurity among participants included periods of insufficient quantity of food and resultant hunger, as well as long-term struggles with quality of food that led to concerns about the poor health effects of a cheap diet. Participants also reported procuring food using personally and socially unacceptable strategies, including long-term dependence on friends, family, and charity; stealing food; exchanging sex for food; and selling controlled substances. Food insecurity often arose from the need to pay high rents exacerbated by gentrification while receiving limited disability income--​a situation resulting in large part from the convergence of long-standing urban policies amenable to gentrification and an outdated disability policy that constrains financial viability. The experiences of food insecurity described by participants in this study can be understood as a form of structural violence, motivating the need for structural interventions at the policy level that extend beyond food-specific solutions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Case mix management education in a Canadian hospital.

PubMed

Moffat, M; Prociw, M

1992-01-01

The Sunnybrook Health Science Centre's matrix organization model includes a traditional departmental structure, a strategic program-based structure and a case management-based structure--the Clinical Unit structure. The Clinical Unit structure allows the centre to give responsibility for the management of case mix and volume to decentralized Clinical Unit teams, each of which manages its own budget. To train physicians and nurses in their respective roles of Medical Unit directors and Nursing Unit directors, Sunnybrook designed unique short courses on financial management and budgeting, and case-costing and case mix management. This paper discusses how these courses were organized, details their contents and explains how they fit into Sunnybrook's program of decentralized management.

The anatomy of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit on Sifnos Island (Cyclades, Greece): implications for exhumation model of high-pressure rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roche, Vincent; Laurent, Valentin; Jolivet, Laurent; Cardello, Giovanni Luca; Scaillet, Stéphane

2015-04-01

Key words.- Aegean sea, Cyclades, Sifnos, high pressure and low temperature metamorphism, syn-orogenic exhumation, post-orogenic extension, strain localization. Since 35 Ma, the kinematics of the Aegean domain has been mainly controlled by the southward retreat of the African slab, inducing backarc extension. The main structures and associated kinematic are well constrained, but the kinematics of deformation before 35 Ma, coeval with the exhumation of blueschists and eclogites of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit, has been so far poorly studied. Hence, syn-orogenic deformation and exhumation mechanisms of the Cycladic Blueschists Unit remain disputed in part because the structure and kinematic history of High Pressure and Low Temperature (HP-LT) rocks are interpreted differently in the literature. In order to understand and constrain the exhumation history of HP-LT rocks, Sifnos Island is particularly relevant because HP-LT parageneses are exceptionally well preserved and different degree of retrogression are observed in two main units. The aims of this work attempts at firstly solving uncertainties on the position and geometry of major contacts between units and, secondly, to provide new structural constraints on the tectonic history of HP-LT units generated in the subduction zone during the Eocene. We show, through new geological and metamorphic maps, cross-sections and analyses of kinematic indicators and their relation to metamorphism, that Sifnos is characterized by shallow-dipping shear zones reactivating weak zones due to competence contrasts or earlier tectonic contacts (i.e., syn-orogenic). Structures and kinematics, associated with these shear zones, show a top-to-the-N to -NE ductile shearing deformation. A continuum of deformation can be observed from the Eocene syn-orogenic blueschist-facies to the Oligocene-Miocene post-orogenic greenschist-facies with the same top-to-the-NE sense of shear showing that the same shear zones, formed during syn-orogenic exhumation were reactivated during the formation of the Aegean Sea. A progressive localization of strain along discrete shear zones toward the base of the tectonic pile is also observed. The present-day shape of the island is largely controlled by late brittle fault reshaping the older domal structure. These late low-angle and steeper normal faults with kinematic indicators top-to-the-SW cross-cut the ductile structure and may represent the brittle expression of the West Cycladic Detachment System. Hence, we propose a model of progressive exhumation also based on available radiochronological constraints, first in the subduction channel of the Hellenic subduction, then in the backarc region with the same top-to-the-NE non-coaxial component of shearing. This reconstruction partly explains the different degrees of retrogression observed on the Cycladic Islands. The main discontinuities allowing this exhumation are the Vari Detachment (cropping out on Tinos and Syros islands) during the syn-orogenic period (Eocene) and then the NCDS and WCDS afterward.

HESS Opinions: Functional units: a novel framework to explore the link between spatial organization and hydrological functioning of intermediate scale catchments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zehe, E.; Ehret, U.; Pfister, L.; Blume, T.; Schröder, B.; Westhoff, M.; Jackisch, C.; Schymanski, S. J.; Weiler, M.; Schulz, K.; Allroggen, N.; Tronicke, J.; Dietrich, P.; Scherer, U.; Eccard, J.; Wulfmeyer, V.; Kleidon, A.

2014-03-01

This opinion paper proposes a novel framework for exploring how spatial organization alongside with spatial heterogeneity controls functioning of intermediate scale catchments of organized complexity. Key idea is that spatial organization in landscapes implies that functioning of intermediate scale catchments is controlled by a hierarchy of functional units: hillslope scale lead topologies and embedded elementary functional units (EFUs). We argue that similar soils and vegetation communities and thus also soil structures "co-developed" within EFUs in an adaptive, self-organizing manner as they have been exposed to similar flows of energy, water and nutrients from the past to the present. Class members of the same EFU (class) are thus deemed to belong to the same ensemble with respect to controls of the energy balance and related vertical flows of capillary bounded soil water and heat. Class members of superordinate lead topologies are characterized by the same spatially organized arrangement of EFUs along the gradient driving lateral flows of free water as well as a similar surface and bedrock topography. We hence postulate that they belong to the same ensemble with respect to controls on rainfall runoff transformation and related vertical and lateral fluxes of free water. We expect class members of these functional units to have a distinct way how their architecture controls the interplay of state dynamics and integral flows, which is typical for all members of one class but dissimilar among the classes. This implies that we might infer on the typical dynamic behavior of the most important classes of EFU and lead topologies in a catchment, by thoroughly characterizing a few members of each class. A major asset of the proposed framework, which steps beyond the concept of hydrological response units, is that it can be tested experimentally. In this respect, we reflect on suitable strategies based on stratified observations drawing from process hydrology, soil physics, geophysics, ecology and remote sensing which are currently conducted in replicates of candidate functional units in the Attert basin (Luxembourg), to search for typical and similar functional and structural characteristics. A second asset of this framework is that it blueprints a way towards a structurally more adequate model concept for water and energy cycles in intermediate scale catchments, which balances necessary complexity with falsifiability. This is because EFU and lead topologies are deemed to mark a hierarchy of "scale breaks" where simplicity with respect to the energy balance and stream flow generation emerges from spatially organized process-structure interactions. This offers the opportunity for simplified descriptions of these processes that are nevertheless physically and thermodynamically consistent. In this respect we reflect on a candidate model structure that (a) may accommodate distributed observations of states and especially terrestrial controls on driving gradients to constrain the space of feasible model structures and (b) allows testing the possible added value of organizing principles to understand the role of spatial organization from an optimality perspective.

Boron environments in Pyrex® glass--a high resolution, Double-Rotation NMR and thermodynamic modelling study.

PubMed

Howes, A P; Vedishcheva, N M; Samoson, A; Hanna, J V; Smith, M E; Holland, D; Dupree, R

2011-07-07

It is shown, using the important technological glass Pyrex® as an example, that 1D and 2D (11)B Double-Rotation (DOR) NMR experiments, in combination with thermodynamic modelling, are able to provide unique structural information about complex glasses. (11)B DOR NMR has been applied to Pyrex® glass in order to remove both dipolar and quadrupolar broadening of the NMR lines, leading to high resolution spectra that allow unambiguous, accurate peak fitting to be carried out, of particular importance in the case of the 3-coordinated [BO(3)] (B3) trigonal planar environments. The data obtained are of sufficient quality that they can be used to test the distributions of borate and borosilicate superstructural units predicted by the thermodynamics-based Model of Associated Solutions. The model predicts the dominant boron-containing chemical groupings in Pyrex® glass to be those associated with B(2)O(3) and sodium tetraborate (with smaller amounts of sodium triborate, sodium diborate, sodium pentaborate, danburite and reedmergnerite). Excellent agreement is found between model and experiment provided the (11)B peaks with isotropic chemical shifts of -1.4 ppm and 0.5 ppm are assigned to B4 species from borosilicate units ([B(OSi)(4)] and [B(OSi)(3)(OB)]) and borate superstructural units (mainly triborate rings with some pentaborate and diborate) respectively. The peaks with isotropic shifts of 14 ppm and 18.1 ppm are then assigned to B3 in borate superstructural units (mainly triborate and pentaborate along with connecting B3) and boroxol rings respectively. The assignments of the DOR NMR peaks, are supported by the presence of cross-peaks in (11)B spin-diffusion DOR NMR spectra which can be used to develop a structural model in which B(2)O(3)-like regions are linked, via borate and borosilicate superstructural units, to the majority silica network. Pyrex® is thus shown to have a heterogeneous structure, with distinct molecular groupings that are far removed from a random distribution of network polyhedra with only short-range order. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2011

Promiscuous Speciation with Gene Flow in Silverside Fish Genus Odontesthes (Atheriniformes, Atherinopsidae) from South Western Atlantic Ocean Basins

PubMed Central

García, Graciela; Ríos, Néstor; Gutiérrez, Verónica; Varela, Jorge Guerra; Bouza Fernández, Carmen; Pardo, Belén Gómez; Portela, Paulino Martínez

2014-01-01

The present paper integrates phylogenetic and population genetics analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers in silversides, genus Odontesthes, from a non-sampled area in the SW Atlantic Ocean to address species discrimination and to define Managements Units for sustainable conservation. All phylogenetic analyses based on the COI mitochondrial gene were consistent to support the monophyly of the genus Odontesthes and to include O. argentinensis, O. perugiae-humensis and some O. bonariensis haplotypes in a basal polytomy conforming a major derivative clade. Microsatellites data revealed somewhat higher genetic variability values in the O. argentinensis-perugia populations than in O. bonariensis and O. perugia-humensis taxa. Contrasting population genetics structuring emerged from mitochondrial and microsatellites analyses in these taxa. Whereas mitochondrial data supported two major groups (O. argentinensis-perugia-humensis vs. O. bonariensis-perugiae-humensis populations), microsatellite data detected three major genetic entities represented by O. bonariensis, O. perugiae-humensis and an admixture of populations belonging to O. argentinensis-perugiae respectively. Therefore, the star COI polytomy in the tree topology involving these taxa could be interpreted by several hypothetic scenarios such as the existence of shared ancestral polymorphisms, incomplete lineage sorting in a radiating speciation process and/or reticulation events. Present findings support that promiscuous and recent contact between incipient species sharing asymmetric gene flow exchanges, blurs taxa boundaries yielding complicated taxonomy and Management Units delimitation in silverside genus Odontesthes from SW Atlantic Ocean basins. PMID:25126842

Promiscuous speciation with gene flow in silverside fish genus Odontesthes (Atheriniformes, Atherinopsidae) from south western Atlantic Ocean basins.

PubMed

García, Graciela; Ríos, Néstor; Gutiérrez, Verónica; Varela, Jorge Guerra; Bouza Fernández, Carmen; Pardo, Belén Gómez; Portela, Paulino Martínez

2014-01-01

The present paper integrates phylogenetic and population genetics analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers in silversides, genus Odontesthes, from a non-sampled area in the SW Atlantic Ocean to address species discrimination and to define Managements Units for sustainable conservation. All phylogenetic analyses based on the COI mitochondrial gene were consistent to support the monophyly of the genus Odontesthes and to include O. argentinensis, O. perugiae-humensis and some O. bonariensis haplotypes in a basal polytomy conforming a major derivative clade. Microsatellites data revealed somewhat higher genetic variability values in the O. argentinensis-perugia populations than in O. bonariensis and O. perugia-humensis taxa. Contrasting population genetics structuring emerged from mitochondrial and microsatellites analyses in these taxa. Whereas mitochondrial data supported two major groups (O. argentinensis-perugia-humensis vs. O. bonariensis-perugiae-humensis populations), microsatellite data detected three major genetic entities represented by O. bonariensis, O. perugiae-humensis and an admixture of populations belonging to O. argentinensis-perugiae respectively. Therefore, the star COI polytomy in the tree topology involving these taxa could be interpreted by several hypothetic scenarios such as the existence of shared ancestral polymorphisms, incomplete lineage sorting in a radiating speciation process and/or reticulation events. Present findings support that promiscuous and recent contact between incipient species sharing asymmetric gene flow exchanges, blurs taxa boundaries yielding complicated taxonomy and Management Units delimitation in silverside genus Odontesthes from SW Atlantic Ocean basins.

