The CO2 Flux and the Chemistry of the Crater lake in 2013-2015 Evidence for the Enhanced Activity of El Chichon volcano, Mexico.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taran, Y.; Jácome Paz, M. P.; Inguaggiato, S.; Collard, N.

2015-12-01

During 2013-2015, four CO2 flux surveys were performed in the El Chichon crater both, from the lake surface and from the soil of the crater. The chemistry of the lake water, as well as its physical parameters (surface area, depth, temperature) were also determined. The CO2 flux in 2014-2015 compared to the 2007-2008 data (Mazot et al., 2011, BV, 73: 423-441) increased almost one order of magnitude (from ~ 140 ton d-1 in 2008 to ~ 840 ton d-1 in 2014). During the last two years the lake became the largest for the whole time of observations with the maximum surface area more than 18 ha covering completely the NE fumarolic field and all thermal springs feeding the lake with mineralized water. Despite the maximum volume of the lake it was characterized in 2015 by the highest since 2007 chloride content (~2500 ppm) and temperature (34°C). A large degassing spot in the middle of the lake for the first time was observed in April 2015 with more than 10,000 g m-2 d-1 of the CO2 flux. These observations evidence that the volcano-hydrothermal system of El Chichon volcano came into a new stage of activity associated most probably with changes in the magmatic activity at depth.

Chemical and optical properties of atmospheric aerosols in Phimai, Thailand by intensive surface measurements and satellite data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuruta, H.; Thana, B.; Takamura, T.; Hashimoto, M.; Yabuki, M.; Oikawa, E.; Nakajima, T.

2013-12-01

Atmospheric aerosols were measured at the Observatory of Atmospheric Research, in Phimai, Thailand, a key station of SKYNET, during 2006-2008. In the surface measurement, mass concentrations and major chemical components in fine and coarse aerosols were analyzed, and the optical properties such as AOT and SSA were measured by skyradiometer. Analysis of MODIS and CALIPSO satellite data was made for wild fire activities and aerosol distribution, respectively. In this paper, the following topics are summarized. The surface wind pattern in dry season was divided into the three periods as follows; D1 (Oct.-Nov.) with northeasterly monsoon, D3 (middle March-April) with southerly wind, and D2 (Dec.-early March) with a transit stage between D1 and D3. Wet season in southwesterly monsoon was from May to September. The concentration ratio of BC/nss-SO4 showed that the dominant PM2.5 aerosols in D1 were due to long-range transport of air pollutants emitted from urban/industrial area of east Asia. In contrast, most of aerosols in D3 were derived from biomass burning in Indochina, because the activity of biomass burning was highest in the latter D2 and early D3 period, by the analysis of the fire database in MODIS and of BC/nss-SO4. The mass concentration in PM2.5 showed a clear seasonal variation with the maximum in D2. On the contrary, AOT showed the maximum in D3, and which could be attributed to an increase in the vertical thickness of high aerosol concentration in the boundary layer by the CALIOP data analysis. Dust particles in D1 were directly transported from east Asia, and re-suspension of soil dusts was dominant in D2 because the surface soil became dry. In D3, soil dusts were re-suspended with the thermal plume caused by biomass burning. In contrast, high dust particles measured in the wet season was due to long range transport of dust aerosols from western desert area by the CALIOP data analysis.

Simulation of projected water demand and ground-water levels in the Coffee Sand and Eutaw-McShan aquifers in Union County, Mississippi, 2010 through 2050

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hutson, Susan S.; Strom, E.W.; Burt, D.E.; Mallory, M.J.

2000-01-01

Ground water from the Eutaw-McShan and the Coffee Sand aquifers is the major source of supply for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes in Union County, Mississippi. Unbiased, scientifically sound data and assessments are needed to assist agencies in better understanding and managing available water resources as continuing development and growth places more stress on available resources. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Tennessee Valley Authority, conducted an investigation using water-demand and ground-water models to evaluate the effect of future water demand on groundwater levels. Data collected for the 12 public-supply facilities and the self-supplied commercial and industrial facilities in Union County were used to construct water-demand models. The estimates of water demand to year 2050 were then input to a ground-water model based on the U.S. Geological Survey finite-difference computer code, MODFLOW. Total ground-water withdrawals for Union County in 1998 were estimated as 2.85 million gallons per day (Mgal/d). Of that amount, municipal withdrawals were 2.55 Mgal/d with about 1.50 Mgal/d (59 percent) delivered to residential users. Nonmunicipal withdrawals were 0.296 Mgal/d. About 80 percent (2.27 Mgal/d) of the total ground-water withdrawal is produced from the Eutaw-McShan aquifer and about 13 percent (0.371 Mgal/d) from the Coffee Sand aquifer. Between normal- and high-growth conditions, total water demand could increase from 72 to 131 percent (2.9 Mgal/d in 1998 to 6.7 Mgal/d in year 2050) with municipal demand increasing from 77 to 146 percent (2.6 to 6.4 Mgal/d). Increased pumping to meet the demand for water was simulated to determine the effect on water levels in the Coffee Sand and Eutaw- McShan aquifers. Under baseline-growth conditions, increased water use by year 2050 could result in an additional 65 feet of drawdown in the New Albany area below year 2000 water levels in the Coffee Sand aquifer and about 120 feet of maximum drawdown in the Eutaw-McShan aquifer. Under normal-growth conditions, increased water use could result in an additional 65 feet of drawdown in the New Albany area below year 2000 water levels in the Coffee Sand aquifer and about 135 feet of maximum drawdown in the Eutaw-McShan aquifer. Under high-growth conditions, increased water use could result in 75 feet of drawdown in the New Albany area below year 2000 water levels in the Coffee Sand aquifer and about 190 feet of maximum drawdown in the Eutaw-McShan aquifer. The resulting highgrowth projected water level for the year 2050 at the center of the drawdown cone in the New Albany area is between 450 and 500 feet above the top of the Eutaw-McShan aquifer.

Water productivity of different land uses in watersheds assessed from satellite imagery Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franco, Renato A. M.; Hernandez, Fernando B. T.; Teixeira, Antonio H. C.

2014-10-01

Water productivity (WP) of various classes of soil usage from watersheds was estimated using the SAFER - Simple Algorithm For Evapotranspiration Retrieving - algorithm and the Monteith equation to estimate the parameters of biomass production (BIO). Monteith's equation is used to quantify the absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) and Actual Evapotranspiration (ET) was estimated with the SAFER algorithm. The objective of the research is to analyze the spatial-temporal water productivity in watersheds with different uses and soil occupation during the period from 1996 to 2010, in conditions of drought and using the Monteith model to estimate the production of BIO and using the SAFER model for ET. Results indicated an increase of 153.2% in ET value during the period 1997-2010, showing that the irrigated areas were responsible for this increase in ET values. In September 2000, image of day of year (DOY) 210 showed high values of BIO, with averages of 80.67 kg ha-1d-1. In the year 2010 (DOY:177), the mean value of BIO was 62.90 kg ha-1d-1, with an irrigated area with a maximum value of 227.5 kg ha-1d-1. The highest incremental values of BIO is verified from the start of irrigated areas equal to the value of ET, because there is a relationship between BIO and ET. The maximum water productivity (WP) value occurred in June/2001, with 3,08 kg m-3, the second highest value was in 2010 (DOY:177), with a value of 2,97 kg m-3. Irrigated agriculture show the highest WP value, with maximum value of 6.7 kg m-3. The lowest WP was obtained for DOY 267, because of the dry season with condition of low soil moisture.

3D Finite Element Analysis of Particle-Reinforced Aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shen, H.; Lissenden, C. J.

2002-01-01

Deformation in particle-reinforced aluminum has been simulated using three distinct types of finite element model: a three-dimensional repeating unit cell, a three-dimensional multi-particle model, and two-dimensional multi-particle models. The repeating unit cell model represents a fictitious periodic cubic array of particles. The 3D multi-particle (3D-MP) model represents randomly placed and oriented particles. The 2D generalized plane strain multi-particle models were obtained from planar sections through the 3D-MP model. These models were used to study the tensile macroscopic stress-strain response and the associated stress and strain distributions in an elastoplastic matrix. The results indicate that the 2D model having a particle area fraction equal to the particle representative volume fraction of the 3D models predicted the same macroscopic stress-strain response as the 3D models. However, there are fluctuations in the particle area fraction in a representative volume element. As expected, predictions from 2D models having different particle area fractions do not agree with predictions from 3D models. More importantly, it was found that the microscopic stress and strain distributions from the 2D models do not agree with those from the 3D-MP model. Specifically, the plastic strain distribution predicted by the 2D model is banded along lines inclined at 45 deg from the loading axis while the 3D model prediction is not. Additionally, the triaxial stress and maximum principal stress distributions predicted by 2D and 3D models do not agree. Thus, it appears necessary to use a multi-particle 3D model to accurately predict material responses that depend on local effects, such as strain-to-failure, fracture toughness, and fatigue life.

Volcanogenic SO2, a natural pollutant: Measurements, modeling and hazard assessment at Vulcano Island (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy).

PubMed

Granieri, Domenico; Vita, Fabio; Inguaggiato, Salvatore

2017-12-01

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is a major component of magmatic gas discharges. Once emitted in the atmosphere it can affect the air and land environment at different spatial and temporal scales, with harmful effects on human health and plant communities. We used a dense dataset of continuous SO 2 flux and meteorological measurements collected at Vulcano over an 8-year period spanning from May 2008 to February 2016 to model air SO 2 concentrations over the island. To this end, we adopted the DISGAS (DISpersion of GAS) numerical code coupled with the Diagnostic Wind Model (DWM). SO 2 concentrations in air were determined for three different SO 2 emission rates: a reference SO 2 flux of ∼18 t/d (the median of more than 800 measurements), an enhanced SO 2 flux of 40 t/d (average of all measurements plus 1 σ), and a maximum SO 2 flux of 106 t/d (maximum value measured in the investigated period). Maximum SO 2 concentrations in air were estimated at the crater, near the high-T fumarole field that is the source of the gas, and ranged from 2000 ppb to ∼24,000 ppb for the reference flux, from 2000 ppb to 51,000 ppb for the enhanced flux and from 5000 ppb to 136,000 ppb for the maximum flux, with peak values in limited areas at the bottom of the crater. These concentrations pose a hazard for people visiting the crater, for sensitive individuals in particular. Based on estimated SO 2 concentrations in air, we also consider the phytotoxic effects of SO 2 on local vegetation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of velocity patterns in an AComA aneurysm measured with 2D phase contrast MRI and simulated with CFD.

PubMed

Karmonik, Christof; Klucznik, Richard; Benndorf, Goetz

2008-01-01

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) is increasingly being used for modeling hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysms. While CFD techniques are well established, need for validation of the results remains. By quantifying features in velocity patterns measured with 2D phase contrast magnetic resonance (pcMRI) in vivo and simulated with CFD, the role of pcMRI for providing reference data for the CFD simulation is explored. Unsteady CFD simulations were performed with inflow boundary conditions obtained from 2D pcMRI measurements of an aneurysm of the anterior communication artery. Intra-aneurysmal velocity profiles were recorded with 2D pcMRI and calculated with CFD. Relative areas of positive and negative velocity were calculated in these profiles for maximum and minimum inflow. Areas of positive and of negative velocity similar in shape were found in the velocity profiles obtained with both methods. Relative difference in size of the relative areas for the whole cardiac cycle ranged from 1%-25% (average 12%). 2D pcMRI is able to record velocity profiles in an aneurysm of the anterior commuting artery in vivo. These velocity profiles can serve as reference data for validation of CFD simulations. Further studies are needed to explore the role of pcMRI in the context of CFD simulations.

[Changes in the monoamine content in different parts of hypothalamus depending on the stages of the estrous cycle].

PubMed

Babichev, V N; Adamskaia, E I

1976-01-01

Fluorimetric determination of monoamines in various regions of the hypothalamus and at different stages of the estral cycle in rats showed that the serotonin, noradrenaline, and particularly dophamine content changed both in the course of the cycle and at different time (10, 15 and 18 hours) of the same stage of the cycle. Dophamine concentration in the arcuate area--the centre of the tonic activity--reached its maximum at 18 hours of the diestrus-2 (D2) and fell to the minimum at 10 hours of the proestrus (P). Noradrenaline level in the preoptic area increased at 18 hours of the D2 and fell at 10 hours of the P. It is supposed that in the hypothalamic regulation of the estral cycle at least two monoamines (dopamine and noradrenaline) took part; the trigger role belongs to noradrenaline of the preoptic area (the cyclic centre).

40 CFR 1065.710 - Gasoline.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...: Initial boiling point °C 24-35 2 24-36 10% point °C 49-57 37-48 ASTM D86-07a. 50% point °C 93-110 82-101... m3/m3 Maximum, 0.10 Maximum, 0.175 ASTM D1319-03. Aromatics Maximum, 0.35 Maximum, 0.304 Saturates.../liter Maximum, 0.0013 Maximum, 0.005 ASTM D3231-07. Total sulfur mg/kg Maximum, 80 Maximum, 80 ASTM...

PolyHIPE Derived Freestanding 3D Carbon Foam for Cobalt Hydroxide Nanorods Based High Performance Supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Umakant M.; Ghorpade, Ravindra V.; Nam, Min Sik; Nalawade, Archana C.; Lee, Sangrae; Han, Haksoo; Jun, Seong Chan

2016-10-01

The current paper describes enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance of chemically grown Cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) nanorods (NRs) decorated porous three dimensional graphitic carbon foam (Co(OH)2/3D GCF) as a supercapacitor electrode. Freestanding 3D porous GCF is prepared by carbonizing, high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerized styrene and divinylbenzene. The PolyHIPE was sulfonated and carbonized at temperature up to 850 °C to obtain graphitic 3D carbon foam with high surface area (389 m2 g-1) having open voids (14 μm) interconnected by windows (4 μm) in monolithic form. Moreover, entangled Co(OH)2 NRs are anchored on 3D GCF electrodes by using a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The wide porous structure with high specific surface area (520 m2 g-1) access offered by the interconnected 3D GCF along with Co(OH)2 NRs morphology, displays ultrahigh specific capacitance, specific energy and power. The Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance about ~1235 F g-1 at ~1 A g-1 charge-discharge current density, in 1 M aqueous KOH solution. These results endorse potential applicability of Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode in supercapacitors and signifies that, the porous GCF is a proficient 3D freestanding framework for loading pseudocapacitive nanostructured materials.

1984–2010 trends in fire burn severity and area for the conterminous US

USGS Publications Warehouse

Picotte, Joshua J.; Peterson, Birgit E.; Meier, Gretchen; Howard, Stephen M.

2016-01-01

Burn severity products created by the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) project were used to analyse historical trends in burn severity. Using a severity metric calculated by modelling the cumulative distribution of differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) and Relativized dNBR (RdNBR) data, we examined burn area and burn severity of 4893 historical fires (1984–2010) distributed across the conterminous US (CONUS) and mapped by MTBS. Yearly mean burn severity values (weighted by area), maximum burn severity metric values, mean area of burn, maximum burn area and total burn area were evaluated within 27 US National Vegetation Classification macrogroups. Time series assessments of burned area and severity were performed using Mann–Kendall tests. Burned area and severity varied by vegetation classification, but most vegetation groups showed no detectable change during the 1984–2010 period. Of the 27 analysed vegetation groups, trend analysis revealed burned area increased in eight, and burn severity has increased in seven. This study suggests that burned area and severity, as measured by the severity metric based on dNBR or RdNBR, have not changed substantially for most vegetation groups evaluated within CONUS.

A new approach for the design of hypersonic scramjet inlets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raj, N. Om Prakash; Venkatasubbaiah, K.

2012-08-01

A new methodology has been developed for the design of hypersonic scramjet inlets using gas dynamic relations. The approach aims to find the optimal inlet geometry which has maximum total pressure recovery at a prescribed design free stream Mach number. The design criteria for inlet is chosen as shock-on-lip condition which ensures maximum capture area and minimum intake length. Designed inlet geometries are simulated using computational fluid dynamics analysis. The effects of 1D, 2D inviscid and viscous effects on performance of scramjet inlet are reported here. A correction factor in inviscid design is reported for viscous effects to obtain shock-on-lip condition. A parametric study is carried out for the effect of Mach number at the beginning of isolator for the design of scramjet inlets. Present results show that 2D and viscous effects are significant on performance of scramjet inlet. Present simulation results are matching very well with the experimental results available from the literature.

Human body and head characteristics as a communication medium for Body Area Network.

PubMed

Kifle, Yonatan; Hun-Seok Kim; Yoo, Jerald

2015-01-01

An in-depth investigation of the Body Channel Communication (BCC) under the environment set according to the IEEE 802.15.6 Body Area Network (BAN) standard is conducted to observe and characterize the human body as a communication medium. A thorough measurement of the human head as part of the human channel is also carried out. Human forehead, head to limb, and ear to ear channel is characterized. The channel gain of the human head follows the same bandpass profile of the human torso and limbs with the maximum channel gain occurring at 35MHz. The human body channel gain distribution histogram at given frequencies, while all the other parameters are held constant, exhibits a maximum variation of 2.2dB in the channel gain at the center frequency of the bandpass channel gain profile.

Effects of alternative instream-flow criteria and water-supply demands on ground-water development options in the Big River Area, Rhode Island

USGS Publications Warehouse

Granato, Gregory E.; Barlow, Paul M.

2005-01-01

Transient numerical ground-water-flow simulation and optimization techniques were used to evaluate potential effects of instream-flow criteria and water-supply demands on ground-water development options and resultant streamflow depletions in the Big River Area, Rhode Island. The 35.7 square-mile (mi2) study area includes three river basins, the Big River Basin (30.9 mi2), the Carr River Basin (which drains to the Big River Basin and is 7.33 mi2 in area), the Mishnock River Basin (3.32 mi2), and a small area that drains directly to the Flat River Reservoir. The overall objective of the simulations was to determine the amount of ground water that could be withdrawn from the three basins when constrained by streamflow requirements at four locations in the study area and by maximum rates of withdrawal at 13 existing and hypothetical well sites. The instream-flow requirement for the outlet of each basin and the outfall of Lake Mishnock were the primary variables that limited the amount of ground water that could be withdrawn. A requirement to meet seasonal ground-water-demand patterns also limits the amount of ground water that could be withdrawn by up to about 50 percent of the total withdrawals without the demand-pattern constraint. Minimum water-supply demands from a public water supplier in the Mishnock River Basin, however, did not have a substantial effect on withdrawals in the Big River Basin. Hypothetical dry-period instream-flow requirements and the effects of artificial recharge also affected the amount of ground water that could be withdrawn. Results of simulations indicate that annual average ground-water withdrawal rates that range up to 16 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) can be withdrawn from the study area under simulated average hydrologic conditions depending on instream-flow criteria and water-supply demand patterns. Annual average withdrawals of 10 to 12 Mgal/d are possible for proposed demands of 3.4 Mgal/d in the Mishnock Basin, and for a constant annual instream-flow criterion of 0.5 cubic foot per second per square mile (ft3/s/mi2) at the four streamflow-constraint locations. An average withdrawal rate of 10 Mgal/d can meet estimates of future (2020) water-supply needs of surrounding communities in Rhode Island. This withdrawal rate represents about 13 percent of the average 2002 daily withdrawal from the Scituate Reservoir (76 Mgal/d), the State?s largest water supply. Average annual withdrawal rates of 6 to 7 Mgal/d are possible for more stringent instream-flow criteria that might be used during dry-period hydrologic conditions. Two example scenarios of dry-period instream-flow constraints were evaluated: first, a minimum instream flow of 0.1 cubic foot per second at any of the four constraint locations; and second, a minimum instream flow of 10 percent of the minimum monthly streamflow estimate for each streamflow-constraint location during the period 1961?2000. The State of Rhode Island is currently (2004) considering methods for establishing instream-flow criteria for streams within the State. Twelve alternative annual, seasonal, or monthly instream-flow criteria that have been or are being considered for application in southeastern New England were used as hypothetical constraints on maximum ground-water-withdrawal rates in management-model calculations. Maximum ground-water-withdrawal rates ranged from 5 to 16 Mgal/d under five alternative annual instream-flow criteria. Maximum ground-water-withdrawal rates ranged from 0 to 13.6 Mgal/d under seven alternative seasonal or monthly instream-flow criteria. The effect of ground-water withdrawals on seasonal variations in monthly average streamflows under each criterion also were compared. Evaluation of management-model results indicates that a single annual instream-flowcriterion may be sufficient to preserve seasonal variations in monthly average streamflows and meet water-supply demands in the Big River Area, because withdrawals from wells in the Big

Evaluation of Water Residence Time, Submarine Groundwater Discharge, and Maximum New Production Supported by Groundwater Borne Nutrients in a Coastal Upwelling Shelf System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Xin; Jiao, Jiu Jimmy; Liu, Yi; Zhang, Xiaolang; Liang, Wenzhao; Tang, Danling

2018-01-01

The biogeochemical processes in the continental shelf systems are usually extensively influenced by coastal upwelling and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Using eastern Hainan upwelling shelf system as an example, this study fully investigates SGD and coastal upwelling and their effects on the coastal nutrient loadings to the mixing layer of eastern Hainan shelf. Based on the spatial distributions of 223Ra and 228Ra, water residence time is estimated to be 16.9 ± 8.9 days. Based on the mass balance models of 226Ra and 228Ra, the total SGD of the eastern Hainan shelf is estimated to be 0.8 × 108 and 1.4 × 108 m3 d-1, respectively. The groundwater borne dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP) are estimated to be up to 1121.8 and 20.4 μM m2 d-1. The coastal upwelling delivers 2741.8 μM m2 d-1 DIN and 217.7 μM m2 d-1 DIP into the mixing layer, which are predominant in all the exogenous nutrient inputs. The groundwater borne DIN will support a maximum new production of 7.5 mM C m2 d-1, about up to 24.0% of the total new production in the study area. SGD-derived nutrient could be significant as a missing DIN to support the new production in the mixing layer of eastern Hainan shelf. The findings contribute to a better understanding of biogeochemical processes under the influences of SGD and coastal upwelling in the study area and other similar coastal upwelling systems.

Image processing analysis of nuclear track parameters for CR-39 detector irradiated by thermal neutron

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

Al-Jobouri, Hussain A., E-mail: hahmed54@gmail.com; Rajab, Mustafa Y., E-mail: mostafaheete@gmail.com

CR-39 detector which covered with boric acid (H{sub 3}Bo{sub 3}) pellet was irradiated by thermal neutrons from ({sup 241}Am - {sup 9}Be) source with activity 12Ci and neutron flux 10{sup 5} n. cm{sup −2}. s{sup −1}. The irradiation times -T{sub D} for detector were 4h, 8h, 16h and 24h. Chemical etching solution for detector was sodium hydroxide NaOH, 6.25N with 45 min etching time and 60 C° temperature. Images of CR-39 detector after chemical etching were taken from digital camera which connected from optical microscope. MATLAB software version 7.0 was used to image processing. The outputs of image processing of MATLABmore » software were analyzed and found the following relationships: (a) The irradiation time -T{sub D} has behavior linear relationships with following nuclear track parameters: i) total track number - N{sub T} ii) maximum track number - MRD (relative to track diameter - D{sub T}) at response region range 2.5 µm to 4 µm iii) maximum track number - M{sub D} (without depending on track diameter - D{sub T}). (b) The irradiation time -T{sub D} has behavior logarithmic relationship with maximum track number - M{sub A} (without depending on track area - A{sub T}). The image processing technique principally track diameter - D{sub T} can be take into account to classification of α-particle emitters, In addition to the contribution of these technique in preparation of nano- filters and nano-membrane in nanotechnology fields.« less

Agreement and reliability of pelvic floor measurements during rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver using three-dimensional translabial ultrasound and virtual reality imaging.

PubMed

Speksnijder, L; Oom, D M J; Koning, A H J; Biesmeijer, C S; Steegers, E A P; Steensma, A B

2016-08-01

Imaging of the levator ani hiatus provides valuable information for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study compared measurements of levator ani hiatal volume during rest and on maximum Valsalva, obtained using conventional three-dimensional (3D) translabial ultrasound and virtual reality imaging. Our objectives were to establish their agreement and reliability, and their relationship with prolapse symptoms and POP quantification (POP-Q) stage. One hundred women with an intact levator ani were selected from our tertiary clinic database. Information on clinical symptoms were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Ultrasound datasets were analyzed using a rendered volume with a slice thickness of 1.5 cm, at the level of minimal hiatal dimensions, during rest and on maximum Valsalva. The levator area (in cm(2) ) was measured and multiplied by 1.5 to obtain the levator ani hiatal volume (in cm(3) ) on conventional 3D ultrasound. Levator ani hiatal volume (in cm(3) ) was measured semi-automatically by virtual reality imaging using a segmentation algorithm. Twenty patients were chosen randomly to analyze intra- and interobserver agreement. The mean difference between levator hiatal volume measurements on 3D ultrasound and by virtual reality was 1.52 cm(3) (95% CI, 1.00-2.04 cm(3) ) at rest and 1.16 cm(3) (95% CI, 0.56-1.76 cm(3) ) during maximum Valsalva (P < 0.001). Both intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.96 for conventional 3D ultrasound and > 0.99 for virtual reality. Patients with prolapse symptoms or POP-Q Stage ≥ 2 had significantly larger hiatal measurements than those without symptoms or POP-Q Stage < 2. Levator ani hiatal volume at rest and on maximum Valsalva is significantly smaller when using virtual reality compared with conventional 3D ultrasound; however, this difference does not seem clinically important. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Noise pollution in intensive care units and emergency wards.

PubMed

Khademi, Gholamreza; Roudi, Masoumeh; Shah Farhat, Ahmad; Shahabian, Masoud

2011-01-01

The improvement of technology has increased noise levels in hospital Wards to higher than international standard levels (35-45 dB). Higher noise levels than the maximum level result in patient's instability and dissatisfaction. Moreover, it will have serious negative effects on the staff's health and the quality of their services. The purpose of this survey is to analyze the level of noise in intensive care units and emergency wards of the Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Mashhad. This research was carried out in November 2009 during morning shifts between 7:30 to 12:00. Noise levels were measured 10 times at 30-minute intervals in the nursing stations of 10 wards of the emergency, the intensive care units, and the Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Departments of Imam Reza University Hospital, Mashhad. The noise level in the nursing stations was tested for both the maximum level (Lmax) and the equalizing level (Leq). The research was based on the comparison of equalizing levels (Leq) because maximum levels were unstable. In our survey the average level (Leq) in all wards was much higher than the standard level. The maximum level (Lmax) in most wards was 85-86 dB and just in one measurement in the Internal ICU reached 94 dB. The average level of Leq in all wards was 60.2 dB. In emergency units, it was 62.2 dB, but it was not time related. The highest average level (Leq) was measured at 11:30 AM and the peak was measured in the Nephrology nursing station. The average levels of noise in intensive care units and also emergency wards were more than the standard levels and as it is known these wards have vital roles in treatment procedures, so more attention is needed in this area.

Analysis of mesoscale convective systems in Catalonia using meteorological radar for the period 1996 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigo, Tomeu; Llasat, Maria-Carmen

2007-02-01

The aim of this paper is to show a climatology of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) in the NE of the Iberian Peninsula, on the basis of meteorological radar observations. Special attention was paid to those cases that have produced heavy rainfalls during the period 1996-2000. Identification of the MCS was undertaken using two procedures. Firstly, the precipitation structures at the lowest level were recognised by means of a 2D algorithm that distinguishes between convective and non-convective contribution. Secondly, the convective cells were identified using a 3D procedure quite similar to the SCIT (Storm Cell Identification and Tracking) algorithm that looks for the reflectivity cores in each radar volume. Finally, the convective cells (3D) were associated with the 2D structures (convective rainfall areas), in order to characterize the complete MCS. Once this methodology was presented the paper offers a proposal for classifying the precipitation systems, and particularly the MCS. 57 MCS structures were classified: 49% of them were identified as linearly well-organised systems, called TS (39%), LS (18%) and NS (43%). In addition to the classification, the following items were analysed for each MCS found: duration, season, time of day, area affected and direction of movement, and main radar parameters related with convection. The average features of those MCS show an area of about 25000 km 2, Zmax values of 47 dBz, an echotop of 12 km, the maximum frequency at 12 UTC and early afternoon and a displacement towards E-NE. The study was completed by analysing the field at surface, the presence of a mesoscale low near the system and the quasi-stationary features of three cases related with heavy rainfalls. Maximum rainfall (more then 200 mm in 6 h) was related with the presence of a cyclone in combination with the production of a convective train effect.

Regulating the electrical behaviors of 2D inorganic nanomaterials for energy applications.

PubMed

Feng, Feng; Wu, Junchi; Wu, Changzheng; Xie, Yi

2015-02-11

Recent years have witnessed great developments in inorganic 2D nanomaterials for their unique dimensional confinement and diverse electronic energy bands. Precisely regulating their intrinsic electrical behaviors would bring superior electrical conductivity, rendering 2D nanomaterials ideal candidates for active materials in electrochemical applications when combined with the excellent reaction activity from the inorganic lattice. This Concept focuses on highly conducting inorganic 2D nanomaterials, including intrinsic metallic 2D nanomaterials and artificial highly conductive 2D nanomaterials. The intrinsic metallicity of 2D nanomaterials is derived from their closely packed atomic structures that ensure maximum overlapping of electron orbitals, while artificial highly conductive 2D nanomaterials could be achieved by designed methodologies of surface modification, intralayer ion doping, and lattice strain, in which atomic-scale structural modulation plays a vital role in realizing conducting behaviors. Benefiting from fast electron transfer, high reaction activity, as well as large surface areas arising from the 2D inorganic lattice, highly conducting 2D nanomaterials open up prospects for enhancing performance in electrochemical catalysis and electrochemical capacitors. Conductive 2D inorganic nanomaterials promise higher efficiency for electrochemical applications of energy conversion and storage. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CO2 emissions from a temperate drowned river valley estuary adjacent to an emerging megacity (Sydney Harbour)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanner, E. L.; Mulhearn, P. J.; Eyre, B. D.

2017-06-01

The Sydney Harbour Estuary is a large drowned river valley adjacent to Sydney, a large urban metropolis on track to become a megacity; estimated to reach a population of 10 million by 2100. Monthly underway surveys of surface water pCO2 were undertaken along the main channel and tributaries, from January to December 2013. pCO2 showed substantial spatio-temporal variability in the narrow high residence time upper and mid sections of the estuary, with values reaching a maximum of 5650 μatm in the upper reaches and as low as 173 μatm in the mid estuary section, dominated by respiration and photosynthesis respectively. The large lower estuary displayed less variability in pCO2 with values ranging from 343 to 544 μatm controlled mainly by tidal pumping and temperature. Air-water CO2 emissions reached a maximum of 181 mmol C m-2 d-1 during spring in the eutrophic upper estuary. After a summer high rainfall event nutrient-stimulated biological pumping promoted a large uptake of CO2 transitioning the Sydney Harbour Estuary into a CO2 sink with a maximum uptake of rate of -10.6 mmol C m-2 d-1 in the mid-section of the estuary. Annually the Sydney Harbour Estuary was heterotrophic and a weak source of CO2 with an air-water emission rate of 1.2-5 mmol C m-2 d-1 (0.4-1.8 mol C m-2 y-1) resulting in a total carbon emission of around 930 tonnes per annum. CO2 emissions (weighted m3 s-1 of discharge per km2 of estuary surface area) from Sydney Harbour were an order of magnitude lower than other temperate large tectonic deltas, lagoons and engineered systems of China, India, Taiwan and Europe but were similar to other natural drowned river valley systems in the USA. Discharge per unit area appears to be a good predictor of CO2 emissions from estuaries of a similar climate and geomorphic class.

PolyHIPE Derived Freestanding 3D Carbon Foam for Cobalt Hydroxide Nanorods Based High Performance Supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Patil, Umakant M.; Ghorpade, Ravindra V.; Nam, Min Sik; Nalawade, Archana C.; Lee, Sangrae; Han, Haksoo; Jun, Seong Chan

2016-01-01

The current paper describes enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance of chemically grown Cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) nanorods (NRs) decorated porous three dimensional graphitic carbon foam (Co(OH)2/3D GCF) as a supercapacitor electrode. Freestanding 3D porous GCF is prepared by carbonizing, high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerized styrene and divinylbenzene. The PolyHIPE was sulfonated and carbonized at temperature up to 850 °C to obtain graphitic 3D carbon foam with high surface area (389 m2 g−1) having open voids (14 μm) interconnected by windows (4 μm) in monolithic form. Moreover, entangled Co(OH)2 NRs are anchored on 3D GCF electrodes by using a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The wide porous structure with high specific surface area (520 m2 g−1) access offered by the interconnected 3D GCF along with Co(OH)2 NRs morphology, displays ultrahigh specific capacitance, specific energy and power. The Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance about ~1235 F g−1 at ~1 A g−1 charge-discharge current density, in 1 M aqueous KOH solution. These results endorse potential applicability of Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode in supercapacitors and signifies that, the porous GCF is a proficient 3D freestanding framework for loading pseudocapacitive nanostructured materials. PMID:27762284

Assessment of the reliability of standard automated perimetry in regions of glaucomatous damage.

PubMed

Gardiner, Stuart K; Swanson, William H; Goren, Deborah; Mansberger, Steven L; Demirel, Shaban

2014-07-01

Visual field testing uses high-contrast stimuli in areas of severe visual field loss. However, retinal ganglion cells saturate with high-contrast stimuli, suggesting that the probability of detecting perimetric stimuli may not increase indefinitely as contrast increases. Driven by this concept, this study examines the lower limit of perimetric sensitivity for reliable testing by standard automated perimetry. Evaluation of a diagnostic test. A total of 34 participants with moderate to severe glaucoma; mean deviation at their last clinic visit averaged -10.90 dB (range, -20.94 to -3.38 dB). A total of 75 of the 136 locations tested had a perimetric sensitivity of ≤ 19 dB. Frequency-of-seeing curves were constructed at 4 nonadjacent visual field locations by the Method of Constant Stimuli (MOCS), using 35 stimulus presentations at each of 7 contrasts. Locations were chosen a priori and included at least 2 with glaucomatous damage but a sensitivity of ≥ 6 dB. Cumulative Gaussian curves were fit to the data, first assuming a 5% false-negative rate and subsequently allowing the asymptotic maximum response probability to be a free parameter. The strength of the relation (R(2)) between perimetric sensitivity (mean of last 2 clinic visits) and MOCS sensitivity (from the experiment) for all locations with perimetric sensitivity within ± 4 dB of each selected value, at 0.5 dB intervals. Bins centered at sensitivities ≥ 19 dB always had R(2) >0.1. All bins centered at sensitivities ≤ 15 dB had R(2) <0.1, an indication that sensitivities are unreliable. No consistent conclusions could be drawn between 15 and 19 dB. At 57 of the 81 locations with perimetric sensitivity <19 dB, including 49 of the 63 locations ≤ 15 dB, the fitted asymptotic maximum response probability was <80%, consistent with the hypothesis of response saturation. At 29 of these locations the asymptotic maximum was <50%, and so contrast sensitivity (50% response rate) is undefined. Clinical visual field testing may be unreliable when visual field locations have sensitivity below approximately 15 to 19 dB because of a reduction in the asymptotic maximum response probability. Researchers and clinicians may have difficulty detecting worsening sensitivity in these visual field locations, and this difficulty may occur commonly in patients with glaucoma with moderate to severe glaucomatous visual field loss. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stacked multilayers of alternating reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes for planar supercapacitors.

PubMed

Moon, Geon Dae; Joo, Ji Bong; Yin, Yadong

2013-12-07

A simple layer-by-layer approach has been developed for constructing 2D planar supercapacitors of multi-stacked reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. This sandwiched 2D architecture enables the full utilization of the maximum active surface area of rGO nanosheets by using a CNT layer as a porous physical spacer to enhance the permeation of a gel electrolyte inside the structure and reduce the agglomeration of rGO nanosheets along the vertical direction. As a result, the stacked multilayers of rGO and CNTs are capable of offering higher output voltage and current production.

Vertical Corner Feature Based Precise Vehicle Localization Using 3D LIDAR in Urban Area

PubMed Central

Im, Jun-Hyuck; Im, Sung-Hyuck; Jee, Gyu-In

2016-01-01

Tall buildings are concentrated in urban areas. The outer walls of buildings are vertically erected to the ground and almost flat. Therefore, the vertical corners that meet the vertical planes are present everywhere in urban areas. These corners act as convenient landmarks, which can be extracted by using the light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor. A vertical corner feature based precise vehicle localization method is proposed in this paper and implemented using 3D LIDAR (Velodyne HDL-32E). The vehicle motion is predicted by accumulating the pose increment output from the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm based on the geometric relations between the scan data of the 3D LIDAR. The vertical corner is extracted using the proposed corner extraction method. The vehicle position is then corrected by matching the prebuilt corner map with the extracted corner. The experiment was carried out in the Gangnam area of Seoul, South Korea. In the experimental results, the maximum horizontal position error is about 0.46 m and the 2D Root Mean Square (RMS) horizontal error is about 0.138 m. PMID:27517936

3D Printing of Preoperative Simulation Models of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm: Precision and Accuracy.

PubMed

Takao, Hidemasa; Amemiya, Shiori; Shibata, Eisuke; Ohtomo, Kuni

2017-05-01

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is attracting increasing attention in the medical field. This study aimed to apply 3D printing to the production of hollow splenic artery aneurysm models for use in the simulation of endovascular treatment, and to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the simulation model. From 3D computed tomography (CT) angiography data of a splenic artery aneurysm, 10 hollow models reproducing the vascular lumen were created using a fused deposition modeling-type desktop 3D printer. After filling with water, each model was scanned using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of the lumen. All images were coregistered, binarized, and then combined to create an overlap map. The cross-sectional area of the splenic artery aneurysm and its standard deviation (SD) were calculated perpendicular to the x- and y-axes. Most voxels overlapped among the models. The cross-sectional areas were similar among the models, with SDs <0.05 cm 2 . The mean cross-sectional areas of the splenic artery aneurysm were slightly smaller than those calculated from the original mask images. The maximum mean cross-sectional areas calculated perpendicular to the x- and y-axes were 3.90 cm 2 (SD, 0.02) and 4.33 cm 2 (SD, 0.02), whereas those calculated from the original mask images were 4.14 cm 2 and 4.66 cm 2 , respectively. The mean cross-sectional areas of the afferent artery were, however, almost the same as those calculated from the original mask images. The results suggest that 3D simulation modeling of a visceral artery aneurysm using a fused deposition modeling-type desktop 3D printer and computed tomography angiography data is highly precise and accurate. Copyright © 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A modified ATI technique for nowcasting convective rain volumes over areas. [area-time integrals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makarau, Amos; Johnson, L. Ronald; Doneaud, Andre A.

1988-01-01

This paper explores the applicability of the area-time-integral (ATI) technique for the estimation of the growth portion only of a convective storm (while the rain volume is computed using the entire life history of the event) and for nowcasting the total rain volume of a convective system at the stage of its maximum development. For these purposes, the ATIs were computed from the digital radar data (for 1981-1982) from the North Dakota Cloud Modification Project, using the maximum echo area (ATIA) no less than 25 dBz, the maximum reflectivity, and the maximum echo height as the end of the growth portion of the convective event. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that correlations between total rain volume or the maximum rain volume versus ATIA were the strongest. The uncertainties obtained were comparable to the uncertainties which typically occur in rain volume estimates obtained from radar data employing Z-R conversion followed by space and time integration. This demonstrates that the total rain volume of a storm can be nowcasted at its maximum stage of development.

Monolithic coupling of a SU8 waveguide to a silicon photodiode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathan, M.; Levy, O.; Goldfarb, I.; Ruzin, A.

2003-12-01

We present quantitative results of light coupling from SU8 waveguides into silicon p-n photodiodes in monolithically integrated structures. Multimode, 12 μm thick, and 20 μm wide SU8 waveguides were fabricated to overlap 40×180 μm2 photodiodes, with three different waveguide-photodiode overlap lengths. The attenuation due to leaky-mode coupling in the overlap area was then calculated from photocurrent measurements. The overlap attenuation ranged from a minimum of 2.2 dB per mm overlap length to a maximum of about 3 dB/mm, comparing favorably with reported nonpolymeric waveguide-Si photodiode attenuations.

Colony size as a species character in massive reef corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soong, Keryea

1993-07-01

In a study of seven massive, Caribbean corals, I have found major differences in reproductive behavior between species with large maximum colony sizes and species with smaller maximum colony sizes. Four species ( Diploria clivosa, D. strigosa, Montastrea cavernosa, Siderastrea siderea) which are large (<1000 cm2 in surface area) broadcast gametes during a short spawning season. Their puberty size is relatively large (>100 cm2, except M. cavernosa). In contrast, two small massive species (<100 cm2, Favia fragum and S. radians), and one medium-sized (100 1000 cm2, Porites astreoides) massive species, brood larvae during an extended season (year-round in Panama). The puberty size of the small species is only 2 4 cm2. Given these close associations between maximum colony sizes and a number of fundamental reproductive attributes, greater attention should be given to the colony size distributions of different species of reef corals in nature, since many important life history and population characters may be inferred.

A 12b 200kS/s 0.52mA 0.47mm2 Algorithmic A/D Converter for MEMS Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young-Ju; Choi, Hee-Cheol; Lee, Seung-Hoon; Cho, Dongil “Dan”

This work describes a 12b 200kS/s 0.52mA 0.47mm2 ADC for sensor applications such as motor control, 3-phase power control, and CMOS image sensors simultaneously requiring ultra-low power and small size. The proposed ADC is based on the conventional algorithmic architecture with a recycling signal path to optimize sampling rate, resolution, chip area, and power consumption. The input SHA with eight input channels employs a folded-cascode amplifier to achieve a required DC gain and a high phase margin. A 3-D fully symmetric layout with critical signal lines shielded reduces the capacitor and device mismatch of the multiplying D/A converter while switched-bias power-reduction circuits minimize the power consumption of analog amplifiers. Current and voltage references are integrated on chip with optional off-chip voltage references for low glitch noise. The down-sampling clock signal selects the sampling rate of 200kS/s and 10kS/s with a further reduced power depending on applications. The prototype ADC in a 0.18μm n-well 1P6M CMOS process demonstrates a maximum measured DNL and INL within 0.40 LSB and 1.97 LSB and shows a maximum SNDR and SFDR of 55dB and 70dB at all sampling frequencies up to 200kS/s, respectively. The ADC occupies an active die area of 0.47mm2 and consumes 0.94mW at 200kS/s and 0.63mW at 10kS/s with a 1.8V supply.

Surveillance of a 2D Plane Area with 3D Deployed Cameras

PubMed Central

Fu, Yi-Ge; Zhou, Jie; Deng, Lei

2014-01-01

As the use of camera networks has expanded, camera placement to satisfy some quality assurance parameters (such as a good coverage ratio, an acceptable resolution constraints, an acceptable cost as low as possible, etc.) has become an important problem. The discrete camera deployment problem is NP-hard and many heuristic methods have been proposed to solve it, most of which make very simple assumptions. In this paper, we propose a probability inspired binary Particle Swarm Optimization (PI-BPSO) algorithm to solve a homogeneous camera network placement problem. We model the problem under some more realistic assumptions: (1) deploy the cameras in the 3D space while the surveillance area is restricted to a 2D ground plane; (2) deploy the minimal number of cameras to get a maximum visual coverage under more constraints, such as field of view (FOV) of the cameras and the minimum resolution constraints. We can simultaneously optimize the number and the configuration of the cameras through the introduction of a regulation item in the cost function. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of the proposed PI-BPSO algorithm. PMID:24469353

Washington Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis Heat, Permeability, and Fracture Model Data

DOE Data Explorer

Steely, Alex; Forson, Corina; Cladouhos, Trenton; Swyer, Mike; Davatzes, Nicholas; Anderson, Megan; Ritzinger, Brent; Glen, Jonathan; Peacock, Jared; Schermerhorn, William

2017-12-07

This submission contains raster and vector data for the entire state of Washington, with specific emphasis on the three geothermal play fairway sites: Mount St. Helens seismic zone (MSHSZ), Wind River valley (WRV), and Mount Baker (MB). Data are provided for 3 major geothermal models: heat, permeability, and fluid-filled fractures, and an additional infrastructure model. Both of the permeability and fluid-filled-fracture models are produced at 200 m and at 2 km depths; the heat model is only produced at the 200 m depth. Values are provided for both model favorability and model confidence. A combined model at 200m and 2 km depths is provided for favorability, confidence, and exploration risk. Raster data are provided in GeoTiff format and have a statewide coverage. Cell size is 104.355 ft; file type is unsigned 8-bit integer (0-255); 0 represents no favorability or confidence; 255 represents maximum favorability or confidence. The NAD83(HARN)/Washington South (ftUS) projection is used (EPSG:2927). Vector data are provided in shapefile or comma-delimited text file formats. Geographic coordinates, where provided, are in WGS84. A readme file accompanies each folder and provides an overview and description of the enclosed data. The heat model combines 5 intermediate raster layers (which are included in the download package): temperature gradient wells, young volcanic vents, hot springs, young intrusive volcanic rocks, and geothermometry. The permeability model combines 8 intermediate raster layers: density of mapped faults, 2D dilation tendency of mapped faults, 2D slip tendency of mapped faults, seismicity, 3D dilation tendency, 3D slip tendency, 3D maximum coulomb shear stress, and 3D slip gradients. The fluid-filled fracture model combines up to 4 intermediate rasters: resistivity from magneto-telluric 3D inversions, seismicity, Vp/Vs anomalies from passive seismic tomography, and Vs anomalies from ambient-noise tomography. A statewide infrastructure model is also provided that formalizes land-use constraints and restrictions relevant for geothermal prospecting and development. This model combines 10 intermediate rasters: areas off limits to drilling, existing or proposed geothermal leases, DNR-owned land, land-use restrictions along the Columbia River Gorge, areas inundated by water, availability of potential process water, proximity to existing roads, proximity to transmission lines, distance from urban areas, and snow-related elevation restrictions. Supporting vector data for the development of each raster layer is provided. For details on the areas of interest and modeling process please see the 'WA_State_Play_Fairway_Phase_2_Technical_Report' in the download package.

[Biomechanical analysis on healing process of sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle after rigid fixation].

PubMed

Jing, Jie; Qu, Ai-li; Ding, Xiao-mei; Hei, Yu-na

2015-04-01

To analyze the biomechanical healing process on rigid fixation of sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle (SFMC), and to provide guidelines for surgical treatment. Three-dimensional finite element model (3D-FEAM) of mandible and condyle was established. The right condyle was simulated as SFMC with 0.1 mm space across the condyle length ways. The 3D-FEAM of rigid fixation was established. The biomechanical factors such as stress distribution of condylar surface, displacement around fracture, stress on the plate and stress shielding were calculated during 0, 4, 8 and 12-week after rigid fixation. The maximum equivalent stress of normal condyle was located at the area of middle 1/3 of condylar neck. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week after fixation was 23 times than that on normal condyle. They were located at the condylar stump and the plate near inferior punctual areas of fracture line. There were little stress on the other areas. The maximum equivalent stress at 4, 8 and 12-week was approximately 6 times than that on normal condyle. They were located at the areas same as the area at 0-week. There were little stress on the other areas at the condyle. The maximum total displacement and maximum total corner were increased 0.57-0.75 mm and 0.01-0.09° respectively during healing process. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week on the condylar trump was 5-6 times compared with that at 4, 8, and 12-week. The maximum equivalent stress, maximum total displacement and maximum total corner on the fractured fragment were not changed significantly during healing process. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week on the plate was 7-9 times compared with that at 4, 8, 12-week. The stress of the condyle and stress shielding of the plate may be the reasons of absorbing and rebuilding on the condyle in healing process of SFMC. The biomechanical parameters increase obviously at 4-week after fixation. Elastic intermaxillary traction is necessary to decrease total displacement and total corner of the condyle, and liquid diet is necessary to decrease equivalent stress within 4 weeks. Rehabilitation training should be used to recover TMJ functions after 4 weeks because the condyle and mandible have the ability to carry out normal functions.

Radio Frequency Transistors and Circuits Based on CVD MoS2.

PubMed

Sanne, Atresh; Ghosh, Rudresh; Rai, Amritesh; Yogeesh, Maruthi Nagavalli; Shin, Seung Heon; Sharma, Ankit; Jarvis, Karalee; Mathew, Leo; Rao, Rajesh; Akinwande, Deji; Banerjee, Sanjay

2015-08-12

We report on the gigahertz radio frequency (RF) performance of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) monolayer MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs). Initial DC characterizations of fabricated MoS2 FETs yielded current densities exceeding 200 μA/μm and maximum transconductance of 38 μS/μm. A contact resistance corrected low-field mobility of 55 cm(2)/(V s) was achieved. Radio frequency FETs were fabricated in the ground-signal-ground (GSG) layout, and standard de-embedding techniques were applied. Operating at the peak transconductance, we obtain short-circuit current-gain intrinsic cutoff frequency, fT, of 6.7 GHz and maximum intrinsic oscillation frequency, fmax, of 5.3 GHz for a device with a gate length of 250 nm. The MoS2 device afforded an extrinsic voltage gain Av of 6 dB at 100 MHz with voltage amplification until 3 GHz. With the as-measured frequency performance of CVD MoS2, we provide the first demonstration of a common-source (CS) amplifier with voltage gain of 14 dB and an active frequency mixer with conversion gain of -15 dB. Our results of gigahertz frequency performance as well as analog circuit operation show that large area CVD MoS2 may be suitable for industrial-scale electronic applications.

Three-dimensional graphene networks as a new substrate for immobilization of laccase and dopamine and its application in glucose/O2 biofuel cell.

PubMed

Zhang, Yijia; Chu, Mi; Yang, Lu; Tan, Yueming; Deng, Wenfang; Ma, Ming; Su, Xiaoli; Xie, Qingji

2014-08-13

We report here three-dimensional graphene networks (3D-GNs) as a novel substrate for the immobilization of laccase (Lac) and dopamine (DA) and its application in glucose/O2 biofuel cell. 3D-GNs were synthesized with an Ni(2+)-exchange/KOH activation combination method using a 732-type sulfonic acid ion-exchange resin as the carbon precursor. The 3D-GNs exhibited an interconnected network structure and a high specific surface area. DA was noncovalently functionalized on the surface of 3D-GNs with 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) as a bridge and used as a novel immobilized mediating system for Lac-based bioelectrocatalytic reduction of oxygen. The 3D-GNs-PTCA-DA nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) showed stable and well-defined redox current peaks for the catechol/o-quinone redox couple. Due to the mediated electron transfer by the 3D-GNs-PTCA-DA nanocomposite, the Nafion/Lac/3D-GNs-PTCA-DA/GCE exhibited high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction. The 3D-GNs are proven to be a better substrate for Lac and its mediator immobilization than 2D graphene nanosheets (2D-GNs) due to the interconnected network structure and high specific surface area of 3D-GNs. A glucose/O2 fuel cell using Nafion/Lac/3D-GNs-PTCA-DA/GCE as the cathode and Nafion/glucose oxidase/ferrocence/3D-GNs/GCE as the anode can output a maximum power density of 112 μW cm(-2) and a short-circuit current density of 0.96 mA cm(-2). This work may be helpful for exploiting the popular 3D-GNs as an efficient electrode material for many other biotechnology applications.

30 CFR 816.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... established in accordance with either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the... in the blasting plan and approved by the regulatory authority. (2) Maximum peak particle velocity. (i... (D), from the blasting site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground...

30 CFR 816.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... established in accordance with either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the... in the blasting plan and approved by the regulatory authority. (2) Maximum peak particle velocity. (i... (D), from the blasting site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground...

30 CFR 816.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... established in accordance with either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the... in the blasting plan and approved by the regulatory authority. (2) Maximum peak particle velocity. (i... (D), from the blasting site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground...

30 CFR 816.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... established in accordance with either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the... in the blasting plan and approved by the regulatory authority. (2) Maximum peak particle velocity. (i... (D), from the blasting site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground...

30 CFR 816.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... established in accordance with either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the... in the blasting plan and approved by the regulatory authority. (2) Maximum peak particle velocity. (i... (D), from the blasting site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground...

Developing and bounding ice particle mass- and area-dimension expressions for use in atmospheric models and remote sensing

DOE PAGES

Erfani, Ehsan; Mitchell, David L.

2016-04-07

Here, ice particle mass- and projected area-dimension ( m- D and A- D) power laws are commonly used in the treatment of ice cloud microphysical and optical properties and the remote sensing of ice cloud properties. Although there has long been evidence that a single m- D or A- D power law is often not valid over all ice particle sizes, few studies have addressed this fact. This study develops self-consistent m- D and A- D expressions that are not power laws but can easily be reduced to power laws for the ice particle size (maximum dimension or D) rangemore » of interest, and they are valid over a much larger D range than power laws. This was done by combining ground measurements of individual ice particle m and D formed at temperature T < –20 °C during a cloud seeding field campaign with 2-D stereo (2D-S) and cloud particle imager (CPI) probe measurements of D and A, and estimates of m, in synoptic and anvil ice clouds at similar temperatures. The resulting m- D and A- D expressions are functions of temperature and cloud type (synoptic vs. anvil), and are in good agreement with m- D power laws developed from recent field studies considering the same temperature range (–60 °C < T < –20 °C).« less

Effects of height on treetop transpiration and stomatal conductance in coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens).

PubMed

Ambrose, Anthony R; Sillett, Stephen C; Koch, George W; Van Pelt, Robert; Antoine, Marie E; Dawson, Todd E

2010-10-01

Treetops become increasingly constrained by gravity-induced water stress as they approach maximum height. Here we examine the effects of height on seasonal and diurnal sap flow dynamics at the tops of 12 unsuppressed Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl. (coast redwood) trees 68-113 m tall during one growing season. Average treetop sap velocity (V(S)), transpiration per unit leaf area (E(L)) and stomatal conductance per unit leaf area (G(S)) significantly decreased with increasing height. These differences in sap flow were associated with an unexpected decrease in treetop sapwood area-to-leaf area ratios (A(S):A(L)) in the tallest trees. Both E(L) and G(S) declined as soil moisture decreased and vapor pressure deficit (D) increased throughout the growing season with a greater decline in shorter trees. Under high soil moisture and light conditions, reference G(S) (G(Sref); G(S) at D = 1 kPa) and sensitivity of G(S) to D (-δ; dG(S)/dlnD) significantly decreased with increasing height. The close relationship we observed between G(Sref) and -δ is consistent with the role of stomata in regulating E(L) and leaf water potential (Ψ(L)). Our results confirm that increasing tree height reduces gas exchange of treetop foliage and thereby contributes to lower carbon assimilation and height growth rates as S. sempervirens approaches maximum height.

40 CFR 86.513-2004 - Fuel and engine lubricant specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ASTM D 86-97 23.9—35.0 1 2. 10% point, °C ASTM D 86-97 48.9—57.2 3. 50% point, °C ASTM D 86-97 93.3—110.0 4. 90% point, °C ASTM D 86-97 148.9—162.8 5. End point, °C ASTM D 86-97 212.8 Hydrocarbon composition: 1. Olefins, volume % ASTM D 1319-98 10 maximum 2. Aromatics, volume % ASTM D 1319-98 35 maximum 3...

Photonic crystal enhanced silicon cell based thermophotovoltaic systems

DOE PAGES

Yeng, Yi Xiang; Chan, Walker R.; Rinnerbauer, Veronika; ...

2015-01-30

We report the design, optimization, and experimental results of large area commercial silicon solar cell based thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion systems. Using global non-linear optimization tools, we demonstrate theoretically a maximum radiative heat-to-electricity efficiency of 6.4% and a corresponding output electrical power density of 0.39 W cm⁻² at temperature T = 1660 K when implementing both the optimized two-dimensional (2D) tantalum photonic crystal (PhC) selective emitter, and the optimized 1D tantalum pentoxide – silicon dioxide PhC cold-side selective filter. In addition, we have developed an experimental large area TPV test setup that enables accurate measurement of radiative heat-to-electricity efficiency formore » any emitter-filter-TPV cell combination of interest. In fact, the experimental results match extremely well with predictions of our numerical models. Our experimental setup achieved a maximum output electrical power density of 0.10W cm⁻² and radiative heat-to-electricity efficiency of 1.18% at T = 1380 K using commercial wafer size back-contacted silicon solar cells.« less

3D facial expression recognition using maximum relevance minimum redundancy geometrical features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabiu, Habibu; Saripan, M. Iqbal; Mashohor, Syamsiah; Marhaban, Mohd Hamiruce

2012-12-01

In recent years, facial expression recognition (FER) has become an attractive research area, which besides the fundamental challenges, it poses, finds application in areas, such as human-computer interaction, clinical psychology, lie detection, pain assessment, and neurology. Generally the approaches to FER consist of three main steps: face detection, feature extraction and expression recognition. The recognition accuracy of FER hinges immensely on the relevance of the selected features in representing the target expressions. In this article, we present a person and gender independent 3D facial expression recognition method, using maximum relevance minimum redundancy geometrical features. The aim is to detect a compact set of features that sufficiently represents the most discriminative features between the target classes. Multi-class one-against-one SVM classifier was employed to recognize the seven facial expressions; neutral, happy, sad, angry, fear, disgust, and surprise. The average recognition accuracy of 92.2% was recorded. Furthermore, inter database homogeneity was investigated between two independent databases the BU-3DFE and UPM-3DFE the results showed a strong homogeneity between the two databases.

Overview of water resources in and near Indian lands in northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Trombley, T.J.; Wolf, R.J.; Jordan, P.R.; Brewer, L.D.

1996-01-01

An overview of water resources is provided for a 4,005-square-mile area of northeastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska that includes the treatylands for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, the Prairie Band of Potawatomi, and the Sac and Fox Tribe ofMissouri. The only plentiful supplies of surface water are available from the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. The smallest mean streamflows for 4 consecutive months occur in November through February for most streams in the area. The smallest flows for 7 consecutive days in a year occur most often in August, September, or October. The typical seasonal distribution of streamflows indicates a pattern favorable for the same-year use of small surface-water impoundments for low-flow augmentation; large flows that could be impounded typically occur in the month shortly before augmentation is most needed. However, droughts of 2 or more consecutive years are common and would largely negate the advantage of using small impoundments except for very small water-supply needs. Alluvial deposits along the Kansas and Missouri Rivers provide the largest well yields in the study area, but these deposits are limited in areal extent. The Kansas River alluvium reaches a maximum saturated thickness of about 70 feet, and the Missouri River alluvium reaches a maximum thickness of 120 feet. Well yields in the Kansas River generally range from 300 to 1,000 gallons per minute (gal/min) but may be as large as 2,500 gal/min. Well yields in the Missouri River alluvium generally range from 150 to 2,500 gal/min but may be as large as 3,000 gal/min. Although generally capable only of small sustained yields to wells, minor aquifers are important because they are available throughout most of the study area. Within the thick, mostly fine-grained glacial deposits, isolated sand and gravel layers may yield adequate supplies for stock- watering or domestic use. Sodium concentrations exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level of 20 milligrams per liter most often in the middle Kansas and Delaware Basins. Total iron andmanganese concentrations in water generally exceed the USEPA Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels of 50 micrograms per liter for iron and 300micrograms per liter for manganese. Atrazine concentrations in surface water, primarily from post-application runoff, commonly exceed the USEPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 3.0 micrograms per liter during the months of May, June, and July. Most of the erosion and about one- half of the total sediment yield in parts of the study area may result from sheet and rill erosion and gullying on cultivated cropland. A total of 3.13 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was used in 1990 in the Big Nemaha River Basin, 74 percent of which was derived from ground water. In the Wolf River Basin, 1.29 Mgal/d were used, 71 percent derived from ground water. The Middle Kansas River Basin had the highest water use, 83.01 Mgal/d, 67 percent of which was from surface water. A total of 4.37 Mgal/d was used in the Delaware River Basin, 55 percent from ground water.

Area-Efficient 60 GHz +18.9 dBm Power Amplifier with On-Chip Four-Way Parallel Power Combiner in 65-nm CMOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahabadi, Payam Masoumi; Basaligheh, Ali; Saffari, Parvaneh; Moez, Kambiz

2017-06-01

This paper presents a compact 60-GHz power amplifier utilizing a four-way on-chip parallel power combiner and splitter. The proposed topology provides the capability of combining the output power of four individual power amplifier cores in a compact die area. Each power amplifier core consists of a three-stage common-source amplifier with transformer-coupled impedance matching networks. Fabricated in 65-nm CMOS process, the measured gain of the 0.19-mm2 power amplifier at 60 GHz is 18.8 and 15 dB utilizing 1.4 and 1.0 V supply. Three-decibel band width of 4 GHz and P1dB of 16.9 dBm is measured while consuming 424 mW from a 1.4-V supply. A maximum saturated output power of 18.3 dBm is measured with the 15.9% peak power added efficiency at 60 GHz. The measured insertion loss is 1.9 dB at 60 GHz. The proposed power amplifier achieves the highest power density (power/area) compared to the reported 60-GHz CMOS power amplifiers in 65 nm or older CMOS technologies.

In-field High Throughput Phenotyping and Cotton Plant Growth Analysis Using LiDAR.

PubMed

Sun, Shangpeng; Li, Changying; Paterson, Andrew H; Jiang, Yu; Xu, Rui; Robertson, Jon S; Snider, John L; Chee, Peng W

2018-01-01

Plant breeding programs and a wide range of plant science applications would greatly benefit from the development of in-field high throughput phenotyping technologies. In this study, a terrestrial LiDAR-based high throughput phenotyping system was developed. A 2D LiDAR was applied to scan plants from overhead in the field, and an RTK-GPS was used to provide spatial coordinates. Precise 3D models of scanned plants were reconstructed based on the LiDAR and RTK-GPS data. The ground plane of the 3D model was separated by RANSAC algorithm and a Euclidean clustering algorithm was applied to remove noise generated by weeds. After that, clean 3D surface models of cotton plants were obtained, from which three plot-level morphologic traits including canopy height, projected canopy area, and plant volume were derived. Canopy height ranging from 85th percentile to the maximum height were computed based on the histogram of the z coordinate for all measured points; projected canopy area was derived by projecting all points on a ground plane; and a Trapezoidal rule based algorithm was proposed to estimate plant volume. Results of validation experiments showed good agreement between LiDAR measurements and manual measurements for maximum canopy height, projected canopy area, and plant volume, with R 2 -values of 0.97, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively. The developed system was used to scan the whole field repeatedly over the period from 43 to 109 days after planting. Growth trends and growth rate curves for all three derived morphologic traits were established over the monitoring period for each cultivar. Overall, four different cultivars showed similar growth trends and growth rate patterns. Each cultivar continued to grow until ~88 days after planting, and from then on varied little. However, the actual values were cultivar specific. Correlation analysis between morphologic traits and final yield was conducted over the monitoring period. When considering each cultivar individually, the three traits showed the best correlations with final yield during the period between around 67 and 109 days after planting, with maximum R 2 -values of up to 0.84, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively. The developed system demonstrated relatively high throughput data collection and analysis.

Air and blood lead levels in lead acid battery recycling and manufacturing plants in Kenya.

PubMed

Were, Faridah H; Kamau, Geoffrey N; Shiundu, Paul M; Wafula, Godfrey A; Moturi, Charles M

2012-01-01

The concentration of airborne and blood lead (Pb) was assessed in a Pb acid battery recycling plant and in a Pb acid battery manufacturing plant in Kenya. In the recycling plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production sections showed a mean value ± standard deviation (SD) of 427 ± 124 μg/m(3), while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 59.2 ± 22.7 μg/m(3). In the battery manufacturing plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production areas showed a mean value ± SD of 349 ± 107 μg/m(3), while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 55.2 ± 33.2 μg/m(3). All these mean values exceed the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limit of 50 μg/m(3) as an 8-hr time-weighted average. In the battery recycling plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 62.2 ± 12.7 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 43.4 ± 6.6 μg/dL. In the battery manufacturing plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 59.5 ± 10.1 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 41.6 ± 7.4 μg/dL. All the measured blood Pb levels exceeded 30 μg/dL, which is the maximum blood Pb level recommended by the ACGIH(®). Observations made in these facilities revealed numerous sources of Pb exposure due to inadequacies in engineering controls, work practices, respirator use, and personal hygiene.

Image Science Research for Speckle-based LADAR (Speckle Research for 3D Imaging LADAR)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-03

INVARIANT + FERGUS, TORRALBA, AND FREEMAN. MIT-CSAIL-TR-2006-058 MAP DETECTOR PATTERN FOR EACH POINT IN OBJECT SPACE DEBLURRING PROBLEM IMPULSE RESPONSE...GENERALIZED THEORY FOR THE LOGARITHMIC ASPHERE ( )( ) it e φ ρρ −= IMPULSE RESPONSE (PSF) 2 2 2 2 0 0 22 2( ) 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 2 ( ; ) 2 ( ) i s i i t R...ascent; γ=1, Burch, Skilling, Gull; Loops needed Noise deviation Area of PSF New parameter L σ A γ COMPARISON OF MAXIMUM ENTROPY METHODS † † W. CHI

Development of the Fetal Vermis: New Biometry Reference Data and Comparison of 3 Diagnostic Modalities-3D Ultrasound, 2D Ultrasound, and MR Imaging.

PubMed

Katorza, E; Bertucci, E; Perlman, S; Taschini, S; Ber, R; Gilboa, Y; Mazza, V; Achiron, R

2016-07-01

Normal biometry of the fetal posterior fossa rules out most major anomalies of the cerebellum and vermis. Our aim was to provide new reference data of the fetal vermis in 4 biometric parameters by using 3 imaging modalities, 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, and MR imaging, and to assess the relation among these modalities. A retrospective study was conducted between June 2011 and June 2013. Three different imaging modalities were used to measure vermis biometry: 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, and MR imaging. The vermian parameters evaluated were the maximum superoinferior diameter, maximum anteroposterior diameter, the perimeter, and the surface area. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate centiles for gestational age and to assess the agreement among the 3 imaging modalities. The number of fetuses in the study group was 193, 172, and 151 for 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, and MR imaging, respectively. The mean and median gestational ages were 29.1 weeks, 29.5 weeks (range, 21-35 weeks); 28.2 weeks, 29.05 weeks (range, 21-35 weeks); and 32.1 weeks, 32.6 weeks (range, 27-35 weeks) for 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, and MR imaging, respectively. In all 3 modalities, the biometric measurements of the vermis have shown a linear growth with gestational age. For all 4 biometric parameters, the lowest results were those measured by MR imaging, while the highest results were measured by 3D ultrasound. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was excellent for all measures and all imaging modalities. Limits of agreement were considered acceptable for clinical purposes for all parameters, with excellent or substantial agreement defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient. Imaging technique-specific reference data should be used for the assessment of the fetal vermis in pregnancy. © 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Earthquake Rate Model 2.2 of the 2007 Working Group for California Earthquake Probabilities, Appendix D: Magnitude-Area Relationships

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stein, Ross S.

2007-01-01

Summary To estimate the down-dip coseismic fault dimension, W, the Executive Committee has chosen the Nazareth and Hauksson (2004) method, which uses the 99% depth of background seismicity to assign W. For the predicted earthquake magnitude-fault area scaling used to estimate the maximum magnitude of an earthquake rupture from a fault's length, L, and W, the Committee has assigned equal weight to the Ellsworth B (Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, 2003) and Hanks and Bakun (2002) (as updated in 2007) equations. The former uses a single relation; the latter uses a bilinear relation which changes slope at M=6.65 (A=537 km2).

29 CFR 1917.111 - Maintenance and load limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... maintained. (b) Maximum safe load limits, in pounds per square foot (kilograms per square meter), of floors elevated above ground level, and pier structures over the water shall be conspicuously posted in all cargo areas. (c) Maximum safe load limits shall not be exceeded. (d) All walking and working surfaces in the...

A comparison of hepatic segmental anatomy as revealed by cross-sections and MPR CT imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Xue-Jing; Zhang, Jian-Fei; Sui, Hong-Jin; Yu, Sheng-Bo; Gong, Jin; Liu, Jie; Wu, Le-Bin; Liu, Cheng; Bai, Jian; Shi, Bing-Yi

2013-05-01

To compare the areas of human liver horizontal sections with computed tomography (CT) images and to evaluate whether the subsegments determined by CT are consistent with the actual anatomy. Six human cadaver livers were made into horizontal slices with multislice spiral CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction was used during infusion process. Each liver segment was displayed using different color, and 3D images of the portal and hepatic vein were reconstructed. Each segmental area was measured on CT-reconstructed images, which were compared with the actual area on the sections of the same liver. The measurements were performed at four key levels namely: (1) the three hepatic veins, (2) the left, and (3) the right branch of portal vein (PV), and (4) caudal to the bifurcation of the PV. By dividing the sum of these areas by the total area of the liver, the authors got the percentage of the incorrectly determined subsegmental areas. In addition to these percentage values, the maximum distances of the radiologically determined intersegmental boundaries from the true anatomic boundaries were measured. On the four key levels, an average of 28.64 ± 10.26% of the hepatic area of CT images was attributed to an incorrect segment. The mean-maximum error between artificial segments on images and actual anatomical segments was 3.81 ± 1.37 cm. The correlation between radiological segmenting method and actual anatomy was poor. The hepatic segments being divided strictly according to the branching point of the PV could be more informative during liver segmental resection. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Salp distribution and grazing in a saline intrusion off NW Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huskin, Iñaki; Elices, Ma. José; Anadón, Ricardo

2003-07-01

Salp distribution and grazing were studied along three transects (19 stations) and a Lagrangian phase (7 stations) off Galician coast (NW Spain) in November 1999 during GIGOVI 99 cruise. A poleward saline intrusion was detected at the shelf-break, reaching salinity values above 35.90 u.p.s. at 100-m depth. The salp community was dominated by Salpa fusiformis, although Cyclosalpa bakeri, Thalia democratica and Iasis zonaria were also found in the study area. Total salp abundance ranged from 4 to 4500 ind m -2, representing biomass values between 0.2 and 2750 mg C m -2. Maximum densities were located in the frontal area separating the saline body from coastal waters. S. fusiformis pigment ingestion was estimated using the gut fluorescence method. Gut contents were linearly related to salp body size. Total pigment ingestion ranged from 0.001 to 15 mg Chl- a m -2 d -1, with maximum values at the coastal edge of the saline body. Estimated ingestion translates into an average daily grazing impact of 7% of chlorophyll standing stock, ranging from <1% to 77%.

Comparison of the 1D flux theory with a 2D hydrodynamic secondary settling tank model.

PubMed

Ekama, G A; Marais, P

2004-01-01

The applicability of the 1D idealized flux theory (1DFT) for design of secondary settling tanks (SSTs) is evaluated by comparing its predicted maximum surface overflow (SOR) and solids loading (SLR) rates with that calculated from the 2D hydrodynamic model SettlerCAD using as a basis 35 full scale SST stress tests conducted on different SSTs with diameters from 30 to 45m and 2.25 to 4.1 m side water depth, with and without Stamford baffles. From the simulations, a relatively consistent pattern appeared, i.e. that the 1DFT can be used for design but its predicted maximum SLR needs to be reduced by an appropriate flux rating, the magnitude of which depends mainly on SST depth and hydraulic loading rate (HLR). Simulations of the sloping bottom shallow (1.5-2.5 m SWD) Dutch SSTs tested by STOWa and the Watts et al. SST, all with doubled SWDs, and the Darvill new (4.1 m) and old (2.5 m) SSTs with interchanged depths, were run to confirm the sensitivity of the flux rating to depth and HLR. Simulations with and without a Stamford baffle were also done. While the design of the internal features of the SST, such as baffling, have a marked influence on the effluent SS concentration for underloaded SSTs, these features appeared to have only a small influence on the flux rating, i.e. capacity, of the SST, In the meantime until more information is obtained, it would appear that from the simulations so far that the flux rating of 0.80 of the 1DFT maximum SLR recommended by Ekama and Marais remains a reasonable value to apply in the design of full scale SSTs--for deep SSTs (4 m SWD) the flux rating could be increased to 0.85 and for shallow SSTs (2.5 m SWD) decreased to 0.75. It is recommended that (i) while the apparent interrelationship between SST flux rating and depth suggests some optimization of the volume of the SST, that this be avoided and that (ii) the depth of the SST be designed independently of the surface area as is usually the practice and once selected, the appropriate flux rating is applied to the 1DFT estimate of the surface area.

Fault analysis as part of urban geothermal exploration in the German Molasse Basin around Munich

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziesch, Jennifer; Tanner, David C.; Hanstein, Sabine; Buness, Hermann; Krawczyk, Charlotte M.; Thomas, Rüdiger

2017-04-01

Faults play an essential role in geothermal exploration. The prediction of potential fluid pathways in urban Munich has been started with the interpretation of a 3-D seismic survey (170 km2) that was acquired during the winter of 2015/2016 in Munich (Germany) within the Bavarian Molasse Basin. As a part of the research project GeoParaMoL*, we focus on the structural interpretation and retro-deformation analysis to detect sub-seismic structures within the reservoir and overburden. We explore the hydrothermal Malm carbonate reservoir (at a depth of 3 km) as a source of deep geothermal energy and the overburden of Tertiary Molasse sediments. The stratigraphic horizons, Top Aquitan, Top Chatt, Top Bausteinschichten, Top Lithothamnien limestone (Top Eocene), Top and Base Malm (Upper Jurassic), together with the detailed interpretation of the faults in the study area are used to construct a 3-D geological model. The study area is characterised by synthetic normal faults that strike parallel to the alpine front. Most major faults were active from Upper Jurassic up to the Miocene. The Munich Fault, which belongs to the Markt-Schwabener Lineament, has a maximum vertical offset of 350 metres in the central part, and contrary to previous interpretation based on 2-D seismic, this fault dies out in the eastern part of the area. The south-eastern part of the study area is dominated by a very complex fault system. Three faults that were previously detected in a smaller 3-D seismic survey at Unterhaching, to the south of the study area, with strike directions of 25°, 45° and 70° (Lüschen et al. 2014), were followed in to the new 3-D seismic survey interpretation. Particularly noticeable are relay ramps and horst/graben structures. The fault with a strike of 25° ends in three big sinkholes with a maximum vertical offset of 60 metres. We interpret this special structure as fault tip horsetail-structure, which caused a large amount of sub-seismic deformation. Consequently, this area could be characterised by increased fluid flow. This detailed understanding of the structural development and regional tectonics of the study area will guide the subsequent determination of potential fluid pathways in the new 3-D subsurface model of urban Munich. This project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Lüschen, E., Wolfgramm, M., Fritzer, T., Dussel, M., Thomas, R. & Schulz, R. (2014): 3D seismic survey explores geothermal targets for reservoir characterization at Unterhaching, Munich, Germany, Geothermics, 50, 167-179. * https://www.liag-hannover.de/en/fsp/ge/geoparamol.html

Intracranial arterial wall imaging using three-dimensional high isotropic resolution black blood MRI at 3.0 Tesla.

PubMed

Qiao, Ye; Steinman, David A; Qin, Qin; Etesami, Maryam; Schär, Michael; Astor, Brad C; Wasserman, Bruce A

2011-07-01

To develop a high isotropic-resolution sequence to evaluate intracranial vessels at 3.0 Tesla (T). Thirteen healthy volunteers and 4 patients with intracranial stenosis were imaged at 3.0T using 0.5-mm isotropic-resolution three-dimensional (3D) Volumetric ISotropic TSE Acquisition (VISTA; TSE, turbo spin echo), with conventional 2D-TSE for comparison. VISTA was repeated for 6 volunteers and 4 patients at 0.4-mm isotropic-resolution to explore the trade-off between SNR and voxel volume. Wall signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR(wall) ), wall-lumen contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR(wall-lumen) ), lumen area (LA), wall area (WA), mean wall thickness (MWT), and maximum wall thickness (maxWT) were compared between 3D-VISTA and 2D-TSE sequences, as well as 3D images acquired at both resolutions. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlations (ICC). Compared with 2D-TSE measurements, 3D-VISTA provided 58% and 74% improvement in SNR(wall) and CNR(wall-lumen) , respectively. LA, WA, MWT and maxWT from 3D and 2D techniques highly correlated (ICCs of 0.96, 0.95, 0.96, and 0.91, respectively). CNR(wall-lumen) using 0.4-mm resolution VISTA decreased by 27%, compared with 0.5-mm VISTA but with reduced partial-volume-based overestimation of wall thickness. Reliability for 3D measurements was good to excellent. The 3D-VISTA provides SNR-efficient, highly reliable measurements of intracranial vessels at high isotropic-resolution, enabling broad coverage in a clinically acceptable time. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Three-dimensional electrical resistivity model of a nuclear waste disposal site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rucker, Dale F.; Levitt, Marc T.; Greenwood, William J.

2009-12-01

A three-dimensional (3D) modeling study was completed on a very large electrical resistivity survey conducted at a nuclear waste site in eastern Washington. The acquisition included 47 pole-pole two-dimensional (2D) resistivity profiles collected along parallel and orthogonal lines over an area of 850 m × 570 m. The data were geo-referenced and inverted using EarthImager3D (EI3D). EI3D runs on a Microsoft 32-bit operating system (e.g. WIN-2K, XP) with a maximum usable memory of 2 GB. The memory limits the size of the domain for the inversion model to 200 m × 200 m, based on the survey electrode density. Therefore, a series of increasing overlapping models were run to evaluate the effectiveness of dividing the survey area into smaller subdomains. The results of the smaller subdomains were compared to the inversion results of a single domain over a larger area using an upgraded form of EI3D that incorporates multi-processing capabilities and 32 GB of RAM memory. The contours from the smaller subdomains showed discontinuity at the boundaries between the adjacent models, which do not match the hydrogeologic expectations given the nature of disposal at the site. At several boundaries, the contours of the low resistivity areas close, leaving the appearance of disconnected plumes or open contours at boundaries are not met with a continuance of the low resistivity plume into the adjacent subdomain. The model results of the single large domain show a continuous monolithic plume within the central and western portion of the site, directly beneath the elongated trenches. It is recommended that where possible, the domain not be subdivided, but instead include as much of the domain as possible given the memory of available computing resources.

Correlation analysis of the optics of progressive addition lenses.

PubMed

Sheedy, James E

2004-05-01

To investigate the relations between selected key optical parameters and the sizes of the clear viewing areas of progressive addition lenses (PALs). The optics of 28 PALs (plano with +2.00 D add) currently on the market were measured with a Rotlex Class Plus lens analyzer. Horizontal cross sections were analyzed in 1 mm vertical steps with respect to the fitting cross. Distance, intermediate, and near viewing zone widths and areas were calculated from the measurements. The maximum amount of unwanted astigmatism, minimum zone width (0.50 DC limit), and maximum power rate in the corridor were also recorded for each lens. Correlation coefficients were determined for all relations. Each of the three viewing zone areas had a significant negative relation with the other (r of -0.4 to -0.8), indicating design tradeoff. Maximum power rate was significantly related to minimum zone width (r = -0.695), which was significantly related to maximum astigmatism (r = -0.616), but there was not a significant relation between maximum power rate and maximum astigmatism. Higher power rates and narrower minimum zones were significantly related to smaller intermediate and larger near zones (r = 0.4 to 0.9). Maximum astigmatism was related to distance zone width (r = 0.42) and to intermediate zone size (r = -0.4 to -0.56), but not significantly related to near viewing zone. Power rate and astigmatism each vary relatively uniformly across each lens. The fundamental relation appears to be between power rate and zone width, each of which is highly related to sizes of the intermediate and near viewing zones. The maximum amount of astigmatism is related to zone width, but not to maximum power rate. The amount of astigmatism is unrelated to the size of the near zone. The pattern of correlations between the optical and viewing zone parameters help identify the underlying optical relations of PALs.