Apollo experience report: Development of the extravehicular mobility unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lutz, C. C.; Stutesman, H. L.; Carson, M. A.; Mcbarron, J. W., II

1975-01-01

The development and performance history of the Apollo extravehicular mobility unit and its major subsystems is described. The three major subsystems, the pressure garment assembly, the portable life-support system, and the oxygen purge system, are defined and described in detail as is the evolutionary process that culminated in each major subsystem component. Descriptions of ground-support equipment and the qualification testing process for component hardware are also presented.

Long term accretion history (165-70 Ma) recorded by high-pressure rocks of Diego de Almagro Island (Patagonia, Chile): implications for understanding subduction zone interface tectonic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angiboust, Samuel; Hyppolito, Thais; Glodny, Johannes; Cambeses, Aitor; Monié, Patrick; Garcia-Casco, Antonio; Calderon, Mauricio; Juliani, Caetano

2017-04-01

The Diego de Almagro Island preserves one of the rare remnants of the Mesozoic Chilean paleo-accretionary wedge. This complex, formed by MOR-basalts interleaved with metasedimentary rocks, comprises three major tectonic units with distinct P-T-t paths: the HP granulite (Lazaro unit), the garnet amphibolite (GA) and the blueschist (BS) units. HP granulite-facies metamorphic conditions in the Lazaro Unit are attested by Grt-Cpx-Zo-Prg assemblages associated with trondhjemitic leucosomes (c. 1.3 GPa, 750°C). U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon metamorphic rims yields a homogeneous age population of 162 ± 2 Ma for this HT event, in agreement with Sm-Nd dating of peritectic garnet (163 ± 2 Ma and 163 ± 18 Ma). In situ white mica Ar-Ar dating and multi-mineral Rb-Sr dating of LT mylonites (c. 450°C) along the base of the Lazaro Unit reveals partial resetting of HT assemblages during deformation between 115 and 72 Ma. GA unit rocks, structurally below the Lazaro unit, locally preserve eclogite facies parageneses (c. 570°C, 1.7 GPa) that underwent a pervasive stage of amphibolitization during decompression down to 1.3 GPa. U-Pb dating of zircon metamorphic rims and Rb-Sr dating indicate that amphibolitization in GA unit took place at 125-120 Ma. GA unit rocks have been also lately overprinted by another HP-LT assemblage as shown by Si-richer phengite rims and small blue amphibole overgrowths. Conversely, the underlying BS unit does not show strong amphibolite facies overprint as seen in GA and Lazaro units and exhibits slightly cooler peak metamorphic conditions (c. 520°C, 1.7 GPa). Rb-Sr and Ar-Ar dating of these blueschists yield deformation ages between 80 and 70 Ma, i.e. 50 Ma younger than the overlying rocks from the GA unit, and 90 Ma younger than Lazaro unit HP-granulites. This new report sheds light on the formation of the youngest and deepest HP rocks exposed along the Chilean subduction margin. The Diego de Almagro Island represents a unique window onto long-term tectonic processes rooted below the base of the accretionary wedge (c. 40-50 km). The exceptionally long residence time of the earlier accreted material -almost 100 Ma-, enables the record of multiple thermal gradient fluctuations and highlights the variability of the subduction interface thermal structure over tens of millions yrs.

Structure of [M + H - H(2)O](+) from protonated tetraglycine revealed by tandem mass spectrometry and IRMPD spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bythell, Benjamin J; Dain, Ryan P; Curtice, Stephanie S; Oomens, Jos; Steill, Jeffrey D; Groenewold, Gary S; Paizs, Béla; Van Stipdonk, Michael J

2010-04-22

Multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry and collision-induced dissociation were used to investigate loss of H(2)O or CH(3)OH from protonated versions of GGGX (where X = G, A, and V), GGGGG, and the methyl esters of these peptides. In addition, wavelength-selective infrared multiple photon dissociation was used to characterize the [M + H - H(2)O](+) product derived from protonated GGGG and the major MS(3) fragment, [M + H - H(2)O - 29](+) of this peak. Consistent with the earlier work [ Ballard , K. D. ; Gaskell , S. J. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 1993 , 4 , 477 - 481 ; Reid , G. E. ; Simpson , R. J. ; O'Hair , R. A. J. Int. J. Mass Spectrom. 1999 , 190/191 , 209 -230 ], CID experiments show that [M + H - H(2)O](+) is the dominant peak generated from both protonated GGGG and protonated GGGG-OMe. This strongly suggests that the loss of the H(2)O molecule occurs from a position other than the C-terminal free acid and that the product does not correspond to formation of the b(4) ion. Subsequent CID of [M + H - H(2)O](+) supports this proposal by resulting in a major product that is 29 mass units less than the precursor ion. This is consistent with loss of HN horizontal lineCH(2) rather than loss of carbon monoxide (28 mass units), which is characteristic of oxazolone-type b(n) ions. Comparison between experimental and theoretical infrared spectra for a group of possible structures confirms that the [M + H - H(2)O](+) peak is not a substituted oxazolone but instead suggests formation of an ion that features a five-membered ring along the peptide backbone, close to the amino terminus. Additionally, transition structure calculations and comparison of theoretical and experimental spectra of the [M + H - H(2)O - 29](+) peak also support this proposal.

The effect of the publication of a major clinical trial in a high impact journal on clinical practise: the ORACLE Trial experience.

PubMed

Kenyon, Sara; Taylor, David J

2002-12-01

To estimate the short term effect of the publication of a major clinical trial on clinical practise. Questionnaire survey of clinical practise. UK. All maternity units in the UK. A self-administered questionnaire completed by lead consultants on delivery suite of maternity units. Changes in antibiotic prescription. Within six months of publication, approximately 50% of maternity units had changed their guidelines for the care of women with preterm prelabour rupture of the fetal membranes. Publication of a major clinical trial does impact on clinical practise but the impact is heterogeneous in terms of time and consistency.

Satellite networks for education

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, J. P.; Morgan, R. P.; Rosenbaum, F. J.

1972-01-01

Satellite based educational networking is discussed with particular attention given to the potential uses of communications satellites to help meet educational needs in the United states. Four major subject areas were covered; (1) characteristics and structure of networks, (2) definition of pressures within educational establishment that provide motivation for various types of networks, (3) examination of current educational networking status for educational radio and television, instructional television fixed services, inter- and intra-state educational communication networks, computer networks, and cable television for education, and (4) identification of possible satellite based educational telecommunication services and three alternatives for implementing educational satellite systems.

EVA - Don't Leave Earth Without It

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cupples, J. Scott; Smith, Stephen A.

2011-01-01

Modern manned space programs come in two categories: those that need Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and those that will need EVA. This paper discusses major milestones in the Shuttle Program where EVA was used to save payloads, enhance on-orbit capabilities, and build structures in order to ensure success of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) missions. In conjunction, the Extravehicular Mobility Unit s (EMU) design, and hence, its capabilities evolved as its mission evolved. It is the intent that lessons can be drawn from these case studies so that EVA compatibility is designed into future vehicles and payloads.

Unusual structures in the polysaccharides from the red seaweed Pterocladiella capillacea (Gelidiaceae, Gelidiales).

PubMed

Errea, María I; Matulewicz, María C

2003-04-22

Sequential extraction of tetrasporic Pterocladiella capillacea with water at room temperature and then at 50 degrees C led to the isolation of two products that were each fractionated with cetrimide to give a soluble fraction and a precipitate. The precipitates were then subjected to fractional solubilization in solutions of increasing sodium chloride concentration. The whole treatment yielded two major fractions in each case, one soluble in the cetrimide medium and the other soluble in 0.5 M NaCl, which were further fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography. Structural analysis, carried out by methylation, desulfation-methylation, 13C NMR spectroscopy and determination of the absolute configuration of the 2,6-di-O-methylgalactose units in the permethylated products, indicated the presence of xylogalactans, with low content of 3,6-anhydrogalactose and low molecular weight. These polysaccharides varied in the level of xylopyranosyl and sulfate substitution, primarily on the 6-position of the 3-linked beta-D-galactopyranosyl and on the 3-position of the 4-linked alpha-galactopyranosyl units. Moreover, herein we report, for the first time, the presence of 3-substituted, 4-linked D-galactopyranosyl residues in an alga belonging to the Gelidiales.

Nature and kinetic analysis of carbon-carbon bond fragmentation reactions of cation radicals derived from SET-oxidation of lignin model compounds.

PubMed

Cho, Dae Won; Parthasarathi, Ramakrishnan; Pimentel, Adam S; Maestas, Gabriel D; Park, Hea Jung; Yoon, Ung Chan; Dunaway-Mariano, Debra; Gnanakaran, S; Langan, Paul; Mariano, Patrick S

2010-10-01

Features of the oxidative cleavage reactions of diastereomers of dimeric lignin model compounds, which are models of the major types of structural units found in the lignin backbone, were examined. Cation radicals of these substances were generated by using SET-sensitized photochemical and Ce(IV) and lignin peroxidase promoted oxidative processes, and the nature and kinetics of their C-C bond cleavage reactions were determined. The results show that significant differences exist between the rates of cation radical C1-C2 bond cleavage reactions of 1,2-diaryl-(β-1) and 1-aryl-2-aryloxy-(β-O-4) propan-1,3-diol structural units found in lignins. Specifically, under all conditions C1-C2 bond cleavage reactions of cation radicals of the β-1 models take place more rapidly than those of the β-O-4 counterparts. The results of DFT calculations on cation radicals of the model compounds show that the C1-C2 bond dissociation energies of the β-1 lignin model compounds are significantly lower than those of the β-O-4 models, providing clear evidence for the source of the rate differences.

Conformational features of cepacian: the exopolysaccharide produced by clinical strains of Burkholderia cepacia.

PubMed

Nogueira, Carlos E Sampaio; Ruggiero, Jose R; Sist, Paola; Cescutti, Paola; Urbani, Ranieri; Rizzo, Roberto

2005-04-11

Conformational energy calculations and molecular dynamics investigations, both in water and in dimethyl sulfoxide, were carried out on the exopolysaccharide cepacian produced by the majority of the clinical strains of Burkholderia cepacia, an opportunistic pathogen causing serious lung infection in patients affected by cystic fibrosis, The investigation was aimed at defining the structural and conformational features, which might be relevant for clarification of the structure-function relationships of the polymer. The molecular dynamics calculations were carried out by Ramachandran-type energy plots of the disaccharides that constitute the polymer repeating unit. The dynamics of an oligomer composed of three repeating units were investigated in water and in Me2SO, a non-aggregating solvent. Analysis of the time persistence of hydrogen bonds showed the presence of a large number of favourable interactions in water, which were less evident in Me2SO. The calculations on the cepacian chain indicated that polymer conformational features in water were affected by the lateral chains, but were also largely dictated by the presence of solvent. Moreover, the large number of intra-chain hydrogen bonds in water disappeared in Me2SO solution, increasing the average dimension of the polymer chains.

Habitat suitability under changing climatic conditions for the exotic ambrosia beetle, Cnestus mutilatus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) in the southeastern United States.

Treesearch

Rabiu Olatinwo; Douglas Streett; Christopher Carlton

2014-01-01

The camphor shot borer, Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford) is a nonnative ambrosia beetle first reported in the United States in 1999 at Oktibbeha County in Mississippi. Although C. mutilatus is a major pest of several trees in its native habitat in Asia, it is not yet a major pest in the United States. However, the range expansion in recent years across the southeastern...

Transformation in Korea

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

land to the United States with an By Major Rafael Pazos and Captain Miguel Uc January-April 201052 Engineer initial grant of 205 acres at USAG...savings, and enhances the quality of life of our Service members. Major Pazos is the deputy commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers

Wzx flippases exhibiting complex O-unit preferences require a new model for Wzx-substrate interactions.

PubMed

Liu, Michael A; Morris, Paraskevi; Reeves, Peter R

2018-06-10

The Wzx flippase is a critical component of the O-antigen biosynthesis pathway, being responsible for the translocation of oligosaccharide O units across the inner membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have shown that Wzx has a strong preference for its cognate O unit, but the types of O-unit structural variance that a given Wzx can accommodate are poorly understood. In this study, we identified two Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Wzx that can distinguish between different terminal dideoxyhexose sugars on a common O-unit main-chain, despite both being able to translocate several other structurally-divergent O units. We also identified other Y. pseudotuberculosis Wzx that can translocate a structurally divergent foreign O unit with high efficiency, and thus exhibit an apparently relaxed substrate preference. It now appears that Wzx substrate preference is more complex than previously suggested, and that not all O-unit residues are equally important determinants of translocation efficiency. We propose a new "Structure-Specific Triggering" model in which Wzx translocation proceeds at a low level for a wide variety of substrates, with high-frequency translocation only being triggered by Wzx interacting with one or more preferred O-unit structural elements found on its cognate O unit(s). © 2018 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Origami mechanologic.

PubMed

Treml, Benjamin; Gillman, Andrew; Buskohl, Philip; Vaia, Richard

2018-06-18

Robots autonomously interact with their environment through a continual sense-decide-respond control loop. Most commonly, the decide step occurs in a central processing unit; however, the stiffness mismatch between rigid electronics and the compliant bodies of soft robots can impede integration of these systems. We develop a framework for programmable mechanical computation embedded into the structure of soft robots that can augment conventional digital electronic control schemes. Using an origami waterbomb as an experimental platform, we demonstrate a 1-bit mechanical storage device that writes, erases, and rewrites itself in response to a time-varying environmental signal. Further, we show that mechanical coupling between connected origami units can be used to program the behavior of a mechanical bit, produce logic gates such as AND, OR, and three input majority gates, and transmit signals between mechanologic gates. Embedded mechanologic provides a route to add autonomy and intelligence in soft robots and machines. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Ageing in the United States at the end of the century.

PubMed

Bengtson, V L; Mills, T L; Parrott, T M

1995-12-01

"The belief that America is a ¿young' nation is widely held by many individuals in the United States. Historically, individualism, self-reliance, and an orientation towards youth have been cherished values reflecting...our national heritage and tradition dating from the 18th through the mid-20th century. However, America is no longer a ¿young' nation. Rather, we are an ¿aging' population, as we show in our analysis of demographic transitions reviewed in this paper. The phenomenon of ¿cultural (or structural) lag' is discussed in two different contexts: first--the context of the aging family; and second--the context of ethnic/racial minority groups. Finally, some of the relevant public policy responses to aging are described. We look at government programs in four major categories, namely, (1) income; (2) health care; (3) social services; and (4) housing." excerpt

Parental Involvement with College Students in Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, and the United States

PubMed Central

Fingerman, Karen L.; Cheng, Yen-Pi; Kim, Kyungmin; Fung, Helene H.; Han, Gyounghae; Lang, Frieder R.; Lee, Wonkyung; Wagner, Jenny

2014-01-01

Rates of college attendance have increased throughout the world. This study asked whether students across nations experience high involvement with parents (frequent contact and support) and how satisfied they are with parental involvement. College students from four major Western and Asian economies participated: Germany (n = 458), Hong Kong (n = 276), Korea (n = 257), and the United States (n = 310). Consistent with solidarity theory, students across nations reported frequent contact with parents and receiving several forms of social support (e.g., practical, emotional, and advice) every month. Multilevel models revealed Asian students received more frequent parental support than German or US students, but were less satisfied with that support. Students in Hong Kong resided with parents more often and gave more support to parents than students in other cultures. Discussion focuses on cultural (i.e., filial obligation) and structural (i.e., coresidence) factors explaining parental involvement. PMID:27594722

Collaboration between teachers and parents of children with ASD on issues of education.

PubMed

Syriopoulou-Delli, Christine K; Cassimos, Dimitrios C; Polychronopoulou, Stavroula A

2016-08-01

This study examines the views of teachers and parents on critical issues concerning their collaboration in the education of children with ASD. For the purposes of this study, a total of 171 teachers and 50 parents of children with ASD, attending mainstream or special primary school units, were randomly selected in Greece in order to respond to a structured questionnaire. The majority of teachers and parents were found to be of the opinion that communication and collaboration between teachers and parents are rendered as critical [n=165 teachers (96.5%), n=50 parents (100%)]. Postgraduate academic studies and working experience with children with ASD are seen to be the most important factors shaping the attitudes of teachers towards collaboration with parents. On the other hand, the types of working unit teachers were employed in are seen to rank in lower importance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

512-Channel and 13-Region Simultaneous Recordings Coupled with Optogenetic Manipulation in Freely Behaving Mice

PubMed Central

Xie, Kun; Fox, Grace E.; Liu, Jun; Tsien, Joe Z.

2016-01-01

The development of technologies capable of recording both single-unit activity and local field potentials (LFPs) over a wide range of brain circuits in freely behaving animals is the key to constructing brain activity maps. Although mice are the most popular mammalian genetic model, in vivo neural recording has been traditionally limited to smaller channel count and fewer brain structures because of the mouse’s small size and thin skull. Here, we describe a 512-channel tetrode system that allows us to record simultaneously over a dozen cortical and subcortical structures in behaving mice. This new technique offers two major advantages – namely, the ultra-low cost and the do-it-yourself flexibility for targeting any combination of many brain areas. We show the successful recordings of both single units and LFPs from 13 distinct neural circuits of the mouse brain, including subregions of the anterior cingulate cortices, retrosplenial cortices, somatosensory cortices, secondary auditory cortex, hippocampal CA1, dentate gyrus, subiculum, lateral entorhinal cortex, perirhinal cortex, and prelimbic cortex. This 512-channel system can also be combined with Cre-lox neurogenetics and optogenetics to further examine interactions between genes, cell types, and circuit dynamics across a wide range of brain structures. Finally, we demonstrate that complex stimuli – such as an earthquake and fear-inducing foot-shock – trigger firing changes in all of the 13 brain regions recorded, supporting the notion that neural code is highly distributed. In addition, we show that localized optogenetic manipulation in any given brain region could disrupt network oscillations and caused changes in single-unit firing patterns in a brain-wide manner, thereby raising the cautionary note of the interpretation of optogenetically manipulated behaviors. PMID:27378865

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the two distinct types of zebrafish β2-microglobulin

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhaosan; Zhang, Nianzhi; Lu, Shuangshuang; Tariq, Mansoor; Wang, Junya; Xia, Chun

2015-01-01

β2-Microglobulin (β2m) noncovalently associates with the heavy chain of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules, which bind foreign antigen peptides to control the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. In contrast to mammals, there are distinct types of β2ms derived from two loci in a number of teleost species. In order to clarify the structures of the β2ms, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) β2ms Dare-β2m-I and Dare-β2m-II were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized, and diffraction data were collected to 1.6 and 1.9 Å resolution, respectively. Both crystals belonged to space group P212121. The unit-cell parameters were determined to be a = 38.2, b = 50.4, c = 50.9 Å for Dare-β2m-I and a = 38.9, b = 52.7, c = 65.8 Å for Dare-β2m-II. Each asymmetric unit was constituted of one molecule, with Matthews coefficients of 2.22 and 3.01 Å3 Da−1 and solvent contents of 45 and 59% for Dare-β2m-I and Dare-β2m-II, respectively. These two β2m structures will provide relevant information for further studies of the structures of the MHC I complex. PMID:26057815

Crystallographic analysis of ground and space thermostable T1 lipase crystal obtained via counter diffusion method approach.

PubMed

Mohamad Aris, Sayangku Nor Ariati; Thean Chor, Adam Leow; Mohamad Ali, Mohd Shukuri; Basri, Mahiran; Salleh, Abu Bakar; Raja Abd Rahman, Raja Noor Zaliha

2014-01-01

Three-dimensional structure of thermostable lipase is much sought after nowadays as it is important for industrial application mainly found in the food, detergent, and pharmaceutical sectors. Crystallization utilizing the counter diffusion method in space was performed with the aim to obtain high resolution diffracting crystals with better internal order to improve the accuracy of the structure. Thermostable T1 lipase enzyme has been crystallized in laboratory on earth and also under microgravity condition aboard Progress spacecraft to the ISS in collaboration with JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency). This study is conducted with the aims of improving crystal packing and structure resolution. The diffraction data set for ground grown crystal was collected to 1.3 Å resolution and belonged to monoclinic C2 space group with unit cell parameters a = 117.40 Å, b = 80.95 Å, and c = 99.81 Å, whereas the diffraction data set for space grown crystal was collected to 1.1 Å resolution and belonged to monoclinic C2 space group with unit cell parameters a = 117.31 Å, b = 80.85 Å, and c = 99.81 Å. The major difference between the two crystal growth systems is the lack of convection and sedimentation in microgravity environment resulted in the growth of much higher quality crystals of T1 lipase.

Pore-Scale X-ray Micro-CT Imaging and Analysis of Oil Shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, T.

2015-12-01

The pore structure and the connectivity of the pore space during the pyrolysis of oil shales are important characteristics which determine hydrocarbon flow behaviour and ultimate recovery. We study the effect of temperature on the evolution of pore space and subsequent permeability on five oil shale samples: (1) Vernal Utah United States, (2) El Lajjun Al Karak Jordan, (3) Gladstone Queensland Australia (4) Fushun China and (5) Kimmerdige United Kingdom. Oil Shale cores of 5mm in diameter were pyrolized at 300, 400 and 500 °C. 3D imaging of 5mm diameter core samples was performed at 1μm voxel resolution using X-ray micro computed tomography (CT) and the evolution of the pore structures were characterized. The experimental results indicate that the thermal decomposition of kerogen at high temperatures is a major factor causing micro-scale changes in the internal structure of oil shales. At the early stage of pyrolysis, micron-scale heterogeneous pores were formed and with a further increase in temperature, the pores expanded and became interconnected by fractures. Permeability for each oil shale sample at each temperature was computed by simulation directly on the image voxels and by pore network extraction and simulation. Future work will investigate different samples and pursue insitu micro-CT imaging of oil shale pyrolysis to characterize the time evolution of the pore space.

Factors associated with the process of adaptation among Pakistani adolescent females living in United States.

PubMed

Khuwaja, Salma A; Selwyn, Beatrice J; Mgbere, Osaro; Khuwaja, Alam; Kapadia, Asha; McCurdy, Sheryl; Hsu, Chiehwen E

2013-04-01

This study explored post-migration experiences of recently migrated Pakistani Muslim adolescent females residing in the United States. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty Pakistani Muslim adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 18 years living with their families in Houston, Texas. Data obtained from the interviews were evaluated using discourse analysis to identify major reoccurring themes. Participants discussed factors associated with the process of adaptation to the American culture. The results revealed that the main factors associated with adaptation process included positive motivation for migration, family bonding, social support networks, inter-familial communication, aspiration of adolescents to learn other cultures, availability of English-as-second-language programs, participation in community rebuilding activities, and faith practices, English proficiency, peer pressure, and inter-generational conflicts. This study provided much needed information on factors associated with adaptation process of Pakistani Muslim adolescent females in the United States. The results have important implications for improving the adaptation process of this group and offer potential directions for intervention and counseling services.

Railway vehicle body structures

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

Not Available

1985-01-01

The strength and durability of railway vehicle structures is a major topic of engineering research and design. To reflect this importance the Railway Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers organised a conference to discuss all matters relating to railway vehicle design. This book presents the papers discussed in that conference. The contents include: Vehicle body design and the UIC's international contribution; LUL prototype 1986 stock - body structure; vehicle structure for the intermediate capacity transmit system vehicles; car body technology of advanced light rapid transit vehicles; concepts, techniques and experience in the idealization of car body structures for finitemore » element analysis; Calcutta metropolitan railway; design for a lightweight diesel multiple unit body; the design of lightweight inter-city coal structures; the BREL international coach body shell structure; new concepts and design techniques versus material standards; structures of BR diesel electric freight locomotives; structural design philosophy for electric locomotives; suspension design for a locomotive with low structural frequencies; freight wagon structures; a finite element study of coal bodyside panels including the effects of joint flexibility; a fresh approach to the problem of car body design strength; energy absorption in automatic couplings and draw gear; passenger vehicle design loads and structural crashworthiness; design of the front part of railway vehicles (in case of frontal impact); the development of a theoretical technique for rail vehicle structural crashworthiness.« less

Uranium migration and favourable sites of potential radioelement concentrations in Gabal Umm Hammad area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youssef, Mohamed A. S.; Sabra, Mohamed Elsadek M.; Abdeldayem, Abdelaziz L.; Masoud, Alaa A.; Mansour, Salah A.