Multiple night-time doses of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) had minimal effects on CYP3A4 activity and no effect on CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Donovan, Jennifer L; DeVane, C Lindsay; Chavin, Kenneth D; Wang, Jun-Sheng; Gibson, Bryan B; Gefroh, Holly A; Markowitz, John S

2004-12-01

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular dietary supplement. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of a valerian extract on the activity of the drug-metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and 3A4. Probe drugs dextromethorphan (30 mg; CYP2D6 activity) and alprazolam (2 mg; CYP3A4 activity) were administered orally to healthy volunteers (n = 12) at baseline and again after exposure to two 500-mg valerian tablets (1000 mg) nightly for 14 days. The valerian supplement contained a total valerenic acid content of 5.51 mg/tablet. Dextromethorphan to dextorphan metabolic ratios (DMRs) and alprazolam pharmacokinetics were determined at baseline and after valerian treatment. The DMR was 0.214 +/- 0.025 at baseline and 0.254 +/- 0.026 after valerian supplementation (p > 0.05). For alprazolam, the maximum concentration in plasma was significantly increased after treatment with valerian (25 +/- 7 ng/ml versus 31 +/- 8 ng/ml; p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in other pharmacokinetic parameters at baseline and after valerian exposure (all p values > or = 0.05; time to reach maximum concentration in plasma, 3.0 +/- 3.2 versus 3.1 +/- 2.1 h; area under the plasma concentration versus time curve, 471 +/- 183 versus 539 +/- 240 hx ng x ml(-1); half-life of elimination, 13.5 +/- 4.3 versus 12.2 +/- 5.6 h). Our results indicate that although a modest increase was observed in the alprazolam Cmax, typical doses of valerian are unlikely to produce clinically significant effects on the disposition of medications dependent on the CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 pathways of metabolism.

75 FR 26956 - Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Availability of Los Angeles Area Lakes Total Maximum Daily Loads...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-13

... included on the State of California's Section 303(d) list of polluted waters due to water quality impacts... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9146-6] Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Availability of Los... nutrient, mercury, chlordane, dieldrin, DDT, PCB, and trash impairments pursuant to Clean Water Act Section...

National Dam Inspection Program. Saxe Pond Dam (NDI I.D. Number PA-729, DER ID Number 8-10) Susquehanna River Basin. North Branch Mehoopany Creek, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Phase I Inspection Report,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

presently utilized as a fishing camp. b. Location. -The dam is located approximately 2 miles northwest of the Village of Colley, Wilmot Township...1.3 Pertinent Data. a. Drainage Area. 3.13 square miles b. Discharge at Dam Site ( cfs ). Maximum flood at dam site Unknown Drainline capacity at normal...Overtopping Analysis. Complete summary sheets for the computer output are presented in Appendix D. Peak inflow (PMF) 11580 cfs Spillway capacity (recessed

Optical receiving system based on a compound parabolic concentrator and a hemispherical lens for visible light communication.

PubMed

Wang, Yun; Lan, Tian; Ni, Guoqiang

2016-12-20

We propose a scheme for designing a new optical receiving system that can reduce the received-energy spot size via integration of a compound parabolic concentrator with a hemispherical lens. SolidWorks is used to model the receiving system, while TracePro is employed for simulations. The field of view is set to 30° and the radius of the compound parabolic concentrator outlet is 5 mm, which is also the radius of the hemispherical lens. Ray-tracing results show that under the given simulation conditions, the radius of the spot area is reduced from 5 to 3 mm at the receiving system and the gain is 5.2. In regard to the relations between received power and the radius of the hemispherical lens R, and the received power and the distance d between the compound parabolic concentrator and hemispherical lens, our detailed analysis yields the following characteristics: (1) the received power increases as R increases, but decreases as d increases; (2) as R increases, the spot area increases and the received flux is dispersed over the receiving plane, which dispersion is disadvantageous for high-speed communication; (3) the gain of the receiving system also varies with R and d; (4) an increase in d leads to decrease in the received flux and gain when d>-2  mm. Based on these characteristics, we set R=5  mm and calculate the energy efficiency. We obtain maximum energy efficiencies for different detection areas.

Sediment Flux, East Greenland Margin

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-17

D.. T 0ATE [3. AEORT TYPE AND ý -2-’S .’:2,E.i 09/17/91 Final Oct. . 1988 - Seot.l. 1991 4. TITLE AND SU.3TITLE S. F*.i1CjG . AU • 12..5 Sediment Flux...and s le ,; its ditribution is unlimited. 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 2CO words) We investigated sediment flux across an ice-dominated, high latitude...investigated an area off the East Greenland margin where the world’s second largest ice sheet still exists and where information on the extent of glaciation on

Unique Three-Dimensional InP Nanopore Arrays for Improved Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production.

PubMed

Li, Qiang; Zheng, Maojun; Ma, Liguo; Zhong, Miao; Zhu, Changqing; Zhang, Bin; Wang, Faze; Song, Jingnan; Ma, Li; Shen, Wenzhong

2016-08-31

Ordered three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure arrays hold promise for high-performance energy harvesting and storage devices. Here, we report the fabrication of InP nanopore arrays (NPs) in unique 3D architectures with excellent light trapping characteristic and large surface areas for use as highly active photoelectrodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen evolution devices. The ordered 3D NPs were scalably synthesized by a facile two-step etching process of (1) anodic etching of InP in neutral 3 M NaCl electrolytes to realize nanoporous structures and (2) wet chemical etching in HCl/H3PO4 (volume ratio of 1:3) solutions for removing the remaining top irregular layer. Importantly, we demonstrated that the use of neutral electrolyte of NaCl instead of other solutions, such as HCl, in anodic etching of InP can significantly passivate the surface states of 3D NPs. As a result, the maximum photoconversion efficiency obtained with ∼15.7 μm thick 3D NPs was 0.95%, which was 7.3 and 1.4 times higher than that of planar and 2D NPs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photoluminescence analyses further clarified that the improved PEC performance was attributed to the enhanced charge transfer across 3D NPs/electrolyte interfaces, the improved charge separation at 3D NPs/electrolyte junction, and the increased PEC active surface areas with our unique 3D NP arrays.

Pesticide mitigation strategies for surface water quality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pesticide residues are being increasingly detected in surface water in agricultural and urban areas. In some cases water bodies are being listed under the Clean Water Act 303(d) as impaired and Total Maximum Daily Loads are required to address the impairments in agricultural areas. Pesticides in sur...

50 CFR 648.80 - NE Multispecies regulated mesh areas and restrictions on gear and methods of fishing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... (D) The raised footrope trawl may be used with or without a chain sweep. If used without a chain sweep, the drop chains must be a maximum of 3/8-inch (0.95-cm) diameter bare chain and must be hung from... belly at the footrope). Drop chains must be hung at intervals of 8 ft (2.4 m) along the footrope from...

Development of a 3D workspace shoulder assessment tool incorporating electromyography and an inertial measurement unit-a preliminary study.

PubMed

Aslani, Navid; Noroozi, Siamak; Davenport, Philip; Hartley, Richard; Dupac, Mihai; Sewell, Philip

2018-06-01

Traditional shoulder range of movement (ROM) measurement tools suffer from inaccuracy or from long experimental setup times. Recently, it has been demonstrated that relatively low-cost wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors can overcome many of the limitations of traditional motion tracking systems. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a single IMU combined with an electromyography (EMG) sensor to monitor the 3D reachable workspace with simultaneous measurement of deltoid muscle activity across the shoulder ROM. Six volunteer subjects with healthy shoulders and one participant with a 'frozen' shoulder were recruited to the study. Arm movement in 3D space was plotted in spherical coordinates while the relative EMG intensity of any arm position is presented graphically. The results showed that there was an average ROM surface area of 27291 ± 538 deg 2 among all six healthy individuals and a ROM surface area of 13571 ± 308 deg 2 for the subject with frozen shoulder. All three sections of the deltoid show greater EMG activity at higher elevation angles. Using such tools enables individuals, surgeons and physiotherapists to measure the maximum envelope of motion in conjunction with muscle activity in order to provide an objective assessment of shoulder performance in the voluntary 3D workspace. Graphical abstract The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a single IMU combined with an electromyography (EMG) sensor to monitor the 3D reachable workspace with simultaneous measurement of deltoid muscle activity across the shoulder ROM. The assessment tool consists of an IMU sensor, an EMG sensor, a microcontroller and a Bluetooth module. The assessment tool was attached to subjects arm. Individuals were instructed to move their arms with the elbow fully extended. They were then asked to provide the maximal voluntary elevation envelope of the arm in 3D space in multiple attempts starting from a small movement envelope going to the biggest possible in four consecutive circuits. The results showed that there was an average ROM surface area of 27291 ± 538 deg2 among all six healthy individuals and a ROM surface area of 13571 ± 308 deg2 for the subject with frozen shoulder. All three sections of the deltoid show greater EMG activity at higher elevation angles. Using such tools enables individuals, surgeons and physiotherapists to measure the maximum envelope of motion in conjunction with muscle activity in order to provide an objective assessment of shoulder performance in the voluntary 3D workspace.

Comparison of 2D and 3D Imaging and Treatment Planning for Postoperative Vaginal Apex High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Endometrial Cancer

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

Russo, James K.; Armeson, Kent E.; Richardson, Susan, E-mail: srichardson@radonc.wustl.edu

2012-05-01

Purpose: To evaluate bladder and rectal doses using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D treatment planning for vaginal cuff high-dose rate (HDR) in endometrial cancer. Methods and Materials: Ninety-one consecutive patients treated between 2000 and 2007 were evaluated. Seventy-one and 20 patients underwent 2D and 3D planning, respectively. Each patient received six fractions prescribed at 0.5 cm to the superior 3 cm of the vagina. International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) doses were calculated for 2D patients. Maximum and 2-cc doses were calculated for 3D patients. Organ doses were normalized to prescription dose. Results: Bladder maximum doses were 178% ofmore » ICRU doses (p < 0.0001). Two-cubic centimeter doses were no different than ICRU doses (p = 0.22). Two-cubic centimeter doses were 59% of maximum doses (p < 0.0001). Rectal maximum doses were 137% of ICRU doses (p < 0.0001). Two-cubic centimeter doses were 87% of ICRU doses (p < 0.0001). Two-cubic centimeter doses were 64% of maximum doses (p < 0.0001). Using the first 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fractions, we predicted the final bladder dose to within 10% for 44%, 59%, 83%, 82%, and 89% of patients by using the ICRU dose, and for 45%, 55%, 80%, 85%, and 85% of patients by using the maximum dose, and for 37%, 68%, 79%, 79%, and 84% of patients by using the 2-cc dose. Using the first 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fractions, we predicted the final rectal dose to within 10% for 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100% of patients by using the ICRU dose, and for 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, and 75% of patients by using the maximum dose, and for 68%, 95%, 84%, 84%, and 84% of patients by using the 2-cc dose. Conclusions: Doses to organs at risk vary depending on the calculation method. In some cases, final dose accuracy appears to plateau after the third fraction, indicating that simulation and planning may not be necessary in all fractions. A clinically relevant level of accuracy should be determined and further research conducted to address this issue.« less

Low cost, multiscale and multi-sensor application for flooded area mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordan, Daniele; Notti, Davide; Villa, Alfredo; Zucca, Francesco; Calò, Fabiana; Pepe, Antonio; Dutto, Furio; Pari, Paolo; Baldo, Marco; Allasia, Paolo

2018-05-01

Flood mapping and estimation of the maximum water depth are essential elements for the first damage evaluation, civil protection intervention planning and detection of areas where remediation is needed. In this work, we present and discuss a methodology for mapping and quantifying flood severity over floodplains. The proposed methodology considers a multiscale and multi-sensor approach using free or low-cost data and sensors. We applied this method to the November 2016 Piedmont (northwestern Italy) flood. We first mapped the flooded areas at the basin scale using free satellite data from low- to medium-high-resolution from both the SAR (Sentinel-1, COSMO-Skymed) and multispectral sensors (MODIS, Sentinel-2). Using very- and ultra-high-resolution images from the low-cost aerial platform and remotely piloted aerial system, we refined the flooded zone and detected the most damaged sector. The presented method considers both urbanised and non-urbanised areas. Nadiral images have several limitations, in particular in urbanised areas, where the use of terrestrial images solved this limitation. Very- and ultra-high-resolution images were processed with structure from motion (SfM) for the realisation of 3-D models. These data, combined with an available digital terrain model, allowed us to obtain maps of the flooded area, maximum high water area and damaged infrastructures.

Maximum powers of low-loss series-shunt FET RF switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Hu, X.; Yang, J.; Simin, G.; Shur, M.; Gaska, R.

2009-02-01

Low-loss high-power single pole single throw (SPST) monolithic RF switch based on AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) demonstrate the insertion loss and isolation of 0.15 dB and 45.9 dB at 0.5 GHz and 0.23 dB and 34.3 dB at 2 GHz. Maximum switching powers are estimated +47 dBm or higher. Factors determining the maximum switching powers are analyzed. Design principles to obtain equally high switching powers in the ON and OFF-states are developed.

Phase I clinical trial combining imatinib mesylate and IL-2 in refractory cancer patients

PubMed Central

Pautier, Patricia; Locher, Clara; Robert, Caroline; Deroussent, Alain; Flament, Caroline; Le Cesne, Axel; Rey, Annie; Bahleda, Ratislav; Ribrag, Vincent; Soria, Jean-Charles; Vassal, Gilles; Eggermont, Alexander; Zitvogel, Laurence; Chaput, Nathalie; Paci, Angelo

2013-01-01

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is a small molecule inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases. In addition to its direct effect on malignant cells, it has been suggested IM may activate of natural killer (NK) cells, hence exerting immunomodulatory functions. In preclinical settings, improved antitumor responses have been observed when IM and interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine that enhances NK cells functions, were combined. The goals of this study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of IL-2 combined with IM at a constant dose of 400 mg, the pharmacokinetics of IM and IL-2, as well as toxicity and clinical efficacy of this immunotherapeutic regimen in patients affected by advanced tumors. The treatment consisted in 50 mg/day cyclophosphamide from 21 d before the initiation of IM throughout the first IM cycle (from D-21 to D14), 400 mg/day IM for 14 d (D1 to D14) combined with escalating doses of IL-2 (3, 6, 9 and 12 MIU/day) from days 10 to 14. This treatment was administered at three week intervals to 17 patients. Common side effects of the combination were mild to moderate, including fever, chills, fatigue, nausea and hepatic enzyme elevation. IL-2 dose level II, 6 MIU/day, was determined as the MTD with the following dose-limiting toxicities: systemic capillary leak syndrome, fatigue and anorexia. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the area under the curve and the maximum concentration of IM and its main metabolite CGP74588 increased significantly when IM was concomitantly administered with IL-2. In contrast, IM did not modulate IL-2 pharmacokinetics. No objective responses were observed. The best response obtained was stable disease in 8/17 (median duration: 12 weeks). Finally, IL-2 augmented the impregnation of IM and its metabolite. The combination of IM (400 mg/day) and IL-2 (6 MIU/day) in tumors that express IM targets warrants further investigation. PMID:23525192

Radiation measurements in the Chiba Metropolitan Area and radiological aspects of fallout from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plants accident.

PubMed

Amano, Hikaru; Akiyama, Masakazu; Chunlei, Bi; Kawamura, Takao; Kishimoto, Takeshi; Kuroda, Tomotaka; Muroi, Takahiko; Odaira, Tomoaki; Ohta, Yuji; Takeda, Kenji; Watanabe, Yushu; Morimoto, Takao

2012-09-01

Large amounts of radioactive substances were released into the environment from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plants in eastern Japan as a consequence of the great earthquake (M 9.0) and tsunami of 11 March 2011. Radioactive substances discharged into the atmosphere first reached the Chiba Metropolitan Area on 15 March. We collected daily samples of air, fallout deposition, and tap water starting directly after the incident and measured their radioactivity. During the first two months maximum daily concentrations of airborne radionuclides observed at the Japan Chemical Analysis Center in the Chiba Metropolitan Area were as follows: 4.7 × 10(1) Bq m(-3) of (131)I, 7.5 Bq m(-3) of (137)Cs, and 6.1 Bq m(-3) of (134)Cs. The ratio of gaseous iodine to total iodine ranged from 5.2 × 10(-1) to 7.1 × 10(-1). Observed deposition rate maxima were as follows: 1.7 × 10(4) Bq m(-2) d(-1) of (131)I, 2.9 × 10(3) Bq m(-2) d(-1) of (137)Cs, and 2.9 × 10(3) Bq m(-2) d(-1) of (134)Cs. The deposition velocities (ratio of deposition rate to concentration) of cesium radionuclides and (131)I were detectably different. Radioactivity in tap water caused by the accident was detected several days after detection of radioactivity in fallout in the area. Radiation doses were estimated from external radiation and internal radiation by inhalation and ingestion of tap water for people living outdoor in the Chiba Metropolitan Area following the Fukushima accident. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies on the use of herbicides for improving waterfowl habitat in western Kentucky and Tennessee

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steenis, J.H.

1950-01-01

During four years of investigation on the use of herbicides to control pest plants in waterfowl habitat in western Kentucky and Tennessee, it was found that: (1) Ammate at 3/4 pound to a gallon of water and 2,4-D at 6% strength can, under selected conditions, be used effectively on many plants, including important pest species such as lotus, giant cutgrass and several woody species. For the greatest degree of success, application must be at certain stages of plant growth and certain environmental conditions. (2) For non-hormone types of chemicals, such as Ammate, best results are likely to be obtained at the period when treatment causes maximum shock to the plant. Generally this is somewhat later than the optimum time for 2,4-D and, in many plants, occurs when the plant is fruiting. (3) Best results with the hormone-type of herbicide, such as 2,4-D, were obtained during active vegetative growth and when foliage development is nearly maximum. Correlated with this optimum stage of the plant's development, the environment should be wet and the average temperature should be 70?F. or higher. (4) Successive treatments of 2,4-D and Ammate made at periods when hormone and non-hormone herbicides are each most effective, were used on hard-to-kill woody sucker growth and on spatterdock. This procedure was more effective than double treatment with either 2,4-D or Ammate, and may show promise for controlling resistant vegetation. (5) Effective application of herbicides in waterfowl areas requires procedures that will result in economical replacement of objectionable vegetation by more desirable plants.

Identification of limiting case between DBA and SBDBA (CL break area sensitivity): A new model for the boron injection system

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

Gonzalez Gonzalez, R.; Petruzzi, A.; D'Auria, F.

2012-07-01

Atucha-2 is a Siemens-designed PHWR reactor under construction in the Republic of Argentina. Its geometrical complexity and (e.g., oblique Control Rods, Positive Void coefficient) required a developed and validated complex three dimensional (3D) neutron kinetics (NK) coupled thermal hydraulic (TH) model. Reactor shut-down is obtained by oblique CRs and, during accidental conditions, by an emergency shut-down system (JDJ) injecting a highly concentrated boron solution (boron clouds) in the moderator tank, the boron clouds reconstruction is obtained using a CFD (CFX) code calculation. A complete LBLOCA calculation implies the application of the RELAP5-3D{sup C} system code. Within the framework of themore » third Agreement 'NA-SA - Univ. of Pisa' a new RELAP5-3D control system for the boron injection system was developed and implemented in the validated coupled RELAP5-3D/NESTLE model of the Atucha 2 NPP. The aim of this activity is to find out the limiting case (maximum break area size) for the Peak Cladding Temperature for LOCAs under fixed boundary conditions. (authors)« less

DC-9 flight demonstration program with refanned JT8D engines. Volume 4: Flyover noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Flyover noise tests were conducted to determine the noise reductions achievable by modifying the engines and nacelles of DC-9-30 airplanes. The two stage fan of the JT8D-9 engine was replaced with a larger diameter, single stage fan and sound absorbing materials were incorporated in the engines and nacelles. The noise levels were determined to be 95.3 EPNdB at the sideline, 96.2 EPNdB for a full thrust takeoff, 87.5 EPNdB for takeoff with thrust cutback, and 97.4 EPNdB for landing approach. The noise reductions relative to the hardwall JT8D-9 were 8.2 EPNdB for takeoff with cutback and 8.7 EPNdB for landing. The 90 EPNdB noise contour areas were reduced by 40% for missions requiring maximum design takeoff and landing weights. For typical mission weights, the reductions were 19% for full thrust takeoff and 34% for takeoff with cutback. The 95 EPNdB contour areas were reduced by 50% for takeoff and 30% for takeoff with cutback for both missions.

Three-Dimensional Effects in Multi-Element High Lift Computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumsey, Christopher L.; LeeReusch, Elizabeth M.; Watson, Ralph D.

2003-01-01

In an effort to discover the causes for disagreement between previous two-dimensional (2-D) computations and nominally 2-D experiment for flow over the three-element McDonnell Douglas 30P-30N airfoil configuration at high lift, a combined experimental/CFD investigation is described. The experiment explores several different side-wall boundary layer control venting patterns, documents venting mass flow rates, and looks at corner surface flow patterns. The experimental angle of attack at maximum lift is found to be sensitive to the side-wall venting pattern: a particular pattern increases the angle of attack at maximum lift by at least 2 deg. A significant amount of spanwise pressure variation is present at angles of attack near maximum lift. A CFD study using three-dimensional (3-D) structured-grid computations, which includes the modeling of side-wall venting, is employed to investigate 3-D effects on the flow. Side-wall suction strength is found to affect the angle at which maximum lift is predicted. Maximum lift in the CFD is shown to be limited by the growth of an off-body corner flow vortex and consequent increase in spanwise pressure variation and decrease in circulation. The 3-D computations with and without wall venting predict similar trends to experiment at low angles of attack, but either stall too early or else overpredict lift levels near maximum lift by as much as 5%. Unstructured-grid computations demonstrate that mounting brackets lower the lift levels near maximum lift conditions.

Three-Dimensional Effects on Multi-Element High Lift Computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumsey, Christopher L.; Lee-Rausch, Elizabeth M.; Watson, Ralph D.

2002-01-01

In an effort to discover the causes for disagreement between previous 2-D computations and nominally 2-D experiment for flow over the 3-clement McDonnell Douglas 30P-30N airfoil configuration at high lift, a combined experimental/CFD investigation is described. The experiment explores several different side-wall boundary layer control venting patterns, document's venting mass flow rates, and looks at corner surface flow patterns. The experimental angle of attack at maximum lift is found to be sensitive to the side wall venting pattern: a particular pattern increases the angle of attack at maximum lift by at least 2 deg. A significant amount of spanwise pressure variation is present at angles of attack near maximum lift. A CFD study using 3-D structured-grid computations, which includes the modeling of side-wall venting, is employed to investigate 3-D effects of the flow. Side-wall suction strength is found to affect the angle at which maximum lift is predicted. Maximum lift in the CFD is shown to be limited by the growth of all off-body corner flow vortex and consequent increase in spanwise pressure variation and decrease in circulation. The 3-D computations with and without wall venting predict similar trends to experiment at low angles of attack, but either stall too earl or else overpredict lift levels near maximum lift by as much as 5%. Unstructured-grid computations demonstrate that mounting brackets lower die the levels near maximum lift conditions.

Eighteen years of geochemical monitoring at the oceanic active volcanic island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asensio-Ramos, María; Alonso, Mar; Sharp, Emerson; Woods, Hannah; Barrancos, José; Pérez, Nemesio M.

2016-04-01

We report herein the latest results of a diffuse CO2 efflux survey at El Hierro volcanic system carried out during the summer period of 2015 to constrain the total CO2 output from the studied area a during post-eruptive period. El Hierro Island (278 km2) is the youngest and the SW-most of the Canary Islands. On July 16, 2011, a seismic-volcanic crisis started with the occurrence of more than 11,900 seismic events and significant deformation along the island. On October 10, 2011, the dominant character of seismicity changed dramatically from discrete earthquakes to continuous tremor, a clear indication that magma was rapidly approaching the surface immediately before the onset of the eruption, October 12. Eruption was declared over on 5 March, 2012. In order to monitor the volcanic activity of El Hierro Island, from 1998 to 2015 diffuse CO2 emission studies have been performed at El Hierro volcanic system in a yearly basis (˜600 observation sites) according to the accumulation chamber method. Spatial distribution maps were constructed following the sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) procedure. To quantify the total CO2 emission from the studied area, 100 simulations for each survey have been performed. During the eruption period, soil CO2 efflux values range from non-detectable (˜0.5 g m-2 d-1) up to 457 g m-2 d-1, reaching in November 27, 2011, the maximum CO2 output estimated value of all time series, 2,398 t d-1, just before the episodes of maximum degassing observed as vigorous bubbling at the sea surface and an increment in the amplitude of the tremor signal. During the 2015 survey, soil CO2 efflux values ranged from non-detectable up to 41 g m-2 d-1. The spatial distribution of diffuse CO2 emission values seemed to be controlled by the main volcano structural features of the island. The total diffuse CO2 output released to atmosphere was estimated at 575 ± 24 t d-1, value slightly higher that the background CO2 emission estimated at 422 t d-1 (Melián et al., 2014). The above data demonstrate that discrete surveys of diffuse CO2 emission provide important information to optimize the early warning system in volcano monitoring programs and to monitor the evolution of an ongoing volcanic eruption, even though it is a submarine eruption. References: Melián et al., 2014. J. Geophys. Res. DOI: 10.1002/2014JB011013.

Design and Fabrication of 1D and 2D Micro Scanners Actuated by Double Layered Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) Bimorph Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsaur, Jiunnjye; Zhang, Lulu; Maeda, Ryutaro; Matsumoto, Sohei; Khumpuang, Sommawan

2002-06-01

Micro scanners including 1D scanner beams and 2D scanning micromirrors are designed and fabricated. In order to yield large bending force, the sol-gel derived double layered lead zirconate titanate (PZT) structures are developed to be the actuator components. In our developed fabrication process, the use of thermal treatment and the addition of one platinium/titanium film played an important role to yield the well-crystallized perovskite phase and decrease the residual strss of total cantilever structures successfully. In the case of 1D scanner beams with the size of 750× 230 μm2, the optical scanning angle was 41.2 deg with respect to actuation with AC 5 V at 2706 Hz. Under the applied bias of 10 V, the bimorph beam bended upward and the deflection angle of 34.3 deg was measured. A 2D scanning micromirror supported by four suspended double layered PZT actuators was designed to rotate around two orthogonal axes by the operation at different resonant frequencies. While resonating with AC 7.5 V at 3750 Hz and 5350 Hz, the maximum scanning area of 24\\circ× 26\\circ was obtained.

Effect of pharmacogenetic markers of vitamin D pathway on deferasirox pharmacokinetics in children.

PubMed

Allegra, Sarah; Cusato, Jessica; De Francia, Silvia; Longo, Filomena; Pirro, Elisa; Massano, Davide; Piga, Antonio; D'Avolio, Antonio

2018-01-01

Patients with β-thalassemia major have extremely low vitamin D levels, owing to reduced intestinal absorption, subicteric tint, and/or iron-induced higher pigmentation. We investigated whether some polymorphisms within the VDR, CYP24A1, CYP27B1, and GC genes could play a role in deferasirox pharmacokinetics in a cohort of pediatric patients. Eighteen children with β-thalassemia were enrolled. Drug plasma concentrations at the end of dosing interval (Ctrough) and after 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h of drug administration were measured by a HPLC-UV method. Allelic discrimination for VDR (TaqI, FokI, BsmI, Cdx2, and ApaI), CYP24A1 (22776, 3999 and 8620), CYP27B1 (2838 and -1260), and GC (1296) single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed by real-time PCR. CYP24A1 8620 AG/GG group negatively predicted Ctrough in regression analysis (P=0.012). ApaI AA genotype resulted as a negative predictor of Ctrough (P=0.025) and area under the concentration curve (P=0.007); FoKI CC genotype remained as area under the concentration curve positive predictor (P=0.008) and TC/CC group as half-life (t1/2) (P=0.003) and volume of distribution (Vd) (P=0.011) negative one; TaqI TC/CC was retained as a negative predictor of drug maximum concentration (Cmax) (P=0.004). Moreover, GC 1296 TG/GG seemed able to predict lower time to reach drug maximum concentration (Tmax) (P=0.033). Our preliminary experience suggested the potential usefulness of vitamin D pharmacogenetic to better understand deferasirox interindividual variability, also in pediatric patients.

47 CFR 25.212 - Narrowband analog transmissions and digital transmissions in the GSO Fixed Satellite Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... kHz if the maximum input power spectral density into the antenna does not exceed −8 dBW/4 kHz and the maximum transmitted satellite carrier EIRP density does not exceed 17 dBW/4 kHz. (2) In the 14.0... services, if the maximum input spectral power density into the antenna does not exceed −14 dBW/4 kHz, and...

Long-term Turbulent Sensible-Heat-Flux Measurements with a Large-Aperture Scintillometer in the Centre of Łódź, Central Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieliński, Mariusz; Fortuniak, Krzysztof; Pawlak, Włodzimierz; Siedlecki, Mariusz

2018-01-01

We investigate the area-averaged sensible heat flux (QH ) obtained with a scintillometer along a 3.1-km path length over the city centre of Łódź, Central Poland. The annual cycle of QH peaks in June but is lower by the middle of summer. In winter, due to a large amount of anthropogenic heat input, QH remains positive all day long, with positive night-time fluxes also found during months with frequent cold advection, e.g., June 2010. In the diurnal cycle of this flux, several features specific to urban areas are seen: the peak shifts 1-2 h after noon, the heat flux turns from positive to negative 1-2 h after sunset. In Łódź QH was observed during inflow from the north and north-west, i.e. from the city centre. As this area is mostly covered with impervious materials, most of the heat exchanged between the ground and the overlying air is in the form of sensible heat flux. Under the conditions of inflow from the east and south-east, the maximum heat flux is approximately 100 W m^{-2} lower than during the inflow from the city centre, since more vegetation exists to the east and south-east of the scintillometer path. Cold and warm advection are found to be a vital factor in the observed heat-flux variability in the centre of Łódź.

Long-term Turbulent Sensible-Heat-Flux Measurements with a Large-Aperture Scintillometer in the Centre of Łódź, Central Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieliński, Mariusz; Fortuniak, Krzysztof; Pawlak, Włodzimierz; Siedlecki, Mariusz

2018-06-01

We investigate the area-averaged sensible heat flux (QH) obtained with a scintillometer along a 3.1-km path length over the city centre of Łódź, Central Poland. The annual cycle of QH peaks in June but is lower by the middle of summer. In winter, due to a large amount of anthropogenic heat input, QH remains positive all day long, with positive night-time fluxes also found during months with frequent cold advection, e.g., June 2010. In the diurnal cycle of this flux, several features specific to urban areas are seen: the peak shifts 1-2 h after noon, the heat flux turns from positive to negative 1-2 h after sunset. In Łódź QH was observed during inflow from the north and north-west, i.e. from the city centre. As this area is mostly covered with impervious materials, most of the heat exchanged between the ground and the overlying air is in the form of sensible heat flux. Under the conditions of inflow from the east and south-east, the maximum heat flux is approximately 100 W m^{-2} lower than during the inflow from the city centre, since more vegetation exists to the east and south-east of the scintillometer path. Cold and warm advection are found to be a vital factor in the observed heat-flux variability in the centre of Łódź.

30 CFR 817.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the scaled-distance equation of... authority before the initiation of blasting. (2) Maximum peak-particle velocity. (i) The maximum ground... site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground vibration, in inches/second 1...

30 CFR 817.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the scaled-distance equation of... authority before the initiation of blasting. (2) Maximum peak-particle velocity. (i) The maximum ground... site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground vibration, in inches/second 1...

30 CFR 817.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the scaled-distance equation of... authority before the initiation of blasting. (2) Maximum peak-particle velocity. (i) The maximum ground... site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground vibration, in inches/second 1...

30 CFR 817.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the scaled-distance equation of... authority before the initiation of blasting. (2) Maximum peak-particle velocity. (i) The maximum ground... site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground vibration, in inches/second 1...

30 CFR 817.67 - Use of explosives: Control of adverse effects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... either the maximum peak-particle-velocity limits of paragraph (d)(2), the scaled-distance equation of... authority before the initiation of blasting. (2) Maximum peak-particle velocity. (i) The maximum ground... site, in feet Maximum allowable peak particle velocity (V max) for ground vibration, in inches/second 1...

Residential noise from nearby oil and gas well construction and drilling.

PubMed

Blair, Benjamin D; Brindley, Stephen; Dinkeloo, Eero; McKenzie, Lisa M; Adgate, John L

2018-05-11

Public concern about oil and gas (O&G) operations in residential areas is substantial. Noise from construction and drilling related to O&G operations may be greater than other phases of O&G operations; yet the impacts of audible and low-frequency noise during these operations are not extensively explored nor the effects on health well understood. This study documents the noise levels at a multi-well O&G well pad during construction and drilling in a residential area in Colorado. A-weighted (dBA) and C-weighted (dBC) noise measurements were collected at four locations during development over a 3-month period. The maximum 1-min equivalent continuous sound levels over a 1-month period were 60.2 dBA and 80.0 dBC. Overall, 41.1% of daytime and 23.6% of nighttime dBA 1-min equivalent continuous noise measurements were found to exceed 50 dBA, and 97.5% of daytime and 98.3% of nighttime measurements were found to exceed 60 dBC. Noise levels exceeding 50 dBA or 60 dBC may cause annoyance and be detrimental to health; thus, these noise levels have the potential to impact health and noise levels and associated health effects warrant further investigation.

Assessing FOXO1A as a potential susceptibility locus for type 2 diabetes and obesity in American Indians.

PubMed

Muller, Yunhua L; Hanson, Robert L; Wiessner, Gregory; Nieboer, Lori; Kobes, Sayuko; Piaggi, Paolo; Abdussamad, Mahdi; Okani, Chidinma; Knowler, William C; Bogardus, Clifton; Baier, Leslie J

2015-10-01

A prior genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Pima Indians identified variation within FOXO1A that modestly associated with early-onset (onset age < 25 years) type 2 diabetes (T2D). FOXO1A encodes the forkhead transcription factor involved in pancreatic β-cell growth and hypothalamic energy balance; therefore, FOXO1A was analyzed as a candidate gene for T2D and obesity in a population-based sample of 7,710 American Indians. Tag SNPs in/near FOXO1A (minor allele frequency ≥ 0.05) were analyzed for association with T2D at early onset (n = 1,060) and all ages (n = 7,710) and with insulin secretion (n = 298). SNPs were also analyzed for association with maximum body mass index (BMI) in adulthood (n = 5,918), maximum BMI z-score in childhood (n = 5,350), and % body fat (n = 555). An intronic SNP rs2297627 associated with early-onset T2D [OR = 1.34 (1.13-1.58), P = 8.7 × 10(-4)] and T2D onset at any age [OR = 1.19 (1.09-1.30), P = 1 × 10(-4) ]. The T2D risk allele also associated with lower acute insulin secretion (β = 0.88, as a multiplier, P = 0.02). Another intronic SNP (rs1334241, D' = 0.99, r(2) = 0.49 with rs2297627) associated with maximum adulthood BMI (β = 1.02, as a multiplier, P = 3 × 10(-5)), maximum childhood BMI z-score (β = 0.08, P = 3 × 10(-4)), and % body fat (β = 0.83%, P = 0.04). Common variation in FOXO1A may modestly affect risk for T2D and obesity in American Indians. © 2015 The Obesity Society.

Reproducibility of carbachol stimulated accommodation in rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Wendt, Mark; Glasser, Adrian

2012-06-01

Approaches are being explored to restore accommodation to the presbyopic eye. Some of these approaches can be tested in monkeys by stimulating accommodation in various ways including using carbachol iontophoresis. Knowledge of the repeatability of carbachol iontophoresis stimulated accommodation in the monkey phakic eye is necessary to understand the variability of this method of evaluating accommodation. Data from 9 to 10 separate carbachol iontophoresis experiments performed on phakic eyes from 8 monkeys were retrospectively analyzed. For each experiment, carbachol was applied iontophoretically to the eyes of anesthetized monkeys and refraction generally measured every two minutes until accommodation reached a plateau. Repeated experiments were performed in each monkey over periods ranging from 10 to 18 months. Maximum accommodation measured for each monkey ranged from 11.1 D to 18.3 D with standard deviations from 0.8 D to 2.1 D and differences in accommodative amplitude varying from 2.2 D to 7.5 D. Time to reach maximum accommodation ranged from 18 to 64 min in individual experiments. Averaged time-courses indicate that maximum accommodation is generally achieved between 10 and 20 min after carbachol administration. Although carbachol iontophoresis is considered a reliable method to stimulate maximum accommodation in anesthetized monkeys, the amplitude achieved typically varies by more than 2 D. Presbyopia treatments evaluated in this way in phakic monkeys would need to show an increase in accommodation of over 2 D to clearly demonstrate that the treatments work when being tested with carbachol iontophoresis stimulation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical and Physical Properties of ASTM C33 Sand

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

ERDC/GSL TR-08-2 7 Grain-size Distribution (1) (ASTM D 422) 1 test run on total sand sample Proctor Density Curves (2) (ASTM D 698 and D... Proctor (Figure 4). Because of the noncohesive nature of the SP material, a series of relative density tests measuring both minimum and maximum... density tests were conducted with moisture added to the sand. A summary of the minimum and maximum densities is given in Table 2. During Proctor

Radar characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning producing storms in Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buechler, D. E.; Goodman, S. J.

1991-01-01

The interrelation between cloud-to-ground lightning, convective rainfall, and the environment in Central Florida storms is examined. The rain flux, storm area, and ground discharge rates are computed within the outlined area. Time-height cross sections of maximum dBZ values at each level for two storms are shown. The multicellular nature of these storms is readily apparent. The cloud-to-ground lightning activity occurs mainly where high reflectivity values (30-40 dBZ) extend above 7 km.

78 FR 77708 - Notice of Continuation of Visitor Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... been extended to the maximum allowable under 36 CFR 51.23. Under the provisions of current concession... Entertainment Recreation Area. Services, Inc. GLCA003-69 ARAMARK Sports and Glen Canyon National Entertainment Recreation Area. Services, Inc. GRCA003-97 D.N.C. Parks and Grand Canyon Resorts at Grand National Park...

Study of the Cumulative Number Distribution of Charged Particles Produced in d12C-Interactions at 4.2 A GeV/c

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aslam, S. M.; Suleymanov, M. K.; Wazir, Z.; Gilani, A. R.

2018-06-01

In this paper the behavior of the cumulative number and also with maximum values of cumulative number distribution of protons, π + and π --mesons, have been studied, produced in d12C-interctions at 4.2 A GeV/c. The experimental data has been compared with ones coming from the Dubna version of the cascade model. In the analysis we have observed; four different regions in the cumulative number distributions for all charged particle and protons and the last region is corresponding to values of cumulative number greater than 1; for pions number of regions decreased to 2 for π ±-mesons but cumulative area is absent for both mesons. Cascade cannot describe satisfactorily the distributions of the cumulative protons and cumulative π -+-mesons, it gives less number for the all produced particles. In case of particles with maximum values of cumulative number cascade can describe the behavior of cumulative number distribution well. There exist some events with two cumulative particles which could not describe by the cascade dynamics. May be collective nucleon effect could be reasons of the observation two cumulative particles events.

SU-E-T-135: Investigation of Commercial-Grade Flatbed Scanners and a Medical- Grade Scanner for Radiochromic EBT Film Dosimetry.

PubMed

Syh, J; Patel, B; Syh, J; Wu, H; Rosen, L; Durci, M; Katz, S; Sibata, C

2012-06-01

To evaluate the characteristics of commercial-grade flatbed scanners and medical-grade scanners for radiochromic EBT film dosimetry. Performance aspects of a Vidar Dosimetry Pro Advantage (Red), Epson 750 Pro, Microtek ArtixScan 1800f, and Microtek ScanMaker 8700 scanner for EBT2 Gafchromic film were evaluated in the categories of repeatability, maximum distinguishable optical density (OD) differentiation, OD variance, and dose curve characteristics. OD step film by Stouffer Industries containing 31 steps ranging from 0.05 to 3.62 OD was used. EBT films were irradiated with dose ranging from 20 to 600 cGy in 6×6 cm 2 field sizes and analyzed 24 hours later using RIT113 and Tomotherapy Film Analyzer software. Scans were performed in transmissive mode, landscape orientation, 16-bit image. The mean and standard deviation Analog to Digital (A/D) scanner value was measured by selecting a 3×3 mm 2 uniform area in the central region of each OD step from a total of 20 scans performed over several weeks. Repeatability was determined from the variance of OD step 0.38. Maximum distinguishable OD was defined as the last OD step whose range of A/D values does not overlap with its neighboring step. Repeatability uncertainty ranged from 0.1% for Vidar to 4% for Epson. Average standard deviation of OD steps ranged from 0.21% for Vidar to 6.4% for ArtixScan 1800f. Maximum distinguishable optical density ranged from 3.38 for Vidar to 1.32 for ScanMaker 8700. A/D range of each OD step corresponds to a dose range. Dose ranges of OD steps varied from 1% for Vidar to 20% for ScanMaker 8700. The Vidar exhibited a dose curve that utilized a broader range of OD values than the other scanners. Vidar exhibited higher maximum distinguishable OD, smaller variance in repeatability, smaller A/D value deviation per OD step, and a shallower dose curve with respect to OD. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Pesticides in shallow groundwater of Bahawalnagar, Muzafargarh, D.G. Khan and Rajan Pur districts of Punjab, Pakistan.

PubMed

Tariq, Muhammad Ilyas; Afzal, Shahzad; Hussain, Ishtiaq

2004-06-01

In Pakistan there is little data on environmental contamination of rural water sources by pesticides. This study evaluated pesticide contamination of groundwater in four intensive cotton growing districts. Water samples were collected from 37 rural open wells in the areas of Bahwalnagar, Muzafargarh, D.G. Khan and Rajan Pur districts of Punjab and analysed for eight pesticides which are mostly used. Information on types of pesticide used and distance to nearest pesticide mixing area and application areas was obtained for each site. From the eight pesticides analysed, six pesticides were detected in the water samples. Only cypermethrin and cabosulfan were not detected. The percentage of detection of bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, carbofuran, endosulfan, methyl parathion and monocrotophos was, respectively 13.5%, 5.4%, 59.4%, 8%, 5.4% and 35.1% in July; 16.2%, 13.55%, 43.2%, 8%, N.D. (not detected) and 24.3% in October. Maximum contamination levels (MCLs) established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water were not exceeded. The study has shown the need for monitoring pesticide contamination in rural water resources, and the development of drinking water quality standards for specific pesticides in Pakistan. The conclusions and recommendations will be disseminated to senior decision makers in central and local governments, extension agents and farmers.

Postprandial plasma D-lactate concentrations after yogurt ingestion.

PubMed

de Vrese, M; Barth, C A

1991-06-01

The risk of D-lactic acidosis after consumption of yogurt was investigated in seven healthy volunteers. After ingestion of yogurt containing 1.06 mmol/kg body weight, D-lactic acid postprandial plasma D-lactate concentrations increased from 0.070 +/- 0.020 to a maximum of 0.200 +/- 0.010 mmol/l within 60 min. That was half the maximum concentration after the equivalent amount of D-lactate in the form of an aqueous solution of DL-lactate. The shape of the postprandial plasma D-lactate peak was flatter, but much broader after yogurt than after the aqueous solution, the peak areas being equal. When 0.64 mmol/kg body weight D-lactate were consumed as yogurt, plasma concentrations amounted to 0.086 +/- 0.030 mmol/l. Signs of a mild, transient, compensated metabolic acidosis, which was apparent in case of the aqueous lactic acid solution did not occur in case of yogurt. It is concluded that the consumption of foods containing D-lactic acid gives no reason for concern in healthy adults.

Nonlinear data assimilation for the regional modeling of maximum ozone values.

PubMed

Božnar, Marija Zlata; Grašič, Boštjan; Mlakar, Primož; Gradišar, Dejan; Kocijan, Juš

2017-11-01

We present a new method of data assimilation with the aim of correcting the forecast of the maximum values of ozone in regional photo-chemical models for areas over complex terrain using multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks. Up until now, these types of models have been used as a single model for one location when forecasting concentrations of air pollutants. We propose a method for constructing a more ambitious model: a single model, which can be used at several locations because the model is spatially transferable and is valid for the whole 2D domain. To achieve this goal, we introduce three novel ideas. The new method improves correlation at measurement station locations by 10% on average and improves by approximately 5% elsewhere.

Traffic Noise Assessment at Residential Areas in Skudai, Johor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulaiman, F. S.; Darus, N.; Mashros, N.; Haron, Z.; Yahya, K.

2018-03-01

Vehicles passing by on roadways in residential areas may produce unpleasant traffic noise that affects the residents. This paper presents the traffic noise assessment of three selected residential areas located in Skudai, Johor. The objectives of this study are to evaluate traffic characteristics at selected residential areas, determine related noise indices, and assess impact of traffic noise. Traffic characteristics such as daily traffic volume and vehicle speed were evaluated using automatic traffic counter (ATC). Meanwhile, noise indices like equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq), noise level exceeded 10% (L10) and 90% (L90) of measurement time were determined using sound level meter (SLM). Besides that, traffic noise index (TNI) and noise pollution level (LNP) were calculated based on the measured noise indices. The results showed an increase in noise level of 60 to 70 dBA maximum due to increase in traffic volume. There was also a significant change in noise level of more than 70 dBA even though average vehicle speed did not vary significantly. Nevertheless, LAeq, TNI, and LNP values for all sites during daytime were lower than the maximum recommended levels. Thus, residents in the three studied areas were not affected in terms of quality of life and health.

Differentiation of benign from malignant solid breast masses: comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shear-wave elastography.

PubMed

Lee, Su Hyun; Chang, Jung Min; Kim, Won Hwa; Bae, Min Sun; Cho, Nariya; Yi, Ann; Koo, Hye Ryoung; Kim, Seung Ja; Kim, Jin You; Moon, Woo Kyung

2013-04-01

To prospectively compare the diagnostic performances of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) shear-wave elastography (SWE) for differentiating benign from malignant breast masses. B-mode ultrasound and SWE were performed for 134 consecutive women with 144 breast masses before biopsy. Quantitative elasticity values (maximum and mean elasticity in the stiffest portion of mass, Emax and Emean; lesion-to-fat elasticity ratio, Erat) were measured with both 2D and 3D SWE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of B-mode, 2D, 3D SWE and combined data of B-mode and SWE were compared. Sixty-seven of the 144 breast masses (47 %) were malignant. Overall, higher elasticity values of 3D SWE than 2D SWE were noted for both benign and malignant masses. The AUC for 2D and 3D SWE were not significantly different: Emean, 0.938 vs 0.928; Emax, 0.939 vs 0.930; Erat, 0.907 vs 0.871. Either 2D or 3D SWE significantly improved the specificity of B-mode ultrasound from 29.9 % (23 of 77) up to 71.4 % (55 of 77) and 63.6 % (49 of 77) without a significant change in sensitivity. Two-dimensional and 3D SWE performed equally in distinguishing benign from malignant masses and both techniques improved the specificity of B-mode ultrasound.

Simulated effects of increased groundwater withdrawals in the Cave Springs area, Hixson, Tennessee

USGS Publications Warehouse

Haugh, Connor J.

2014-01-01

Under scenarios A and B, the largest change in the water budget occurs for flow to Cave Springs with decreases of 1.9 and 4.7 ft3/s, respectively. Similarly, groundwater discharge to North Chickamauga Creek decreases by 1.0 ft3/s and 2.6 ft33/s, respectively. Under scenarios C and D, the largest change in the water budget occurs for flow to Chickamauga Lake with decreases of 1.3 ft3/s and 2.3 ft3/s, respectively. Similarly, groundwater discharge to North Chickamauga Creek decreases by 1.1 ft3/s and 2.1 ft3/s, respectively. Changes in groundwater levels at the well fields were also analyzed. At the Cave Springs well field, maximum declines in groundwater levels due to additional pumpage are less than 1 foot for all scenarios. Groundwater level changes at the Cave Springs well field are small due to the highly transmissive nature of the aquifer in this location. Maximum groundwater-level declines at Walkers Corner are less than 1 foot for scenarios A and B and about 52 feet and 82 feet for scenarios C and D, respectively. Under scenarios C and D, the regional potentiometric surface shows a large cone of depression centered on the Walkers Corner well field and elongated along geologic strike.

SU-E-T-01: 2-D Characterization of DLG Among All MLC Leaf Pairs

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

Kumaraswamy, L; Xu, Z; Podgorsak, M

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the variation of dosimetric leaf-gap (DLG) along the travel path of each MLC leaf pair. This study evaluates whether the spatial variations in DLG could cause dose differences between TPS-calculated and measured dose. Methods: The 6MV DLG values were measured for all leaf pairs in the direction of leaf motion using a 2-D diode array and 0.6cc ion chamber. These measurements were performed on two Varian Linacs, employing the Millennium 120-leaf MLC and a 2-D-DLG variation map was created via in-house software. Several test plans were created with sweeping MLC fieldsmore » using constant gaps from 2mm to 10mm and corrected for 2-D variation utilizing in-house software. Measurements were performed utilizing the MapCHECK at 5.0cm depth for plans with and without the 2-D DLG correction and compared to the TPS calculated dose via gamma analysis (3%/3mm). Results: The measured DLGs for the middle 40 MLC leaf pairs (0.5cm width) were very similar along the central superior-inferior axis, with maximum variation of 0.2mm. The outer 20 MLC leaf pairs (1.0cm width) have DLG values from 0.32mm (mean) to 0.65mm (maximum) lower than the central leaf-pair, depending on off-axis distance. Gamma pass rates for the 2mm, 4mm, and 6mm sweep plans increased by 23.2%, 28.7%, and 26.0% respectively using the 2-D-DLG correction. The most improved dose points occur in areas modulated by the 1.0cm leaf-pairs. The gamma pass rate for the 10mm sweep plan increased by only 7.7%, indicating that the 2D variation becomes less significant for dynamic plans with larger MLC gaps. Conclusion: Fluences residing significantly off-axis with narrow sweeping gaps may exhibit significant variations from planned dose due to large differences between the true DLG exhibited by the 1.0cm leaf-pairs versus the constant DLG value utilized by the TPS for dose calculation.« less

A Single-Dose, Open-Label Study of the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Individuals With Normal and Impaired Renal Function

PubMed Central

Ermer, James; Corcoran, Mary; Lasseter, Kenneth; Marbury, Thomas; Yan, Brian

2016-01-01

Background: Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) and d-amphetamine pharmacokinetics were assessed in individuals with normal and impaired renal function after a single LDX dose; LDX and d-amphetamine dialyzability was also examined. Methods: Adults (N = 40; 8/group) were enrolled in 1 of 5 renal function groups [normal function, mild impairment, moderate impairment, severe impairment/end-stage renal disease (ESRD) not requiring hemodialysis, and ESRD requiring hemodialysis] as estimated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Participants with normal and mild to severe renal impairment received 30 mg LDX; blood samples were collected predose and serially for 96 hours. Participants with ESRD requiring hemodialysis received 30 mg LDX predialysis and postdialysis separated by a washout period of 7–14 days. Predialysis blood samples were collected predose, serially for 72 hours, and from the dialyzer during hemodialysis; postdialysis blood samples were collected predose and serially for 48 hours. Pharmacokinetic end points included maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–∞) or to last assessment (AUClast). Results: Mean LDX Cmax, AUClast, and AUC0–∞ in participants with mild to severe renal impairment did not differ from those with normal renal function; participants with ESRD had higher mean Cmax and AUClast than those with normal renal function. d-amphetamine exposure (AUClast and AUC0–∞) increased and Cmax decreased as renal impairment increased. Almost no LDX and little d-amphetamine were recovered in the dialyzate. Conclusions: There seems to be prolonged d-amphetamine exposure after 30 mg LDX as renal impairment increases. In individuals with severe renal impairment (GFR: 15 ≤ 30 mL·min−1·1.73 m−2), the maximum LDX dose is 50 mg/d; in patients with ESRD (GFR: <15 mL·min−1·1.73 m−2), the maximum LDX dose is 30 mg/d. Neither LDX nor d-amphetamine is dialyzable. PMID:26926668

Short communication: concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in dairy cows are not well correlated during the transition period.

PubMed

McCarthy, M M; Mann, S; Nydam, D V; Overton, T R; McArt, J A A

2015-09-01

The objective was to use longitudinal data of blood nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations to describe the relationship between NEFA and BHBA in dairy cows during the periparturient period. Blood NEFA and BHBA concentration data collected from d 21 prepartum to 21 postpartum for 269 multiparous Holstein cows were selected from 4 different studies carried out within our research groups. Overall, NEFA concentrations were increased beginning near parturition with a relatively steady elevation of NEFA through d 9, after which concentrations gradually decreased. Prepartum BHBA concentrations began to increase beginning several days before parturition, continued to increase during the first week after parturition, and remained elevated through d 21 postpartum. Of the 269 cows included in the data set, 117 cows (43.5%) had at least one postpartum hyperketonemic event (BHBA ≥1.2mmol/L), and 202 cows (75.1%) had at least one event of elevated postpartum NEFA concentrations (≥0.70mmol/L) between 3 and 21 d in milk. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to investigate relationships between metabolites over time. Overall, the correlations between transition period NEFA and BHBA AUC were weak. We detected a negative correlation between prepartum BHBA AUC and postpartum NEFA AUC (r=-0.26). A positive correlation existed between postpartum NEFA AUC and postpartum BHBA AUC; however, the correlation coefficient was low (r=0.26). Large variation was found between the day of maximum NEFA concentration within the first 21 d in milk and day of maximum BHBA concentration for the same period. The mean and median times of maximum NEFA concentration were 6.8 and 6 d, respectively, whereas the mean and median times of maximum BHBA were 9.6 and 8 d, respectively; however, the range in days for both the mean and median day of maximum concentrations was very large. Overall, our data set indicates a weak relationship between blood concentrations of NEFA and BHBA during the periparturient period of dairy cows, suggesting that elevated concentrations of one should not be extrapolated to suggest elevated concentrations of the other metabolite. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical and impedance characterization of Microbial Fuel Cells based on 2D and 3D anodic electrodes working with seawater microorganisms under continuous operation.

PubMed

Hidalgo, D; Sacco, A; Hernández, S; Tommasi, T

2015-11-01

A mixed microbial population naturally presents in seawater was used as active anodic biofilm of two Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), employing either a 2D commercial carbon felt or 3D carbon-coated Berl saddles as anode electrodes, with the aim to compare their electrochemical behavior under continuous operation. After an initial increase of the maximum power density, the felt-based cell reduced its performance at 5 months (from 7 to 4 μW cm(-2)), while the saddle-based MFC exceeds 9 μW cm(-2) (after 2 months) and maintained such performance for all the tests. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to identify the MFCs controlling losses and indicates that the mass-transport limitations at the biofilm-electrolyte interface have the main contribution (>95%) to their internal resistance. The activation resistance was one order of magnitude lower with the Berl saddles than with carbon felt, suggesting an enhanced charge-transfer in the high surface-area 3D electrode, due to an increase in bacteria population growth. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neural Networks: A Primer

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

AL-TP-1 991-0011 LA )_ NEURAL NETWORKS : A PRIMER.R • M 1 - T< R Vince L Wiggins 0 RRC, Incorporated N 3833 Texas Avenue, Suite 256 G Bryan, TX 77802T...5.av bln)2FUOTDTEF.-EOTTP NDIN NUMBCOERSD Neural Networks : A Primer C - F41 689-88-D-0251 PE - 62205F PR - 7719 6. AUTHOR(S) TA - 20 Vin~ce L Wiggins...Maximum 200 words) Neural network technology has recently demonstrated capabilities in areas important to personnel research such as statistical analysis

Smooth 2D manifold extraction from 3D image stack

PubMed Central

Shihavuddin, Asm; Basu, Sreetama; Rexhepaj, Elton; Delestro, Felipe; Menezes, Nikita; Sigoillot, Séverine M; Del Nery, Elaine; Selimi, Fekrije; Spassky, Nathalie; Genovesio, Auguste

2017-01-01

Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy followed by image processing is routinely used to study biological objects at various scales such as cells and tissue. However, maximum intensity projection, the most broadly used rendering tool, extracts a discontinuous layer of voxels, obliviously creating important artifacts and possibly misleading interpretation. Here we propose smooth manifold extraction, an algorithm that produces a continuous focused 2D extraction from a 3D volume, hence preserving local spatial relationships. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach by applying it to various biological applications using confocal and wide-field microscopy 3D image stacks. We provide a parameter-free ImageJ/Fiji plugin that allows 2D visualization and interpretation of 3D image stacks with maximum accuracy. PMID:28561033

Lower limb muscle volume estimation from maximum cross-sectional area and muscle length in cerebral palsy and typically developing individuals.

PubMed

Vanmechelen, Inti M; Shortland, Adam P; Noble, Jonathan J

2018-01-01

Deficits in muscle volume may be a significant contributor to physical disability in young people with cerebral palsy. However, 3D measurements of muscle volume using MRI or 3D ultrasound may be difficult to make routinely in the clinic. We wished to establish whether accurate estimates of muscle volume could be made from a combination of anatomical cross-sectional area and length measurements in samples of typically developing young people and young people with bilateral cerebral palsy. Lower limb MRI scans were obtained from the lower limbs of 21 individuals with cerebral palsy (14.7±3years, 17 male) and 23 typically developing individuals (16.8±3.3years, 16 male). The volume, length and anatomical cross-sectional area were estimated from six muscles of the left lower limb. Analysis of Covariance demonstrated that the relationship between the length*cross-sectional area and volume was not significantly different depending on the subject group. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that the product of anatomical cross-sectional area and length bore a strong and significant relationship to the measured muscle volume (R 2 values between 0.955 and 0.988) with low standard error of the estimates of 4.8 to 8.9%. This study demonstrates that muscle volume may be estimated accurately in typically developing individuals and individuals with cerebral palsy by a combination of anatomical cross-sectional area and muscle length. 2D ultrasound may be a convenient method of making these measurements routinely in the clinic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bioelectricity generation using two chamber microbial fuel cell treating wastewater from food processing.

PubMed

Mansoorian, Hossein Jafari; Mahvi, Amir Hossein; Jafari, Ahmad Jonidi; Amin, Mohammad Mehdi; Rajabizadeh, Ahmad; Khanjani, Narges

2013-05-10

Electricity generation from microbial fuel cells which treat food processing wastewater was investigated in this study. Anaerobic anode and aerobic cathode chambers were separated by a proton exchange membrane in a two-compartment MFC reactor. Buffer solutions and food industry wastewater were used as electrolytes in the anode and cathode chambers, respectively. The produced voltage and current intensity were measured using a digital multimeter. Effluents from the anode compartment were tested for COD, BOD5, NH3, P, TSS, VSS, SO4 and alkalinity. The maximum current density and power production were measured 527mA/m(2) and 230mW/m(2) in the anode area, respectively, at operation organic loading (OLR) of 0.364g COD/l.d. At OLR of 0.182g COD/l.d, maximum voltage and columbic efficiency production were recorded 0.475V and 21%, respectively. Maximum removal efficiency of COD, BOD5, NH3, P, TSS, VSS, SO4 and alkalinity were 86, 79, 73, 18, 68, 62, 30 and 58%, respectively. The results indicated that catalysts and mediator-less microbial fuel cells (CAML-MFC) can be considered as a better choice for simple and complete energy conversion from the wastewater of such industries and also this could be considered as a new method to offset wastewater treatment plant operating costs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment from Zhoushan coastal area, China].

PubMed

Jiang, Min; Tuan, Le Huy; Mei, Wei-Ping; Ruan, Hui-Hui; Wu, Hao

2014-07-01

The spatial and temporal distribution of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been investigated in water and sediments of Zhoushan coastal area every two months in 2012. The concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 382.3 to 816.9 ng x L(-1), with the mean value of 552.5 ng x L(-1) in water; whereas it ranged from 1017.9 to 3047.1 ng x g(-1), with the mean value of 2 022.4 ng x g(-1) in sediment. Spatial distribution showed that Yangshan and Yanwoshan offshore area had the maximum and minimum of total PAHs contents in water, while the maximum and minimum occurred at Yangshan and Zhujiajian Nansha offshore area in sediment. Temporal distribution revealed that total PAHs contents in water reached the maximum and minimum values in October and June, however in sediments these values were found in August and June, respectively. The PAHs pollution was affected by oil emission, charcoal and coal combustion. Using the biological threshold and exceeded coefficient method to assess the ecological risk of PAHs in Zhoushan coastal area, the result showed that sigma PAHs had a lower probability of potential risk, while there was a higher probability of potential risk for acenaphthylene monomer, and there might be ecological risk for acenaphthene and fluorene. Distribution of PAHs between sediment and water showed that Zhoushan coastal sediment enriched a lot of PAHs, meanwhile the enrichment coefficient (K(d) value) of sediment in Daishan island was larger than that in Zhoushan main island.

Influence of lateral groundwater flow in a shallow aquifer on eco-hydrological process in a shrub-grass coexistence semiarid area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Siru; Sun, Jinhua; Lei, Huimin; Zhu, Qiande; Jiang, Sanyuan

2017-04-01

Topography has a considerable influence on eco-hydrological processes resulting from the patterns of solar radiation distribution and lateral water flow. However, not much quantitative information on the contribution of lateral groundwater flow on ecological processes such as vegetation growth and evapo-transpiration is available. To fill this gap, we used a simple eco-hydrological model based on water balance with a 3D groundwater module that uses Darcy's law. This model was applied to a non-contributing area of 50km2 dominated by grassland and shrubland with an underlying shallow aquifer. It was calibrated using manually and remotely sensed vegetation data and water flux data observed by eddy covariance system of two flux towers as well as water table data obtained from HOBO recorders of 40 wells. The results demonstrate that the maximum hydraulic gradient and the maximum flux of lateral groundwater flow reached to 0.156m m-1 and 0.093m3 s-1 respectively. The average annual maximum LAI in grassland, predominantly in low-lying areas, improved by about 5.9% while that in shrubland, predominantly in high-lying areas, remained the same when lateral groundwater flow is considered adequately compared to the case without considering lateral groundwater flow. They also show that LAI is positively and nonlinearly related to evapotranspiration, and that the greater the magnitude of evapotranspiration, the smaller the rate of increase of LAI. The results suggest that lateral groundwater flow should not be neglected when simulating eco-hydrological process in areas with a shallow aquifer.

Responses of growth, photosynthesis and VOC emissions of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. Exposure to elevated CO2 and/or elevated O3 in an urban area.

PubMed

Xu, Sheng; Chen, Wei; Huang, Yanqing; He, Xingyuan

2012-03-01

Responses of growth, photosynthesis and emission of volatile organic compounds of Pinus tabulaeformis exposed to elevated CO(2) (700 ppm) and O(3) (80 ppb) were studied in open top chambers. Elevated CO(2) increased growth, but it did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, or the effective quantum yield of photosystem II electron transport after 90 d of gas exposure. Elevated O(3) decreased growth (by 42.2% in needle weight and 25.8% in plant height), net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance after 90 d of exposure, but its negative effects were alleviated by elevated CO(2). Elevated O(3) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the emission rate of volatile organic compounds, which may be a helpful response to protect photosynthetic apparatus against O(3) damage.

Activated Biomass-derived Graphene-based Carbons for Supercapacitors with High Energy and Power Density.

PubMed

Jung, SungHoon; Myung, Yusik; Kim, Bit Na; Kim, In Gyoo; You, In-Kyu; Kim, TaeYoung

2018-01-30

Here, we present a facile and low-cost method to produce hierarchically porous graphene-based carbons from a biomass source. Three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based carbons were produced through continuous sequential steps such as the formation and transformation of glucose-based polymers into 3D foam-like structures and their subsequent carbonization to form the corresponding macroporous carbons with thin graphene-based carbon walls of macropores and intersectional carbon skeletons. Physical and chemical activation was then performed on this carbon to create micro- and meso-pores, thereby producing hierarchically porous biomass-derived graphene-based carbons with a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area of 3,657 m 2  g -1 . Owing to its exceptionally high surface area, interconnected hierarchical pore networks, and a high degree of graphitization, this carbon exhibited a high specific capacitance of 175 F g -1 in ionic liquid electrolyte. A supercapacitor constructed with this carbon yielded a maximum energy density of 74 Wh kg -1 and a maximum power density of 408 kW kg -1 , based on the total mass of electrodes, which is comparable to those of the state-of-the-art graphene-based carbons. This approach holds promise for the low-cost and readily scalable production of high performance electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Application of 3D and 2D quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) to differentiate between benign and malignant breast masses.

PubMed

Tian, Jie; Liu, Qianqi; Wang, Xi; Xing, Ping; Yang, Zhuowen; Wu, Changjun

2017-01-20

As breast cancer tissues are stiffer than normal tissues, shear wave elastography (SWE) can locally quantify tissue stiffness and provide histological information. Moreover, tissue stiffness can be observed on three-dimensional (3D) colour-coded elasticity maps. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of quantitative features in differentiating breast masses by two-dimensional (2D) and 3D SWE. Two hundred ten consecutive women with 210 breast masses were examined with B-mode ultrasound (US) and SWE. Quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE were assessed, including elastic modulus standard deviation (E SD E ) measured on SWE mode images and E SD U measured on B-mode images, as well as maximum elasticity (E max ). Adding quantitative features to B-mode US improved the diagnostic performance (p < 0.05) and reduced false-positive biopsies (p < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 3D SWE was similar to that of 2D SWE for E SD E (p = 0.026) and E SD U (p = 0.159) but inferior to that of 2D SWE for E max (p = 0.002). Compared with E SD U , E SD E showed a higher AUC on 2D (p = 0.0038) and 3D SWE (p = 0.0057). Our study indicates that quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE can significantly improve the diagnostic performance of B-mode US, especially 3D SWE E SD E , which shows considerable clinical value.

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

Erfani, Ehsan; Mitchell, David L.

Here, ice particle mass- and projected area-dimension ( m- D and A- D) power laws are commonly used in the treatment of ice cloud microphysical and optical properties and the remote sensing of ice cloud properties. Although there has long been evidence that a single m- D or A- D power law is often not valid over all ice particle sizes, few studies have addressed this fact. This study develops self-consistent m- D and A- D expressions that are not power laws but can easily be reduced to power laws for the ice particle size (maximum dimension or D) rangemore » of interest, and they are valid over a much larger D range than power laws. This was done by combining ground measurements of individual ice particle m and D formed at temperature T < –20 °C during a cloud seeding field campaign with 2-D stereo (2D-S) and cloud particle imager (CPI) probe measurements of D and A, and estimates of m, in synoptic and anvil ice clouds at similar temperatures. The resulting m- D and A- D expressions are functions of temperature and cloud type (synoptic vs. anvil), and are in good agreement with m- D power laws developed from recent field studies considering the same temperature range (–60 °C < T < –20 °C).« less

Production of the Functional Trisaccharide 1-Kestose from Cane Sugar Molasses Using Aspergillus japonicus β-Fructofuranosidase.

PubMed

Hirabayashi, Katsuki; Kondo, Nobuhiro; Toyota, Hiroshi; Hayashi, Sachio

2017-01-01

We report the production of the functional trisaccharide 1-kestose, O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside, by β-fructofuranosidase from Aspergillus japonicus using sugar cane molasses as substrate. Sucrose in cane sugar molasses acted as a fructosyl donor and acceptor for the enzyme. The tetrasaccharide nystose, O-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside, was produced from 1-kestose. Cane sugar molasses mixed with water provided a better substrate solution for β-fructofuranosidase compared to undiluted molasses due to the high concentration of product inhibitors such as glucose and fructose in molasses. The maximum concentration of 1-kestose obtained was 84.9 mg/ml and the maximum production efficiency was 32.3% after 24 h reaction at 40 °C. The maximum efficiency of combined fructo-oligosaccharide (1-kestose and nystose) production was 40.6%. 1-Kestose was therefore produced via a fructosyl-transfer reaction catalyzed by β-fructofuranosidase from A. japonicus.

EVALUATION OF PROMPT DOSE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NATIONAL IGNITION FACILITY DURING D-D AND THD SHOTS

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

Khater, H; Dauffy, L; Sitaraman, S

2009-04-28

Evaluation of the prompt dose environment expected in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) during Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D) and Tritium-Hydrogen-Deuterium (THD) shots have been completed. D-D shots resulting in the production of an annual fusion yield of up to 2.4 kJ (200 shots with 10{sup 13} neutrons per shot) are considered. During the THD shot campaign, shots generating a total of 2 x 10{sup 14} neutrons per shot are also planned. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to estimate prompt dose values inside the facility as well as at different locations outside the facility shield walls. The Target Chamber shielding, along withmore » Target Bay and Switchyard walls, roofs, and shield doors (when needed) will reduce dose levels in occupied areas to acceptable values during these shot campaigns. The calculated dose values inside occupied areas are small, estimated at 25 and 85 {micro}rem per shot during the D-D and THD shots, respectively. Dose values outside the facility are insignificant. The nearest building to the NIF facility where co-located workers may reside is at a distance of about 100 m from the Target Chamber Center (TCC). The dose in such a building is estimated at a fraction of a ?rem during a D-D or a THD shot. Dose at the nearest site boundary location (350 m from TCC), is caused by skyshine and to a lesser extent by direct radiation. The maximum off-site dose during any of the shots considered is less than 10 nano rem.« less

National Dam Inspection Program. Sharpe’s Pond Dam (NDI I.D. PA-0888 DER I.D. 066-009) Susquehanna River Basin, Little Mehoopany Creek, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

quadrangle. a. Drainage Area 0.99 square mile b. Discharge at Dam Site ( cfs ) Maximum known flood at dam site Unknown Outlet conduit at maximum pool...located near the left abutment. The capacity of the spillway was determined to be 35 cfs , based on the available 1.1-foot freeboard relative to the lov...peak flows of 3014 and 1507 cfs for full and 50 percent of PMF, respectively. Computer input and summary of computer output are also included in

[Regionalization study of Dioscorea nipponica in Jilin province based on MaxEnt and ArcGIS].

PubMed

Wang, Zhe; Li, Bo; Xiao, Jing-Lei; Jiang, Da-Cheng

2017-11-01

At the urgent practical issue of resource protection and artificial cultivation area selection of Dioscorea nipponica, the dominant environmental factors affecting the distribution of D. nipponicain Jilin province were selected by field investigation and using the maximum information entropy model and geographic information technology. MaxEnt model study found that the standard deviation of seasonal variation of temperature, precipitation in October and other six environmental factors on the growth of D. nipponica are the greatest impacting factors. The range of suitability for the growth of D. nipponica was 4.612 08×10-6-0.544 31, and the regionalization study was divided into four parts: high fitness area, middle fitness area, low fitness area and unfavorable area. The high fitness area is concentrated in the central and southern areas of Jilin Province, using ArcGIS statistical environment factors in the appropriate area of the numerical situation. The results showed that the regionalization study of D. nipponica was basically the same as the actual situation. It is clear that the natural environment suitable for the growth of D. nipponica is also the basis for the protection of the resources and the selection of cultivated area. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Development of method for evaluating estimated inundation area by using river flood analysis based on multiple flood scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, T.; Takahashi, T.

2017-12-01

Non-structural mitigation measures such as flood hazard map based on estimated inundation area have been more important because heavy rains exceeding the design rainfall frequently occur in recent years. However, conventional method may lead to an underestimation of the area because assumed locations of dike breach in river flood analysis are limited to the cases exceeding the high-water level. The objective of this study is to consider the uncertainty of estimated inundation area with difference of the location of dike breach in river flood analysis. This study proposed multiple flood scenarios which can set automatically multiple locations of dike breach in river flood analysis. The major premise of adopting this method is not to be able to predict the location of dike breach correctly. The proposed method utilized interval of dike breach which is distance of dike breaches placed next to each other. That is, multiple locations of dike breach were set every interval of dike breach. The 2D shallow water equations was adopted as the governing equation of river flood analysis, and the leap-frog scheme with staggered grid was used. The river flood analysis was verified by applying for the 2015 Kinugawa river flooding, and the proposed multiple flood scenarios was applied for the Akutagawa river in Takatsuki city. As the result of computation in the Akutagawa river, a comparison with each computed maximum inundation depth of dike breaches placed next to each other proved that the proposed method enabled to prevent underestimation of estimated inundation area. Further, the analyses on spatial distribution of inundation class and maximum inundation depth in each of the measurement points also proved that the optimum interval of dike breach which can evaluate the maximum inundation area using the minimum assumed locations of dike breach. In brief, this study found the optimum interval of dike breach in the Akutagawa river, which enabled estimated maximum inundation area to predict efficiently and accurately. The river flood analysis by using this proposed method will contribute to mitigate flood disaster by improving the accuracy of estimated inundation area.

Reconstruction of the glacial maximum recorded in the central Cantabrian Mountains (N Iberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Laura; Jiménez-Sánchez, Montserrat; José Domínguez-Cuesta, María

2014-05-01

The Cantabrian Mountains is a coastal range up to 2648 m altitude trending parallel to northern Iberian Peninsula edge at a maximum distance of 100 km inland (~43oN 5oW). Glacial sediments and landforms are generally well-preserved at altitudes higher than 1600 m, evidencing the occurrence of former glaciations. Previous research supports a regional glacial maximum prior to ca 38 cal ka BP and an advanced state of deglaciation by the time of the global Last Glacial Maximum (Jiménez-Sánchez et al., 2013). A geomorphological database has been produced in ArcGIS (1:25,000 scale) for an area about 800 km2 that partially covers the Redes Natural Reservation and Picos de Europa Regional Park. A reconstruction of the ice extent and flow pattern of the former glaciers is presented for this area, showing that an ice field was developed on the study area during the local glacial maximum. The maximum length of the ice tongues that drained this icefield was remarkably asymmetric between both slopes, recording 1 to 6 km-long in the northern slope and up to 19 km-long in southern one. The altitude difference between the glacier fronts of both mountain slopes was ca 100 m. This asymmetric character of the ice tongues is related to geologic and topo-climatic factors. Jiménez-Sánchez, M., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, L., García-Ruiz, J.M., Domínguez-Cuesta, M.J., Farias, P., Valero-Garcés, B., Moreno, A., Rico, M., Valcárcel, M., 2013. A review of glacial geomorphology and chronology in northern Spain: timing and regional variability during the last glacial cycle. Geomorphology 196, 50-64. Research funded by the CANDELA project (MINECO-CGL2012-31938). L. Rodríguez-Rodríguez is a PhD student with a grant from the Spanish national FPU Program (MECD).

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a human monoclonal anti‐FGF23 antibody (KRN23) in the first multiple ascending‐dose trial treating adults with X‐linked hypophosphatemia

PubMed Central

Imel, Erik A.; Ruppe, Mary D.; Weber, Thomas J.; Klausner, Mark A.; Ito, Takahiro; Vergeire, Maria; Humphrey, Jeffrey; Glorieux, Francis H.; Portale, Anthony A.; Insogna, Karl; Carpenter, Thomas O.; Peacock, Munro

2015-01-01

Abstract In X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is increased and results in reduced renal maximum threshold for phosphate reabsorption (TmP), reduced serum inorganic phosphorus (Pi), and inappropriately low normal serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) concentration, with subsequent development of rickets or osteomalacia. KRN23 is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to FGF23 and blocks its activity. Up to 4 doses of KRN23 were administered subcutaneously every 28 days to 28 adults with XLH. Mean ± standard deviation KRN23 doses administered were 0.05, 0.10 ± 0.01, 0.28 ± 0.06, and 0.48 ± 0.16 mg/kg. The mean time to reach maximum serum KRN23 levels was 7.0 to 8.5 days. The mean KRN23 half‐life was 16.4 days. The mean area under the concentration–time curve (AUCn) for each dosing interval increased proportionally with increases in KRN23 dose. The mean intersubject variability in AUCn ranged from 30% to 37%. The area under the effect concentration–time curve (AUECn) for change from baseline in TmP per glomerular filtration rate, serum Pi, 1,25(OH)2D, and bone markers for each dosing interval increased linearly with increases in KRN23 AUCn. Linear correlation between serum KRN23 concentrations and increase in serum Pi support KRN23 dose adjustments based on predose serum Pi concentration. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Clinical Pharmacology PMID:26073451

Noise characterization of oil and gas operations.

PubMed

Radtke, Cameron; Autenrieth, Daniel A; Lipsey, Tiffany; Brazile, William J

2017-08-01

In cooperation with The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, researchers at Colorado State University performed area noise monitoring at 23 oil and gas sites throughout Northern Colorado. The goals of this study were to: (1) measure and compare the noise levels for the different phases of oil and gas development sites; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of noise barriers; and (3) determine if noise levels exceeded the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission noise limits. The four phases of oil and gas development include drilling, hydraulic fracturing, completion and production. Noise measurements were collected using the A- and C-weighted sound scales. Octave band analysis was also performed to characterize the frequency spectra of the noise measurements.  Noise measurements were collected using noise dosimeters and a hand-held sound-level meter at specified distances from the development sites in each cardinal direction. At 350 ft (107 m), drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion sites without noise barriers exceeded the maximum permissible noise levels for residential and commercial zones (55 dBA and 60 dBA, respectively). In addition, drilling and hydraulic fracturing sites with noise barriers exceeded the maximum permissible noise level for residential zones (55 dBA). However, during drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion operations, oil producers are allowed an exception to the noise permissible limits in that they only must comply with the industrial noise limit (80 dBA). It is stated in Rule 604.c.(2)A. that: "Operations involving pipeline or gas facility installation or maintenance, the use of a drilling rig, completion rig, workover rig, or stimulation is subject to the maximum permissible noise levels for industrial zones (80dBA)." [8] Production sites were within the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission permissible noise level criteria for all zones. At 350 ft (107 m) from the noise source, all drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion sites exceeded 65 dBC.  Current noise wall mitigation strategies reduced noise levels in both the A- and C-weighted scale measurements. However, this reduction in noise was not sufficient to reduce the noise below the residential permissible noise level (55 dBA).

Impacts of wildfires on interannual trends in land surface phenology: an investigation of the Hayman Fire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jianmin; Zhang, Xiaoyang

2017-05-01

Land surface phenology (LSP) derived from satellite data has been widely associated with recent global climate change. However, LSP is frequently influenced by land disturbances, which significantly limits our understanding of the phenological trends driven by climate change. Because wildfire is one of the most significant disturbance agents, we investigated the influences of wildfire on the start of growing season (SOS) and the interannual trends of SOS in the Hayman Fire area that occurred in 2002 in Colorado using time series of daily MODIS data (2001-2014). Results show that the Hayman Fire advanced the area-integrated SOS by 15.2 d and converted SOS from a delaying trend of 3.9 d/decade to an advancing trend of -1.9 d/decade during 2001-2014. The fire impacts on SOS increased from low burn severity to high burn severity. Moreover, the rate of increase of annual maximum and minimum EVI2 from 2003-2014 reflects that vegetation greenness could recover to pre-fire status in 2022 and 2053, respectively, which suggests that the fire impacts on the satellite-derived SOS variability and the interannual trends should continue in the next few decades.

Aeroacoustic Analysis of Fan Noise Reduction With Increased Bypass Nozzle Area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodward, Richard P.; Hughes, Christopher E.; Podboy, Gary G.

2005-01-01

An advanced model turbofan was tested in the NASA Glenn 9-by 15-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (9x15 LSWT) to explore far field acoustic effects of increased bypass nozzle area. This fan stage test was part of the NASA Glenn Fan Broadband Source Diagnostic Test, second entry (SDT2) which acquired aeroacoustic results over a range of test conditions. The baseline nozzle was sized to produce maximum stage performance at cruise condition. However, the wind tunnel testing is conducted near sea level condition. Therefore, in order to simulate and obtain performance at other operating conditions, two additional nozzles were designed and tested one with +5 percent increase in weight flow (+5.4 percent increase in nozzle area compared with the baseline nozzle), sized to simulate the performance at the stage design point (takeoff) condition, and the other with a +7.5 percent increase in weight flow (+10.9 percent increase in nozzle area) sized for maximum weight flow with a fixed nozzle at sea level condition. Measured acoustic benefits with increased nozzle area were very encouraging, showing overall sound power level (OAPWL) reductions of 2 or more dB while the stage thrust actually increased by 2 to 3 percent except for the most open nozzle at takeoff rotor speed where stage performance decreased. Effective perceived noise levels for a 1500 ft engine flyover and 3.35 scale factor showed a similar noise reduction of 2 or more EPNdB. Noise reductions, principally in the level of broadband noise, were observed everywhere in the far field. Laser Doppler Velocimetry measurements taken downstream of the rotor showed that the total turbulent velocity decreased with increasing nozzle flow, which may explain the reduced rotor broadband noise levels.

Soil Salinity Mapping in Everglades National Park Using Remote Sensing Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, H.; Khadim, F. K.; Blankenship, J.; Sobhan, K.