2017-12-01

Airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data, covering Gabal Umm Hammad area, near Quseir City, in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, has been utilized to identify the uranium migration path, and U, Th and K-favorability indices. The following of the uranium migration technique enabled estimation of the amount of migrated uranium, in and out of the rock units. Investigation of the Taref Formation, Nakhil Formation, Tarawan Formation and Dawi Formation shows large negative amount of uranium migration, indicating that uranium leaching is outward from the geologic body toward surrounding rock units. Moreover, calculation of the U, Th and K-favorability indices has been carried out for the various rock units to locate the rocks having the highest radioelement potentialities. The rock units that possess relatively major probability of uranium potentiality include Mu‧tiq Group, weakly deformed granitic rocks, and Trachyte plugs and sheets. Meanwhile, the rock units with major potential of Th-index are Taref Formation, Quseir Formation and Dawi Formation. The rock units with major potential of K-index are Dokhan volcanic and Mu‧tiq group.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 RNA Crystal Structures Reveal Heterogeneous 1×1 Nucleotide UU Internal Loop Conformations⊥

PubMed Central

Kumar, Amit; Park, HaJeung; Fang, Pengfei; Parkesh, Raman; Guo, Min; Nettles, Kendall W.; Disney, Matthew D.

2011-01-01

RNA internal loops often display a variety of conformations in solution. Herein, we visualize conformational heterogeneity in the context of the 5′CUG/3′GUC repeat motif present in the RNA that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Specifically, two crystal structures are disclosed of a model DM1 triplet repeating construct, 5′r(UUGGGC(CUG)3GUCC)2, refined to 2.20 Å and 1.52 Å resolution. Here, differences in orientation of the 5′ dangling UU end between the two structures induce changes in the backbone groove width, which reveals that non-canonical 1×1 nucleotide UU internal loops can display an ensemble of pairing conformations. In the 2.20 Å structure, CUGa, the 5′UU forms one hydrogen-bonded pairs with a 5′UU of a neighboring helix in the unit cell to form a pseudo-infinite helix. The central 1×1 nucleotide UU internal loop has no hydrogen bonds, while the terminal 1×1 nucleotide UU internal loops each form a one hydrogen-bonded pair. In the 1.52 Å structure, CUGb, the 5′ UU dangling end is tucked into the major groove of the duplex. While the canonical paired bases show no change in base pairing, in CUGb the terminal 1×1 nucleotide UU internal loops form now two hydrogen-bonded pairs. Thus, the shift in major groove induced by the 5′UU dangling end alters non-canonical base patterns. Collectively, these structures indicate that 1×1 nucleotide UU internal loops in DM1 may sample multiple conformations in vivo. This observation has implications for the recognition of this RNA, and other repeating transcripts, by protein and small molecule ligands. PMID:21988728

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 RNA crystal structures reveal heterogeneous 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loop conformations.

PubMed

Kumar, Amit; Park, HaJeung; Fang, Pengfei; Parkesh, Raman; Guo, Min; Nettles, Kendall W; Disney, Matthew D

2011-11-15

RNA internal loops often display a variety of conformations in solution. Herein, we visualize conformational heterogeneity in the context of the 5'CUG/3'GUC repeat motif present in the RNA that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Specifically, two crystal structures of a model DM1 triplet repeating construct, 5'r[UUGGGC(CUG)(3)GUCC](2), refined to 2.20 and 1.52 Å resolution are disclosed. Here, differences in the orientation of the 5' dangling UU end between the two structures induce changes in the backbone groove width, which reveals that noncanonical 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loops can display an ensemble of pairing conformations. In the 2.20 Å structure, CUGa, the 5' UU forms a one hydrogen-bonded pair with a 5' UU of a neighboring helix in the unit cell to form a pseudoinfinite helix. The central 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loop has no hydrogen bonds, while the terminal 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loops each form a one-hydrogen bond pair. In the 1.52 Å structure, CUGb, the 5' UU dangling end is tucked into the major groove of the duplex. While the canonically paired bases show no change in base pairing, in CUGb the terminal 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loops now form two hydrogen-bonded pairs. Thus, the shift in the major groove induced by the 5' UU dangling end alters noncanonical base patterns. Collectively, these structures indicate that 1 × 1 nucleotide UU internal loops in DM1 may sample multiple conformations in vivo. This observation has implications for the recognition of this RNA, and other repeating transcripts, by protein and small molecule ligands.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 RNA Crystal Structures Reveal Heterogeneous 1 × 1 Nucleotide UU Internal Loop Conformations

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

Kumar, Amit; Park, HaJeung; Fang, Pengfei

2012-03-27

RNA internal loops often display a variety of conformations in solution. Herein, we visualize conformational heterogeneity in the context of the 5'CUG/3'GUC repeat motif present in the RNA that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Specifically, two crystal structures of a model DM1 triplet repeating construct, 5'r[{und UU}GGGC(C{und U}G){sub 3}GUCC]{sub 2}, refined to 2.20 and 1.52 {angstrom} resolution are disclosed. Here, differences in the orientation of the 5' dangling UU end between the two structures induce changes in the backbone groove width, which reveals that noncanonical 1 x 1 nucleotide UU internal loops can display an ensemble of pairing conformations.more » In the 2.20 {angstrom} structure, CUGa, the 5' UU forms a one hydrogen-bonded pair with a 5' UU of a neighboring helix in the unit cell to form a pseudoinfinite helix. The central 1 x 1 nucleotide UU internal loop has no hydrogen bonds, while the terminal 1 x 1 nucleotide UU internal loops each form a one-hydrogen bond pair. In the 1.52 {angstrom} structure, CUGb, the 5' UU dangling end is tucked into the major groove of the duplex. While the canonically paired bases show no change in base pairing, in CUGb the terminal 1 x 1 nucleotide UU internal loops now form two hydrogen-bonded pairs. Thus, the shift in the major groove induced by the 5' UU dangling end alters noncanonical base patterns. Collectively, these structures indicate that 1 x 1 nucleotide UU internal loops in DM1 may sample multiple conformations in vivo. This observation has implications for the recognition of this RNA, and other repeating transcripts, by protein and small molecule ligands.« less

Geologic mapping of Europa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greeley, R.; Figueredo, P.H.; Williams, D.A.; Chuang, F.C.; Klemaszewski, J.E.; Kadel, S.D.; Prockter, L.M.; Pappalardo, R.T.; Head, J. W.; Collins, G.C.; Spaun, N.A.; Sullivan, R.J.; Moore, Johnnie N.; Senske, D.A.; Tufts, B.R.; Johnson, T.V.; Belton, M.J.S.; Tanaka, K.L.

2000-01-01

Galileo data enable the major geological units, structures, and surface features to be identified on Europa. These include five primary units (plains, chaos, band, ridge, and crater materials) and their subunits, along with various tectonic structures such as faults. Plains units are the most widespread. Ridged plains material spans a wide range of geological ages, including the oldest recognizable features on Europa, and appears to represent a style of tectonic resurfacing, rather than cryovolcanism. Smooth plains material typically embays other terrains and units, possibly as a type of fluid emplacement, and is among the youngest material units observed. At global scales, plains are typically mapped as undifferentiated plains material, although in some areas differences can be discerned in the near infrared which might be related to differences in ice grain size. Chaos material is composed of plains and other preexisting materials that have been severely disrupted by inferred internal activity; chaos is characterized by blocks of icy material set in a hummocky matrix. Band material is arrayed in linear, curvilinear, wedge-shaped, or cuspate zones with contrasting albedo and surface textures with respect to the surrounding terrain. Bilateral symmetry observed in some bands and the relationships with the surrounding units suggest that band material forms by the lithosphere fracturing, spreading apart, and infilling with material derived from the subsurface. Ridge material is mapped as a unit on local and some regional maps but shown with symbols at global scales. Ridge material includes single ridges, doublet ridges, and ridge complexes. Ridge materials are considered to represent tectonic processes, possibly accompanied by the extrusion or intrusion of subsurface materials, such as diapirs. The tectonic processes might be related to tidal flexing of the icy lithosphere on diurnal or longer timescales. Crater materials include various interior (smooth central, rough inner, and annular massif) and exterior (continuous ejecta) subunits. Structural features and landforms are shown with conventional symbols. Type localities for the units are identified, along with suggestions for portraying the features on geological maps, including colors and letter abbreviations for material units. Implementing these suggestions by the planetary mapping community would facilitate comparisons of maps for different parts of Europa and contribute to an eventual global synthesis of its complex geology. On the basis of initial mapping results, a stratigraphic sequence is suggested in which ridged plains form the oldest unit on Europa, followed by development of band material and individual ridges. Band materials tend to be somewhat older than ridges, but in many areas the two units formed simultaneously. Similarly, the formation of most chaos follows the development of ridged plains; although chaos is among the youngest materials on Europa, some chaos units might have formed contemporaneously with ridged plains. Smooth plains generally embay all other units and are late-stage in the evolution of the surface. C1 craters are superposed on ridged plains but are crosscut by other materials, including bands and ridges. Most c2 craters postdate all other units, but a few c2 craters are cut by ridge material. C3 craters constitute the youngest recognizable material on Europa. Copyright 2000 by the American Geophysical Union.

3 CFR - Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... United States. United States-bound trafficking in cocaine through the Caribbean dramatically increased... drug producer or transit zone, the region is a growing concern. The destabilizing effects of increasing... estimates that cocaine trafficking in West Africa generates approximately $1.25 billion at wholesale prices...

75 FR 67019 - Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-01

... base, and crack cocaine, primarily from Bolivia; and marijuana. The United States recognizes Brazil's... high- potency marijuana that is trafficked to the United States. The frequent mixing of methamphetamine... and synthetic drugs including marijuana, MDMA, and methamphetamine are produced in Canada and...

3 CFR - Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... marijuana. The United States recognizes Brazil's emergence as a forward-leaning regional leader for... high-potency marijuana that is trafficked to the United States. The frequent mixing of methamphetamine... and synthetic drugs including marijuana, MDMA, and methamphetamine are produced in Canada and...

Sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, and seismic structures of the lower intermediate confining unit and most of the Floridan aquifer system, Broward County, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cunningham, Kevin J.; Kluesner, Jared W.; Westcott, Richard L.; Robinson, Edward; Walker, Cameron; Khan, Shakira A.