2017-12-01

The South Florida Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland with a globally unique hydrology and ecology, and it is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. Everglades National Park (ENP) is a hydro-ecologically enriched wetland with varying salinity contents, which is a concern for terrestrial ecosystem balance and sustainability. As such, in this study, time series soil salinity mapping was carried out for the ENP area. The mapping first entailed a maximum likelihood classification of seven land cover classes for the ENP area—namely mangrove forest, mangrove scrub, low-density forest, sawgrass, prairies and marshes, barren lands with woodland hammock and water—for the years 1996, 2000, 2006, 2010 and 2015. The classifications for 1996-2010 yielded accuracies of 82%-94%, and the 2015 classification was supported through ground truthing. Afterwards, electric conductivity (EC) tolerance thresholds for each vegetation class were established,which yielded soil salinity maps comprising four soil salinity classes—i.e., the non- (EC = 0 2 dS/m), low- (EC = 2 4 dS/m), moderate- (EC = 4 8 dS/m) and high-saline (EC = >8 dS/m) areas. The soil salinity maps visualized the spatial distribution of soil salinity with no significant temporal variations. The innovative approach of "land cover identification to salinity estimation" used in the study is pragmatic and application oriented, and the study upshots are also useful, considering the diversifying ecological context of the ENP area.

Rapid adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by iron oxide nanoparticles-doped carboxylic ordered mesoporous carbon.

PubMed

Tang, Lin; Zhang, Sheng; Zeng, Guang-Ming; Zhang, Yi; Yang, Gui-De; Chen, Jun; Wang, Jing-Jing; Wang, Jia-Jia; Zhou, Yao-Yu; Deng, Yao-Cheng

2015-05-01

The ordered mesoporous carbon composite functionalized with carboxylate groups and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe/OMC) was successfully prepared and used to adsorb 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from wastewater. The resultant adsorbent possessed high degree of order, large specific surface area and pore volume, and good magnetic properties. The increase in initial pollutant concentration and contact time would make the adsorption capacity increase, but the pH and temperature are inversely proportional to 2,4-D uptake. The equilibrium of adsorption was reached within 120 min, and the equilibrated adsorption capacity increased from 99.38 to 310.78 mg/g with the increase of initial concentration of 2,4-D from 100 to 500 mg/L. Notablely, the adsorption capacity reached 97% of the maximum within the first 5 min. The kinetics and isotherm study showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models could well fit the adsorption data. These results indicate that Fe/OMC has a good potential for the rapid adsorption of 2,4-D and prevention of its further diffusion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stability and Control Analysis of V/STOL Type B Aircraft.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-31

control deficiency is larger at higher angles of attack. For example at 100 kt (51 m/s), the maximum sideslip is re- duced 2 deg, or 13%, by increasing... DEFICIENCY AREA L O ESIRED ENVELOPEi ( JI~AX SI lO KTI REACTION\\ TTLJJETS I o-TO J %%PLUS AIlERONS)S, E3" :-o e- AILERONS 0 10 20 30 40 so so 70 80 go...DISCRETE-TIME OPTIMAL CONTROL LAW GAINS [(0-I)r1 [C1 atC 2 1 jAtK1 & tK2 1 H D P! CONTROL LAW IN INCREMENTAL FORM ERROR DYNAMICS: Ak = Aak - Cl( ak

Polishing of anaerobic secondary effluent by Chlorella vulgaris under low light intensity.

PubMed

Cheng, Tuoyuan; Wei, Chun-Hai; Leiknes, TorOve

2017-10-01

To investigate anaerobic secondary effluent polishing by microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) under low light intensity (14μmol/m 2 /s), bubbling column reactors were operated in batches of 8 d with initial ammonium nitrogen 10-50mg/L, initial phosphate phosphorus 2-10mg/L and microalgal seed 40mg/L. Maximum microalgal biomass and minimum generation time were 370.9mg/L and 2.5d, respectively. Nitrogen removal (maximum 99.6%) was mainly attributed to microalgal growth rate, while phosphorus removal (maximum 49.8%) was related to microalgal growth rate, cell phosphorus content (maximum 1.5%) and initial nutrients ratio. Dissolved microalgal organics release in terms of chemical oxygen demand (maximum 63.2mg/L) and hexane extractable material (i.e., oil and grease, maximum 8.5mg/L) was firstly reported and mainly affected by nitrogen deficiency and deteriorated effluent quality. Ultrafiltration critical flux (16.6-39.5L/m 2 /h) showed negative linear correlation to microalgal biomass. Anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent polishing showed similar results with slight inhibition to synthetic effluent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of rare sugars from common sugars in subcritical aqueous ethanol.

PubMed

Gao, Da-Ming; Kobayashi, Takashi; Adachi, Shuji

2015-05-15

A new isomerization reaction was developed to synthesize rare ketoses. D-tagatose, D-xylulose, and D-ribulose were obtained in the maximum yields of 24%, 38%, and 40%, respectively, from the corresponding aldoses, D-galactose, D-xylose, and D-ribose, by treating the aldoses with 80% (v/v) subcritical aqueous ethanol at 180°C. The maximum productivity of D-tagatose was ca. 80 g/(Lh). Increasing the concentration of ethanol significantly increased the isomerization of D-galactose. Variation in the reaction temperature did not significantly affect the production of D-tagatose from D-galactose. Subcritical aqueous ethanol converted both 2,3-threo and 2,3-erythro aldoses to the corresponding C-2 ketoses in high yields. Thus, the treatment of common aldoses in subcritical aqueous ethanol can be regarded as a new method to synthesize the corresponding rare sugars. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aerodynamic Accounting Technique for Determining Effects of Nuclear Damage to Aircraft. Volume 2. Program User Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-02-28

of type I). 2.6 (1,5) Interference factor 2.7 (1,6) Number of bodies of type I 2.8 (1,7)* Maximum cross -sectional area 2.9 (1,8...height, cross -sectional area, etc. listed for each body type describes a single body. The total number of bodies of each type must also be specified even...71+1) (1,6) Number of bodies of Type I (78+1) (1,7)** Maximum cross -sectional area (85+1) (1,8) Base atreamtube area (92+1) (119) Nose length

Electromagnetic properties of absorber fabric coated with BaFe12O19/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in X and Ku bands frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afzali, Arezoo; Mottaghitalab, Vahid; Seyyed Afghahi, Seyyed Salman; Jafarian, Mojtaba; Atassi, Yomen

2017-11-01

Current investigation focuses on the electromagnetic properties of nonwoven fabric coated with BaFe12O19 (BHF) /MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in X and Ku bands. The BHF/MWCNTs and BHF/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposites are prepared using the sol gel and in-situ polymerization methods respectively. The absorbent fabric was prepared based on applying a 40 wt% of BHF/MWCNTs/PANi nanocomposite in silicon resin on nonwoven fabric via roller coating technique The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and vector network analysis (VNA) are used to peruse microstructural, magnetic and electromagnetic features of the composite and absorber fabric respectively. The microscopic images of the fabric coated with magnetic nanocomposite shows a homogenous layer of nanoparticles on the fabric surface. The maximum reflection loss of binary nano-composite BHF/MWCNTs was measured about -28.50 dB at 11.72 GHz with 1.7 GHz bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) in X band. Moreover in Ku band, the maximum reflection loss is -29.66 dB at 15.78 GHz with 3.2 GHz bandwidths. Also the ternary nanocomposite BHF/MWCNTs/PANi exhibits a broad band absorber over a wide range of X band with a maximum reflection loss of -36.2 dB at 10.2 GHz with 1.5 GHz bandwidth and in the Ku band has arrived a maximum reflection loss of -37.65 dB at 12.84 GHz with 2.43 GHz bandwidth. This result reflects the synergistic effect of the different components with different loss mechanisms. As it is observed due to the presence of PANi in the structure of nanocomposite, the amount of absorption has increased extraordinarily. The absorber fabric exhibits a maximum reflection loss of -24.2 dB at 11.6 GHz with 4 GHz bandwidth in X band. However, in Ku band, the absorber fabric has had the maximum absorption in 16.88 GHz that is about -24.34 dB with 6 GHz bandwidth. Therefore, results indicate that the fabric samples coated represents appreciable maximum absorption value of more than 99% in X and Ku bands which can be attributed to presence of carbon and polyaniline structure in composite material.

Volumetric velocity measurements in restricted geometries using spiral sampling: a phantom study.

PubMed

Nilsson, Anders; Revstedt, Johan; Heiberg, Einar; Ståhlberg, Freddy; Bloch, Karin Markenroth

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of maximum velocity measurements using volumetric phase-contrast imaging with spiral readouts in a stenotic flow phantom. In a phantom model, maximum velocity, flow, pressure gradient, and streamline visualizations were evaluated using volumetric phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with velocity encoding in one (extending on current clinical practice) and three directions (for characterization of the flow field) using spiral readouts. Results of maximum velocity and pressure drop were compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, as well as corresponding low-echo-time (TE) Cartesian data. Flow was compared to 2D through-plane phase contrast (PC) upstream from the restriction. Results obtained with 3D through-plane PC as well as 4D PC at shortest TE using a spiral readout showed excellent agreements with the maximum velocity values obtained with CFD (<1 % for both methods), while larger deviations were seen using Cartesian readouts (-2.3 and 13 %, respectively). Peak pressure drop calculations from 3D through-plane PC and 4D PC spiral sequences were respectively 14 and 13 % overestimated compared to CFD. Identification of the maximum velocity location, as well as the accurate velocity quantification can be obtained in stenotic regions using short-TE spiral volumetric PC imaging.

High Efficiency Thermoelectric Radioisotope Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Genk, Mohamed; Saber, Hamed; Caillat, Thierry

2004-01-01

The work performed and whose results presented in this report is a joint effort between the University of New Mexico s Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies (ISNPS) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology. In addition to the development, design, and fabrication of skutterudites and skutterudites-based segmented unicouples this effort included conducting performance tests of these unicouples for hundreds of hours to verify theoretical predictions of the conversion efficiency. The performance predictions of these unicouples are obtained using 1-D and 3-D models developed for that purpose and for estimating the actual performance and side heat losses in the tests conducted at ISNPS. In addition to the performance tests, the development of the 1-D and 3-D models and the development of Advanced Radioisotope Power systems for Beginning-Of-Life (BOM) power of 108 We are carried out at ISNPS. The materials synthesis and fabrication of the unicouples are carried out at JPL. The research conducted at ISNPS is documented in chapters 2-5 and that conducted at JP, in documented in chapter 5. An important consideration in the design and optimization of segmented thermoelectric unicouples (STUs) is determining the relative lengths, cross-section areas, and the interfacial temperatures of the segments of the different materials in the n- and p-legs. These variables are determined using a genetic algorithm (GA) in conjunction with one-dimensional analytical model of STUs that is developed in chapter 2. Results indicated that when optimized for maximum conversion efficiency, the interfacial temperatures between various segments in a STU are close to those at the intersections of the Figure-Of-Merit (FOM), ZT, curves of the thermoelectric materials of the adjacent segments. When optimizing the STUs for maximum electrical power density, however, the interfacial temperatures are different from those at the intersections of the ZT curves, but close to those at the intersections the characteristic power, CP, curves of the thermoelectric materials of the adjacent segments (CP = T(sup 2)Zk and has a unit of W/m). Results also showed that the number of the segments in the n- and p-legs of the STUs optimized for maximum power density are generally fewer than when the same unicouples are optimized for maximum efficiency. These results are obtained using the 1-D optimization model of STUs that is detailed in chapter 2. A three-dimensional model of STUs is developed and incorporated into the ANSYS commercial software (chapter 3). The governing equations are solved, subject to the prescribed

Heat Wave and Mortality: A Multicountry, Multicommunity Study

PubMed Central

Gasparrini, Antonio; Armstrong, Ben G.; Tawatsupa, Benjawan; Tobias, Aurelio; Lavigne, Eric; Coelho, Micheline de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio; Pan, Xiaochuan; Kim, Ho; Hashizume, Masahiro; Honda, Yasushi; Guo, Yue-Liang Leon; Wu, Chang-Fu; Zanobetti, Antonella; Schwartz, Joel D.; Bell, Michelle L.; Scortichini, Matteo; Michelozzi, Paola; Punnasiri, Kornwipa; Li, Shanshan; Tian, Linwei; Garcia, Samuel David Osorio; Seposo, Xerxes; Overcenco, Ala; Zeka, Ariana; Goodman, Patrick; Dang, Tran Ngoc; Dung, Do Van; Mayvaneh, Fatemeh; Saldiva, Paulo Hilario Nascimento; Williams, Gail; Tong, Shilu

2017-01-01

Background: Few studies have examined variation in the associations between heat waves and mortality in an international context. Objectives: We aimed to systematically examine the impacts of heat waves on mortality with lag effects internationally. Methods: We collected daily data of temperature and mortality from 400 communities in 18 countries/regions and defined 12 types of heat waves by combining community-specific daily mean temperature ≥90th, 92.5th, 95th, and 97.5th percentiles of temperature with duration ≥2, 3, and 4 d. We used time-series analyses to estimate the community-specific heat wave–mortality relation over lags of 0–10 d. Then, we applied meta-analysis to pool heat wave effects at the country level for cumulative and lag effects for each type of heat wave definition. Results: Heat waves of all definitions had significant cumulative associations with mortality in all countries, but varied by community. The higher the temperature threshold used to define heat waves, the higher heat wave associations on mortality. However, heat wave duration did not modify the impacts. The association between heat waves and mortality appeared acutely and lasted for 3 and 4 d. Heat waves had higher associations with mortality in moderate cold and moderate hot areas than cold and hot areas. There were no added effects of heat waves on mortality in all countries/regions, except for Brazil, Moldova, and Taiwan. Heat waves defined by daily mean and maximum temperatures produced similar heat wave–mortality associations, but not daily minimum temperature. Conclusions: Results indicate that high temperatures create a substantial health burden, and effects of high temperatures over consecutive days are similar to what would be experienced if high temperature days occurred independently. People living in moderate cold and moderate hot areas are more sensitive to heat waves than those living in cold and hot areas. Daily mean and maximum temperatures had similar ability to define heat waves rather than minimum temperature. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1026 PMID:28886602

Geometries of geoelectrical structures in central Tibetan Plateau from INDEPTH magnetotelluric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vozar, J.; Jones, A. G.; Le Pape, F.

2012-12-01

Magnetotelluric (MT) data collected on N-S profiles crossing the Banggong-Nujiang Suture (BNS), which separates the Qiangtang and Lhasa Terranes in central Tibet, as a part of InterNational DEep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya project (INDEPTH) are modeled by 2D, 3D inversion codes and 1D petro-physical package LitMod. The modeling exhibits regional resistive and conductive structures correlated with ShuangHu Suture, Tanggula Mountains and strike-slip faults like BengCo-Jiali fault in the south. The BNS is not manifested in the geoelectrical models as a strong crustal regional structure. The strike direction azimuth of mid and lower crustal structures estimated from horizontal slices from 3D modeling (N110°E) is slightly different from one estimated by 2D strike analysis (N100°E). Orientation of crustal structures is perpendicular to convergence direction in this area. The deepest lower crustal conductors are correlated to areas with maximum Moho depth obtained from satellite gravity data. The anisotropic 2D modeling reveals that lower crustal conductor in Lhasa Terrane is anisotropic. This anisotropy can be interpreted as a proof for crustal channel flow below Lhasa Terrane. But same Lhasa lower crust conductor from isotropic 3D modeling can be interpreted more likely as 3D lower Indian crust structure, located to the east from line 500, than geoelectrical anisotropic crustal flow. From deep electromagnetic sounding, supported by independent integrated petro-physical investigation, we can estimate the next upper-mantle conductive layer at depths from 200 km to 250 km below the Lhasa Terrane and less resistive Tibetan lithosphere below the Qiangtang Terrane with conductive upper-mantle in depths about 120 km.

Transformer-Feedback Interstage Bandwidth Enhancement for MMIC Multistage Amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikandish, Gholamreza; Medi, Ali

2015-02-01

The transformer-feedback (TRFB) interstage bandwidth enhancement technique for broadband multistage amplifiers is presented. Theory of the TRFB bandwidth enhancement and the design conditions for maximum bandwidth, maximally flat gain, and maximally flat group delay are provided. It is shown that the TRFB bandwidth enhancement can provide higher bandwidth compared to the conventional techniques based on reactive impedance matching networks. A three-stage low-noise amplifier (LNA) monolithic microwave integrated circuit with the TRFB between its consecutive stages is designed and implemented in a 0.1- μm GaAs pHEMT process. The TRFB is realized by coupling between the drain bias lines of transistors. The reuse of bias lines leads to bandwidth enhancement without increasing the chip area and power consumption. The LNA features average gain of 23 dB and 3-dB bandwidth of 11-39 GHz. It provides a noise figure of 2.1-3.0 dB and an output 1-dB compression point of 8.6 dBm, while consuming 40 mA of current from a 2-V supply.

Centrifugation-Assisted Fog-Collecting Abilities of Metal-Foam Structures with Different Surface Wettabilities.

PubMed

Ji, Keju; Zhang, Jun; Chen, Jia; Meng, Guiyun; Ding, Yafei; Dai, Zhendong

2016-04-20

The collection of water from fog is a simple and sustainable means of obtaining freshwater for human and animal consumption. Herein, we address the use of metal foam in fog collection and present a novel fog-collecting device fabricated from copper foam. This device, which can also be used in other liquid-gas separation applications, is a 3D extension of biologically inspired 1D and 2D materials. The network structure of the 3D material effectively increased the contact area and interaction time of the skeleton structure and fog compared to those of traditional 2D fog-collecting materials. The main aspects investigated in this study were the influences of the inertial centrifugal force generated by rotating the metal-foam samples and the use of samples with different surface wettabilities on the fog-collecting performance. Superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic samples were found to have higher collection efficiencies at low and high rotational speeds, respectively, and a maximum efficiency of 86% was achieved for superhydrophobic copper foam (20 pores per inch) rotated at 1500 rpm.

A new on-chip all-digital three-phase full-bridge dc/ac power inverter with feedforward and frequency control techniques.

PubMed

Chen, Jiann-Jong; Kung, Che-Min

2010-09-01

The communication speed between components is far from satisfactory. To achieve high speed, simple control system configuration, and low cost, a new on-chip all-digital three-phase dc/ac power inverter using feedforward and frequency control techniques is proposed. The controller of the proposed power inverter, called the shift register, consists of six-stage D-latch flip-flops with a goal of achieving low-power consumption and area efficiency. Variable frequency is achieved by controlling the clocks of the shift register. One advantage regarding the data signal (D) and the common clock (CK) is that, regardless of the phase difference between the two, all of the D-latch flip-flops are capable of delaying data by one CK period. To ensure stability, the frequency of CK must be six times higher than that of D. The operation frequency of the proposed power inverter ranges from 10 Hz to 2 MHz, and the maximum output loading current is 0.8 A. The prototype of the proposed circuit has been fabricated with TSMC 0.35 μm 2P4M CMOS processes. The total chip area is 2.333 x 1.698 mm2. The three-phase dc/ac power inverter is applicable in uninterrupted power supplies, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, and motors, because of its ability to convert the dc supply voltage into the three-phase ac power sources.

Three-dimensional shear wave elastography for differentiation of breast lesions: An initial study with quantitative analysis using three orthogonal planes.

PubMed

Wang, Qiao

2018-05-25

To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional (3D) shear wave elastography (SWE) for breast lesions with quantitative stiffness information from transverse, sagittal and coronal planes. Conventional ultrasound (US), two-dimensional (2D)-SWE and 3D-SWE were performed for 122 consecutive patients with 122 breast lesions before biopsy or surgical excision. Maximum elasticity values of Young's modulus (Emax) were recorded on 2D-SWE and three planes of 3D-SWE. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of US, 2D-SWE and 3D-SWE were evaluated. Two combined sets (i.e., BI-RADS and 2D-SWE; BI-RADS and 3D-SWE) were compared in AUC. Observer consistency was also evaluated. On 3D-SWE, the AUC and sensitivity of sagittal plane were significantly higher than those of transverse and coronal planes (both P < 0.05). Compared with BI-RADS alone, both combined sets had significantly (P < 0.05) higher AUCs and specificities, whereas, the two combined sets showed no significant difference in AUC (P > 0.05). However, the combined set of BI-RADS and sagittal plane of 3D-SWE had significantly higher sensitivity than the combined set of BI-RADS and 2D-SWE. The sagittal plane shows the best diagnostic performance among 3D-SWE. The combination of BI-RADS and 3D-SWE is a useful tool for predicting breast malignant lesions in comparison with BI-RADS alone.

Architecture and development of a multi-stage Baiyun submarine slide complex in the Pearl River Canyon, northern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Wu, Shi-Guo; Li, Qing-Ping; Wang, Da-Wei; Fu, Shao-Ying

2014-08-01

The Baiyun submarine slide complex (BSSC) along the Pearl River Canyon of the northern South China Sea has been imaged by multibeam bathymetry and 2D/3D seismic data. By means of maximum likelihood classification with slope aspect and gradient as inputs, the BSSC is subdivided into four domains, denoted as slide area I, II, III and IV. Slide area I is surrounded by cliffs on three sides and has been intensely reshaped by turbidity currents generated by other kinds of mass movement outside the area; slide area II incorporates a shield volcano with a diameter of approximately 10 km and unconfined slides possibly resulting from the toe collapse of inter-canyon ridges; slide area III is dominated by repeated slides that mainly originated from cliffs constituting the eastern boundary of the BSSC; slide area IV is distinguished by a conical seamount with a diameter of 6.5 km and a height of 375 m, and two slides probably having a common source that are separated from each other by a suite of residual strata. The BSSC is interpreted to be composed of numerous slide events, which occurred in the period from 10.5 to 5.5 Ma BP. Six specific factors may have contributed to the development of the BSSC, i.e., gas hydrate dissociation, gas-bearing sediments, submarine volcanic activity, seismicity, sedimentation rate and seafloor geomorphology. A 2D conceptual geological model combining these factors is proposed as a plausible mechanism explaining the formation of the BSSC. However, the BSSC may also have been affected by the Dongsha event (10 Ma BP) as an overriding factor.

Optical evolution of Nova Ophiuchi 2007 = V2615 Oph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munari, U.; Henden, A.; Valentini, M.; Siviero, A.; Dallaporta, S.; Ochner, P.; Tomasoni, S.

2008-06-01

The moderately fast Nova Oph 2007 reached maximum brightness on 2007 March 28 at V= 8.52, B-V=+1.12, V-RC=+0.76, V-IC=+1.59 and RC-IC=+0.83, after fast initial rise and a pre-maximum halt lasting a week. Decline times were tV2= 26.5, tB2= 30, tV3= 48.5 and tB3= 56.5 d. The distance to the nova is d= 3.7 ± 0.2 kpc, the height above the Galactic plane is z= 215 pc, the reddening is E(B-V) = 0.90 and the absolute magnitude at maximum is MmaxV=-7.2 and MmaxB=-7.0. The spectrum four days before maximum resembled a F6 supergiant, in an agreement with broad-band colours. It later developed into that of a standard `Fe ii'-class nova. Nine days past maximum, the expansion velocity estimated from the width of Hα emission component was ˜730 km s-1, and the displacement from it of the principal and diffuse-enhanced absorption systems was ˜650 and 1380 km s-1, respectively. Dust probably formed and disappeared during the period from 82 to 100 d past maximum, causing (at peak dust concentration) an extinction of ΔB= 1.8 mag and an extra ΔE(B-V) = 0.44 reddening.

Evaluation of pulmonary function using breathing chest radiography with a dynamic flat panel detector: primary results in pulmonary diseases.

PubMed

Tanaka, Rie; Sanada, Shigeru; Okazaki, Nobuo; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Fujimura, Masaki; Yasui, Masahide; Matsui, Takeshi; Nakayama, Kazuya; Nanbu, Yuko; Matsui, Osamu

2006-10-01

Dynamic flat panel detectors (FPD) permit acquisition of distortion-free radiographs with a large field of view and high image quality. The present study was performed to evaluate pulmonary function using breathing chest radiography with a dynamic FPD. We report primary results of a clinical study and computer algorithm for quantifying and visualizing relative local pulmonary airflow. Dynamic chest radiographs of 18 subjects (1 emphysema, 2 asthma, 4 interstitial pneumonia, 1 pulmonary nodule, and 10 normal controls) were obtained during respiration using an FPD system. We measured respiratory changes in distance from the lung apex to the diaphragm (DLD) and pixel values in each lung area. Subsequently, the interframe differences (D-frame) and difference values between maximum inspiratory and expiratory phases (D-max) were calculated. D-max in each lung represents relative vital capacity (VC) and regional D-frames represent pulmonary airflow in each local area. D-frames were superimposed on dynamic chest radiographs in the form of color display (fusion images). The results obtained using our methods were compared with findings on computed tomography (CT) images and pulmonary functional test (PFT), which were examined before inclusion in the study. In normal subjects, the D-frames were distributed symmetrically in both lungs throughout all respiratory phases. However, subjects with pulmonary diseases showed D-frame distribution patterns that differed from the normal pattern. In subjects with air trapping, there were some areas with D-frames near zero indicated as colorless areas on fusion images. These areas also corresponded to the areas showing air trapping on computed tomography images. In asthma, obstructive abnormality was indicated by areas continuously showing D-frame near zero in the upper lung. Patients with interstitial pneumonia commonly showed fusion images with an uneven color distribution accompanied by increased D-frames in the area identified as normal on computed tomography images. Furthermore, measurement of DLD was very effective for evaluating diaphragmatic kinetics. This is a rapid and simple method for evaluation of respiratory kinetics for pulmonary diseases, which can reveal abnormalities in diaphragmatic kinetics and regional lung ventilation. Furthermore, quantification and visualization of respiratory kinetics is useful as an aid in interpreting dynamic chest radiographs.

Observed anomalous changes on diffuse CO2 emission at the summit crater of Teide volcano (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain): a geochemical evidence of volcanic unrest?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez, N. M.; Melián, G.; Asensio-Ramos, M.; Padrón, E.; Alonso Cótchico, M.; Hernández, P. A.; Rodríguez, F.; D'Auria, L.; García-Merino, M.; Padilla, G. D.; Burns, F.; Amonte, C.; García, E.; García-Hernández, R.; Barrancos, J.; Morales-Ocaña, C.; Calvo, D.; Vela, V.; Pérez, A.

2017-12-01

Tenerife (2034 km2) is the largest of the Canary Islands and hosts a central volcanic complex, Las Cañadas, which is characterized by the eruption of differentiated magmas. Laying inside Las Cañadas a twin stratovolcanoes system Pico Viejo and Teide, has been developed. Although Teide volcano shows weak fumarolic system, volcanic gas emissions observed in the summit area are mainly controlled by high rates of diffuse CO2 degassing. Soil CO2 efflux surveys have been performed at the summit crater of Teide volcano since 1999 according to the accumulation chamber method to monitor changes of volcanic activity. Soil CO2 efflux and soil temperature have been measured in sites homogeneously distributed within an area of about 6,972 m2 inside the summit crater. Historical seismic activity in Tenerife has been mainly characterized by low- to moderate-magnitude events (M <2.5), and most of epicenters clustered in an offshore area SE of Tenerife. Very few earthquakes have occurred in other areas, including Teide volcano. Since November 2016 more than 100 small magnitude earthquakes, with typical features of the microseismicity of hydrothermal systems, at depths usually ranging between 5 and 15 km located beneath Teide volcano have been recorded. On January 6th 2017 a M=2.5 earthquake was recorded in the area, being one of the strongest events recorded since 2004. Between October 11 and December 13, 2016, a continuous increase on the diffuse CO2 emission was registered preceding the occurrence of the 2.5 seismic event, from 21.3±2.0 to 101.7±20.7 t d-1. In Febraury 2017, the diffuse CO2 emission rate showed a maximum value (176±35 t/d) and has remained at relatively high values in the range 67-176 t/d. The observed increase on the diffuse CO2 emission, likely due to the increase of fluid pressure in the hydrothermal-magmatic system of Tenerife, might be a geochemical evidence of a future volcanic unrest at Tenerife Island.

Hydrogeology of, and Simulation of Ground-Water Flow In, the Pohatcong Valley, Warren County, New Jersey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carleton, Glen B.; Gordon, Alison D.

2007-01-01

A numerical ground-water-flow model was constructed to simulate ground-water flow in the Pohatcong Valley, including the area within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Pohatcong Valley Ground Water Contamination Site. The area is underlain by glacial till, alluvial sediments, and weathered and competent carbonate bedrock. The northwestern and southeastern valley boundaries are regional-scale thrust faults and ridges underlain by crystalline rocks. The unconsolidated sediments and weathered bedrock form a minor surficial aquifer and the carbonate rocks form a highly transmissive fractured-rock aquifer. Ground-water flow in the carbonate rocks is primarily downvalley towards the Delaware River, but the water discharges through the surficial aquifer to Pohatcong Creek under typical conditions. The hydraulic characteristics of the carbonate-rock aquifer are highly heterogeneous. Horizontal hydraulic conductivities span nearly five orders of magnitude, from 0.5 feet per day (ft/d) to 1,800 ft/d. The maximum transmissivity calculated is 37,000 feet squared per day. The horizontal hydraulic conductivities calculated from aquifer tests using public supply wells open to the Leithsville Formation and Allentown Dolomite are 34 ft/d (effective hydraulic conductivity) and 85 to 190 ft/d (minimum and maximum hydraulic conductivity, respectively, yielding a horizontal anisotropy ratio of 0.46). Stream base-flow data were used to estimate the net gain (or loss) for selected reaches on Brass Castle Creek, Shabbecong Creek, three smaller tributaries to Pohatcong Creek, and for five reaches on Pohatcong Creek. Estimated mean annual base flows for Brass Castle Creek, Pohatcong Creek at New Village, and Pohatcong Creek at Carpentersville (from correlations of partial- and continuous-record stations) are 2.4, 25, and 45 cubic feet per second (ft3/s) (10, 10, and 11 inches per year (in/yr)), respectively. Ground-water ages estimated using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), and tritium-helium age-dating techniques range from 0 to 27 years, with a median age of 6 years. Land-surface and ground-water water budgets were calculated, yielding an estimated rate of direct recharge tothe surficial aquifer of about 23 in/yr, and an estimated net recharge to the ground-water system within the area underlain by carbonate rock (11.4 mi2) of 29 in/yr (10 in/yr over the entire 33.3 mi2 basin). A finite-difference, numerical model was developed to simulate ground-water flow in the Pohatcong Valley. The four-layer model encompasses the entire carbonate-rock part of the valley. The carbonate-rock aquifer was modeled as horizontally anisotropic, with the direction of maximum transmissivity aligned with the longitudinal axis of the valley. All lateral boundaries are no-flow boundaries. Recharge was applied uniformly to the topmost active layer with additional recharge added near the lateral boundaries to represent infiltration of runoff from adjacent crystalline-rock areas. The model was calibrated to June 2001 water levels in wells completed in the carbonate-rock aquifer, August 2000 stream base-flow measurements, and the approximate ground-water age. The ground-water-flow model was constructed in part to test possible site contamination remediation alternatives. Four previously determined ground-water remediation alternatives (GW1, GW2, GW3, and GW4) were simulated. For GW1, the no-action alternative, simulated pathlines originating in the tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) source areas within the Ground-Water Contamination Site end at Pohatcong Creek near the confluence with Shabbecong Creek, although some particles went deeper in the aquifer system and ultimately discharge to Pohatcong Creek about 10 miles downvalley in Pohatcong Township. Remediation alternatives GW2, GW3, and GW4 include ground-water withdrawal, treatment, and reinjection. The design for GW2 includes wells in the TCE and PCE source areas that wit

Pre-procedural assessment of aortic annulus dimensions for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: comparison of a non-contrast 3D MRA protocol with contrast-enhanced cardiac dual-source CT angiography.

PubMed

Ruile, Philipp; Blanke, Philipp; Krauss, Tobias; Dorfs, Stephan; Jung, Bernd; Jander, Nikolaus; Leipsic, Jonathon; Langer, Mathias; Neumann, Franz-Josef; Pache, Gregor

2016-04-01

To evaluate the feasibility of a non-contrast three-dimensional (3D)-FLASH magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocol for pre-procedural aortic annulus assessment for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison with cardiac dual-source computed tomography angiography (CTA). In this prospective study, 69 of 104 consecutive patients (mean age 81.8 ± 5.4 years, 37.7% arrhythmic) with severe aortic stenosis who had undergone pre-TAVR cardiac CTA received a respiratory and ECG-triggered, non-contrast 3D-FLASH MRA at 3 T. Annular area measurements were obtained at mid-diastole for both modalities whereas maximum systolic area was assessed by CTA only. Systolic MRA dimensions were modelled, by adding the relative difference of systolic and diastolic CTA area dimensions as a corrective factor. Hypothetical prosthesis sizing was performed based on systolic CTA, diastolic, and modelled systolic MRA area measurements. MR image quality and degree of annular calcifications were evaluated using 4-point-grading scales. The mean acquisition time was 14 ± 4.2 min. The mean image quality was 3.1 ± 0.9 with only two examinations rated non-diagnostic. The mean degree of calcifications was equal. As assessed by Bland-Altman analysis, there was no relevant systematic difference between area measurements for modelled systolic MRA and systolic CTA [the mean difference -3.1 mm(2) (limits of agreement -44.4 mm(2); 38.2 mm(2))]. Agreement for hypothetical prosthesis sizing was found in 63 of 67 (94%) patients for systolic CTA and modelled systolic MRA. The employed non-contrast 3D-FLASH MRA protocol allows for reliable assessment of aortic annulus dimensions and calcifications even in the presence of arrhythmias in an all-comers pre-TAVR population. Implementation of this technique appears legitimate in patients at an increased risk for contrast-induced nephropathy. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2015. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Implementation in an FPGA circuit of Edge detection algorithm based on the Discrete Wavelet Transforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouganssa, Issam; Sbihi, Mohamed; Zaim, Mounia

2017-07-01

The 2D Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is a computationally intensive task that is usually implemented on specific architectures in many imaging systems in real time. In this paper, a high throughput edge or contour detection algorithm is proposed based on the discrete wavelet transform. A technique for applying the filters on the three directions (Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal) of the image is used to present the maximum of the existing contours. The proposed architectures were designed in VHDL and mapped to a Xilinx Sparten6 FPGA. The results of the synthesis show that the proposed architecture has a low area cost and can operate up to 100 MHz, which can perform 2D wavelet analysis for a sequence of images while maintaining the flexibility of the system to support an adaptive algorithm.

Morphology and function: MR pineal volume and melatonin level in human saliva are correlated.

PubMed

Liebrich, Luisa-Sophie; Schredl, Michael; Findeisen, Peter; Groden, Christoph; Bumb, Jan Malte; Nölte, Ingo S

2014-10-01

To investigate the relation between circadian saliva melatonin levels and pineal volume as determined by MRI. Plasma melatonin levels follow a circadian rhythm with a high interindividual variability. In 103 healthy individuals saliva melatonin levels were determined at four time points within 24 h and MRI was performed once (3.0 Tesla, including three-dimensional T2 turbo spin echo [3D-T2-TSE], susceptibility-weighted imaging [SWI]). Pineal volume as well as cyst volume were assessed from multiplanar reconstructed 3D-T2-TSE images. Pineal calcification volume tissue was determined on SWI. To correct for hormonal inactive pineal tissue, cystic and calcified areas were excluded. Sleep quality was assessed with the Landeck Inventory for sleep quality disturbance. Solid and uncalcified pineal volume correlated to melatonin maximum (r = 0.28; P < 0.05) and area under the curve (r = 0.29; P < 0.05). Of interest, solid and uncalcified pineal volume correlated negatively with the sleep rhythm disturbances subscore (r = -0.17; P < 0.05) despite a very homogenous population. Uncalcified solid pineal tissue measured by 3D-T2-TSE and SWI is related to human saliva melatonin levels. The analysis of the sleep quality and pineal volume suggests a linkage between better sleep quality and hormonal active pineal tissue. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Landsat-Based Detection and Severity Analysis of Burned Sugarcane Plots in Tarlac, Philippines Using Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baloloy, A. B.; Blanco, A. C.; Gana, B. S.; Sta. Ana, R. C.; Olalia, L. C.

2016-09-01

The Philippines has a booming sugarcane industry contributing about PHP 70 billion annually to the local economy through raw sugar, molasses and bioethanol production (SRA, 2012). Sugarcane planters adapt different farm practices in cultivating sugarcane, one of which is cane burning to eliminate unwanted plant material and facilitate easier harvest. Information on burned sugarcane extent is significant in yield estimation models to calculate total sugar lost during harvest. Pre-harvest burning can lessen sucrose by 2.7% - 5% of the potential yield (Gomez, et al 2006; Hiranyavasit, 2016). This study employs a method for detecting burn sugarcane area and determining burn severity through Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) using Landsat 8 Images acquired during the late milling season in Tarlac, Philippines. Total burned area was computed per burn severity based on pre-fire and post-fire images. Results show that 75.38% of the total sugarcane fields in Tarlac were burned with post-fire regrowth; 16.61% were recently burned; and only 8.01% were unburned. The monthly dNBR for February to March generated the largest area with low severity burn (1,436 ha) and high severity burn (31.14 ha) due to pre-harvest burning. Post-fire regrowth is highest in April to May when previously burned areas were already replanted with sugarcane. The maximum dNBR of the entire late milling season (February to May) recorded larger extent of areas with high and low post-fire regrowth compared to areas with low, moderate and high burn severity. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to analyse vegetation dynamics between the burn severity classes. Significant positive correlation, rho = 0.99, was observed between dNBR and dNDVI at 5% level (p = 0.004). An accuracy of 89.03% was calculated for the Landsat-derived NBR validated using actual mill data for crop year 2015-2016.

Noise level in intensive care units of a public university hospital in Santa Marta (Colombia).

PubMed

Garrido Galindo, A P; Camargo Caicedo, Y; Vélez-Pereira, A M

2016-10-01

To evaluate the noise level in adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units of a university hospital in the city of Santa Marta (Colombia). A descriptive, observational, non-interventional study with follow-up over time was carried out. Continuous sampling was conducted for 20 days for each unit using a type i sound level meter, filter frequency in A weighting and Fast mode. We recorded the maximum values, the 90th percentile as background noise, and the continuous noise level. The mean hourly levels in the adult unit varied between 57.40±1.14-63.47±2.13dBA, with a maximum between 71.55±2.32-77.22±1.94dBA, and a background noise between 53.51±1.16-60.26±2.10dBA; in the pediatric unit the mean hourly levels varied between 57.07±3.07-65.72±2.46dBA, with a maximum of 68.69±3.57-79.06±2.34dBA, and a background noise between 53.33±3.54-61.96±2.85dBA; the neonatal unit in turn presented mean hourly values between 59.54±2.41-65.33±1.77dBA, with a maximum value between 67.20±2.13-77.65±3.74dBA, and a background noise between 55.02±2.03-58.70±1.95dBA. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the hourly values and between the different units, with the time of day exhibiting a greater influence. The type of unit affects the noise levels in intensive care units, the pediatric unit showing the highest values and the adult unit the lowest values. However, the parameter exerting the greatest influence upon noise level is the time of day, with higher levels in the morning and evening, and lower levels at night and in the early morning. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

North west area of Tuscany, Italy : Are the solar maximum and solar minima a particular period for increased frequency of floods and local geological destabilization ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casati, Michele; Straser, Valentino; Feron, Alessandro

2017-04-01

The purpose of this study is to verify a possible relationship between solar activity transitions (minimum and maximum), seismic activity and atmospheric circulation in a particular area. The hypothesis has already been advanced by other authors and is found in studies, for example: [Sytinsky A.D.,1980,1987,1997][Mazzarella,Palumbo, 1989][Odintsov, et al, 2006][Khachikyan, Inchin, Lozbin, 2012][Czymzik,Markus, 2013][Nedeljko,Vujović,2014]. The geographical area studied is approximately 8x13 km sq. and includes villages such as Fivizzano and Equi Terme, in north-west Tuscany, Italy, on the Lunigiana/Garfagnana border. The North Apuan Fault Zone" (NAFZ) is found in the area of study and major historical earthquakes have occurred in this area [Di Naccio Deborah, et al., 2013]. In this research, we compared the local seismicity with heavy rainfall (in quantity) that occurred in a short time frame in this area (measured by the daily rain gauge accumulations). These events occurred during the numerous floods from 2009 to 2013 (the transition between the solar cycle SC23 and SC24 solar and the rise of solar cycle SC24). The data was provided by the hydrological sector of the Tuscan Region Hydrological Service (SIR) and the LaMMA consortium. In this study we hypothesize, a slow and continuous destabilizing action on local geological structures, due to the multiple and violent atmospheric disturbances (V-shaped, flash floods, squall-line, etc..). Destabilization that led to an earthquake of magnitude Mw 5.36, which occurred on 21 June 2013. Comparing the SIDC count of sunspots with: a) the historical local seismic events catalogue with magnitude M4.5 + (CPTI15, the 2015 version of the Parametric Catalogue of Italian Earthquakes), b) the recent earthquakes of magnitude M 2.5+, which occurred from 1984 (ISIDe working group (2016) version 1.0), and c) the historical reconstructed maximum annual flows of the Serchio river from 1750, the daily maximum annual flows of the Magra river since 1939 (Data provided by Serchio River Authority and Aauthority and Magra Interregional River Authority), we observe that floods and/or local seismic events occur more frequently when there are solar maximum and solar minima.

Temperature dependence of tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) device characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slinker, Jason D.; Malliaras, George G.; Flores-Torres, Samuel; Abruña, Héctor D.; Chunwachirasiri, Withoon; Winokur, Michael J.

2004-04-01

We have investigated the temperature dependence of the current, radiance, and efficiency from electroluminescent devices based on [Ru(bpy)3]2+(PF6-)2, where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine. We find that the current increases monotonically with temperature from 200 to 380 K, while the radiance reaches a maximum near room temperature. For temperatures greater than room temperature, an irreversible, current-induced degradation occurs with thermal cycling that diminishes both the radiance and the photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, but does not affect the current. The temperature dependence of the external quantum efficiency is fully accounted for by the dependence of the PL quantum yield as measured from the emissive area of the device. This implies that the contacts remain ohmic throughout the temperature range investigated. The quenching of the PL with temperature was attributed to thermal activation to a nonradiative d-d transition. The temperature dependence of the current shows a complex behavior in which transport appears to be thermally activated, with distinct low-temperature and high-temperature regimes.

Spatial variation of biogenic sulfur in the south Yellow Sea and the East China Sea during summer and its contribution to atmospheric sulfate aerosol.

PubMed

Zhang, Sheng-Hui; Yang, Gui-Peng; Zhang, Hong-Hai; Yang, Jian

2014-08-01

Spatial distributions of biogenic sulfur compounds including dimethylsulfide (DMS), dissolved and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPd and DMSPp) were investigated in the South Yellow Sea (SYS) and the East China Sea (ECS) in July 2011. The concentrations of DMS and DMSPp were significantly correlated with the levels of chlorophyll a in the surface water. Simultaneously, relatively high ratio values of DMSP/chlorophyll a and DMS/chlorophyll a occurred in the areas where the phytoplankton community was dominated by dinoflagellates. The DMSPp and chlorophyll a size-fractionation showed that larger nanoplankton (5-20 μm) was the most important producer of DMSPp in the study area. The vertical profiles of DMS and DMSP were characterized by a maximum at the upper layer and the bottom concentrations were also relatively higher compared with the overlying layer of the bottom. In addition, a positive linear correlation was observed between dissolved dimethylsulfoxide (DMSOd) and DMS concentrations in the surface waters. The sea-to-air fluxes of DMS in the study area were estimated to be from 0.03 to 102.35 μmol m(-2) d(-1) with a mean of 16.73 μmol m(-2) d(-1) and the contribution of biogenic non-sea-salt SO4(2-) (nss-SO4(2-)) to the measured total nss-SO4(2-) in the atmospheric aerosol over the study area varied from 1.42% to 30.98%, with an average of 8.2%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 38.15-1 - Filling of tanks-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... that there is an outage of at least 2 percent of the volume of the tank at the temperature..., the maximum volume to which a tank may be loaded is: V L=0.98d r V/d L where: V L=maximum volume to which tank may be loaded. V=volume of tank. d r=density of cargo at the temperature required for a cargo...

High performance optical payloads for microsatellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geyl, Roland; Rodolfo, Jacques; Girault, Jean-Philippe

2017-09-01

Safran is presenting two concepts of optical payloads for microsatellites combining high performances and extremely compact volume. The first one offer 10-m Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) over 60x40 km2 area from 600 km orbit optimized for twilight conditions. The second one is offering a much higher resolution of 1.8-m over 11x7,5 km2 area from the same 600 km orbit. The two concepts are based on advanced innovative diffraction limited optical system packaged in a unique very compact volume lower than 8U = 200x200x200 mm making them the ideal solution for 15- 100 kg microsatellites. The maximum number of pixels is served to the end-user space imagery community thanks to 35 mm Full Frame sensors offering, as of today, 6000x4000 pixels. Up to 10 spectral bands from 475 to 900 nm can be offered thanks to 2D structured filters.

Volumetry and biomechanical parameters detected by 3D and 2D ultrasound in patients with and without an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

PubMed

Batagini, Nayara Cioffi; Ventura, Carlos Augusto Pinto; Raghavan, Madhavan L; Chammas, Maria Cristina; Tachibana, Adriano; da Silva, Erasmo Simão

2016-06-01

The objective was to demonstrate the ability of ultrasound (US) with 3D properties to evaluate volumetry and biomechanical parameters of the aorta in patients with and without abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Thirty-one patients with normal aortas (group 1), 46 patients with AAA measuring 3.0-5.5 cm (group 2) and 31 patients with AAA ⩾ 5.5 cm (group 3) underwent a 2D/3D-US examination of the infra-renal aorta, and the images were post-processed prior to being analyzed. In the maximum diameter, the global circumferential strain and the global maximum rotation assessed by 2D speckle-tracking algorithms were compared among the three groups. The volumetry data obtained using 3D-US from 40 AAA patients were compared with the volumetry data obtained by a contemporary computed tomography (CT) scan. The median global circumferential strain was 2.0% (interquartile range (IR): 1.0-3.0), 1.0% (IR: 1.0-2.0) and 1.0% (IR: 1.0-1.75) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.001). The median global maximum rotation decreased progressively from group 1 to group 3 (1.38º (IR: 0.77-2.13), 0.80º (IR: 0.57-1.0) and 0.50º (IR: 0.31-0.75), p < 0.001). AAA volume estimations by 3D-US correlated well with CT (R(2) = 0.76). In conclusion, US with 3D properties is non-invasive and has the potential to evaluate volumetry and biomechanical characteristics of AAA. © The Author(s) 2016.

Quantification of instantaneous flow rate and dynamically changing effective orifice area using a geometry independent three-dimensional digital color Doppler method: An in vitro study mimicking mitral regurgitation.

PubMed

Li, Xiaokui; Wanitkun, Suthep; Li, Xiang-Ning; Hashimoto, Ikuo; Mori, Yoshiki; Rusk, Rosemary A; Hicks, Shannon E; Sahn, David J

2002-10-01

Our study was intended to test the accuracy of a 3-dimensional (3D) digital color Doppler flow convergence (FC) method for assessing the effective orifice area (EOA) in a new dynamic orifice model mimicking a variety of mitral regurgitation. FC surface area methods for detecting EOA have been reported to be useful for quantifying the severity of valvular regurgitation. With our new 3D digital direct FC method, all raw velocity data are available and variable Nyquist limits can be selected for computation of direct FC surface area for computing instantaneous flow rate and temporal change of EOA. A 7.0-MHz multiplane transesophageal probe from an ultrasound system (ATL HDI 5000) was linked and controlled by a computer workstation to provide 3D images. Three differently shaped latex orifices (zigzag, arc, and straight slit, each with cutting-edge length of 1 cm) were used to mimic the dynamic orifice of mitral regurgitation. 3D FC surface computation was performed on parallel slices through the 3D data set at aliasing velocities (14-48 cm/s) selected to maximize the regularity and minimize lateral dropout of the visualized 3D FC at 5 points per cardiac cycle. Using continuous wave velocity for each, 3D-calculated EOA was compared with EOA determined by using continuous wave Doppler and the flow rate from a reference ultrasonic flow meter. Simultaneous digital video images were also recorded to define the actual orifice size for 9 stroke volumes (15-55 mL/beat with maximum flow rates 45-182 mL/s). Over the 9 pulsatile flow states and 3 orifices, 3D FC EOAs (0.05-0.63 cm(2)) from different phases of the cardiac cycle in each pump setting correlated well with reference EOA (r = 0.89-0.92, SEE = 0.027-0.055cm(2)) and they also correlated well with digital video images of the actual orifice peak (r = 0.97-0.98, SEE = 0.016-0.019 cm(2)), although they were consistently smaller, as expected by the contraction coefficient. The digital 3D FC method can accurately predict flow rate, and, thus, EOA (in conjunction with continuous wave Doppler), because it allows direct FC surface measurement despite temporal variability of FC shape.

A framework for the case-specific assessment of Green Infrastructure in mitigating urban flood hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Jochen E.; Burns, Matthew J.; Fletcher, Tim D.; Sanders, Brett F.

2017-10-01

This research outlines a framework for the case-specific assessment of Green Infrastructure (GI) performance in mitigating flood hazard in small urban catchments. The urban hydrologic modeling tool (MUSIC) is coupled with a fine resolution 2D hydrodynamic model (BreZo) to test to what extent retrofitting an urban watershed with GI, rainwater tanks and infiltration trenches in particular, can propagate flood management benefits downstream and support intuitive flood hazard maps useful for communicating and planning with communities. The hydrologic and hydraulic models are calibrated based on current catchment conditions, then modified to represent alternative GI scenarios including a complete lack of GI versus a full implementation of GI. Flow in the hydrologic/hydraulic models is forced using a range of synthetic rainfall events with annual exceedance probabilities (AEPs) between 1-63% and durations from 10 min to 24 h. Flood hazard benefits mapped by the framework include maximum flood depths and extents, flow intensity (m2/s), flood duration, and critical storm duration leading to maximum flood conditions. Application of the system to the Little Stringybark Creek (LSC) catchment shows that across the range of AEPs tested and for storm durations equal or less than 3 h, presently implemented GI reduces downstream flooded area on average by 29%, while a full implementation of GI would reduce downstream flooded area on average by 91%. A full implementation of GI could also lower maximum flow intensities by 83% on average, reducing the drowning hazard posed by urban streams and improving the potential for access by emergency responders. For storm durations longer than 3 h, a full implementation of GI lacks the capacity to retain the resulting rainfall depths and only reduces flooded area by 8% and flow intensity by 5.5%.

Influence of bicortical techniques in internal connection placed in premaxillary area by 3D finite element analysis.

PubMed

Verri, Fellippo Ramos; Cruz, Ronaldo Silva; Lemos, Cleidiel Aparecido Araújo; de Souza Batista, Victor Eduardo; Almeida, Daniel Augusto Faria; Verri, Ana Caroline Gonçales; Pellizzer, Eduardo Piza

2017-02-01

The aim of study was to evaluate the stress distribution in implant-supported prostheses and peri-implant bone using internal hexagon (IH) implants in the premaxillary area, varying surgical techniques (conventional, bicortical and bicortical in association with nasal floor elevation), and loading directions (0°, 30° and 60°) by three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis. Three models were designed with Invesalius, Rhinoceros 3D and Solidworks software. Each model contained a bone block of the premaxillary area including an implant (IH, Ø4 × 10 mm) supporting a metal-ceramic crown. 178 N was applied in different inclinations (0°, 30°, 60°). The results were analyzed by von Mises, maximum principal stress, microstrain and displacement maps including ANOVA statistical test for some situations. Von Mises maps of implant, screws and abutment showed increase of stress concentration as increased loading inclination. Bicortical techniques showed reduction in implant apical area and in the head of fixation screws. Bicortical techniques showed slight increase stress in cortical bone in the maximum principal stress and microstrain maps under 60° loading. No differences in bone tissue regarding surgical techniques were observed. As conclusion, non-axial loads increased stress concentration in all maps. Bicortical techniques showed lower stress for implant and screw; however, there was slightly higher stress on cortical bone only under loads of higher inclinations (60°).

Quantification of the CO2 emitted from volcanic lakes in Pico Island (Azores)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrade, César; Cruz, José; Viveiros, Fátima; Branco, Rafael

2017-04-01

This study shows the results of the diffuse CO2 degassing surveys performed in lakes from Pico volcanic Island (Azores archipelago, Portugal). Detailed flux measurements using the accumulation chamber method were made at six lakes (Capitão, Caiado, Paul, Rosada, Peixinho and Negra) during two field campaigns, respectively, in winter (February 2016) and late summer (September 2016). Pico is the second largest island of the Azores archipelago with an area of 444.8 km2; the oldest volcanic unit is dated from about 300,000 years ago. The edification of Pico was mainly due to Hawaiian and Strombolian type volcanic activity, resulting in pahoehoe and aa lava flows of basaltic nature, as well as scoria and spatter cones. Three main volcanic complexes are identified in the island, namely (1) the so-called Montanha Volcanic Complex, corresponding to a central volcano located in the western side of the island that reaches a maximum altitude of 2351 m, (2) the São Roque-Piedade Volcanic Complex, and (3) the Topo-Lajes Volcanic Complex, this last one corresponding to the remnants of a shield volcano located in the south coast. The studied lakes are spread along the São Roque-Piedade Volcanic Complex at altitudes between 785 m and 898 m. Three are associated with depressions of undifferentiated origin (Caiado, Peixinho, Negra), two with depressions of tectonic origin (Capitão, Paul), while Rosada lake is located inside a scoria cone crater. The lakes surface areas vary between 1.25x10-2 and 5.38x10-2 km2, and the water column maximum depth is 7.9 m (3.5-7.9 m). The water storage ranges between 3.6x104 to 9.1x104 m3, and the estimated residence time does not exceed 1.8x10-1 years. A total of 1579 CO2 flux measurements were made during both surveys (868 in summer and 711 in the winter campaign), namely 518 in Caiado lake (293; 225), 358 in Paul (195; 163), 279 in Capitão (150, 129), 200 in Rosada (106, 94), 171 in Peixinho (71, 100) and 53 measurements in Negra lake. Negra Lake was only sampled in the summer season. The CO2 flux values range between 0.68 g m-2 d-1 (Paul lake) and 20.47 g m-2 d-1 (Negra). The total CO2 emission varies between 0.03 t d-1 (Negra and Peixinho lakes) and 0.30 t d-1 (Caiado lake) for the summer surveys, and between 0.04 t d-1 (Rosada lake) and 0.26 t d-1 (Caiado lake) for the winter data. The higher CO2 emission is observed for Rosada lake (8.89 t km-2 d-1) during summer and the lower corresponds to the Negra lake (1.67 t km-2 d-1) during summer. Considering the set of the studied volcanic lakes, the CO2 emission sums up to 64 t d-1 (winter campaign) and 72 t d-1 (summer). These emissions are probably mainly associated to a biogenic source, but the characterization of the CO2 emission in these volcanic lakes during periods of quiescence is relevant for any seismo-volcanic monitoring programme. Key words: volcanic lakes, CO2 flux, diffuse degassing, Pico Island, Azores

Indoor Particulate Matter in Houses of Elderly in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segalin, B.; Goncalves, F. T.; Fornaro, A.

2015-12-01

Environmental Company of the State of Sao Paulo (CETESB), Brazil, is responsible for particulate matter measurements (PM) in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo (MASP). However, there are few works with indoor measures for MASP. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the PM in households in the MASP. The chosen households were there are aged people over 60 years old. The measurements were sampled during 24 hours using a Personal Cascade Impactor (SKC Cat No. 225-370), which the following aerodynamic diameters: 10.0 - 2.5 (A); 1.0 - 2.5 (B); 0.50 - 1.0 (C); 0.25 - 0.50 (D), and < 0.25 μm (E). Together the impactor, there is a Leland Legacy pump (SKC Cat No. 100-3002) with a flow of 9L/min. It was analyzed 56 households with average values of PM10 and PM2.5 of 30.7 and 23.4 μg/m3, respectively. On average, 76% of PM10 consists of PM2.5, percentage higher than the outdoor environment (60% - CETESB), and 43% of the PM2.5 consists of PM smaller than 0.25 μm. Among all households, there was no exceedance of thresholds national standards PM10 (120 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (60 μg/m3). However, 10.7% of residences exceeded the PM10 threshold of the World Health Organization (50 μg/m3) and 39.2% for PM2.5 (20 μg/m3). The cluster analysis grouped the measures in the houses in four profiles. In three of them were greater amount of mass in ultrafine particles (E), followed by coarse particles (A) with the minimum in C level. The maximum in E may be due to the high contribution vehicular and secondary aerosol outdoor environment. The secondary maximum in A may be due to particles ressuspension and also arising from outdoors. These three groups differ only by the amount of PM measured in the households; they represent high, medium and low PM concentrations. The fourth group has average concentrations, but it presents a different profile because its maximum is in the D rather than E. All data will be analyzed concerning the possible sources.

Large-Area CVD-Grown Sub-2 V ReS2 Transistors and Logic Gates.

PubMed

Dathbun, Ajjiporn; Kim, Youngchan; Kim, Seongchan; Yoo, Youngjae; Kang, Moon Sung; Lee, Changgu; Cho, Jeong Ho

2017-05-10

We demonstrated the fabrication of large-area ReS 2 transistors and logic gates composed of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown multilayer ReS 2 semiconductor channel and graphene electrodes. Single-layer graphene was used as the source/drain and coplanar gate electrodes. An ion gel with an ultrahigh capacitance effectively gated the ReS 2 channel at a low voltage, below 2 V, through a coplanar gate. The contact resistance of the ion gel-gated ReS 2 transistors with graphene electrodes decreased dramatically compared with the SiO 2 -devices prepared with Cr electrodes. The resulting transistors exhibited good device performances, including a maximum electron mobility of 0.9 cm 2 /(V s) and an on/off current ratio exceeding 10 4 . NMOS logic devices, such as NOT, NAND, and NOR gates, were assembled using the resulting transistors as a proof of concept demonstration of the applicability of the devices to complex logic circuits. The large-area synthesis of ReS 2 semiconductors and graphene electrodes and their applications in logic devices open up new opportunities for realizing future flexible electronics based on 2D nanomaterials.

Pharmacokinetics of sarizotan after oral administration of single and repeat doses in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Krösser, S; Tillner, J; Fluck, M; Ungethüm, W; Wolna, P; Kovar, A

2007-05-01

Sarizotan is a 5-HTIA receptor agonist with high affinity for D3 and D4 receptors. Here we report the pharmacokinetic and tolerability results from four Phase 1 studies. Two single-dose (5 -25 mg, n = 25, 0.5 - 5 mg, n = 16) and two multiple-dose (10 and 20 mg b.i.d., n = 30, 5 mg b.i.d., n = 12) studies with orally administered sarizotan HCl were carried out in healthy subjects. Plasma sarizotan HCl concentrations were measured using a validated HPLC method and fluorescence or MS/MS detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained using standard non-compartmental methods. Sarizotan was rapidly absorbed, group-median times to reach maximum concentration (tmax) ranged from 0.5 -2.25 h after single doses and during steady state. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and tmax were slightly dependent on formulation and food intake, whereas area under the curve (AUC) was unaffected by these factors. AUC and Cmax increased dose-proportionally over the tested dose range. Independently of dose and time, sarizotan HCl plasma concentrations declined polyexponentially with a terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) of 5 - 7 h. Accumulation factors corresponded to t1/2 values, and steady state was reached within 24 h. Plasma metabolite concentrations were considerably lower than those of the parent drug. The ratio metabolite AUC : parent drug AUC was time- and dose-independent for all three metabolites suggesting that the metabolism of sarizotan is non-saturable in the tested dose range. The pharmacokinetics of sarizotan were dose-proportional and time-independent for the dose range 0.5 -25 mg). The drug was well-tolerated by healthy subjects up to a single dose of 20 mg.

Pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydroberberine after oral administration of DA-9701, a new botanical gastroprokinetic agent, in rats.

PubMed

Jung, Ji Won; Kwon, Yong Sam; Jeong, Jin Seok; Son, Miwon; Kang, Hee Eun

2015-01-01

DA-9701, a new botanical gastroprokinetic agent, has potential for the management of delayed gastric emptying in Parkinson's disease if it has no central anti-dopaminergic activity. Therefore, we examined the pharmacokinetics of DA-9701 components having dopamine D2 receptor antagonizing activity, tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and tetrahydroberberine (THB), following various oral doses (80-328 mg/kg) of DA-9701. The distribution of THP and THB to the brain and/or other tissues was also evaluated after single or multiple oral administrations of DA-9701. Oral administration of DA-9701 yielded dose-proportional area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-8 h) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values for THP and THB, indicating linear pharmacokinetics (except for THB at the lowest dose). THP and THB's large tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios indicated considerable tissue distribution. High concentrations of THP and THB in the stomach and small intestine suggest an explanation for DA-9701's potent gastroprokinetic activity. The maximum concentrations of THP and THB in brain following multiple oral DA-9701 for 7 d (150 mg/kg/d) was observed at 30 min after the last oral DA-9701 treatment: 131±67.7 ng/g for THP and 6.97±4.03 ng/g for THB. Although both THP and THB pass through the blood-brain barrier, as indicated by brain-to-plasma concentration ratios greater than unity (approximately 2-4), oral administration of DA-9701 at the effective dose in humans is not expected to lead to sufficient brain concentrations to exert central dopamine D2 receptor antagonism.

Potential effects of climate change on geographic distribution of the Tertiary relict tree species Davidia involucrata in China

PubMed Central

Tang, Cindy Q.; Dong, Yi-Fei; Herrando-Moraira, Sonia; Matsui, Tetsuya; Ohashi, Haruka; He, Long-Yuan; Nakao, Katsuhiro; Tanaka, Nobuyuki; Tomita, Mizuki; Li, Xiao-Shuang; Yan, Hai-Zhong; Peng, Ming-Chun; Hu, Jun; Yang, Ruo-Han; Li, Wang-Jun; Yan, Kai; Hou, Xiuli; Zhang, Zhi-Ying; López-Pujol, Jordi

2017-01-01

This study, using species distribution modeling (involving a new approach that allows for uncertainty), predicts the distribution of climatically suitable areas prevailing during the mid-Holocene, the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and at present, and estimates the potential formation of new habitats in 2070 of the endangered and rare Tertiary relict tree Davidia involucrata Baill. The results regarding the mid-Holocene and the LGM demonstrate that south-central and southwestern China have been long-term stable refugia, and that the current distribution is limited to the prehistoric refugia. Given future distribution under six possible climate scenarios, only some parts of the current range of D. involucrata in the mid-high mountains of south-central and southwestern China would be maintained, while some shift west into higher mountains would occur. Our results show that the predicted suitable area offering high probability (0.5‒1) accounts for an average of only 29.2% among the models predicted for the future (2070), making D. involucrata highly vulnerable. We assess and propose priority protected areas in light of climate change. The information provided will also be relevant in planning conservation of other paleoendemic species having ecological traits and distribution ranges comparable to those of D. involucrata. PMID:28272437

Sign rank versus Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alon, N.; Moran, Sh; Yehudayoff, A.

2017-12-01

This work studies the maximum possible sign rank of sign (N × N)-matrices with a given Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension d. For d=1, this maximum is three. For d=2, this maximum is \\widetilde{\\Theta}(N1/2). For d >2, similar but slightly less accurate statements hold. The lower bounds improve on previous ones by Ben-David et al., and the upper bounds are novel. The lower bounds are obtained by probabilistic constructions, using a theorem of Warren in real algebraic topology. The upper bounds are obtained using a result of Welzl about spanning trees with low stabbing number, and using the moment curve. The upper bound technique is also used to: (i) provide estimates on the number of classes of a given Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension, and the number of maximum classes of a given Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension--answering a question of Frankl from 1989, and (ii) design an efficient algorithm that provides an O(N/log(N)) multiplicative approximation for the sign rank. We also observe a general connection between sign rank and spectral gaps which is based on Forster's argument. Consider the adjacency (N × N)-matrix of a Δ-regular graph with a second eigenvalue of absolute value λ and Δ ≤ N/2. We show that the sign rank of the signed version of this matrix is at least Δ/λ. We use this connection to prove the existence of a maximum class C\\subseteq\\{+/- 1\\}^N with Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension 2 and sign rank \\widetilde{\\Theta}(N1/2). This answers a question of Ben-David et al. regarding the sign rank of large Vapnik-Chervonenkis classes. We also describe limitations of this approach, in the spirit of the Alon-Boppana theorem. We further describe connections to communication complexity, geometry, learning theory, and combinatorics. Bibliography: 69 titles.

Long-term modelling of fly ash and radionuclide emissions as well as deposition fluxes due to the operation of large oil shale-fired power plants.

PubMed

Vaasma, Taavi; Kaasik, Marko; Loosaar, Jüri; Kiisk, Madis; Tkaczyk, Alan H

2017-11-01

Two of the world's largest oil shale-fired power plants (PPs) in Estonia have been operational over 40 years, emitting various pollutants, such as fly ash, SO x , NO x , heavy metals, volatile organic compounds as well as radionuclides to the environment. The emissions from these PPs have varied significantly during this period, with the maximum during the 1970s and 1980s. The oil shale burned in the PPs contains naturally occurring radionuclides from the 238 U and 232 Th decay series as well as 40 K. These radionuclides become enriched in fly ash fractions (up to 10 times), especially in the fine fly ash escaping the purification system. Using a validated Gaussian-plume model, atmospheric dispersion modelling was carried out to determine the quantity and a real magnitude of fly ash and radionuclide deposition fluxes during different decades. The maximum deposition fluxes of volatile radionuclides ( 210 Pb and 210 Po) were around 70 mBq m -2 d -1 nearby the PPs during 1970s and 1980s. Due to the reduction of burned oil shale and significant renovations done on the PPs, the deposition fluxes were reduced to 10 mBq m -2 d -1 in the 2000s and down to 1.5 mBq m -2 d -1 in 2015. The maximum deposition occurs within couple of kilometers of the PPs, but the impacted area extends to over 50 km from the sources. For many radionuclides, including 210 Po, the PPs have been larger contributors of radionuclides to the environment via atmospheric pathway than natural sources. This is the first time that the emissions and deposition fluxes of radionuclides from the PPs have been quantified, providing the information about their radionuclide deposition load on the surrounding environment during various time periods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of Nonlinear Seismic Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis for Identification of Seismic Margins at Nuclear Power Plants

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

Varma, Amit H.; Seo, Jungil; Coleman, Justin Leigh

2015-11-01

Seismic probabilistic risk assessment (SPRA) methods and approaches at nuclear power plants (NPP) were first developed in the 1970s and aspects of them have matured over time as they were applied and incrementally improved. SPRA provides information on risk and risk insights and allows for some accounting for uncertainty and variability. As a result, SPRA is now used as an important basis for risk-informed decision making for both new and operating NPPs in the US and in an increasing number of countries globally. SPRAs are intended to provide best estimates of the various combinations of structural and equipment failures thatmore » can lead to a seismic induced core damage event. However, in some instances the current SPRA approach contains large uncertainties, and potentially masks other important events (for instance, it was not the seismic motions that caused the Fukushima core melt events, but the tsunami ingress into the facility). INL has an advanced SPRA research and development (R&D) activity that will identify areas in the calculation process that contain significant uncertainties. One current area of focus is the use of nonlinear soil-structure interaction (NLSSI) analysis methods to accurately capture: 1) nonlinear soil behavior and 2) gapping and sliding between the NPP and soil. The goal of this study is to compare numerical NLSSI analysis results with recorded earthquake ground motions at Fukushima Daichii (Great Tohuku Earthquake) and evaluate the sources of nonlinearity contributing to the observed reduction in peak acceleration. Comparisons are made using recorded data in the free-field (soil column with no structural influence) and recorded data on the NPP basemat (in-structure response). Results presented in this study should identify areas of focus for future R&D activities with the goal of minimizing uncertainty in SPRA calculations. This is not a validation activity since there are too many sources of uncertainty that a numerical analysis would need to consider (variability in soil material properties, structural material properties, etc.). Rather the report will determine if the NLSSI calculations are following similar trends observed in the recorded data (i.e. reductions in maximum acceleration between the free-field and basemat) Numerical NLSSI results presented show maximum accelerations between the free field and basemat were reduced the EW and NS directions. The maximum acceleration in the UD direction increased slightly. The largest reduction in maximum accelerations between the modeled free-field and the NPP basemat resulted in nearly 50% reduction. The observation in reduction of numerical maximum accelerations in the EW and NS directions follows the observed trend in the recorded data. The maximum reductions observed in these NLSSI studies were due to soil nonlinearities, not gapping and sliding (although additional R&D is needed to develop an appropriate approach to model gapping and sliding). This exploratory study highlights the need for additional R&D on developing: (i) improved modeling of soil nonlinearities (soil constitutive models that appropriately capture cyclic soil behavior), (ii) improved modeling of gapping and sliding at the soil-structure interface (to appropriately capture the dissipation of energy at this interface), and (iii) experimental laboratory test data to calibrate the items (i) and (ii).« less

Maximum Oxygen Uptake During Long-Duration Space Flight: Preliminary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, A. D., Jr.; Evetts, S. N.; Feiveson, A.H.; Lee, S. M. C.; McCleary, F. A.; Platts, S. H.; Ploutz-Snyder, L.

2010-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is maintained during space flight lasting <15 d, but has not been measured during long-duration missions. This abstract describes pre-flight and in-flight preliminary findings from the International Space Station (ISS) VO2max experiment. METHODS: Seven astronauts (4 M, 3 F: 47 +/- 5 yr, 174 +/- 7 cm, 74.1 +/- 14.7 kg [mean +/- SD]) performed cycle exercise tests to volitional maximum approx.45 d before flight and tests were scheduled every 30 d during flight beginning on flight day (FD) 14. Tests consisted of three 5-min stages designed to elicit 25%, 50%, and 75% of preflight VO2max, followed by 25 W/min increases. VO2 and heart rate (HR) were measured using the ISS Portable Pulmonary Function System (PPFS) (Damec, Odense, DK). Unfortunately the PPFS did not arrive at the ISS in time to support early test sessions for 3 crewmembers. Descriptive statistics are presented for pre-flight vs. late-flight (FD 147 +/- 33 d) comparisons for all subjects (n=7); and pre-flight, early (FD 18 +/- 3) and late-flight (FD 156 +/- 5) data are presented for subjects (n=4) who completed all of these test sessions. RESULTS: When all subjects are considered, average VO2max decreased from pre- to late in-flight (2.98 +/- 0.85 vs. 2.57 +/- 0.50 L/min) while maximum HR late-flight seemed unchanged (178 +/- 9 vs. 175 +/- 8 beats/min). Similarly, for subjects who completed pre-, early, and late flight measurements (n=4), mean VO2max declined from 3.19 +/- 0.75 L/min preflight to 2.43 +/- 0.43 and 2.62 +/- 0.38 L/min early and late-flight, respectively. Maximum HR was 183 +/- 8, 174 +/- 8, and 179 +/- 6 beats/min pre-, early- and late-flight. DISCUSSION: Average VO2max declined during flight and did not appreciably recover as flight duration increased; however much inter-subject variation occurred in these changes.

Evolution of 3D electron density of the solar corona from the minimum to maximum of Solar Cycle 24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tongjiang; Reginald, Nelson L.; Davila, Joseph M.; St Cyr, O. C.

2016-10-01

The variability of the solar white-light corona and its connection to the solar activity has been studied for more than a half century. It is widely accepted that the temporal variation of the total radiance of the K-corona follows the solar cycle pattern (e.g., correlated with sunspot number). However, the origin of this variation and its relationships with regard to coronal mass ejections and the solar wind are yet to be clearly understood. COR1-A and -B instruments onboard the STEREO spacecraft have continued to perform high-cadence (5 min) polarized brightness (pB) measurements from two different vantage points from the solar minimum to the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 24. With these pB observations we have reconstructed the 3D coronal density between 1.5-4.0 solar radii for 100 Carrington rotations (CRs) from 2007 to 2014 using the spherically symmetric inversion (SSI) method. We validate these 3D density reconstructions by other means such as tomography, MHD modeling, and pB inversion of LASCO/C2 data. We analyze the solar cycle variations of total coronal mass (or average density) over the global Sun and in two hemispheres, as well as the variations of the streamer area and mean density. We find the short-term oscillations of 8-9 CRs during the ascending and maximum phases through wavelet analysis. We explore the origin of these oscillations based on evolution of the photospheric magnetic flux and coronal structures.

SU-E-T-578: On Definition of Minimum and Maximum Dose for Target Volume

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

Gong, Y; Yu, J; Xiao, Y

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of different minimum and maximum dose definitions in radiotherapy treatment plan quality evaluation criteria by using tumor control probability (TCP) models. Methods: Dosimetric criteria used in RTOG 1308 protocol are used in the investigation. RTOG 1308 is a phase III randomized trial comparing overall survival after photon versus proton chemoradiotherapy for inoperable stage II-IIIB NSCLC. The prescription dose for planning target volume (PTV) is 70Gy. Maximum dose (Dmax) should not exceed 84Gy and minimum dose (Dmin) should not go below 59.5Gy in order for the plan to be “per protocol” (satisfactory).A mathematicalmore » model that simulates the characteristics of PTV dose volume histogram (DVH) curve with normalized volume is built. The Dmax and Dmin are noted as percentage volumes Dη% and D(100-δ)%, with η and d ranging from 0 to 3.5. The model includes three straight line sections and goes through four points: D95%= 70Gy, Dη%= 84Gy, D(100-δ)%= 59.5 Gy, and D100%= 0Gy. For each set of η and δ, the TCP value is calculated using the inhomogeneously irradiated tumor logistic model with D50= 74.5Gy and γ50=3.52. Results: TCP varies within 0.9% with η; and δ values between 0 and 1. With η and η varies between 0 and 2, TCP change was up to 2.4%. With η and δ variations from 0 to 3.5, maximum of 8.3% TCP difference is seen. Conclusion: When defined maximum and minimum volume varied more than 2%, significant TCP variations were seen. It is recommended less than 2% volume used in definition of Dmax or Dmin for target dosimetric evaluation criteria. This project was supported by NIH grants U10CA180868, U10CA180822, U24CA180803, U24CA12014 and PA CURE Grant.« less

Assessment of exposure risk of polychlorinated biphenyls to interior least terns (Sterna antillarum)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sanchez, B.C.; Caldwell, C.A.

2008-01-01

Risk of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and effects were assessed for a colony of federally endangered interior least terns (Sterna antillarum) nesting on the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NM, USA). The colony feeds from an area on the Refuge (Hunter Marsh/Oxbow Complex) wherein fish with elevated concentrations of total PCBs have been documented. Concentrations of total PCBs in whole fish averaged 0.94 mg/kg with a maximum concentration of 2.77 mg/kg, wet weight. Estimated daily PCB intake rates by adult birds throughout their 180-d breeding season ranged from <0.01 mg/kg/d to 0.98 mg/kg/d, yielding hazard quotients that ranged from 0.01 to 21.68. Polychlorinated biphenyls pose a moderate risk to the colony of interior least terns that breed at the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, but the exposure rate is not likely to threaten their overall breeding success. ?? 2008 SETAC.

Three-Dimensions Segmentation of Pulmonary Vascular Trees for Low Dose CT Scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Jun; Huang, Ying; Wang, Ying; Wang, Jun

2016-12-01

Due to the low contrast and the partial volume effects, providing an accurate and in vivo analysis for pulmonary vascular trees from low dose CT scans is a challenging task. This paper proposes an automatic integration segmentation approach for the vascular trees in low dose CT scans. It consists of the following steps: firstly, lung volumes are acquired by the knowledge based method from the CT scans, and then the data are smoothed by the 3D Gaussian filter; secondly, two or three seeds are gotten by the adaptive 2D segmentation and the maximum area selecting from different position scans; thirdly, each seed as the start voxel is inputted for a quick multi-seeds 3D region growing to get vascular trees; finally, the trees are refined by the smooth filter. Through skeleton analyzing for the vascular trees, the results show that the proposed method can provide much better and lower level vascular branches.

High-power industrial pulsed CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, G. I.

1983-12-01

The use of a pulsed TEA CO2 laser (with maximum average power 1.0 kW; maximum pulse energy 3.5 J; repetition frequency 400-600 Hz; half-width pulse duration 15 microsec; circular-coupling-aperture beam diameter 6, 8, or 12 mm; and beam divergence 10 mrad) in industrial welding applications is investigated experimentally in carbon and stainless steels, Zr, Ti, and Ni of various thicknesses. The power required to melt the metals is found to be about 120-200 W/sq cm, or 5-6 times less than that for CW lasers. It is shown that deep narrow-seam welds with mechanical properties identical to those of the bulk metal can be obtained with little or no intercrystalline corrosion or thermal distortion of the surrounding area. Disadvantages such as the 65-dB noise level, low welding speed, formation of an overlap at the top and a crater at the bottom of the weld, and root porosity are considered the primary limitations on the applicability of the device tested.

Anaerobic mesophilic co-digestion of ensiled sorghum, cheese whey and liquid cow manure in a two-stage CSTR system: Effect of hydraulic retention time.

PubMed

Dareioti, Margarita Andreas; Kornaros, Michael

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on hydrogen and methane production using a two-stage anaerobic process. Two continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) were used under mesophilic conditions (37°C) in order to enhance acidogenesis and methanogenesis. A mixture of pretreated ensiled sorghum, cheese whey and liquid cow manure (55:40:5, v/v/v) was used. The acidogenic reactor was operated at six different HRTs of 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.75 and 0.5d, under controlled pH5.5, whereas the methanogenic reactor was operated at three HRTs of 24, 16 and 12d. The maximum H2 productivity (2.14L/LRd) and maximum H2 yield (0.70mol H2/mol carbohydrates consumed) were observed at 0.5d HRT. On the other hand, the maximum CH4 production rate of 0.90L/LRd was achieved at HRT of 16d, whereas at lower HRT the process appeared to be inhibited and/or overloaded. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Finding glenoid surface on scapula in 3D medical images for shoulder joint implant operation planning: 3D OCR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammad Sadeghi, Majid; Kececi, Emin Faruk; Bilsel, Kerem; Aralasmak, Ayse

2017-03-01

Medical imaging has great importance in earlier detection, better treatment and follow-up of diseases. 3D Medical image analysis with CT Scan and MRI images has also been used to aid surgeries by enabling patient specific implant fabrication, where having a precise three dimensional model of associated body parts is essential. In this paper, a 3D image processing methodology for finding the plane on which the glenoid surface has a maximum surface area is proposed. Finding this surface is the first step in designing patient specific shoulder joint implant.

Lightweight and efficient microwave absorbing materials based on walnut shell-derived nano-porous carbon.

PubMed

Qiu, Xu; Wang, Lixi; Zhu, Hongli; Guan, Yongkang; Zhang, Qitu

2017-06-08

Lightweight microwave absorbing materials have drawn tremendous attention. Herein, nano-porous biomass carbon materials have been prepared by carbonization with a subsequent potassium hydroxide activation of walnut shells and the microwave absorption properties have also been investigated. The obtained samples have large specific surface areas with numerous micropores and nanopores. The sample activated at 600 °C with a specific surface area of 736.2 m 2 g -1 exhibits the most enhanced microwave absorption performance. It has the maximum reflection loss of -42.4 dB at 8.88 GHz and the effective absorption bandwidth (reflection loss below -10 dB) is 1.76 GHz (from 8.08 GHz to 9.84 GHz), corresponding to a thickness of 2 mm. Additionally, the effective absorption bandwidth can reach 2.24 GHz (from 10.48 GHz to 12.72 GHz) when the absorber thickness is 1.5 mm. Three-dimensional porous architecture, interfacial polarization relaxation loss, and the dipolar relaxation loss make a great contribution to the excellent microwave absorption performance. In contrast, the non-activated sample with lower specific surface area (435.3 m 2 g -1 ) has poor microwave absorption performance due to a poor dielectric loss capacity. This comparison highlights the role of micropores and nanopores in improving the dielectric loss property of porous carbon materials. To sum up, porous biomass carbon has great potential to become lightweight microwave absorbers. Moreover, KOH is an efficient activation agent in the fabrication of carbonaceous materials.

The newly described heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodinium moestrupii, an effective protistan grazer of toxic dinoflagellates.

PubMed

Yoo, Yeong Du; Yoon, Eun Young; Jeong, Hae Jin; Lee, Kyung Ha; Hwang, Yeong Jong; Seong, Kyeong Ah; Kim, Jae Seong; Park, Jae Yeon

2013-01-01

Few protistan grazers feed on toxic dinoflagellates, and low grazing pressure on toxic dinoflagellates allows these dinoflagellates to form red-tide patches. We explored the feeding ecology of the newly described heterotrophic dinoflagellate Gyrodinium moestrupii when it fed on toxic strains of Alexandrium minutum, Alexandrium tamarense, and Karenia brevis and on nontoxic strains of A. tamarense, Prorocentrum minimum, and Scrippsiella trochoidea. Specific growth rates of G. moestrupii feeding on each of these dinoflagellates either increased continuously or became saturated with increasing mean prey concentration. The maximum specific growth rate of G. moestrupii feeding on toxic A. minutum (1.60/d) was higher than that when feeding on nontoxic S. trochoidea (1.50/d) or P. minimum (1.07/d). In addition, the maximum growth rate of G. moestrupii feeding on the toxic strain of A. tamarense (0.68/d) was similar to that when feeding on the nontoxic strain of A. tamarense (0.71/d). Furthermore, the maximum ingestion rate of G. moestrupii on A. minutum (2.6 ng C/grazer/d) was comparable to that of S. trochoidea (3.0 ng C/grazer/d). Additionally, the maximum ingestion rate of G. moestrupii on the toxic strain of A. tamarense (2.1 ng C/grazer/d) was higher than that when feeding on the nontoxic strain of A. tamarense (1.3 ng C/grazer/d). Thus, feeding by G. moestrupii is not suppressed by toxic dinoflagellate prey, suggesting that it is an effective protistan grazer of toxic dinoflagellates. © 2012 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2012 International Society of Protistologists.

Highly Flexible Hybrid CMOS Inverter Based on Si Nanomembrane and Molybdenum Disulfide.

PubMed

Das, Tanmoy; Chen, Xiang; Jang, Houk; Oh, Il-Kwon; Kim, Hyungjun; Ahn, Jong-Hyun

2016-11-01

2D semiconductor materials are being considered for next generation electronic device application such as thin-film transistors and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit due to their unique structural and superior electronics properties. Various approaches have already been taken to fabricate 2D complementary logics circuits. However, those CMOS devices mostly demonstrated based on exfoliated 2D materials show the performance of a single device. In this work, the design and fabrication of a complementary inverter is experimentally reported, based on a chemical vapor deposition MoS 2 n-type transistor and a Si nanomembrane p-type transistor on the same substrate. The advantages offered by such CMOS configuration allow to fabricate large area wafer scale integration of high performance Si technology with transition-metal dichalcogenide materials. The fabricated hetero-CMOS inverters which are composed of two isolated transistors exhibit a novel high performance air-stable voltage transfer characteristic with different supply voltages, with a maximum voltage gain of ≈16, and sub-nano watt power consumption. Moreover, the logic gates have been integrated on a plastic substrate and displayed reliable electrical properties paving a realistic path for the fabrication of flexible/transparent CMOS circuits in 2D electronics. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bright Perseids 2007-2012 statistics. Estimation of collision risks in circumterrestrial space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murtazov, A.

2013-09-01

Bright meteors are of serious hazard for space vehicles. In the Persieds shower these are the meteors brighter than 0m [2]. During 2007-2012 we conducted wide-angle CCD observations of bright Perseids [3-5]. Observations were performed near Ryazan, Russia, (= 54.467 N, λ=39.750 E, H=200 m) using a Watec 902H camera and a Computar T2314FICS lens with the effective FOV of 140×100 arc degrees directed towards the local zenith. The sky control and meteor detection were provided using a Pinnacle Media Center EN or the Contrast as a grabber and an Intel Core.2 CPU processor, 1.83GHz, 500Mb RAM. Our results as compared to the visual meteors total number (IMO) are shown in Fig. 1. The averaged Perseids maximum lies within the solar longitudes 140.00-140.25 and here the average total shower spatial density is (80±6)·10-9km-3. The bright Perseids average spatial density maximum is about (6±2) 10-9km-3. The bright Perseids average percentage in the shower is calculated as the integrals ratio under the curves in Fig. 1 and is equal to 5% for the presented range of solar longitudes. It is natural to expect that the space densities of meteoroids decrease exponentially from the maximum [1]: D = D0exp{-B|λ-λ0|}, (1) where: D0 is the maximum meteor spatial density near the solar longitude λ0 and B - the factor determined empirically from observations. The meteoroid flux F is equal to the number of particles passing through the elementary area per time unit: F(λ) = D(λ)·v, (2) where: v - is the meteor shower velocity. During the Perseids' maximum (D0=6·10-9km-3 and v=59km/s) the bright meteoroid flux was equal to F (3.8±1.1)10-7km-2s-1, which corresponds to the hour rate HR15 for our camera FOV. The collision risk R here amounted to one collision per month on average with a 1 sq. km plane located normal to the meteor shower. An artificial space object rotating around the Earth constantly changes its orientation relative to the meteor shower, the Sun, and a ground-based observer. From time to time, the Earth occults the satellite from meteoroids. The number of collisions between this meteor shower's dangerous meteoroids and the satellite during the time Т of its flight around the Earth is 6]: N = K1·K2·K3·S·F (λ)·T. (3) Here К1 accounts for the Earth's geliocentric position in the current season relative to the meteor shower radiant. К2 accounts for the satellite's plane surfaces relative to the meteor shower radiant. К3 is defined by the satellite's orbit parameters. Calculations are done in the ecliptic reference system (Fig. 2), wherein a satellite can be considered located in the ecliptic plane. In this figure: N is the normal to the satellite's surface; , , Е - directions to the vernal equinoctial point, the Sun and the Earth; λR, λ, - ecliptic longitudes of the meteor radiant and the Sun; λE - the ecliptic satellitecentric Earth longitude; bR and bE - consequent ecliptic latitudes of meteor shower radiant and the Earth.

Influence of Environmental Factors on the Germination of Urena lobata L. and Its Response to Herbicides

PubMed Central

Awan, Tahir Hussain; Chauhan, Bhagirath Singh; Cruz, Pompe C. Sta.

2014-01-01

Urena lobata is becoming a noxious and invasive weed in rangelands, pastures, and undisturbed areas in the Philippines. This study determined the effects of seed scarification, light, salt and water stress, amount of rice residue, and seed burial depth on seed germination and emergence of U. lobata; and evaluated the weed's response to post-emergence herbicides. Germination was stimulated by both mechanical and chemical seed scarifications. The combination of the two scarification methods provided maximum (99%) seed germination. Germination was slightly stimulated when seeds were placed in light (65%) compared with when seeds were kept in the dark (46%). Sodium chloride concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 mM and osmotic potential ranging from 0 to −1.6 MPa affected the germination of U. lobata seeds significantly. The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of the maximum germination was −0.1 MPa; however, some seeds germinated at −0.8 MPa, but none germinated at −1.6 MPa. Seedling emergence and biomass increased with increase in rice residue amount up to 4 t ha−1, but declined beyond this amount. Soil surface placement of weed seeds resulted in the highest seedling emergence (84%), which declined with increase in burial depth. The burial depth required for 50% inhibition of maximum emergence was 2 cm; emergence was greatly reduced (93%) at burial depth of 4 cm or more. Weed seedling biomass also decreased with increase in burial depth. Bispyribac-sodium, a commonly used herbicide in rice, sprayed at the 4-leaf stage of the weed, provided 100% control, which did not differ much with 2,4-D (98%), glyphosate (97%), and thiobencarb + 2,4-D (98%). These herbicides reduced shoot and root biomass by 99–100%. PMID:24658143

Interaction energy and itinerant ferromagnetism in a strongly interacting Fermi gas in the absence of molecule formation

DOE PAGES

He, Lianyi

2014-11-26

In this study, we investigate the interaction energy and the possibility of itinerant ferromagnetism in a strongly interacting Fermi gas at zero temperature in the absence of molecule formation. The interaction energy is obtained by summing the perturbative contributions of Galitskii-Feynman type to all orders in the gas parameter. It can be expressed by a simple phase-space integral of an in-medium scattering phase shift. In both three and two dimensions (3D and 2D), the interaction energy shows a maximum before reaching the resonance from the Bose-Einstein condensate side, which provides a possible explanation of the experimental measurements of the interactionmore » energy. This phenomenon can be theoretically explained by the qualitative change of the nature of the binary interaction in the medium. The appearance of an energy maximum has significant effects on the itinerant ferromagnetism. In 3D, the ferromagnetic transition is reentrant and itinerant ferromagnetism exists in a narrow window around the energy maximum. In 2D, the present theoretical approach suggests that itinerant ferromagnetism does not exist, which reflects the fact that the energy maximum becomes much lower than the energy of the fully polarized state.« less

Convergence on the Prediction of Ice Particle Mass and Projected Area in Ice Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, D. L.

2013-12-01

Ice particle mass- and area-dimensional power law (henceforth m-D and A-D) relationships are building-blocks for formulating microphysical processes and optical properties in cloud and climate models, and they are critical for ice cloud remote sensing algorithms, affecting the retrieval accuracy. They can be estimated by (1) directly measuring the sizes, masses and areas of individual ice particles at ground-level and (2) using aircraft probes to simultaneously measure the ice water content (IWC) and ice particle size distribution. A third indirect method is to use observations from method 1 to develop an m-A relationship representing mean conditions in ice clouds. Owing to a tighter correlation (relative to m-D data), this m-A relationship can be used to estimate m from aircraft probe measurements of A. This has the advantage of estimating m at small sizes, down to 10 μm using the 2D-Sterio probe. In this way, 2D-S measurements of maximum dimension D can be related to corresponding estimates of m to develop ice cloud type and temperature dependent m-D expressions. However, these expressions are no longer linear in log-log space, but are slowly varying curves covering most of the size range of natural ice particles. This work compares all three of the above methods and demonstrates close agreement between them. Regarding (1), 4869 ice particles and corresponding melted hemispheres were measured during a field campaign to obtain D and m. Selecting only those unrimed habits that formed between -20°C and -40°C, the mean mass values for selected size intervals are within 35% of the corresponding masses predicted by the Method 3 curve based on a similar temperature range. Moreover, the most recent m-D expression based on Method 2 differs by no more than 50% with the m-D curve from Method 3. Method 3 appears to be the most accurate over the observed ice particle size range (10-4000 μm). An m-D/A-D scheme was developed by which self-consistent m-D and A-D power laws are extracted from Method 3 for a given ice particle number concentration N and IWC, appropriate for the relevant size range inferred from N and IWC. The resulting m-D/A-D power laws are based on the same data set comprised of 24 flights in ice clouds during a 6-month field campaign. Standard deviations for these power law constants are determined, which are much needed for cloud property remote sensing algorithms. Comparison of Method 3 (curve fit) with Method 1 (red std. deviations from measurements of ice particles found in cirrus clouds) and Method 2 (Cotton et al. and Heymsfield et al.).

Design of a Matrix Transducer for Three-Dimensional Second Harmonic Transesophageal Echocardiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaak, Sandra; van Neer, Paul L. M. J.; Prins, Christian; Bosch, Johan G.; Lancée, Charles T.; van der Steen, Antonius F. W.; de Jong, Nico

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography visualizes the 3D anatomy and function of the heart. For 3D imaging an ultrasound matrix of several thousands of elements is required. To connect the matrix to an external imaging system, smart signal processing with integrated circuitry in the tip of the TEE probe is required for channel reduction. To separate the low voltage integrated receive circuitry from the high voltages required for transmission, our design features a separate transmit and receive subarray. In this study we focus on the transmit subarray. A 3D model of an individual element was developed using the finite element method (FEM). The model was validated by laser interferometer and acoustic measurements. Measurement and simulations matched well. The maximum transmit transfer was 3 nm/V at 2.4 MHz for both the FEM simulation of an element in air and the laser interferometer measurement. The FEM simulation of an element in water resulted in a maximum transfer of 43 kPa/V at 2.3 MHz and the acoustic measurement in 55 kPa/V at 2.5 MHz. The maximum pressure is ~1 MPa/120Vpp, which is sufficient pressure for second harmonic imaging. The proposed design of the transmit subarray is suitable for its role in a 3D 2H TEE probe.

Increased circulating D-lactate levels predict risk of mortality after hemorrhage and surgical trauma in baboons.

PubMed

Sobhian, Babak; Kröpfl, Albert; Hölzenbein, Thomas; Khadem, Anna; Redl, Heinz; Bahrami, Soheyl

2012-05-01

Patients with hemorrhagic shock and/or trauma are at risk of developing colonic ischemia associated with bacterial translocation that may lead to multiple organ failure and death. Intestinal ischemia is difficult to diagnose noninvasively. The present retrospective study was designed to determine whether circulating plasma D-lactate is associated with mortality in a clinically relevant two-hit model in baboons. Hemorrhagic shock was induced in anesthetized baboons (n = 24) by controlled bleeding (mean arterial pressure, 40 mmHg), base excess (maximum -5 mmol/L), and time (maximum 3 h). To mimic clinical setting more closely, all animals underwent a surgical trauma after resuscitation including midshaft osteotomy stabilized with reamed femoral interlocking nailing and were followed for 7 days. Hemorrhagic shock/surgical trauma resulted in 66% mortality by day 7. In nonsurvivor (n = 16) hemorrhagic shock/surgical trauma baboons, circulating D-lactate levels were significantly increased (2-fold) at 24 h compared with survivors (n = 8), whereas the early increase during hemorrhage and resuscitation declined during the early postresuscitation phase with no difference between survivors and nonsurvivors. Moreover, D-lactate levels remained elevated in the nonsurvival group until death, whereas it decreased to baseline in survivors. Prediction of death (receiver operating characteristic test) by D-lactate was accurate with an area under the curve (days 1-3 after trauma) of 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.93). The optimal D-lactate cutoff value of 25.34 μg/mL produced sensitivity of 73% to 99% and specificity of 50% to 83%. Our data suggest that elevation of plasma D-lactate after 24 h predicts an increased risk of mortality after hemorrhage and trauma.

High resolution ultrasonography of the tibial nerve in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

PubMed

Singh, Kunwarpal; Gupta, Kamlesh; Kaur, Sukhdeep

2017-12-01

High-resolution ultrasonography of the tibial nerve is a fast and non invasive tool for diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Our study was aimed at finding out the correlation of the cross sectional area and maximum thickness of nerve fascicles of the tibial nerve with the presence and severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 75 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus clinically diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were analysed, and the severity of neuropathy was determined using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score. 58 diabetic patients with no clinical suspicion of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 75 healthy non-diabetic subjects were taken as controls. The cross sectional area and maximum thickness of nerve fascicles of the tibial nerves were calculated 3 cm cranial to the medial malleolus in both lower limbs. The mean cross sectional area (22.63 +/- 2.66 mm 2 ) and maximum thickness of nerve fascicles (0.70 mm) of the tibial nerves in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared with both control groups was significantly larger, and statistically significant correlation was found with the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score ( p < 0.001). The diabetic patients with no signs of peripheral neuropathy had a larger mean cross sectional area (14.40 +/- 1.72 mm 2 ) and maximum thickness of nerve fascicles of the tibial nerve (0.40 mm) than healthy non-diabetic subjects (12.42 +/- 1.01 mm 2 and 0.30 mm respectively). The cross sectional area and maximum thickness of nerve fascicles of the tibial nerve is larger in diabetic patients with or without peripheral neuropathy than in healthy control subjects, and ultrasonography can be used as a good screening tool in these patients.

Comparison of 2D numerical models for river flood hazard assessment: simulation of the Secchia River flood in January, 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shustikova, Iuliia; Domeneghetti, Alessio; Neal, Jeffrey; Bates, Paul; Castellarin, Attilio

2017-04-01

Hydrodynamic modeling of inundation events still brings a large array of uncertainties. This effect is especially evident in the models run for geographically large areas. Recent studies suggest using fully two-dimensional (2D) models with high resolution in order to avoid uncertainties and limitations coming from the incorrect interpretation of flood dynamics and an unrealistic reproduction of the terrain topography. This, however, affects the computational efficiency increasing the running time and hardware demands. Concerning this point, our study evaluates and compares numerical models of different complexity by testing them on a flood event that occurred in the basin of the Secchia River, Northern Italy, on 19th January, 2014. The event was characterized by a levee breach and consequent flooding of over 75 km2 of the plain behind the dike within 48 hours causing population displacement, one death and economic losses in excess of 400 million Euro. We test the well-established TELEMAC 2D, and LISFLOOD-FP codes, together with the recently launched HEC-RAS 5.0.3 (2D model), all models are implemented using different grid size (2-200 m) based on the 1 m digital elevation model resolution. TELEMAC is a fully 2D hydrodynamic model which is based on the finite-element or finite-volume approach. Whereas HEC-RAS 5.0.3 and LISFLOOD-FP are both coupled 1D-2D models. All models are calibrated against observed inundation extent and maximum water depths, which are retrieved from remotely sensed data and field survey reports. Our study quantitatively compares the three modeling strategies highlighting differences in terms of the ease of implementation, accuracy of representation of hydraulic processes within floodplains and computational efficiency. Additionally, we look into the different grid resolutions in terms of the results accuracy and computation time. Our study is a preliminary assessment that focuses on smaller areas in order to identify potential modeling schemes that would be efficient for simulating flooding scenarios for large and very large floodplains. This research aims at contributing to the reduction of uncertainties and limitations in hazard and risk assessment.

On the maximum off-axis gain of symmetrical pencil-beam antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawitz, P. H.

1977-01-01

For a general class of symmetrical pencil-beam antennas, the gain at a given off-axis angle can be maximized by choosing the proper antenna size. The maximum gain at the given angle relative to the on-axis gain is independent of the given angle and dependent only on the main-beam pattern. It is computed here for four commonly used gain functions. Its value, in all cases, is close to 4 dB. This result is important in the definition of service areas for communication and broadcast satellites.

Detuning-induced stimulated Raman adiabatic passage in dense two-level systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Li; Lin, Gongwei; Niu, Yueping; Gong, Shangqing

2018-05-01

We investigate the coherence generation in dense two-level systems under detuning-induced stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (D-STIRAP). In the dense two-level system, the near dipole-dipole (NDD) interaction should be taken into consideration. With the increase in the strength of the NDD interaction, it is found that a switchlike transition of the generated coherence from maximum value to zero appears. Meanwhile, the adiabatic condition of the D-STIRAP is destroyed in the presence of the NDD interaction. In order to avoid the sudden decrease in the generated coherence and maintain the maximum value, we can use stronger detuning pulse or pump pulse, between which increasing the intensity of the detuning pulse is of more efficiency. Except for taking advantage of such maximum coherence in the high density case into areas like enhancing the four-wave mixing process, we also point out that the phenomenon of the coherence transition can be applied as an optical switch.

Drug Interactions Between Hepatoprotective Agents Ursodeoxycholic Acid or Glycyrrhizin and Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir in Healthy Japanese Subjects.

PubMed

Zha, Jiuhong; Badri, Prajakta S; Ding, Bifeng; Uchiyama, Naotaka; Alves, Katia; Rodrigues, Lino; Redman, Rebecca; Dutta, Sandeep; Menon, Rajeev M

2015-11-01

The 2 direct-acting antiviral combination (2D) of ombitasvir and paritaprevir (coadministered with ritonavir) is being evaluated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Japan. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and glycyrrhizin (GCR) are hepatoprotective agents widely used in Japan. A drug-drug interaction (DDI) study was conducted to guide dosing recommendations for UDCA and GCR when coadministered with the 2D regimen. DDIs between the 2D regimen (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir 25/150/100 mg orally once daily) and UDCA (50 mg orally 3 times daily) or GCR (80 mg intravenously once daily) were evaluated in a 2-arm, multiple-dose study in 24 Japanese healthy subjects under fed conditions. Pharmacokinetic and safety evaluations were performed when UDCA or GCR and the 2D regimen were administered alone and during coadministration. Exposures from coadministration of the 2D regimen plus UDCA or GCR versus the 2D regimen, UDCA, or GCR alone were compared using repeated-measures analyses of natural logarithms of the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC). After coadministration of the 2D regimen and UDCA, steady-state exposures (Cmax and AUC) of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir showed a ≤9% change, and UDCA exposures showed a ≤20% change compared with administration alone. When the 2D regimen and GCR were coadministered, steady-state exposures of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir were not affected (≤9% change), GCR AUC increased by 49%, and GCR Cmax was unaffected (<1% change). No dose adjustment is needed for UDCA, GCR, or the 2D regimen when UDCA or GCR is coadministered with the 2D regimen in hepatitis C virus-infected patients under fed conditions. Clinical monitoring of patients using GCR is recommended due to an approximately 50% increase in GCR AUC when coadministered with the 2D regimen. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Flood risk assessment through 1D/2D couple HEC-RAS hydrodynamic modeling- A case study of Surat City, Lower Tapi Basin, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Dhruvesh; Ramirez, Jorge; Srivastava, Prashant; Bray, Michaela; Han, Dawei

2017-04-01

Surat, known as the diamond city of Gujart is situated 100 km downstream of Ukai dam and near the mouth of river Tapi and affected by the flood at every alternate year. The city experienced catastrophic floods in 1933, 1959, 1968, 1970, 1994, 1998 and 2006. It is estimated that a single flood event during August 6-12, 2006 in Surat and Hazira twin-city, caused heavy damages, resulted in the death of 300 people and property damage worth € 289 million. The peak discharge of 25768 m3 s-1 release from Ukai dam was responsible for the disastrous flood in Surat city. To identifylow lying areas prone to inundation and reduce the uncertainty in flood mitigation measures, HEC-RAS based 1D/2D Couple hydrodynamic modeling is carried out for Surat city. Release from the Ukai dam and tidal level of the sea are considered for upstream and downstream boundary condition. 299 surveyed cross-sections have been considered for 1D modeling, whereas a topographic map at 0.5 m contour interval was used to produce a 5 m grid and SRTM (30 & 90 m) grid has been considered for Suart and Lower Tapi Basin (LTB). Flow is simulated under unsteady conditions, calibrated for the year 1998 and validated for the year 2006. The simulated result shows that the 9th August 18.00 hr was the worst day for Surat city and maximum 75-77 % area was under inundation. Most of the flooded area experienced 0.25 m/s water velocity with the duration of 90 hr. Due to low velocity and high duration of the flood, a low lying area within the west zone and south-west zone of the city was badly affected by the flood, whereas the south zone and south-east zone was least. Simulated results show good correlation when compared with an observed flood level map. The simulated results will be helpful to improve the flood resilience strategy at Surat city and reduce the uncertainty for flood inundation mapping for future dam releases. The present case study shows the applicability of 1D/2D coupled hydrodynamic modeling for flood inundation mapping and can be applied for flood assessment at locations with similar geographical conditions.

Aspects regarding vertical distribution of greenhouse gases resulted from in situ airborne measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boscornea, Andreea; Sorin Vajaiac, Nicolae; Ardelean, Magdalena; Benciu, Silviu Stefan

2016-04-01

In the last decades the air quality, as well as other components of the environment, has been severely affected by uncontrolled emissions of gases - most known as greenhouse gases (GHG). The main role of GHG is given by the direct influence on the Earth's radiative budget, through Sun light scattering and indirectly by participating in cloud formation. Aldo, many efforts were made for reducing the high levels of these pollutants, e.g., International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) initiatives, Montreal Protocol, etc., this issue is still open. In this context, this study aims to present several aspects regarding the vertical distribution in the lower atmosphere of some greenhouse gases: water vapours, CO, CO2 and methane. Bucharest and its metropolitan area is one of the most polluted regions of Romania due to high traffic. For assessing the air quality of this area, in situ measurements of water vapours, CO, CO2 and CH4 were performed using a Britten Norman Islander BN2 aircraft equipped with a Picarro gas analyser, model G2401-mc, able to provide precised, continuous and accurate data in real time. This configuration consisting in aircraft and airborne instruments was tested for the first time in Romania. For accomplishing the objectives of the measurement campaign, there were proposed several flight strategies which included vertical and horizontal soundings from 105 m to 3300 m and vice-versa around Clinceni area (20 km West of Bucharest). During 5 days (25.08.2015 - 31.08.2015) were performed 7 flights comprising 10h 18min research flight hours. The measured concentrations of GHS ranged between 0.18 - 2.2 ppm for water vapours with an average maximum value of 1.7 ppm, 0.04 - 0.53 ppm for CO with an average maximum value of 0.21 ppm, 377 - 437.5 ppm for CO2 with an average maximum value of 397 ppm and 1.7 - 6.1 ppm for CH4 with an average maximum value of 2.195 ppm. It was noticed that measured concentrations of GHG are decreasing for high values of sounding altitude, this aspect showing a non-uniform mixing of GHG in the lower atmosphere. These results are part of the 2nd campaign of the project AROMAT - Airborne ROmanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace gases founded by European Space Agency -ESA, whose objective consist in testing the most recent developed instruments able to provide a 3D representation of the state of the atmosphere for the validation of Sentinel 5P and Sentinel 5 observation systems.

Permeability enhancement by shock cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, Luke; Heap, Michael; Reuschlé, Thierry; Baud, Patrick; Schmittbuhl, Jean

2015-04-01

The permeability of an efficient reservoir, e.g. a geothermal reservoir, should be sufficient to permit the circulation of fluids. Generally speaking, permeability decreases over the life cycle of the geothermal system. As a result, is usually necessary to artificially maintain and enhance the natural permeability of these systems. One of the methods of enhancement -- studied here -- is thermal stimulation (injecting cold water at low pressure). This goal of this method is to encourage new thermal cracks within the reservoir host rocks, thereby increasing reservoir permeability. To investigate the development of thermal microcracking in the laboratory we selected two granites: a fine-grained (Garibaldi Grey granite, grain size = 0.5 mm) and a course-grained granite (Lanhelin granite, grain size = 2 mm). Both granites have an initial porosity of about 1%. Our samples were heated to a range of temperatures (100-1000 °C) and were either cooled slowly (1 °C/min) or shock cooled (100 °C/s). A systematic microstructural (2D crack area density, using standard stereological techniques, and 3D BET specific surface area measurements) and rock physical property (porosity, P-wave velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, and permeability) analysis was undertaken to understand the influence of slow and shock cooling on our reservoir granites. Microstructurally, we observe that the 2D crack surface area per unit volume and the specific surface area increase as a result of thermal stressing, and, for the same maximum temperature, crack surface area is higher in the shock cooled samples. This observation is echoed by our rock physical property measurements: we see greater changes for the shock cooled samples. We can conclude that shock cooling is an extremely efficient method of generating thermal microcracks and modifying rock physical properties. Our study highlights that thermal treatments are likely to be an efficient method for the "matrix" permeability enhancement of granitic geothermal reservoirs.

A novel method to measure mitral valve area in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: Feasibility and validation.

PubMed

Mahmoud Elsayed, Hani M; Hassan, Mohamed; Nagy, Michael; Amin, Alaaeldin; Elguindy, Ahmed; Wagdy, Kerolos; Yacoub, Magdi

2018-03-01

Neither two- nor three-dimensional (3D) planimetry of the mitral valve (MV) orifice takes the mitral commissures into account. Thus, if the commissures are not completely fused, the MV orifice will not be planar, and MV area (MVA) will be underestimated. The study aimed to validate a novel method for measurement of the MVA using a software that traces the MV orifice including the commissures. The study included 30 patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty for severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. All performed 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) immediately before the procedure. MVA was measured using the mitral valve navigation (MVN) software of the Philips Q-Lab 10.2 in a diastolic frame with maximum diastolic opening of the MV. Regular 3D planimetry of the MV orifice was also performed. Before balloon dilation, the MVA was calculated invasively using the Gorlin's formula. No significant difference was detected between MVN-derived MVA and Gorlin-derived MVA (0.98 cm 2 vs. 1.0 cm 2 , P = .33). A statistically significant difference was detected between Planimetry-derived MVA and Gorlin-derived MVA (0.8 cm 2 vs. 1.0 cm 2 , P < .001). There were significant linear correlations between MVN-derived MVA and Gorlin-derived MVA (r = .84, P < .001). Using Bland-Altman analysis, Gorlin-derived MVA showed better and relatively narrower limits of agreement with MVN-derived MVA than planimetry-derived MVA. Measurement of the MVA using the MVN method is feasible and is more correlated to the invasively measured MVA than the 3D planimetry method. This is the most accurate method of measuring the MVA that takes MV commissures into account. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vitamin D and plain type: a study of male patients with schizophrenia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbar, N. L.; Effendy, E.; Amin, MM

2018-03-01

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder in which there is an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Evidence related to vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia is aresidence. Because influenced by geographical location this can affect sun exposure to individuals living in the area because the source of vitamin D for humans is exposure to sunlight. For determining differences in serum levels of vitamin D based on residence in the highland and lowland male schizophrenic patient. This study was an analytical study, by RS Jiwa Prof. dr. M. Ildrem Medan, approach to see the comparison 60 samples (30 patients live in the Highland and Lowland). Sample inspection for serum vitamin D using ELFA method. The results showed median levels of vitamin D subjects living in high land Tanah Karo was 22.20ng/mL with minimum-maximum levels of 19.3-34.5ng/mL and in the low land Pemko Medan vitamin D levels higher with median 27.95ng/mL with the minimum-maximum level of vitamin D 20.4-42.6ng/mL. Analysis using the Mann Whitney U test showed significant differences between the levels of vitamin D based on residence with a value of p = 0.001.

Thermal distribution of microwave antenna for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

PubMed

Zhang, Huijuan; Nan, Qun; Liu, Youjun

2013-09-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ablation parameters on thermal distribution during microwave atrial fibrillation catheter ablation, such as ablation time, ablation power, blood condition and antenna placement, and give proper ablative parameters to realise transmural ablation. In this paper, simplified 3D antenna-myocardium-blood finite element method models were built to simulate the endocardial ablation operation. Thermal distribution was obtained based on the coupled electromagnetic-thermal analysis. Under different antenna placement conditions and different microwave power inputs within 60 s, the lesion dimensions (maximum depth, maximum width) of the ablation zones were analysed. The ablation width and depth increased with the ablation time. The increase rate significantly slowed down after 10 s. The maximum temperature was located in 1 mm under the antenna tip when perpendicular to the endocardium, while 1.5 mm away from the antenna axis and 26 mm along the antenna (with antenna length about 30 mm) in the myocardium when parallel to the endocardium. The maximum temperature in the ablated area decreased and the effective ablation area (with the temperature raised to 50°C) shifted deeper into the myocardium due to the blood cooling. The research validated that the microwave antenna can provide continuous long and linear lesions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The dimensions of the created lesion widths were all larger than those of the depths. It is easy for the microwave antenna to produce transmural lesions for an atrial wall thickness of 2-6 mm by adjusting the applied power and ablation time.

[Echolocation calls of free-flying Himalayan swiftlets (Aerodramus brevirostris)].

PubMed

Wang, Bin; Ma, Jian-Zhang; Chen, Yi; Tan, Liang-Jing; Liu, Qi; Shen, Qi-Qi; Liao, Qing-Yi; Zhang, Li-Biao

2013-02-01

Here, we present our findings of free-flying echolocation calls of Himalayan swiftlets (Aerodramus brevirostris), which were recorded in Shenjing Cave, Hupingshan National Reserve, Shimen County, Hunan Province in June 2012, using Avisoft-UltraSoundGate 116(e). We noted that after foraging at dusk, the Himalayan swiftlets flew fast into the cave without clicks, and then slowed down in dark area in the cave, but with sounds. The echolocation sounds of Himalayan swiftlets are broadband, double noise burst clicks, separated by a short pause. The inter-pulse intervals between double clicks (99.3±3.86 ms)were longer than those within double clicks (6.6±0.42 ms) (P<0.01). With the exception of peak frequency, between 6.2±0.08 kHz and 6.2±0.10 kHz, (P>0.05) and pulse duration 2.9±0.12 ms, 3.2±0.17 ms, (P>0.05) between the first and second, other factors-maximum frequency, minimum frequency, frequency bandwidth, and power-were significantly different between the clicks. The maximum frequency of the first pulse (20.1±1.10 kHz) was higher than that of second (15.4±0.98 kHz) (P<0.01), while the minimum frequency of the first pulse (3.7±0.12 kHz) was lower than that of second (4.0±0.09 kHz) (P<0.05); resulting in the frequency bandwidth of the first pulse (16.5±1.17 kHz) longer than that of second (11.4±1.01 kHz) (P<0.01). The power of the first pulse (-32.5±0.60 dB) was higher than that of second (-35.2±0.94 dB) (P<0.05). More importantly, we found that Himalayan swiftlets emitted echolocation pulses including ultrasonic sound, with a maximum frequency reaching 33.2 kHz.

The two-phase flow IPTT method for measurement of nonwetting-wetting liquid interfacial areas at higher nonwetting saturations in natural porous media

PubMed Central

Zhong, Hua; Ouni, Asma El; Lin, Dan; Wang, Bingguo; Brusseau, Mark L

2017-01-01

Interfacial areas between nonwetting-wetting (NW-W) liquids in natural porous media were measured using a modified version of the interfacial partitioning tracer test (IPTT) method that employed simultaneous two-phase flow conditions, which allowed measurement at NW saturations higher than trapped residual saturation. Measurements were conducted over a range of saturations for a well-sorted quartz sand under three wetting scenarios of primary drainage (PD), secondary imbibition (SI), and secondary drainage (SD). Limited sets of experiments were also conducted for a model glass-bead medium and for a soil. The measured interfacial areas were compared to interfacial areas measured using the standard IPTT method for liquid-liquid systems, which employs residual NW saturations. In addition, the theoretical maximum interfacial areas estimated from the measured data are compared to specific solid surface areas measured with the N2/BET method and estimated based on geometrical calculations for smooth spheres. Interfacial areas increase linearly with decreasing water saturation over the range of saturations employed. The maximum interfacial areas determined for the glass beads, which have no surface roughness, are 32±4 and 36±5 cm−1 for PD and SI cycles, respectively. The values are similar to the geometric specific solid surface area (31±2 cm−1) and the N2/BET solid surface area (28±2 cm−1). The maximum interfacial areas are 274±38, 235±27, and 581±160 cm−1 for the sand for PD, SI, and SD cycles, respectively, and ~7625 cm−1 for the soil for PD and SI. The maximum interfacial areas for the sand and soil are significantly larger than the estimated smooth-sphere specific solid surface areas (107±8 cm−1 and 152±8 cm−1, respectively), but much smaller than the N2/BET solid surface area (1387±92 cm−1 and 55224 cm−1, respectively). The NW-W interfacial areas measured with the two-phase flow method compare well to values measured using the standard IPTT method. PMID:28959079

Wister, CA Downhole and Seismic Data

DOE Data Explorer

Akerley, John

2010-12-18

This submission contains Downhole geophysical logs associated with Wister, CA Wells 12-27 and 85-20. The logs include Spontaneous Potential (SP), HILT Caliper (HCAL), Gamma Ray (GR), Array Induction (AIT), and Neutron Porosity (NPOR) data. Also included are a well log, Injection Test, Pressure Temperature Spinner log, shut in temperature survey, a final well schematic, and files about the well's location and drilling history. This submission also contains data from a three-dimensional (3D) multi-component (3C) seismic reflection survey on the Wister Geothermal prospect area in the northern portion of the Imperial Valley, California. The Wister seismic survey area was 13.2 square miles. (Resistivity image logs (Schlumberger FMI) in 85-20 indicate that maximum horizontal stress (Shmax) is oriented NNE but that open fractures are oriented suboptimally).

Effect of infusion of equine plasma or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (600/0.75) solution on plasma colloid osmotic pressure in healthy horses.

PubMed

McKenzie, Erica C; Esser, Melissa M; McNitt, Sarah E; Payton, Mark E

2016-07-01

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of equivalent volumes of equine plasma and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (600/0.75) solution (hetastarch) administered IV on plasma colloid osmotic pressure (pCOP) and commonly monitored clinicopathologic variables in horses. ANIMALS 6 healthy mares. PROCEDURES In a randomized, crossover study, horses were administered hetastarch or plasma (both 10 mL/kg, IV) 18 months apart. The pCOP and variables of interest were measured before (baseline), immediately after, and at intervals up to 96 or 120 hours after infusion. Prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were measured before and at 2 and 8 hours after each infusion. RESULTS Prior to hetastarch and plasma infusions, mean ± SEM pCOP was 19.4 ± 0.5 mm Hg and 19.4 ± 0.8 mm Hg, respectively. In general, hetastarch and plasma infusions comparably increased pCOP from baseline for 48 hours, with maximum increases of 2.0 and 2.3 mm Hg, respectively. Mean Hct and hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin concentrations were decreased for a period of 72, 96, or 120 hours after hetastarch infusion with maximum decrements of 8.8%, 3.2 g/dL, 1.2 g/dL, and 0.6 g/dL, respectively. Plasma infusion decreased (albeit not always significantly) hemoglobin concentration and Hct for 20 and 24 hours (maximum changes of 1.5 g/dL and 6.6%, respectively) and increased total solids concentration (maximum change of 0.6 g/dL) for 48 hours. Platelet count and coagulation times were minimally affected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Overall, the hetastarch and plasma infusions comparably increased pCOP in healthy horses for up to 48 hours. Hetastarch induced greater, more persistent perturbations in clinicopathologic variables.

SU-E-T-624: Quantitative Evaluation of 2D Versus 3D Dosimetry for Stereotactic Volumetric Modulated Arc Delivery Using COMPASS

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

Vikraman, S; Karrthick, K; Rajesh, T

2014-06-15

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate quantitatively 2D versus 3D dosimetry for stereotactic volumetric modulated arc delivery using COMPASS with 2D array. Methods: Twenty-five patients CT images and RT structures of different sites like brain, head and neck, thorax, abdomen and spine were taken from Multiplan planning system for this study. All these patients underwent radical stereotactic treatment in Cyberknife. For each patient, linac based VMAT stereotactic plans were generated in Monaco TPS v 3.1 using Elekta Beam Modulator MLC. Dose prescription was in the range of 5-20Gy/fraction.TPS calculated VMAT plan delivery accuracy was quantitatively evaluated withmore » COMPASS measured dose and calculated dose based on DVH metrics. In order to ascertain the potential of COMPASS 3D dosimetry for stereotactic plan delivery, 2D fluence verification was performed with MatriXX using Multicube. Results: For each site, D{sub 9} {sub 5} was achieved with 100% of prescription dose with maximum 0.05SD. Conformity index (CI) was observed closer to 1.15 in all cases. Maximum deviation of 2.62 % was observed for D{sub 9} {sub 5} when compared TPS versus COMPASS measured. Considerable deviations were observed in head and neck cases compare to other sites. The maximum mean and standard deviation for D{sub 9} {sub 5}, average target dose and average gamma were -0.78±1.72, -1.10±1.373 and 0.39±0.086 respectively. Numbers of pixels passing 2D fluence verification were observed as a mean of 99.36% ±0.455 SD with 3% dose difference and 3mm DTA. For critical organs in head and neck cases, significant dose differences were observed in 3D dosimetry while the target doses were matched well within limit in both 2D and 3D dosimetry. Conclusion: The quantitative evaluations of 2D versus 3D dosimetry for stereotactic volumetric modulated plans showed the potential of highlighting the delivery errors. This study reveals that COMPASS 3D dosimetry is an effective tool for patient specific quality assurance compared to 2D fluence verification.« less

Nitrate consumption in sediments of the German Bight (North Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Andreas; van Beusekom, Justus E. E.; Holtappels, Moritz; Emeis, Kay-Christian

2017-09-01

Denitrification on continental margins and in coastal sediments is a major sink of reactive N in the present nitrogen cycle and a major ecosystem service of eutrophied coastal waters. We analyzed the nitrate removal in surface sediments of the Elbe estuary, Wadden Sea, and adjacent German Bight (SE North Sea) during two seasons (spring and summer) along a eutrophication gradient ranging from a high riverine nitrate concentrations at the Elbe Estuary to offshore areas with low nitrate concentrations. The gradient encompassed the full range of sediment types and organic carbon concentrations of the southern North Sea. Based on nitrate penetration depth and concentration gradient in the porewater we estimated benthic nitrate consumption rates assuming either diffusive transport in cohesive sediments or advective transport in permeable sediments. For the latter we derived a mechanistic model of porewater flow. During the peak nitrate discharge of the river Elbe in March, the highest rates of diffusive nitrate uptake were observed in muddy sediments (up to 2.8 mmol m- 2 d- 1). The highest advective uptake rate in that period was observed in permeable sediment and was tenfold higher (up to 32 mmol m- 2 d- 1). The intensity of both diffusive and advective nitrate consumption dropped with the nitrate availability and thus decreased from the Elbe estuary towards offshore stations, and were further decreased during late summer (minimum nitrate discharge) compared to late winter (maximum nitrate discharge). In summary, our rate measurements indicate that the permeable sediment accounts for up to 90% of the total benthic reactive nitrogen consumption in the study area due to the high efficiency of advective nitrate transport into permeable sediment. Extrapolating the averaged nitrate consumption of different sediment classes to the areas of Elbe Estuary, Wadden Sea and eastern German Bight amounts to an N-loss of 3.1 ∗ 106 mol N d- 1 from impermeable, diffusion-controlled sediment, and 5.2 ∗ 107 mol N d- 1 from permeable sediment with porewater advection.

Biomechanical optimization of implant diameter and length for immediate loading: a nonlinear finite element analysis.

PubMed

Kong, Liang; Gu, Zexu; Li, Tao; Wu, Junjie; Hu, Kaijin; Liu, Yanpu; Zhou, Hongzhi; Liu, Baolin

2009-01-01

A nonlinear finite element method was applied to examine the effects of implant diameter and length on the maximum von Mises stresses in the jaw, and to evaluate the maximum displacement of the implant-abutment complex in immediate-loading models. The implant diameter (D) ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 mm and implant length (L) ranged from 6.0 to 16.0 mm. The results showed that the maximum von Mises stress in cortical bone was decreased by 65.8% under a buccolingual load with an increase in D. In cancellous bone, it was decreased by 71.5% under an axial load with an increase in L. The maximum displacement in the implant-abutment complex decreased by 64.8% under a buccolingual load with an increase in D. The implant was found to be more sensitive to L than to D under axial loads, while D played a more important role in enhancing its stability under buccolingual loads. When D exceeded 4.0 mm and L exceeded 11.0 mm, both minimum stress and displacement were obtained. Therefore, these dimensions were the optimal biomechanical selections for immediate-loading implants in type B/2 bone.

Maximum likelihood orientation estimation of 1-D patterns in Laguerre-Gauss subspaces.

PubMed

Di Claudio, Elio D; Jacovitti, Giovanni; Laurenti, Alberto

2010-05-01

A method for measuring the orientation of linear (1-D) patterns, based on a local expansion with Laguerre-Gauss circular harmonic (LG-CH) functions, is presented. It lies on the property that the polar separable LG-CH functions span the same space as the 2-D Cartesian separable Hermite-Gauss (2-D HG) functions. Exploiting the simple steerability of the LG-CH functions and the peculiar block-linear relationship among the two expansion coefficients sets, maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of orientation and cross section parameters of 1-D patterns are obtained projecting them in a proper subspace of the 2-D HG family. It is shown in this paper that the conditional ML solution, derived by elimination of the cross section parameters, surprisingly yields the same asymptotic accuracy as the ML solution for known cross section parameters. The accuracy of the conditional ML estimator is compared to the one of state of art solutions on a theoretical basis and via simulation trials. A thorough proof of the key relationship between the LG-CH and the 2-D HG expansions is also provided.

On the potential for CO2 mineral storage in continental flood basalts – PHREEQC batch- and 1D diffusion–reaction simulations

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Continental flood basalts (CFB) are considered as potential CO2 storage sites because of their high reactivity and abundant divalent metal ions that can potentially trap carbon for geological timescales. Moreover, laterally extensive CFB are found in many place in the world within reasonable distances from major CO2 point emission sources. Based on the mineral and glass composition of the Columbia River Basalt (CRB) we estimated the potential of CFB to store CO2 in secondary carbonates. We simulated the system using kinetic dependent dissolution of primary basalt-minerals (pyroxene, feldspar and glass) and the local equilibrium assumption for secondary phases (weathering products). The simulations were divided into closed-system batch simulations at a constant CO2 pressure of 100 bar with sensitivity studies of temperature and reactive surface area, an evaluation of the reactivity of H2O in scCO2, and finally 1D reactive diffusion simulations giving reactivity at CO2 pressures varying from 0 to 100 bar. Although the uncertainty in reactive surface area and corresponding reaction rates are large, we have estimated the potential for CO2 mineral storage and identified factors that control the maximum extent of carbonation. The simulations showed that formation of carbonates from basalt at 40 C may be limited to the formation of siderite and possibly FeMg carbonates. Calcium was largely consumed by zeolite and oxide instead of forming carbonates. At higher temperatures (60 – 100 C), magnesite is suggested to form together with siderite and ankerite. The maximum potential of CO2 stored as solid carbonates, if CO2 is supplied to the reactions unlimited, is shown to depend on the availability of pore space as the hydration and carbonation reactions increase the solid volume and clog the pore space. For systems such as in the scCO2 phase with limited amount of water, the total carbonation potential is limited by the amount of water present for hydration of basalt. PMID:22697910

40 CFR 1065.720 - Liquefied petroleum gas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., C3H8 Minimum, 0.85 m3/m3 ASTM D2163-05. Vapor pressure at 38 °C Maximum, 1400 kPa ASTM D1267-02 or 2598-022. Volatility residue (evaporated temperature, 35 °C) Maximum, −38 °C ASTM D1837-02a. Butanes Maximum, 0.05 m3/m3 ASTM D2163-05. Butenes Maximum, 0.02 m3/m3 ASTM D2163-05. Pentenes and heavier Maximum...

Pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and metformin following co-administration in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Macha, Sreeraj; Dieterich, Sabine; Mattheus, Michaela; Seman, Leo J; Broedl, Uli C; Woerle, Hans J

2013-02-01

This open-label study investigated potential drug-drug interactions between empagliflozin and metformin. 16 healthy men received treatment A (empagliflozin 50 mg q.d. for 5 days), treatment B (empagliflozin 50 mg q.d. for 4 days with metformin 1,000 mg b.i.d. for 3 days and 1,000 mg q.d. on Day 4) and treatment C (metformin 1,000 mg b.i.d. for 3 days and 1,000 mg q.d .on Day 4) in the sequence AB then C, or C then AB. Metformin had no clinically relevant effect on the area under the steady state plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(τ,ss) geometric mean ratio (GMR): 96.9; 90% CI: 92.3 - 101.7) or the maximum plasma concentration at steady state (C(max,ss) GMR: 100.5; 90% CI: 88.8 - 113.7) of empagliflozin. Similarly, empagliflozin had no clinically relevant effect on AUC(τ,ss) (GMR: 100.7; 90% CI: 95.9 - 105.6) or C(max,ss) (GMR: 103.6; 90% CI: 96.5 - 111.2) of metformin. The renal clearance of empagliflozin and metformin were unaffected by co-administration. Both drugs were well tolerated alone and in combination and did not cause hypoglycemia. These data support co-administration of empagliflozin and metformin without dose adjustment.

Three-dimensionally porous graphene: A high-performance adsorbent for removal of albumin-bonded bilirubin.

PubMed

Ma, Chun Fang; Gao, Qiang; Xia, Kai Sheng; Huang, Zhi Yuan; Han, Bo; Zhou, Cheng Gang

2017-01-01

The development of bilirubin adsorbents with high adsorption efficiencies towards albumin-bonded bilirubin is still a considerable challenge. In this work, a three-dimensionally porous graphene (3D-pGR) has been fabricated through a simple carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) activation of thermally exfoliated graphite oxide (EGO). Intriguingly, the resultant 3D-pGR material showed hierarchically micro-meso-macroporous structure, high specific surface area of up to 843m 2 g -1 , and large pore volume as high as 2.71cm 3 g -1 . Besides, the large planar π-configuration structure of 3D-pGR made it possible to compete effectively with albumin for bilirubin binding. Taking advantages of these fantastic characteristics, the 3D-pGR was demonstrated to be extraordinarily efficient for bilirubin removal from a bovine serum albumin (BSA)-rich solution. Under optimized conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of 3D-pGR for BSA-bonded bilirubin was up to 126.1mgg -1 , which is not only significantly higher than the adsorption capacities of currently available adsorbents towards albumin-bonded bilirubin, but also superior to those of many reported adsorbents towards free bilirubin. In addition, the hemolysis assay of 3D-pGR indicated that this material had negligible hemolysis effect. Findings from this study may open up important new possibilities for removal of protein-bonded toxins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A 75 GHz regenerative dynamic frequency divider with active transformer using InGaAs/InP HBT technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xi; Zhang, Bichan; Zhao, Hua; Su, Yongbo; Muhammad, Asif; Guo, Dong; Jin, Zhi

2017-08-01

This letter presents a high speed 2:1 regenerative dynamic frequency divider with an active transformer fabricated in 0.7 μm InP DHBT technology with {f}{{T}} of 165 GHz and {f}\\max of 230 GHz. The circuit includes a two-stage active transformer, input buffer, divider core and output buffer. The core part of the frequency divider is composed of a double-balanced active mixer (widely known as the Gilbert cell) and a regenerative feedback loop. The active transformer with two stages can contribute to positive gain and greatly improve phase difference. Instead of the passive transformer, the active one occupies a much smaller chip area. The area of the chip is only 469× 414 μ {{{m}}}2 and it entirely consumes a total DC power of only 94.6 mW from a single -4.8 V DC supply. The measured results present that the divider achieves an operating frequency bandwidth from 75 to 80 GHz, and performs a -23 dBm maximum output power at 37.5 GHz with a 0 dBm input signal of 75 GHz.

Estimation of Solar Energy on Vertical 3D Building Walls on City Quarter Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaugsch, F.; Löwner, M.-O.

2016-10-01

In urban areas, solar energy is one promising source of renewable energy to achieve the EU parliament's goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 20 % compared to 1990. Although annual radiation on vertical walls is lower than that on roof surfaces, they are larger in area and, therefore may contribute to energy production. On the other hand, the modelling of shadowing effects is cost intensive in an complex urban environment. Here we present a method for the calculation of solar potential on vertical walls for simple 2D maps with additional building height information. We introduced observer point columns that enable a fast decision whether a whole vertical set of observer points is illuminated or not. By the introduction of a maximum shade length, we reduce processing time in ArcGIS. 206,291 points of 130 buildings have been analysed in time steps of 15 minutes resulting in 15 769 pairs of solar angles. Results disprove the potential of vertical walls serving to fill the winter gap of roof mounted solar energy plants. Best wall orientation for the deployment of solar panels are west and east in summer, whereas it is southeast in winter.

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 - III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley; Garland, James T.; Lauer, Tod R.; Zurek, David; Baltz, Edward A.; Goerl, Ariel; Kovetz, Attay; Machac, Tamara; Madrid, Juan P.; Mikołajewska, Joanna; Neill, J. D.; Prialnik, Dina; Welch, D. L.; Yaron, Ofer

2018-02-01

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe-de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeks after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 per cent with the above calibrations.

The ecological niche of Dermacentor marginatus in Germany.

PubMed

Walter, Melanie; Brugger, Katharina; Rubel, Franz

2016-06-01

The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) is endemic throughout southern Europe in the range of 33-51 (°) N latitude. In Germany, however, D. marginatus was exclusively reported in the Rhine valley and adjacent areas. Its northern distribution limit near Giessen is located at the coordinates 8.32 (°) E/50.65 (°) N. Particularly with regard to the causative agents of rickettsioses, tularemia, and Q fever, the observed locations as well as the potential distribution of the vector D. marginatus in Germany are of special interest. Applying a dataset of 118 georeferenced tick locations, the ecological niche for D. marginatus was calculated. It is described by six climate parameters based on temperature and relative humidity and another six environmental parameters including land cover classes and altitude. The final ecological niche is determined by the frequency distributions of these 12 parameters at the tick locations. Main parameters are the mean annual temperature (frequency distribution characterized by the minimum, median, and maximum of 6.1, 9.9, and 12.2 (°)C), the mean annual relative humidity (73.7, 76.7, and 80.9 %), as well as the altitude (87, 240, 1108 m). The climate and environmental niche is used to estimate the habitat suitability of D. marginatus in Germany by applying the BIOCLIM model. Finally, the potential spatial distribution of D. marginatus was calculated and mapped by determining an optimal threshold value of the suitability index, i.e., the maximum of sensitivity and specificity (Youden index). The model performance is expressed by AUC = 0.91.

Identifing Atmospheric Pollutant Sources Using Artificial Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paes, F. F.; Campos, H. F.; Luz, E. P.; Carvalho, A. R.

2008-05-01

The estimation of the area source pollutant strength is a relevant issue for atmospheric environment. This characterizes an inverse problem in the atmospheric pollution dispersion. In the inverse analysis, an area source domain is considered, where the strength of such area source term is assumed unknown. The inverse problem is solved by using a supervised artificial neural network: multi-layer perceptron. The conection weights of the neural network are computed from delta rule - learning process. The neural network inversion is compared with results from standard inverse analysis (regularized inverse solution). In the regularization method, the inverse problem is formulated as a non-linear optimization approach, whose the objective function is given by the square difference between the measured pollutant concentration and the mathematical models, associated with a regularization operator. In our numerical experiments, the forward problem is addressed by a source-receptor scheme, where a regressive Lagrangian model is applied to compute the transition matrix. The second order maximum entropy regularization is used, and the regularization parameter is calculated by the L-curve technique. The objective function is minimized employing a deterministic scheme (a quasi-Newton algorithm) [1] and a stochastic technique (PSO: particle swarm optimization) [2]. The inverse problem methodology is tested with synthetic observational data, from six measurement points in the physical domain. The best inverse solutions were obtained with neural networks. References: [1] D. R. Roberti, D. Anfossi, H. F. Campos Velho, G. A. Degrazia (2005): Estimating Emission Rate and Pollutant Source Location, Ciencia e Natura, p. 131-134. [2] E.F.P. da Luz, H.F. de Campos Velho, J.C. Becceneri, D.R. Roberti (2007): Estimating Atmospheric Area Source Strength Through Particle Swarm Optimization. Inverse Problems, Desing and Optimization Symposium IPDO-2007, April 16-18, Miami (FL), USA, vol 1, p. 354-359.

Reconstruction of Equilibrium Line Altitudes of Nevado Coropuna Glaciers (Southern Peru) from the Late Pleistocene to the present

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Úbeda, J.; Palacios, D.; Vázquez, L.

2009-04-01

The Nevado Coropuna (15°31'S-72°39'W) is a volcanic complex located 200 km NE of the city of Arequipa, in the Southern Peruvian Andes. The summit area in the complex is covered with a glacier system formed by dozens of branches descending in all directions totaling many km2 in surface area. The study of the volcanic complex and its glaciers is of great interest because it is the main water reserve for tens of thousands of people, because of the risk scenario created by the presence of ice masses on a volcano with relatively recent activity, and because it constitutes an excellent geoindicator of the effects of climate change on ice masses in the western mountain chain of the Central Andes. This research aims to analyze glacier evolution using as geoindicators variations in glacier surface and equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs), defining deglaciation rates based on those variations and preparing forecasts with them on when the ice masses might disappear if the same rates were to occur in the future. In addition, a first estimation is attempted of the chronologies of the last phase of volcanic activity and the last phase of maximum glacier advance that can be attributed to the Late Glacial or Last Glacial Maximum periods. To achieve these aims, digital topography with 50m contour interval, two orthophotos of the central section of the Coropuna complex (15-6-1955 and 21-10-1986), an ASTER satellite image (12-11-2007) and geomorphological mapping of the volcanic complex created in a previous phase of the research (Ubeda, 2007) were integrated into a Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS was used to determine the global extent of the glacier system, and in more detail, that of two groups (NE and SE) in 1955, 1986 and 2007. Using the geomorphological cartography as a basis, the extent of the glaciers during their last advance in the Little Ice Age (LIA) and their last maximum advance were calculated. Next, surface areas for all phases were calculated using automatic functions within the GIS operating environment. To reconstruct the ELAs of the glaciers, the Area x Altitude Balance Ratio (AABR) method was used. This method is extensively described in Osmaston (2005). To determine the rates of deglaciation, variations observed for 2007 in surface areas and ELAs against their values in 1986, 1955 and the Little Ice Age (LIA) were used as geoindicators. Establishing deglaciation rates has allowed forecasts to be made as to when the complete disappearance of ice mass could occur for three future scenarios, considering the hypothetical reproduction in each scenario of the rates of deglaciation observed since 1986 (Scenario 1), 1955 (Scenario 2) and the LIA (Scenario 3). To determine the chronology of the last maximum advance of the glaciers and the last volcanic manifestations, samples were taken from moraine blocks and glaciated rocky thresholds, and also from lava ejected during the last eruption, in the eastern sector of the complex. Due to their recent external appearance, since they have been channeled by glacial valleys and have been affected by ice masses only at the head, these lavas had been dated as Holocene. Absolute dating was performed using cosmogenic methods (Cl36). As a result of applying the proposed method, glacial system surface areas have been estimated for 2007 (47 km2), 1986 (54 km2) and 1955 (56 km2), implying a reduction of ~18% in 52 years. The process appears to have speeded up in the last decades (~13% in only 21 years). Surfaces were also estimated and ELAs reconstructed for the NE and SE groups in 2007, 1986, 1955, the Little Ice Age and during the last maximum advance. Glaciers from the NE group show an area during all periods (2.3, 2.7, 2.9, 3.3 and 30 km2) smaller than SE group glaciers (8.1, 9.9, 10.3, 11.9 and 66.5 km2). An individual analysis of glaciers in the NE and SE groups in 2007 shows a reduction in surface area two to four times greater than that observed between 1955 and 1986. ELAs are also higher for all periods in the Northern section (5968, 5930, 5923, 5886 and 5186 m) than in the Southern section (5862, 5806, 5787 and 4951 m). The depression in ELAs during the LIA was similar in the NE (~82 m) and in the SE (~86 m). However, the 2007 ELA shows a depression of 106 m in the Southern direction. The magnitude of this depression has shown a marked tendency towards reduction in recent decades (136 m in 1955 and 124 m in 1986). Furthermore, the decrease in ELA depression seems to occur faster, with ↓Z ~12 m between 1955 and 1986 and ↓Z ~18 m between 1986 and 2007. However, during the Little Ice Age (~110 m) that value was closer to the current value (106 m). Depression in ELAs during the last maximum glacier advance has been estimated at ~782 m (NE) and ~847 m (SE). During that period, the N-S depression reached a maximum value of 235 m. These results agree with those obtained for the eastern range of the Central Andes (Smith et al. 2005 a and b) and are also within the depression intervals and trends proposed in regional-scale studies (Kelin et al. 1999). Analyses performed on a sample from a block situated on a lateral moraine in the Queñua Ranra Quebrada (NE group of the complex) suggest a chronology of ~17 Cl36 ky. for the last maximum ice mass advance. This date is in agreement with the depression in SST temperature during the same period, deduced from analyzing Mg/Ca ratios in marine foraminifera shells from the Galapagos Islands (Lea, 2006). Using surfaces and ELAs as geoindicators, deglaciation rates and the Horizon without glaciers (H0) have been calculated globally, for the complete glacier system in scenarios 1 and 2, and for glaciers in the pilot group in scenarios 1, 2 and 3. Results show that the deglaciation process is occurring differentially. Whereas several masses could disappear in a few decades, others could be preserved for centuries. Regarding the last phase of volcanic activity, a lava sample has been dated at only ~2 Cl36 ky. Testing the proposed method has allowed the modeling of glacier evolution using variations observed in surfaces and ELAs as geoindicators. Results from the global-scale analysis are only a preliminary approximation to the problem. Detailed analysis of the glaciers in the NE and SE groups has yielded more precise results. Forecasts about future glacier retreat, interest in finding out about their past evolution and the absolute chronology of the last phase of volcanic activity, which confirms their recent character, suggest the need to extend our understanding of the evolution of the Nevado Coropuna's volcanic complex and glacier system. References Klein, A.G., Seltzer, G.O. & Isacks, B.L., 1999. Modern and Local Last Glacial Maximum snowlines in the Central Andes of Peru, Bolivia and Northern Chile. Quaternary Research Reviews, 18: 3-84. Lea, D.W., D.K. Pak, C.L. Belanger, H.J. Spero, M.A. Hall, and N.J. Shackleton, 2006. Galapagos paleoclimate history of surface waters over the last 135,000 yr. Quaternary Science Reviews, 25 (11-12): 1152-1167. Osmaston, H., 2005. Estimates of glacier equilibrium line altitudes by the Area x Altitude, the Area x Altitude Balance Ratio and the Area x Altitude Balance Index methods and their validation. Quaternary International, 22-31: 138-139. Smith, J., Seltzer, G.O., Rodbellb, D.T. & Klein, A.G., 2005 a. Regional synthesis of last glacial maximum snowlines in the tropical Andes, South America. Quaternary International, 138-139:145-167. Smith, JA, Seltzer, GO, Farber, DL, Rodbell, DT & Finkel, R.C., 2005 b. Early Local Last Glacial Maximum in the Tropical Andes. Science, 308. Ubeda, J., 2007. Geomorphological characterization of the northern sector of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Central Andes. Approach to a case study: the glacier of the volcano Nevado Coropuna complex. Research work to obtain the Diploma of Advanced Studies, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, 312 pp.

Quantitative analysis of vacuum-ultraviolet radiation from nanosecond laser-zinc interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parchamy, Homaira; Szilagyi, John; Masnavi, Majid; Richardson, Martin

2018-07-01

The paper reports measurements of the vacuum-ultraviolet spectral irradiances of a flat zinc target over a wavelength region of 124-164 nm generated by 10 and 60 ns duration low-intensities, 5 ×109 - 3 ×1010 W cm-2, 1.06 μm wavelength laser pulses. Maximum radiation conversion efficiencies of 2.5%/2πsr and 0.8%/2πsr were measured for 60 and 10 ns laser pulses at the intensities of 5 ×109 and 1.4 ×1010 W cm-2, respectively. Atomic structure calculations using a relativistic configuration-interaction, flexible atomic code and a developed non-local thermodynamic equilibrium population kinetics model in comparison to the experimental spectra detected by the Seya-Namioka type monochromator reveal the strong broadband experimental emission originates mainly from 3d94p-3d94s, 3d94d-3d94p and 3d84p-3d84s, 3d84d-3d84p unresolved-transition arrays of double and triple ionized zinc, respectively. Two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code is used to investigate time-space plasma evolution and spectral radiation of a 10 ns full-width-at-half-maximum Gaussian laser pulse-zinc interaction.

Simulation of ground-water flow and delineation of areas contributing recharge within the Mt. Simon-Hinckley Aquifer to well fields in the Prairie Island Indian Community, Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ruhl, J.F.

2002-01-01

A steady state single layer, two-dimensional ground-water flow model constructed with the computer program MODFLOW,combined with the particle-tracking computer program MODPATH, was used to track water particles (upgradient) from the two well fields. A withdrawal rate of 625 m3/d was simulated for each well field. The ground-water flow paths delineated areas of contributing recharge that are 0.38 and 0.65 km2 based on 10- and 50-year travel times, respectively. The flow paths that define these areas extend for maximum distances of about 350 and 450 m, respectively, from the wells. At well field A the area of contributing recharge was delineated for each well as separate withdrawal points. At well field B the area of contributing recharge was delineated for the two wells as a single withdrawal point. Delineation of areas of contributing recharge to the well fields from land surface would require construction of a multi-layer ground-water flow model.

Three-dimensional workstation is useful for measuring the correct size of abdominal aortic aneurysm diameters.

PubMed

Ihara, Tsutomu; Komori, Kimihiro; Yamamoto, Kiyohito; Kobayashi, Masayoshi; Banno, Hiroshi; Kodama, Akio

2013-02-01

Abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter is usually measured by the maximum minor-axis diameter on axial computed tomography (CT). However, this "traditional" diameter may underestimate the real size, as the aorta is not always straight and the aneurysm shape is sometimes in the form of an ellipse along the cross section. Therefore, we measured maximum major-axis diameters using a three-dimensional (3D) workstation and compared them with the traditional maximum minor-axis diameters measured using thin-slice axial CT. CT data of 141 AAA patients (with fusiform aneurysms) were stored in a 3D workstation. These thin-slice CT images were reviewed on the 3D workstation to obtain curved multiplanar reconstruction images (CPR images). Using the CPR images, we measured the maximum major-axis and minor-axis diameters on CPR and the angle of the aneurysms to the body axis. The mean traditional maximum minor-axis diameter was 51.2 ± 8.2 mm, whereas the mean maximum major-axis diameter on CPR was 54.7 ± 10.1 mm. Sixty eight patients had a mean aneurysm size of <50 mm when measured by the traditional minor-axis diameter. Among these patients, five (7.4%) had a major-axis diameter >55 mm on CPR. The measurement of the traditional maximum minor-axis diameter of aneurysms is useful in the case of most patients. However, the traditional maximum minor-axis diameter may underestimate the real aneurysmal diameter, particularly in patients with an ellipse-shaped aneurysm. The maximum major-axis diameter as measured using CPR images is effective for representing the real aneurysmal size. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glaciers' 2D and 3D Area Changes in the Central Tianshan during 1989-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, H.; Wang, X.

2017-12-01

Most glaciers in China lie in rugged mountainous environments and steep terrains. Common studies investigate glacier's projected area (2D Area) in a two-dimensional plane, which is much smaller than glacier's topographic surface area (3D Area). This study maps glacier outlines in the Central Tianshan Mountains from Landsat images in four periods of 1989, 2002, 2007 and 2015 by an object-based classification approach, compares the glaciers area differences from several resources and analyzes the 2D and 3D area changes in the four periods. This approach shows an accuracy of 86% when it validates by comparison of glaciers outline derived from Landsat and high spatial resolution GeoEye image. Our derived glaciers' clean ice outlines are comparable to those of the 2nd Chinese Glacier Inventory (CGI2), Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS), and the European Space Agency GlobCover product (ESA2.3). The ASTER GDEM data are utilized to establish a 3D model and examine glaciers' variations in different aspects, slope zones and elevation bands. Glaciers' 3D surface extents are 30% larger than their 2D planar areas in Central Tianshan. Glaciers' 3D area reduced by 481 km² from 1989 to 2015, being 27.3% larger than their 2D area reduction (378 km²), and most reductions occurred in the elevation bands of 4000-5000 m.

Hypoparathyroidism: what is the best calcium carbonate supplementation intake form?

PubMed

Gollino, Loraine; Biagioni, Maria Fernanda Giovanetti; Sabatini, Nathalia Regina; Tagliarini, José Vicente; Corrente, José Eduardo; Paiva, Sérgio Alberto Rupp de; Mazeto, Gláucia Maria Ferreira da Silva

2017-11-15

In hypoparathyroidism, calcium supplementation using calcium carbonate is necessary for the hypocalcemia control. The best calcium carbonate intake form is unknown, be it associated with feeding, juice or in fasting. The objective was to evaluate the calcium, phosphorus and Calcium×Phosphorus product serum levels of hypoparathyroidism women after total thyroidectomy, following calcium carbonate intake in three different forms. A crossover study was carried out with patients presenting definitive hypoparathyroidism, assessed in different situations (fasting, with water, orange juice, breakfast with a one-week washout). Through the review of clinical data records of tertiary hospital patients from 1994 to 2010, 12 adult women (18 50 years old) were identified and diagnosed with definitive post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. The laboratory results of calcium and phosphorus serum levels dosed before and every 30min were assessed, for 5h, after calcium carbonate intake (elementary calcium 500mg). The maximum peak average values for calcium, phosphorus and Calcium×Phosphorus product were 8.63mg/dL (water), 8.77mg/dL (orange juice) and 8.95mg/dL (breakfast); 4.04mg/dL (water), 4.03mg/dL (orange juice) and 4.12mg/dL (breakfast); 34.3mg 2 /dL 2 (water), 35.8mg 2 /dL 2 (orange juice) and 34.5mg 2 /dL 2 (breakfast), respectively, and the area under the curve 2433mg/dLmin (water), 2577mg/dLmin (orange juice) and 2506mg/dLmin (breakfast), 1203mg/dLmin (water), 1052mg/dLmin (orange juice) and 1128mg/dLmin (breakfast), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three different tests (p>0.05). The calcium, phosphorus and Calcium×Phosphorus product serum levels evolved in a similar fashion in the three calcium carbonate intake forms. Copyright © 2017 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Microwave absorption performance of Ni(OH)2 decorating biomass carbon composites from Jackfruit peel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Hongtao; Wang, Huiya; Zhang, Yanlin; Dong, Chengjun; Chen, Gang; Wang, Yude; Xie, Jianbin

2018-07-01

The composite material of Ni(OH)2/biomass carbon have been prepared by a facile "carbonization-activation" procedure from Jackfruit peel and a subsequent water-bathing precipitation process. The biomass carbon material after activation (AC) is constituted of small particles and achieves a large specific surface area of 1602 m2/g. After decoration of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets, the Ni(OH)2/AC composites were investigated the microwave absorption performances in 2-18 GHz. The maximum reflection loss of the Ni(OH)2/AC composites reached -23.6 dB at 15.48 GHz with a thickness of 6 mm. Moreover, the fundamental mechanism based on conductivity, the polarization and defects is discussed. The present investigation offers a new possibility for the biomass based fabrication of potential microwave absorbing materials.

Electrochemical properties of composite cathodes using Sm doped layered perovskite for intermediate temperature-operating solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Seung-Wook; Azad, Abul K.; Irvine, John T. S.; Choi, Won Seok; Kang, Hyunil; Kim, Jung Hyun

2018-02-01

SmBaCo2O5+d (SBCO) showed the lowest observed Area Specific Resistance (ASR) value in the LnBaCo2O5+d (Ln: Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd) oxide system for the overall temperature ranges tested. The ASR of a composite cathode (mixture of SBCO and Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-d) on a Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-d (CGO91) electrolyte decreased with respect to the CGO91 content; the percolation limit was also achieved for a 50 wt% SBCO and 50 wt% CGO91 (SBCO50) composite cathode. The ASRs of SBCO50 on the dense CGO91 electrolyte in the overall temperature range of 500-750 °C were relatively lower than those of SBCO50 on the CGO91 coated dense 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) electrolyte for the same temperature range. From 750 °C and for all higher temperatures tested, however, the ASRs of SBCO50 on the CGO91 coated dense 8YSZ electrolyte were lower than those of the CGO91 electrolyte. The maximum power densities of SBCO50 on the Ni-8YSZ/8YSZ/CGO91 buffer layer were 1.034 W cm-2 and 0.611 W cm-2 at 800 °C and 700 °C.

SURFACE FLOODS IN COIMBRA: simple and dual-drainage studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leitão, J. P.; Simões, N. E.; Pina, R.; Marques, A. Sá; Maksimović, Č.; Gonçalves, Gil

2009-09-01

Surface water flooding occurs due to extreme rainfall and the inability of the sewer system to drain all runoff. As a consequence, a considerable volume of water is carried out over the surface through preferential flow paths and can eventually accumulate in natural (or man-made) ponds. This can cause minor material losses but also major incidents with obvious consequences in economic activities and the normal people's life. Unfortunately, due to predicted climate changes and increase of urbanisation levels, the urban flooding phenomenon has been reported more often. The Portuguese city of Coimbra is a medium size city that has suffered several river floods in the past. However, after the construction of hydraulic control structures, the number of fluvial flood events was greatly reduced. In the 1990s two new problems started. On one hand, houses started to be built on flood plain areas; on the other hand, some areas experienced a boom in the degree of urbanisation. This created flood problems of a different type dislocating the flood areas from the traditional flood areas along the river to new areas that did not reported flood in history. The catchment studied has a total area of approximately 1.5 km2 and discharges in the Coselhas brook The catchment can be divided in three regions with different characteristics: (i) the "Lower City" which is a low-lying area with 0.4 km2 and with a combined sewer system; (ii) the "Upper City" which is a considerably hilly area, highly urbanized and with an area of approximately 0.2 km2; and (iii) the remaining area which is also highly urbanized, with an area of 0.9 km2, where the main flood problems are generated. The sewer system is 34.8 km long; 29 km are of the combined type, and only 1.2 km is exclusive for storm water. The time of concentration of the catchment is estimated to be 45 min. On the 9 June 2006, an extreme rainfall event caused severe flooding in the city. After the rainfall had stopped, water continued to flow along the roads towards the Praça 8 de Maio, which is the lowest point in the whole catchment and where water tends to accumulate. As presented in Table 1, the return periods calculated for durations shorter than 30 minutes are not high. In fact, this rainfall event is characterised by an extreme heavy intensity regarding its total duration; thus it cannot be considered a short period event with a high intensity. As its total duration is approximately the time of concentration of the catchment, the flooding event was very significant. A 50 year return period was estimated for the event with 45 minutes duration. Table 1: Return period interpretation of the 9 June 2006 rainfall event Duration 5 (min) 10 (min) 15 (min) 30 (min) 45 (min) Maximum rainfall intensity (mm/h)122.4 76.8 72.4 61.6 47.6 Return period1(year) 10 8 20 > 50 50 Comparing the simulation results and the actual flood locations, it is concluded that the main cause of flooding is not the capacity of the sewer system. Despite the high slopes and the high level of imperviousness of the catchment, the flood seems to be mainly caused due to the limited capacity of the sewer inlets. It suggests that the correct analysis of the hydraulic behaviour of the catchment drainage system should contemplate the analysis of the overland flow system, either using a one- (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) approaches. Hence, simulation of the 9 June 2006 event were also carried out considering the 1D sewer model, an 1D/1D model and an 1D/2D model. The methodology developed at the Imperial College London to generate overland flow networks was used in the 1D/1D model. Infoworks CS was used to do the hydraulic simulations of the 1D/1D and 1D/2D models. The results of the simulations taking into account the overland flow system will be presented in this paper. Local community reports and photos are then used to validate the simulation results obtained. Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge Águas de Coimbra, E.M. and Edinfor (Portugal) for providing the data used in this study. Provision of the software used to carry out the hydraulic simulations.by Wallingford Software is also acknowledged. The first and second authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal [SFRH/BD/21382/2005 and SFRH/BD/37797/2007].

Investigation of blood flow rheology using second-grade viscoelastic model (Phan-Thien-Tanner) within carotid artery.

PubMed

Ramiar, Abas; Larimi, Morsal Momenti; Ranjbar, Ali Akbar

2017-01-01

Hemodynamic factors, such as Wall Shear Stress (WSS), play a substantial role in arterial diseases. In the larger arteries, such as the carotid artery, interaction between the vessel wall and blood flow affects the distribution of hemodynamic factors. The fluid is considered to be non-Newtonian, whose flow is governed by the equation of a second-grade viscoelastic fluid and the effects of viscoelastic on blood flow in carotid artery is investigated. Pulsatile flow studies were carried out in a 3D model of carotid artery. The governing equations were solved using finite volume C++ based on open source code, OpenFOAM. To describe blood flow, conservation of mass and momentum, a constitutive relation of simplified Phan-Thien-Tanner (sPTT), and appropriate relations were used to explain shear thinning behavior. The first recirculation was observed at t = 0.2 s, in deceleration phase. In the acceleration phase from t = 0.3 s to t = 0.5 s, vortex and recirculation sizes in bulb regions in both ECA and ICA gradually increased. As is observed in the line graphs based on extracted data from ICA, at t = 0.2 s, τyy is the maximum amount of wall shear stress and τxy the minimum one. The maximum shear stress occurred in the inner side of the main branch (inner side of ICA and ECA) because the velocity of blood flow in the inner side of the bulb region was maximum due to the created recirculation zone in the opposite side in this area. The rheology of blood flow and shear stress in various important parts (the area that are in higher rates of WSS such as bifurcation region and the regions after bulb areas in both branches, Line1-4 in Fig. 7) were also analyzed. The investigation of velocity stream line, velocity profile and shear stress in various sections of carotid artery showed that the maximum shear stress occurred in acceleration phase and in the bifurcation region between ECA and ICA which is due to velocity gradients and changes in thinning behavior of blood and increasing strain rate in Newtonian stress part.

Five-dimensional ultrasound system for soft tissue visualization.

PubMed

Deshmukh, Nishikant P; Caban, Jesus J; Taylor, Russell H; Hager, Gregory D; Boctor, Emad M

2015-12-01

A five-dimensional ultrasound (US) system is proposed as a real-time pipeline involving fusion of 3D B-mode data with the 3D ultrasound elastography (USE) data as well as visualization of these fused data and a real-time update capability over time for each consecutive scan. 3D B-mode data assist in visualizing the anatomy of the target organ, and 3D elastography data adds strain information. We investigate the feasibility of such a system and show that an end-to-end real-time system, from acquisition to visualization, can be developed. We present a system that consists of (a) a real-time 3D elastography algorithm based on a normalized cross-correlation (NCC) computation on a GPU; (b) real-time 3D B-mode acquisition and network transfer; (c) scan conversion of 3D elastography and B-mode volumes (if acquired by 4D wobbler probe); and (d) visualization software that fuses, visualizes, and updates 3D B-mode and 3D elastography data in real time. We achieved a speed improvement of 4.45-fold for the threaded version of the NCC-based 3D USE versus the non-threaded version. The maximum speed was 79 volumes/s for 3D scan conversion. In a phantom, we validated the dimensions of a 2.2-cm-diameter sphere scan-converted to B-mode volume. Also, we validated the 5D US system visualization transfer function and detected 1- and 2-cm spherical objects (phantom lesion). Finally, we applied the system to a phantom consisting of three lesions to delineate the lesions from the surrounding background regions of the phantom. A 5D US system is achievable with real-time performance. We can distinguish between hard and soft areas in a phantom using the transfer functions.

Enhanced bioelectricity harvesting in microbial fuel cells treating food waste leachate produced from biohydrogen fermentation.

PubMed

Choi, Jeongdong; Ahn, Youngho

2015-05-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) treating the food waste leachate produced from biohydrogen fermentation were examined to enhance power generation and energy recovery. In batch mode, the maximum voltage production was 0.56 V and the power density reached 1540 mW/m(2). The maximum Coulombic efficiency (CEmax) and energy efficiency (EE) in the batch mode were calculated to be 88.8% and 18.8%, respectively. When the organic loading rate in sequencing batch mode varied from 0.75 to 6.2 g COD/L-d (under CEmax), the maximum power density reached 769.2 mW/m(2) in OLR of 3.1 g COD/L-d, whereas higher energy recovery (CE=52.6%, 0.346 Wh/g CODrem) was achieved at 1.51 g COD/L-d. The results demonstrate that readily biodegradable substrates in biohydrogen fermentation can be effectively used for the enhanced bioelectricity harvesting of MFCs and a MFC coupled with biohydrogen fermentation is of great benefit on higher electricity generation and energy efficiency. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geometric and Radiometric Evaluation of Rasat Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cam, Ali; Topan, Hüseyin; Oruç, Murat; Özendi, Mustafa; Bayık, Çağlar

2016-06-01

RASAT, the second remote sensing satellite of Turkey, was designed and assembled, and also is being operated by TÜBİTAK Uzay (Space) Technologies Research Institute (Ankara). RASAT images in various levels are available free-of-charge via Gezgin portal for Turkish citizens. In this paper, the images in panchromatic (7.5 m GSD) and RGB (15 m GSD) bands in various levels were investigated with respect to its geometric and radiometric characteristics. The first geometric analysis is the estimation of the effective GSD as less than 1 pixel for radiometrically processed level (L1R) of both panchromatic and RGB images. Secondly, 2D georeferencing accuracy is estimated by various non-physical transformation models (similarity, 2D affine, polynomial, affine projection, projective, DLT and GCP based RFM) reaching sub-pixel accuracy using minimum 39 and maximum 52 GCPs. The radiometric characteristics are also investigated for 8 bits, estimating SNR between 21.8-42.2, and noise 0.0-3.5 for panchromatic and MS images for L1R when the sea is masked to obtain the results for land areas. The analysis show that RASAT images satisfies requirements for various applications. The research is carried out in Zonguldak test site which is mountainous and partly covered by dense forest and urban areas.

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of adhesive remnants and enamel loss resulting from debonding orthodontic molar tubes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Aims Presenting a new method for direct, quantitative analysis of enamel surface. Measurement of adhesive remnants and enamel loss resulting from debonding molar tubes. Material and methods Buccal surfaces of fifteen extracted human molars were directly scanned with an optic blue-light 3D scanner to the nearest 2 μm. After 20 s etching molar tubes were bonded and after 24 h storing in 0.9% saline - debonded. Then 3D scanning was repeated. Superimposition and comparison were proceeded and shape alterations of the entire objects were analyzed using specialized computer software. Residual adhesive heights as well as enamel loss depths have been obtained for the entire buccal surfaces. Residual adhesive volume and enamel loss volume have been calculated for every tooth. Results The maximum height of adhesive remaining on enamel surface was 0.76 mm and the volume on particular teeth ranged from 0.047 mm3 to 4.16 mm3. The median adhesive remnant volume was 0.988 mm3. Mean depths of enamel loss for particular teeth ranged from 0.0076 mm to 0.0416 mm. Highest maximum depth of enamel loss was 0.207 mm. Median volume of enamel loss was 0.104 mm3 and maximum volume was 1.484 mm3. Conclusions Blue-light 3D scanning is able to provide direct precise scans of the enamel surface, which can be superimposed in order to calculate shape alterations. Debonding molar tubes leaves a certain amount of adhesive remnants on the enamel, however the interface fracture pattern varies for particular teeth and areas of enamel loss are present as well. PMID:25208969

Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of adhesive remnants and enamel loss resulting from debonding orthodontic molar tubes.