2017-12-08

Deep well injection and disposal of treated wastewater into the highly transmissive saline Boulder Zone in the lower part of the Floridan aquifer system began in 1971. The zone of injection is a highly transmissive hydrogeologic unit, the Boulder Zone, in the lower part of the Floridan aquifer system. Since the 1990s, however, treated wastewater injection into the Boulder Zone in southeastern Florida has been detected at three treated wastewater injection utilities in the brackish upper part of the Floridan aquifer system designated for potential use as drinking water. At a time when usage of the Boulder Zone for treated wastewater disposal is increasing and the utilization of the upper part of the Floridan aquifer system for drinking water is intensifying, there is an urgency to understand the nature of cross-formational fluid flow and identify possible fluid pathways from the lower to upper zones of the Floridan aquifer system. To better understand the hydrogeologic controls on groundwater movement through the Floridan aquifer system in southeastern Florida, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Broward County Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division conducted a 3.5-year cooperative study from July 2012 to December 2015. The study characterizes the sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, and seismic structures of the lower part of the intermediate confining unit aquifer and most of the Floridan aquifer system.Data obtained to meet the study objective include 80 miles of high-resolution, two-dimensional (2D), seismic-reflection profiles acquired from canals in eastern Broward County. These profiles have been used to characterize the sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, and seismic structures in a 425-square-mile study area. Horizon mapping of the seismic-reflection profiles and additional data collection from well logs and cores or cuttings from 44 wells were focused on construction of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of eight sequence stratigraphic cycles that compose the Eocene to Miocene Oldsmar, Avon Park, and Arcadia Formations. The mapping of these seismic-reflection and well data has produced a refined Cenozoic sequence stratigraphic, seismic stratigraphic, and hydrogeologic framework of southeastern Florida. The upward transition from the Oldsmar Formation to the Avon Park Formation and the Arcadia Formation embodies the evolution from (1) a tropical to subtropical, shallow-marine, carbonate platform, represented by the Oldsmar and Avon Park Formations, to (2) a broad, temperate, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic shallow marine shelf, represented by the lower part of the Arcadia Formation, and to (3) a temperate, distally steepened carbonate ramp represented by the upper part of the Arcadia Formation.In the study area, the depositional sequences and seismic sequences have a direct correlation with hydrogeologic units. The approximate upper boundary of four principal permeable units of the Floridan aquifer system (Upper Floridan aquifer, Avon Park permeable zone, uppermost major permeable zone of the Lower Floridan aquifer, and Boulder Zone) have sequence stratigraphic and seismic-reflection signatures that were identified on cross sections, mapped, or both, and therefore the sequence stratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy were used to guide the development of a refined spatial representation of these hydrogeologic units. In all cases, the permeability of the four permeable units is related to stratiform megaporosity generated by ancient dissolution of carbonate rock associated with subaerial exposure and unconformities at the upper surfaces of carbonate depositional cycles of several hierarchical scales ranging from high-frequency cycles to depositional sequences. Additionally, interparticle porosity also contributes substantially to the stratiform permeability in much of the Upper Floridan aquifer. Information from seismic stratigraphy allowed 3D geomodeling of hydrogeologic units—an approach never before applied to this area. Notably, the 3D geomodeling provided 3D visualizations and geocellular models of the depositional sequences, hydrostratigraphy, and structural features. The geocellular data could be used to update the hydrogeologic structure inherent to groundwater flow simulations that are designed to address the sustainability of the water resources of the Floridan aquifer system.Two kinds of pathways that could enable upward cross-formational flow of injected treated wastewater from the Boulder Zone have been identified in the 80 miles of high-resolution seismic data collected for this study: a near-vertical reverse fault and karst collapse structures. The single reverse fault, inferred to be of tectonic origin, is in extreme northeastern Broward County and has an offset of about 19 feet at the level of the Arcadia Formation. Most of the 17 karst collapse structures identified manifest as columniform, vertically stacked sagging seismic reflections that span early Eocene to Miocene age rocks equivalent to much of the Floridan aquifer system and the lower part of the overlying intermediate confining unit. In some cases, the seismic-sag structures extend upward into strata of Pliocene age. The seismic-sag structures are interpreted to have a semicircular shape in plan view on the basis of comparison to (1) other seismic-sag structures in southeastern Florida mapped with two 2D seismic cross lines or 3D data, (2) comparison to these structures located in other carbonate provinces, and (3) plausible extensional ring faults detected with multi-attribute analysis. The seismic-sag structures in the study area have heights as great as 2,500 vertical feet, though importantly, one spans about 7,800 feet. Both multi-attribute analysis and visual detection of offset of seismic reflections within the seismic-sag structures indicate faults and fractures are associated with many of the structures. Multi-attribute analysis highlighting chimney fluid pathways also indicates that the seismic-sag structures have a high probability for potential vertical cross-formational fluid flow along the faulted and fractured structures. A collapse of the seismic-sag structures within a deep burial setting evokes an origin related to hypogenic karst processes by ascending flow of subsurface fluids. In addition, paleo-epigenic karst related to major regional subaerial unconformities within the Florida Platform generated collapse structures (paleo-sinkholes) that are much smaller in scale than the cross-formational seismic-sag structures.

Structure, age and origin of the bay-mouth shoal deposits, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colman, Steven M.; Berquist, C.R.; Hobbs, C. H.

1988-01-01

The mouth of Chesapeake Bay contains a distinctive shoal complex and related deposits that result from the complex interaction of three different processes: (1) progradation of a barrier spit at the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, (2) strong, reversing tidal currents that transport and rework sediment brought to the bay mouth from the north, and (3) landward (bayward) net non-tidal circulation and sediment transport. Together, these processes play a major role in changing the configuration of the estuary and filling it with sediment. The deposits at the mouth of the bay hold keys both to the evolution of the bay during the Holocene transgression and to the history of previous generations of the bay. The deposit associated with the shoals at the mouth of the bay, the bay-mouth sand, is a distinct stratigraphic unit composed mostly of uniform, gray, fine sand. The position and internal structure of the unit shows that it is related to near-present sea level, and thus is less than a few thousand years old. The processes affecting the upper surface of the deposit and the patterns of erosion and deposition at this surface are complex, but the geometry and structure of the deposit indicate that it is a coherent unit that is prograding bayward and tending to fill the estuary. The source of the bay-mouth sand is primarily outside the bay in the nearshore zone of the Delmarva Peninsula and on the inner continental shelf. The internal structure of the deposit, its surface morphology, its heavy-mineral composition, bottom-current studies, comparative bathymetry, and sediment budgets all suggest that sand is brought to the bay mouth by southerly longshore drift along the Delmarva Peninsula and then swept into the bay. In addition to building the southward- and bayward-prograding bay-mouth sand, these processes result in sand deposition tens of kilometers into the bay. ?? 1988.

Citronelle Dome: A giant opportunity for multizone carbon storage and enhanced oil recovery in the Mississippi Interior Salt Basin of Alabama

USGS Publications Warehouse

Esposito, R.A.; Pashin, J.C.; Walsh, P.M.

2008-01-01

The Citronelle Dome is a giant, salt-cored anticline in the eastern Mississippi Interior Salt Basin of southern Alabama that is located near several large-scale, stationary, carbon-emitting sources in the greater Mobile area. The dome forms an elliptical, four-way structural closure containing opportunities for CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) and large-capacity saline reservoir CO2 sequestration. The Citronelle oil field, located on the crest of the dome, has produced more than 169 million bbl of 42-46?? API gravity oil from sandstone bodies in the Lower Cretaceous Rodessa Formation. The top seal for the oil accumulation is a thick succession of shale and anhydrite, and the reservoir is underfilled such that oil-water contacts are typically elevated 30-60 m (100-200 ft) above the structural spill point. Approximately 31-34% of the original oil in place has been recovered by primary and secondary methods, and CO2-EOR has the potential to increase reserves by up to 20%. Structural contour maps of the dome demonstrate that the area of structural closure increases upward in section. Sandstone units providing prospective carbon sinks include the Massive and Pilot sands of the lower Tuscaloosa Group, as well as several sandstone units in the upper Tuscaloosa Group and the Eutaw Formation. Many of these sandstone units are characterized by high porosity and permeability with low heterogeneity. The Tuscaloosa-Eutaw interval is capped by up to 610 m (2000 ft) of chalk and marine shale that are proven reservoir seals in nearby oil fields. Therefore, the Citronelle Dome can be considered a major geologic sink where CO2 can be safely stored while realizing the economic benefits associated with CO2-EOR. Copyright ?? 2008. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists/Division of Environmental Geosciences. All rights reserved.

How steep are the Alps?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robl, Jörg; Prasicek, Günther; Stüwe, Kurt; Hergarten, Stefan

2014-05-01

The topography of the European Alps reflects continental collision, crustal thickening and buoyancy driven surface uplift, overprinted by erosional processes. Topographic gradients generally steepen from the valley floors up to about 1500 m - 2000 m followed by an unexpected decrease in slope up to about 2900 m and a further increase to the highest summits of the range. Several studies have interpreted this pattern and the accompanied maximum in the hypsometric curve in terms of either the critical slope stability angle, the prematurity of the Alps caused by recent tectonic uplift, or the effect of the glacial "buzz saw" related to the Pleistocene glaciation cycles. There is consensus that the lithological inventory represents a first order parameter for the steepness of fluvial channels and the angle of hillslopes in steady state and that the response time of a transient landscape is controlled by lithology. In this study we systematically explore the slope-elevation distributions for several hundred continuous domains of the major structural units of the Alps. For this, we apply a novel numerical code to determine the predominant cause for the observed peculiar topography. We compare adjacent alpine domains with contrasting lithology to explore lithological effects on the limiting slope stability angle. We analyze domains with different lithology in the non-glaciated parts of the orogen to highlight the state of maturity related to a recent uplift event. We evaluate the glacial effects on the landscape by the comparison of areas belonging to the same structural units but affected by a variable amount of glacial imprint. The results show that lithology has a major impact on the morphometric characteristics of the European Alps. Adjacent but different structural units show a significant variability in their slope-elevation distributions although they have experienced the same uplift history and the same amount of glacial imprint. This suggests that the response time and process rates in transient landscapes are predominantly governed by the lithological inventory. Areas belonging to the same structural unit show similar characteristics in the slope-elevation distribution independent from their spatial position within the orogen (e.g. external massifs). These similarities are probably caused by the vertical position of the Pleistocene equilibrium line altitude - an observation well in line with the glacial "buzz saw" hypothesis. However, several non-glaciated regions at the eastern and south-western border of the Alps show a slope-elevation relation similar to formerly glaciated domains. However, in contrast to the glaciated realm, the inflection point in the slope-elevation distribution is located at various elevation levels and is consistent with a reported recent pulse of uplift with spatial and/or temporal variations in uplift rate and initiation. Therefore, we interpret the slope-elevation distribution of the European Alps to be mainly caused by glacial erosion. The morphological record of a recent uplift event in the Alps has probably been overprinted by Pleistocene glaciations and may therefore only be detectable in non-glaciated regions of the peripheral parts of the Alps and in subsurface structures.

PRSEUS Pressure Cube Test Data and Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.

2013-01-01

NASA s Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Program is examining the hybrid wing body (HWB) aircraft, among others, in an effort to increase the fuel efficiency of commercial aircraft. The HWB design combines features of a flying wing with features of conventional transport aircraft, and has the advantage of simultaneously increasing both fuel efficiency and payload. Recent years have seen an increased focus on the structural performance of the HWB. The key structural challenge of a HWB airframe is the ability to create a cost and weight efficient, non-circular, pressurized shell. Conventional round fuselage sections react cabin pressure by hoop tension. However, the structural configuration of the HWB subjects the majority of the structural panels to bi-axial, in-plane loads in addition to the internal cabin pressure, which requires more thorough examination and analysis than conventional transport aircraft components having traditional and less complex load paths. To address this issue, while keeping structural weights low, extensive use of advanced composite materials is made. This report presents the test data and preliminary conclusions for a pressurized cube test article that utilizes Boeing's Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS), and which is part of the building block approach used for HWB development.

On the inversion of the 1 Bu and 2 Ag electronic states in α,ω-diphenylpolyenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catalán, J.

2003-07-01

An alternative model to that of the inversion of the states 1Bu and 2Ag is proposed for interpreting the photophysics of the α,ω-diphenylpolyenes. This model is based upon the existence of two chemical structures with Bu symmetry, which may be ascribed to the same excited electronic state 1Bu. One of the two chemical structures corresponds to the Franck-Condon structure with conjugated single and double bonds for the polyene chain, and another consists of a nearly equivalent series of partial double bonds along the polyene chain. The latter relaxed structure is consistent with the observation of high torsional energy barriers and low photoisomerization quantum yields for diphenylhexatriene in the singlet excited state manifold. Interestingly, such a simple quantum model as that of the particle in a one-dimensional box provides quite an accurate description of the absorption spectroscopic properties of these major compounds. This is partly the result of the most stable structures for these compounds being of the all-trans type; such structures increase in length as additional ethylene units are added, which makes them very similar to a one-dimensional box becoming increasingly longer.

The crystal structure of human GDP-L-fucose synthase.

PubMed

Zhou, Huan; Sun, Lihua; Li, Jian; Xu, Chunyan; Yu, Feng; Liu, Yahui; Ji, Chaoneng; He, Jianhua

2013-09-01

Human GDP-l-fucose synthase, also known as FX protein, synthesizes GDP-l-fucose from its substrate GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-mannose. The reaction involves epimerization at both C-3 and C-5 followed by an NADPH-dependent reduction of the carbonyl at C-4. In this paper, the first crystal structure of human FX protein was determined at 2.37 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure contains four molecules which form two homodimers. Each molecule consists of two domains, a Rossmann-fold NADPH-binding motif and a carboxyl terminal domain. Compared with the Escherichia coli GDP-l-fucose synthase, the overall structures of these two enzymes have four major differences. There are four loops in the structure of human FX protein corresponding to two α-helices and two β-sheets in that of the E. coli enzyme. Besides, there are seven different amino acid residues binding with NAPDH comparing human FX protein with that from E. coli. The structure of human FX reveals the key catalytic residues and could be useful for the design of drugs for the treatment of inflammation, auto-immune diseases, and possibly certain types of cancer.