PubMed

Janiszewska-Olszowska, Joanna; Tandecka, Katarzyna; Szatkiewicz, Tomasz; Sporniak-Tutak, Katarzyna; Grocholewicz, Katarzyna

2014-09-10

Presenting a new method for direct, quantitative analysis of enamel surface. Measurement of adhesive remnants and enamel loss resulting from debonding molar tubes. Buccal surfaces of fifteen extracted human molars were directly scanned with an optic blue-light 3D scanner to the nearest 2 μm. After 20 s etching molar tubes were bonded and after 24 h storing in 0.9% saline - debonded. Then 3D scanning was repeated. Superimposition and comparison were proceeded and shape alterations of the entire objects were analyzed using specialized computer software. Residual adhesive heights as well as enamel loss depths have been obtained for the entire buccal surfaces. Residual adhesive volume and enamel loss volume have been calculated for every tooth. The maximum height of adhesive remaining on enamel surface was 0.76 mm and the volume on particular teeth ranged from 0.047 mm3 to 4.16 mm3. The median adhesive remnant volume was 0.988 mm3. Mean depths of enamel loss for particular teeth ranged from 0.0076 mm to 0.0416 mm. Highest maximum depth of enamel loss was 0.207 mm. Median volume of enamel loss was 0.104 mm3 and maximum volume was 1.484 mm3. Blue-light 3D scanning is able to provide direct precise scans of the enamel surface, which can be superimposed in order to calculate shape alterations. Debonding molar tubes leaves a certain amount of adhesive remnants on the enamel, however the interface fracture pattern varies for particular teeth and areas of enamel loss are present as well.

Cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris in a pilot-scale photobioreactor using real centrate wastewater with waste glycerol for improving microalgae biomass production and wastewater nutrients removal.

PubMed

Ren, Hongyan; Tuo, Jinhua; Addy, Min M; Zhang, Renchuan; Lu, Qian; Anderson, Erik; Chen, Paul; Ruan, Roger

2017-12-01

To improve nutrients removal from real centrate wastewater and enhance the microalgae biomass production, cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris in lab and a pilot-scale photobioreactor with waste glycerol was studied. The results showed the optimal concentration of the crude glycerol was 1.0gL -1 with the maximum biomass productivity of 460mgL -1 d -1 TVS, the maximum lipid content of 27%, the nutrient removal efficiency of all above 86%, due to more balanced C/N ratio. The synergistic relationship between the wastewater-borne bacteria and the microalgae had significant good influence on nutrient removal. In pilot-scale wastewater-based algae cultivation, with 1gL -1 waste glycerol addition, the average biomass production of 16.7gm -2 d -1 , lipid content of 23.6%, and the removal of 2.4gm -2 d -1 NH 4 + -N, 2.7gm -2 d -1 total nitrogen, 3.0gm -2 d -1 total phosphorous, and 103.0gm -2 d -1 of COD were attained for 34days semi-continuous mode. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Maximum home blood pressure is a useful indicator of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: KAMOGAWA-HBP study.

PubMed

Oyabu, Chikako; Ushigome, Emi; Matsumoto, Shinobu; Tanaka, Toru; Hasegawa, Goji; Nakamura, Naoto; Ohnishi, Masayoshi; Tsunoda, Sei; Ushigome, Hidetaka; Yokota, Isao; Tanaka, Muhei; Asano, Mai; Yamazaki, Masahiro; Fukui, Michiaki

2017-11-01

Maximum home systolic blood pressure has been shown to predict target organ damage. We aimed to clarify the association between maximum home systolic blood pressure and urine albumin to creatinine ratio, an indicator of early-phase diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. In 1040 patients, we assessed the relationship of mean or maximum home systolic blood pressure and urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of mean or maximum home systolic blood pressure for diabetic nephropathy (urine albumin to creatinine ratio ⩾30 mg/g Cr). Multivariate linear regression analyses indicated that mean morning systolic blood pressure ( β = 0.010, p < 0.001) and maximum morning systolic blood pressure ( β = 0.008, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with urine albumin to creatinine ratio. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) for diabetic nephropathy in mean and maximum morning systolic blood pressure was 0.667 (0.634-0.700; p < 0.001) and 0.671 (0.638-0.703; p < 0.001), respectively. Maximum home systolic blood pressure, as well as mean home systolic blood pressure, was significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Fc-receptor induced cell spreading during frustrated phagocytosis in J774A.1 macrophages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovari, Daniel; Curtis, Jennifer; Wei, Wenbin

2014-03-01

Phagocytosis is the process where by cells engulf foreign particles. It is the primary mechanism through which macrophages and neutrophils (white blood cells) eliminate pathogens and debris from the body. The behavior is the result of a cascade of chemical and mechanical cues, which result in the actin-driven expansion of the cell's membrane around its target. For macrophages undergoing Fc-mediated phagocytosis, we show that above a minimum threshold the spreading rate and maximum cell-target contact area are independent of the target's opsonin density. Qualitatively, macrophage phagocytic spreading is similar to the spreading of other cell types (e.g. fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and Dict.d.). Early spreading is most likely the result of ``passive'' alignment of the cell to the target surface. This is followed by an active expansion period driven by actin. Finally upon reaching a maximum contact area, typically 2-3 times the size of ``non-activated'' cells, macrophages often undergo a period of rapid contraction not reported in other cell types. We hypothesize that this, as yet unexplained, transition may be specific to the chemical and mechanical machinery associated with phagocytosis. This work was funded by NSF grant PHYS 0848797 and NSF grant DMR 0820382.

Debris flow-induced topographic changes: effects of recurrent debris flow initiation.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Yuan; Wang, Qun

2017-08-12

Chushui Creek in Shengmu Village, Nantou County, Taiwan, was analyzed for recurrent debris flow using numerical modeling and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis. The two-dimensional water flood and mudflow simulation program FLO-2D were used to simulate debris flow induced by rainfall during typhoon Herb in 1996 and Mindulle in 2004. Changes in topographic characteristics after the debris flows were simulated for the initiation of hydrological characteristics, magnitude, and affected area. Changes in topographic characteristics included those in elevation, slope, aspect, stream power index (SPI), topographic wetness index (TWI), and hypsometric curve integral (HI), all of which were analyzed using GIS spatial analysis. The results show that the SPI and peak discharge in the basin increased after a recurrence of debris flow. The TWI was higher in 2003 than in 2004 and indicated higher potential of landslide initiation when the slope of the basin was steeper. The HI revealed that the basin was in its mature stage and was shifting toward the old stage. Numerical simulation demonstrated that the parameters' mean depth, maximum depth, affected area, mean flow rate, maximum flow rate, and peak flow discharge were increased after recurrent debris flow, and peak discharge occurred quickly.

Modeling of postural stability borders during heel-toe rocking.

PubMed

Murnaghan, Chantelle D; Elston, Beth; Mackey, Dawn C; Robinovitch, Stephen N

2009-08-01

To maintain balance during movements such as bending and reaching, the CNS must generate muscle forces to counteract destabilizing torques produced by gravitational (position-dependent) and inertial (acceleration-dependent) forces. This may create a trade-off between the attainable frequency and amplitude of movements. We used experiments and mathematical modeling to examine this relationship during the task of heel-toe rocking. During the experiments, participants (n=15) rocked about the ankles in the sagittal plane with maximum attainable amplitude at a frequency of 0.33 Hz or 0.66 Hz. As the frequency doubled, the maximum anterior position of the whole-body centre-of-gravity (COG) with respect to the ankle decreased by 11% of foot length (from 11.9 cm (S.D. 1.6) to 9.2 cm (S.D. 1.2); p<0.001), the minimum anterior position of the COG increased by 8% of foot length (from 1.6 cm to 3.5 cm in front on the ankle; p<0.0005), and the ankle stiffness increased from 787 Nm/rad (S.D. 156) to 1625 Nm/rad (S.D. 339). However, there was no difference between conditions in the maximum anterior position of the COP (p=0.51), the minimum anterior position of the COP (p=0.23), or the peak ankle torque (p=0.39). An inverted pendulum model driven by a rotational spring predicted the measured ankle stiffness to within 0.9% (S.D. 6.8), and the maximum anterior COG position to within 1.2% (S.D. 4.0). These results indicate that COG amplitude decreases with increasing rocking frequency, due to (a) invariability in peak ankle torque and (b) the need to allocate torque between gravitational and inertial components, the latter of which scales with the square of frequency.

Second-Generation System for Three-Dimensional Imaging Using a Single Laser Pulse

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-23

Welford and t. Winston , The Optics of Nonimaging Concentrators , Academic Press, New York, 1978. 14. N. F. Borelli, D. L. Morse, R. H. Bellman, and W. L...inserting such an optical concentrator , we can use a practical- 9ber layout for the converter with moderate ratio of fiber core to unit cell area and...ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)15 199t This paper describes the design of a second-generation version of an optical detector capable of producing a 3-D

40 CFR Table 2d to Subpart Zzzz of... - Requirements for Existing Stationary RICE Located at Area Sources of HAP Emissions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... RICE Located at Area Sources of HAP Emissions 2d Table 2d to Subpart ZZZZ of Part 63 Protection of... 2d Table 2d to Subpart ZZZZ of Part 63—Requirements for Existing Stationary RICE Located at Area... requirements for existing stationary RICE located at area sources of HAP emissions: For each . . . You must...

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

Loupot, S; Han, T; Salehpour, M

Purpose: To quantify the difference in dose to PTV-EVAL and OARs (skin and rib) as calculated by (TG43) and heterogeneous calculations (CCC). Methods: 25 patient plans (5 Contura and 20 SAVI) were selected for analysis. Clinical dose distributions were computed with a commercially available treatment planning algorithm (TG43-D-(w,w)) and then recomputed with a pre-clinical collapsed cone convolution algorithm (CCCD-( m,m)). PTV-EVAL coverage (V90%, V95%), and rib and skin maximum dose were compared via percent difference. Differences in dose to normal tissue (V150cc, V200cc of PTV-EVAL) were also compared. Changes in coverage and maximum dose to organs at risk are reportedmore » in percent change, (100*(TG43 − CCC) / TG43)), and changes in maximum dose to normal tissue are absolute change in cc (TG43 − CCC). Results: Mean differences in V90, V95, V150, and V200 for the SAVI cases were −0.2%, −0.4%, −0.03cc, and −0.14cc, respectively, with maximum differences of −0.78%, −1.7%, 1.28cc, and 1.01cc, respectively. Mean differences in the 0.1cc dose to the rib and skin were −1.4% and −0.22%, respectively, with maximum differences of −4.5% and 16%, respectively. Mean differences in V90, V95, V150, and V200 for the Contura cases were −1.2%, −2.1%, −1.8cc, and −0.59cc, respectively, with maximum differences of −2.0%, −3.16%, −2.9cc, and −0.76cc, respectively. Mean differences in the 0.1cc dose to the rib and skin were −2.6% and −3.9%, respectively, with maximum differences of −3.2% and −5.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The effects of translating clinical knowledge based on D-(w,w) to plans reported in D-(m,m) are minimal (2% or less) on average, but vary based on the type and placement of the device, source, and heterogeneity information.« less

Multiple shoot induction from axillary bud cultures of the medicinal orchid, Dendrobium longicornu

PubMed Central

Dohling, Stadwelson; Kumaria, Suman; Tandon, Pramod

2012-01-01

Background and aims Dendrobium longicornu, commonly known as the ‘Long-horned Dendrobium’, is an endangered and medicinally important epiphytic orchid. Over-exploitation and habitat destruction seriously threaten this orchid in Northeast India. Our objective was to develop an efficient protocol for the mass propagation of D. longicornu using axillary bud segments. Methodology and principal results Axillary buds cultured in Murashige and Skoog semi-solid medium supplemented with α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) readily developed into plantlets. These formed either directly from shoot buds or from intermediary protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). The maximum explant response (86.6 %) was obtained in medium supplemented with NAA at 30 µM, while the maximum number of shoots (4.42) and maximum bud-forming capacity (3.51) were observed in medium containing 15 µM BAP and 5 µM NAA in combination. Protocorm-like bodies were obtained when the medium contained 2,4-D. The maximum number of explants forming PLBs (41.48 %) was obtained in medium containing 15 µM BAP and 15 µM 2,4-D. Well-developed plantlets obtained after 20–25 weeks of culture were acclimatized and eventually transferred to the greenhouse. Over 60 % of these survived to form plants ∼3–4 cm tall after 90 days in glasshouse conditions using a substrate of crushed brick and charcoal, shredded bark and moss. Conclusions The method described can readily be used for the rapid and large-scale regeneration of D. longicornu. Its commercial adoption would reduce the collection of this medicinally important and increasingly rare orchid from the wild. PMID:23136638

Assessing the applicability of the 1D flux theory to full-scale secondary settling tank design with a 2D hydrodynamic model.

PubMed

Ekama, G A; Marais, P

2004-02-01

The applicability of the one-dimensional idealized flux theory (1DFT) for the design of secondary settling tanks (SSTs) is evaluated by comparing its predicted maximum surface overflow (SOR) and solids loading (SLR) rates with that calculated with the two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model SettlerCAD using as a basis 35 full-scale SST stress tests conducted on different SSTs with diameters from 30 to 45m and 2.25-4.1m side water depth (SWD), with and without Stamford baffles. From the simulations, a relatively consistent pattern appeared, i.e. that the 1DFT can be used for design but its predicted maximum SLR needs to be reduced by an appropriate flux rating, the magnitude of which depends mainly on SST depth and hydraulic loading rate (HLR). Simulations of the Watts et al. (Water Res. 30(9)(1996)2112) SST, with doubled SWDs and the Darvill new (4.1m) and old (2.5m) SSTs with interchanged depths, were run to confirm the sensitivity of the flux rating to depth and HLR. Simulations with and without a Stamford baffle were also performed. While the design of the internal features of the SST, such as baffling, has a marked influence on the effluent SS concentration while the SST is underloaded, these features appeared to have only a small influence on the flux rating, i.e. capacity, of the SST. Until more information is obtained, it would appear from the simulations that the flux rating of 0.80 of the 1DFT maximum SLR recommended by Ekama and Marais (Water Pollut. Control 85(1)(1986)101) remains a reasonable value to apply in the design of full-scale SSTs-for deep SSTs (4m SWD) the flux rating could be increased to 0.85 and for shallow SSTs (2.5m SWD) decreased to 0.75. It is recommended that (i) while the apparent interrelationship between SST flux rating and depth suggests some optimization of the volume of the SST, this be avoided and (ii) the depth of the SST be designed independently of the surface area as is usually the practice and once selected, the appropriate flux rating applied to the 1DFT estimate of the surface area.

Distribution, structure and function of Nordic eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecosystems: implications for coastal management and conservation.

PubMed

Boström, Christoffer; Baden, Susanne; Bockelmann, Anna-Christina; Dromph, Karsten; Fredriksen, Stein; Gustafsson, Camilla; Krause-Jensen, Dorte; Möller, Tiia; Nielsen, Søren Laurentius; Olesen, Birgit; Olsen, Jeanine; Pihl, Leif; Rinde, Eli

2014-06-01

This paper focuses on the marine foundation eelgrass species, Zostera marina , along a gradient from the northern Baltic Sea to the north-east Atlantic. This vast region supports a minimum of 1480 km 2 eelgrass (maximum >2100 km 2 ), which corresponds to more than four times the previously quantified area of eelgrass in Western Europe.Eelgrass meadows in the low salinity Baltic Sea support the highest diversity (4-6 spp.) of angiosperms overall, but eelgrass productivity is low (<2 g dw m -2 d -1 ) and meadows are isolated and genetically impoverished. Higher salinity areas support monospecific meadows, with higher productivity (3-10 g dw m -2 d -1 ) and greater genetic connectivity. The salinity gradient further imposes functional differences in biodiversity and food webs, in particular a decline in number, but increase in biomass of mesograzers in the Baltic.Significant declines in eelgrass depth limits and areal cover are documented, particularly in regions experiencing high human pressure. The failure of eelgrass to re-establish itself in affected areas, despite nutrient reductions and improved water quality, signals complex recovery trajectories and calls for much greater conservation effort to protect existing meadows.The knowledge base for Nordic eelgrass meadows is broad and sufficient to establish monitoring objectives across nine national borders. Nevertheless, ensuring awareness of their vulnerability remains challenging. Given the areal extent of Nordic eelgrass systems and the ecosystem services they provide, it is crucial to further develop incentives for protecting them. © 2014 The Authors. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metabolism and Residues of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in DAS-40278-9 Maize (Zea mays) Transformed with Aryloxyalkanoate Dioxygenase-1 Gene.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiao; Rotondaro, Sandra L; Ma, Mingming; Rosser, Steve W; Olberding, Ed L; Wendelburg, Brian M; Adelfinskaya, Yelena A; Balcer, Jesse L; Blewett, T Craig; Clements, Bruce

2016-10-12

DAS-40278-9 maize, which is developed by Dow AgroSciences, has been genetically modified to express the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase-1 (AAD-1) protein and is tolerant to phenoxy auxin herbicides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). To understand the metabolic route and residue distribution of 2,4-D in DAS-40278-9 maize, a metabolism study was conducted with 14 C-radiolabeled 2,4-D applied at the maximum seasonal rate. Plants were grown in boxes outdoors. Forage and mature grain, cobs, and stover were collected for analysis. The metabolism study showed that 2,4-D was metabolized to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), which was then rapidly conjugated with glucose. Field-scale residue studies with 2,4-D applied at the maximum seasonal rate were conducted at 25 sites in the U.S. and Canada to measure the residues of 2,4-D and free and conjugated 2,4-DCP in mature forage, grain, and stover. Residues of 2,4-D were not detectable in the majority of the grain samples and averaged <1.0 and <1.5 μg/g in forage and stover, respectively. Free plus conjugated 2,4-DCP was not observed in grain and averaged <1.0 μg/g in forage and stover.

Enhanced Absorption in 2D Materials Via Fano- Resonant Photonic Crystals

DOE PAGES

Wang, Wenyi; Klotz, Andrey; Yang, Yuanmu; ...

2015-05-01

The use of two-dimensional (2D) materials in optoelectronics has attracted much attention due to their fascinating optical and electrical properties. For instance, graphenebased devices have been employed for applications such as ultrafast and broadband photodetectors and modulators while transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) based photodetectors can be used for ultrasensitive photodetection. However, the low optical absorption of 2D materials arising from their atomic thickness limits the maximum attainable external quantum efficiency. For example, in the visible and NIR regimes monolayer MoS 2 and graphene absorb only ~10% and 2.3% of incoming light, respectively. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the use of Fano-resonantmore » photonic crystals to significantly boost absorption in atomically thin materials. Using graphene as a test bed, we demonstrate that absorption in the monolayer thick material can be enhanced to 77% within the telecommunications band, the highest value reported to date. We also show that the absorption in the Fano-resonant structure is non-local, with light propagating up to 16 μm within the structure. This property is particularly beneficial in harvesting light from large areas in field-effect-transistor based graphene photodetectors in which separation of photo-generated carriers only occurs ~0.2 μm adjacent to the graphene/electrode interface.« less

CT-based manual segmentation and evaluation of paranasal sinuses.

PubMed

Pirner, S; Tingelhoff, K; Wagner, I; Westphal, R; Rilk, M; Wahl, F M; Bootz, F; Eichhorn, Klaus W G

2009-04-01

Manual segmentation of computed tomography (CT) datasets was performed for robot-assisted endoscope movement during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Segmented 3D models are needed for the robots' workspace definition. A total of 50 preselected CT datasets were each segmented in 150-200 coronal slices with 24 landmarks being set. Three different colors for segmentation represent diverse risk areas. Extension and volumetric measurements were performed. Three-dimensional reconstruction was generated after segmentation. Manual segmentation took 8-10 h for each CT dataset. The mean volumes were: right maxillary sinus 17.4 cm(3), left side 17.9 cm(3), right frontal sinus 4.2 cm(3), left side 4.0 cm(3), total frontal sinuses 7.9 cm(3), sphenoid sinus right side 5.3 cm(3), left side 5.5 cm(3), total sphenoid sinus volume 11.2 cm(3). Our manually segmented 3D-models present the patient's individual anatomy with a special focus on structures in danger according to the diverse colored risk areas. For safe robot assistance, the high-accuracy models represent an average of the population for anatomical variations, extension and volumetric measurements. They can be used as a database for automatic model-based segmentation. None of the segmentation methods so far described provide risk segmentation. The robot's maximum distance to the segmented border can be adjusted according to the differently colored areas.

[Applications of 2D and 3D landscape pattern indices in landscape pattern analysis of mountainous area at county level].

PubMed

Lu, Chao; Qi, Wei; Li, Le; Sun, Yao; Qin, Tian-Tian; Wang, Na-Na

2012-05-01

Landscape pattern indices are the commonly used tools for the quantitative analysis of landscape pattern. However, the traditional 2D landscape pattern indices neglect the effects of terrain on landscape, existing definite limitations in quantitatively describing the landscape patterns in mountains areas. Taking the Qixia City, a typical mountainous and hilly region in Shandong Province of East China, as a case, this paper compared the differences between 2D and 3D landscape pattern indices in quantitatively describing the landscape patterns and their dynamic changes in mountainous areas. On the basis of terrain structure analysis, a set of landscape pattern indices were selected, including area and density (class area and mean patch size), edge and shape (edge density, landscape shape index, and fractal dimension of mean patch), diversity (Shannon's diversity index and evenness index) , and gathering and spread (contagion index). There existed obvious differences between the 3D class area, mean patch area, and edge density and the corresponding 2D indices, but no significant differences between the 3D landscape shape index, fractal dimension of mean patch, and Shannon' s diversity index and evenness index and the corresponding 2D indices. The 3D contagion index and 2D contagion index had no difference. Because the 3D landscape pattern indices were calculated by using patch surface area and surface perimeter whereas the 2D landscape pattern indices were calculated by adopting patch projective area and projective perimeter, the 3D landscape pattern indices could be relative accurate and efficient in describing the landscape area, density and borderline, in mountainous areas. However, there were no distinct differences in describing landscape shape, diversity, and gathering and spread between the 3D and 2D landscape pattern indices. Generally, by introducing 3D landscape pattern indices to topographic pattern, the description of landscape pattern and its dynamic change would be relatively accurate.

EPA Office of Water (OW): 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters NHDPlus Indexed Dataset

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters program system provides impaired water data and impaired water features reflecting river segments, lakes, and estuaries designated under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Each State will establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waters. Note the CWA Section 303(d) list of impaired waters does not represent waters that are impaired but have an EPA-approved TMDL established, impaired waters for which other pollution control mechanisms are in place and expected to attain water quality standards, or waters impaired as a result of pollution and is not caused by a pollutant. Therefore, the Impaired Waters layers do not represent all impaired waters reported in a state's Integrated Report, but only the waters comprised of a state's approved 303(d) list. For more information regarding impaired waters refer to EPA's Integrated Reporting Guidance at: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm. 303(d) waterbodies are coded onto NHDPlus v2.1 flowline and waterbody features to create line, area, and point events. In addition to NHDPlus reach indexed data there may also be custom event data (point, line, or polygon) that are not associated with NHDPlus and are in an EPA standard format that is compatible with EPA's Reach Address Database. These custom features are used to represent locations of 303(d) waterbodies that are not represented well in NHDPlus.R2GIS selected out the Region 2 extent plus a one

EPA Office of Water (OW): 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters NHDPlus Indexed Dataset

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters program system provides impaired water data and impaired water features reflecting river segments, lakes, and estuaries designated under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Each State will establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waters. Note the CWA Section 303(d) list of impaired waters does not represent waters that are impaired but have an EPA-approved TMDL established, impaired waters for which other pollution control mechanisms are in place and expected to attain water quality standards, or waters impaired as a result of pollution and is not caused by a pollutant. Therefore, the Impaired Waters layers do not represent all impaired waters reported in a state's Integrated Report, but only the waters comprised of a state's approved 303(d) list. For more information regarding impaired waters refer to EPA's Integrated Reporting Guidance at: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm. 303(d) waterbodies are coded onto NHDPlus v2.1 flowline and waterbody features to create line, area, and point events. In addition to NHDPlus reach indexed data there may also be custom event data (point, line, or polygon) that are not associated with NHDPlus and are in an EPA standard format that is compatible with EPA's Reach Address Database. These custom features are used to represent locations of 303(d) waterbodies that are not represented well in NHDPlus. R2GIS selected out the Region 2 extent plus a one

Cefixime allows greater dose escalation of oral irinotecan: a phase I study in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors.

PubMed

Furman, Wayne L; Crews, Kristine R; Billups, Catherine; Wu, Jianrong; Gajjar, Amar J; Daw, Najat C; Patrick, Christian C; Rodriguez-Galindo, Carlos; Stewart, Clinton F; Dome, Jeffrey S; Panetta, John C; Houghton, Peter J; Santana, Victor M

2006-02-01

Irinotecan is active against a variety of malignancies; however, severe diarrhea limits its usefulness. In our phase I study, the intravenous formulation of irinotecan was administered orally daily for 5 days for 2 consecutive weeks (repeated every 21 days) to children with refractory solid tumors. Our objectives were to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of oral irinotecan and to evaluate whether coadministration of cefixime (8 mg/kg/d beginning 5 days before irinotecan and continuing throughout the course) ameliorates irinotecan-induced diarrhea. In separate cohorts, irinotecan doses were escalated from 15 to 45 mg/m2/d without cefixime and then from 45 to 60 and 75 mg/m2/d with cefixime. Without cefixime, diarrhea was dose limiting at irinotecan 45 mg/m2/d. Myelotoxicity was not significant at any dose. The MTD was 40 mg/m2/d without cefixime but 60 mg/m2/d with cefixime. Systemic exposure to SN-38 at the MTD was significantly higher with cefixime than without cefixime (mean SN-38 area under the curve: 19.5 ng x h/mL; standard deviation [SD], 6.8 ng x h/mL v 10.4 ng x h/mL; SD, 4.3 ng x h/mL, respectively; P = .030). Cefixime administered with oral irinotecan is well tolerated in children and allows greater dose escalation of irinotecan. Because diarrhea is a major adverse effect of both intravenous and oral irinotecan, further evaluation of the use of cefixime to ameliorate this adverse effect is warranted.

DSD Characteristics of a Mid-Winter Tornadic Storm Using C-Band Polarimetric Radar and Two 2D-Video Disdrometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thurai, M.; Petersen, W. A.; Carey, L. A.

2010-01-01

Drop size distributions in an evolving tornadic storm are examined using C-band polarimetric radar observations and two 2D-video disdrometers. The E-F2 storm occurred in mid-winter (21 January 2010) in northern Alabama, USA, and caused widespread damage. The evolution of the storm occurred within the C-band radar coverage and moreover, several minutes prior to touch down, the storm passed over a site where several disdrometers including two 2D video disdrometers (2DVD) had been installed. One of the 2DVDs is a low profile unit and the other is a new next generation compact unit currently undergoing performance evaluation. Analyses of the radar data indicate that the main region of precipitation should be treated as a "big-drop" regime case. Even the measured differential reflectivity values (i.e. without attenuation correction) were as high as 6-7 dB within regions of high reflectivity. Standard attenuation-correction methods using differential propagation phase have been "fine tuned" to be applicable to the "big drop" regime. The corrected reflectivity and differential reflectivity data are combined with the co-polar correlation coefficient and specific differential phase to determine the mass-weighted mean diameter, Dm, and the width of the mass spectrum, (sigma)M, as well as the intercept parameter , Nw. Significant areas of high Dm (3-4 mm) were retrieved within the main precipitation areas of the tornadic storm. The "big drop" regime assumption is substantiated by the two sets of 2DVD measurements. The Dm values calculated from 1-minute drop size distributions reached nearly 4 mm, whilst the maximum drop diameters were over 6 mm. The fall velocity measurements from the 2DVD indicate almost all hydrometeors to be fully melted at ground level. Drop shapes for this event are also being investigated from the 2DVD camera data.

A randomized crossover study to assess the pharmacokinetics of a novel amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablet in healthy adults.

PubMed

Stark, Jeffrey G; Engelking, Dorothy; McMahen, Russ; Sikes, Carolyn

2016-09-01

In this pharmacokinetic (PK) study in healthy adults, we sought to: (1) compare the PK properties of a novel amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablet formulation (Adzenys XR-ODT™ [AMP XR-ODT]) to a reference extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (MAS ER) formulation and (2) assess the effect of food on AMP XR-ODT. Forty-two adults were enrolled in a single-dose, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment, randomized crossover study and received an 18.8-mg dose of AMP XR-ODT (fasted or fed) or equivalent dose (30 mg) of MAS ER (fasted). Plasma samples were analyzed for d-and l-amphetamine. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), elimination half-life (T1/2), area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to last quantifiable concentration (AUClast), from time zero to infinity (AUCinf), relevant partial AUCs, and weight-normalized clearance (CL/F/kg) were assessed. The PK parameters were compared across treatments using an ANOVA. Safety was also assessed. A total of 39 adults completed this study. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) for AMP XR-ODT/MAS ER Cmax, AUC5-last, AUClast, and AUCinf were within 80%-125% for both d-and l-amphetamine. The 90% CIs for AUC0-5 were slightly below the 80%-125% range. When AMP XR-ODT was administered with food, there was a slight decrease in the d-and l-amphetamine Cmax and approximately a 2-hour delay in Tmax. The most common adverse events reported (>5% of participants) were dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and nasal congestion. AMP XR-ODT displayed a PK profile similar to MAS ER, and no clinically relevant food effect was observed.

Performance Analysis of IEEE 802.11g TCM Waveforms Transmitted over a Channel with Pulse-Noise Interference

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

17 Table 2. Best (maximum free distance) rate r=2/3 punctured convolutional code ...Hamming distance between all pairs of non-zero paths. Table 2 lists the best rate r=2/3, punctured convolutional code information weight structure dB...Table 2. Best (maximum free distance) rate r=2/3 punctured convolutional code information weight structure. (From: [12]). K freed freeB

[Left ventricular volume determination by first-pass radionuclide angiocardiography using a semi-geometric count-based method].

PubMed

Kinoshita, S; Suzuki, T; Yamashita, S; Muramatsu, T; Ide, M; Dohi, Y; Nishimura, K; Miyamae, T; Yamamoto, I

1992-01-01

A new radionuclide technique for the calculation of left ventricular (LV) volume by the first-pass (FP) method was developed and examined. Using a semi-geometric count-based method, the LV volume can be measured by the following equation: CV = CM/(L/d). V = (CT/CV) x d3 = (CT/CM) x L x d2. (V = LV volume, CV = voxel count, CM = the maximum LV count, CT = the total LV count, L = LV depth where the maximum count was obtained, and d = pixel size.) This theorem was applied to FP LV images obtained in the 30-degree right anterior oblique position. Frame-mode acquisition was performed and the LV end-diastolic maximum count and total count were obtained. The maximum LV depth was obtained as the maximum width of the LV on the FP end-diastolic image, using the assumption that the LV cross-section is circular. These values were substituted in the above equation and the LV end-diastolic volume (FP-EDV) was calculated. A routine equilibrium (EQ) study was done, and the end-diastolic maximum count and total count were obtained. The LV maximum depth was measured on the FP end-diastolic frame, as the maximum length of the LV image. Using these values, the EQ-EDV was calculated and the FP-EDV was compared to the EQ-EDV. The correlation coefficient for these two values was r = 0.96 (n = 23, p less than 0.001), and the standard error of the estimated volume was 10 ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of Menstrual Phase-Dependent Resistance Training Frequency on Muscular Hypertrophy and Strength.

PubMed

Sakamaki-Sunaga, Mikako; Min, Seokki; Kamemoto, Kayoko; Okamoto, Takanobu

2016-06-01

The present study investigated how different training frequencies during menstrual phases affect muscle hypertrophy and strength. Fourteen eumenorrheic women performed 3 sets of arm curls (8-15 repetitions) until failure for 12 weeks. Depending on the menstrual cycle phase, each subject trained each arm separately after either a 3- or a 1-d·wk training protocol during the follicular phase (FP-T) and a 3- or 1-d·wk training protocol during the luteal phase (LP-T). Cross-sectional area (CSA), 1 repetition maximum, and maximum voluntary contraction significantly increased 6.2 ± 4.4, 36.4 ± 11.9, and 16.7 ± 5.6%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05 vs. before training), in the FP-T group and 7.8 ± 4.2, 31.8 ± 14.1, and 14.9 ± 12.7%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05 vs. before training), in the LP-T group. Changes in CSA between the FP-T and the LP-T groups significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.54, p ≤ 0.05). There were no major differences among the different training protocols with regard to muscle hypertrophy and strength. Therefore, we suggest that variations in female hormones induced by the menstrual cycle phases do not significantly contribute to muscle hypertrophy and strength gains during 12 weeks of resistance training.

Transient transcription of the somatostatin gene at the time of estrogen-dependent organization of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the rat preoptic area.

PubMed

Orikasa, Chitose; Kondo, Yasuhiko; Sakuma, Yasuo

2007-03-01

In situ hybridization detected a transient, sex-specific transcription of somatostatin gene in the central part of the rat medial preoptic nucleus, which coincides with the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA), during, but not after, the establishment of sex difference. On postnatal d 1 (day of birth), somatostatin mRNA was detected in the SDN-POA of both sexes. On d 8 through 35, the area of somatostatin mRNA-positive cells was significantly larger in males than in females. In males the area attained its maximum size on d 15 and diminished gradually thereafter. In females the area did not change in size during this period. On d 60 expression of somatostatin mRNA was low and not different between sexes. Throughout the observed period, Nissl staining and calbindin immunohistochemistry enabled visualization of the typical SDN-POA in the same region. As with Nissl staining and calbindin immunohistochemistry, somatostatin mRNA hybridization on d 15 revealed a reversal of the sexual dimorphism in the size of the SDN-POA in males that had been neonatally orchidectomized or females given estrogen as pups, showing that sex steroid milieu during the organizational period determines the area occupied by somatostatin mRNA-positive cells. Sex-specific, transient transcription of the somatostatin gene may causally relate to the estrogen-dependent organization of the SDN-POA.

Some effects of wing and body geometry on the aerodynamic characteristics of configurations designed for high supersonic Mach numbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spearman, M. L.; Tice, David C.; Braswell, Dorothy O.

1992-01-01

Experimental and theoretical results are presented for a family of aerodynamic configurations for flight Mach numbers as high as Mach 8. All of these generic configurations involved 70-deg sweep delta planform wings of three different areas and three fuselage shapes with circular-to-elliptical cross sections. It is noted that fuselage ellipticity enhances lift-curve slope and maximum L/D, while decreasing static longitudinal stability (especially with smaller wing areas).

Maximum Diameter Measurements of Aortic Aneurysms on Axial CT Images After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Sufficient for Follow-up?

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

Baumueller, Stephan, E-mail: Stephan.Baumueller@usz.ch; Nguyen, Thi Dan Linh, E-mail: ThiDanLinh.Nguyen@usz.ch; Goetti, Robert Paul, E-mail: RobertPaul.Goetti@usz.ch

2011-12-15

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of maximum diameter measurements of aortic aneurysms after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on axial computed tomographic (CT) images in comparison to maximum diameter measurements perpendicular to the intravascular centerline for follow-up by using three-dimensional (3D) volume measurements as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine consecutive patients (73 {+-} 7.5 years, range 51-88 years), who underwent EVAR of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm were retrospectively included. Two blinded readers twice independently measured the maximum aneurysm diameter on axial CT images performed at discharge, and at 1 and 2 years after intervention. The maximum diameter perpendicular tomore » the centerline was automatically measured. Volumes of the aortic aneurysms were calculated by dedicated semiautomated 3D segmentation software (3surgery, 3mensio, the Netherlands). Changes in diameter of 0.5 cm and in volume of 10% were considered clinically significant. Intra- and interobserver agreements were calculated by intraclass correlations (ICC) in a random effects analysis of variance. The two unidimensional measurement methods were correlated to the reference standard. Results: Intra- and interobserver agreements for maximum aneurysm diameter measurements were excellent (ICC = 0.98 and ICC = 0.96, respectively). There was an excellent correlation between maximum aneurysm diameters measured on axial CT images and 3D volume measurements (r = 0.93, P < 0.001) as well as between maximum diameter measurements perpendicular to the centerline and 3D volume measurements (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Measurements of maximum aneurysm diameters on axial CT images are an accurate, reliable, and robust method for follow-up after EVAR and can be used in daily routine.« less

Implications of free breathing motion assessed by 4D-computed tomography on the delivered dose in radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

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

Duma, Marciana Nona, E-mail: Marciana.Duma@mri.tum.de; Berndt, Johannes; Rondak, Ina-Christine

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of breathing motion on the delivered dose in esophageal cancer 3-dimensional (3D)-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). We assessed 16 patients with esophageal cancer. All patients underwent 4D-computed tomography (4D-CT) for treatment planning. For each of the analyzed patients, 1 3D-CRT, 1 IMRT, and 1 VMAT (RapidArc—RA) plan were calculated. Each of the 3 initial plans was recalculated on the 4D-CT (for the maximum free inspiration and maximum free expiration) to assess the effect of breathing motion. We assessed the minimum dose (D{sub min})more » and mean dose (D{sub mean}) to the esophagus within the planning target volume, the volume changes of the lungs, the D{sub mean} and the total lung volume receiving at least 40 Gy (V{sub 40}), and the V{sub 30}, V{sub 20}, V{sub 10}, and V{sub 5}. For the heart we assessed the D{sub mean} and the V{sub 25}. Over all techniques and all patients the change in D{sub mean} as compared with the planned D{sub mean} (planning CT [PCT]) to the esophagus was 0.48% in maximum free inspiration (CT-insp) and 0.55% in maximum free expiration (CT-exp). The D{sub min} CT-insp change was 0.86% and CT-exp change was 0.89%. The D{sub mean} change of the lungs (heart) was in CT-insp 1.95% (2.89%) and 3.88% (2.38%) in CT-exp. In all, 4 patients had a clinically relevant change of the dose (≥ 5% D{sub mean} to the heart and the lungs) between inspiration and expiration. These patients had a very cranially or caudally situated tumor. There are no relevant differences in the delivered dose to the regions of interest among the 3 techniques. Breathing motion management could be considered to achieve a better sparing of the lungs or heart in patients with cranially or caudally situated tumors.« less

Population structure and residency patterns of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, at a provisioning site in Cebu, Philippines.

PubMed

Araujo, Gonzalo; Lucey, Anna; Labaja, Jessica; So, Catherine Lee; Snow, Sally; Ponzo, Alessandro

2014-01-01

This study represents the first description of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, occurring at a provisioning site in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. Frequent observations of sharks are often difficult, even at tourism sites, giving rise to provisioning activities to attract them. The present study provides repeated longitudinal data at a site where daily provisioning activities took place, and whale sharks were present every day. A total of 158 individual whale sharks were photographically identified between Mar 2012 and Dec 2013, with 129 males (82%), 19 females (12%) and 10 (6%) of undetermined sex. Mean estimated total length was 5.5 m (±1.3 m S.D.). Twenty individuals were measured with laser photogrammetry to validate researchers' estimated sizes, yielding a good correlation (r (2) = 0.83). Fifty-four (34%) individuals were observed being hand-fed by local fishermen (provisioned), through in-water behavioural observations. Maximum likelihood methods were used to model mean residency time of 44.9 days (±20.6 days S.E.) for provisioned R. typus contrasting with 22.4 days (±8.9 days S.E.) for non-provisioned individuals. Propeller scars were observed in 47% of the animals. A mean of 12.7 (±4.3 S.D.) R. typus were present in the survey area daily, with a maximum of 26 individuals (Aug 10 2013) and a minimum of 2 (Dec 6 2012). Twelve (8%) individuals were seen on at least 50% of survey days (n = 621), with a maximum residency of 572 days for one individual (P-396). Twenty four individuals were photographically identified across regional hotsposts, highlighting the species' migratory nature and distribution. Extended residency and differences in lagged identification rates suggest behavioural modification on provisioned individuals, underlying the necessity for proper management of this tourism activity.

Linkage to 10q22 for maximum intraocular pressure and 1p32 for maximum cup-to-disc ratio in an extended primary open-angle glaucoma pedigree.

PubMed

Charlesworth, Jac C; Dyer, Thomas D; Stankovich, Jim M; Blangero, John; Mackey, David A; Craig, Jamie E; Green, Catherine M; Foote, Simon J; Baird, Paul N; Sale, Michèle M

2005-10-01

The purpose of this study was to identify genetic contributions to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) through investigations of two quantitative components of the POAG phenotype. Genome-wide multipoint variance-components linkage analyses of maximum recorded intraocular pressure (IOP) and maximum vertical cup-to-disc ratio were conducted on data from a single, large Australian POAG pedigree that has been found to segregate the myocilin Q368X mutation in some individuals. Multipoint linkage analysis of maximum recorded IOP produced a peak LOD score of 3.3 (P = 0.00015) near marker D10S537 on 10q22, whereas the maximum cup-to-disc ratio produced a peak LOD score of 2.3 (P = 0.00056) near markers D1S197 to D1S220 on 1p32. Inclusion of the myocilin Q368X mutation as a covariate provided evidence of an interaction between this mutation and the IOP and cup-to-disc ratio loci. Significant linkage has been identified for maximum IOP and suggestive linkage for vertical cup-to-disc ratio. Identification of genes contributing to the variance of these traits will enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of POAG as a whole.

Persistence and distribution of 4-nonylphenol following repeated application to littoral enclosures

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

Heinis, L.J.; Liber, K.; Tunell, R.L.

1999-03-01

The persistence and distribution of 4-nonylphenol (NP) were monitored for 440 d, following application to 18 littoral enclosures situated in a 2-ha mesotrophic pond near Duluth, Minnesota. Application was accomplished by subsurface, gravity-fed injection over a 20-d period, with a 2-d frequency, to achieve nominal aqueous concentrations of 0, 3, 30, 100, and 300 {micro}g/L. Mean maximum concentrations in the water over the 20-d application period ranged from 75.7 to 81.0% of nominal for the three highest treatment levels and was 181% of nominal at the lowest treatment level. Water was the major compartment, on a mass balance basis, formore » NP until 2 to 4 d after the application period, with a mean time to 50% dissipation (DT50) of 0.74 d and a mean time to 95% dissipation (DT95) of 13.8 d. 4-Nonylphenol partitioned to enclosure wall material, macrophytes, and sediment within 2 d of initial application. Macrophytes accumulated maximum NP concentrations of 11.5 and 139 mg/kg 1 to 2 d after the application period at the 30- and 300-{micro}g/L treatment levels, respectively. Mean DT50 and DT95 estimates of NP persistence in/on the macrophytes were 10.3 and 189 d, respectively. Sediment from the 30- and 300-{micro}g/L treatments accumulated maximum dry weight NP concentrations of 2.74 and 27.4 mg/kg, respectively within 20 to 48 d of the first application. The mean sediment porewater NP concentration was 18.6 {micro}g/L for the period 2 to 34 d after application 1 at the 300-{micro}g/L treatment. The sediment was the primary sink for NP 440 d after the initial application with a concentration of 1.97 mg/kg at the 300-{micro}g/L treatment. Mean sediment DT50 and DT95 values were 66.0 and 401 d, respectively, indicating a long-term persistence of NP. Ecocores collected 1 d after the final NP application did not show significant decreases in sediment NP concentration during a 55-d incubation period, corroborating the NP persistence observed in the littoral enclosures.« less

Kinetic measurement of 2-aminopurine X cytosine and 2-aminopurine X thymine base pairs as a test of DNA polymerase fidelity mechanisms.

PubMed Central

Watanabe, S M; Goodman, M F

1982-01-01

Enzyme kinetic measurements are presented showing that Km rather than maximum velocity (Vmax) discrimination governs the frequency of forming 2-aminopurine X cytosine base mispairs by DNA polymerase alpha. An in vitro system is used in which incorporation of dTMP or dCMP occurs opposite a template 2-aminopurine, and values for Km and Vmax are obtained. Results from a previous study in which dTTP and dCTP were competing simultaneously for insertion opposite 2-aminopurine indicated that dTMP is inserted 22 times more frequently than dCMP. We now report that the ratio of Km values KCm/KTm = 25 +/- 6, which agrees quantitatively with the dTMP/dCMP incorporation ratio obtained previously. We also report that VCmax is indistinguishable from VTmax. These Km and Vmax data are consistent with predictions from a model, the Km discrimination model, in which replication fidelity is determined by free energy differences between matched and mismatched base pairs. Central to this model is the prediction that the ratio of Km values for insertion of correct and incorrect nucleotides specifies the insertion fidelity, and the maximum velocities of insertion are the same for both nucleotides. PMID:6959128

Spatial and temporal variations of the length of the ice-free season in the Arctic in the 1979-2008 period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, J.

2009-04-01

We use the length of the ice-free season (LIFS) and a quantity designated by inverse sea ice index (ISII) to quantify the rapid decline of the Arctic sea ice that has been observed in the past decades. The LIFS and ISII in each point for each year between 1979 and 2008 are derived from the daily sea ice concentrations C(y,d;i) for cell i on day (y,d) = (year,day) which, in turn, are obtained from satellite passive microwave imagery. We define the LIFS L(y;i) at a certain point i in year y as the number of days between the clearance of the ice and the formation (more exactly, the appearance) of the ice in that point in that year. If the number of clearances and formations is larger than one the LIFS is defined as the sum of the lengths of all periods between an ice clearance and the following ice formation. The criteria to identify dates of ice clearance and ice formation are as follows. We assume that there is clearance on day d if the ice concentration is 0.15 or higher on days d - 4,d - 3,d - 2 and d - 1 and below 0.15 on days d,d + 1,d + 2,d + 3 and d + 4. We consider that there is formation on day d if the ice concentration is below 0.15 on days d - 4,d - 3,d - 2 and d - 1 and 0.15 or higher on days d,d + 1,d + 2,d + 3 and d + 4. The ISII S(y;i) for point i in year y is given by S(y;i) = 1 - ‘ d=1NC(y,d;i) N , where N is the number of days in the year. This quantity, which varies between zero (when there is a perennial ice cover) and one (when there is open water all year round), measures the absence of sea ice throughout the year, hence the name inverse sea ice index. We argue that these variables are at least as suitable for the purpose of describing the depletion of sea ice in the Arctic as those that are more often found in the literature, namely the sea ice area and extent at the times of annual minimum. Firstly, the sea ice extent and area are global variables while the length of the ice-free season is a local one, and thus more appropriated to study locally the variation of the ice cover in small regions such as narrow straits (which occupy one or only a few pixels in the usual 12.5 or 25km grids). Secondly, while the ice extent or area must be calculated, say, for each month of the year (for instance by averaging the daily ice extents or areas over one month), the LIFS and ISII have one single value for each year for each point, thus being more representative of the ice situation in a certain year than the usually quoted summer minimum or winter maximum. Finally, minimum and maximum values can be strongly affected by specific circumstances occurring in a comparatively short time interval. It was noticed, for instance, that in the summer of 2007 there were unusually clear skies over the Arctic Ocean which would have favoured a rapid melting, and a particular wind pattern which would have led to a strong advection of the ice out of the Arctic Ocean through Fram Strait (special conditions that may partly explain the extraordinary depletion of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean in the summer of 2007). We construct a time-series of the LIFS for the 1979-2008 period for each point of the Arctic where sea ice was found at least one day in this period. We describe in detail the melting seasons of 2007 (the longest on record) and 2008, and analyse the changes that took place in the last 30 years in 85 disjoint regions of the Arctic Ocean and peripheral seas. We found that between 1979 and 2006 the spatially averaged ice-free season in the Arctic increased at an approximately steady rate of 1.1 days/year and that the growth was considerably faster (5.5 days/year), and monotonic, in the 2001-2007 period. In 2007 the average LIFS in the Arctic was 168 days, dropping to 158 days in 2008, which makes it the fourth longer since systematic satellite monitoring of the Arctic began.

Prevention of Bridge Scour with Non-uniform Circular Piers Plane under Steady Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsing-Ting; Wang, Chuan-Yi

2017-04-01

River bed scour and deposit variation extremely severe because of most of rivers are steep and rapid flows, and river discharge extremely unstable and highly unsteady during different seasons in Taiwan. In addition to the obstruction of piers foundation, it causes local scour and threatens the safety of bridges. In the past, riprap, wire gabion or wrap pier works were adopted as the protections of piers foundation, but there were no effectual outcomes. The events of break off piers still happen sometimes. For example, typhoon Kalmaegi (2008) and Morakot (2009) caused heavy damages on Ho-Fon bridge in the Da-jia river and Shuang-Yuan bridge in the Kao-Ping river, respectively. Accordingly, to understand the piers scour system and propose an appropriate protection of piers foundation becomes an important topic for this study currently. This research improves the protection works of the existing uniform bridge pier (diameter D) to ensure the safety of the bridge. The non-uniform plane of circular piers (diameter D*) are placed on the top of a bridge pier foundation to reduce the down flow impacting energy and scour by its' surface roughness characteristics. This study utilize hydraulic models to simulate local scour depth and scour depth change with time for non-uniform pier diameter ratio D/D* of 0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,0.7 and 0.8, and different type pier and initial bed level (Y) relative under the foundation top elevation under steady flows of V/Vc=0.95,0.80 and 0.65. The research results show that the scour depth increases with an increase of flow intensity (V/Vc) under different types of steady flow hydrographs. The scour depth decreases with increase of initial bed level (Y=+0.2D*,0D*and -0.2D*) relative under the foundation top elevation of the different type pier. The maximum scour depth occurred in the front of the pier for all conditions. Because of the scouring retardation by the non-uniform plane of foundation, the scour depth is reduced for the un-exposed bridge foundation (Y=+0.2D*) under any steady flows. Opposite results are found for the exposed (Y=-0.2D*) bridge foundation. For the condition non-uniform pier diameter ratio (D/D*=0.3 0.8) scours, when D/D* is equal to 0.4, because pier oncoming flow area is the smallest one so that down flow intensity is less; as non-uniform area is bigger and decrease more down flow energy so that bring smaller scour depth and effect area. Therefore, local scour depth for pier diameter ratio of 0.4 is less than other type of pier. Considering the safety of bridge structure, a non-uniform circular pier with D/D* which equals to 0.4 and initial bed level relative to Y=+0.2D* is the most ideal pier allocations.

SU-E-T-505: Inter-Comparison of Clinical Plans Created On Truebeam with Trilogy and Clinac

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

Sharma, M; Wu, Y; Kim, S

2015-06-15

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the dosimetric differences in clinical treatment plans when machine parameters are switched from Varian Truebeam to older Varian models and vice-versa. This is used to determine the clinically-safe limits to directly transfer patients from Truebeam to Trilogy or Clinac. Methods Thirty-two patients with cancer of different treatment sites such as lung, head-and-neck, prostate and breast were studied. The clinically approved IMRT, VMAT or 3D conformal treatment plans were delivered either on Truebeam or Clinac/Trilogy. Keeping the monitor units, fraction size and other machine parameters the same, the plans were recomputed onmore » a different Varian linear accelerator (e.g., Truebeam plans were recomputed on Trilogy and vice-versa). The plans comparison was done using the target D98 and normal organ D2, D10, D20, D30, D50 and D70 dose metrics. Results The perfraction dose-difference in the PTV-D98 for all 32 patients varied from 0.01 to −0.06 Gy with median being −0.04 Gy. For a 2Gy/fraction treatment course, this would be maximum PTV-D98 dose-difference of 6 cGy/fraction or 30 cGy/5fractions. For organs-at-risks the maximum per-fraction dosedifference in D2, D5, D10, D20, D30, D50 and D70 between Truebeam and Trilogy/Clinac plans varied from 0.06 to −0.07 Gy with median being with — 0.02 Gy. The 3D-CRT plans had relatively lower dose-difference in comparison to IMRT and VMAT plans. The dose computed on Truebeam was systematically lower than the dose computed on Trilogy/ Clinac. Conclusions for conventional fractionation schedules, assuming the maximum uncertainty of <2%, it is clinically safe to switch the treatment machine for 5 fractions. For hypo-fractionated treatments with higher dose per-fraction, plans may need to be revisited before switching the linear accelerator from Truebeam to Clinac/Trilogy or vice-versa.« less

Bioacoustic Signal Classification in Cat Auditory Cortex

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

for fast FM sweeps. A second maximum (i.e., sub- In Fig. 8D (87-001) the orie.-tation of the mapped area Iwo 11 .MWRN NOWO 0 lo 74 was tilted 214...Brashear, H.R., and Heilman, K.M. Pure word deafness after bilateral primary auditory cortex infarcts. Neuroiogy 34: 347 -352, 1984. Cranford, J.L., Stream

[3-D analysis obtained in mandible movements in children 7-15 years old with different types of occlusion].

PubMed

Matveev, V M; Dzaraev, Ch R; Persin, L S

2007-01-01

60 children with different types occlusion--normal, distal, mesial and transverse between the ages 7-15 years were selected. Using unique computer software programme and 3D digitizer MicroScribe-G2 (Company Immersion, USA) on the articulator with mounted casts, persuaded measuring the scores in different movements of mandible habitual occlusion, maximum forward movement and maximum lateral movements. Scores were calculated and results interpreted.

Positive inotropic effects of RP 62719, a new pure class III antiarrhythmic agent, on guinea pig myocardium.

PubMed

Beregi, J P; Escande, D; Coudray, N; Mery, P; Mestre, M; Chemla, D; Lecarpentier, Y

1992-12-01

The mechanical effects of RP 62719 [(-)1-[-2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1- benzopyran-4-yl)ethyl]-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-piperidine] were tested in vitro on guinea pig left ventricular papillary muscle. RP 62719 is a novel pure class III antiarrhythmic agent known to prolong the cardiac action potential duration by selectively blocking the inward rectifying K+ current. Mechanical parameters were determined from contraction and relaxation phases under isotonic and isometric conditions. At a concentration of 0.02 microM, RP 62719 did not produce significant effects on inotropy or lusitropy. At 0.2 and 2 microM, the drug improved contraction under both heavy and low loading conditions, as evidenced by a 30% increase in maximum unloaded shortening velocity (Vmax, P < .001), peak amplitude of shortening (delta L, P < .001), peak isometric active force normalized per cross-sectional area (AF/s, P < .001) and positive peak of the force derivative per mm2 (+dF/s, P < .001). At the same concentrations, positive lusitropic effects were evidenced by an increase in maximum lengthening velocity (maxVr) and negative peak of force derivative per mm2 (-dF/s, P < .001). At a higher concentration (20 microM), effects of RP 62719 on inotropy and lusitropy were less marked, thus accounting for the bell-shaped form of the dose-response curve. An increase in the extracellular Ca++ concentration from 2.5 to 3.75 mM improved inotropy to a similar extent (+30-50%) as did 2 microM RP 62719. However, lusitropy and mechanical coupling between contraction and relaxation were not modified in the same proportion under RP 62719 and under 3.75 mM Ca++.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Stress change of periodontal ligament of the anterior teeth at the stage of space closure in lingual appliances: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis].

PubMed

Liu, D W; Li, J; Guo, L; Rong, Q G; Zhou, Y H

2018-02-18

To analyze the stress distribution in the periodontal ligament (PDL) under different loading conditions at the stage of space closure by 3D finite element model of customized lingual appliances. The 3D finite element model was used in ANSYS 11.0 to analyze the stress distribution in the PDL under the following loading conditions: (1) buccal sliding mechanics (0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N), (2) palatal sliding mechanics (0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N), (3) palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics (buccal 1.00 N + palatal 0.50 N, buccal 0.75 N + palatal 0.75 N, buccal 0.50 N+ palatal 1.00 N). The maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress and von Mises stress were evaluated. (1) buccal sliding mechanics(0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N): maximum principal stress: at the initial of loading, maximum principal stress, which was the compressed stress, distributed in labial PDL of cervix of lateral incisor, and palatal distal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loa-ding, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased. Minimum principal stress: at the initial of loading, minimum principal stress which was tonsil stress, distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and mesial PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of minimum principal stress was increased. The area of minimum principal stress appeared in distal and mesial PDL of cervix of central incisor. von Mises stress:it distributed in labial and palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and distal PDL of cervix of canine initially. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of stress was increased towards the direction of root. Finally, there was stress concentration area at mesial PDL of cervix of canine. (2) palatal sliding mechanics(0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N): maximum principal stress: at the initial of loading, maximum principal stress which was the compressed stress, distributed in palatal and distal PDL of cervix of canine, and distal-buccal and palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased. Minimum principal stress: at the initial of loading, minimum principal stress which was tonsil stress, distributed in distal-interproximal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and mesial-interproximal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased.von Mises stress: von Mises stress distributed in palatal and interproximal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of stress was increased. Finally, von Mises stress distributing area appeared at distal-palatal PDL of cervix of canine. (3) palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics: maximum principal stress: maximum principal stress still distributed in distal-palatal PDL of cervix of canine. Minimum principal stress: minimum principal stress distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor when buccal force was more than palatal force. As palatal force increased, the stress concentrating area transferred to mesial PDL of cervix of canine.von Mises stress: it was lower and more well-distributed in palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics than palatal or buccal sliding mechanics. Using buccal sliding mechanics,stress majorly distributed in PDL of lateral incisor and canine, and magnitude and range of stress increased with the increase of loading; Using palatal sliding mechanics, stress majorly distributed in PDL of canine, and magnitude and range of stress increased with the increase of loading; With palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics, the maximum principal stress distributed in the distal PDL of canine. Minimum principal stress distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor when buccal force was more than palatal force. As palatal force was increasing, the minimum principal stress distributing area shifted to mesial PDL of cervix of canine. When using 1.00 N buccal force and 0.50 N palatal force, the von Mises stress distributed uniformly in PDL and minimal stress appeared.

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 – III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

DOE PAGES

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley; ...

2017-11-16

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here in this paper, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe–de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeksmore » after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t 2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t 2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 percent with the above calibrations.« less

A Hubble Space Telescope survey for novae in M87 – III. Are novae good standard candles 15 d after maximum brightness?

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

Shara, Michael M.; Doyle, Trisha F.; Pagnotta, Ashley

Ten weeks of daily imaging of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has yielded 41 nova light curves of unprecedented quality for extragalactic cataclysmic variables. We have recently used these light curves to demonstrate that the observational scatter in the so-called maximum-magnitude rate of decline (MMRD) relation for classical novae is so large as to render the nova-MMRD useless as a standard candle. Here in this paper, we demonstrate that a modified Buscombe–de Vaucouleurs hypothesis, namely that novae with decline times t2 > 10 d converge to nearly the same absolute magnitude about two weeksmore » after maximum light in a giant elliptical galaxy, is supported by our M87 nova data. For 13 novae with daily sampled light curves, well determined times of maximum light in both the F606W and F814W filters, and decline times t 2 > 10 d we find that M87 novae display M606W,15 = -6.37 ± 0.46 and M814W,15 = -6.11 ± 0.43. If very fast novae with decline times t 2 < 10 d are excluded, the distances to novae in elliptical galaxies with stellar binary populations similar to those of M87 should be determinable with 1σ accuracies of ± 20 percent with the above calibrations.« less

Dual purpose system that treats anaerobic effluents from pig waste and produce Neochloris oleoabundans as lipid rich biomass.

PubMed

Olguín, Eugenia J; Castillo, Omar S; Mendoza, Anilú; Tapia, Karla; González-Portela, Ricardo E; Hernández-Landa, Víctor J

2015-05-25

Dual purpose systems that treat wastewater and produce lipid rich microalgae biomass have been indicated as an option with great potential for production of biodiesel at a competitive cost. The aim of the present work was to develop a dual purpose system for the treatment of the anaerobic effluents from pig waste utilizing Neochloris oleoabundans and to evaluate its growth, lipid content and lipid profile of the harvested biomass and the removal of nutrients from the media. Cultures of N. oleoabundans were established in 4 L flat plate photobioreactors using diluted effluents from two different types of anaerobic filters, one packed with ceramic material (D1) and another one packed with volcanic gravel (D2). Maximum biomass concentration in D1 was 0.63 g L(-1) which was significantly higher than the one found in D2 (0.55 g L(-1)). Cultures were very efficient at nutrient removal: 98% for NNH4(+) and 98% for PO4(3-). Regarding total lipid content, diluted eflluents from D2 promoted a biomass containing 27.4% (dry weight) and D1 a biomass containing 22.4% (dry weight). Maximum lipid productivity was also higher in D2 compared to D1 (6.27±0.62 mg L(-1) d(-1) vs. 5.12±0.12 mg L(-1) d(-1)). Concerning the FAMEs profile in diluted effluents, the most abundant one was C18:1, followed by C18:2 and C16:0. The profile in D2 contained less C18:3 (linolenic acid) than the one in D1 (4.37% vs. 5.55%). In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating that cultures of N. oleoabundans treating anaerobic effluents from pig waste are very efficient at nutrient removal and a biomass rich in lipids can be recovered. The maximum total lipid content and the most convenient FAMEs profile were obtained using effluents from a digester packed with volcanic gravel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A monolithic RF transceiver for DC-OFDM UWB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunfeng, Chen; Wei, Li; Haipeng, Fu; Ting, Gao; Danfeng, Chen; Feng, Zhou; Deyun, Cai; Dan, Li; Yangyang, Niu; Hanchao, Zhou; Ning, Zhu; Ning, Li; Junyan, Ren

2012-02-01

This paper presents a first monolithic RF transceiver for DC-OFDM UWB applications. The proposed direct-conversion transceiver integrates all the building blocks including two receiver (Rx) cores, two transmitter (Tx) cores and a dual-carrier frequency synthesizer (DC-FS) as well as a 3-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI) to set the operating status of the transceiver. The ESD-protected chip is fabricated by a TSMC 0.13-μm RF CMOS process with a die size of 4.5 × 3.6 mm2. The measurement results show that the wideband Rx achieves an NF of 5-6.2 dB, a max gain of 76-84 dB with 64-dB variable gain, an in-/out-of-band IIP3 of -6/+4 dBm and an input loss S11 of < -10 in all bands. The Tx achieves an LOLRR/IMGRR of -34/-33 dBc, a typical OIP3 of +6 dBm and a maximum output power of -5 dBm. The DC-FS outputs two separate carriers simultaneously with an inter-band hopping time of < 1.2 ns. The full chip consumes a maximum current of 420 mA under a 1.2-V supply.

On Certain Functionals of the Maximum of Brownian Motion and Their Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perret, Anthony; Comtet, Alain; Majumdar, Satya N.; Schehr, Grégory

2015-12-01

We consider a Brownian motion (BM) x(τ ) and its maximal value x_{max } = max _{0 ≤ τ ≤ t} x(τ ) on a fixed time interval [0, t]. We study functionals of the maximum of the BM, of the form {O}_{max }(t)=int _0^t V(x_{max } - x(τ )) {d}τ where V( x) can be any arbitrary function and develop various analytical tools to compute their statistical properties. These tools rely in particular on (i) a "counting paths" method and (ii) a path-integral approach. In particular, we focus on the case where V(x) = δ (x-r), with r a real parameter, which is relevant to study the density of near-extreme values of the BM (the so called density of states), ρ (r,t), which is the local time of the BM spent at given distance r from the maximum. We also provide a thorough analysis of the family of functionals {T}_{α }(t)=int _0^t (x_{max } - x(τ ))^α {{d}}τ corresponding to V(x) = x^α with α real. As α is varied, T_α (t) interpolates between different interesting observables. For instance, for α =1, T_{α = 1}(t) is a random variable of the "area", or "Airy", type while for α =-1/2 it corresponds to the maximum time spent by a ballistic particle through a Brownian random potential. On the other hand, for α = -1, it corresponds to the cost of the optimal algorithm to find the maximum of a discrete random walk, proposed by Odlyzko. We revisit here, using tools of theoretical physics, the statistical properties of this algorithm which had been studied before using probabilistic methods. Finally, we extend our methods to constrained BM, including in particular the Brownian bridge, i.e., the Brownian motion starting and ending at the origin.

Localisation of the gene for cylindromatosis (turban tumor syndrome) to chromosome 9p12-13

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

Wooster, R.; Mangion, J.; Quirk, Y.

Cylindromatosis (multiple cylindromas, tomato syndrome syndrome, turban tumor syndrome) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by the development of multiple, slow growing neoplasms of the skin appendages. The tumors, known as dermal cylindromas, exhibit histological features of eccrine or apocrine sweat glands and occur most commonly in the scalp area. Genetic linkage analysis of two families yielded a maximum two point LOD score of 3.2 at D9S169. Critical recombinants place the gene between D9S161 and IFN, a distance of approximately 9 cM. This region of chromosome 9 harbors a gene that encodes a 16 kD protein which is anmore » inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK-4) and which is somatically mutated in many classes of cancer. However, the observation of recombinants between the disease and a polymorphic microsatellite repeat CT29 close to this gene, suggests that the CDK-4 inhibitor gene is unlikely to be responsible for cylindromatosis.« less

3D thermal model of laser surface glazing for H13 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabir, I. R.; Yin, D.; Naher, S.

2017-10-01

In this work a three dimensional (3D) finite element model of laser surface glazing (LSG) process has been developed. The purpose of the 3D thermal model of LSG was to achieve maximum accuracy towards the predicted outcome for optimizing the process. A cylindrical geometry of 10mm diameter and 1mm length was used in ANSYS 15 software. Temperature distribution, depth of modified zone and cooling rates were analysed from the thermal model. Parametric study was carried out varying the laser power from 200W-300W with constant beam diameter and residence time which were 0.2mm and 0.15ms respectively. The maximum surface temperature 2554°K was obtained for power 300W and minimum surface temperature 1668°K for power 200W. Heating and cooling rates increased with increasing laser power. The depth of the laser modified zone attained for 300W power was 37.5µm and for 200W power was 30µm. No molten zone was observed at 200W power. Maximum surface temperatures obtained from 3D model increased 4% than 2D model presented in author's previous work. In order to verify simulation results an analytical solution of temperature distribution for laser surface modification was used. The surface temperature after heating was calculated for similar laser parameters which is 1689°K. The difference in maximum surface temperature is around 20.7°K between analytical and numerical analysis of LSG for power 200W.

16 CFR 1505.7 - Maximum acceptable surface temperatures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (as described—in § 1505.6 (g)(2)) Thermal inertia type 1 Temperatures °C. °F. A 1 50 122 A 2 55 131 A... 60 140 D marked 2 75 167 D marked 3 100 212 D marked 4 125 257 E (2) (3) (3) 1 Thermal inertia types... inertia of a material can be obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity (cal./cm./sec./degrees C...

16 CFR 1505.7 - Maximum acceptable surface temperatures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... (as described—in § 1505.6 (g)(2)) Thermal inertia type 1 Temperatures °C. °F. A 1 50 122 A 2 55 131 A... 60 140 D marked 2 75 167 D marked 3 100 212 D marked 4 125 257 E (2) (3) (3) 1 Thermal inertia types... inertia of a material can be obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity (cal./cm./sec./degrees C...

16 CFR 1505.7 - Maximum acceptable surface temperatures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... (as described—in § 1505.6 (g)(2)) Thermal inertia type 1 Temperatures °C. °F. A 1 50 122 A 2 55 131 A... 60 140 D marked 2 75 167 D marked 3 100 212 D marked 4 125 257 E (2) (3) (3) 1 Thermal inertia types... inertia of a material can be obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity (cal./cm./sec./degrees C...

16 CFR 1505.7 - Maximum acceptable surface temperatures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (as described—in § 1505.6 (g)(2)) Thermal inertia type 1 Temperatures °C. °F. A 1 50 122 A 2 55 131 A... 60 140 D marked 2 75 167 D marked 3 100 212 D marked 4 125 257 E (2) (3) (3) 1 Thermal inertia types... inertia of a material can be obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity (cal./cm./sec./degrees C...

Paleoglacier reconstruction of the central massif of Gredos range during Last Glacial Maximum.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos, Néstor; Tanarro, Luis Miguel

2017-04-01

The accurate reconstruction of paleoglaciers require a well determined extent and morphology of them, one of the main problems is the absence of glacial geomorphic evidences which made possible the delimitation of the ice limits, for this reason physical-based models are useful for ice surface reconstruction in areas where geomorphological information is incomplete. A paleoglacier reconstruction during its maximum extension is presented for a high mountain area of the western part of the central massif of Gredos range, in the center of Iberian Peninsula, this area is located 30 km west of Almanzor (40˚ 14' 48? N; 5˚ 17' 52? W; 2596 m a.s.l.), the highest peak of Iberian Central System (ICS) and covers five gorges: La Nava, Taheña- Honda, La Vega, San Martín and Los Infiernos, the first three facing North, San Martin facing Northwest and Los Infiernos facing West. Despite the existence of some works analyzing the extension of paleoglaciers in the ICS during its maximum extension, there is still a need to improve the understanding of this zone, to provide a more detailed knowlegde of the evolution of the range and to know more in detail the full extent of paleoglaciers in this area. For delimitate the glaciated area the most distant frontal moraines with a larger geomorphological entity that indicates a great advance or a prolonged stay and stabilization which would presumably correspond with the maximum advance of the glaciers have been mapped, for that, photo interpretation of digital aerial photographs (25 cm resolution) has been done, in some areas where the location or limits of the moraines were not clear 3D images were used, all the work was complemented with detailed field surveys. Once the ice limits have been determined is necessary to estimate the topography of the paleoglaciers, for that purpose a simple steady-state models that assume a perfectly plastic ice rheology have been used, reconstructing the theoretical ice profiles and obtaining the extent of the paleoglaciers (based on the largest moraines of the front and sides of the valley as the main indicator of the LGM), in order to reconstruct the ice surface we calculated longitudinal profiles, with these reconstructed profiles a digital elevation model (DEM) of 5 m pixel size was created and combined with actual topography in order to obtain the ice thickness at the LGM. The combination of these physical-based models and geomorphological evidences has demonstrated to be a successful method to reconstruct the topography of paleoglaciers, the most distant frontal moraines of the studied area are located at different altitudes depending on the paleoglacier, the lower altitude of a frontal moraine is 1320 meters and the higher is located at 1570 meters, the preliminary results show that during the LGM, the studied paleoglaciers had a maximum ice thickness of 366 meters in La Vega gorge, with a total volume of 28.56 x 108 m3 and a mean paleoELA of 1940 meters. References: Benn, D.I., Hulton, N.R.J., 2010. An ExcelTM spreadsheet program for reconstructing the surface profile of former mountain glaciers and ice caps. Computers & Geosciences 36, 605e610. Schilling, D.H., Hollin, J., 1981. Numerical reconstructions of valley glaciers and small ice caps. In: Denton, G.H., Hughes, T.J. (Eds.), The Last Great Ice Sheets. Willey, New York, USA, pp. 207e220. Research funded by Deglaciation project (CGL2015-65813-R), Government of Spain

Neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment in North Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mourabit, T.; Abou Elenean, K. M.; Ayadi, A.; Benouar, D.; Ben Suleman, A.; Bezzeghoud, M.; Cheddadi, A.; Chourak, M.; ElGabry, M. N.; Harbi, A.; Hfaiedh, M.; Hussein, H. M.; Kacem, J.; Ksentini, A.; Jabour, N.; Magrin, A.; Maouche, S.; Meghraoui, M.; Ousadou, F.; Panza, G. F.; Peresan, A.; Romdhane, N.; Vaccari, F.; Zuccolo, E.

2014-04-01

North Africa is one of the most earthquake-prone areas of the Mediterranean. Many devastating earthquakes, some of them tsunami-triggering, inflicted heavy loss of life and considerable economic damage to the region. In order to mitigate the destructive impact of the earthquakes, the regional seismic hazard in North Africa is assessed using the neo-deterministic, multi-scenario methodology (NDSHA) based on the computation of synthetic seismograms, using the modal summation technique, at a regular grid of 0.2 × 0.2°. This is the first study aimed at producing NDSHA maps of North Africa including five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The key input data for the NDSHA algorithm are earthquake sources, seismotectonic zonation, and structural models. In the preparation of the input data, it has been really important to go beyond the national borders and to adopt a coherent strategy all over the area. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the teams involved, it has been possible to properly merge the earthquake catalogues available for each country to define with homogeneous criteria the seismogenic zones, the characteristic focal mechanism associated with each of them, and the structural models used to model wave propagation from the sources to the sites. As a result, reliable seismic hazard maps are produced in terms of maximum displacement ( D max), maximum velocity ( V max), and design ground acceleration.

Power SiGe Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) Fabricated by Fully Self-Aligned Double Mesa Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Liang-Hung; Mohammadi, Saeed; Ma, Zhen-Qiang; Ponchak, George E.; Alterovitz, Samuel A.; Strohm, Karl M.; Luy, Johann-Friedrich; Downey, Alan (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Multifinger SiGe HBTs have been fabricated using a novel fully self-aligned double-mesa technology. With the novel process technology, a common-emitter 2x2x30 sq micrometer device exhibits high maximum oscillating frequency (f(sub max)) and cut-off frequency (f(sub T)) of 78 and 37 GHz, respectively. In class-A operation, a multifinger device with l0x2x30 sq micrometer emitter is expected to provide an output power of 25.6 dBm with a gain of 10 dB and a maximum power added efficiency (PAE) of 30.33% at 8 GHz.

Estimating the onset of cambial activity in Scots pine in northern Finland by means of the heat-sum approach.

PubMed

Seo, Jeong-Wook; Eckstein, Dieter; Jalkanen, Risto; Rickebusch, Sophie; Schmitt, Uwe

2008-01-01

We estimated the date of onset (Date(est)) of cambial activity by the pinning method in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees at Vanttauskoski (Site 1) and Laanila (Site 2) near the latitudinal limit of Scots pine in northern Finland. In each year and at each site, observations were made on a different set of five trees. The estimated dates of onset of cambial activity were compared with the corresponding heat sums, calculated in degree-days according to two models. Within years, Date(est) varied among trees by up to 15 days at Site 1 and up to 13 days at Site 2. Among years, mean Date(est) varied by 15.3 days at Site 1 and 12.0 days at Site 2. The overall mean Date(est) differed between sites by 6 days (June 5 at Site 1 and June 11 at Site 2). Among all trees in all years, the mean number of degree days (d.d.) calculated from mean daily temperature above a threshold of 5 degrees C before Date(est) ranged from 68.7 to 135 d.d. at Site 1 and from 37.4 to 154.7 d.d. at Site 2. Among years, the mean heat sum before Date(est )ranged from 94 to 112.5 d.d. at Site 1 and from 61.4 to 136 d.d. at Site 2. Variation among years in heat sum before Date(est) at Site 2 was highly significant, indicating that one or more factors other than, or in addition to, heat sum determines the onset of cambial activity in Scots pine. Similar results were obtained when heat sum was computed from the area between the sine wave generated by daily maximum and minimum temperature and the threshold temperature.

Single dose, CYP2D6 genotype-stratified pharmacokinetic study of atomoxetine in children with ADHD.

PubMed

Brown, J T; Abdel-Rahman, S M; van Haandel, L; Gaedigk, A; Lin, Y S; Leeder, J S

2016-06-01

The effect of CYP2D6 genotype on the dose-exposure relationship for atomoxetine has not been well characterized in children. Children 6-17 years of age diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were stratified by CYP2D6 genotype into groups with 0 (poor metabolizers [PMs], n = 4), 0.5 (intermediate metabolizers [IMs], n = 3), one (extensive metabolizer [EM]1, n = 8) or two (EM2, n = 8) functional alleles and administered a single 0.5 mg/kg oral dose of atomoxetine (ATX). Plasma and urine samples were collected for 24 (IM, EM1, and EM2) or 72 hours (PMs). Dose-corrected ATX systemic exposure (area under the curve [AUC]0-∞ ) varied 29.6-fold across the study cohort, ranging from 4.4 ± 2.7 μM*h in EM2s to 5.8 ± 1.7 μM*h, 16.3 ± 2.9 μM*h, and 50.2 ± 7.3 μM*h in EM1s, IMs, and PMs, respectively (P < 0.0001). Simulated steady state profiles at the maximum US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended dose suggest that most patients are unlikely to attain adequate ATX exposures. These data support the need for individualized dosing strategies for more effective use of the medication. © 2015 American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

29 CFR 1926.1436 - Derricks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... and guying must be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when... be designed to withstand maximum horizontal and vertical forces encountered when operating within...”). (D) Applicable terms in section 7-0.2 (“Definitions”). (ii) Load tests for new hoists. The employer...

Hearing Threshold, Loss, Noise Levels and Worker’s Profiles of an Open Cast Chromite Mines in Odisha, India

PubMed Central

Kerketta, Sunamani; Gartia, Rajendra; Bagh, Somanath

2012-01-01

Objectives: The aims of the study were to describe the noise levels at an open cast chromite mine in Odisha, India, and the hearing threshold of its workers and to associate their hearing loss with their age, work station and length of employment at the mine. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of the hearing threshold of chromite mine workers. Audiometric data from 500 subjects was collected at the mines’ hospital in the Sukinda Valley of Jajpur, Odisha, India. The latest audiometry data available for the period 2002 to 2008 was used in the analysis. Audiometric screening was performed using an audiometer (TRIVENI TAM-25 6025A) in a quiet environment by qualified technicians, audiologists or physicians. Tests were conducted on the subjects after they had completely rested for 16 hours or more after their day shift. Results: A maximum of 262 subjects (52.4%) were employed in the work zone area and a minimum of 2 subjects (0.4%) had less than 5 years working experience. The age of the subjects ranged from 29 to 59 years and their working experience ranged from 4 to 37 years. The subjects’ average mean hearing thresholds at 4, 6 and 8 kHz were 21.53 dBA, 23.40 dBA and 21.90 dBA, respectively. The maximum Leq and L90 levels exceeded the prescribed limits for commercial, residential and silence zones. The maximum Leq levels exceeded 95 dBA for large and medium heavy earth moving machineries (HEMMs), both outside and at the operator’s position. Hearing loss due to the subjects’ work experience was found to be greater than that attributable to age and workstation. Conclusion: In our study population, the maximum noise levels for large and medium HEMMs and inside the cabins of HEMMs were found to be more than 95 dBA. This indicates that operators in this particular chromite mine at Odisha, India were exposed to noise levels exceeding 95 dBA for more than 10% of the monitoring time. The subjects’ hearing loss was also found to increase for every 10-year age interval and that for every 5 years of work experience at high fence. The subjects’ age and experience are significantly associated with hearing loss at all levels for frequencies of 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 kHz, with older and more experienced workers having a higher incidence of hearing loss. PMID:23613650

Hearing Threshold, Loss, Noise Levels and Worker's Profiles of an Open Cast Chromite Mines in Odisha, India.

PubMed

Kerketta, Sunamani; Gartia, Rajendra; Bagh, Somanath

2012-10-01

The aims of the study were to describe the noise levels at an open cast chromite mine in Odisha, India, and the hearing threshold of its workers and to associate their hearing loss with their age, work station and length of employment at the mine. We performed a cross-sectional study of the hearing threshold of chromite mine workers. Audiometric data from 500 subjects was collected at the mines' hospital in the Sukinda Valley of Jajpur, Odisha, India. The latest audiometry data available for the period 2002 to 2008 was used in the analysis. Audiometric screening was performed using an audiometer (TRIVENI TAM-25 6025A) in a quiet environment by qualified technicians, audiologists or physicians. Tests were conducted on the subjects after they had completely rested for 16 hours or more after their day shift. A maximum of 262 subjects (52.4%) were employed in the work zone area and a minimum of 2 subjects (0.4%) had less than 5 years working experience. The age of the subjects ranged from 29 to 59 years and their working experience ranged from 4 to 37 years. The subjects' average mean hearing thresholds at 4, 6 and 8 kHz were 21.53 dBA, 23.40 dBA and 21.90 dBA, respectively. The maximum Leq and L90 levels exceeded the prescribed limits for commercial, residential and silence zones. The maximum Leq levels exceeded 95 dBA for large and medium heavy earth moving machineries (HEMMs), both outside and at the operator's position. Hearing loss due to the subjects' work experience was found to be greater than that attributable to age and workstation. In our study population, the maximum noise levels for large and medium HEMMs and inside the cabins of HEMMs were found to be more than 95 dBA. This indicates that operators in this particular chromite mine at Odisha, India were exposed to noise levels exceeding 95 dBA for more than 10% of the monitoring time. The subjects' hearing loss was also found to increase for every 10-year age interval and that for every 5 years of work experience at high fence. The subjects' age and experience are significantly associated with hearing loss at all levels for frequencies of 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 kHz, with older and more experienced workers having a higher incidence of hearing loss.

Infrared image segmentation method based on spatial coherence histogram and maximum entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Songtao; Shen, Tongsheng; Dai, Yao

2014-11-01

In order to segment the target well and suppress background noises effectively, an infrared image segmentation method based on spatial coherence histogram and maximum entropy is proposed. First, spatial coherence histogram is presented by weighting the importance of the different position of these pixels with the same gray-level, which is obtained by computing their local density. Then, after enhancing the image by spatial coherence histogram, 1D maximum entropy method is used to segment the image. The novel method can not only get better segmentation results, but also have a faster computation time than traditional 2D histogram-based segmentation methods.

2D-2D stacking of graphene-like g-C3N4/Ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 with matched energy band structure towards antibiotic removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Mengxia; Di, Jun; Ge, Yuping; Xia, Jiexiang; Li, Huaming

2017-08-01

A novel visible-light-driven 2D-2D graphene-like g-C3N4/ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 photocatalyst was prepared via a facile solvothermal method in the presence of reactable ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C16mim]Br) for the first time. FT-IR, XPS and TEM analysis results demonstrated the successful introduction of the 2D graphene-like g-C3N4 material to the Bi4O5Br2 system. DRS and BET analysis results indicated the existence of the g-C3N4 could lead to the broaden absorption edge and larger surface area of the ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets. The electrochemical analysis implied a fast transfer of the interfacial electrons and low recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers in g-C3N4/Bi4O5Br2, which could be assigned to the sufficient and tight contact between ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 and graphene-like g-C3N4. The quinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) was chosen as the target pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared samples under visible light irradiation. 1 wt% g-C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation performance among all of the as-prepared photocatalysts. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity was attributed to the maximum contact between graphene-like g-C3N4 and ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 material with matched energy band structure, which enable the efficient charge seperation. A possible photocatalytic mechanism also was proposed.

Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular Molars in a Selected Iranian Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Madani, Zahra Sadat; Mehraban, Nika; Moudi, Ehsan; Bijani, Ali

2017-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of mandibular first and second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in northern Iranian population and also to indicate the thinnest area around root canals. Methods and Materials: We evaluated CBCT images of 154 first molars and 147 second molars. By evaluating three axial, sagittal and coronal planes of each tooth we determined the number of root canals, prevalence of C-shaped Melton types, and prevalence of Vertucci configuration and inter orifice distance. Also the minimum wall thickness of root canals was determined by measuring buccal, lingual, distal and mesial wall thicknesses of each canal in levels with 2 mm intervals from apex to orifice. Results: Amongst 154 first mandibular molars, 149 (96.7%) had two roots, 3 (1.9%) had three roots and 2 (1.2%) had C-shaped root configuration. Of 147 second mandibular molars, 120 (81.6%) had two roots, 1 (0.6%) had three roots and 26 (17.6%) had C-shaped roots. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Vertucci’s type between two genders. The most common configuration in mesial roots of first and second molars were type IV (57%-42.9%) and type II (31.5%-28%). Mesial and distal walls had the most frequency as the thinnest wall in all levels of root canals with mostly less than 1 mm thickness. In second molars the DB-DL inter orifice distance and in first molars the MB-ML distance were the minimum. MB-D in first molars had the maximum distance while ML-DL, MB-DB and ML-D had the same and maximum distance in second molars. Conclusion: Vertucci’s type IV and type I were the most prevalent configurations in mesial and distal roots of first and second mandibular molars and the thickness of thinnest area around the canals should be considered during endodontic treatments. PMID:28512476

Experimental validation of improved 3D SBP positioning algorithm in PET applications using UW Phase II Board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jorge, L. S.; Bonifacio, D. A. B.; DeWitt, Don; Miyaoka, R. S.

2016-12-01

Continuous scintillator-based detectors have been considered as a competitive and cheaper approach than highly pixelated discrete crystal positron emission tomography (PET) detectors, despite the need for algorithms to estimate 3D gamma interaction position. In this work, we report on the implementation of a positioning algorithm to estimate the 3D interaction position in a continuous crystal PET detector using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The evaluated method is the Statistics-Based Processing (SBP) technique that requires light response function and event position characterization. An algorithm has been implemented using the Verilog language and evaluated using a data acquisition board that contains an Altera Stratix III FPGA. The 3D SBP algorithm was previously successfully implemented on a Stratix II FPGA using simulated data and a different module design. In this work, improvements were made to the FPGA coding of the 3D positioning algorithm, reducing the total memory usage to around 34%. Further the algorithm was evaluated using experimental data from a continuous miniature crystal element (cMiCE) detector module. Using our new implementation, average FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) for the whole block is 1.71±0.01 mm, 1.70±0.01 mm and 1.632±0.005 mm for x, y and z directions, respectively. Using a pipelined architecture, the FPGA is able to process 245,000 events per second for interactions inside of the central area of the detector that represents 64% of the total block area. The weighted average of the event rate by regional area (corner, border and central regions) is about 198,000 events per second. This event rate is greater than the maximum expected coincidence rate for any given detector module in future PET systems using the cMiCE detector design.

Lead (Pb) in sheep exposed to mining pollution: implications for animal and human health.

PubMed

Pareja-Carrera, Jennifer; Mateo, Rafael; Rodríguez-Estival, Jaime

2014-10-01

Livestock from the ancient mining area of Sierra Madrona and Alcudia Valley (Spain) is exposed to elevated levels of lead (Pb), as previous studies based on blood monitoring have revealed. Here we have studied blood, liver and muscle Pb levels in sheep in order to know if Pb exposure could represent a risk for human consumers of the meat and offal of these animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted with ≥4 years old (adults) ewes from the mining area (n=46) and a control area (n=21). Blood samples were taken before the sacrifice at the slaughterhouse, and liver and muscle samples were taken thereafter. At the same time, 2-3 year old rams (subadults, n=17) were blood sampled in the mining area. Blood, liver and muscle Pb levels were higher in the mining than in the control area. Blood Pb concentration in the mining area (n= 44, mean: 6.7μg/dl in ewes and 10.9μg/dl in rams) was above background levels (>6μg/dl) in 73.3 percent of animals. Liver Pb concentration in 68 percent of sheep from the mining area (n=32, mean: 6.16μg/g dry weight, d.w.) exceeded the minimum level associated with toxic exposure (5µg/g d.w.) and 87.5 percent of liver samples were above European Union Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) established for offal destined for human consumption (0.5µg/g w.w.~1.4µg/g d.w.). On the contrary, none of the muscle samples in ewes exceeded the EU MRL (0.1µg/g w.w.~0.34µg/g d.w.) established for meat, which may be related to the decline of blood Pb levels with age observed in the present study. These results suggest a potential health effect for sheep exposed to Pb pollution in this area and implications for food safety, but further research with lamb meat may be necessary to refine the risk assessment for human consumers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of the Quantity of Aortic Valve Calcium on the Agreement Between Automated 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography and Multidetector Row Computed Tomography for Aortic Annulus Sizing.

PubMed

Podlesnikar, Tomaz; Prihadi, Edgard A; van Rosendael, Philippe J; Vollema, E Mara; van der Kley, Frank; de Weger, Arend; Ajmone Marsan, Nina; Naji, Franjo; Fras, Zlatko; Bax, Jeroen J; Delgado, Victoria

2018-01-01

Accurate aortic annulus sizing is key for selection of appropriate transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) prosthesis size. The present study compared novel automated 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) software and multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for aortic annulus sizing and investigated the influence of the quantity of aortic valve calcium (AVC) on the selection of TAVI prosthesis size. A total of 83 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI were evaluated. Maximal and minimal aortic annulus diameter, perimeter, and area were measured. AVC was assessed with computed tomography. The low and high AVC burden groups were defined according to the median AVC score. Overall, 3D TEE measurements slightly underestimated the aortic annulus dimensions as compared with MDCT (mean differences between maximum, minimum diameter, perimeter, and area: -1.7 mm, 0.5 mm, -2.7 mm, and -13 mm 2 , respectively). The agreement between 3D TEE and MDCT on aortic annulus dimensions was superior among patients with low AVC burden (<3,025 arbitrary units) compared with patients with high AVC burden (≥3,025 arbitrary units). The interobserver variability was excellent for both methods. 3D TEE and MDCT led to the same prosthesis size selection in 88%, 95%, and 81% of patients in the total population, the low, and the high AVC burden group, respectively. In conclusion, the novel automated 3D TEE imaging software allows accurate and highly reproducible measurements of the aortic annulus dimensions and shows excellent agreement with MDCT to determine the TAVI prosthesis size, particularly in patients with low AVC burden. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3D Orthogonal Woven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Effective Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and as Self-Powered Active Motion Sensors.

PubMed

Dong, Kai; Deng, Jianan; Zi, Yunlong; Wang, Yi-Cheng; Xu, Cheng; Zou, Haiyang; Ding, Wenbo; Dai, Yejing; Gu, Bohong; Sun, Baozhong; Wang, Zhong Lin

2017-10-01

The development of wearable and large-area energy-harvesting textiles has received intensive attention due to their promising applications in next-generation wearable functional electronics. However, the limited power outputs of conventional textiles have largely hindered their development. Here, in combination with the stainless steel/polyester fiber blended yarn, the polydimethylsiloxane-coated energy-harvesting yarn, and nonconductive binding yarn, a high-power-output textile triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with 3D orthogonal woven structure is developed for effective biomechanical energy harvesting and active motion signal tracking. Based on the advanced 3D structural design, the maximum peak power density of 3D textile can reach 263.36 mW m -2 under the tapping frequency of 3 Hz, which is several times more than that of conventional 2D textile TENGs. Besides, its collected power is capable of lighting up a warning indicator, sustainably charging a commercial capacitor, and powering a smart watch. The 3D textile TENG can also be used as a self-powered active motion sensor to constantly monitor the movement signals of human body. Furthermore, a smart dancing blanket is designed to simultaneously convert biomechanical energy and perceive body movement. This work provides a new direction for multifunctional self-powered textiles with potential applications in wearable electronics, home security, and personalized healthcare. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Signal loss in magnetic resonance imaging caused by intraoral anchored dental magnetic materials].

PubMed

Blankenstein, F H; Truong, B; Thomas, A; Schröder, R J; Naumann, M

2006-08-01

To measure the maximum extent of the signal loss areas in the center of the susceptibility artifacts generated by ferromagnetic dental magnet attachments using three different sequences in the 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla MRI. Five different pieces of standard dental magnet attachments with volumes of 6.5 to 31.4 mm(3) were used: a NdFeB magnet with an open magnetic field, a NdFeB magnet with a closed magnetic field, a SmCo magnet with an open magnetic field, a stainless steel keeper (AUM-20) and a PdCo piece. The attachments were placed between two cylindrical phantoms and examined in 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla MRI using gradient echo and T1- and T2-weighted spin echoes. We measured the maximum extent of the generated signal loss areas parallel and perpendicular to the direction of B (O). In gradient echoes the artifacts were substantially larger and symmetrically adjusted around the object. The areas with total signal loss were mushroom-like with a maximum extent of 7.4 to 9.7 cm parallel to the direction of B (O) and 6.7 to 7.4 cm perpendicular to B (O). In spin echoes the signal loss areas were obviously smaller, but not centered. The maximum values ranged between 4.9 and 7.2 cm (parallel B (O)) and 3.6 and 7.0 cm (perpendicular B (O)). The different ferromagnetic attachments had no clinically relevant influence on the signal loss neither in 1.5 T nor 3.0 T MRI. Ferromagnetic materials used in dentistry are not intraorally standardized. To ensure, that the area of interest is not affected by the described artifacts, the maximum extent of the signal loss area should be assumed: a radius of up to 7 cm in 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI by T1 and T2 sequences, and a radius of up to 10 cm in T2* sequences. To decide whether magnet attachments have to be removed before MR imaging, physicians should consider both the intact retention of the keepers and the safety distance between the ferromagnetic objects and the area of interest.

The bias of a 2D view: Comparing 2D and 3D mesophyll surface area estimates using non-invasive imaging

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The surface area of the leaf mesophyll exposed to intercellular airspace per leaf area (Sm) is closely associated with CO2 diffusion and photosynthetic rates. Sm is typically estimated from two-dimensional (2D) leaf sections and corrected for the three-dimensional (3D) geometry of mesophyll cells, l...

The maximum intelligible range of the human voice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boren, Braxton

This dissertation examines the acoustics of the spoken voice at high levels and the maximum number of people that could hear such a voice unamplified in the open air. In particular, it examines an early auditory experiment by Benjamin Franklin which sought to determine the maximum intelligible crowd for the Anglican preacher George Whitefield in the eighteenth century. Using Franklin's description of the experiment and a noise source on Front Street, the geometry and diffraction effects of such a noise source are examined to more precisely pinpoint Franklin's position when Whitefield's voice ceased to be intelligible. Based on historical maps, drawings, and prints, the geometry and material of Market Street is constructed as a computer model which is then used to construct an acoustic cone tracing model. Based on minimal values of the Speech Transmission Index (STI) at Franklin's position, Whitefield's on-axis Sound Pressure Level (SPL) at 1 m is determined, leading to estimates centering around 90 dBA. Recordings are carried out on trained actors and singers to determine their maximum time-averaged SPL at 1 m. This suggests that the greatest average SPL achievable by the human voice is 90-91 dBA, similar to the median estimates for Whitefield's voice. The sites of Whitefield's largest crowds are acoustically modeled based on historical evidence and maps. Based on Whitefield's SPL, the minimal STI value, and the crowd's background noise, this allows a prediction of the minimally intelligible area for each site. These yield maximum crowd estimates of 50,000 under ideal conditions, while crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 seem more reasonable when the crowd was reasonably quiet and Whitefield's voice was near 90 dBA.

[Distributions and air-sea fluxes of dissolved nitrous oxide in the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent marine area in spring and summer].

PubMed

Wang, Lan; Zhang, Gui-ling; Sun, Ming-shuang; Ren, Jing-ling

2014-12-01

Distributions and air-sea fluxes of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the seawaters of the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent marine area were investigated during two cruises in March and July 2012. Dissolved N2O concentrations in surface waters ranged from 9.34 to 49.08 nmol x L(-1) with an average of (13.27 ± 6.40) nmol x L(-1) in spring and ranged from 7.27 to 27.81 nmol x L(-1) with an average of (10.62 ± 5.03) nmol x L(-1) in summer. There was no obvious difference between surface and bottom N2O concentrations. N2O concentrations in both surface and bottom waters decreased along the freshwater plume from the river mouth to the open sea. High values of dissolved N2O were found in turbidity maximum zone, which suggests that maximal turbidity enhances nitrification. Temperature had dual effects on dissolved N2O concentrations. N2O saturations in surface waters ranged from 86.9% to 351.3% with an average of (111.5 ± 41.4)% in spring and ranged from 111.7% to 396.0% with an average of (155.9 ± 68.4)% in summer. N2O were over-saturated at most stations. The sea-to-air fluxes of N2O were estimated to be (3.2 ± 10.9), (5.5 ± 19.3) and (12.2 ±52.3) μmol x (m2 x d)(-1) in spring and (7.3 ± 12.4), (12.7 ± 20.4) and (20.4 ± 35.9) μmol x (m2 x d)(-1) in summer using the LM86, W92 and RC01 relationships, respectively. The annual emissions of N2O from the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent marine area were estimated to be 0.6 x 10(-2) Tg x a(-1) (LM86), 1.1 x 10(-2) Tg x a(-1) (W92) and 2.0 x 10(-2) Tg x a(-1) (RC01). Although the area of the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent marine area only accounts for 0.02% of the total area of the world's oceans, their emission of N2O accounts for 0.06% of global oceanic N2O emission, indicating that the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent marine area is an active area to produce and emit N2O.

Present-Day 3D Velocity Field of Eastern North America Based on Continuous GPS Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goudarzi, Mohammad Ali; Cocard, Marc; Santerre, Rock

2016-07-01

The Saint Lawrence River valley in eastern Canada was studied using observations of continuously operating GPS (CGPS) stations. The area is one of the most seismically active regions in eastern North America characterized by many earthquakes, which is also subject to an ongoing glacial isostatic adjustment. We present the current three-dimensional velocity field of eastern North America obtained from more than 14 years (9 years on average) of data at 112 CGPS stations. Bernese GNSS and GITSA software were used for CGPS data processing and position time series analysis, respectively. The results show the counterclockwise rotation of the North American plate in the No-Net-Rotation model with the average of 16.8 ± 0.7 mm/year constrained to ITRF 2008. We also present an ongoing uplift model for the study region based on the present-day CGPS observations. The model shows uplift all over eastern Canada with the maximum rate of 13.7 ± 1.2 mm/year and subsidence to the south mainly over northern USA with a typical rate of -1 to -2 mm/year and the minimum value of -2.7 ± 1.4 mm/year. We compared our model with the rate of radial displacements from the ICE-5G model. Both models agree within 0.02 mm/year at the best stations; however, our model shows a systematic spatial tilt compared to ICE-5G. The misfits between two models amount to the maximum relative subsidence of -6.1 ± 1.1 mm/year to the east and maximum relative uplift of 5.9 ± 2.7 mm/year to the west. The intraplate horizontal velocities are radially outward from the centers of maximum uplift and are inward to the centers of maximum subsidence with the typical velocity of 1-1.6 ± 0.4 mm/year that is in agreement with the ICE-5G model to the first order.

A numerical study of vegetation impact on reducing storm surge by wetlands in a semi-enclosed estuary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelin, Hu; Qin, Chen; Wang, Hongqing

2014-01-01

Coastal wetlands play a unique role in extreme hurricane events. The impact of wetlands on storm surge depends on multiple factors including vegetation, landscape, and storm characteristics. The Delft3D model, in which vegetation effects on flow and turbulence are explicitly incorporated, was applied to the semi-enclosed Breton Sound (BS) estuary in coastal Louisiana to investigate the wetland impact. Guided by extensive field observations, a series of numerical experiments were conducted based on variations of actual vegetation properties and storm parameters from Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Both the vegetation-induced maximum surge reduction (MSR) and maximum surge reduction rate (MSRR) increased with stem height and stem density, and were more sensitive to stem height. The MSR and MSRR decreased significantly with increasing wind intensity. The MSRR was the highest with a fast-moving weak storm. It was also found that the MSRR varied proportionally to the expression involving the maximum bulk velocity and surge over the area of interest, and was more dependent on the maximum bulk surge. Both MSR and MSRR appeared to increase when the area of interest decreased from the whole BS estuary to the upper estuary. Within the range of the numerical experiments, the maximum simulated MSR and MSRR over the upper estuary were 0.7 m and 37%, respectively.

Quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 2p, 4p, and 13q influence bone mineral density of the forearm and hip in Mexican Americans.

PubMed

Kammerer, Candace M; Schneider, Jennifer L; Cole, Shelley A; Hixson, James E; Samollow, Paul B; O'Connell, Jeffrey R; Perez, Reina; Dyer, Thomas D; Almasy, Laura; Blangero, John; Bauer, Richard L; Mitchell, Braxton D

2003-12-01

We performed a genome scan using BMD data of the forearm and hip on 664 individuals in 29 Mexican-American families. We obtained evidence for QTL on chromosome 4p, affecting forearm BMD overall, and on chromosomes 2p and 13q, affecting hip BMD in men. The San Antonio Family Osteoporosis Study (SAFOS) was designed to identify genes and environmental factors that influence bone mineral density (BMD) using data from large Mexican-American families. We performed a genome-wide linkage analysis using 416 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers spaced approximately 9.5 cM apart to locate and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that affect BMD of the forearm and hip. Multipoint variance components linkage analyses were done using data on all 664 subjects, as well as two subgroups of 259 men and 261 premenopausal women, from 29 families for which genotypic and phenotypic data were available. We obtained significant evidence for a QTL affecting forearm (radius midpoint) BMD in men and women combined on chromosome 4p near D4S2639 (maximum LOD = 4.33, genomic p = 0.006) and suggestive evidence for a QTL on chromosome 12q near locus D12S2070 (maximum conditional LOD = 2.35). We found suggestive evidence for a QTL influencing trochanter BMD on chromosome 6 (maximum LOD = 2.27), but no evidence for QTL affecting the femoral neck in men and women combined. In men, we obtained evidence for QTL affecting neck and trochanter BMD on chromosomes 2p near D2S1780 (maximum LOD = 3.98, genomic p = 0.013) and 13q near D13S788 (maximum LOD = 3.46, genomic p = 0.039), respectively. We found no evidence for QTL affecting forearm or hip BMD in premenopausal women. These results provide strong evidence that a QTL on chromosome 4p affects radius BMD in Mexican-American men and women, as well as evidence that QTL on chromosomes 2p and 13q affect hip BMD in men. Our results are consistent with some reports in humans and mice. J Bone Miner Res 2003;18:2245-2252

Constructing Two-, Zero-, and One-Dimensional Integrated Nanostructures: an Effective Strategy for High Microwave Absorption Performance.

PubMed

Sun, Yuan; Xu, Jianle; Qiao, Wen; Xu, Xiaobing; Zhang, Weili; Zhang, Kaiyu; Zhang, Xing; Chen, Xing; Zhong, Wei; Du, Youwei

2016-11-23

A novel "201" nanostructure composite consisting of two-dimensional MoS 2 nanosheets, zero-dimensional Ni nanoparticles and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was prepared successfully by a two-step method: Ni nanopaticles were deposited onto the surface of few-layer MoS 2 nanosheets by a wet chemical method, followed by chemical vapor deposition growth of CNTs through the catalysis of Ni nanoparticles. The as-prepared 201-MoS 2 -Ni-CNTs composites exhibit remarkably enhanced microwave absorption performance compared to Ni-MoS 2 or Ni-CNTs. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of 201-MoS 2 -Ni-CNTs/wax composites with filler loading ratio of 30 wt % reached -50.08 dB at the thickness of 2.4 mm. The maximum effective microwave absorption bandwidth (RL< -10 dB) of 6.04 GHz was obtained at the thickness of 2.1 mm. The excellent absorption ability originates from appropriate impedance matching ratio, strong dielectric loss and large surface area, which are attributed to the "201" nanostructure. In addition, this method could be extended to other low-dimensional materials, proving to be an efficient and promising strategy for high microwave absorption performance.

16 CFR § 1505.7 - Maximum acceptable surface temperatures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... (as described—in § 1505.6 (g)(2)) Thermal inertia type 1 Temperatures °C. °F. A 1 50 122 A 2 55 131 A... 60 140 D marked 2 75 167 D marked 3 100 212 D marked 4 125 257 E (2)   (3)   (3) 1 Thermal inertia... inertia of a material can be obtained by multiplying the thermal conductivity (cal./cm./sec./degrees C...

Effects of herbicide usage on water quality of selected streams in Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butler, David L.

1980-01-01

During 1977 and 1978 the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with county weed and pest control districts, conducted a noxious-weed-control program in Wyoming. The herbicides primarily used were picloram, 2,4-D, and dicamba. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, sampled and analyzed water from selected streams for these herbicides plus silvex; 2,4,5-T; and 2,4-DP.This report contains data for samples collected during 1977 and 1978. The most commonly detected herbicides in water samples were 2,4-D with 41-percent nonzero values and picloram with 34.5-percent nonzero values. Herbicide occurrence in bottom-material samples was uncommon; dicamba was found with 9-percent nonzero values. The maximum herbicide concentration in water was 1.1 micrograms per liter of 2,4-D, and the maximum herbicide concentration in bottom material was 8.0 micrograms per kilogram of 2,4-D. Based on available toxicity data and water-quality criteria, these herbicide concentrations do not constitute dangerous or harmful concentrations to humans or to the environment.

Effect of organic loading rates and proton exchange membrane surface area on the performance of an up-flow cylindrical microbial fuel cell.

PubMed

Jana, Partha S; Behera, Manaswini; Ghangrekar, M M

2012-01-01

The effect of organic loading rates (OLRs) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) surface area on the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was evaluated. Three MFCs (MFC-1, MFC-2 and MFC-3) having PEM surface area of 10 cm2, 20 cm2 and 40 cm2, respectively, were used in the study. The MFCs were operated at influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 500 mg L(-1) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20 h, 17 h, 13 h and 6 h in experimental Run-1 to Run-4. MFC-3, with highest PEM surface area showed highest power generation throughout the study. The optimum performancewas obtained at HRT of 13 h. In Run-5 and Run-6, the influent COD was increased to 1000 mg L(-1) and 1500 mg L(-1), respectively, maintaining the HRT at 13 h. Maximum volumetric powers of 4.26 W m(-3), 9.41 W m(-3) and 17.24 W m(-3) were obtained in MFC-1, MFC-2 and MFC-3, respectively, in Run-5 under the OLR of 1.84 kg COD m(-3) d(-1). These power values are among the higher values reported in literature; MFCs with higher PEM surface area showed better electricity generation, which clearly demonstrates that proton mass transfer is the main constraint in the MFCs which limits the power output. Combined effect of influent COD and HRT was found on electricity generation.

Kinetics of anaerobic degradation of screened dairy manure by upflow fixed bed digesters: effect of natural zeolite addition.

PubMed

Nikolaeva, S; Sánchez, E; Borja, R; Raposo, F; Colmenarejo, M F; Montalvo, S; Jiménez-Rodríguez, A M

2009-02-01

The effect of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the performance of two up-flow anaerobic fixed bed digesters (UFAFBDs) packed with waste tire rubber (D1) and waste tire rubber and zeolite (D2) as micro-organism immobilization supports was studied. It was found that a first-order kinetic model described well the experimental results obtained. The kinetic constants for COD, BOD5, total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) removal were determined to be higher in digester D2 than in digester D1 or control. Specifically, they were 0.28 +/- 0.01, 0.32 +/- 0.02, 0.16 +/- 0.01 and 0.24 +/- 0.01 d(- 1) respectively for D1 and 0.33 +/- 0.02, 0.40 +/- 0.02, 0.21 +/- 0.01 and 0.28 +/- 0.01 d(- 1) respectively for D2. This was significant at the 95% confidence level. In addition, the first-order model was also adequate for assessing the effect of the HRT on the removal efficiency and methane production. Maximum methane yield and the first-order constant for methane production were determined and the results obtained were comparable with those obtained by other authors but operating at higher HRTs. Maximum methane yields and the kinetic constant for methane production were 11.1% and 29.4% higher in digester D2 than in D1.

The effect of the X-Stop implantation on intervertebral foramen, segmental spinal canal length and disc space in elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

PubMed

Wan, Zongmiao; Wang, Shaobai; Kozanek, Michal; Xia, Qun; Mansfield, Frederick L; Lü, Guohua; Wood, Kirkham B; Li, Guoan

2012-03-01

To evaluate the biomechanical effect of the X-Stop device on the intervertebral foramen (IVF) and segmental spinal canal length (SSCL), as well as the intervertebral disc space at the implanted and the adjacent segments in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Eight elderly patients with LSS, scheduled for X-stop implantation, were CT or MRI scanned to construct 3D vertebral models (L2-S1). Before and after the surgery, each patient was also imaged using a dual-fluoroscopic image system during weight-bearing standing and maximum extension-flexion. The positions of the vertebrae were then determined using an established 2D-3D model matching method. The data revealed that the postoperative IVF area was significantly increased by 32.9% (or 32 mm2) (p<0.05) and the IVF width was increased by 24.4% (or 1.1 mm, p=0.06) during extension, but with minimal change in standing and flexion. The IVF heights were significantly (p<0.05) increased at standing by 1.2 mm and extension by 1.8 mm, but not at flexion. The SSCL were significantly (p<0.05) increased at extension by 1.2 mm, but not at standing and flexion. Anterior disc space of the implanted level was significantly decreased from 8.0 to 6.6 mm during standing. The X-Stop implantation efficiently enlarged the IVF area in the elderly patients with LSS at the operated level with little biomechanical effect immediately on the superior and inferior adjacent levels. However, it reduced the anterior disc space at the implanted level.

Clinical implementation and error sensitivity of a 3D quality assurance protocol for prostate and thoracic IMRT

PubMed Central

Cotter, Christopher; Turcotte, Julie Catherine; Crawford, Bruce; Sharp, Gregory; Mah'D, Mufeed

2015-01-01

This work aims at three goals: first, to define a set of statistical parameters and plan structures for a 3D pretreatment thoracic and prostate intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) protocol; secondly, to test if the 3D QA protocol is able to detect certain clinical errors; and third, to compare the 3D QA method with QA performed with single ion chamber and 2D gamma test in detecting those errors. The 3D QA protocol measurements were performed on 13 prostate and 25 thoracic IMRT patients using IBA's COMPASS system. For each treatment planning structure included in the protocol, the following statistical parameters were evaluated: average absolute dose difference (AADD), percent structure volume with absolute dose difference greater than 6% (ADD6), and 3D gamma test. To test the 3D QA protocol error sensitivity, two prostate and two thoracic step‐and‐shoot IMRT patients were investigated. Errors introduced to each of the treatment plans included energy switched from 6 MV to 10 MV, multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf errors, linac jaws errors, monitor unit (MU) errors, MLC and gantry angle errors, and detector shift errors. QA was performed on each plan using a single ion chamber and 2D array of ion chambers for 2D and 3D QA. Based on the measurements performed, we established a uniform set of tolerance levels to determine if QA passes for each IMRT treatment plan structure: maximum allowed AADD is 6%; maximum 4% of any structure volume can be with ADD6 greater than 6%, and maximum 4% of any structure volume may fail 3D gamma test with test parameters 3%/3 mm DTA. Out of the three QA methods tested the single ion chamber performed the worst by detecting 4 out of 18 introduced errors, 2D QA detected 11 out of 18 errors, and 3D QA detected 14 out of 18 errors. PACS number: 87.56.Fc PMID:26699299

Post-fire, rainfall intensity-peak discharge relations for three mountainous watersheds in the Western USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moody, J.A.; Martin, D.A.

2001-01-01

Wildfire alters the hydrologic response of watersheds, including the peak discharges resulting from subsequent rainfall. Improving predictions of the magnitude of flooding that follows wildfire is needed because of the increase in human population at risk in the wildland-urban interface. Because this wildland-urban interface is typically in mountainous terrain, we investigated rainfall-runoff relations by measuring the maximum 30 min rainfall intensity and the unit-area peak discharge (peak discharge divided by the area burned) in three mountainous watersheds (17-26.8 km2) after a wildfire. We found rainfall-runoff relations that relate the unit-area peak discharges to the maximum 30 min rainfall intensities by a power law. These rainfall-runoff relations appear to have a threshold value for the maximum 30 min rainfall intensity (around 10 mm h-1) such that, above this threshold, the magnitude of the flood peaks increases more rapidly with increases in intensity. This rainfall intensity could be used to set threshold limits in rain gauges that are part of an early-warning flood system after wildfire. The maximum unit-area peak discharges from these three burned watersheds ranged from 3.2 to 50 m3 s-1 km-2. These values could provide initial estimates of the upper limits of runoff that can be used to predict floods after wildfires in mountainous terrain. Published in 2001 by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

Dopamine D2High receptors stimulated by phencyclidines, lysergic acid diethylamide, salvinorin A, and modafinil.

PubMed

Seeman, Philip; Guan, Hong-Chang; Hirbec, Hélène

2009-08-01

Although it is commonly stated that phencyclidine is an antagonist at ionotropic glutamate receptors, there has been little measure of its potency on other receptors in brain tissue. Although we previously reported that phencyclidine stimulated cloned-dopamine D2Long and D2Short receptors, others reported that phencyclidine did not stimulate D2 receptors in homogenates of rat brain striatum. This study, therefore, examined whether phencyclidine and other hallucinogens and psychostimulants could stimulate the incorporation of [(35)S]GTP-gamma-S into D2 receptors in homogenates of rat brain striatum, using the same conditions as previously used to study the cloned D2 receptors. Using 10 microM dopamine to define 100% stimulation, phencyclidine elicited a maximum incorporation of 46% in rat striata, with a half-maximum concentration of 70 nM for phencyclidine, when compared with 80 nM for dopamine, 89 nM for salvinorin A (48 nM for D2Long), 105 nM for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 120 nM for R-modafinil, 710 nM for dizocilpine, 1030 nM for ketamine, and >10,000 nM for S-modafinil. These compounds also inhibited the binding of the D2-selective ligand [(3)H]domperidone. The incorporation was inhibited by the presence of 200 microM guanylylimidodiphosphate and also by D2 blockade, using 10 microM S-sulpiride, but not by D1 blockade with 10 microM SCH23390. Hypertonic buffer containing 150 mM NaCl inhibited the stimulation by phencyclidine, which may explain negative results by others. It is concluded that phencyclidine and other psychostimulants and hallucinogens can stimulate dopamine D2 receptors at concentrations related to their behavioral actions.

Carbon nanosheets-based supercapacitors: Design of dual redox additives of 1, 4-dihydroxyanthraquinone and hydroquinone for improved performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Dong; Sun, Xiao Na; Hu, Wei; Chen, Xiang Ying

2017-07-01

Using thiocarbanilide and Mg(OH)2 powders as carbon precursor and template, respectively, novel 2D carbon nanosheets with large area have been produced. Next, based on the cooperative effect, 1, 4-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DQ) and hydroquinone (HQ) regarded as efficient dual redox additives have been incorporated into the electrode carbon material and H2SO4 electrolyte, respectively, to largely elevate the capacitive performance of supercapacitors. More importantly, the cooperative effect results from the redox processes of DQ and HQ consecutively occurring in the electrode carbon material and aqueous H2SO4 electrolyte, respectively. Besides, the molar ratio of DQ and HQ exerts a crucial role in the determination of the electrochemical behaviors and eventually the optimum condition is the mass ratio of 1:1 concerning the DQ and porous carbon within solid electrode while retaining the HQ concentration as 20 mmol L-1 in 1 mol L-1 H2SO4 electrolyte. As a result, the maximum specific capacitance is achieved of 239 F g-1 at 3 A g-1, and furthermore the maximum energy density up to 21.1 Wh kg-1 is almost 3.5 times larger than that of the one without introducing any redox additive.

Dynamic Propagation Channel Characterization and Modeling for Human Body Communication

PubMed Central

Nie, Zedong; Ma, Jingjing; Li, Zhicheng; Chen, Hong; Wang, Lei

2012-01-01

This paper presents the first characterization and modeling of dynamic propagation channels for human body communication (HBC). In-situ experiments were performed using customized transceivers in an anechoic chamber. Three HBC propagation channels, i.e., from right leg to left leg, from right hand to left hand and from right hand to left leg, were investigated under thirty-three motion scenarios. Snapshots of data (2,800,000) were acquired from five volunteers. Various path gains caused by different locations and movements were quantified and the statistical distributions were estimated. In general, for a given reference threshold è = −10 dB, the maximum average level crossing rate of the HBC was approximately 1.99 Hz, the maximum average fade time was 59.4 ms, and the percentage of bad channel duration time was less than 4.16%. The HBC exhibited a fade depth of −4 dB at 90% complementary cumulative probability. The statistical parameters were observed to be centered for each propagation channel. Subsequently a Fritchman model was implemented to estimate the burst characteristics of the on-body fading. It was concluded that the HBC is motion-insensitive, which is sufficient for reliable communication link during motions, and therefore it has great potential for body sensor/area networks. PMID:23250278

Dynamic propagation channel characterization and modeling for human body communication.

PubMed

Nie, Zedong; Ma, Jingjing; Li, Zhicheng; Chen, Hong; Wang, Lei

2012-12-18

This paper presents the first characterization and modeling of dynamic propagation channels for human body communication (HBC). In-situ experiments were performed using customized transceivers in an anechoic chamber. Three HBC propagation channels, i.e., from right leg to left leg, from right hand to left hand and from right hand to left leg, were investigated under thirty-three motion scenarios. Snapshots of data (2,800,000) were acquired from five volunteers. Various path gains caused by different locations and movements were quantified and the statistical distributions were estimated. In general, for a given reference threshold è = -10 dB, the maximum average level crossing rate of the HBC was approximately 1.99 Hz, the maximum average fade time was 59.4 ms, and the percentage of bad channel duration time was less than 4.16%. The HBC exhibited a fade depth of -4 dB at 90% complementary cumulative probability. The statistical parameters were observed to be centered for each propagation channel. Subsequently a Fritchman model was implemented to estimate the burst characteristics of the on-body fading. It was concluded that the HBC is motion-insensitive, which is sufficient for reliable communication link during motions, and therefore it has great potential for body sensor/area networks.

A new seepage site south of Svalbard? Results from Eurofleets-2 BURSTER cruise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giulia Lucchi, Renata; Morigi, Caterina; Sabbatini, Anna; Mazzini, Adriano; Krueger, Martin; de Vittor, Cinzia; Kovacevic, Vedrana; Deponte, Davide; Stefano, Graziani; Bensi, Manuel; Langone, Leonardo; Eurofleets2-Burster*, Scientific Party Of

2017-04-01

The oceanographic and environmental characteristics of the Kveithola Glacial Trough, located south of Svalbard, have been investigated during the Eurofleets2-BURSTER project onboard the German icebreaker Polarstern (expedition PS99-1a, June, 19-20, 2016). The inner part of the glacial trough contains a complex sediment drift that deposited under persistent bottom currents, active in the area after Last Glacial Maximum. Notwithstanding the highly dynamic environment depicted from the morphological and structural characteristics of the Kveithola sediment drift, previous studies indicated the presence of an apparently "stagnant" environment with black anoxic sediments and absence of bottom current related sediment features. We present the preliminary results from the new dataset that includes micropaleontological, geochemical and microbial analyses of multi-core sediments; morphological analyses of sea floor sediments with benthic camera (Ocean Floor Observatory System); acoustic analyses of the sub-bottom record, and oceanographic analyses of CTD-Rosette sampling, all together indicating the possible presence of a new seepage site in the Arctic area south of 75°N Latitude. *Bazzaro, M., Biebow, N., Carbonara, K., Caridi, F., Dominiczak, A., Gamboa Sojo, V.M., Laterza R., Le Gall, C., Musco, M.E., Povea, P., Relitti, F., Ruggiero, L., Rui, L., Sánchez Guillamón, O., Tagliaferro, M., Topchiy, M., Wiberg, D., Zoch, D.

CuTaS 3 : Intermetal d–d Transitions Enable High Solar Absorption

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

Heo, Jaeseok; Yu, Liping; Altschul, Emmeline

To realize the fundamental limits of photovoltaic device efficiency, solar absorbers must exhibit strong absorption and abrupt absorption onsets. Ideally, onsets to maximum absorption (a > 105 cm-1) occur over a few tenths of an electronvolt. First-principles calculations predict CuTaS3 represents a potentially new class of materials with such absorption characteristics. Narrow metallic d bands in both the initial and final states present high joint densities of states and, therefore, strong absorption. Specifically, a mixture of metal d (Cu1+, d10) and S p characterizes states near the valence band maximum, and metal d (Ta5+, d0) dominates near the conduction bandmore » minimum. Optical absorption measurements on thin films confirm the abrupt onset to strong absorption a > 105 cm-1 at Eg + 0.4 eV (Eg = 1.0 eV). Theoretical CuTaS3 solar cell efficiency is predicted to be 28% for a 300 nm film based on the metric of spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency, which exceeds that of CuInSe2. This sulfide may offer new opportunities to discover and develop a new class of mixed d-element solar absorbers.« less

Comparison of changes in the extracellular concentration of noradrenaline in rat frontal cortex induced by sibutramine or d-amphetamine: modulation by α2-adrenoceptors

PubMed Central

Wortley, K E; Hughes, Z A; Heal, D J; Stanford, S C

1999-01-01

The effects of sibutramine (0.25–10 mg kg−1, i.p.) on extracellular noradrenaline concentration in the frontal cortex of halothane-anaesthetized rats were compared with those of d-amphetamine (1–3 mg kg−1, i.p.) using in vivo microdialysis. The role of presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors in modulating the effects of these drugs on extracellular noradrenaline concentration were also investigated by pretreating rats with the selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002.Sibutramine induced a gradual and sustained increase in extracellular noradrenaline concentration. The dose-response relationship was described by a bell-shaped curve with a maximum effect at 0.5 mg kg−1. In contrast, d-amphetamine induced a rapid increase in extracellular noradrenaline concentration, the magnitude of which paralleled drug dose.Pretreatment with the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002 (dose 3 mg kg−1, i.p.) increased by 5 fold the accumulation of extracellular noradrenaline caused by sibutramine (10 mg kg−1) and reduced the latency of sibutramine to reach its maximum effect from 144–56 min.RX821002-pretreatment increased by only 2.5 fold the increase in extracellular noradrenaline concentration caused by d-amphetamine alone (10 mg kg−1) and had no effect on the latency to reach maximum.These findings support evidence that sibutramine acts as a noradrenaline uptake inhibitor in vivo and that the effects of this drug are blunted by indirect activation of presynaptic α2-adreno-ceptors. In contrast, the rapid increase in extracellular noradrenaline concentration induced by d-amphetamine is consistent with this being mainly due to an increase in Ca2+-independent release of noradrenaline. PMID:10482917

47 CFR 15.407 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... maximum antenna gain does not exceed 6 dBi. In addition, the maximum power spectral density shall not exceed 17 dBm in any 1 megahertz band. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi... reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dBi. The maximum e.i.r.p...

Free and open-source automated 3-D microscope.

PubMed

Wijnen, Bas; Petersen, Emily E; Hunt, Emily J; Pearce, Joshua M

2016-11-01

Open-source technology not only has facilitated the expansion of the greater research community, but by lowering costs it has encouraged innovation and customizable design. The field of automated microscopy has continued to be a challenge in accessibility due the expense and inflexible, noninterchangeable stages. This paper presents a low-cost, open-source microscope 3-D stage. A RepRap 3-D printer was converted to an optical microscope equipped with a customized, 3-D printed holder for a USB microscope. Precision measurements were determined to have an average error of 10 μm at the maximum speed and 27 μm at the minimum recorded speed. Accuracy tests yielded an error of 0.15%. The machine is a true 3-D stage and thus able to operate with USB microscopes or conventional desktop microscopes. It is larger than all commercial alternatives, and is thus capable of high-depth images over unprecedented areas and complex geometries. The repeatability is below 2-D microscope stages, but testing shows that it is adequate for the majority of scientific applications. The open-source microscope stage costs less than 3-9% of the closest proprietary commercial stages. This extreme affordability vastly improves accessibility for 3-D microscopy throughout the world. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Distribution, structure and function of Nordic eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecosystems: implications for coastal management and conservation

PubMed Central

Boström, Christoffer; Baden, Susanne; Bockelmann, Anna-Christina; Dromph, Karsten; Fredriksen, Stein; Gustafsson, Camilla; Krause-Jensen, Dorte; Möller, Tiia; Nielsen, Søren Laurentius; Olesen, Birgit; Olsen, Jeanine; Pihl, Leif; Rinde, Eli

2014-01-01

This paper focuses on the marine foundation eelgrass species, Zostera marina, along a gradient from the northern Baltic Sea to the north-east Atlantic. This vast region supports a minimum of 1480 km2 eelgrass (maximum >2100 km2), which corresponds to more than four times the previously quantified area of eelgrass in Western Europe.Eelgrass meadows in the low salinity Baltic Sea support the highest diversity (4–6 spp.) of angiosperms overall, but eelgrass productivity is low (<2 g dw m-2 d-1) and meadows are isolated and genetically impoverished. Higher salinity areas support monospecific meadows, with higher productivity (3–10 g dw m-2 d-1) and greater genetic connectivity. The salinity gradient further imposes functional differences in biodiversity and food webs, in particular a decline in number, but increase in biomass of mesograzers in the Baltic.Significant declines in eelgrass depth limits and areal cover are documented, particularly in regions experiencing high human pressure. The failure of eelgrass to re-establish itself in affected areas, despite nutrient reductions and improved water quality, signals complex recovery trajectories and calls for much greater conservation effort to protect existing meadows.The knowledge base for Nordic eelgrass meadows is broad and sufficient to establish monitoring objectives across nine national borders. Nevertheless, ensuring awareness of their vulnerability remains challenging. Given the areal extent of Nordic eelgrass systems and the ecosystem services they provide, it is crucial to further develop incentives for protecting them. © 2014 The Authors. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID:26167100

Scanning-slit topography in patients with keratoconus.

PubMed

Módis, László; Németh, Gábor; Szalai, Eszter; Flaskó, Zsuzsa; Seitz, Berthold

2017-01-01

To evaluate the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using scanning-slit topography and to determine the diagnostic ability of the measured corneal parameters in keratoconus. Orbscan II measurements were taken in 39 keratoconic corneas previously diagnosed by corneal topography and in 39 healthy eyes. The central minimum, maximum, and astigmatic simulated keratometry (K) and anterior axial power values were determined. Spherical and cylindrical mean power diopters were obtained at the central and at the steepest point of the cornea both on anterior and on posterior mean power maps. Pachymetry evaluations were taken at the center and paracentrally in the 3 mm zone from the center at a location of every 45 degrees. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the best cut-off values and to evaluate the utility of the measured parameters in identifying patients with keratoconus. The minimum, maximum and astigmatic simulated K readings were 44.80±3.06 D, 47.17±3.67 D and 2.42±1.84 D respectively in keratoconus patients and these values differed significantly ( P <0.0001 for all comparisons) from healthy subjects. For all pachymetry measurements and for anterior and posterior mean power values significant differences were found between the two groups. Moreover, anterior central cylindrical power had the best discrimination ability (area under the ROC curve=0.948). The results suggest that scanning-slit topography and pachymetry are accurate methods both for keratoconus screening and for confirmation of the diagnosis.

488-1D Ash Basin closure cap help modeling- Microdrain® liner option

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

Dyer, J. A.

At the request of Area Completion Engineering and in support of the 488-1D Ash Basin closure, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) performed hydrologic simulations of the revised 488-1D Ash Basin closure cap design using the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) model. The revised design substitutes a MicroDrain Liner®—60-mil low-density polyethylene geomembrane structurally integrated with 130-mil drainage layer—for the previously planned drainage/barrier system—300-mil geosynthetic drainage layer (GDL), 300-mil geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and 6-inch common fill soil layer. For a 25-year, 24-hour storm event, HELP model v3.07 was employed to (1) predict the peak maximum daily hydraulic head formore » the geomembrane layer, and (2) ensure that South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) requirements for the barrier layer (i.e., ≤ 12 inches hydraulic head on top of a barrier having a saturated hydraulic conductivity ≤ 1.0E-05 cm/s) will not be exceeded. A 25-year, 24-hour storm event at the Savannah River Site (SRS) is 6.1 inches rainfall (Weber 1998). HELP model v3.07 results based upon the new planned cap design suggest that the peak maximum daily hydraulic head on the geomembrane barrier layer will be 0.15 inches for a minimum slope equal to 3%, which is two orders of magnitude below the SCDHEC upper limit of 12 inches.« less

488-1D Ash basin closure cap help modeling-Microdrain® liner option

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

Dyer, J.

At the request of Area Completion Engineering and in support of the 488-1D Ash Basin closure, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) performed hydrologic simulations of the revised 488-1D Ash Basin closure cap design using the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) model. The revised design substitutes a MicroDrain Liner®—50-mil linear low-density polyethylene geomembrane structurally integrated with 130-mil drainage layer—for the previously planned drainage/barrier system—300-mil geosynthetic drainage layer (GDL), 300-mil geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and 6-inch common fill soil layer. For a 25-year, 24-hour storm event, HELP model v3.07 was employed to (1) predict the peak maximum daily hydraulic headmore » for the geomembrane layer, and (2) ensure that South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) requirements for the barrier layer (i.e., ≤ 12 inches hydraulic head on top of a barrier having a saturated hydraulic conductivity ≤ 1.0E-05 cm/s) will not be exceeded. A 25-year, 24-hour storm event at the Savannah River Site (SRS) is 6.1 inches rainfall (Weber 1998). HELP model v3.07 results based upon the new planned cap design suggest that the peak maximum daily hydraulic head on the geomembrane barrier layer will be 0.179 inches for a minimum slope equal to 3%, which is approximately two orders of magnitude below the SCDHEC upper limit of 12 inches.« less

High energy density asymmetric supercapacitors with a nickel oxide nanoflake cathode and a 3D reduced graphene oxide anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, Feng; Wang, Gongming; Ling, Yichuan; Lu, Xihong; Wang, Hanyu; Tong, Yexiang; Liu, Xiao-Xia; Li, Yat

2013-08-01

Here we demonstrate a high energy density asymmetric supercapacitor with nickel oxide nanoflake arrays as the cathode and reduced graphene oxide as the anode. Nickel oxide nanoflake arrays were synthesized on a flexible carbon cloth substrate using a seed-mediated hydrothermal method. The reduced graphene oxide sheets were deposited on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam by hydrothermal treatment of nickel foam in graphene oxide solution. The nanostructured electrodes provide a large effective surface area. The asymmetric supercapacitor device operates with a voltage of 1.7 V and achieved a remarkable areal capacitance of 248 mF cm-2 (specific capacitance of 50 F g-1) at a charge/discharge current density of 1 mA cm-2 and a maximum energy density of 39.9 W h kg-1 (based on the total mass of active materials of 5.0 mg). Furthermore, the device showed an excellent charge/discharge cycling performance in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 5 mA cm-2, with a capacitance retention of 95% after 3000 cycles.

High energy density asymmetric supercapacitors with a nickel oxide nanoflake cathode and a 3D reduced graphene oxide anode.

PubMed

Luan, Feng; Wang, Gongming; Ling, Yichuan; Lu, Xihong; Wang, Hanyu; Tong, Yexiang; Liu, Xiao-Xia; Li, Yat

2013-09-07

Here we demonstrate a high energy density asymmetric supercapacitor with nickel oxide nanoflake arrays as the cathode and reduced graphene oxide as the anode. Nickel oxide nanoflake arrays were synthesized on a flexible carbon cloth substrate using a seed-mediated hydrothermal method. The reduced graphene oxide sheets were deposited on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam by hydrothermal treatment of nickel foam in graphene oxide solution. The nanostructured electrodes provide a large effective surface area. The asymmetric supercapacitor device operates with a voltage of 1.7 V and achieved a remarkable areal capacitance of 248 mF cm(-2) (specific capacitance of 50 F g(-1)) at a charge/discharge current density of 1 mA cm(-2) and a maximum energy density of 39.9 W h kg(-1) (based on the total mass of active materials of 5.0 mg). Furthermore, the device showed an excellent charge/discharge cycling performance in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 5 mA cm(-2), with a capacitance retention of 95% after 3000 cycles.

Forest cover influences dispersal distance of white-tailed deer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, E.S.; Diefenbach, D.R.; Rosenberry, C.S.; Wallingford, B.D.; Grund, M.D.

2005-01-01

Animal dispersal patterns influence gene flow, disease spread, population dynamics, spread of invasive species, and establishment of rare or endangered species. Although differences in dispersal distances among taxa have been reported, few studies have described plasticity of dispersal distance among populations of a single species. In 2002-2003, we radiomarked 308 juvenile (7- to 10-month-old), male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 2 study areas in Pennsylvania. By using a meta-analysis approach, we compared dispersal rates and distances from these populations together with published reports of 10 other nonmigratory populations of white-tailed deer. Population density did not influence dispersal rate or dispersal distance, nor did forest cover influence dispersal rate. However, average (r2 = 0.94, P < 0.001, d.f. = 9) and maximum (r2 = 0.86, P = 0.001, d.f. = 7) dispersal distances of juvenile male deer were greater in habitats with less forest cover. Hence, dispersal behavior of this habitat generalist varies, and use of landscape data to predict population-specific dispersal distances may aid efforts to model population spread, gene flow, or disease transmission. ?? 2005 American Society of Mammalogists.

Effect of room absorption on human vocal output in multitalker situations.

PubMed

Nijs, Lau; Saher, Konca; den Ouden, Daniël

2008-02-01

People increase their vocal output in noisy environments. This is known as the Lombard effect. The aim of the present study was to measure the effect as a function of the absorption coefficient. The noise source was generated by using other talkers in the room. A-weighted sound levels were measured in a 108 m(3) test room. The number of talkers varied from one to four and the absorption coefficients from 0.12 to 0.64. A model was introduced based on the logarithmic sum of the level found in an anechoic room plus the increasing portion of noise levels up to 80 dB. Results show that the model fits the measurements when a maximum slope of 0.5 dB per 1.0 dB increase in background level is used. Hence Lombard slopes vary from 0.2 dBdB at 50 dB background level to 0.5 dBdB at 80 dB. In addition, both measurements and the model predict a decrease of 5.5 dB per doubling of absorbing area in a room when the number of talkers is constant. Sound pressure levels increase for a doubling of talkers from 3 dB for low densities to 6 dB for dense crowds. Finally, there was correspondence between the model estimation and previous measurements reported in the literature.

The investigation of MCM-48-type and MCM-41-type mesoporous silica as oral solid dispersion carriers for water insoluble cilostazol.

PubMed

Wang, Yanzhu; Sun, Lizhang; Jiang, Tongying; Zhang, Jinghai; Zhang, Chen; Sun, Changshan; Deng, Yihui; Sun, Jin; Wang, Siling

2014-06-01

To explore the suitable application of MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter number forty-one)-type and MCM-48-type mesoporous silica in the oral water insoluble drug delivery system. Cilostazol (CLT) as a model drug was loaded into synthesized MCM-48 (Mobil Composition of Matter number forty-eight) and commercial MCM-41 by three common methods. The obtained MCM-41, MCM-48 and CLT-loaded samples were characterized by means of nitrogen adsorption, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometer. It was found that solvent evaporation method was preferred according to the drug loading efficiency and the maximum percent cumulative drug dissolution. MCM-48 with 3D cubic pore structure and MCM-41 with 2D long tubular structure are nearly spherical particles in 300-500 nm. Nevertheless, the silica carriers with similar large specific surface areas and concentrating pore size distributions (978.66 m(2)/g, 3.8 nm for MCM-41 and 1108.04 m(2)/g, 3.6 nm for MCM-48) exhibited different adsorption behaviors for CLT. The maximum percent cumulative drug release of the two CLT/silica solid dispersion (CLT-MCM-48 and CLT-MCM-41) was 63.41% and 85.78% within 60 min, respectively; while in the subsequent 12 h release experiment, almost 100% cumulative drug release were both obtained. In the pharmacokinetics aspect, the maximum plasma concentrations of CLT-MCM-48 reached 3.63 mg/L by 0.92 h. The AUC0-∞ values of the CLT-MCM-41 and CLT-MCM-48 were 1.14-fold and 1.73-fold, respectively, compared with the commercial preparation. Our findings suggest that MCM-41-type and MCM-48-type mesoporous silica have great promise as solid dispersion carriers for sustained and immediate release separately.

Investigation of Extensions to the Distorted Born Approximation in Strong Fluctuation Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

9316I * where D = 3/4[bop+b# J+ l/4b;) D = 1/4[ bpp +bo | (35)n12 b -bo( I D 13 =l/ 2 [Cppzz +C4zzI n Here -1 0~ o , bus(z,z)= (271) u I dl )acs (zl) am...that FXW = 1- 2X + 32. + 1 2(X) = 2 - 23 + + ... (-5 F (X) = 2 3 3 42 3 ’ + VX +.. D5 F3 (X) = 2/X + 3 gn X + ... Using (D-4) and (D-5) as guides for...showed that the rational approximations to Fir F2, F3 have maximum errors of .06%, .03%, and .06%, respectively. The integrals in (C-5) are completely

The Validity of a New Low-Dose Stereoradiography System to Perform 2D and 3D Knee Prosthetic Alignment Measurements.

PubMed

Meijer, Marrigje F; Velleman, Ton; Boerboom, Alexander L; Bulstra, Sjoerd K; Otten, Egbert; Stevens, Martin; Reininga, Inge H F

2016-01-01

The EOS stereoradiography system has shown to provide reliable varus/valgus (VV) measurements of the lower limb in 2D (VV2D) and 3D (VV3D) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Validity of these measurements has not been investigated yet, therefore the purpose of this study was to determine validity of EOS VV2D and VV3D. EOS images were made of a lower limb phantom containing a knee prosthesis, while varying VV angle from 15° varus to 15° valgus and flexion angle from 0° to 20°, and changing rotation from 20° internal to 20° external rotation. Differences between the actual VV position of the lower limb phantom and its position as measured on EOS 2D and 3D images were investigated. Rotation, flexion or VV angle alone had no major impact on VV2D or VV3D. Combination of VV angle and rotation with full extension did not show major differences in VV2D measurements either. Combination of flexion and rotation with a neutral VV angle showed variation of up to 7.4° for VV2D; maximum variation for VV3D was only 1.5°. A combination of the three variables showed an even greater distortion of VV2D, while VV3D stayed relatively constant. Maximum measurement difference between preset VV angle and VV2D was 9.8°, while the difference with VV3D was only 1.9°. The largest differences between the preset VV angle and VV2D were found when installing the leg in extreme angles, for example 15° valgus, 20° flexion and 20° internal rotation. After TKA, EOS VV3D were more valid than VV2D, indicating that 3D measurements compensate for malpositioning during acquisition. Caution is warranted when measuring VV angle on a conventional radiograph of a knee with a flexion contracture, varus or valgus angle and/or rotation of the knee joint during acquisition.

A large 2D PSD for thermal neutron detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knott, R. B.; Smith, G. C.; Watt, G.; Boldeman, J. W.

1997-02-01

A 2D PSD based on a MWPC has been constructed for a small angle neutron scattering instrument. The active area of the detector was 640 × 640 mm 2. To meet the specifications for neutron detection efficiency and spatial resolution, and to minimise parallax, the gas mixture was 190 kPa 3He plus 100 kPa CF 4, and the active volume had a thickness of 30 mm. The design maximum neutron count rate of the detector was 10 5 events per secod. The (calculated) neutron detection efficiency was 60% for 2 Å neutrons and the (measured) neutron energy resolution on the anode grid was typically 20% (fwhm). The location of a neutron detection event within the active area was determined using the wire-by-wire method: the spatial resolution (5 × 5 mm 2) was thereby defined by the wire geometry. A 16-channel charge-sensitive preamplifier/amplifier/comparator module has been developed with a channel sensitivity of 0.1 V/fC, noise line width of 0.4 fC (fwhm) and channel-to-channel cross-talk of less than 5%. The Proportional Counter Operating System (PCOS III) (LeCroy Corp, USA) was used for event encoding. The ECL signals produced by the 16 channel modules were latched in PCOS III by a trigger pulse from the anode and the fast encoders produce a position and width for each event. The information was transferred to a UNIX workstation for accumulation and online display.

Determinants of the development of mitral regurgitation in pacing-induced heart failure.

PubMed

Takagaki, Masami; McCarthy, Patrick M; Goormastic, Marlene; Ochiai, Yoshie; Doi, Kazuyoshi; Kopcak, Michael W; Tabata, Tomotsugu; Cardon, Lisa A; Thomas, James D; Fukamachi, Kiyotaka

2003-01-01

The pacing-induced heart failure model provides an opportunity to assess the structural and functional determinants of mitral regurgitation (MR) in dilated cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to evaluate MR to better understand the multitude of factors contributing to its development. Heart failure was induced by rapid ventricular pacing (230 beats/min) in 40 mongrel dogs. Left ventricular (LV) size and MR were evaluated echocardiographically. LV contractility was analyzed using a conductance catheter. MR increased to mild in 12 animals (regurgitant orifice area, 0.06+/-0.05 cm(2)), moderate in 15 (0.14+/-0.07 cm(2)), and severe in 13 (0.34+/-0.16 cm(2)). The grade of MR had an inverse relationships with E(max) (the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, p<0.01) and dE/dt (the slope of the maximum rate of change of pressure-end-diastolic volume [V(ED)] relationship, p<0.01) and positive relationships with V(ED) and end-diastolic cross-sectional areas and lengths (p<0.05) by univariate analysis. The dE/dt had an independently significant (p<0.01) relationship by multivariable logistic regression. Many factors influence the development of MR and because of its similarity to the clinical situation, this model can be used to investigate MR and heart failure, as well as new surgical therapies.

Vitamin D status among indigenous Mayan (Kekchi) and Afro-Caribe (Garifuna) adolescents from Guatemala: a comparative description between two ethnic groups residing on the Rio Dulce at the Caribbean coast in Izabal Province, Guatemala.

PubMed

Naqvi, Ali; Solomons, Noel W; Campos, Raquel; Soto-Méndez, María José; Caplan, Emily; Armas, Laura; Bermudez, Odilia I

2017-07-01

To assess vitamin D status and the influence of risk factors such as skin pigmentation and time spent outdoors on hypovitaminosis D among Guatemalan Kekchi and Garifuna adolescents. Cross-sectional study, with convenient sampling design. Blood samples, anthropometric and behavioural data were all collected during the dry season. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured by RIA. Communities of Rio Dulce and Livingston, Izabal Province, Caribbean coast of Guatemala, with latitude and longitude of 15°49'N and 88°45'W for Livingston and 15°46'N and 88°49'W for Rio Dulce, respectively. Eighty-six adolescents, divided evenly by sex and ethnicity, with mean age of 14 years. Mean (sd) 25(OH)D value was 27·8 (7·2) ng/ml for the total group, with 25·8 (5·9) and 29·8 (7·9) ng/ml, respectively, in Kekchis and Garifunas (P=0·01). Use of vitamin D supplementation, clothing practices and sun protection were not statistically different between groups. Skin area exposed on the day of data collection ranged from 20·0 % minimum to 49·4 % maximum, with mean (sd) exposure of 32·0 (8.5) %. With univariate regression analysis, age (P=0·034), sex (P=0·044), ethnicity (P=0·010), time spent outdoors (P=0·006) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·001) were predictive. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only sex (P=0·034) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·044) remained as predictors of 25(OH)D. Despite residing in an optimal geographic location for sunlight exposure, nearly 65 % of study adolescents were either insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. Correction and long-term prevention of this nutritional problem may be instrumental in avoiding adverse effects in adulthood attributed to low 25(OH)D during adolescence.

Computational Analysis of Powered Lift Augmentation for the LEAPTech Distributed Electric Propulsion Wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deere, Karen A.; Viken, Sally A.; Carter, Melissa B.; Viken, Jeffrey K.; Wiese, Michael R.; Farr, Norma L.

2017-01-01

A computational study of a distributed electric propulsion wing with a 40deg flap deflection has been completed using FUN3D. Two lift-augmentation power conditions were compared with the power-off configuration on the high-lift wing (40deg flap) at a 73 mph freestream flow and for a range of angles of attack from -5 degrees to 14 degrees. The computational study also included investigating the benefit of corotating versus counter-rotating propeller spin direction to powered-lift performance. The results indicate a large benefit in lift coefficient, over the entire range of angle of attack studied, by using corotating propellers that all spin counter to the wingtip vortex. For the landing condition, 73 mph, the unpowered 40deg flap configuration achieved a maximum lift coefficient of 2.3. With high-lift blowing the maximum lift coefficient increased to 5.61. Therefore, the lift augmentation is a factor of 2.4. Taking advantage of the fullspan lift augmentation at similar performance means that a wing powered with the distributed electric propulsion system requires only 42 percent of the wing area of the unpowered wing. This technology will allow wings to be 'cruise optimized', meaning that they will be able to fly closer to maximum lift over drag conditions at the design cruise speed of the aircraft.

Probes for investigating the effect of magnetic field, field orientation, temperature and strain on the critical current density of anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes in a split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet.

PubMed

Sunwong, P; Higgins, J S; Hampshire, D P

2014-06-01

We present the designs of probes for making critical current density (Jc) measurements on anisotropic high-temperature superconducting tapes as a function of field, field orientation, temperature and strain in our 40 mm bore, split-pair 15 T horizontal magnet. Emphasis is placed on the design of three components: the vapour-cooled current leads, the variable temperature enclosure, and the springboard-shaped bending beam sample holder. The vapour-cooled brass critical-current leads used superconducting tapes and in operation ran hot with a duty cycle (D) of ~0.2. This work provides formulae for optimising cryogenic consumption and calculating cryogenic boil-off, associated with current leads used to make J(c) measurements, made by uniformly ramping the current up to a maximum current (I(max)) and then reducing the current very quickly to zero. They include consideration of the effects of duty cycle, static helium boil-off from the magnet and Dewar (b'), and the maximum safe temperature for the critical-current leads (T(max)). Our optimized critical-current leads have a boil-off that is about 30% less than leads optimized for magnet operation at the same maximum current. Numerical calculations show that the optimum cross-sectional area (A) for each current lead can be parameterized by LI(max)/A = [1.46D(-0.18)L(0.4)(T(max) - 300)(0.25D(-0.09)) + 750(b'/I(max))D(10(-3)I(max)-2.87b') × 10⁶ A m⁻¹ where L is the current lead's length and the current lead is operated in liquid helium. An optimum A of 132 mm(2) is obtained when I(max) = 1000 A, T(max) = 400 K, D = 0.2, b' = 0.3 l h(-1) and L = 1.0 m. The optimized helium consumption was found to be 0.7 l h(-1). When the static boil-off is small, optimized leads have a boil-off that can be roughly parameterized by: b/I(max)  ≈ (1.35 × 10(-3))D(0.41) l h(‑1) A(-1). A split-current-lead design is employed to minimize the rotation of the probes during the high current measurements in our high-field horizontal magnet. The variable-temperature system is based on the use of an inverted insulating cup that operates above 4.2 K in liquid helium and above 77.4 K in liquid nitrogen, with a stability of ±80 mK to ±150 mK. Uniaxial strains of -1.4% to 1.0% can be applied to the sample, with a total uncertainty of better than ±0.02%, using a modified bending beam apparatus which includes a copper beryllium springboard-shaped sample holder.

Prognostic implications of 62Cu-diacetyl-bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) PET/CT in patients with glioma.

PubMed

Toriihara, Akira; Ohtake, Makoto; Tateishi, Kensuke; Hino-Shishikura, Ayako; Yoneyama, Tomohiro; Kitazume, Yoshio; Inoue, Tomio; Kawahara, Nobutaka; Tateishi, Ukihide

2018-05-01

The potential of positron emission tomography/computed tomography using 62 Cu-diacetyl-bis (N 4 -methylthiosemicarbazone) ( 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT), which was originally developed as a hypoxic tracer, to predict therapeutic resistance and prognosis has been reported in various cancers. Our purpose was to investigate prognostic value of 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT in patients with glioma, compared to PET/CT using 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose ( 18 F-FDG). 56 patients with glioma of World Health Organization grade 2-4 were enrolled. All participants had undergone both 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT and 18 F-FDG PET/CT within mean 33.5 days prior to treatment. Maximum standardized uptake value and tumor/background ratio were calculated within areas of increased radiotracer uptake. The prognostic significance for progression-free survival and overall survival were assessed by log-rank test and Cox's proportional hazards model. Disease progression and death were confirmed in 37 and 27 patients in follow-up periods, respectively. In univariate analysis, there was significant difference of both progression-free survival and overall survival in age, tumor grade, history of chemoradiotherapy, maximum standardized uptake value and tumor/background ratio calculated using 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT. Multivariate analysis revealed that maximum standardized uptake value calculated using 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT was an independent predictor of both progression-free survival and overall survival (p < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis including patients of grade 4 glioma, only the maximum standardized uptake values calculated using 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT showed significant difference of progression-free survival (p < 0.05). 62 Cu-ATSM PET/CT is a more promising imaging method to predict prognosis of patients with glioma compared to 18 F-FDG PET/CT.

3D-printed focused collimator for intra-operative gamma-ray detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holdsworth, David W.; Nikolov, Hristo N.; Pollmann, Steven I.

2017-03-01

Recent developments in targeted radiopharmaceutical labels have increased the need for sensitive, real-time gamma detection during cancer surgery and biopsy. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) in metal has now made it possible to design and fabricate complex metal collimators for compact gamma probes. We describe the design and implementation of a 3D-printed focused collimator that allows for real-time detection of gamma radiation from within a small volume of interest, using a single-crystal large-area detector. The collimator was fabricated using laser melting of powdered stainless steel (316L), using a commercial 3D metal printer (AM125, Renishaw plc). The prototype collimator is 20 mm thick, with hexagonal close-packed holes designed to focus to a point 35 mm below the surface of the collimator face. Tests were carried out with a low-activity (<1 μCi) 241 Am source, using a conventional gamma-ray detector probe, incorporating a 2.5 cm diameter, 2.5 cm thick NaI crystal coupled to a photomultiplier. The measured full-width half maximum (FWHM) was less than 5.6 mm, and collimator detection efficiency was 44%. The ability to fabricate fine features in solid metal makes it possible to develop optimized designs for high-efficiency, focused gamma collimators for real-time intraoperative imaging applications.

Where's WALY? : A proof of concept study of the 'wellbeing adjusted life year' using secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data.

PubMed

Johnson, Rebecca; Jenkinson, David; Stinton, Chris; Taylor-Phillips, Sian; Madan, Jason; Stewart-Brown, Sarah; Clarke, Aileen

2016-09-08

The Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) is a measure that combines life extension and health improvement in a single score, reflecting preferences around different types of health gain. It can therefore be used to inform decision-making around allocation of health care resources to mutually exclusive options that would produce qualitatively different health benefits. A number of quality-of-life instruments can be used to calculate QALYs. The EQ-5D is one of the most commonly used, and is the preferred option for submissions to NICE ( https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg9/ ). However, it has limitations that might make it unsuitable for use in areas such as public and mental health where interventions may aim to improve well-being. One alternative to the QALY is a Wellbeing-Adjusted Life Year. In this study we explore the need for a Wellbeing-Adjusted Life Year measure by examining the extent to which a measure of wellbeing (the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) maps onto the EQ-5D-3L. Secondary analyses were conducted on data from the Coventry Household Survey in which 7469 participants completed the EQ-5D-3L, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and a measure of self-rated health. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's and Spearman's correlations, linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Approximately 75 % of participants scored the maximum on the EQ-5D-3L. Those with maximum EQ-5D-3L scores reported a wide range of levels of mental wellbeing. Both the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the EQ-5D-3L were able to detect differences between those with higher and lower levels of self-reported health. Linear regression indicated that scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the EQ-5D-3L were weakly, positively correlated (with R(2) being 0.104 for the index and 0.141 for the visual analogue scale). The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale maps onto the EQ-5D-3L to only a limited extent. Levels of mental wellbeing varied greatly amongst participants who had the maximum score on the EQ-5D-3L. To evaluate the relative effectiveness of interventions that impact on mental wellbeing, a new measure - a Wellbeing Adjusted Life Year - is needed.

Flood Hazard Mapping by Applying Fuzzy TOPSIS Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, K. Y.; Lee, J. Y.; Keum, H.; Kim, B. J.; Kim, T. H.

2017-12-01

There are lots of technical methods to integrate various factors for flood hazard mapping. The purpose of this study is to suggest the methodology of integrated flood hazard mapping using MCDM(Multi Criteria Decision Making). MCDM problems involve a set of alternatives that are evaluated on the basis of conflicting and incommensurate criteria. In this study, to apply MCDM to assessing flood risk, maximum flood depth, maximum velocity, and maximum travel time are considered as criterion, and each applied elements are considered as alternatives. The scheme to find the efficient alternative closest to a ideal value is appropriate way to assess flood risk of a lot of element units(alternatives) based on various flood indices. Therefore, TOPSIS which is most commonly used MCDM scheme is adopted to create flood hazard map. The indices for flood hazard mapping(maximum flood depth, maximum velocity, and maximum travel time) have uncertainty concerning simulation results due to various values according to flood scenario and topographical condition. These kind of ambiguity of indices can cause uncertainty of flood hazard map. To consider ambiguity and uncertainty of criterion, fuzzy logic is introduced which is able to handle ambiguous expression. In this paper, we made Flood Hazard Map according to levee breach overflow using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique. We confirmed the areas where the highest grade of hazard was recorded through the drawn-up integrated flood hazard map, and then produced flood hazard map can be compared them with those indicated in the existing flood risk maps. Also, we expect that if we can apply the flood hazard map methodology suggested in this paper even to manufacturing the current flood risk maps, we will be able to make a new flood hazard map to even consider the priorities for hazard areas, including more varied and important information than ever before. Keywords : Flood hazard map; levee break analysis; 2D analysis; MCDM; Fuzzy TOPSIS Acknowlegement This research was supported by a grant (17AWMP-B079625-04) from Water Management Research Program funded by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korean government.

B2B Models for DoD Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-15

unlimited. Prepared for: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California 93943 B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 15 January 2008 by Magdi N...TYPE AND DATES COVERED 1 Oct 2006 through 30 Sept 2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 5. FUNDING 6. AUTHOR (S...public release; distribution is unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words.) A central vision of B2B e-commerce is that

Temporal pattern in biometrics and nutrient stoichiometry of the intertidal seagrass Zostera japonica and its adaptation to air exposure in a temperate marine lagoon (China): Implications for restoration and management.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaomei; Zhou, Yi; Liu, Peng; Wang, Feng; Liu, Bingjian; Liu, Xujia; Yang, Hongsheng

2015-05-15

In coastal areas of China, the seagrass Zostera japonica has drastically decreased in the past decades. Swan Lake is an exception, where we found extensive areas of Z. japonica beds. The growth of Z. japonica in the lagoon exhibited strong seasonal variation. The maximum shoot density of 9880±2786 shoots m(-2) occurred in August. The maximum specific growth rate (SGR) of 4.99±1.99%⋅d(-1) was recorded in June 2012. SGR might be a good parameter for assessing the growth status of Z. japonica population. N and P contents in the rhizome were significantly lower than those in the leaf and leaf sheath. Lower C/P ratios suggested P enrichment of the seagrass. The occurrence of Z. japonica in Swan Lake was featured by adapting to the intertidal harsh environments. The transplantation method using sectioned rhizomes would be a potential way for restoration of degraded Z. japonica beds. The establishment of the Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve in China has contributed to the survival and expansion of Z. japonica in Swan Lake. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Liquid phase adsorptions of Rhodamine B dye onto raw and chitosan supported mesoporous adsorbents: isotherms and kinetics studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inyinbor, A. A.; Adekola, F. A.; Olatunji, G. A.

2017-09-01

Irvingia gabonensis endocarp waste was charred (DNc) and subsequently coated with chitosan (CCDNc). Physicochemical characteristics of the two adsorbents were established, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area methods were further employed for characterization. Efficiencies of the prepared adsorbents in the uptake of Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous effluent were investigated and adsorption data were tested using four isotherms and four kinetics models. The BET surface areas of the prepared adsorbent were 0.0092 and 4.99 m2/g for DNc and CCDNc, respectively, and maximum adsorption was recorded at pH between 3 and 4, respectively. While monolayer adsorption dominates the uptake of RhB onto DNc, uptake of RhB onto CCDNc was onto heterogeneous surface. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities ( q max) obtained from the Langmuir equation are 52.90 and 217.39 mg/g for DNc and CCDNc, respectively. Pseudo second order and Elovich kinetic models well described the kinetics of the two adsorption processes. The mean sorption energy ( E) calculated from the D-R model and desorption efficiencies suggests that while the uptake of RhB onto DNc was physical in nature, for RhB-CCDNc system chemisorption dominates.

Thermo-Oxidative Induced Damage in Polymer Composites: Microstructure Image-Based Multi-Scale Modeling and Experimental Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, Rafid M.; Chandrashekhara, K.

2017-11-01

A multi-scale modeling approach is presented to simulate and validate thermo-oxidation shrinkage and cracking damage of a high temperature polymer composite. The multi-scale approach investigates coupled transient diffusion-reaction and static structural at macro- to micro-scale. The micro-scale shrinkage deformation and cracking damage are simulated and validated using 2D and 3D simulations. Localized shrinkage displacement boundary conditions for the micro-scale simulations are determined from the respective meso- and macro-scale simulations, conducted for a cross-ply laminate. The meso-scale geometrical domain and the micro-scale geometry and mesh are developed using the object oriented finite element (OOF). The macro-scale shrinkage and weight loss are measured using unidirectional coupons and used to build the macro-shrinkage model. The cross-ply coupons are used to validate the macro-shrinkage model by the shrinkage profiles acquired using scanning electron images at the cracked surface. The macro-shrinkage model deformation shows a discrepancy when the micro-scale image-based cracking is computed. The local maximum shrinkage strain is assumed to be 13 times the maximum macro-shrinkage strain of 2.5 × 10-5, upon which the discrepancy is minimized. The microcrack damage of the composite is modeled using a static elastic analysis with extended finite element and cohesive surfaces by considering the modulus spatial evolution. The 3D shrinkage displacements are fed to the model using node-wise boundary/domain conditions of the respective oxidized region. Microcrack simulation results: length, meander, and opening are closely matched to the crack in the area of interest for the scanning electron images.

Toxin production, growth kinetics and molecular characterization of Ostreopsis cf. ovata isolated from Todos os Santos Bay, tropical southwestern Atlantic.

PubMed

Mendes, Maria Cristina de Q; Nunes, José Marcos C; Menezes, Mariângela; Fraga, Santiago; Rodríguez, Francisco; Vázquez, José A; Blanco, Juan; Franco, José M; Riobó, Pilar

2017-11-01

The toxin profile and hemolytic activity of a strain of Ostreopsis cf. ovata (UFBA013) isolated from Todos os Santos Bay (northeastern Brazil) were evaluated under different levels of N and P. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) placed UFBA013 within the Atlantic/Mediterranean/Pacific clade of O. cf. ovata. Growth experiments were conducted in f/2 medium modified by adding N and P (P: 0-36 μM; N: 0-882 μM). The growth kinetics was adequately described by logistic equations. The best growth (highest G m ) was recorded under levels of N/P = 0/18, 129/5 and 441/36, while one of the lowest G m was obtained under P-depletion. The maximum and specific maximum growth rates (as v m; cells mL -1 d -1 and μ m; d -1 ) were achieved with N limitation (N/P = 441/36) and P-limitation/depletion (753/5.3 and 441/0) and are the highest values reported in the literature, most similar to isolates from Pacific and Mediterranean areas. The control experiment (N/P = 441/18) also yielded similar values to those from some Mediterranean isolates, but higher than formerly reported for Brazilian isolates. In all conditions assayed, no palytoxin (PLTX) was detected. The ovatoxins (OVTXs) a, b, c, d and e did not show significant differences in cell quota between exponential and stationary phases. A significant relationship was detected between OVTXs concentration and hemolytic activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An assessment of strontium sorption onto bentonite buffer material in waste repository.

PubMed

Pathak, Pankaj

2017-03-01

In the present study, changes occurring in sorption characteristics of a representative bentonite (WIn-BT) exposed to SrCl 2 (0.001-0.1 M) under the pH range of 1-13 were investigated. Such interaction revealed a significant variation in surface charge density and binding energy of ions with respect to bentonite, and alteration in their physicochemical properties viz., specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, thermal and mechanical behaviour were observed. The distribution coefficients (k d ) calculated for sorption onto virgin (UCBT) and contaminated bentonite (CBT) indicated a greater influence of mineralogical changes occurred with variance of pH and strontium concentration. Notably, the sorption mechanism clearly elucidates the effect of structural negative charge and existence of anionic metal species onto CBT, and depicted the reason behind significant k d values at highly acidic and alkaline pH. The maximum k d of UCBT and CBT (0.001M SrCl2) were 8.99 and 2.92 L/kg, respectively, at the soil pH 8.5; whereas it was 2.37 and 1.23 L/kg at pH 1 for the CBT (0.1M SrCl2) and CBT (0.01M SrCl2) , respectively. The findings of this study can be useful to identify the physicochemical parameters of candidate buffer material and sorption reversibility in waste repository.

Effect of tank diameter on thermal behavior of gasoline and diesel storage tanks fires.