Litho-structural analysis of eastern part of Ilesha schist belt, Southwestern Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fagbohun, Babatunde Joseph; Adeoti, Blessing; Aladejana, Olabanji Odunayo

2017-09-01

The Ilesha schist belt is an excellent example of high strain shear belt within basement complex of southwestern Nigeria which is part of the larger West African Shield. The Ilesha schist belt is characterised by metasediment-metavolcanic, migmatite-gneiss and older granite rocks and the occurrence of a Shear zone which has been traced to and correlated with the central Hoggar Neoproterozoic shear zone as part of the Trans-Saharan Belt. Although the area is interesting in terms of geologic-tectonic setting, however, detailed geological assessment and structural interpretation of features in this area is lacking due accessibility problem. For these reasons we applied principal component analysis (PCA) and band ratio (BR) techniques on Landsat 8 OLI data for lithological discrimination while for structural interpretation, filtering techniques of edge enhancement and edge detection was applied on digital elevation model (DEM) acquired by shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) sensor. The PCA outperform BR for discrimination between quartzite and granite which are the most exposed rock units in the area. For structural interpretation, DEM was used to generate shaded relief model and edge maps which enable detailed structural interpretation. Geologic fieldwork was further conducted to validate structures and units identified from image processing. Based image interpretation, three deformation events were identified. The first event (D1) which is majorly a ductile deformation produced foliations and folds whose axial planes trend in NNE-SSW. The second event (D2) resulted in reactivation and rotation of the D1 structures particularly the folds in the NE-SW. The third event (D3) produced a transgressive deformation starting with the ductile deformation resulting in the development of sigmoidal structures oriented in NE-SW to E-W direction and the brittle deformation occurring at later stages producing fractures oriented in the E-W to NE-SW directions. These results have important implications in terms of regional tectonics and geological mapping as well as in land-use planning and other areas such as hydrogeology or geotechnics.

Three-dimensional geologic framework modeling of faulted hydrostratigraphic units within the Edwards Aquifer, Northern Bexar County, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pantea, Michael P.; Cole, James C.

2004-01-01

This report describes a digital, three-dimensional faulted hydrostratigraphic model constructed to represent the geologic framework of the Edwards aquifer system in the area of San Antonio, northern Bexar County, Texas. The model is based on mapped geologic relationships that reflect the complex structures of the Balcones fault zone, detailed lithologic descriptions and interpretations of about 40 principal wells (and qualified data from numerous other wells), and a conceptual model of the gross geometry of the Edwards Group units derived from prior interpretations of depositional environments and paleogeography. The digital model depicts the complicated intersections of numerous major and minor faults in the subsurface, as well as their individual and collective impacts on the continuity of the aquifer-forming units of the Edwards Group and the Georgetown Formation. The model allows for detailed examination of the extent of fault dislocation from place to place, and thus the extent to which the effective cross-sectional area of the aquifer is reduced by faulting. The model also depicts the internal hydrostratigraphic subdivisions of the Edwards aquifer, consisting of three major and eight subsidiary hydrogeologic units. This geologic framework model is useful for visualizing the geologic structures within the Balcones fault zone and the interactions of en-echelon fault strands and flexed connecting fault-relay ramps. The model also aids in visualizing the lateral connections between hydrostratigraphic units of relatively high and low permeability across the fault strands. Introduction The Edwards aquifer is the principal source of water for municipal, agricultural, industrial, and military uses by nearly 1.5 million inhabitants of the greater San Antonio, Texas, region (Hovorka and others, 1996; Sharp and Banner, 1997). Discharges from the Edwards aquifer also support local recreation and tourism industries at Barton, Comal, and San Marcos Springs located northeast of San Antonio (Barker and others, 1994), as well as base flow for agricultural applications farther downstream. Average annual discharge from large springs (Comal, San Marcos, Hueco, and others) from the Edwards aquifer was about 365,000 acre-ft from 1934 to1998, with sizeable fluctuations related to annual variations in rainfall. Withdrawals through pumping have increased steadily from about 250,000 acre-ft during the 1960s to over 400,000 acre-ft in the 1990s in response to population growth, especially in the San Antonio metropolitan area (Slattery and Brown, 1999). Average annual recharge to the system (determined through stream gaging) has also varied considerably with annual rainfall fluctuations, but has been about 635,000 acre-ft over the last several decades.

Structurally integrated steel solar collector

DOEpatents

Moore, Stanley W.

1977-03-08

Herein is disclosed a flat plate solar heat collector unit. The solar collector is integrated as a structural unit so that the collector also functions as the building roof. The functions of efficient heat collection, liquid coolant flow passages, roof structural support and building insulation are combined into one unit.

Structurally integrated steel solar collector

DOEpatents

Moore, S.W.

1975-06-03

Herein is disclosed a flate plate solar heat collector unit. The solar collector is integrated as a structural unit so that the collector also functions as the building roof. The functions of efficient heat collection, liquid coolant flow passages, roof structural support, and building insulation are combined into one unit.

Mineral resource of the month: lead

USGS Publications Warehouse

Guberman, David

2004-01-01

The United States is a major producer and consumer of refined lead, representing almost one quarter of total world production and consumption. Two mines in Alaska and six in Missouri accounted for 97 percent of domestic lead production in 2002. The United States also imports enough refined lead to satisfy almost 20 percent of domestic consumption. Other major producers or consumers of refined lead in the world are Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.

National Water-Quality Assessment Program: The Sacramento River Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Domagalski, Joseph L.; Brown, Larry R.

1994-01-01

In 1991, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began to implement a full-scale National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. The long-term goals of the NAWQA program are to describe the status of and trends in the quality of a large, representative part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources and to identify the major natural and human factors that affect the quality of those resources. In addressing these goals, the program will provide a wealth of water- quality information that will be useful to policy makers and managers at the national, State, and local levels. A major asset of the NAWQA program is that it will allow for the integration of water-quality information collected at several scales. A major component of the program is the study-unit investigation-the foundation of national- level assessment. The 60 study units of the NAWQA program are hydrologic systems that include parts of most major river basins and aquifer systems of the conterminous United States. These study units cover areas of 1,000 to more than 60,000 square miles and represent 60 to 70 percent of the Nation's water use and population served by public water supplies. Investigations of the first 20 study units began in 1991. In 1994, the Sacramento River Basin was among the second set of 20 NAWQA study units selected for investigation.

Manipulatives-Based Laboratory for Majors Biology – a Hands-On Approach to Understanding Respiration and Photosynthesis †

PubMed Central

Boomer, Sarah M.; Latham, Kristin L.

2011-01-01

The first course in our year-long introductory series for Biology majors encompasses four learning units: biological molecules and cells, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. Of these, the metabolism unit, which includes respiration and photosynthesis, has shown the lowest student exam scores, least interest, and lowest laboratory ratings. Consequently, we hypothesized that modeling metabolic processes in the laboratory would improve student content learning during this course unit. Specifically, we developed manipulatives-based laboratory exercises that combined paper cutouts, movable blocks, and large diagrams of the cell. In particular, our novel use of connecting LEGO blocks allowed students to move model electrons and phosphates between molecules and within defined spaces of the cell. We assessed student learning using both formal (content indicators and attitude surveys) and informal (the identification of misconceptions or discussions with students) approaches. On the metabolism unit content exam, student performance improved by 46% over pretest scores and by the end of the course, the majority of students rated metabolism as their most-improved (43%) and favorite (33%) subject as compared with other unit topics. The majority of students rated manipulatives-based labs as very helpful, as compared to non-manipulatives-based labs. In this report, we will demonstrate that students made learning gains across all content areas, but most notably in the unit that covered respiration and photosynthesis. PMID:23653756

The symptom cluster-based approach to individualize patient-centered treatment for major depression.

PubMed

Lin, Steven Y; Stevens, Michael B

2014-01-01

Unipolar major depressive disorder is a common, disabling, and costly disease that is the leading cause of ill health, early death, and suicide in the United States. Primary care doctors, in particular family physicians, are the first responders in this silent epidemic. Although more than a dozen different antidepressants in 7 distinct classes are widely used to treat depression in primary care, there is no evidence that one drug is superior to another. Comparative effectiveness studies have produced mixed results, and no specialty organization has published recommendations on how to choose antidepressants in a rational, evidence-based manner. In this article we present the theory and evidence for an individualized, patient-centered treatment model for major depression designed around a targeted symptom cluster-based approach to antidepressant selection. When using this model for healthy adults with major depressive disorder, the choice of antidepressants should be guided by the presence of 1 of 4 common symptom clusters: anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and pain. This model was built to foster future research, provide a logical framework for teaching residents how to select antidepressants, and equip primary care doctors with a structured treatment strategy to deliver optimal patient-centered care in the management of a debilitating disease: major depressive disorder.

3D structure of a complex of transform basins from gravity data, a case study from the central Dead Sea fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenthal, Michal; Schattner, Uri; Ben-Avraham, Zvi

2017-04-01

The Kinneret-Bet She'an (KBS) basin complex comprises the Sea of Galilee, Kinarot, and Bet She'an sub-basins. The complex developed at the intersection between two major tectonic boundaries: the Oligo-Miocene Azraq-Sirhan failed rift, that later developed into the southern Galilee basins and Carmel-Gilboa fault system; and the Dead Sea fault (DSF) plate boundary that developed since the Miocene. Despite numerous studies, KBS still remains one of the enigmatic basin complexes. Its structure, stratigraphy and development are vaguely understood - both inside the basin and in correlation with its surroundings. Our study presents a new and comprehensive 3D model for the structure of KBS complex. It is based on all available gravity measurements, adopted from the national gravity database, and new gravity measurements, collected in cooperation with the Geological Survey of Israel and funded by the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources. The gravity data were integrated with constraints from boreholes, surface geology, seismic surveys, potential field studies and teleseismic tomography. The dense distribution of gravity data [1] provides suitable coverage for modeling the deep structure in three dimensions. The model details the spatial distribution, depth, thickness and density of the following regional units within the KBS complex and across its surroundings: upper crust, pre-Senonian sediments, Senonian and Cenozoic sediments, Miocene volcanics, Pliocene and Quaternary volcanics. Additional local units include salt, gabbro and pyroclasts. Results indicate that the KBS complex comprises two sub-basins separated by a structural saddle: Kinneret-Kinarot ( 6-7 km deep, 45 km long) and Bet She'an ( 4 km deep, 10 km long) sub-basin. A 500 m thick layer of Miocene volcanics appears across the Bet She'an sub-basin, yet missing from the Kinneret-Kinarot sub-basin. Between the basins Zemah-1 borehole penetrated a salt unit. The model indicates that this unit is a part of a thick (1250 m) dome-shaped, perhaps diapiric, structure. A relatively thin (350 m) salt unit fills the Kinneret-Kinarot sub-basin. Above, a 700 m thick layer of Pliocene volcanics fills the entire KBS complex. These volcanics are uplifted in the Zemah area by 200 m. The Pliocene volcanics dip northward from Zemah towards the center of the Sea of Galilee, and further north the Pliocene volcanics dip southward from Korazim towards the center of the Sea of Galilee. The depth differences exceed 3 km across a distance of 15 km, forming a 11° slope below the younger Quaternary fill of the basin. A low-density, probably pyroclastic, lens is calculated within the uppermost 2 km of the Sea of Galilee fill. Scenarios for the development of the basin are discussed. [1] Rosenthal, M., Segev, A., Rybakov, M., Lyakhovsky, V. and Ben-Avraham, Z. (2015) The deep structure and density distribution of northern Israel and its surroundings. GSI Report No. GSI/12/2015, 33 pages, Jerusalem.

An energy and cost efficient majority-based RAM cell in quantum-dot cellular automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosroshahy, Milad Bagherian; Moaiyeri, Mohammad Hossein; Navi, Keivan; Bagherzadeh, Nader

Nanotechnologies, notably quantum-dot cellular automata, have achieved major attentions for their prominent features as compared to the conventional CMOS circuitry. Quantum-dot cellular automata, particularly owning to its considerable reduction in size, high switching speed and ultra-low energy consumption, is considered as a potential alternative for the CMOS technology. As the memory unit is one of the most essential components in a digital system, designing a well-optimized QCA random access memory (RAM) cell is an important area of research. In this paper, a new five-input majority gate is presented which is suitable for implementing efficient single-layer QCA circuits. In addition, a new RAM cell with set and reset capabilities is designed based on the proposed majority gate, which has an efficient and low-energy structure. The functionality, performance and energy consumption of the proposed designs are evaluated based on the QCADesigner and QCAPro tools. According to the simulation results, the proposed RAM design leads to on average 38% lower total energy dissipation, 25% smaller area, 20% lower cell count, 28% lower delay and 60% lower QCA cost as compared to its previous counterparts.

Lakshmi Planum, Venus: Assessment of models using observations from geological mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, M. A.; Head, J. W.

2008-09-01

Introduction: Lakshmi Planum is a highstanding plateau (3.5-4.5 km above MPR) surrounded by the highest mountain ranges on Venus [1-6]. Lakshmi represents a unique type of elevated region different from dome-shaped and rifted rises and tessera-bearing plateaus. The unique characteristics of Lakshmi suggest that it formed by an unusual combination of processes. Lakshmi was studied with Venera-15/16 [7-10, 5,11] and Magellan data [12-14], resulting in two classes of models, divergent and convergent, to explain its unusual characteristics. Divergent models explain Lakshmi as a site of mantle upwelling [10,15-18] due to rising and subsequent collapse of a mantle diapir; such models explain emplacement of a lava plateau inside Lakshmi and, in some circumstances, formation of the mountain ranges. The convergent models consider Lakshmi as a locus of mantle downwelling, convergence, underthrusting, and possible subduction [19,11,20-29]. Key features in these models are the mountain ranges, high topography of Lakshmi interior, and the large volcanic centers in the plateau center. These divergent and convergent models entail principally different mechanisms of formation and suggest different geodynamic regimes on Venus. Almost all models make either explicit or implicit predictions about the type and sequence of major events during formation and evolution of Lakshmi and thus detailed geological mapping can be used to test them. Here we present the results of such geological mapping (the V-7 quadrangle, 50- 75N, 300-360E; scale 1:5M) that allows testing the proposed models for Lakshmi. Material units: Eleven material units make up the V-7 quadrangle. (1) Tessera (t), exposed inside and outside Lakshmi appears to be the oldest material. (2) Densely lineated plains (pdl) postdate tessera and form one of the oldest units; patches occur outside Lakshmi Planum. (3) Ridged plains (pr) postdate pdl and occur outside Lakshmi. (4) Shield plains (psh) display abundant small shields (small volcanoes), embay the previous units and occur outside Lakshmi. (5) Pitted and grooved material (pgm) displays small pits and is cut by broad and shallow groove; it occurs inside Lakshmi in association with mountain ranges. (6) Lower unit of regional plains (rp1) has a smooth surface, is cut by wrinkle ridges; this most widespread unit occurs inside and outside of Lakshmi Planum. (7) Upper unit of regional plains (rp2) is also deformed by wrinkle ridges but has lobate boundaries and higher radar albedo than rp1; occurs both inside and outside Lakshmi. (8) Lobate plains (pl) is characterized by lobate flows that embay the most tectonic structures including wrinkle ridges; form fluctuses outside Lakshmi and surround Colette and Sacajawea Paterae inside the plateau. (9) Smooth plains (ps) have uniform and low radar albedo, embay wrinkle ridges; largest occurrence in southern portion of Lakshmi. (10) Impact craters (c) and (11) crater outflow deposits (cf); peppered throughout without preferential concentrations. Structures: Extensional structures. In places, fractures and graben form belts (groove belts, gb) that extend for hundreds of kilometers mostly within the southern regional slope of Lakshmi where they cut pdl and pr and are embayed by psh and rp1. Contractional structures. Wrinkle ridges mildly deform psh and regional plains; broader and more linear ridges dominate ridged plains (pr). The most important occurrences of contractional structures are mountain belts (unit mt) that surround the interior of Lakshmi and consist of densely spaced ridges 5-15 km wide, tens of km long. Regional plains usually embay the ridges. Sequence of major events during evolution of Lakshmi Planum: Various plains units heavily embay fragments of tessera in all localities inside and outside Lakshmi. The consistent relationships of embayment and the complex and unique surface deformational pattern suggest that tessera represents the oldest material. Tessera distribution patterns suggest more extensive presence under younger plains units, forming basement. Densely fractured plains (pdl) appear younger than tessera; the largest massifs of pdl occur in Atropos and Itzpapalotl where plains are further deformed by broad ridges and to some degree resemble the tessera deformation patterns. The ridges are generally conformal to the strike of Akna/Freyja Montes, occur within large areas of pdl adjacent to the mountain ranges, and clearly relate to the orogenic phase of formation of mountain belts [10,16-19,11,20- 23,25,26,29]. Shield plains and regional plains embay mountainous ridges both outside and inside Lakshmi Planum, which implies that the orogenic phase was toward earlier stages of the observable geological history. Shield plains were emplaced after the main phase of mountain belt formation and before regional plains, but exclusively outside of the plateau. The lower unit of regional plains (rp1) postdates shield plains; occurrences are concentrated S of Lakshmi Planum and in the interior of Lakshmi. The thickness of unit rp1 is small because outliers of older units occur within the broad regional plains. Youngest units, smooth/lobate plains, are superposed on regional plains and undeformed by tectonic structures; they were emplaced after cessation of major tectonic activity. Smooth/lobate plains form extensive lava aprons around Colette and Sacajawea Paterae, representing the latest volcanic activity inside Lakshmi Planum. Testing models of Lakshmi Planum formation: Detailed geological analysis thus allows definition of map units, establishing the sequence of major events during formation of Lakshmi, and testing the suite of models proposed to explain the mechanisms of formation of this structure. The interpreted nature of units and the sequence of events strongly contradict the predictions of divergent models: 1) The very likely presence of an ancient (craton-like) tessera massif in the core of Lakshmi; such a core is inconsistent with the rise and collapse of a mantle diapir [10,15,16]. 2) The absence of a rift zone in the interior of Lakshmi; these zones appear to be a natural consequence of growth of surface topography due to diapiric rise [e.g. 30]. 3) The apparent migration of volcanic activity toward the center of Lakshmi; divergent models are consistent with the opposite trend. 4) The abrupt cessation of mountain range ridges at the edge and propagation over hundreds of kilometers outside Lakshmi in Atropos and Itzpapalotl Tesserae. Divergent models predict the opposite progression. Convergent models of formation and evolution of Lakshmi appear to be more consistent with the observations. The pure downwelling models [e.g. 23], however, faces three important difficulties. 1) The possibly unrealistically long time span that seems required to produce the major features of Lakshmi [31]. 2) The strongly asymmetrical N-S topographic profile of Lakshmi and striking difference in the height and thickness of the mountain belts to the NW and N (Akna and Freyja) and to the S of Lakshmi (Danu). The pure downwelling models would require formation of more symmetrical structure. 3) The absence of radial contractional structures (arches and ridges) in the interior of Lakshmi. These structures represent the predicted result of the downwelling models. Convergence models are most consistent with observations and explain the structure by collision and underthrusting/subduction of lower-lying plains with the elevated and rigid block of tessera [20-22]. These models are capable of explaining formation of the major features (e.g., mountain belts), the sequences of events, and principal volcanic and tectonic trends. To explain the N-S asymmetry of Lakshmi, however, these models have to consider major axes of collision to be N and NW of the plateau in Atropos and Itzpapalotl Tesserae. A plausible scenario for formation/evolution of Lakshmi Planum consists of the following stages (Fig. 1). (1) Pre-deformational configuration of western Ishtar; a layered suite of low-lying plains surrounded a tessera craton. (2) Compression from the N led to deformation of plains against the craton foreland and formation of higher mountain ranges; displacement of the craton may have caused formation of Danu Montes. (3) Continued underthrusting finally caused limited uplift of N mountain ranges and the N portion of Lakshmi, creating the plateau asymmetry; two different events may have followed, with or without delamination [33]. (4a) In the beginning of delamination, fertile mantle flowed toward the base of the massif, melted, and led to emplacement of rp1 in the Lakshmi interior. (5a) During mature stages of delamination, the deepest portion of the slab would start to melt to form the youngest lava plains at Colette and Sacajawea Paterae. (4b) If no delamination occurs then formation of unit rp1 could be due to broad melting of the underthrust slab as it crosses the melting isotherm. (5b) As underthrusting proceeded, the relatively colder slab deflected the isotherm downward and new deeper portions of the slab melted, producing the younger lavas near Lakshmi center. When either delamination or continued underthrusting waned, the thicker crust of the northern mountain ranges rose epeirogenically, which led to additional elevation of the ranges and the northern portion of Lakshmi. References: 1) Masursky, H., et al., 1980, JGR, 85, 8232; 2) Pettengill, G.H., et al., 1980, JGR, 85, 8261; 3) Campbell, D.B., et al., 1983, Science, 221 644; 4) Barsukov, V.L., et al., 1986, JGR, 91, D399; 5) Pronin, A.A., et al, 1986, AV, 20, 83 (in Russian); 6) Stofan, E. R., et al, 1987, EMP, 38, 183; 7) Solomon, S.C. and J.W. Head, 1984, JGR, 89, 6885; 8) Solomon, S.C. and J.W. Head, 1990, GRL, 17, 1393; 9) Sjogren W. L., et al., 1997, In: Venus II, 1125; 10) Pronin, A.A., 1986, Geotectonika, 20, 271 (in Russian); 11) Head, J.W. 1990, Geology, 18, 99; 12) Kaula, W.M., et al., 1992, JGR, 97, 16085; 13) Solomon, S.C., et al., 1992, JGR, 97, 13199; 14) Basilevsky, A.T. and J.W. Head, 1995, SSR, 29, 335; 15) Pronin, A.A., 1990, LPSC 21, 987; 16) Pronin, A.A., 1992, In: Venus Geology Geochemistry, and Geophysics, 68; 17) Grimm, R.E. and R.J. Phillips, 1990, GRL, 17, 1349; 18) Grimm, R.E., and R.J. Phillips, 1991, JGR, 96, 8305; 19) Head, J.W., 1986, LPSC 17, 323; 20) Head, J.W., et al., 1990, GRL, 17, 1337; 21) Roberts, K.M. and J.W. Head, 1990a, GRL, 17, 1341; 22) Roberts, K.M. and J.W. Head, 1990b, EMP, 50/51, 193; 23) Bindschadler, D.L., et al, 1990, GRL, 17, 1345; 24) Lenardic, A., et al, 1991, GRL, 18, 2209; 25) Hansen, V.L. and R.J. Phillips, 1993, LPSC 24, 603; 26) Hansen, V.L. and R.J. Phillips, 1995, Geology, 23, 292; 27) Keep, M. and V.L. Hansen, 1994, JGR, 99, 26015; 28) Ansan, V., et al., 1996, PSS, 44, 817; 29) Marinangeli, L., and M.S. Gilmore, 2000, JGR 105, 12053; 30) Condie, K.C., 2001, Mantle plumes and their record in Earth history, p. 306; 31) Kidder, J.G. and R.J. Phillips, 1996, JGR, 101, 23181; 33) Hess, P.C. and J.W. Head, 1990, EMP, 50/51, 57.

The struggle for inter-professional teamwork and collaboration in maternity care: Austrian health professionals' perspectives on the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

PubMed

Wieczorek, Christina C; Marent, Benjamin; Dorner, Thomas E; Dür, Wolfgang

2016-03-14

The health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well documented in the scientific literature. Research suggests that support of breastfeeding during pre- and postnatal maternity care is an important determinant of breastfeeding initiation and duration. To support and promote breastfeeding on maternity units, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched in 1991. In Austria, however, less than one fifth of hospitals with a maternity unit are currently BFHI-certified. Implementation of BFHI and adjunct changes in work practices seem to represent a major challenge to maternity units. This article builds upon previous research that has identified a number of facilitators of and barriers to BFHI implementation in Austria. A major barrier has been the lack of intra- and inter-professional collaboration. Therefore, this article investigates the ways in which different healthcare professionals struggle to work together to successfully integrate the BFHI into practice. In this study, a qualitative research approach was used. Thirty-six semi-structured interviews with 11 midwives, 11 nurses, 13 physicians, and one quality manager, working across three maternity units, were interviewed on-site. Data analysis followed thematic analysis. Midwives, nurses, and physicians had diverse approaches to childbirth and breastfeeding (medicalization vs. naturalness) and worked along different jurisdictions that became manifest in strict spatial divisions of maternity units. In their engagement within the BFHI, midwives, nurses, and physicians pursued different strategies (safeguarding vs. circumvention strategies). These differences hindered inter-professional teamwork and collaboration and, therefore, the integration of BFHI into practice. Differing approaches to childbirth and breastfeeding, deep seated professional jurisdictions, as well as spatial constraints, challenge inter-professional teamwork and collaboration on maternity units. Inter-professional teamwork and collaboration are widely espoused goals of contemporary healthcare improvement strategies. Yet, critical debate on how these goals can be integrated into practice is needed. To enable collaboration and facilitate the implementation of programs such as BFHI, the different perspectives of health professionals should be brought together and the potential for integrating different forms of knowledge and practices should be considered.

Hydrology of the Helena area bedrock, west-central Montana, 1993-98; with a section on geologic setting and a generalized bedrock geologic map

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thamke, Joanna N.; Reynolds, Mitchell W.