PubMed

Leite, Ricardo Machado; Centeno, Felipe Roman

2018-01-15

Studies on fire behavior are extremely important as they contribute in a firefighting situation or even to avoid such hazard. Experimental studies of fire in real scale are unfeasible, implying that reduced-scale experiments must be performed, and results extrapolated to the range of interest. This research aims to experimentally study the fire behavior in tanks of 0.04m, 0.20m, 0.40m, 0.80m and 4.28m diameter, burning regular gasoline or diesel oil S-500. The following parameters were here obtained: burning rates, burning velocities, heat release rates, flame heights, and temperature distributions adjacent to the tank. Such parameters were obtained for each tank diameter with the purpose of correlating the results and understanding the relationship of each parameter for the different geometrical scale of the tanks. Asymptotic results for larger tanks were found as (regular gasoline and diesel oil S-500, respectively): burning rates 0.050kg/(m 2 s) and 0.031kg/(m 2 s), burning velocities 4.0mm/min and 2.5mm/min, heat release rates per unit area 2200kW/m 2 and 1500kW/m 2 , normalized averaged flame heights (H i /D, where H i is the average flame height, D is the tank diameter) 0.9 and 0.8. Maximum temperatures for gasoline pools were higher than for diesel oil pools, and temperature gradients close to the tanks were also higher for the former fuel. The behavior of the maximum temperature was correlated as a function of the tank diameter, the heat release rate of each fuel and the dimensionless distance from the tank. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A theoretical and computational study of lithium-ion battery thermal management for electric vehicles using heat pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greco, Angelo; Cao, Dongpu; Jiang, Xi; Yang, Hong

2014-07-01

A simplified one-dimensional transient computational model of a prismatic lithium-ion battery cell is developed using thermal circuit approach in conjunction with the thermal model of the heat pipe. The proposed model is compared to an analytical solution based on variable separation as well as three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The three approaches, i.e. the 1D computational model, analytical solution, and 3D CFD simulations, yielded nearly identical results for the thermal behaviours. Therefore the 1D model is considered to be sufficient to predict the temperature distribution of lithium-ion battery thermal management using heat pipes. Moreover, a maximum temperature of 27.6 °C was predicted for the design of the heat pipe setup in a distributed configuration, while a maximum temperature of 51.5 °C was predicted when forced convection was applied to the same configuration. The higher surface contact of the heat pipes allows a better cooling management compared to forced convection cooling. Accordingly, heat pipes can be used to achieve effective thermal management of a battery pack with confined surface areas.

To what extent can green infrastructure mitigate downstream flooding in a peri-urban catchment?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, J. E.; Burns, M.; Sanders, B. F.; Flethcher, T.

2016-12-01

In this research, we couple an urban hydrologic model (MUSIC, eWater, AUS) with a fine resolution 2D hydrodynamic model (BreZo, UC Irvine, USA) to test to what extent retrofitting an urban watershed with stormwater control measures (SCMs) can propagate flood management benefits downstream. Our study site is the peri-urban Little Stringybark Creek (LSC) catchment in eastern Melbourne, AUS, with an area of 4.5 km2 and connected impervious area of 9%. Urban development is mainly limited to the upper 2 km2of the catchment. Since 2009 the LSC catchment has been the subject of a large-scale experiment aiming to restore morenatural flow by implementing over 300 SCMs, such as rain tanks and infiltration trenches, resulting in runoff from 50% of connected impervious areas now being intercepted by some form of SCM. For our study we calibrated the hydrologic and hydraulic models based on current catchment conditions, then we developed models representing alternative SCM scenarios including a complete lack of SCMs versus a full implementation of SCMs. Flow in the hydrologic/hydraulic models is forced using a range of synthetic rainfall events with annual exceedance probabilities (AEPs) between 63-1% and durations between 10 min to 24 hr. Metrics of SCM efficacy in changing flood regime include flood depths and extents, flow intensity (m2/s), flood duration, and critical storm duration leading to maximum flood conditions. Results indicate that across the range of AEPs tested and for storm durations equal or less than 3 hours, current SCM conditions reduce downstream flooded area on average by 29%, while a full implementation of SCMs would reduce downstream flooded area on average by 91%. A full implementation of SCMs could also lower maximum flow intensities by 83% on average, reducing damage potential to structures in the flow path and increasing the ability for vehicles to evacuate flooded streets. We also found that for storm durations longer than 3 hours, the SCMs capacity to retain rainfall runoff volumes is much decreased, with a full implementation of SCMs only reducing flooded area by 8% and flow intensity by 5.5%. Therefore additional measures are required for downstream flood hazard mitigation from long duration events.

Flood risk assessment in a Spanish Mediterranean catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salazar, S.; Francés, F.; García-Bartual, R.; Ortiz, E.; Múnera, J. C.; Vélez, J. J.

2009-04-01

This paper describes a multidisciplinary approach for the risk assessment and its application to analysing the effects of extreme flood events on the Mediterranean catchment called "Rambla del Poyo" in Valencia (Spain). This catchment located in the East coast of Spain has an area of 380 km2 and is clearly open to the Mediterranean Mesoscale Convective Storms. The climate is semiarid, and the flow regime is typically ephemeral, but with highly frequent flash floods, with peak flows in the order of 500 m3/s. Recently, in 2000 and 2002 the area was severe flooded. The flood prone area is located in the lower part of the basin, with an important concentration of different urban centers and industrial and commercial areas (including part of the Valencia International Airport). For this reason, the analysis of damages of residential, industrial and commercial urbanized areas is essential for the prevention of damages with a proper flood risk management. The approach is based on three main steps. The first step entails a detailed hydrological analysis (parameter estimation, calibration-validation and simulations) using a distributed rainfall-runoff model called TETIS. In the case study, on one hand, high temporal resolutions rain gauge data are scarce, because of this, in addition to a small number of historic events, 100 synthetic rainstorms were generated using the multidimensional stochastic model called RAINGEN, which adequately represents the main structural properties typical of intense convective storms, including occurrence of raincells in space and time and the generated intensities. An equivalent daily maximum precipitation Pd was estimated for each synthetic event, thus allowing a return period assignment using the known statistical distribution of Pd in the region. On the other hand, the initial soil moisture condition can have a strong influence in the runoff production, for this reason, long term daily simulation has been done in order to asses the probability distribution of the initial situation before the extreme flood events (dry and wet conditions). For all combinations of precipitation inputs and initial conditions, 200 hydrological simulations has been done in order to obtain the input hydrographs for the hydraulic model. Finally in this step, a frequency analysis to obtain the non-exceedence probability of the peak discharges has been developed using the annual maximum daily precipitation and the initial soil moisture condition with this expression: ž« FX (x) = FX |r (x|r).fR (r).dr -ž where: X= random variable of interest (peak discharge), R= annual maximum daily precipitation, fR(r)= probability density function of R, FX•r(x/r)= conditional density function of X given r obtained from simulations. The main objective of second step is flood hazard estimation, which, the hydraulic modelling has been developed using the coupled computing version of Sobek 1D/2D. In this task, the treatment of DEM calculation can be a key task depending on the scale of work. The introduction of buildings, walls, the opening of drainage works… improving the quality of results in areas with high anthropogenic influence; in our case has been made 6 simulations with 3 different resolutions, after all, the model has been done with a model one-dimensional (1D), logging throughout the stretch to two-dimensional (2D) grid with the parent of 30x30 metres, except for its passage through the urban, commercial and industrial land uses in the flood prone area where it connects with the child grid of 10x10 metres. Unfortunately, for reasons of computer time, the hydraulic model has not been run for the 200 available events. However, 20 events have been carefully select trying to cover the best probabilistic interest spectrum for this study (from two to one thousand years of return period). From the 20 selected flooding maps it has been developed a GIS computational tool for calculating a regression between the independent variable (maximum water depth) and the dependent variable return period transformed into natural logarithm. Using this methodology have been generated the hazard maps for the return periods of interest. Finally, the third step concerns to the flood risk, which was defined as probabilistic integral of the combination of flood hazard and land use vulnerability: ž« R = V (h).fH (h).dh 0 Where: R is the flood risk, V(h) is the land use vulnerability, h is the flood magnitude and fH(h) is its probability density function. The land use vulnerability is expressed in terms of stage-damage functions for urban, commercial and industrial land uses. Both, flood hazard and land use vulnerability are defined in terms of magnitude (water depth). This integral has been solved in discrete form using a GIS tools. The flood risk assessment by a resolution of 10 meters in size cell in the flood prone area of the "Rambla del Poyo" has been done. With this useful methodology, we believe that a complete flood risk analysis is needed in order to objectively compare different future scenarios that can affect either the flood hazard and/or the vulnerability in the flood prone area.

Noise pollution levels in the pediatric intensive care unit.

PubMed

Kramer, Bree; Joshi, Prashant; Heard, Christopher

2016-12-01

Patients and staff may experience adverse effects from exposure to noise. This study assessed noise levels in the pediatric intensive care unit and evaluated family and staff opinion of noise. Noise levels were recorded using a NoisePro DLX. The microphone was 1 m from the patient's head. The noise level was averaged each minute and levels above 70 and 80 dBA were recorded. The maximum, minimum, and average decibel levels were calculated and peak noise level great than 100 dBA was also recorded. A parent questionnaire concerning their evaluation of noisiness of the bedside was completed. The bedside nurse also completed a questionnaire. The average maximum dB for all patients was 82.2. The average minimum dB was 50.9. The average daily bedside noise level was 62.9 dBA. The average % time where the noise level was higher than 70 dBA was 2.2%. The average percent of time that the noise level was higher than 80 dBA was 0.1%. Patients experienced an average of 115 min/d where peak noise was greater than 100 dBA. The parents and staff identified the monitors as the major contribution to noise. Patients experienced levels of noise greater than 80 dBA. Patients experience peak noise levels in excess of 100 dB during their pediatric intensive care unit stay. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drag De-Orbit Device: A New Standard Re-Entry Actuator for CubeSats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guglielmo, David; Omar, Sanny; Bevilacqua, Riccardo

2017-01-01

With the advent of CubeSats, research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) becomes possible for universities and small research groups. Only a handful of launch sites can be used, due to geographical and political restrictions. As a result, common orbits in LEO are becoming crowded due to the additional launches made possible by low-cost access to space. CubeSat design principles require a maximum of a 25-year orbital lifetime in an effort to reduce the total number of spacecraft in orbit at any time. Additionally, since debris may survive re-entry, it is ideal to de-orbit spacecraft over unpopulated areas to prevent casualties. The Drag Deorbit Device (D3) is a self-contained targeted re-entry subsystem intended for CubeSats. By varying the cross-wind area, the atmospheric drag can be varied in such a way as to produce desired maneuvers. The D3 is intended to be used to remove spacecraft from orbit to reach a desired target interface point. Additionally, attitude stabilization is performed by the D3 prior to deployment and can replace a traditional ADACS on many missions.This paper presents the hardware used in the D3 and operation details. Four stepper-driven, repeatedly retractable booms are used to modify the cross-wind area of the D3 and attached spacecraft. Five magnetorquers (solenoids) over three axes are used to damp rotational velocity. This system is expected to be used to improve mission flexibility and allow additional launches by reducing the orbital lifetime of spacecraft.The D3 can be used to effect a re-entry to any target interface point, with the orbital inclination limiting the maximum latitude. In the chance that the main spacecraft fails, a timer will automatically deploy the booms fully, ensuring the spacecraft will at the minimum reenter the atmosphere in the minimum possible time, although not necessarily at the desired target interface point. Although this does not reduce the risk of casualties, the 25-year lifetime limit is still respected, allowing a reduction of the risk associated with a hardware failure.

Small proportions of actively-smoking patrons and high PM2.5 levels in southern California tribal casinos: support for smoking bans or designated smoking areas

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Nearly all California casinos currently allow smoking, which leads to potentially high patron exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke pollutants. Some argue that smoking restrictions or bans would result in a business drop, assuming > 50% of patrons smoke. Evidence in Nevada and responses from the 2008 California tobacco survey refute this assertion. The present study investigates the proportion of active smokers in southern California tribal casinos, as well as occupancy and PM2.5 levels in smoking and nonsmoking sections. Methods We measured active-smoker and total-patron counts during Friday or Saturday night visits (two per casino) to smoking and nonsmoking gaming areas inside 11 southern California casinos. We counted slot machines and table games in each section, deriving theoretical maximum capacities and occupancy rates. We also measured PM2.5 concentrations (or used published levels) in both nonsmoking and smoking areas. Results Excluding one casino visit with extremely high occupancy, we counted 24,970 patrons during 21 casino visits of whom 1,737 were actively smoking, for an overall active- smoker proportion of 7.0% and a small range of ~5% across casino visits (minimum of 5% and maximum of 10%). The differences in mean inter-casino active-smoker proportions were not statistically significant. Derived occupancy rates were 24% to 215% in the main (low-stakes) smoking-allowed slot or table areas. No relationship was found between observed active-smoker proportions and occupancy rate. The derived maximum capacities of nonsmoking areas were 1% to 29% of the overall casino capacity (most under 10%) and their observed occupancies were 0.1 to over 3 times that of the main smoking-allowed casino areas. Seven of twelve visits to nonsmoking areas with no separation had occupancy rates greater than main smoking areas. Unenclosed nonsmoking areas don’t substantially protect occupants from PM2.5 exposure. Nonsmoking areas encapsulated inside smoking areas or in a separate, but unenclosed, area had PM2.5 levels that were 10 to 60 μg/m3 and 6 to 23 μg/m3 higher than outdoor levels, respectively, indicating contamination from smoking. Conclusions Although fewer than roughly 10% of casino patrons are actively smoking on average, these individuals substantially increase PM2.5 exposure for all patrons in smoking and unenclosed nonsmoking areas. Nonsmoking areas may be too inconvenient, small, or undesirable to serve a substantial number of nonsmoking patrons. Imposing indoor smoking bans, or contained smoking areas with a maximum capacity of up to 10% of the total patronage, would offer protection from PM2.5 exposures for nonsmoking patrons and reduce employee exposures. PMID:22998850

Small proportions of actively-smoking patrons and high PM2.5 levels in southern California tribal casinos: support for smoking bans or designated smoking areas.

PubMed

Klepeis, Neil E; Omoto, Jason; Ong, Seow Ling; Omoto, Harmeena Sahota; Dhaliwal, Narinder

2012-09-22

Nearly all California casinos currently allow smoking, which leads to potentially high patron exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke pollutants. Some argue that smoking restrictions or bans would result in a business drop, assuming > 50% of patrons smoke. Evidence in Nevada and responses from the 2008 California tobacco survey refute this assertion. The present study investigates the proportion of active smokers in southern California tribal casinos, as well as occupancy and PM(2.5) levels in smoking and nonsmoking sections. We measured active-smoker and total-patron counts during Friday or Saturday night visits (two per casino) to smoking and nonsmoking gaming areas inside 11 southern California casinos. We counted slot machines and table games in each section, deriving theoretical maximum capacities and occupancy rates. We also measured PM(2.5) concentrations (or used published levels) in both nonsmoking and smoking areas. Excluding one casino visit with extremely high occupancy, we counted 24,970 patrons during 21 casino visits of whom 1,737 were actively smoking, for an overall active- smoker proportion of 7.0% and a small range of ~5% across casino visits (minimum of 5% and maximum of 10%). The differences in mean inter-casino active-smoker proportions were not statistically significant. Derived occupancy rates were 24% to 215% in the main (low-stakes) smoking-allowed slot or table areas. No relationship was found between observed active-smoker proportions and occupancy rate. The derived maximum capacities of nonsmoking areas were 1% to 29% of the overall casino capacity (most under 10%) and their observed occupancies were 0.1 to over 3 times that of the main smoking-allowed casino areas. Seven of twelve visits to nonsmoking areas with no separation had occupancy rates greater than main smoking areas. Unenclosed nonsmoking areas don't substantially protect occupants from PM2.5 exposure. Nonsmoking areas encapsulated inside smoking areas or in a separate, but unenclosed, area had PM(2.5) levels that were 10 to 60 μg/m(3) and 6 to 23 μg/m(3) higher than outdoor levels, respectively, indicating contamination from smoking. Although fewer than roughly 10% of casino patrons are actively smoking on average, these individuals substantially increase PM(2.5) exposure for all patrons in smoking and unenclosed nonsmoking areas. Nonsmoking areas may be too inconvenient, small, or undesirable to serve a substantial number of nonsmoking patrons. Imposing indoor smoking bans, or contained smoking areas with a maximum capacity of up to 10% of the total patronage, would offer protection from PM2.5 exposures for nonsmoking patrons and reduce employee exposures.

Growth of potatoes for CELSS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tibbitts, T. W.; Cao, W.; Wheeler, R. M.

1994-01-01

This report summarizes research on the utilization of white potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) for space life support systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison over the period of 1984 to 1993. At full maturity the tuber productivity was 37.5 gm(exp -2) d(exp -1), equating to a growing area requirement for one human (2800 kcal d(exp -1)) of 10.1 m(exp -2). A recirculating nutrient system using slanted trays produced best potato growth and tuber yields when a 2-3 cm layer of gravel or arcillite media was utilized. Potato production was close to maximum under lighting levels of 400 micromol m(exp -2) s(exp -1) of photosynthetic photo flux (PPF) for 24 hours or 800 micromol m(exp -2) s(exp -1) for 12 hours, alternating diurnal temperatures of 22 C and 14 C, relative humidity of 85 percent, and a carbon dioxide level of 1000 micromol m(exp -1). The range of effective concentrations of each separate nutrient is reported. The extensive studies with potatoes in this project have demonstrated that this crop has high productivity of nutritous tubers with a high harvest index in controlled environments, and can fulfill a significant portion of the energy and protein requirements for humans in space.

Enhanced absorption in two-dimensional materials via Fano-resonant photonic crystals

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

Wang, Wenyi; Klots, Andrey; Bolotin, Kirill I.

2015-05-04

The use of two-dimensional (2D) materials in optoelectronics has attracted much attention due to their fascinating optical and electrical properties. However, the low optical absorption of 2D materials arising from their atomic thickness limits the maximum attainable external quantum efficiency. For example, in the visible and near-infrared regimes monolayer MoS{sub 2} and graphene absorb only ∼10% and 2.3% of incoming light, respectively. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the use of Fano-resonant photonic crystals to significantly boost absorption in atomically thin materials. Using graphene as a test bed, we demonstrate that absorption in the monolayer thick material can be enhanced to 77%more » within the telecommunications band, the highest value reported to date. We also show that the absorption in the Fano-resonant structure is non-local, with light propagating up to 16 μm within the structure. This property is particularly beneficial in harvesting light from large areas in field-effect-transistor based graphene photodetectors in which separation of photo-generated carriers only occurs ∼0.2 μm adjacent to the graphene/electrode interface.« less

Dependence of cancer cell adhesion kinetics on integrin ligand surface density measured by a high-throughput label-free resonant waveguide grating biosensor.

PubMed

Orgovan, Norbert; Peter, Beatrix; Bősze, Szilvia; Ramsden, Jeremy J; Szabó, Bálint; Horvath, Robert

2014-02-07

A novel high-throughput label-free resonant waveguide grating (RWG) imager biosensor, the Epic® BenchTop (BT), was utilized to determine the dependence of cell spreading kinetics on the average surface density (v(RGD)) of integrin ligand RGD-motifs. v(RGD) was tuned over four orders of magnitude by co-adsorbing the biologically inactive PLL-g-PEG and the RGD-functionalized PLL-g-PEG-RGD synthetic copolymers from their mixed solutions onto the sensor surface. Using highly adherent human cervical tumor (HeLa) cells as a model system, cell adhesion kinetic data of unprecedented quality were obtained. Spreading kinetics were fitted with the logistic equation to obtain the spreading rate constant (r) and the maximum biosensor response (Δλmax), which is assumed to be directly proportional to the maximum spread contact area (Amax). r was found to be independent of the surface density of integrin ligands. In contrast, Δλmax increased with increasing RGD surface density until saturation at high densities. Interpreting the latter behavior with a simple kinetic mass action model, a 2D dissociation constant of 1753 ± 243 μm(-2) (corresponding to a 3D dissociation constant of ~30 μM) was obtained for the binding between RGD-specific integrins embedded in the cell membrane and PLL-g-PEG-RGD. All of these results were obtained completely noninvasively without using any labels.

D0 Silicon Upgrade: ASME Code and Pressure Calculations for Liquid Nitrogen Subcooler

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

Kuwazaki, Andrew; Leicht, Todd; /Fermilab

1995-10-04

Included in this engineering note are three separate calculation divisions. The first calculations are the determination of the required thickness of the LN{sub 2} subcooler flat head according to ASME code. This section includes Appendix A-C. The minimum plate thickness determined was 0.563 in. The actual thickness chosen in fabrication was a 3/4-inch plate milled to 0.594-inch at the bolt circle. Along with the plate thickness, this section calculates the required reinforcement area at the top plate penetrations. It was found that a 1/4-inch fillet weld at each penetration was adequate. The next set of calculations were done to provemore » that the subcooler internal pressure will always be less than 15 psig and therefore will not be classified as a pressure vessel. The subcooler is always open to a vent pipe. Appendix D calculations show that the vent pipe has a capacity of 1042 lbs/hr if 15 psig is present at the subcooler. It goes on to show that the inlet piping would at that flow rate, see a pressure drop of 104 psig. The maximum supply pressure of the LN{sub 2} storage dewar is 50 psig. Appendix E addresses required flow rates for steady state, loss of vacuum, or fire conditions. Page E9 shows a summary which states the maximum pressure would be 1.50 psig at fire conditions and internal pressure.« less

Instrument Display Visual Angles for Conventional Aircraft and the MQ-9 Ground Control Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bendrick, Gregg A.; Kamine, Tovy Haber

2008-01-01

Aircraft instrument panels should be designed such that primary displays are in optimal viewing location to minimize pilot perception and response time. Human Factors engineers define three zones (i.e. "cones") of visual location: 1) "Easy Eye Movement" (foveal vision); 2) "Maximum Eye Movement" (peripheral vision with saccades), and 3) "Head Movement" (head movement required). Instrument display visual angles were measured to determine how well conventional aircraft (T-34, T-38, F- 15B, F-16XL, F/A-18A, U-2D, ER-2, King Air, G-III, B-52H, DC-10, B747-SCA) and the MQ-9 ground control station (GCS) complied with these standards, and how they compared with each other. Methods: Selected instrument parameters included: attitude, pitch, bank, power, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, heading, turn rate, slip/skid, AOA, flight path, latitude, longitude, course, bearing, range and time. Vertical and horizontal visual angles for each component were measured from the pilot s eye position in each system. Results: The vertical visual angles of displays in conventional aircraft lay within the cone of "Easy Eye Movement" for all but three of the parameters measured, and almost all of the horizontal visual angles fell within this range. All conventional vertical and horizontal visual angles lay within the cone of "Maximum Eye Movement". However, most instrument vertical visual angles of the MQ-9 GCS lay outside the cone of "Easy Eye Movement", though all were within the cone of "Maximum Eye Movement". All the horizontal visual angles for the MQ-9 GCS were within the cone of "Easy Eye Movement". Discussion: Most instrument displays in conventional aircraft lay within the cone of "Easy Eye Movement", though mission-critical instruments sometimes displaced less important instruments outside this area. Many of the MQ-9 GCS systems lay outside this area. Specific training for MQ-9 pilots may be needed to avoid increased response time and potential error during flight.

Evaluation of various modelling approaches in flood routing simulation and flood area mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papaioannou, George; Loukas, Athanasios; Vasiliades, Lampros; Aronica, Giuseppe

2016-04-01

An essential process of flood hazard analysis and mapping is the floodplain modelling. The selection of the modelling approach, especially, in complex riverine topographies such as urban and suburban areas, and ungauged watersheds may affect the accuracy of the outcomes in terms of flood depths and flood inundation area. In this study, a sensitivity analysis implemented using several hydraulic-hydrodynamic modelling approaches (1D, 2D, 1D/2D) and the effect of modelling approach on flood modelling and flood mapping was investigated. The digital terrain model (DTMs) used in this study was generated from Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) point cloud data. The modelling approaches included 1-dimensional hydraulic-hydrodynamic models (1D), 2-dimensional hydraulic-hydrodynamic models (2D) and the coupled 1D/2D. The 1D hydraulic-hydrodynamic models used were: HECRAS, MIKE11, LISFLOOD, XPSTORM. The 2D hydraulic-hydrodynamic models used were: MIKE21, MIKE21FM, HECRAS (2D), XPSTORM, LISFLOOD and FLO2d. The coupled 1D/2D models employed were: HECRAS(1D/2D), MIKE11/MIKE21(MIKE FLOOD platform), MIKE11/MIKE21 FM(MIKE FLOOD platform), XPSTORM(1D/2D). The validation process of flood extent achieved with the use of 2x2 contingency tables between simulated and observed flooded area for an extreme historical flash flood event. The skill score Critical Success Index was used in the validation process. The modelling approaches have also been evaluated for simulation time and requested computing power. The methodology has been implemented in a suburban ungauged watershed of Xerias river at Volos-Greece. The results of the analysis indicate the necessity of sensitivity analysis application with the use of different hydraulic-hydrodynamic modelling approaches especially for areas with complex terrain.

Microvascular transplants in head and neck reconstruction: 3D evaluation of volume loss.

PubMed

Bittermann, Gido; Thönissen, Philipp; Poxleitner, Philipp; Zimmerer, Ruediger; Vach, Kirstin; Metzger, Marc C

2015-10-01

Despite oversized latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction in the head and neck area, esthetic and functional problems continue to exist due to the well-known occurrence of transplant shrinkage. The purpose of this study was to acquire an estimation of the volume and time of the shrinkage process. The assessment of volume loss was performed using a 3D evaluation of two postoperative CT scans. A retrospective review was conducted on all latissimus dorsi free flap reconstructions performed between 2004 and 2013. Inclusion criteria for the assessment were: resection of an oral carcinoma and microsurgical defect coverage with latissimus dorsi free flap; a first postoperative CT (CT1) performed between 3 weeks and a maximum of 3 months after reconstruction surgery; and an additional CT scan (CT2) performed at least one year postoperatively. The exclusion criterion was surgical intervention in the local area between the acquisition of CT1 and CT2. The effect of adjuvant radiation therapy was considered. Volume determination of the transplant was carried out in CT1 and CT2 by manual segmentation of the graft. Fifteen patients were recruited. 3D evaluation showed an average volume loss of 34.4%. In the consideration of postoperative radiotherapy the volume reduction was 39.2% in patients with radiotherapy and 31.3% in patients without radiotherapy. The reconstruction flap volume required for overcorrection of the surgical defect was investigated. This study indicates that a volume loss of more than 30% could be expected one or more years after latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction. Clinical trial number DRKS00007534. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimizing the Terzaghi Estimator of the 3D Distribution of Rock Fracture Orientations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Huiming; Huang, Lei; Juang, C. Hsein; Zhang, Junrong

2017-08-01

Orientation statistics are prone to bias when surveyed with the scanline mapping technique in which the observed probabilities differ, depending on the intersection angle between the fracture and the scanline. This bias leads to 1D frequency statistical data that are poorly representative of the 3D distribution. A widely accessible estimator named after Terzaghi was developed to estimate 3D frequencies from 1D biased observations, but the estimation accuracy is limited for fractures at narrow intersection angles to scanlines (termed the blind zone). Although numerous works have concentrated on accuracy with respect to the blind zone, accuracy outside the blind zone has rarely been studied. This work contributes to the limited investigations of accuracy outside the blind zone through a qualitative assessment that deploys a mathematical derivation of the Terzaghi equation in conjunction with a quantitative evaluation that uses fractures simulation and verification of natural fractures. The results show that the estimator does not provide a precise estimate of 3D distributions and that the estimation accuracy is correlated with the grid size adopted by the estimator. To explore the potential for improving accuracy, the particular grid size producing maximum accuracy is identified from 168 combinations of grid sizes and two other parameters. The results demonstrate that the 2° × 2° grid size provides maximum accuracy for the estimator in most cases when applied outside the blind zone. However, if the global sample density exceeds 0.5°-2, then maximum accuracy occurs at a grid size of 1° × 1°.

Persistence and distribution of 4-nonylphenol in water, sediment, macrophytes, and wall material of littoral enclosures

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

Heinis, L.J.; Tunell, R.; Liber, K.

1994-12-31

Eighteen enclosures (5 m x 10 m) were constructed in the littoral zone of a 2-ha pond near Duluth, MN. Each enclosure consisted of 5 m of natural shoreline and three walls of an inert plastic. The enclosures had an average surface area of 31.9 m{sup 2} , an average depth of 0.6 m and an average water volume of 33.1 m{sup 3}. The enclosure waters were treated with the alkyl phenol ethoxylate precursor and degradation product 4-nonylphenol. Application was accomplished by sub-surface injection over a 20-day period with a 2 day frequency. Nominal aqueous concentrations were 0, 3, 30,more » 100 and 300 {mu}g/L. Concentrations of 4-nonylphenol were monitored during and after application in the water, sediment, macrophytes, and enclosure wall material. Average maximum water concentrations ranged from 96.5% of nominal to 62.0% of nominal and average minimum water concentrations ranged from 33.3% of nominal to 29.5% of nominal during the application period. Water concentrations decreased exponentially after application ended. Sediment concentrations during the application period were constant from 8 to 20 d and peak concentrations occurred 48 d after application began. Macrophyte concentrations peaked 21 d after initial application with a steady decline through 76 d. Enclosure wall material concentrations reached a peak 3 h before the final application. A gradual decline occurred until 34 d after initial application followed by a more rapid dissipation.« less

Monitoring the UPS and Downs of Sumatra and Java with D-Insar Time-Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaussard, E.; Amelung, F.

2010-12-01

We performed, for the first time, a global D-InSAR survey of the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java to define locations where deformation is occurring. The goals of this study are 1) to create an inventory of actively deforming volcanic centers and 2) monitor all types of ground motion. This work provides ground deformation data for previously unmonitored areas and can assist the Indonesian authorities to improve hazards assessment. The D-InSAR survey covers an area of about 500 000 km2 and 3000 km long on the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali. We used ALOS data from 45 tracks and more than 1500 granules obtained from the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) through the US Government Research Consortium (USGRC). We completed more than 1000 interferograms spanning a period from the end of 2006 to the beginning of 2009. L-band SAR images enable deformation mapping at global scales even in highly vegetated areas where C-band signal experiences loss of coherence. To identify locations where ground deformations are occurring, we used multiple SAR acquisitions of the same area and performed time series analysis using the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) method. Interferograms with a maximum spatial baseline of 3000 m were phase-unwrapped and subsequently inverted for the phase with respect to the first acquisition. Temporal coherence of each pixel is computed on the set of interferograms in order to select only pixels with high temporal coherence. The compiled InSAR velocity map reveals the background level of activity of the 84 volcanic centers constituting the Sumatra, Java and Bali volcanic arcs. We identified possible uplift at 6 volcanic centers: Agung (Bali), Lamongan (Java), Lawu (Java), Slamet (Java), Kerinci (Sumatra) and Sinabung (Sumatra). Moreover, we identified subsidence in 5 major cities and 1 coastal area. Subsidence rates range from 6 cm/yr in Medan, the largest city of Sumatra, to more than 15 cm/yr in Jakarta. These major subsidence areas are probably due to ground water extraction needed to support the increasing population and industrial activities.

Comparison of the 2008-2011 and 1993-1995 Surges of Bering Glacier, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnia, B. F.; Angeli, K.

2011-12-01

The 1993-1995 surge of Bering Glacier, Earth's largest surging temperate glacier, was intensively studied. A new surge, which began prior to March 9, 2009, was still active in early August 2011. As was the 1993-1995 surge, the current surge is being studied using multiple remote sensing and ground-based methodologies. The wealth of observations available of both surges permit comparisons to be drawn about similarities and differences regarding processes, timing, intensities, and related topics. For more than a year prior to each surge, the intensity of calving and the rate of terminus retreat in Tashalich Arm increased dramatically, approaching 4 m/d in late 2010. This was abruptly followed by a significant terminus advance. In the current surge, maximum advance rates exceeded 19 m/d between March 18 and May 10, 2011. Through July 20, maximum terminus advance approached 3.2 km with velocities above 8 m/d. Similar rates applied in the earlier surge. Each surge has resulted in a rapid and significant advance of the central Bering Lobe's terminus into Vitus Lake. The terminus advance results from the transfer of a substantial volume of ice from the Bagley Ice Valley into the expanding piedmont lobe. In both surges, conspicuous evidence of tens of meters of glacier surface lowering is visible on the south wall of Juniper Island. In the 1993-1995 surge, terminus advance between October 17, 1993 and May 16, 1994 was nearly 7.8 km, an average advance rate of more than 36 m/d. With the current surge, between January 8 and 14, 2011, the terminus advanced a maximum of 125 m, averaging nearly 21 m/d. By July 11, 2011, maximum velocities still approached 15 m per day, with maximum ice displacements of nearly 2 km and a maximum terminus advance of 1.7 km. In the 1993-1995 surge, the first evidence of surge activity was observed in April 1993, the development of a fractured ice bulge on the northwest side of the Grindle Hills. The surge front reached Bering's terminus at the end of August 1993 and left it heavily fractured. With the current surge, until July 2009, surface displacements were restricted to the area from west of, to northeast of the Grindle Hills. By November 18, 2010, the surge front reached Bering's terminus and left it more heavily fractured than in 1993. The current surge shows the same style and types of surface disruptions and deformations at the same locations as did the earlier surge. For example, in both surges, sinusoidal crevasses were first noted north of the Grindle Hills, while rifts were noted in the upper central piedmont lobe. The current surge has produced much more fracturing of the Medial Moraine Band than did the 1993-95 surge. Similarly, the extent of surface fracturing up-glacier from the piedmont lobe is significantly greater in the current surge. During the 1993-95 surge, surface expression of the surge extended about 45 km east of the western end of Juniper Island. In late July 2011, surge-related surface fractures extended nearly 90 km to the east. The Steller lobe of the Bering Glacier System has not been involved in either surge. Continued observations of the current surge, in the context of the 1993-95 surge, are providing significant insights into repeatable patterns of surging glacier behavior. Bering Glacier is an amazing natural laboratory at which to conduct these observations.

SU-C-BRB-06: Utilizing 3D Scanner and Printer for Dummy Eye-Shield: Artifact-Free CT Images of Tungsten Eye-Shield for Accurate Dose Calculation

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

Park, J; Lee, J; Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a tungsten eye-shield on the dose distribution of a patient. Methods: A 3D scanner was used to extract the dimension and shape of a tungsten eye-shield in the STL format. Scanned data was transferred into a 3D printer. A dummy eye shield was then produced using bio-resin (3D systems, VisiJet M3 Proplast). For a patient with mucinous carcinoma, the planning CT was obtained with the dummy eye-shield placed on the patient’s right eye. Field shaping of 6 MeV was performed using a patient-specific cerrobend block on the 15 x 15 cm{sup 2} applicator. Themore » gantry angle was 330° to cover the planning target volume near by the lens. EGS4/BEAMnrc was commissioned from our measurement data from a Varian 21EX. For the CT-based dose calculation using EGS4/DOSXYZnrc, the CT images were converted to a phantom file through the ctcreate program. The phantom file had the same resolution as the planning CT images. By assigning the CT numbers of the dummy eye-shield region to 17000, the real dose distributions below the tungsten eye-shield were calculated in EGS4/DOSXYZnrc. In the TPS, the CT number of the dummy eye-shield region was assigned to the maximum allowable CT number (3000). Results: As compared to the maximum dose, the MC dose on the right lens or below the eye shield area was less than 2%, while the corresponding RTP calculated dose was an unrealistic value of approximately 50%. Conclusion: Utilizing a 3D scanner and a 3D printer, a dummy eye-shield for electron treatment can be easily produced. The artifact-free CT images were successfully incorporated into the CT-based Monte Carlo simulations. The developed method was useful in predicting the realistic dose distributions around the lens blocked with the tungsten shield.« less

49 CFR 571.109 - Standard No. 109; New pneumatic and certain specialty tires.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... of the tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, that is shaped to fit the rim... pressure; (c) Maximum load rating; (d) The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both... plies in the tread area if different; (f) The words “tubeless” or “tube type” as applicable; and (g) The...

49 CFR 571.109 - Standard No. 109; New pneumatic and certain specialty tires.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... of the tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, that is shaped to fit the rim... pressure; (c) Maximum load rating; (d) The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both... plies in the tread area if different; (f) The words “tubeless” or “tube type” as applicable; and (g) The...

The growth and investigations of electromechanical properties of Fresnoite Ba2Si2TiO8 crystal as a function of orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Chuanying; Wang, Duanliang; Zhang, Jinyue; Zhang, Huaijin; Wang, Jiyang; Boughton, Robert I.

2018-04-01

Large sized Fresnoite Ba2TiSi2O8 single crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. Using coordinate transformation methods, the relative dielectric, piezoelectric and elastic constants of Fresnoite Ba2TiSi2O8 as a function of orientation were investigated, and their two- and three-dimensional spatial distributions are presented. From them, the maximum values of the piezoelectric coefficients and the corresponding rotation angle can be obtained. The maximum values of coefficients d22∗, d23∗, d24∗, d32∗, d33∗ and d34∗ were achieved for rotation angles of 40°, 32°, 0°, 58°, 50° and 90°, respectively, and are on the order of 8.7, -4.7, 17.5, 4.7, 8.7 and 17.5 pC/N, respectively. Furthermore, the validity of the electromechanical properties investigation as a function of orientation was verified. The relative dielectric permittivity, elastic constant and piezoelectric coefficient of a ZXl50o cut rod were calculated and found to be 14.1, 8.7 pC/N and 11.2 pm2/N, respectively, in good agreement with the experimental values of 12.7, 9.1 pC/N and 11.7 pm2/N. This investigation is important in providing direction for theoretical research and device design of piezoelectric Ba2TiSi2O8 crystals.

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to predict disposition of CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 metabolized drugs in pregnant women.

PubMed

Ke, Alice Ban; Nallani, Srikanth C; Zhao, Ping; Rostami-Hodjegan, Amin; Isoherranen, Nina; Unadkat, Jashvant D

2013-04-01

Conducting pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in pregnant women is challenging. Therefore, we asked if a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model could be used to evaluate different dosing regimens for pregnant women. We refined and verified our previously published pregnancy PBPK model by incorporating cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 suppression (based on caffeine PK) and CYP2D6 induction (based on metoprolol PK) into the model. This model accounts for gestational age-dependent changes in maternal physiology and hepatic CYP3A activity. For verification, the disposition of CYP1A2-metabolized drug theophylline (THEO) and CYP2D6-metabolized drugs paroxetine (PAR), dextromethorphan (DEX), and clonidine (CLO) during pregnancy was predicted. Our PBPK model successfully predicted THEO disposition during the third trimester (T3). Predicted mean postpartum to third trimester (PP:T3) ratios of THEO area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration, and minimum plasma concentration were 0.76, 0.95, and 0.66 versus observed values 0.75, 0.89, and 0.72, respectively. The predicted mean PAR steady-state plasma concentration (Css) ratio (PP:T3) was 7.1 versus the observed value 3.7. Predicted mean DEX urinary ratio (UR) (PP:T3) was 2.9 versus the observed value 1.9. Predicted mean CLO AUC ratio (PP:T3) was 2.2 versus the observed value 1.7. Sensitivity analysis suggested that a 100% induction of CYP2D6 during T3 was required to recover the observed PP:T3 ratios of PAR Css, DEX UR, and CLO AUC. Based on these data, it is prudent to conclude that the magnitude of hepatic CYP2D6 induction during T3 ranges from 100 to 200%. Our PBPK model can predict the disposition of CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A drugs during pregnancy.

A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict Disposition of CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 Metabolized Drugs in Pregnant Women

PubMed Central

Ke, Alice Ban; Nallani, Srikanth C.; Zhao, Ping; Rostami-Hodjegan, Amin; Isoherranen, Nina

2013-01-01

Conducting pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in pregnant women is challenging. Therefore, we asked if a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model could be used to evaluate different dosing regimens for pregnant women. We refined and verified our previously published pregnancy PBPK model by incorporating cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 suppression (based on caffeine PK) and CYP2D6 induction (based on metoprolol PK) into the model. This model accounts for gestational age–dependent changes in maternal physiology and hepatic CYP3A activity. For verification, the disposition of CYP1A2–metabolized drug theophylline (THEO) and CYP2D6–metabolized drugs paroxetine (PAR), dextromethorphan (DEX), and clonidine (CLO) during pregnancy was predicted. Our PBPK model successfully predicted THEO disposition during the third trimester (T3). Predicted mean postpartum to third trimester (PP:T3) ratios of THEO area under the curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration, and minimum plasma concentration were 0.76, 0.95, and 0.66 versus observed values 0.75, 0.89, and 0.72, respectively. The predicted mean PAR steady-state plasma concentration (Css) ratio (PP:T3) was 7.1 versus the observed value 3.7. Predicted mean DEX urinary ratio (UR) (PP:T3) was 2.9 versus the observed value 1.9. Predicted mean CLO AUC ratio (PP:T3) was 2.2 versus the observed value 1.7. Sensitivity analysis suggested that a 100% induction of CYP2D6 during T3 was required to recover the observed PP:T3 ratios of PAR Css, DEX UR, and CLO AUC. Based on these data, it is prudent to conclude that the magnitude of hepatic CYP2D6 induction during T3 ranges from 100 to 200%. Our PBPK model can predict the disposition of CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A drugs during pregnancy. PMID:23355638

[Root anatomical structure and hydraulic traits of three typical shrubs on the sandy lands of northern Shaanxi Province, China].

PubMed

Ai, Shao-shui; Li, Yang-yang; Chen, Jia-cun; Chen, Wei-yue

2015-11-01

Root xylem anatomical structure and hydraulic traits of three typical shrubs, i.e., Salix psammophila, Caragana korshinskii and Hippophae rhamnoides, within two soil layers (0-20 cm and 30-50 cm) were compared. The results showed that S. psammophila had a higher leaf water potential than C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides, the average maximum and minimum lumen diameter (d(max) and d(min), respectively), the average lumen area of vessels (Alum) and the ratio of lumen area of all vessels to xylem area (Aves/Axyl) in S. psammophila roots were also significantly higher than those in C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides, and the root vessel density (VD) in S. psammophila was the same as that in H. rhamnoides but significantly higher than that in C. korshinskii. Root hydraulic conductivity in S. psammophila was 5 times of C. korshinskii and 2.8 times of H. hamnoides. The vulnerability index in S. psammophila roots was similar to that in C. korshinskii but higher than that in H. hamnoides. S. psammophila belonged to a water-spending species, whereas both C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides were water-saving species, and C. korshinskii was more drought-resistant than H. rhamnoides. There was no difference of d(max), d(min) and Alum between roots in two soil layers, but roots within in the 30-50 cm soil layer had larger VD and Aves/Axyl. The root specific hydraulic conductivity within the 30-50 cm soil layer was significantly higher than within the surface soil layer, whereas the vulnerability index within the 30-50 cm soil layer was smaller, indicating roots in deep soil layers had higher hydraulic transport efficiency and lower hydraulic vulnerability.

Photosynthetic capacity peaks at intermediate size in temperate deciduous trees.

PubMed

Thomas, Sean C

2010-05-01

Studies of age-related changes in leaf functional biology have generally been based on dichotomous comparisons of young and mature individuals (e.g., saplings and mature canopy trees), with little data available to describe changes through the entire ontogeny of trees, particularly of broadleaf angiosperms. Leaf-level gas-exchange and morphological parameters were quantified in situ in the upper canopy of trees acclimated to high light conditions, spanning a wide range of ontogenetic stages from saplings (approximately 1 cm in stem diameter) to trees >60 cm d.b.h. and nearing their maximum lifespan, in three temperate deciduous tree species in central Ontario, Canada. Traits associated with growth performance, including leaf photosynthetic capacity (expressed on either an area, mass or leaf N basis), stomatal conductance, leaf size and leaf N content, generally showed a unimodal ('hump-shaped') pattern, with peak values at an intermediate ontogenetic stage. In contrast, leaf mass per area (LMA) and related morphological parameters (leaf thickness, leaf tissue density, leaf C content) increased monotonically with tree size, as did water-use efficiency; these monotonic relationships were well described by simple allometric functions of the form Y = aX(b). For traits showing unimodal patterns, tree size corresponding to the trait maximum differed markedly among traits: all three species showed a similar pattern in which the peak for leaf size occurred in trees approximately 2-6 cm d.b.h., followed by leaf chemical traits and photosynthetic capacity on a mass or leaf N basis and finally by photosynthetic capacity on a leaf area basis, which peaked approximately at the size of reproductive onset. It is argued that ontogenetic increases in photosynthetic capacity and related traits early in tree ontogeny are general among relatively shade-tolerant tree species that have a low capacity for leaf-level acclimation, as are declines in this set of traits late in tree ontogeny.

Hyperbranched quasi-1D nanostructures for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Passoni, Luca; Ghods, Farbod; Docampo, Pablo; Abrusci, Agnese; Martí-Rujas, Javier; Ghidelli, Matteo; Divitini, Giorgio; Ducati, Caterina; Binda, Maddalena; Guarnera, Simone; Li Bassi, Andrea; Casari, Carlo Spartaco; Snaith, Henry J; Petrozza, Annamaria; Di Fonzo, Fabio

2013-11-26

In this work we demonstrate hyperbranched nanostructures, grown by pulsed laser deposition, composed of one-dimensional anatase single crystals assembled in arrays of high aspect ratio hierarchical mesostructures. The proposed growth mechanism relies on a two-step process: self-assembly from the gas phase of amorphous TiO2 clusters in a forest of tree-shaped hierarchical mesostructures with high aspect ratio; oriented crystallization of the branches upon thermal treatment. Structural and morphological characteristics can be optimized to achieve both high specific surface area for optimal dye uptake and broadband light scattering thanks to the microscopic feature size. Solid-state dye sensitized solar cells fabricated with arrays of hyperbranched TiO2 nanostructures on FTO-glass sensitized with D102 dye showed a significant 66% increase in efficiency with respect to a reference mesoporous photoanode and reached a maximum efficiency of 3.96% (among the highest reported for this system). This result was achieved mainly thanks to an increase in photogenerated current directly resulting from improved light harvesting efficiency of the hierarchical photoanode. The proposed photoanode overcomes typical limitations of 1D TiO2 nanostructures applied to ss-DSC and emerges as a promising foundation for next-generation high-efficiency solid-state devices comprosed of dyes, polymers, or quantum dots as sensitizers.

Two-dimensional laser Doppler velocimeter and its integrated navigation with a strapdown inertial navigation system.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Gao, Chunfeng; Zhou, Jian; Wei, Guo; Nie, Xiaoming; Long, Xingwu

2018-05-01

In the field of land navigation, a laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) can be used to provide the velocity of a vehicle for an integrated navigation system with a strapdown inertial navigation system. In order to suppress the influence of vehicle jolts on a one-dimensional (1D) LDV, this paper designs a split-reuse two-dimensional (2D) LDV. The velocimeter is made up of two 1D velocimeter probes that are mirror-mounted. By the different effects of the vertical vibration on the two probes, the velocimeter can calculate the forward velocity and the vertical velocity of a vehicle. The results of the vehicle-integrated navigation experiments show that the 2D LDV not only can actually suppress the influence of vehicle jolts and greatly improve the navigation positioning accuracy, but also can give high-precision altitude information. The maximum horizontal position errors of the two experiments are 2.6 m and 3.2 m in 1.9 h, and the maximum altitude errors are 0.24 m and 0.22 m, respectively.

A 5.2/5.8 GHz Dual Band On-Off Keying Transmitter Design for Bio-Signal Transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chang-Hsi; You, Hong-Cheng; Huang, Shun-Zhao

2018-02-01

An architecture of 5.2/5.8-GHz dual-band on-off keying (DBOOK) modulated transmitter is designed in a 0.18-μm CMOS technology. The proposed DBOOK transmitter is used in the biosignal transmission system with high power efficiency and small area. To reduce power consumption and enhance output swing, two pairs of center-tapped transformers are used as both LC tank and source grounding choke for the designed voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Switching capacitances are used to achieve dual band operations, and a complemented power combiner is used to merge the differential output power of VCO to a single-ended output. Besides, the linearizer circuits are used in the proposed power amplifier with wideband output matching to improve the linearity both at 5.2/5.8-GHz bands. The designed DBOOK transmitter is implemented by dividing it into two chips. One chip implements the dual-band switching VCO and power combiner, and the other chip implements a linear power amplifier including dual-band operation. The first chip drives an output power of 2.2mW with consuming power of 5.13 mW from 1.1 V supply voltage. With the chip size including pad of 0.61 × 0.91 m2, the measured data rate and transmission efficiency attained are 100 Mb/s and 51 pJ/bit, respectively. The second chip, for power enhanced mode, exhibits P1 dB of -9 dBm, IIP3 of 1 dBm, the output power 1 dB compression point of 12.42 dBm, OIP3 of about 21 dBm, maximum output power of 17.02/16.18 dBm, and power added efficiency of 17.13/16.95% for 5.2/ 5.8 GHz. The chip size including pads is 0:693 × 1:084mm2.

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on Quality Index Method (QIM) scores of farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) at low and abused temperatures.

PubMed

Campus, Marco; Bonaglini, Elia; Cappuccinelli, Roberto; Porcu, Maria Cristina; Tonelli, Roberto; Roggio, Tonina

2011-04-01

A Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme was developed for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) packed gilthead seabream, and the effect of MAP gas mixtures (60% CO2 and 40% N2; 60% CO2, 30% O2, and 10% N2), temperature (2, 4, and 8 °C), and time of storage on QI scores was assessed. QI scores were crossed with sensory evaluation of cooked fish according to a modified Torry scheme to establish the rejection point. In order to reduce redundant parameters, a principal component analysis was applied on preliminary QIM parameters scores coming from the best performing MAP among those tested. The final QIM scheme consists of 13 parameters and a maximum demerit score of 25. The maximum storage time was found to be 13 d at 4 °C for MAP 60% CO2 and 40% N2. Storage at 2 °C do not substantially improved sensory parameters scores, while storage under temperature abuse (8 °C) accelerated drastically the rate of increase of QI scores and reduced the maximum storage time to 6 d.

A large-scale simulation of climate change effects on flood regime - A case study for the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dullo, T. T.; Gangrade, S.; Marshall, R.; Islam, S. R.; Ghafoor, S. K.; Kao, S. C.; Kalyanapu, A. J.

2017-12-01

The damage and cost of flooding are continuously increasing due to climate change and variability, which compels the development and advance of global flood hazard models. However, due to computational expensiveness, evaluation of large-scale and high-resolution flood regime remains a challenge. The objective of this research is to use a coupled modeling framework that consists of a dynamically downscaled suite of eleven Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models, a distributed hydrologic model called DHSVM, and a computational-efficient 2-dimensional hydraulic model called Flood2D-GPU to study the impacts of climate change on flood regime in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River Basin. Downscaled meteorologic forcings for 40 years in the historical period (1966-2005) and 40 years in the future period (2011-2050) were used as inputs to drive the calibrated DHSVM to generate annual maximum flood hydrographs. These flood hydrographs along with 30-m resolution digital elevation and estimated surface roughness were then used by Flood2D-GPU to estimate high-resolution flood depth, velocities, duration, and regime. Preliminary results for the Conasauga river basin (an upper subbasin within ACT) indicate that seven of the eleven climate projections show an average increase of 25 km2 in flooded area (between historic and future projections). Future work will focus on illustrating the effects of climate change on flood duration and area for the entire ACT basin.

Initial testing of a 3D printed perfusion phantom using digital subtraction angiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, Rachel P.; Khobragade, Parag; Ying, Leslie; Snyder, Kenneth; Wack, David; Bednarek, Daniel R.; Rudin, Stephen; Ionita, Ciprian N.

2015-03-01

Perfusion imaging is the most applied modality for the assessment of acute stroke. Parameters such as Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), Cerebral Blood volume (CBV) and Mean Transit Time (MTT) are used to distinguish the tissue infarct core and ischemic penumbra. Due to lack of standardization these parameters vary significantly between vendors and software even when provided with the same data set. There is a critical need to standardize the systems and make them more reliable. We have designed a uniform phantom to test and verify the perfusion systems. We implemented a flow loop with different flow rates (250, 300, 350 ml/min) and injected the same amount of contrast. The images of the phantom were acquired using a Digital Angiographic system. Since this phantom is uniform, projection images obtained using DSA is sufficient for initial validation. To validate the phantom we measured the contrast concentration at three regions of interest (arterial input, venous output, perfused area) and derived time density curves (TDC). We then calculated the maximum slope, area under the TDCs and flow. The maximum slope calculations were linearly increasing with increase in flow rate, the area under the curve decreases with increase in flow rate. There was 25% error between the calculated flow and measured flow. The derived TDCs were clinically relevant and the calculated flow, maximum slope and areas under the curve were sensitive to the measured flow. We have created a systematic way to calibrate existing perfusion systems and assess their reliability.

Coffee-Ring Defined Short Channels for Inkjet-Printed Metal Oxide Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Li, Yuzhi; Lan, Linfeng; Xiao, Peng; Sun, Sheng; Lin, Zhenguo; Song, Wei; Song, Erlong; Gao, Peixiong; Wu, Weijing; Peng, Junbiao

2016-08-03

Short-channel electronic devices several micrometers in length are difficult to implement by direct inkjet printing due to the limitation of position accuracy of the common inkjet printer system and the spread of functional ink on substrates. In this report, metal oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) with channel lengths of 3.5 ± 0.7 μm were successfully fabricated with a common inkjet printer without any photolithography steps. Hydrophobic CYTOP coffee stripes, made by inkjet-printing and plasma-treating processes, were utilized to define the channel area of TFTs with channel lengths as short as ∼3.5 μm by dewetting the inks of the source/drain (S/D) precursors. Furthermore, by introduction of an ultrathin layer of PVA to modify the S/D surfaces, the spreading of precursor ink of the InOx semiconductor layer was well-controlled. The inkjet-printed short-channel TFTs exhibited a maximum mobility of 4.9 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and an on/off ratio of larger than 10(9). This approach of fabricating short-channel TFTs by inkjet printing will promote the large-area fabrication of short-channel TFTs in a cost-effective manner.

Thermal response of large area high temperature superconducting YBaCuO infrared bolometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khalil, Ali E.

1991-01-01

Thermal analysis of large area high temperature superconducting infrared detector operating in the equilibrium mode (bolometer) was performed. An expression for the temperature coefficient beta = 1/R(dR/dT) in terms of the thermal conductance and the thermal time constant of the detector were derived. A superconducting transition edge bolometer is a thermistor consisting of a thin film superconducting YBaCuO evaporated into a suitable thermally isolated substrate. The operating temperature of the bolometer is maintained close to the midpoint of the superconducting transition region where the resistance R has a maximum dynamic range. A detector with a strip configuration was analyzed and an expression for the temperature rise (delta T) above the ambient due to a uniform illumination with a source of power density was calculated. An expression for the thermal responsibility depends upon the spatial modulation frequency and the angular frequency of the incoming radiation. The problem of the thermal cross talk between different detector elements was addressed. In the case of monolithic HTS detector array with a row of square elements of dimensions 2a and CCD or CID readout electronics the thermal spread function was derived for different spacing between elements.

Geophysical reconnaissance of Lemmon Valley, Washoe County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schaefer, Donald H.; Maurer, Douglas K.

1981-01-01

Rapid growth in the Lemmon Valley area, Nevada, during recent years has put increasing importance on knowledge of stored ground water for the valley. Data that would fill voids left by previous studies are depth to bedrock and depth to good-quality water beneath the two playas in the valley. Depths to bedrock calculated from a gravity survey in Lemmon Valley indicate that the western part of Lemmon Valley is considerably deeper than the eastern part. Maximum depth in the western part is about 2 ,600 feet below land surface. This depression approximately underlies the Silver Lake playa. A smaller, shallower depression with a maximum depth of about 1,500 feet below land surface exists about 2.5 miles north of the playa. The eastern area is considerably shallower. The maximum calculated depth to bedrock is about 1,000 feet below land surface, but the depth throughout most the eastern area is only about 400 feet below land surface. An electrical resistivity survey in Lemmon Valley consisting of 10 Schlumberger soundings was conducted around the playas. The maximum depth of poor-quality water (characterized by a resistivity less than 20 ohm-meters) differed considerably from place to place. Maximum depths of poor-quality water beneath the playa east of Stead varied from about 120 feet to almost 570 feet below land surface. At the Silver Lake playa, the maximum depths varied from about 40 feet in the west to 490 feet in the east. (USGS)

Statistical Features of the 2010 Beni-Ilmane, Algeria, Aftershock Sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdache, M.; Peláez, J. A.; Gospodinov, D.; Henares, J.

2018-03-01

The aftershock sequence of the 2010 Beni-Ilmane ( M W 5.5) earthquake is studied in depth to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of seismicity parameters of the relationships modeling the sequence. The b value of the frequency-magnitude distribution is examined rigorously. A threshold magnitude of completeness equal to 2.1, using the maximum curvature procedure or the changing point algorithm, and a b value equal to 0.96 ± 0.03 have been obtained for the entire sequence. Two clusters have been identified and characterized by their faulting type, exhibiting b values equal to 0.99 ± 0.05 and 1.04 ± 0.05. Additionally, the temporal decay of the aftershock sequence was examined using a stochastic point process. The analysis was done through the restricted epidemic-type aftershock sequence (RETAS) stochastic model, which allows the possibility to recognize the prevailing clustering pattern of the relaxation process in the examined area. The analysis selected the epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model to offer the most appropriate description of the temporal distribution, which presumes that all events in the sequence can cause secondary aftershocks. Finally, the fractal dimensions are estimated using the integral correlation. The obtained D 2 values are 2.15 ± 0.01, 2.23 ± 0.01 and 2.17 ± 0.02 for the entire sequence, and for the first and second cluster, respectively. An analysis of the temporal evolution of the fractal dimensions D -2, D 0, D 2 and the spectral slope has been also performed to derive and characterize the different clusters included in the sequence.

Inference of lithologic distributions in an alluvial aquifer using airborne transient electromagnetic surveys

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dickinson, Jesse; Pool, D.R.; Groom, R.W.; Davis, L.J.

2010-01-01

An airborne transient electromagnetic (TEM) survey was completed in the Upper San Pedro Basin in southeastern Arizona to map resistivity distributions within the alluvial aquifer. This investigation evaluated the utility of 1D vertical resistivity models of the TEM data to infer lithologic distributions in an alluvial aquifer. Comparisons of the resistivity values and layers in the 1D resistivity models of airborne TEM data to 1D resistivity models of ground TEM data, borehole resistivity logs, and lithologic descriptions in drill logs indicated that the airborne TEM identified thick conductive fine-grained sediments that result in semiconfined groundwater conditions. One-dimensional models of ground-based TEM surveys and subsurface lithology at three sites were used to determine starting models and constraints to invert airborne TEM data using a constrained Marquardt-styleunderparameterized method. A maximum structural resolution of six layers underlain by a half-space was determined from the resistivity structure of the 1D models of the ground TEM data. The 1D resistivity models of the airborne TEM data compared well with the control data to depths of approximately 100 m in areas of thick conductive silt and clay and to depths of 200 m in areas of resistive sand and gravel. Comparison of a 3D interpolation of the 1D resistivity models to drill logs indicated resistive (mean of 65 ohm-m ) coarse-grained sediments along basin margins and conductive (mean of 8 ohm-m ) fine-grained sediments at the basin center. Extents of hydrologically significant thick silt and clay were well mapped by the 1D resistivity models of airborne TEM data. Areas of uncertain lithology remain below conductive fine-grained sediments where the 1D resistivity structure is not resolved: in areas where multiple lithologies have similar resistivity values and in areas of high salinity.

Hypothyroidism as a Consequence of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy With Concurrent Taxane-Based Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Head-and-Neck Cancer

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

Diaz, Roberto; Jaboin, Jerry J.; Morales-Paliza, Manuel

Purpose: To conduct a retrospective review of 168 consecutively treated locally advanced head-and-neck cancer (LAHNC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/chemotherapy, to determine the rate and risk factors for developing hypothyroidism. Methods and Materials: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was delivered in 33 daily fractions to 69.3 Gy to gross disease and 56.1 Gy to clinically normal cervical nodes. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of IMRT plans were used to determine radiation dose to thyroid and were compared with DVHs using conventional three-dimensional radiotherapy (3D-RT) in 10 of these same patients randomly selected for replanning and with DVHs of 16 patients in whom the thyroidmore » was intentionally avoided during IMRT. Weekly paclitaxel (30 mg/m{sup 2}) and carboplatin area under the curve-1 were given concurrently with IMRT. Results: Sixty-one of 128 evaluable patients (47.7%) developed hypothyroidism after a median of 1.08 years after IMRT (range, 2.4 months to 3.9 years). Age and volume of irradiated thyroid were associated with hypothyroidism development after IMRT. Compared with 3D-RT, IMRT with no thyroid dose constraints resulted in significantly higher minimum, maximum, and median dose (p < 0.0001) and percentage thyroid volume receiving 10, 20, and 60 Gy (p < 0.05). Compared with 3D-RT, IMRT with thyroid dose constraints resulted in lower median dose and percentage thyroid volume receiving 30, 40, and 50 Gy (p < 0.005) but higher minimum and maximum dose (p < 0.005). Conclusions: If not protected, IMRT for LAHNC can result in higher radiation to the thyroid than with conventional 3D-RT. Techniques to reduce dose and volume of radiation to thyroid tissue with IMRT are achievable and recommended.« less

Size, duration, and rate of growth of nocturnal lightning events appearing on space shuttle video tapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breslawski, Christine

1990-01-01

An analysis of video tapes of nocturnal lightning events, taken aboard space shuttle flights STS-8, STS-9, STS-41D, and STS-51J, shows flashes with dimensions ranging from approximately 1 km by 1 km to 440 km by 110 km. Of particular interest are the flashes whose dimensions exceeded 100 km, as flashes of this size are seldom reported. In general, larger flashes were found to have longer durations, take longer to reach their maximum extent, and reach their maximum extent at a smaller percent of their total duration than smaller flashes. Sixty four percent of the flashes occurred with one to five other events appearing in the same video frame. These simultaneous events were an average of 60 km apart from each other. If a breakdown process is propagating between the simultaneous flashes, it would be travelling at a rate of 10(exp 5)m/sec. Plots of the area of an event over its duration show peaks in the area curve which may be indicative if lightning strokes. There was an average of 3.6 peaks per flash. In general, the longer the flash duration, the more peaks there were in the area curve. The area curves of the lightning events fall into one of five shape categories. It is suggested that the shape of the area curve may indicate whether an event is an intracloud or cloud to ground lightning flash. Some of the lightning events had a persistent bright spot. These events had an average duration which was greater than that of events without the bright spot. On average, the bright spot events had a maximum area which was larger than that of the flashes without the bright spot.

46 CFR 113.50-15 - Loudspeakers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... With the vessel underway in normal conditions, the minimum sound pressure levels for broadcasting emergency announcements must be— (1) In interior spaces, 75 dB(A) or, if the background noise level exceeds 75 dB(A), then at least 20 dB(A) above maximum background noise level; and (2) In exterior spaces, 80...

47 CFR 15.709 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... to the transmit antenna. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dBi are used, the maximum conducted output power shall be reduced by the amount in dB that the directional gain of... 100 kHz band during any time interval of continuous transmission: (i) Fixed devices: 12.2 dBm. (ii...

Nano-spatial parameters from 3D to 2D lattice dimensionality by organic variant in [ZnCl4]- [R]+ hybrid materials: Structure, architecture-lattice dimensionality, microscopy, optical Eg and PL correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ajit; Verma, Sanjay K.; Alvi, P. A.; Jasrotia, Dinesh

2016-04-01

The nanospatial morphological features of [ZnCl]- [C5H4NCH3]+ hybrid derivative depicts 28 nm granular size and 3D spreader shape packing pattern as analyzed by FESEM and single crystal XRD structural studies. The organic moiety connect the inorganic components through N-H+…Cl- hydrogen bond to form a hybrid composite, the replacement of organic derivatives from 2-methylpyridine to 2-Amino-5-choloropyridine results the increase in granular size from 28nm to 60nm and unit cell packing pattern from 3D-2D lattice dimensionality along ac plane. The change in optical energy direct band gap value from 3.01eV for [ZnCl]- [C5H4NCH3]+ (HM1) to 3.42eV for [ZnCl]- [C5H5ClN2]+ (HM2) indicates the role of organic moiety in optical properties of hybrid materials. The photoluminescence emission spectra is observed in the wavelength range of 370 to 600 nm with maximum peak intensity of 9.66a.u. at 438 nm for (HM1) and 370 to 600 nm with max peak intensity of 9.91 a.u. at 442 nm for (HM2), indicating that the emission spectra lies in visible range. PL excitation spectra depicts the maximum excitation intensity [9.8] at 245.5 nm for (HM1) and its value of 9.9 a.u. at 294 nm, specify the excitation spectra lies in UV range. Photoluminescence excitation spectra is observed in the wavelength range of 280 to 350 nm with maximum peak intensity of 9.4 a.u. at 285.5 nm and 9.9 a.u. at 294 and 297 nm, indicating excitation in the UV spectrum. Single crystal growth process and detailed physiochemical characterization such as XRD, FESEM image analysis photoluminescence property reveals the structure stability with non-covalent interactions, lattice dimensionality (3D-2D) correlations interweaving into the design of inorganic-organic hybrid materials.

Cube Kohonen self-organizing map (CKSOM) model with new equations in organizing unstructured data.

PubMed

Lim, Seng Poh; Haron, Habibollah

2013-09-01

Surface reconstruction by using 3-D data is used to represent the surface of an object and perform important tasks. The type of data used is important and can be described as either structured or unstructured. For unstructured data, there is no connectivity information between data points. As a result, incorrect shapes will be obtained during the imaging process. Therefore, the data should be reorganized by finding the correct topology so that the correct shape can be obtained. Previous studies have shown that the Kohonen self-organizing map (KSOM) could be used to solve data organizing problems. However, 2-D Kohonen maps are limited because they are unable to cover the whole surface of closed 3-D surface data. Furthermore, the neurons inside the 3-D KSOM structure should be removed in order to create a correct wireframe model. This is because only the outside neurons are used to represent the surface of an object. The aim of this paper is to use KSOM to organize unstructured data for closed surfaces. KSOM isused in this paper by testing its ability to organize medical image data because KSOM is mostly used in constructing engineering field data. Enhancements are added to the model by introducing class number and the index vector, and new equations are created. Various grid sizes and maximum iterations are tested in the experiments. Based on the results, the number of redundancies is found to be directly proportional to the grid size. When we increase the maximum iterations, the surface of the image becomes smoother. An area formula is used and manual calculations are performed to validate the results. This model is implemented and images are created using Dev C++ and GNUPlot.

Simulation of Sediment Transport Caused by Landslide at Nanhua Reservoir Watershed in Southern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ming-Hsi; Huang, Cong-Gi; Lin, Huan-Hsuan

2016-04-01

As a result of heavy rainfall, steep topography, young and weak geological formations, earthquakes, loose soils, slope land cultivation and other human disturbance, much area in Taiwan are prone to the occurrence of disastrous mass movements such as landslides and sediment disasters. During recent years, the extreme rainfall events brought huge amounts of rainfall and triggered severe changes in watershed environments. Typhoon Morakot in August 2009 caused severe landslides, debris flow, flooding and sediment disasters induced by record-break rainfall. The maximum rainfall of mountain area in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung County were over 2,900 mm. The study area is located at Nanhua reservoir watershed in southern Taiwan. The numerical model (HEC-RAS 4.1 and FLO-2D) will be used to simulate the sediment transport caused by landslide and the study will find out the separating location of erosion and deposition in the river, the danger area of riverbank, and the safety of the river terrace village under the return period of 50-year, 100-year and 200-year (such as Typhoon Morakot). The results of this study can provide for the disaster risk management of administrative decisions to lessen the impacts of natural hazards and may also be useful for time-space variation of sediment disasters caused by Climate Change.

Vortex-induced vibration of two parallel risers: Experimental test and numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Weiping; Zhou, Yang; Chen, Haiming

2016-04-01

The vortex-induced vibration of two identical rigidly mounted risers in a parallel arrangement was studied using Ansys- CFX and model tests. The vortex shedding and force were recorded to determine the effect of spacing on the two-degree-of-freedom oscillation of the risers. CFX was used to study the single riser and two parallel risers in 2-8 D spacing considering the coupling effect. Because of the limited width of water channel, only three different riser spacings, 2 D, 3 D, and 4 D, were tested to validate the characteristics of the two parallel risers by comparing to the numerical simulation. The results indicate that the lift force changes significantly with the increase in spacing, and in the case of 3 D spacing, the lift force of the two parallel risers reaches the maximum. The vortex shedding of the risers in 3 D spacing shows that a variable velocity field with the same frequency as the vortex shedding is generated in the overlapped area, thus equalizing the period of drag force to that of lift force. It can be concluded that the interaction between the two parallel risers is significant when the risers are brought to a small distance between them because the trajectory of riser changes from oval to curve 8 as the spacing is increased. The phase difference of lift force between the two risers is also different as the spacing changes.

Potential Distribution of Mountain Cloud Forest in Michoacán, Mexico: Prioritization for Conservation in the Context of Landscape Connectivity.

PubMed

Correa Ayram, Camilo A; Mendoza, Manuel E; Etter, Andrés; Pérez Salicrup, Diego R

2017-07-01

Landscape connectivity is essential in biodiversity conservation because of its ability to reduce the effect of habitat fragmentation; furthermore is a key property in adapting to climate change. Potential distribution models and landscape connectivity studies have increased with regard to their utility to prioritizing areas for conservation. The objective of this study was to model the potential distribution of Mountain cloud forests in the Transversal Volcanic System, Michoacán and to analyze the role of these areas in maintaining landscape connectivity. Potential distribution was modeled for the Mountain cloud forests based on the maximum entropy approach using 95 occurrence points and 17 ecological variables at 30 m spatial resolution. Potential connectivity was then evaluated by using a probability of connectivity index based on graph theory. The percentage of variation (dPCk) was used to identify the individual contribution of each potential area of Mountain cloud forests in overall connectivity. The different ways in which the potential areas of Mountain cloud forests can contribute to connectivity were evaluated by using the three fractions derived from dPCk (dPCintrak, dPCfluxk, and dPCconnectork). We determined that 37,567 ha of the TVSMich are optimal for the presence of Mountain cloud forests. The contribution of said area in the maintenance of connectivity was low. The conservation of Mountain cloud forests is indispensable, however, in providing or receiving dispersal flows through TVSMich because of its role as a connector element between another habitat types. The knowledge of the potential capacity of Mountain cloud forests to promote structural and functional landscape connectivity is key in the prioritization of conservation areas.

Corneal Vibrations during Intraocular Pressure Measurement with an Air-Puff Method

PubMed Central

Wilczyński, Sławomir

2018-01-01

Introduction The paper presents a commentary on the method of analysis of corneal vibrations occurring during eye pressure measurements with air-puff tonometers, for example, Corvis. The presented definition and measurement method allow for the analysis of image sequences of eye responses—cornea deformation. In particular, the outer corneal contour and sclera fragments are analysed, and 3D reconstruction is performed. Methods On this basis, well-known parameters such as eyeball reaction or corneal response are determined. The next steps of analysis allow for automatic and reproducible separation of four different corneal vibrations. These vibrations are associated with (1) the location of the maximum of cornea deformation; (2) the cutoff area measured in relation to the cornea in a steady state; (3) the maximum of peaks occurring between applanations; and (4) the other characteristic points of the corneal contour. Results The results obtained enable (1) automatic determination of the amplitude of vibrations; (2) determination of the frequency of vibrations; and (3) determination of the correlation between the selected types of vibrations. Conclusions These are diagnostic features that can be directly applied clinically for new and archived data. PMID:29610655

The Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) and Closed-loop Hardware Testing for Orion Rendezvous System Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

D'Souza, Christopher; Milenkovich, Zoran; Wilson, Zachary; Huich, David; Bendle, John; Kibler, Angela

2011-01-01

The Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) at the Lockheed Martin (LM) Waterton Campus in Littleton, Colorado is a dynamic test environment focused on Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) development testing and risk reduction activities. The SOSC supports multiple program pursuits and accommodates testing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) algorithms for relative navigation, hardware testing and characterization, as well as software and test process development. The SOSC consists of a high bay (60 meters long by 15.2 meters wide by 15.2 meters tall) with dual six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion simulators and a single fixed base 6DOF robot. The large testing area (maximum sensor-to-target effective range of 60 meters) allows for large-scale, flight-like simulations of proximity maneuvers and docking events. The facility also has two apertures for access to external extended-range outdoor target test operations. In addition, the facility contains four Mission Operations Centers (MOCs) with connectivity to dual high bay control rooms and a data/video interface room. The high bay is rated at Class 300,000 (. 0.5 m maximum particles/m3) cleanliness and includes orbital lighting simulation capabilities.

Oxide-confined 2D VCSEL arrays for high-density inter/intra-chip interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Roger; Michalzik, Rainer; Jung, Christian; Grabherr, Martin; Eberhard, Franz; Jaeger, Roland; Schnitzer, Peter; Ebeling, Karl J.

1998-04-01

We have designed and fabricated 4 X 8 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays intended to be used as transmitters in short-distance parallel optical interconnects. In order to meet the requirements of 2D, high-speed optical links, each of the 32 laser diodes is supplied with two individual top contacts. The metallization scheme allows flip-chip mounting of the array modules junction-side down on silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chips. The optical and electrical characteristics across the arrays with device pitch of 250 micrometers are quite homogeneous. Arrays with 3 micrometers , 6 micrometers and 10 micrometers active diameter lasers have been investigated. The small devices show threshold currents of 600 (mu) A, single-mode output powers as high as 3 mW and maximum wavelength deviations of only 3 nm. The driving characteristics of all arrays are fully compatible to advanced 3.3 V CMOS technology. Using these arrays, we have measured small-signal modulation bandwidths exceeding 10 GHz and transmitted pseudo random data at 8 Gbit/s channel over 500 m graded index multimode fiber. This corresponds to a data transmission rate of 256 Gbit/s per array of 1 X 2 mm2 footprint area.

47 CFR 101.1333 - Interference protection criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Maximum EIRP Watts dBW Maximum ERP 1 Watts dBW Master 941.0-941.5 1000 30 600 27.8 Fixed Remote and Master 932.0-932.5 50 17 30 14.8 1 Where ERP = EIRP/1.64.> (ii) Maximum antenna height above average terrain... Reduction Table Antenna height above average terrain (meters) EIRP Watts dBW ERP Watts dBW Above 305 200 23...

A quantitative evaluation of the 3-8 July 2009 Shamal dust storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamidi, Mehdi; Kavianpour, Mohammad Reza; Shao, Yaping

2017-02-01

In this paper, a quantitative evaluation of the severe dust storm which occurred in the Middle East during 3-8 July 2009 is presented. The quantification is based on the numerical simulation using the WRF/Chem-D model which has been verified and calibrated for the Middle East region. It is found that, during the 3-8 July 2009 event, more than 9.67 Tg dust were emitted from the study area and the maximum simulated dust emission rate is 540 (μg m-2 s-1). The west of Iraq, east of Syria and northwest of Jordan (Al-Nafud desert and western Euphrates alluvial plain) are found to be the most active areas of dust emission, contributing much to the dust emission from the Middle East region. In this study, more that 60% of dust particles were emitted from these areas and less than 10% were emitted from Iran dust sources. About 21% of the deposited dust was deposited in Iran land, while 79% in other parts of the study area. The dust load in the study area was estimated to be more than 0.3 g m-2. The residence time of dust in the atmosphere was 6.2 days over the study area, 7.8 days over Iran and 6 days over other parts. The simulation results exhibit that Iran contribution in emission rate in the study area is much lower than its contribution in dust deposition and residence time and the conclusion of this study can demonstrate the necessity of forming cooperation for suppressing the severe dust events.

Very Large Rain Drops from 2D Video Disdrometers and Concomitant Polarimetric Radar Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thurai, Merhala; Gatlin, Patrick; Bringi, V. N.; Carey, Lawrence

2014-01-01

Drop size distribution (DSD) measurements using ground-based disdrometers (point measurements) have often been used to derive equations to relate radar observations to the integral rainfall parameters (Atlas et al. 1999, Bringi et al., 2003, Kozu et al., 2006, Tokay and Short, 1996, Ajayi and Owolabi, 1987, Battan, 1973). Disdrometers such as JWD, MRR and several others have a major limitation in measuring drops with equi-volume diameters (D(sub eq)) larger than 5 mm because they often rely on the velocity-diameter relationship which plateaus beyond this diameter range (Atlas et al., 1973, Gunn & Kinzer, 1949). Other disdrometers such as Parsivel also lack accuracy beyond this diameter range. The 2D video disdrometer (2DVD: Schönhuber et al., 2008) on the other hand gives drop-shape contours and velocities for each individual drop/hydrometeor falling through its sensor area; this provides a unique opportunity to study the role of very-large drops on radar measurements in particular those with polarimetric radar capability where DSDs with a significant component of very large drops may require special consideration given that the differential reflectivity and other polarimetric radar parameters including attenuation-correction methods will be sensitive to the concentrations of these large drops. A recent study on the occurrence of large drops by Gatlin et al. (2014) has compiled a large and diverse set of measurements made with the 2D video disdrometers from many locations around the globe. Some of the largest drops found in this study were 9 mm D(sub eq) and larger, and in this paper, we report on three such events, with maximum D(sub eq's) of 9.0, 9.1 and 9.7 mm, which occurred in Colorado, Northern Alabama, and Oklahoma, respectively. Detailed examination of the 2DVD data - in terms of shapes and fall velocities - has confirmed that these are fully-melted hydrometeors, although for the last case in Oklahoma, a bigger and non-fully-melted hydrometeor was also observed. All three events were also captured by polarimetric radars, namely the S-band CHILL radar operated by Colorado State University (Brunkow et al., 2000), the C-band ARMOR radar (Petersen et al., 2007) operated by University of Alabama in Huntsville, and NEXRADKVNX, operated by the US National Weather Service, respectively. For the last event, several other radar observations were also made, including two X-band radars operated by the US Dept. of Energy. Analyses of 2DVD data in conjunction with the corresponding radar observations are presented, along with some discussion on sampling issues related to the measurements of such large rain drops. The latter is addressed using maximum diameter D(sub max) measurements from 1-minute DSDs using two collocated 2DVDs for 37 events in Huntsville.

Impact of Cytochrome P450 2D6 Function on the Chiral Blood Plasma Pharmacokinetics of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and Its Phase I and II Metabolites in Humans.

PubMed

Steuer, Andrea E; Schmidhauser, Corina; Tingelhoff, Eva H; Schmid, Yasmin; Rickli, Anna; Kraemer, Thomas; Liechti, Matthias E

2016-01-01

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) metabolism is known to be stereoselective, with preference for S-stereoisomers. Its major metabolic step involves CYP2D6-catalyzed demethylenation to 3,4-dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA), followed by methylation and conjugation. Alterations in CYP2D6 genotype and/or phenotype have been associated with higher toxicity. Therefore, the impact of CYP2D6 function on the plasma pharmacokinetics of MDMA and its phase I and II metabolites was tested by comparing extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), and EMs that were pretreated with bupropion as a metabolic inhibitor in a controlled MDMA administration study. Blood plasma samples were collected from 16 healthy participants (13 EMs and three IMs) up to 24 h after MDMA administration in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period, cross-over design, with subjects receiving 1 week placebo or bupropion pretreatment followed by a single placebo or MDMA (125 mg) dose. Bupropion pretreatment increased the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC24) of R-MDMA (9% and 25%, respectively) and S-MDMA (16% and 38%, respectively). Bupropion reduced the Cmax and AUC24 of the CYP2D6-dependently formed metabolite stereoisomers of DHMA 3-sulfate, DHMA 4-sulfate, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA sulfate and HMMA glucuronide) by approximately 40%. The changes that were observed in IMs were generally comparable to bupropion-pretreated EMs. Although changes in stereoselectivity based on CYP2D6 activity were observed, these likely have low clinical relevance. Bupropion and hydroxybupropion stereoisomer pharmacokinetics were unaltered by MDMA co-administration. The present data might aid further interpretations of toxicity based on CYP2D6-dependent MDMA metabolism.

Impact of Cytochrome P450 2D6 Function on the Chiral Blood Plasma Pharmacokinetics of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and Its Phase I and II Metabolites in Humans

PubMed Central

Steuer, Andrea E.; Schmidhauser, Corina; Tingelhoff, Eva H.; Schmid, Yasmin; Rickli, Anna; Kraemer, Thomas; Liechti, Matthias E.