2000-01-01

The Generalized Bedrock Geologic Map of the Helena Area, West-Central Montana (plate 1 in the report) provides an intermediate-scale overview of bedrock in the Helena area. The geologic map has been compiled at a scale of 1:100,000 from the most widely available sources of geologic map information (see index to geologic mapping on pl. 1). That information has been updated by M.W. Reynolds for this report with more recent geologic mapping and field revision of published maps. All well locations and all bedrock units penetrated during drilling have been confirmed on geologic maps at the largest scale available. Source geologic maps are all at scales larger than 1:100,000 scale. Care has been taken to ensure accurate representation of the original geology at the compilation scale. However, positional accuracy of some features might be somewhat diminished at the smaller scale of the base map when compared with the original data source. Also, line thicknesses for contacts and faults necessarily assume a greater width, relative to the real geologic feature, at the scale of the generalized map than on any original map. The map is not intended for large-scale, site-specific detailed planning. Bedrock units throughout the Helena area are generally covered by young surficial deposits such as alluvium, colluvium, glacial debris, or windblown sediment. Thickness of such deposits varies from veneers through which the underlying bedrock is clearly discernible to major thicknesses that conceal all underlying bedrock and structure. Boundaries of major accumulations of surficial deposits are attributed separately from bedrock contacts. These boundaries should not be considered precise at the map scale or at larger scales. Boundaries shown may be less accurate positionally than bedrock contacts and faults because (1) surficial deposits commonly thin to a knife edge; (2) different mappers will interpret the edge differently when drawing a boundary; or (3) the original geologic map maker was concerned principally with bedrock units and structure and thus overlooked, or did not originally map as consistently, some surficial deposits. Veneers of surficial sediment, when saturated, can be local sources of recharge to underlying bedrock. Use of the generalized map to define their distribution does not substitute for site specific mapping of such deposits. Specific knowledge is needed to determine the water-bearing properties of the geologic units at and surrounding a site because the units, including the igneous and metamorphic rocks, have internal differences in stratigraphy, composition, mineralogy and grain size or crystallinity. These differences, together with structural imprints such as faults, folds, and the spacing, orientation, degree of openness of fractures, and extent and type of mineral filling in fractures and faults, all affect the ability of rocks to store and transmit water.

Medical students' perceptions of international accreditation.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Halah; Abdel-Razig, Sawsan; Nair, Satish C

2015-10-11

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of medical students in a developing medical education system towards international accreditation. Applicants to an Internal Medicine residency program in an academic medical center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) were surveyed between May and June 2014. The authors analysed responses using inductive qualitative thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. Seventy-eight of 96 applicants (81%) completed the survey. The vast majority of respondents 74 (95%) reported that ACGME-I accreditation was an important factor in selecting a residency program. Five major themes were identified, namely improving the quality of education, increasing opportunities, meeting high international standards, improving program structure, and improving patient care. Seven (10%) of respondents felt they would be in a position to pursue fellowship training or future employment in the United States upon graduation from an ACGME-I program. UAE trainees have an overwhelmingly positive perception of international accreditation, with an emphasis on improving the quality of training provided. Misperceptions, however, exist about potential opportunities available to graduates of ACGME-I programs. As more countries adopt the standards of the ACGME-I or other international accrediting bodies, it is important to recognize and foster trainee "buy-in" of educational reform initiatives.

Medical students’ perceptions of international accreditation

PubMed Central

Abdel-Razig, Sawsan; Nair, Satish C

2015-01-01

Objectives This study aimed to explore the perceptions of medical students in a developing medical education system towards international accreditation. Methods Applicants to an Internal Medicine residency program in an academic medical center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) were surveyed between May and June 2014. The authors analysed responses using inductive qualitative thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. Results Seventy-eight of 96 applicants (81%) completed the survey. The vast majority of respondents 74 (95%) reported that ACGME-I accreditation was an important factor in selecting a residency program. Five major themes were identified, namely improving the quality of education, increasing opportunities, meeting high international standards, improving program structure, and improving patient care. Seven (10%) of respondents felt they would be in a position to pursue fellowship training or future employment in the United States upon graduation from an ACGME-I program. Conclusions UAE trainees have an overwhelmingly positive perception of international accreditation, with an emphasis on improving the quality of training provided. Misperceptions, however, exist about potential opportunities available to graduates of ACGME-I programs. As more countries adopt the standards of the ACGME-I or other international accrediting bodies, it is important to recognize and foster trainee “buy-in” of educational reform initiatives. PMID:26454402

32 CFR 989.29 - Force structure and unit move proposals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Force structure and unit move proposals. 989.29 Section 989.29 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PROCESS (EIAP) § 989.29 Force structure and unit move...

Ancient and Medieval Earth in Armenia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farmanyan, S. V.

2015-07-01

Humankind has always sought to recognize the nature of various sky related phenomena and tried to give them explanations. The purpose of this study is to identify ancient Armenians' pantheistic and cosmological perceptions, world view, notions and beliefs related to the Earth. The paper focuses on the structure of the Earth and many other phenomena of nature that have always been on a major influence on ancient Armenians thinking. In this paper we have compared the term Earth in 31 languages. By discussing and comparing Universe structure in various regional traditions, myths, folk songs and phraseological units we very often came across to "Seven Heavens" (Seven heavens is a part of religious cosmology found in many major religions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity (namely Catholicism) and "Seven Earths". Armenians in their turn divided Earth and Heavens into seven layers. And in science too, both the Earth and the Heavens have 7 layers. The Seven Heavens refer to the layers of our atmosphere. The Seven Earths refer to the layers of the Earth (from core to crust), as well as seven continents. We conclude that the perception of celestial objects varies from culture to culture and preastronomy had a significant impact on humankind, particularly on cultural diversities.

Compositional and sensory characterization of red wine polymers.

PubMed

Wollmann, Nadine; Hofmann, Thomas

2013-03-06

After isolation from red wine by means of ultrafiltration and gel adsorption chromatography, the composition of the highly astringent tasting high-molecular weight polymers was analyzed by means of HPLC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV/vis, and ion chromatography after thiolytic, alkaline, and acidic depolymerization and, on the basis of the quantitative data obtained as well as model incubation experiments, key structural features of the red wine polymers were proposed. The structural backbone of the polymers seems to be comprised of a procyanidin chain with (-)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate units as extension and terminal units as well as (-)-epigallocatechin as extension units. In addition, acetaldehyde was shown to link different procyanidins at the A-ring via an 1,1-ethylene bridge and anthocyanins and pyranoanthocyanins were found to be linked to the procyanidin backbone via a C-C-linkage at position C(6) or C(8), respectively. Alkaline hydrolysis demonstrated the polymeric procyanidins to be esterified with various organic acids and phenolic acids, respectively. In addition, the major part of the polysaccharides present in the red wine polymeric fraction were found not to be covalently linked to procyanidins. Interestingly, sensory evaluation of individual fractions of the red wine polymers did not show any significant difference in the astringent threshold concentrations, nor in the astringency intensity in supra-threshold concentrations and demonstrated the mean degree of polymerization as well as the galloylation degree not to have an significant influence on the astringency perception.

Centralized versus distributed propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, J. P.

1982-01-01

The functions and requirements of auxiliary propulsion systems are reviewed. None of the three major tasks (attitude control, stationkeeping, and shape control) can be performed by a collection of thrusters at a single central location. If a centralized system is defined as a collection of separated clusters, made up of the minimum number of propulsion units, then such a system can provide attitude control and stationkeeping for most vehicles. A distributed propulsion system is characterized by more numerous propulsion units in a regularly distributed arrangement. Various proposed large space systems are reviewed and it is concluded that centralized auxiliary propulsion is best suited to vehicles with a relatively rigid core. These vehicles may carry a number of flexible or movable appendages. A second group, consisting of one or more large flexible flat plates, may need distributed propulsion for shape control. There is a third group, consisting of vehicles built up from multiple shuttle launches, which may be forced into a distributed system because of the need to add additional propulsion units as the vehicles grow. The effects of distributed propulsion on a beam-like structure were examined. The deflection of the structure under both translational and rotational thrusts is shown as a function of the number of equally spaced thrusters. When two thrusters only are used it is shown that location is an important parameter. The possibility of using distributed propulsion to achieve minimum overall system weight is also examined. Finally, an examination of the active damping by distributed propulsion is described.

Imaging the Variscan suture at the KTB deep drilling site, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchi, Irene; Bokelmann, Götz

2018-03-01

The upper crust of the KTB (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm) area in Southeastern Germany is a focal point for the Earth Science community due to the huge amount of information collected throughout the last thirty years. In this study we explore the crustal structure of the KTB area through the application of the receiver function (RF) technique to a new data set recorded by 9 temporary seismic stations and 1 permanent station. We aim to unravel the isotropic structure and compare our results with previous information from the reflection profiles collected during the initial site investigations. Due to the large amount of information collected by previous studies, in terms of P-wave velocity, depth and location of major reflectors, depth reconstruction of major faults zones, this area represents a unique occasion to test the resolution capability of a passive seismological study performed by the application of the RF. We aim to verify which contribution could be given by the application of the receiver functions technique, for future studies, in order to get clear images of the deep structure, and up to which resolution. The RF technique has apparently not been applied in the area before, yet it may give useful additional insight in subsurface structure, particularly at depths larger than the maximum depth reached by drilling, but also on structures in the upper crust, around the area that has been studied in detail previously. In our results vS-depth profiles for stations located on the same geological units display common features and show shallow S-wave velocities typical of the outcropping geological units (i.e. sedimentary basin, granites, metamorphic rocks). At around 10 km depth we observe a strong velocity increase beneath all stations. For the stations located in the center of the area, this variation is weaker, which we assume to be the signature of the main tectonic suture in the area (i.e. the Saxothuringian-Moldanubian suture), along an West-to-East extended region, may be due to the presence of the allochthonous klippe trapped between the main crustal terrains that came in touch during the Variscan orogeny. In the lower crust we see only small variations throughout the area, at the resolution that is possible with a small temporary experiment with just 10 stations.

Imaging the Variscan suture at the KTB deep drilling site, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchi, Irene; Bokelmann, Götz

2018-06-01

The upper crust of the KTB (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm) area in the Southeastern Germany is a focal point for the Earth Science community due to the huge amount of information collected throughout the last 30 yr. In this study, we explore the crustal structure of the KTB area through the application of the Receiver Function (RF) technique to a new data set recorded by nine temporary seismic stations and one permanent station. We aim to unravel the isotropic structure and compare our results with previous information from the reflection profiles collected during the initial site investigations. Due to the large amount of information collected by previous studies, in terms of P-wave velocity, depth and location of major reflectors, depth reconstruction of major faults zones, this area represents a unique occasion to test the resolution capability of a passive seismological study performed by the application of the RF. We aim to verify which contribution could be given by the application of the RF technique, for future studies, in order to get clear images of the deep structure and up to which resolution. The RF technique has apparently not been applied in the area before, yet it may give useful additional insight in subsurface structure, particularly at depths larger than the maximum depth reached by drilling, but also on structures in the upper crust, around the area that has been studied in detail previously. In our results vS-depth profiles for stations located on the same geological units display common features and show shallow S-wave velocities typical of the outcropping geological units (i.e. sedimentary basin, granites and metamorphic rocks). At around 10 km depth, we observe a strong velocity increase beneath all stations. For the stations located in the centre of the area, this variation is weaker, which we assume to be the signature of the main tectonic suture in the area (i.e. the Saxothuringian-Moldanubian suture), along a west-to-east extended region, may be due to the presence of the allochthonous klippe trapped between the main crustal terrains that came in touch during the Variscan orogeny. In the lower crust we see only small variations throughout the area, at the resolution that is possible with a small temporary experiment with just 10 stations.

Readiness: observations and comments from a medical team deployment.

PubMed

Popper, S E; Noble, D E; Mason, L J; Schaffer, L A; Glover, J G; Barkley, M S

1997-02-01

The evolving strategy of the United States in dealing with the changing world order calls for a force structure capable of fighting and winning two nearly simultaneous major regional conflicts and conducting a range of other military operations. Readiness is a key factor in this new strategy. Consequently, major paradigm shifts are occurring within the Air Force Medical Service. Maintaining current and accurate medical records on personnel to meet deployment requirements is a significant challenge. Historically, time and resources are consumed determining the deployability of troops prior to a deployment. This adds to the cost of doing business and increases the time required to clear the deploying team, even though there is an established process to avoid these very problems. The experience of a recent medical team deployment to Bosnia is discussed. Future directions given the implementation of TRI-CARE, the Preventive Health Assessment Program, and the Strategic Health Resourcing Plan are also considered.