2016-01-01

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) metabolism is known to be stereoselective, with preference for S-stereoisomers. Its major metabolic step involves CYP2D6-catalyzed demethylenation to 3,4-dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA), followed by methylation and conjugation. Alterations in CYP2D6 genotype and/or phenotype have been associated with higher toxicity. Therefore, the impact of CYP2D6 function on the plasma pharmacokinetics of MDMA and its phase I and II metabolites was tested by comparing extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), and EMs that were pretreated with bupropion as a metabolic inhibitor in a controlled MDMA administration study. Blood plasma samples were collected from 16 healthy participants (13 EMs and three IMs) up to 24 h after MDMA administration in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period, cross-over design, with subjects receiving 1 week placebo or bupropion pretreatment followed by a single placebo or MDMA (125 mg) dose. Bupropion pretreatment increased the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC24) of R-MDMA (9% and 25%, respectively) and S-MDMA (16% and 38%, respectively). Bupropion reduced the Cmax and AUC24 of the CYP2D6-dependently formed metabolite stereoisomers of DHMA 3-sulfate, DHMA 4-sulfate, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA sulfate and HMMA glucuronide) by approximately 40%. The changes that were observed in IMs were generally comparable to bupropion-pretreated EMs. Although changes in stereoselectivity based on CYP2D6 activity were observed, these likely have low clinical relevance. Bupropion and hydroxybupropion stereoisomer pharmacokinetics were unaltered by MDMA co-administration. The present data might aid further interpretations of toxicity based on CYP2D6-dependent MDMA metabolism. PMID:26967321

System Architecture of Small Unmanned Aerial System for Flight Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-17

Signal Strength PT = Transmitter Power GT = Transmitter antenna gain LT = Transmitter loss Lp = Propagation loss GR = Receiver antenna...gain (dBi) LR(db) = Receiver losses (dB) 15 Lm = Link margin (dB) PT = Transmitter Power (dBm) GT = Transmitter antenna gain (dBi) LT... Transmitter loss (dB) The maximum range is determined by four components, 1) Transmission, 2) Propagation, 3) Reception and 4) Link Margin

Theoretical study of inverted sandwich type complexes of 4d transition metal elements: interesting similarities to and differences from 3d transition metal complexes.

PubMed

Kurokawa, Yusaku I; Nakao, Yoshihide; Sakaki, Shigeyoshi

2012-03-08

Inverted sandwich type complexes (ISTCs) of 4d metals, (μ-η(6):η(6)-C(6)H(6))[M(DDP)](2) (DDPH = 2-{(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amino}-4-{(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino}pent-2-ene; M = Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, and Tc), were investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and MRMP2 methods, where a model ligand AIP (AIPH = (Z)-1-amino-3-imino-prop-1-ene) was mainly employed. When going to Nb (group V) from Y (group III) in the periodic table, the spin multiplicity of the ground state increases in the order singlet, triplet, and quintet for M = Y, Zr, and Nb, respectively, like 3d ISTCs reported recently. This is interpreted with orbital diagram and number of d electrons. However, the spin multiplicity decreases to either singlet or triplet in ISTC of Mo (group VI) and to triplet in ISTC of Tc (group VII), where MRMP2 method is employed because the DFT method is not useful here. These spin multiplicities are much lower than the septet of ISTC of Cr and the nonet of that of Mn. When going from 3d to 4d, the position providing the maximum spin multiplicity shifts to group V from group VII. These differences arise from the size of the 4d orbital. Because of the larger size of the 4d orbital, the energy splitting between two d(δ) orbitals of M(AIP) and that between the d(δ) and d(π) orbitals are larger in the 4d complex than in the 3d complex. Thus, when occupation on the d(δ) orbital starts, the low spin state becomes ground state, which occurs at group VI. Hence, the ISTC of Nb (group V) exhibits the maximum spin multiplicity.

Comparison of lightning activity in the two most active areas of the Congo Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kigotsi, Jean K.; Soula, Serge; Georgis, Jean-François

2018-02-01

A comparison of the lightning activity in the two most active areas (Area_max for the main maximum and Area_sec for the secondary maximum) of the Congo Basin is made with data obtained by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) during 2012 and 2013. Both areas of same size (5° × 5°) exhibit flash counts in a ratio of about 1.32 for both years and very different distributions of the flash rate density (FRD) with maximums in a ratio of 1.94 and 2.59 for 2012 and 2013, respectively. The FRD is much more widely distributed in Area_sec, which means the whole area contributes more or less equal to the lightning activity. The diurnal cycle is much more pronounced in Area_max than in Area_sec with a ratio between the maximum and the minimum of 15.4 and 4.7, respectively. However, the minimum and maximum of the hourly flash rates are observed roughly at the same time in both areas, between 07:00 and 09:00 UTC and between 16:00 and 17:00 UTC, respectively. In Area_sec the proportion of days with low lightning rate (0-1000 flashes per day) is much larger (˜ 45 % in 2013) compared to Area_max (˜ 23 % in 2013). In Area_max the proportion of days with moderate lightning rate (1001-6000 flashes per day) is larger (˜ 68.5 % in 2013) compared to Area_sec (˜ 46 % in 2013). The very intense convective events are slightly more numerous in Area_sec. In summary, the thunderstorm activity in Area_sec is more variable at different scales of time (annually and daily), in intensity and in location. Area_max combines two favourable effects for thunderstorm development, the convergence associated with the African easterly jet of the Southern Hemisphere (AEJ-S) and a geographic effect due to the orography and the presence of a lake. The location of the strong convection in Area_sec is modulated by the distance of westward propagation/regeneration of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in relation to the phase of Kelvin waves.

Bacterial-cellulose-derived interconnected meso-microporous carbon nanofiber networks as binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Xiaodong; Wang, Jie; Ding, Bing; Wang, Ya; Chang, Zhi; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang

2017-06-01

Bacterial cellulose (BC), a typical biomass prepared from the microbial fermentation process, has been proved that it can be an ideal platform for design of three-dimensional (3D) multifunctional nanomaterials in energy storage and conversion field. Here we developed a simple and general silica-assisted strategy for fabrication of interconnected 3D meso-microporous carbon nanofiber networks by confine nanospace pyrolysis of sustainable BC, which can be used as binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors. The synthesized carbon nanofibers exhibited the features of interconnected 3D networks architecture, large surface area (624 m2 g-1), mesopores-dominated hierarchical porosity, and high graphitization degree. The as-prepared electrode (CN-BC) displayed a maximum specific capacitance of 302 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, high-rate capability and good cyclicity in 6 M KOH electrolyte. This work, together with cost-effective preparation strategy to make high-value utilization of cheap biomass, should have significant implications in the green and mass-producible energy storage.

CMOS detector arrays in a virtual 10-kilopixel camera for coherent terahertz real-time imaging.

PubMed

Boppel, Sebastian; Lisauskas, Alvydas; Max, Alexander; Krozer, Viktor; Roskos, Hartmut G

2012-02-15

We demonstrate the principle applicability of antenna-coupled complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) field-effect transistor arrays as cameras for real-time coherent imaging at 591.4 GHz. By scanning a few detectors across the image plane, we synthesize a focal-plane array of 100×100 pixels with an active area of 20×20 mm2, which is applied to imaging in transmission and reflection geometries. Individual detector pixels exhibit a voltage conversion loss of 24 dB and a noise figure of 41 dB for 16 μW of the local oscillator (LO) drive. For object illumination, we use a radio-frequency (RF) source with 432 μW at 590 GHz. Coherent detection is realized by quasioptical superposition of the image and the LO beam with 247 μW. At an effective frame rate of 17 Hz, we achieve a maximum dynamic range of 30 dB in the center of the image and more than 20 dB within a disk of 18 mm diameter. The system has been used for surface reconstruction resolving a height difference in the μm range.

Displacement-length relationship of normal faults in Acheron Fossae, Mars: new observations with HRSC.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charalambakis, E.; Hauber, E.; Knapmeyer, M.; Grott, M.; Gwinner, K.

2007-08-01

For Earth, data sets and models have shown that for a fault loaded by a constant remote stress, the maximum displacement on the fault is linearly related to its length by d = gamma · l [1]. The scaling and structure is self-similar through time [1]. The displacement-length relationship can provide useful information about the tectonic regime.We intend to use it to estimate the seismic moment released during the formation of Martian fault systems and to improve the seismicity model [2]. Only few data sets have been measured for extraterrestrial faults. One reason is the limited number of reliable topographic data sets. We used high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM) [3] derived from HRSC image data taken from Mars Express orbit 1437. This orbit covers an area in the Acheron Fossae region, a rift-like graben system north of Olympus Mons with a "banana"-shaped topography [4]. It has a fault trend which runs approximately WNW-ESE. With an interactive IDL-based software tool [5] we measured the fault length and the vertical offset for 34 faults. We evaluated the height profile by plotting the fault lengths l vs. their observed maximum displacement (dmax-model). Additionally, we computed the maximum displacement of an elliptical fault scarp where the plane has the same area as in the observed case (elliptical model). The integration over the entire fault length necessary for the computation of the area supresses the "noise" introduced by local topographic effects like erosion or cratering. We should also mention that fault planes dipping 60 degree are usually assumed for Mars [e.g., 6] and even shallower dips have been found for normal fault planes [7]. This dip angle is used to compute displacement from vertical offset via d = h/(h*sinα), where h is the observed topographic step height, and ? is the fault dip angle. If fault dip angles of 30 degree are considered, the displacement differs by 40% from the one of dip angles of 60 degree. Depending on the data quality, especially the lighting conditions in the region, different errors can be made by determining the various values. Based on our experiences, we estimate that the error measuring the length of the fault is smaller than 10% and that the measurement error of the offset is smaller than 5%. Furthermore the horizontal resolution of the HRSC images is 12.5 m/pixel or 25 m/pixel and of the DEM derived from HRSC images 50 m/pixel because of re-sampling. That means that image resolution does not introduce a significant error at fault lengths in kilometer range. For the case of Mars it is known that in the growth of fault populations linkage is an essential process [8]. We obtained the d/l-values from selected examples of faults that were connected via a relay ramp. The error of ignoring an existing fault linkage is 20% to 50% if the elliptical fault model is used and 30% to 50% if only the dmax value is used to determine d l . This shows an advantage of the elliptic model. The error increases if more faults are linked, because the underestimation of the relevant length gets worse the longer the linked system is. We obtained a value of gamma=d/l of about 2 · 10-2 for the elliptic model and a value of approximately 2.7 · 10-2 for the dmax-model. The data show a relatively large scatter, but they can be compared to data from terrestrial faults ( d/l= ~1 · 10-2...5 · 10-2; [9] and references therein). In a first inspection of the Acheron Fossae 2 region in the orbit 1437 we could confirm our first observations [10]. If we consider fault linkage the d/l values shift towards lower d/l-ratios, since linkage means that d remains essentially constant, but l increases significantly. We will continue to measure other faults and obtain values for linked faults and relay ramps. References: [1] Cowie, P. A. and Scholz, C. H. (1992) JSG, 14, 1133-1148. [2] Knapmeyer, M. et al. (2006) JGR, 111, E11006. [3] Neukum, G. et al. (2004) ESA SP-1240, 17-35. [4] Kronberg, P. et al. (2007) J. Geophys. Res., 112, E04005, doi:10.1029/2006JE002780. [5] Hauber, E. et al. (2007) LPSC, XXXVIII, abstract 1338. [6] Wilkins, S. J. et al. (2002) GRL, 29, 1884, doi: 10.1029/2002GL015391. [7] Fueten, F. et al. (2007) LPSC, XXXVIII, abstract 1388. [8] Schultz, R. A. (2000) Tectonophysics, 316, 169-193. [9] Schultz, R. A. et al. (2006) JSG, 28, 2182-2193. [10] Hauber, E. et al. (2007) 7th Mars Conference, submitted.

Thermal Energy Storage and Heat Transfer Support Program. Task 4. Thermionic Energy Conversion Studies. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Target Temperature as a Function of the Py erot Temperature ........ .... ............. 13 2.4 Emitter Temperature as a Functio of th Liode Target...Temperatm .. ........................ 14 2.5 Experimental Calibration Data and Polynomial Fit for ASTAR-811C Diode ... . ......... . ...... 18 2.6 Actual...12.2152(V) - 0.0099 (5.2) Maximum error a 0.0093% C) TR = 420 K P = 4.5541(V)3 - 23.58 18 (V)2 + 18.1602(V) + 0.002 (5.3) Maximum error =.1.632% d) TR = 450

Oxygen consumption rate of cells in 3D culture: the use of experiment and simulation to measure kinetic parameters and optimise culture conditions.

PubMed

Streeter, Ian; Cheema, Umber

2011-10-07

Understanding the basal O(2) and nutrient requirements of cells is paramount when culturing cells in 3D tissue models. Any scaffold design will need to take such parameters into consideration, especially as the addition of cells introduces gradients of consumption of such molecules from the surface to the core of scaffolds. We have cultured two cell types in 3D native collagen type I scaffolds, and measured the O(2) tension at specific locations within the scaffold. By changing the density of cells, we have established O(2) consumption gradients within these scaffolds and using mathematical modeling have derived rates of consumption for O(2). For human dermal fibroblasts the average rate constant was 1.19 × 10(-17) mol cell(-1) s(-1), and for human bone marrow derived stromal cells the average rate constant was 7.91 × 10(-18) mol cell(-1) s(-1). These values are lower than previously published rates for similar cells cultured in 2D, but the values established in this current study are more representative of rates of consumption measured in vivo. These values will dictate 3D culture parameters, including maximum cell-seeding density and maximum size of the constructs, for long-term viability of tissue models.

Role of shell diffusion area in incubating eggs at simulated high altitude.

PubMed

Weiss, H S

1978-10-01

Embryonic development is inhibited when eggs are incubated at 9,100 m (0.3 atm) despite a normoxic environment. The problem apparently relates to respiratory gas exchange occurring by diffusion through gas-filled pores in the shell. Gaseous flux is therefore inversely proportional to ambient pressure and is affected by the physical characteristics of the ambient gas (Chapman-Enskog equation). Excess loss of H2O and CO2 occurs in eggs incubating at altitude and could be detrimental. Such increased loss should be correctable by decreasing diffusion area. This was tested by progressively increasing coverage of the shell with paraffin and incubating at simulated 0.3 ATA (225 Torr) in 100% O2. Uncoated eggs failed to hatch, but numbers of chicks increased with increased coverage. Maximum hatch was an extrapolated 90% of controls at 69% shell coverage. With further coverage, hatch size decreased. Egg weight loss, and estimate of H2O diffusion, was around three times controls in uncoated eggs but decreased linearly with paraffin coverage, reaching near normal at maximum hatch. Reduction of diffusion area to 0.3 normal at maximum hatch generally balanced the increased flux predicted for 0.3 ATA.

Resource utilization by desert quail: time and energy, food and water

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

Goldstein, D.L.; Nagy, K.A.

1985-04-01

Time-energy budgets (TEB) of Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii) were compiled during two summers in the Colorado Desert of California. Quail spent 6.77 h/d foraging, 6.2 h/d inactive during daylight hours, and 11.02 h/d inactive at night. Field metabolic rate (FMR) calculated from this activity budget was 81.8 kJ/d. Of this, 47.3 kJ/d was expended during foraging, 12.6 kJ/d in daytime inactivity, and 20.4 kJ/d in nighttime inactivity. Despite the extremely hot thermal environment (maximum ambient temperature approx. =45/sup 0/C), there was no energy cost above resting levels for thermoregulation. FMR was also measured simultaneously with doubly labeled water (DLW), andmore » averaged 90.8 kJ/d. The FMR of C. gambelii was only 40% of that predicted for a bird of its body mass. Energy assimilation efficiency, measured in laboratory feeding experiments with a mixed seed and arthropod diet, was 60.3%. An individual quail in the field thus required 150.3 kJ/d in its diet, representing a dry matter intake of 8.1 g/d. It was calculated that over the course of a year, a population of Gambel's Quail consumes seeds with a total energy content approx. =15% as great as that in seeds consumed by a population of desert rodents or harvester ants in the same area. Gambel's Quail thus may be important factors in the competition for resources among desert granivores, particularly because they can eat one of their competitors (harvester ants). 44 references, 2 figures, 7 tables.« less

3-D modeling of magnetotelluric data in the Paniri-Toconce volcanic chain, Central Andes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancini, R.; Brasse, H.; Diaz, D.

2017-12-01

The research is located in the San Pedro-Toconce volcanic chain in the central volcanic zone of the Andes, North Chile. This area is interesting because of its proximity to several active volcanic centers, the geysers field of El Tatio and the recently opened geothermal plant Cerro Pabellon. Thermobarometry studies made in the area point to magma accumulated at 8 km below Lavas de Chao, and depths greater than 24 km below Toconce and Cerro de Leon. Regional geophysical studies show a distribution of conductive bodies around the complex, but the resolution of these studies at shallow depths are not conclusive. Data from wells show the possible presence of a large geothermal system in the southwest part of the complex, with depths of 2 km. Twenty broadband magnetotelluric (MT) stations were measured in the vicinity of the complex and combined with 15 long period MT stations measured in the 1990s, aiming at characterizing the deep conductive structures previously observed in the area, with magmatic bodies associated with the adjacent volcanic system. The results of a 3-D inversion show several conductive anomalies around the complex. Analyses of conductivity together with the 3-D models obtained indicate the presence of a geothermal system to the southwest of the complex with maximum depths of about 5 km, and two possible magmatic chambers below Paniri volcano and between Paniri and San Pedro volcanoes. In addition, the presence of a highly conductive structure to the east is obtained, associated with the Altiplano-Puna magma body (APMB).

High performance MIIM diode based on cobalt oxide/titanium oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herner, S. B.; Weerakkody, A. D.; Belkadi, A.; Moddel, G.

2017-05-01

Optical rectennas for infrared energy harvesting commonly incorporate metal/double-insulator/metal diodes. Required diode characteristics include high responsivity and low resistance near zero bias with a sub-micron area, which have not been obtainable simultaneously. Diodes based on a new material set, Co/Co3O4/TiO2/Ti and an area of 0.071 μm2, provide a median maximum responsivity of 4.1 A/W, a median zero-bias responsivity of 1.2 A/W, and a median resistance of 14 kΩ. The highest performing diode has a maximum responsivity of 4.4 A/W, a zero-bias responsivity of 2.2 A/W, and a resistance of 18 kΩ.

Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC, and Maximum Likelihood. Effects of Temporal Phase Difference

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Technical Report 1373 November 1990 Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC , And Maximum Likelihood Effects of Temporal Phase o Difference C. V. TranI OTIC Approved... MUSIC , and Maximum Likelihood (ML) asymptotic variances corresponding to the two-source direction-of-arrival estimation where sources were modeled as...1pI = 1.00, SNR = 20 dB ..................................... 27 2. MUSIC for two equipowered signals impinging on a 5-element ULA (a) IpI = 0.50, SNR

Are Portable Stereophotogrammetric Devices Reliable in Facial Imaging? A Validation Study of VECTRA H1 Device.

PubMed

Gibelli, Daniele; Pucciarelli, Valentina; Cappella, Annalisa; Dolci, Claudia; Sforza, Chiarella

2018-01-31

Modern 3-dimensional (3D) image acquisition systems represent a crucial technologic development in facial anatomy because of their accuracy and precision. The recently introduced portable devices can improve facial databases by increasing the number of applications. In the present study, the VECTRA H1 portable stereophotogrammetric device was validated to verify its applicability to 3D facial analysis. Fifty volunteers underwent 4 facial scans using portable VECTRA H1 and static VECTRA M3 devices (2 for each instrument). Repeatability of linear, angular, surface area, and volume measurements was verified within the device and between devices using the Bland-Altman test and the calculation of absolute and relative technical errors of measurement (TEM and rTEM, respectively). In addition, the 2 scans obtained by the same device and the 2 scans obtained by different devices were registered and superimposed to calculate the root mean square (RMS; point-to-point) distance between the 2 surfaces. Most linear, angular, and surface area measurements had high repeatability in M3 versus M3, H1 versus H1, and M3 versus H1 comparisons (range, 82.2 to 98.7%; TEM range, 0.3 to 2.0 mm, 0.4° to 1.8°; rTEM range, 0.2 to 3.1%). In contrast, volumes and RMS distances showed evident differences in M3 versus M3 and H1 versus H1 comparisons and reached the maximum when scans from the 2 different devices were compared. The portable VECTRA H1 device proved reliable for assessing linear measurements, angles, and surface areas; conversely, the influence of involuntary facial movements on volumes and RMS distances was more important compared with the static device. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fremont Lake, Wyoming - Preliminary survey of a large mountain lake: A section in Geological Survey research 1972, Chapter D

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rickert, David A.; Leopold, Luna Bergere

1972-01-01

Fremont Lake, at an altitude of 2,261 m, has an area of 20.61 km2 and a volume of 1.69 km3. The maximum depth is 185 m, which makes it the seventh deepest natural lake in the conterminous United States. Theoretical renewal time is 11.1 years. Temperature data for 1971 indicate that vernal circulation extended to a depth of less than 90 m. The summer heat income was 19,450 cal/cm2. The dissolved-oxygen curve is orthograde, with a slight metalimnetic maximum, and a tendency toward decreasing concentrations at depth. At 180 m, oxygen was at 80 percent of saturation in late July 1970. The lake has a remarkably low dissolved-solids content of 12.8 mg/l, making it one of the most dilute medium-sized lakes in the world. Detailed chemical data are given for the water column at three sites in the lake and for the influent and effluent streams. Net plankton included representatives of seven genera of phytoplankters and three genera of zooplankters. A reconnaissance indicated substantially no bacteriological contamination in the lake, but there was an appreciable amount in two minor streams in the vicinity of a summer-home colony.

Maximum Grasping Reach of Operators Possessing Functional Impairments of the Upper Extremities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK AFITStudent at: Texas A&M University AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS II. CONTROLLING OFFICENA E AND AD_. . 12...RELEASE AFR 190.172 Ja e I 10, t USAF 23 SEP 1980 , ’ 1"lic Aar* e IS. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Approved for public release; IAW AFR 190-17 Air Force...C .. .... ..... ..... .... 141 APPENDIX D .. ... ...... ..... .... 184 APPENDIX E .. ... ..... ...... .... 187 APPENDIX F .. .... ..... ..... .... 189

Monte Carlo simulation of the dose response of a novel 2D silicon diode array for use in hybrid MRI-LINAC systems.

PubMed

Gargett, Maegan; Oborn, Brad; Metcalfe, Peter; Rosenfeld, Anatoly

2015-02-01

MRI-guided radiation therapy systems (MRIgRT) are being developed to improve online imaging during treatment delivery. At present, the operation of single point dosimeters and an ionization chamber array have been characterized in such systems. This work investigates a novel 2D diode array, named "magic plate," for both single point calibration and 2D positional performance, the latter being a key element of modern radiotherapy techniques that will be delivered by these systems. geant4 Monte Carlo methods have been employed to study the dose response of a silicon diode array to 6 MV photon beams, in the presence of in-line and perpendicularly aligned uniform magnetic fields. The array consists of 121 silicon diodes (dimensions 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.38 mm(3)) embedded in kapton substrate with 1 cm pitch, spanning a 10 × 10 cm(2) area in total. A geometrically identical, water equivalent volume was simulated concurrently for comparison. The dose response of the silicon diode array was assessed for various photon beam field shapes and sizes, including an IMRT field, at 1 T. The dose response was further investigated at larger magnetic field strengths (1.5 and 3 T) for a 4 × 4 cm(2) photon field size. The magic plate diode array shows excellent correspondence (< ± 1%) to water dose in the in-line orientation, for all beam arrangements and magnetic field strengths investigated. The perpendicular orientation, however, exhibits a dose shift with respect to water at the high-dose-gradient beam edge of jaw-defined fields [maximum (4.3 ± 0.8)% over-response, maximum (1.8 ± 0.8)% under-response on opposing side for 1 T, uncertainty 1σ]. The trend is not evident in areas with in-field dose gradients typical of IMRT dose maps. A novel 121 pixel silicon diode array detector has been characterized by Monte Carlo simulation for its performance inside magnetic fields representative of current prototype and proposed MRI-linear accelerator systems. In the in-line orientation, the silicon dose is directly proportional to the water dose. In the perpendicular orientation, there is a shift in dose response relative to water in the highest dose gradient regions, at the edge of jaw-defined and single-segment MLC fields. The trend was not observed in-field for an IMRT beam. The array is expected to be a valuable tool in MRIgRT dosimetry.

Monte Carlo simulation of the dose response of a novel 2D silicon diode array for use in hybrid MRI–LINAC systems

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

Gargett, Maegan, E-mail: mg406@uowmail.edu.au; Rosenfeld, Anatoly; Oborn, Brad

2015-02-15

Purpose: MRI-guided radiation therapy systems (MRIgRT) are being developed to improve online imaging during treatment delivery. At present, the operation of single point dosimeters and an ionization chamber array have been characterized in such systems. This work investigates a novel 2D diode array, named “magic plate,” for both single point calibration and 2D positional performance, the latter being a key element of modern radiotherapy techniques that will be delivered by these systems. Methods: GEANT4 Monte Carlo methods have been employed to study the dose response of a silicon diode array to 6 MV photon beams, in the presence of in-linemore » and perpendicularly aligned uniform magnetic fields. The array consists of 121 silicon diodes (dimensions 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.38 mm{sup 3}) embedded in kapton substrate with 1 cm pitch, spanning a 10 × 10 cm{sup 2} area in total. A geometrically identical, water equivalent volume was simulated concurrently for comparison. The dose response of the silicon diode array was assessed for various photon beam field shapes and sizes, including an IMRT field, at 1 T. The dose response was further investigated at larger magnetic field strengths (1.5 and 3 T) for a 4 × 4 cm{sup 2} photon field size. Results: The magic plate diode array shows excellent correspondence (< ± 1%) to water dose in the in-line orientation, for all beam arrangements and magnetic field strengths investigated. The perpendicular orientation, however, exhibits a dose shift with respect to water at the high-dose-gradient beam edge of jaw-defined fields [maximum (4.3 ± 0.8)% over-response, maximum (1.8 ± 0.8)% under-response on opposing side for 1 T, uncertainty 1σ]. The trend is not evident in areas with in-field dose gradients typical of IMRT dose maps. Conclusions: A novel 121 pixel silicon diode array detector has been characterized by Monte Carlo simulation for its performance inside magnetic fields representative of current prototype and proposed MRI–linear accelerator systems. In the in-line orientation, the silicon dose is directly proportional to the water dose. In the perpendicular orientation, there is a shift in dose response relative to water in the highest dose gradient regions, at the edge of jaw-defined and single-segment MLC fields. The trend was not observed in-field for an IMRT beam. The array is expected to be a valuable tool in MRIgRT dosimetry.« less

Tibiofemoral joint contact area and pressure after single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Morimoto, Yusuke; Ferretti, Mario; Ekdahl, Max; Smolinski, Patrick; Fu, Freddie H

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the tibiofemoral contact area and pressure after single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by use of 2 femoral and 2 tibial tunnels in intact cadaveric knees. Tibiofemoral contact area and mean and maximum pressures were measured by pressure-sensitive film (Fujifilm, Valhalla, NY) inserted between the tibia and femur. The knee was subjected to a 1,000-N axial load by use of a uniaxial testing machine at 0 degrees , 15 degrees , 30 degrees , and 45 degrees of flexion. Three conditions were evaluated: (1) intact ACL, (2) SB ACL reconstruction (n = 10 knees), and (3) DB ACL reconstruction (n = 9 knees). When compared with the intact knee, DB ACL reconstruction showed no significant difference in tibiofemoral contact area and mean and maximum pressures. SB ACL reconstruction had a significantly smaller contact area on the lateral and medial tibiofemoral joints at 30 degrees and 15 degrees of flexion. SB ACL reconstruction also had significantly higher mean pressures at 15 degrees of flexion on the medial tibiofemoral joint and at 0 degrees and 15 degrees of flexion on the lateral tibiofemoral joint, as well as significantly higher maximum pressures at 15 degrees of flexion on the lateral tibiofemoral joint. SB ACL reconstruction resulted in a significantly smaller tibiofemoral contact area and higher pressures. DB ACL more closely restores the normal contact area and pressure mainly at low flexion angles. Our findings suggest that the changes in the contact area and pressures after SB ACL reconstruction may be one of the causes of osteoarthritis on long-term follow-up. DB ACL reconstruction may reduce the incidence of osteoarthritis by closely restoring contact area and pressure.

Finite element analysis on influence of implant surface treatments, connection and bone types.

PubMed

Santiago Junior, Joel Ferreira; Verri, Fellippo Ramos; Almeida, Daniel Augusto de Faria; de Souza Batista, Victor Eduardo; Lemos, Cleidiel Aparecido Araujo; Pellizzer, Eduardo Piza

2016-06-01

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of different dental implant designs, bone type, loading, and surface treatment on the stress distribution around the implant by using the 3D finite-element method. Twelve 3D models were developed with Invesalius 3.0, Rhinoceros 4.0, and Solidworks 2010 software. The analysis was processed using the FEMAP 10.2 and NeiNastran 10.0 software. The applied oblique forces were 200 N and 100 N. The results were analyzed using maps of maximum principal stress and bone microstrain. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. The results showed that the Morse taper design was most efficient in terms of its distribution of stresses (p<0.05); the external hexagon with platform switching did not show a significant difference from an external hexagon with a standard platform (p>0.05). The different bone types did not show a significant difference in the stress/strain distribution (p>0.05). The surface treatment increased areas of stress concentration under axial loading (p<0.05) and increased areas of microstrain under axial and oblique loading (p<0.05) on the cortical bone. The Morse taper design behaved better biomechanically in relation to the bone tissue. The treated surface increased areas of stress and strain on the cortical bone tissue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Designing an Orthotic Insole by Using Kinect® XBOX Gaming Sensor Scanner and Computer Aided Engineering Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafiz Burhan, Mohd; Nor, Nik Hisyamudin Muhd; Yarwindran, Mogan; Ibrahim, Mustaffa; Fahrul Hassan, Mohd; Azwir Azlan, Mohd; Turan, Faiz Mohd; Johan, Kartina

2017-08-01

Healthcare and medical is one of the most expensive field in the modern world. In order to fulfil medical requirement, this study aimed to design an orthotic insole by using Kinect Xbox Gaming Sensor Scanner and CAE softwares. The accuracy of the Kinect® XBOX 360 gaming sensor is capable of producing 3D reconstructed geometry with the maximum and minimum error of 3.78% (2.78mm) and 1.74% (0.46mm) respectively. The orthotic insole design process had been done by using Autodesk Meshmixer 2.6 and Solidworks 2014 software. Functionality of the orthotic insole designed was capable of reducing foot pressure especially in the metatarsal area. Overall, the proposed method was proved to be highly potential in the design of the insole where it promises low cost, less time consuming, and efficiency in regards that the Kinect® XBOX 360 device promised low price compared to other digital 3D scanner since the software needed to run the device can be downloaded for free.

EPA Office of Water (OW): 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters NHDPlus Indexed Dataset

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The 303(d) Listed Impaired Waters program system provides impaired water data and impaired water features reflecting river segments, lakes, and estuaries designated under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Each State will establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waters. Note the CWA Section 303(d) list of impaired waters does not represent waters that are impaired but have an EPA-approved TMDL established, impaired waters for which other pollution control mechanisms are in place and expected to attain water quality standards, or waters impaired as a result of pollution and is not caused by a pollutant. Therefore, the Impaired Waters layers do not represent all impaired waters reported in a state's Integrated Report, but only the waters comprised of a state's approved 303(d) list. For more information regarding impaired waters refer to EPA's Integrated Reporting Guidance at: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/tmdl/guidance.cfm. 303(d) waterbodies are coded onto NHDPlus v2.1 flowline and waterbody features to create line, area, and point events. In addition to NHDPlus reach indexed data there may also be custom event data (point, line, or polygon) that are not associated with NHDPlus and are in an EPA standard format that is compatible with EPA's Reach Address Database. These custom features are used to represent locations of 303(d) waterbodies that are not represented well in NHDPlus.

Effect of dose timing in relation to food intake on systemic exposure to blonanserin.

PubMed

Saruwatari, Junji; Yasui-Furukori, Norio; Inoue, Yoshimasa; Kaneko, Sunao

2010-09-01

Blonanserin is a novel potent dopamine D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(2) antagonist for treating schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate prandial effects on systemic exposure to blonanserin in healthy volunteers, with particular attention paid to the effect of dose timing relative to meal intake. Volunteers received a single 2-mg oral dose of blonanserin under the following conditions: fasting, 30 min before eating a standard meal; or 30 min or 2 or 4 h after eating the meal. Plasma concentrations of blonanserin were measured using validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Ratios and 90% confidence intervals of the geometric means compared with the fasting condition indicated that the maximum concentrations of blonanserin (C(max)) significantly increased with dosing 30 min before meal intake, and 30 min and 2 and 4 h after meal intake, yielding by 330%, 239%, 272%, and 138%, respectively. The truncated area under the concentration-time curve (AUC(last)) also increased by 386%, 201%, 256%, and 155%, respectively. There was no difference in values of the time to reach maximum concentration between the fasting and the four fed states. Food intake increased the systemic exposure to blonanserin for all time intervals investigated in this study. The marked effect of food on the bioavailability of blonanserin should be taken into account in its dosing schedules.

Methamphetamine and Amphetamine Isomer Concentrations in Human Urine Following Controlled Vicks VapoInhaler Administration

PubMed Central

Smith, Michael L.; Nichols, Daniel C.; Underwood, Paula; Fuller, Zachary; Moser, Matthew A.; Flegel, Ron; Gorelick, David A.; Newmeyer, Matthew N.; Concheiro, Marta; Huestis, Marilyn A.

2014-01-01

Legitimate use of legal intranasal decongestants containing l-methamphetamine may complicate interpretation of urine drug tests positive for amphetamines. Our study hypotheses were that commonly used immunoassays would produce no false-positive results and a recently developed enantiomer-specific gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) procedure would find no d-amphetamine or d-methamphetamine in urine following controlled Vicks VapoInhaler administration at manufacturer's recommended doses. To evaluate these hypotheses, 22 healthy adults were each administered one dose (two inhalations in each nostril) of a Vicks VapoInhaler every 2 h for 10 h on Day 1 (six doses), followed by a single dose on Day 2. Every urine specimen was collected as an individual void for 32 h after the first dose and assayed for d- and l-amphetamines specific isomers with a GC–MS method with >99% purity of R-(−)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl derivatives and 10 µg/L lower limits of quantification. No d-methamphetamine or d-amphetamine was detected in any urine specimen by GC–MS. The median l-methamphetamine maximum concentration was 62.8 µg/L (range: 11.0–1,440). Only two subjects had detectable l-amphetamine, with maximum concentrations coinciding with l-methamphetamine peak levels, and always ≤4% of the parent's maximum. Three commercial immunoassays for amphetamines EMIT® II Plus, KIMS® II and DRI® had sensitivities, specificities and efficiencies of 100, 97.8, 97.8; 100, 99.6, 99.6 and 100, 100, 100%, respectively. The immunoassays had high efficiencies, but our first hypothesis was not affirmed. The EMIT® II Plus assay produced 2.2% false-positive results, requiring an enantiomer-specific confirmation. PMID:25217541

46 CFR 113.50-15 - Loudspeakers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... loudspeakers must be watertight and suitably protected from the effects of the wind and seas. (c) There must be... emergency announcements must be— (1) In interior spaces, 75 dB(A) or, if the background noise level exceeds 75 dB(A), then at least 20 dB(A) above maximum background noise level; and (2) In exterior spaces, 80...

Hydrogeologic and Hydraulic Characterization of the Surficial Aquifer System, and Origin of High Salinity Groundwater, Palm Beach County, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reese, Ronald S.; Wacker, Michael A.

2009-01-01

Previous studies of the hydrogeology of the surficial aquifer system in Palm Beach County, Florida, have focused mostly on the eastern one-half to one-third of the county in the more densely populated coastal areas. These studies have not placed the hydrogeology in a framework in which stratigraphic units in this complex aquifer system are defined and correlated between wells. Interest in the surficial aquifer system has increased because of population growth, westward expansion of urbanized areas, and increased utilization of surface-water resources in the central and western areas of the county. In 2004, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District, initiated an investigation to delineate the hydrogeologic framework of the surficial aquifer system in Palm Beach County, based on a lithostratigraphic framework, and to evaluate hydraulic properties and characteristics of units and permeable zones within this framework. A lithostratigraphic framework was delineated by correlating markers between all wells with data available based primarily on borehole natural gamma-ray geophysical log signatures and secondarily, lithologic characteristics. These correlation markers approximately correspond to important lithostratigraphic unit boundaries. Using the markers as guides to their boundaries, the surficial aquifer system was divided into three main permeable zones or subaquifers, which are designated, from shallowest to deepest, zones 1, 2, and 3. Zone 1 is above the Tamiami Formation in the Anastasia and Fort Thompson Formations. Zone 2 primarily is in the upper part or Pinecrest Sand Member of the Tamiami Formation, and zone 3 is in the Ochopee Limestone Member of the Tamiami Formation or its correlative equivalent. Differences in the lithologic character exist between these three zones, and these differences commonly include differences in the nature of the pore space. Zone 1 attains its greatest thickness (50 feet or more) and highest transmissivity in coastal areas. Zone 2, the most transmissive and extensive zone, is thickest (80 feet or more) and most transmissive in the inland eastern areas near Florida's Turnpike. In this area, zone 1 is absent, and the semiconfining unit above zone 2 extends to the land surface with a thickness commonly ranging from 50 to 100 feet. The thickness of zone 2 decreases to zero in most wells near the coast. Zone 3 attains its greatest thickness (100 feet or more) in the southwestern and south-central areas; zone 3 is equivalent to the gray limestone aquifer. The distribution of transmissivity was mapped by zone; however, zones 2 and 3 were commonly combined in aquifer tests. Maximum transmissivities for zone 1, zones 2 and 3, and zone 3 were 90,000, 180,000, and 70,000 ft2/d (feet-squared per day), respectively. The northern extent of the area with transmissivity greater than 50,000 ft2/d for zones 2 and 3 in the inland northeastern area along Florida's Turnpike has not been defined based on available data and could extend 5 to 10 miles farther north than mapped. Based on the thickness of zone 2 and a limited number of aquifer tests, a large area of zone 2 with transmissivity greater than 10,000 ft2/d, and possibly as much as 30,000 ft2/d, extends to the west across Water Conservation Area 1 from the inland southeastern area into the south-central area and some of the southwestern area. In contrast to the Biscayne aquifer present to the south of Palm Beach County, zones 2 and 3 are interpreted to be present principally in the Tamiami Formation and are commonly overlain by a thick semiconfining unit of moderate permeability. These zones have been referred to as the 'Turnpike' aquifer in the inland eastern areas of Palm Beach County, and the extent of greatest thickness and transmissivity follows, or is adjacent to, Florida's Turnpike. Where it is thick and transmissive, zone 1 may be considered equivalent to the Biscayne aquifer. Areas

Enhanced Diagnostic Capability for Glaucoma of 3-Dimensional versus 2-Dimensional Neuroretinal Rim Parameters Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Fan, Kenneth Chen; Tsikata, Edem; Khoueir, Ziad; Simavli, Huseyin; Guo, Rong; DeLuna, Regina; Pandit, Sumir; Que, Christian John; de Boer, Johannes F.; Chen, Teresa C.

2017-01-01

Purpose To compare the diagnostic capability of 3-dimensional (3D) neuroretinal rim parameters with existing 2-dimensional (2D) neuroretinal and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness rim parameters using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volume scans Materials and Methods Design Institutional prospective pilot study. Study population 65 subjects (35 open angle glaucoma patients, 30 normal patients). Observation procedures One eye of each subject was included. SD-OCT was used to obtain 2D retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness values and five neuroretinal rim parameters [i.e. 3D minimum distance band (MDB) thickness, 3D Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), 3D rim volume, 2D rim area, and 2D rim thickness]. Main outcome measures Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values, sensitivity, specificity. Results Comparing all 3D with all 2D parameters, 3D rim parameters (MDB, BMO-MRW, rim volume) generally had higher AUROC curve values (range 0.770–0.946) compared to 2D parameters (RNFL thickness, rim area, rim thickness; range 0.678–0.911). For global region analyses, all 3D rim parameters (BMO-MRW, rim volume, MDB) were equal to or better than 2D parameters (RNFL thickness, rim area, rim thickness; p-values from 0.023–1.0). Among the three 3D rim parameters (MDB, BMO-MRW, and rim volume), there were no significant differences in diagnostic capability (false discovery rate > 0.05 at 95% specificity). Conclusion 3D neuroretinal rim parameters (MDB, BMO-MRW, and rim volume) demonstrated better diagnostic capability for primary and secondary open angle glaucomas compared to 2D neuroretinal parameters (rim area, rim thickness). Compared to 2D RNFL thickness, 3D neuroretinal rim parameters have the same or better diagnostic capability. PMID:28234677

Characterization of a mutated Geobacillus stearothermophilus L-arabinose isomerase that increases the production rate of D-tagatose.

PubMed

Kim, H-J; Kim, J-H; Oh, H-J; Oh, D-K

2006-07-01

Characterization of a mutated Geobacillus stearothermophilus L-arabinose isomerase used to increase the production rate of D-tagatose. A mutated gene was obtained by an error-prone polymerase chain reaction using L-arabinose isomerase gene from G. stearothermophilus as a template and the gene was expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed mutated L-arabinose isomerase exhibited the change of three amino acids (Met322-->Val, Ser393-->Thr, and Val408-->Ala), compared with the wild-type enzyme and was then purified to homogeneity. The mutated enzyme had a maximum galactose isomerization activity at pH 8.0, 65 degrees C, and 1.0 mM Co2+, while the wild-type enzyme had a maximum activity at pH 8.0, 60 degrees C, and 1.0-mM Mn2+. The mutated L-arabinose isomerase exhibited increases in D-galactose isomerization activity, optimum temperature, catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for D-galactose, and the production rate of D-tagatose from D-galactose. The mutated L-arabinose isomerase from G. stearothermophilus is valuable for the commercial production of D-tagatose. This work contributes knowledge on the characterization of a mutated L-arabinose isomerase, and allows an increased production rate for D-tagatose from D-galactose using the mutated enzyme.

Facile and environmentally friendly synthesis of ultrathin nickel hydroxide nanosheets with excellent supercapacitor performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaowei; Liu, Sheng; Li, Chenghui; Huang, Jiahao; Luv, Jixing; Xu, Pan; Liu, Jian; You, Xiao-Zeng

2016-06-01

In this article, we report a facile and environmentally friendly glutamic acid-assisted hydrothermal strategy for the preparation of ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with a thickness of about 2 nm, which exhibit a maximum specific capacitance of 2537.4 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, even at 10 A g-1, the specific capacitance is still maintained at 2290.0 F g-1 with 77.6% retention after 3000 cycles.In this article, we report a facile and environmentally friendly glutamic acid-assisted hydrothermal strategy for the preparation of ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) β-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with a thickness of about 2 nm, which exhibit a maximum specific capacitance of 2537.4 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, even at 10 A g-1, the specific capacitance is still maintained at 2290.0 F g-1 with 77.6% retention after 3000 cycles. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02912d

Comparison of body segmental kinematic characteristics between children with cerebral palsy performing sit-to-stand with and without a walker.

PubMed

Thanapan, Puthamaluk; Prasertsukdee, Saipin; Vachalathiti, Roongtiwa

2013-03-01

The study investigated how the subjects, 18 children with spastic diplegia aged 7-14 years, attained sit-to-stand (STS). The children were divided into two groups and three STS conditions: 1) those who could attain STS independently (I-STS), 2) those who could not attain STS independently (D-STS), and 3) subjects from the D-STS condition who could successfully attain STS with the walker (W-STS). The results showed that I-STS had more mean maximum horizontal location of the upper body and knee than the hip. All body segments of D-STS followed the same model as the I-STS condition, but they moved with less magnitude than I-STS. W-STS presented both pattern and magnitudes relatively similar to I-STS. Furthermore, I-STS showed the highest mean maximum horizontal and vertical velocities of body segments, when compared with the other STS conditions. W-STS performed the mean maximum horizontal and vertical linear velocities of all selected segments close to D-STS did.

Simultaneous Integrated Boost–Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy With Concomitant Capecitabine and Mitomycin C for Locally Advanced Anal Carcinoma: A Phase 1 Study

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

Deenen, Maarten J.; Dewit, Luc; Boot, Henk

2013-04-01

Purpose: Newer radiation techniques, and the application of continuous 5-FU exposure during radiation therapy using oral capecitabine may improve the treatment of anal cancer. This phase 1, dose-finding study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of simultaneous integrated boost–intensity modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) with concomitant capecitabine and mitomycin C in locally advanced anal cancer, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic analyses. Methods and Materials: Patients with locally advanced anal carcinoma were treated with SIB-IMRT in 33 daily fractions of 1.8 Gy to the primary tumor and macroscopically involved lymph nodes and 33 fractions of 1.5 Gy electively to the bilateral iliac and inguinalmore » lymph node areas. Patients received a sequential radiation boost dose of 3 × 1.8 Gy on macroscopic residual tumor if this was still present in week 5 of treatment. Mitomycin C 10 mg/m{sup 2} (maximum 15 mg) was administered intravenously on day 1, and capecitabine was given orally in a dose-escalated fashion (500-825 mg/m{sup 2} b.i.d.) on irradiation days, until dose-limiting toxicity emerged in ≥2 of maximally 6 patients. An additional 8 patients were treated at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Results: A total of 18 patients were included. The MTD of capecitabine was determined to be 825 mg/m{sup 2} b.i.d. The predominant acute grade ≥3 toxicities included radiation dermatitis (50%), fatigue (22%), and pain (6%). Fifteen patients (83% [95%-CI: 66%-101%]) achieved a complete response, and 3 (17%) patients a partial response. With a median follow-up of 28 months, none of the complete responders, and 2 partial responders had relapsed. Conclusions: SIB-IMRT with concomitant single dose mitomycin C and capecitabine 825 mg/m{sup 2} b.i.d. on irradiation days resulted in an acceptable safety profile, and proved to be a tolerable and effective treatment regimen for locally advanced anal cancer.« less

Derivation of physical and optical properties of mid-latitude cirrus ice crystals for a size-resolved cloud microphysics model

DOE PAGES

Fridlind, Ann M.; Atlas, Rachel; van Diedenhoven, Bastiaan; ...

2016-06-10

Single-crystal images collected in mid-latitude cirrus are analyzed to provide internally consistent ice physical and optical properties for a size-resolved cloud microphysics model, including single-particle mass, projected area, fall speed, capacitance, single-scattering albedo, and asymmetry parameter. Using measurements gathered during two flights through a widespread synoptic cirrus shield, bullet rosettes are found to be the dominant identifiable habit among ice crystals with maximum dimension ( D max) greater than 100 µm. Properties are therefore first derived for bullet rosettes based on measurements of arm lengths and widths, then for aggregates of bullet rosettes and for unclassified (irregular) crystals. Derived bulletmore » rosette masses are substantially greater than reported in existing literature, whereas measured projected areas are similar or lesser, resulting in factors of 1.5–2 greater fall speeds, and, in the limit of large D max, near-infrared single-scattering albedo and asymmetry parameter ( g) greater by ~0.2 and 0.05, respectively. Furthermore, a model that includes commonly imaged side plane growth on bullet rosettes exhibits relatively little difference in microphysical and optical properties aside from ~0.05 increase in mid-visible g primarily attributable to plate aspect ratio. In parcel simulations, ice size distribution, and g are sensitive to assumed ice properties.« less

A large 2D PSD for thermal neutron detection

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

Knott, R.B.; Watt, G.; Boldeman, J.W.

1996-12-31

A 2D PSD based on a MWPC has been constructed for a small angle neutron scattering instrument. The active area of the detector was 640 x 640 mm{sup 2}. To meet the specifications for neutron detection efficiency and spatial resolution, and to minimize parallax, the gas mixture was 190 kPa {sup 3}He plus 100 kPa CF{sub 4} and the active volume had a thickness of 30 mm. The design maximum neutron count-rate of the detector was 10{sup 5} events per second. The (calculated) neutron detection efficiency was 60% for 2{angstrom} neutrons and the (measured) neutron energy resolution on the anodemore » grid was typically 20% (fwhm). The location of a neutron detection event within the active area was determined using the wire-by-wire method: the spatial resolution (5 x 5 mm{sup 2}) was thereby defined by the wire geometry. A 16 channel charge-sensitive preamplifier/amplifier/comparator module has been developed with a channel sensitivity of 0.1 V/fC, noise linewidth of 0.4 fC (fwhm) and channel-to-channel cross-talk of less than 5%. The Proportional Counter Operating System (PCOS III) (LeCroy Corp USA) was used for event encoding. The ECL signals produced by the 16 channel modules were latched in PCOS III by a trigger pulse from the anode and the fast encoders produce a position and width for each event. The information was transferred to a UNIX workstation for accumulation and online display.« less

[Effects of population density and culture volume on the growth and reproduction of Moina irrasa].

PubMed

Chen, Li-Na; Li, Yu-Ying; Deng, Dao-Gui; Jin, Xian-Wen; Ge, Qian; Wang, Shao-Qin

2012-07-01

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effects of different population density (D1 : 100 ind x L(-1), D2 : 150 ind x L(-1), D3 : 300 ind x L(-1)) and culture volume (V1: 50 mL, V2 : 100 mL, V3 : 400 mL) on the growth and reproduction of Moina irrasa at 25 degrees C. At the same culture density, the body length of the M. irrasa females at their first pregnancy, the first brood, and the total offsprings per female decreased with the increase of culture volumes, while the sex ratio (male/female) of the offsprings was in adverse. At the same culture volumes, the total offsprings per female decreased with the increase of culture density. At D1 V1, the body length of the females at their first pregnancy (0.95 +/- 0.10 mm) and the total offsprings (171.3 +/- 19.8 ind) per female were the maximum. At D3V2, the sex ratio was the maximum (0.54 +/- 0.05). Culture density, culture volume, and their interactions significantly affected the total offsprings per female and the sex ratio (P < 0.001).

Standardized 2D ultrasound versus 3D/4D ultrasound and image fusion for measurement of aortic aneurysm diameter in follow-up after EVAR.

PubMed

Pfister, Karin; Schierling, Wilma; Jung, Ernst Michael; Apfelbeck, Hanna; Hennersperger, Christoph; Kasprzak, Piotr M

2016-01-01

To compare standardised 2D ultrasound (US) to the novel ultrasonographic imaging techniques 3D/4D US and image fusion (combined real-time display of B mode and CT scan) for routine measurement of aortic diameter in follow-up after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). 300 measurements were performed on 20 patients after EVAR by one experienced sonographer (3rd degree of the German society of ultrasound (DEGUM)) with a high-end ultrasound machine and a convex probe (1-5 MHz). An internally standardized scanning protocol of the aortic aneurysm diameter in B mode used a so called leading-edge method. In summary, five different US methods (2D, 3D free-hand, magnetic field tracked 3D - Curefab™, 4D volume sweep, image fusion), each including contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), were used for measurement of the maximum aortic aneurysm diameter. Standardized 2D sonography was the defined reference standard for statistical analysis. CEUS was used for endoleak detection. Technical success was 100%. In augmented transverse imaging the mean aortic anteroposterior (AP) diameter was 4.0±1.3 cm for 2D US, 4.0±1.2 cm for 3D Curefab™, and 3.9±1.3 cm for 4D US and 4.0±1.2 for image fusion. The mean differences were below 1 mm (0.2-0.9 mm). Concerning estimation of aneurysm growth, agreement was found between 2D, 3D and 4D US in 19 of the 20 patients (95%). Definitive decision could always be made by image fusion. CEUS was combined with all methods and detected two out of the 20 patients (10%) with an endoleak type II. In one case, endoleak feeding arteries remained unclear with 2D CEUS but could be clearly localized by 3D CEUS and image fusion. Standardized 2D US allows adequate routine follow-up of maximum aortic aneurysm diameter after EVAR. Image Fusion enables a definitive statement about aneurysm growth without the need for new CT imaging by combining the postoperative CT scan with real-time B mode in a dual image display. 3D/4D CEUS and image fusion can improve endoleak characterization in selected cases but are not mandatory for routine practice.

Extreme Precipitation in Poland in the Years 1951-2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinowska, Miroslawa

2017-12-01

The characteristics of extreme precipitation, including the dominant trends, were analysed for eight stations located in different parts of Poland for the period 1951-2010. Five indices enabling the assessment of the intensity and frequency of both extremely dry and wet conditions were applied. The indices included the number of days with precipitation ≥10mm·d-1 (R10), maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD), maximum 5-day precipitation total (R5d), simple daily intensity index (SDII), and the fraction of annual total precipitation due to events exceeding the 95th percentile calculated for the period 1961-1990. Annual trends were calculated using standard linear regression method, while the fit of the model was assessed with the F-test at the 95% confidence level. The analysed changes in extreme precipitation showed mixed patterns. A significant positive trend in the number of days with precipitation ≥10mm·d-1 (R10) was observed in central Poland, while a significant negative one, in south-eastern Poland. Based on the analysis of maximum 5-day precipitation totals (R5d), statistically significant positive trends in north-western, western and eastern parts of the country were detected, while the negative trends were found in the central and northeastern parts. Daily precipitation, expressed as single daily intensity index (SDII), increased over time in northern and central Poland. In southern Poland, the variation of SDII index showed non-significant negative tendencies. Finally, the fraction of annual total precipitation due to the events exceeding the 1961-1990 95th percentile increased at one station only, namely, in Warsaw. The indicator which refers to dry conditions, i.e. maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD) displayed negative trends throughout the surveyed area, with the exception of Szczecin that is a representative of north-western Poland.

Population structure and residency patterns of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, at a provisioning site in Cebu, Philippines

PubMed Central

Lucey, Anna; Labaja, Jessica; So, Catherine Lee; Snow, Sally; Ponzo, Alessandro

2014-01-01

This study represents the first description of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, occurring at a provisioning site in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. Frequent observations of sharks are often difficult, even at tourism sites, giving rise to provisioning activities to attract them. The present study provides repeated longitudinal data at a site where daily provisioning activities took place, and whale sharks were present every day. A total of 158 individual whale sharks were photographically identified between Mar 2012 and Dec 2013, with 129 males (82%), 19 females (12%) and 10 (6%) of undetermined sex. Mean estimated total length was 5.5 m (±1.3 m S.D.). Twenty individuals were measured with laser photogrammetry to validate researchers’ estimated sizes, yielding a good correlation (r2 = 0.83). Fifty-four (34%) individuals were observed being hand-fed by local fishermen (provisioned), through in-water behavioural observations. Maximum likelihood methods were used to model mean residency time of 44.9 days (±20.6 days S.E.) for provisioned R. typus contrasting with 22.4 days (±8.9 days S.E.) for non-provisioned individuals. Propeller scars were observed in 47% of the animals. A mean of 12.7 (±4.3 S.D.) R. typus were present in the survey area daily, with a maximum of 26 individuals (Aug 10 2013) and a minimum of 2 (Dec 6 2012). Twelve (8%) individuals were seen on at least 50% of survey days (n = 621), with a maximum residency of 572 days for one individual (P-396). Twenty four individuals were photographically identified across regional hotsposts, highlighting the species’ migratory nature and distribution. Extended residency and differences in lagged identification rates suggest behavioural modification on provisioned individuals, underlying the necessity for proper management of this tourism activity. PMID:25279256

LCE: leaf carbon exchange data set for tropical, temperate, and boreal species of North and Central America.

PubMed

Smith, Nicholas G; Dukes, Jeffrey S

2017-11-01

Leaf canopy carbon exchange processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration, are substantial components of the global carbon cycle. Climate models base their simulations of photosynthesis and respiration on an empirical understanding of the underlying biochemical processes, and the responses of those processes to environmental drivers. As such, data spanning large spatial scales are needed to evaluate and parameterize these models. Here, we present data on four important biochemical parameters defining leaf carbon exchange processes from 626 individuals of 98 species at 12 North and Central American sites spanning ~53° of latitude. The four parameters are the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (V cmax ), the maximum rate of electron transport for the regeneration of Ribulose-1,5,-bisphosphate (J max ), the maximum rate of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase carboxylation (V pmax ), and leaf dark respiration (R d ). The raw net photosynthesis by intercellular CO 2 (A/C i ) data used to calculate V cmax , J max , and V pmax rates are also presented. Data were gathered on the same leaf of each individual (one leaf per individual), allowing for the examination of each parameter relative to others. Additionally, the data set contains a number of covariates for the plants measured. Covariate data include (1) leaf-level traits (leaf mass, leaf area, leaf nitrogen and carbon content, predawn leaf water potential), (2) plant-level traits (plant height for herbaceous individuals and diameter at breast height for trees), (3) soil moisture at the time of measurement, (4) air temperature from nearby weather stations for the day of measurement and each of the 90 d prior to measurement, and (5) climate data (growing season mean temperature, precipitation, photosynthetically active radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and aridity index). We hope that the data will be useful for obtaining greater understanding of the abiotic and biotic determinants of these important biochemical parameters and for evaluating and improving large-scale models of leaf carbon exchange. © 2017 by the Ecological Society of America.

Antibacterial Effects of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae Strains for Which MICs Are High, in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Model

PubMed Central

MacGowan, Alasdair P.; Noel, Alan R.; Rogers, Chris A.; Bowker, Karen E.

2004-01-01

The antibacterial effect of amoxicillin-clavulanate in two formulations, pharmacokinetically enhanced 16:1 amoxicillin-clavulanate twice a day (b.i.d.) and standard 7:1 amoxicillin-clavulanate b.i.d., were studied in an in vitro pharmacokinetic model of infection. Five strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and two of Haemophilus influenzae, all associated with raised MICs (2 to 8 mg/liter), were used. The antibacterial effect was measured over 24 h by the area under the bacterial kill curve (AUBKC) and the log change in viable count at 24 h (Δ24). A high 108 CFU/ml and low 106 CFU/ml initial inocula were used. Employing the Δ24 effect measure, the time above MIC (T>MIC) 50% maximum effect (EC50) for S. pneumoniae was in the range 21 to 28% with an 80% maximal response of 41 to 51%, for the AUBKC measure, the value was 26 to 39%, irrespective of inoculum. For H. influenzae, the T>MIC EC50 was 28 to 37%, and the 80% maximum response was 32 to 48% for the Δ24 measure and 20 to 48% for AUBKC. The maximum response occurred at a T>MIC of 50 to 60% for both species and inocula. The S. pneumoniae data were analyzed by analysis of variance to assess the effect of inoculum, formulation, and MIC on antibacterial effect. Standard and enhanced formulations had different effects depending on MIC, with the standard formulation less effective at higher amoxicillin-clavulanate MICs. This is explained by the greater T>MICs of the enhanced formulation. Although resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate by conventional breakpoints, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains for which MICs are 2 or 4 mg/liter may well respond to therapy with pharmacokinetically enhanced formulation amoxicillin-clavulanate. PMID:15215115

Antibacterial effects of amoxicillin-clavulanate against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae strains for which MICs are high, in an in vitro pharmacokinetic model.

PubMed

MacGowan, Alasdair P; Noel, Alan R; Rogers, Chris A; Bowker, Karen E

2004-07-01

The antibacterial effect of amoxicillin-clavulanate in two formulations, pharmacokinetically enhanced 16:1 amoxicillin-clavulanate twice a day (b.i.d.) and standard 7:1 amoxicillin-clavulanate b.i.d., were studied in an in vitro pharmacokinetic model of infection. Five strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and two of Haemophilus influenzae, all associated with raised MICs (2 to 8 mg/liter), were used. The antibacterial effect was measured over 24 h by the area under the bacterial kill curve (AUBKC) and the log change in viable count at 24 h (Delta24). A high 10(8) CFU/ml and low 10(6) CFU/ml initial inocula were used. Employing the Delta24 effect measure, the time above MIC (T>MIC) 50% maximum effect (EC(50)) for S. pneumoniae was in the range 21 to 28% with an 80% maximal response of 41 to 51%, for the AUBKC measure, the value was 26 to 39%, irrespective of inoculum. For H. influenzae, the T>MIC EC(50) was 28 to 37%, and the 80% maximum response was 32 to 48% for the Delta24 measure and 20 to 48% for AUBKC. The maximum response occurred at a T>MIC of 50 to 60% for both species and inocula. The S. pneumoniae data were analyzed by analysis of variance to assess the effect of inoculum, formulation, and MIC on antibacterial effect. Standard and enhanced formulations had different effects depending on MIC, with the standard formulation less effective at higher amoxicillin-clavulanate MICs. This is explained by the greater T>MICs of the enhanced formulation. Although resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate by conventional breakpoints, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains for which MICs are 2 or 4 mg/liter may well respond to therapy with pharmacokinetically enhanced formulation amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Maximum-Likelihood Estimation With a Contracting-Grid Search Algorithm

PubMed Central

Hesterman, Jacob Y.; Caucci, Luca; Kupinski, Matthew A.; Barrett, Harrison H.; Furenlid, Lars R.

2010-01-01

A fast search algorithm capable of operating in multi-dimensional spaces is introduced. As a sample application, we demonstrate its utility in the 2D and 3D maximum-likelihood position-estimation problem that arises in the processing of PMT signals to derive interaction locations in compact gamma cameras. We demonstrate that the algorithm can be parallelized in pipelines, and thereby efficiently implemented in specialized hardware, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). A 2D implementation of the algorithm is achieved in Cell/BE processors, resulting in processing speeds above one million events per second, which is a 20× increase in speed over a conventional desktop machine. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are used for a 3D application of the algorithm, resulting in processing speeds of nearly 250,000 events per second which is a 250× increase in speed over a conventional desktop machine. These implementations indicate the viability of the algorithm for use in real-time imaging applications. PMID:20824155

The Estimation of Compaction Parameter Values Based on Soil Properties Values Stabilized with Portland Cement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubis, A. S.; Muis, Z. A.; Pasaribu, M. I.

2017-03-01

The strength and durability of pavement construction is highly dependent on the properties and subgrade bearing capacity. This then led to the idea of the selection methods to estimate the density of the soil with the proper implementation of the system, fast and economical. This study aims to estimate the compaction parameter value namely the maximum dry unit weight (γd max) and optimum moisture content (wopt) of the soil properties value that stabilized with Portland Cement. Tests conducted in the laboratory of soil mechanics to determine the index properties (fines and liquid limit) and Standard Compaction Test. Soil samples that have Plasticity Index (PI) between 0-15% then mixed with Portland Cement (PC) with variations of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%, each 10 samples. The results showed that the maximum dry unit weight (γd max) and wopt has a significant relationship with percent fines, liquid limit and the percentation of cement. Equation for the estimated maximum dry unit weight (γd max) = 1.782 - 0.011*LL + 0,000*F + 0.006*PS with R2 = 0.915 and the estimated optimum moisture content (wopt) = 3.441 + 0.594*LL + 0,025*F + 0,024*PS with R2 = 0.726.

Large-Scale Boundary-Layer Control Tests on Two Wings in the NACA 20-Foot Wind Tunnel, Special Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, Hugh B.

1935-01-01

Tests were made in the N.A.C.A. 20-foot wind tunnel on: (1) a wing, of 6.5-foot span, 5.5-foot chord, and 30 percent maximum thickness, fitted with large end plates and (2) a 16-foot span 2.67-foot chord wing of 15 percent maximum thickness to determine the increase in lift obtainable by removing the boundary layer and the power required for the blower. The results of the tests on the stub wing appeared more favorable than previous small-scale tests and indicated that: (1) the suction method was considerably superior to the pressure method, (2) single slots were more effective than multiple slots (where the same pressure was applied to all slots), the slot efficiency increased rapidly for increasing slot widths up to 2 percent of the wing chord and remained practically constant for all larger widths tested, (3) suction pressure and power requirements were quite low (a computation for a light airplane showed that a lift coefficient of 3.0 could be obtained with a suction as low as 2.3 times the dynamic pressure and a power expenditure less than 3 percent of the rated engine power), and (4) the volume of air required to be drawn off was quite high (approximately 0.5 cubic feet per second per unit wing area for an airplane landing at 40 miles per hour with a lift coefficient of 3,0), indicating that considerable duct area must be provided in order to prevent flow losses inside the wing and insure uniform distribution of suction along the span. The results from the tests of the large-span wing were less favorable than those on the stub wing. The reasons for this were, probably: (1) the uneven distribution of suction along the span, (2) the flow losses inside the wing, (3) the small radius of curvature of the leading edge of the wing section, and (4) the low Reynolds Number of these tests, which was about one half that of the stub wing. The results showed a large increase in the maximum lift coefficient with an increase in Reynolds Number in the range of the tests. The results of drag tests showed that the profile drag of the wing was reduced and the L/D ratio was increased throughout the range of lift coefficients corresponding to take-off and climb but that the minimum drag was increased. The slot arrangement that is best for low drag is not the same, however, as that for maximum lift.

Glacial chronology and palaeoclimate in the Bystra catchment, Western Tatra Mountains (Poland) during the Late Pleistocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makos, Michał; Rinterknecht, Vincent; Braucher, Régis; Żarnowski, Michał

2016-02-01

Deglaciation chronology of the Bystra catchment (Western Tatra Mountains) has been reconstructed based on 10Be exposure age dating. Fourteen rock samples were collected from boulders located on three moraines that limit the horizontal extent of the LGM maximum advance and the Lateglacial recessional stage. The oldest preserved, maximum moraine was dated at 15.5 ± 0.8 ka, an age that could be explained more likely by post-depositional erosion of the moraine. Such scenario is supported by geomorphologic and palaeoclimatological evidence. The younger cold stage is represented by well-preserved termino-lateral moraine systems in the Kondratowa and Sucha Kasprowa valleys. The distribution of the moraine ridges in both valleys suggest a complex history of deglaciation of the area. The first Late-glacial re-advance (LG1) was followed by a cold oscillation (LG2), that occurred at around 14.0 ± 0.7-13.7 ± 1.2 ka. Glaciers during both stages had nearly the same horizontal extent, however, their thickness and geometry changed significantly, mainly due to local climatic conditions triggered by topography, controlling the exposition to solar radiation. The LG1 stage occurred probably during the pre-Bølling cold stage (Greenland Stadial 2.1a), however, the LG2 stage can be correlated with the cooling at around 14 ka during the Greenland Interstadial 1 (GI-1d - Older Dryas). This is the first chronological evidence of the Older Dryas in the Tatra Mountains. The ELA of the maximum Bystra glacier was located at 1480 m a.s.l. in accordance with the ELA in the High Tatra Mountains during the LGM. During the LG1 and LG2 stages, the ELA in the catchment rose up to 1520-1530 m a.s.l. and was located approximately 100-150 m lower than in the eastern part of the massif. Climate modelling results show that the Bystra glacier (maximum advance) could have advanced in the catchment when mean annual temperature was lower than today by 11-12 °C and precipitation was reduced by 40-60%. This is in accordance with LGM conditions previously reported for the High Tatras. During the LG1 and LG2 stages the temperature decrease in the study area reached 10 °C and precipitation was lower by ∼30% compare to modern conditions. This resulted in slightly higher accumulation (20-30%) in the Western Tatra Mountains compare to the High Tatra Mountains.

Instrument Display Visual Angles for Conventional Aircraft and the MQ-9 Ground Control Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamine, Tovy Haber; Bendrick, Gregg A.

2008-01-01

Aircraft instrument panels should be designed such that primary displays are in optimal viewing location to minimize pilot perception and response time. Human Factors engineers define three zones (i.e. cones ) of visual location: 1) "Easy Eye Movement" (foveal vision); 2) "Maximum Eye Movement" (peripheral vision with saccades), and 3) "Head Movement (head movement required). Instrument display visual angles were measured to determine how well conventional aircraft (T-34, T-38, F- 15B, F-16XL, F/A-18A, U-2D, ER-2, King Air, G-III, B-52H, DC-10, B747-SCA) and the MQ-9 ground control station (GCS) complied with these standards, and how they compared with each other. Selected instrument parameters included: attitude, pitch, bank, power, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, heading, turn rate, slip/skid, AOA, flight path, latitude, longitude, course, bearing, range and time. Vertical and horizontal visual angles for each component were measured from the pilot s eye position in each system. The vertical visual angles of displays in conventional aircraft lay within the cone of "Easy Eye Movement" for all but three of the parameters measured, and almost all of the horizontal visual angles fell within this range. All conventional vertical and horizontal visual angles lay within the cone of Maximum Eye Movement. However, most instrument vertical visual angles of the MQ-9 GCS lay outside the cone of Easy Eye Movement, though all were within the cone of Maximum Eye Movement. All the horizontal visual angles for the MQ-9 GCS were within the cone of "Easy Eye Movement". Most instrument displays in conventional aircraft lay within the cone of Easy Eye Movement, though mission-critical instruments sometimes displaced less important instruments outside this area. Many of the MQ-9 GCS systems lay outside this area. Specific training for MQ-9 pilots may be needed to avoid increased response time and potential error during flight. The learning objectives include: 1) Know three physiologic cones of eye/head movement; 2) Understand how instrument displays comply with these design principles in conventional aircraft and an uninhabited aerial vehicle system. Which of the following is NOT a recognized physiologic principle of instrument display design? Cone of Easy Eye Movement 2) Cone of Binocular Eye Movement 3) Cone of Maximum Eye Movement 4) Cone of Head Movement 5) None of the above. Answer: # 2) Cone of Binocular Eye Movement

Synchrotron X-ray computed laminography of the three-dimensional anatomy of tomato leaves.

PubMed

Verboven, Pieter; Herremans, Els; Helfen, Lukas; Ho, Quang T; Abera, Metadel; Baumbach, Tilo; Wevers, Martine; Nicolaï, Bart M

2015-01-01

Synchrotron radiation computed laminography (SR-CL) is presented as an imaging method for analyzing the three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of leaves. The SR-CL method was used to provide 3D images of 1-mm² samples of intact leaves at a pixel resolution of 750 nm. The method allowed visualization and quantitative analysis of palisade and spongy mesophyll cells, and showed local venation patterns, aspects of xylem vascular structure and stomata. The method failed to image subcellular organelles such as chloroplasts. We constructed 3D computer models of leaves that can provide a basis for calculating gas exchange, light penetration and water and solute transport. The leaf anatomy of two different tomato genotypes grown in saturating light conditions was compared by 3D analysis. Differences were found in calculated values of tissue porosity, cell number density, cell area to volume ratio and cell volume and cell shape distributions of palisade and spongy cell layers. In contrast, the exposed cell area to leaf area ratio in mesophyll, a descriptor that correlates to the maximum rate of photosynthesis in saturated light conditions, was no different between spongy and palisade cells or between genotypes. The use of 3D image processing avoids many of the limitations of anatomical analysis with two-dimensional sections. © 2014 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Three-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography for direct measurement of vena contracta area in mitral regurgitation: in vitro validation and clinical experience.

PubMed

Little, Stephen H; Pirat, Bahar; Kumar, Rahul; Igo, Stephen R; McCulloch, Marti; Hartley, Craig J; Xu, Jiaqiong; Zoghbi, William A

2008-11-01

Our goal was to prospectively compare the accuracy of real-time three-dimensional (3D) color Doppler vena contracta (VC) area and two-dimensional (2D) VC diameter in an in vitro model and in the clinical assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity. Real-time 3D color Doppler allows direct measurement of VC area and may be more accurate for assessment of MR than the conventional VC diameter measurement by 2D color Doppler. Using a circulatory loop with an incorporated imaging chamber, various pulsatile flow rates of MR were driven through 4 differently sized orifices. In a clinical study of patients with at least mild MR, regurgitation severity was assessed quantitatively using Doppler-derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), and semiquantitatively as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. We describe a step-by-step process to accurately identify the 3D-VC area and compare that measure against known orifice areas (in vitro study) and EROA (clinical study). In vitro, 3D-VC area demonstrated the strongest correlation with known orifice area (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), whereas 2D-VC diameter had a weak correlation with orifice area (r = 0.56, p = 0.01). In a clinical study of 61 patients, 3D-VC area correlated with Doppler-derived EROA (r = 0.85, p < 0.001); the relation was stronger than for 2D-VC diameter (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). The advantage of 3D-VC area over 2D-VC diameter was more pronounced in eccentric jets (r = 0.87, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.6, p < 0.001, respectively) and in moderate-to-severe or severe MR (r = 0.80, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.18, p = 0.4, respectively). Measurement of VC area is feasible with real-time 3D color Doppler and provides a simple parameter that accurately reflects MR severity, particularly in eccentric and clinically significant MR where geometric assumptions may be challenging.

Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiography for Direct Measurement of Vena Contracta Area in Mitral Regurgitation

PubMed Central

Little, Stephen H.; Pirat, Bahar; Kumar, Rahul; Igo, Stephen R.; McCulloch, Marti; Hartley, Craig J.; Xu, Jiaqiong; Zoghbi, William A.

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVES Our goal was to prospectively compare the accuracy of real-time three-dimensional (3D) color Doppler vena contracta (VC) area and two-dimensional (2D) VC diameter in an in vitro model and in the clinical assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity. BACKGROUND Real-time 3D color Doppler allows direct measurement of VC area and may be more accurate for assessment of MR than the conventional VC diameter measurement by 2D color Doppler. METHODS Using a circulatory loop with an incorporated imaging chamber, various pulsatile flow rates of MR were driven through 4 differently sized orifices. In a clinical study of patients with at least mild MR, regurgitation severity was assessed quantitatively using Doppler-derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), and semiquantitatively as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. We describe a step-by-step process to accurately identify the 3D-VC area and compare that measure against known orifice areas (in vitro study) and EROA (clinical study). RESULTS In vitro, 3D-VC area demonstrated the strongest correlation with known orifice area (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), whereas 2D-VC diameter had a weak correlation with orifice area (r = 0.56, p = 0.01). In a clinical study of 61 patients, 3D-VC area correlated with Doppler-derived EROA (r = 0.85, p < 0.001); the relation was stronger than for 2D-VC diameter (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). The advantage of 3D-VC area over 2D-VC diameter was more pronounced in eccentric jets (r = 0.87, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.6, p < 0.001, respectively) and in moderate-to-severe or severe MR (r = 0.80, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.18, p = 0.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Measurement of VC area is feasible with real-time 3D color Doppler and provides a simple parameter that accurately reflects MR severity, particularly in eccentric and clinically significant MR where geometric assumptions may be challenging. PMID:19356505

14 CFR 135.159 - Equipment requirements: Carrying passengers under VFR at night or under VFR over-the-top conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... chapter. (2) Helicopters with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of ±80.... (3) Helicopters with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less. (b) A slip skid...) Notwithstanding provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), helicopters having a maximum certificated takeoff...

14 CFR 135.159 - Equipment requirements: Carrying passengers under VFR at night or under VFR over-the-top conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... chapter. (2) Helicopters with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of ±80.... (3) Helicopters with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less. (b) A slip skid...) Notwithstanding provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), helicopters having a maximum certificated takeoff...

14 CFR 135.159 - Equipment requirements: Carrying passengers under VFR at night or under VFR over-the-top conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... chapter. (2) Helicopters with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of ±80.... (3) Helicopters with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less. (b) A slip skid...) Notwithstanding provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), helicopters having a maximum certificated takeoff...

14 CFR 135.159 - Equipment requirements: Carrying passengers under VFR at night or under VFR over-the-top conditions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... chapter. (2) Helicopters with a third attitude instrument system usable through flight attitudes of ±80.... (3) Helicopters with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less. (b) A slip skid...) Notwithstanding provisions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), helicopters having a maximum certificated takeoff...

49 CFR 325.59 - Measurement procedure; stationary test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... made of the sound level generated by a stationary motor vehicle as follows: (a) Park the motor vehicle... open throttle. Return the engine's speed to idle. (e) Observe the maximum reading on the sound level... this section until the first two maximum sound level readings that are within 2 dB(A) of each other are...

Optimization of Nitrogen Rate and Planting Density for Improving Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Lodging Resistance in Oilseed Rape

PubMed Central

Khan, Shahbaz; Anwar, Sumera; Kuai, Jie; Ullah, Sana; Fahad, Shah; Zhou, Guangsheng

2017-01-01

Yield and lodging related traits are essential for improving rapeseed production. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of plant density (D) and nitrogen (N) rates on morphological and physiological traits related to yield and lodging in rapeseed. We evaluated Huayouza 9 for two consecutive growing seasons (2014–2016) under three plant densities (LD, 10 plants m−2; MD, 30 plants m−2; HD, 60 plants m−2) and four N rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1). Experiment was laid out in split plot design using density as a main factor and N as sub-plot factor with three replications each. Seed yield was increased by increasing density and N rate, reaching a peak at HD with 180 kg N ha−1. The effect of N rate was consistently positive in increasing the plant height, pod area index, 1,000 seed weight, shoot and root dry weights, and root neck diameter, reaching a peak at 180 kg N ha−1. Plant height was decreased by increasing D, whereas the maximum radiation interception (~80%) and net photosynthetic rate were recorded at MD at highest N. Lodging resistance and nitrogen use efficiency significantly increased with increasing D from 10 to 30 plants m−2, and N rate up to 120 kg ha−1, further increase of D and N decreased lodging resistance and NUE. Hence, our study implies that planting density 30 plants m−2 can improve yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and enhance lodging resistance by improving crop canopy. PMID:28536581

{sup 40}K, {sup 115}Cs and {sup 226}Ra Soil and Plant Content in Seminatural Grasslands of Central Argentina

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

Ayub, J. Juri; Velasco, R. H.; Rizzotto, M.

2008-08-07

Activity concentrations of {sup 40}K, {sup 226}Ra and {sup 137}Cs have been analyzed in soil and plant samples, collected in permanent grassland in central Argentina. Two near areas (A1 and A2) under field conditions with soil undisturbed at least in the last four decades were selected. For each of the three studied radionuclides we do not find differences in the inventories between both areas. The inventories range from 143 kBq m{sup -2} to 197 kBq m{sup -2} for {sup 40}K and from 13 kBq m{sup -2} to 18 kBq m{sup -2} for {sup 226}Ra. The vertical distributions of {sup 40}Kmore » and {sup 226}Ra are uniform through de soil profile. For {sup 137}Cs the inventories range from 0.33 kBq m{sup -2} to 0.73 kBq m{sup -2}. In spite of {sup 137}Cs inventories are similar in both areas the distribution through vertical profile is different. {sup 137}Cs activity concentration has a maximum for layers 5-10 cm depth in A1 and 10-15 cm depth in A2. For deeper layers both areas show similar activity concentrations. The diffusion coefficient (D{sub s}) and convection velocity (v{sub s}) are estimated with a convection-diffusion model. D{sub s} values are in the range reported in the bibliography, while v{sub s} values are one order of magnitude higher. After 40 years most {sup 137}Cs fallout is still in the layer 10-15 cm depth. The great penetration of {sup 137}Cs (25 cm) in these soils may be the result of a high sand and low fine materials content. {sup 137}Cs and {sup 226}Ra were not detected in grass samples. Activity concentration of {sup 40}K in vegetal samples ranges from 116 Bq kg{sup -1} to 613 Bq kg{sup -1}. The TF values obtained for {sup 40}K show a lognormal distribution and ranges from 0.05 to 0.42.« less

Importance of polypyrrole in constructing 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube@MnO2 perfect core-shell nanostructures for high-performance flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jinyuan; Zhao, Hao; Mu, Xuemei; Chen, Jiayi; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Yaling; He, Yongmin; Zhang, Zhenxing; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2015-08-01

This study reports the preparation of 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT) @MnO2 core-shell nanostructures under the assistance of polypyrrole (PPy). The as-prepared CNT@PPy@MnO2 core-shell structures show a perfect coating of MnO2 on each CNT and, more importantly, a robust bush-like pseudocapacitive shell to effectively increase the specific surface area and enhance the ion accessibility. As expected, a high specific capacity of 490-530 F g-1 has been achieved from CNT@PPy@MnO2 single electrodes. And about 98.5% of the capacity is retained after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric CNT@PPy@MnO2//AC capacitors show the maximum energy density of 38.42 W h kg-1 (2.24 mW h cm-3) at a power density of 100 W kg-1 (5.83 mW cm-3), and they maintain 59.52% of the initial value at 10 000 W kg-1 (0.583 W cm-3). In addition, the assembled devices show high cycling stabilities (89.7% after 2000 cycles for asymmetric and 87.2% for symmetric), and a high bending stability (64.74% after 200 bending tests). This ability to obtain high energy densities at high power rates while maintaining high cycling stability demonstrates that this well-designed structure could be a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.This study reports the preparation of 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT) @MnO2 core-shell nanostructures under the assistance of polypyrrole (PPy). The as-prepared CNT@PPy@MnO2 core-shell structures show a perfect coating of MnO2 on each CNT and, more importantly, a robust bush-like pseudocapacitive shell to effectively increase the specific surface area and enhance the ion accessibility. As expected, a high specific capacity of 490-530 F g-1 has been achieved from CNT@PPy@MnO2 single electrodes. And about 98.5% of the capacity is retained after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric CNT@PPy@MnO2//AC capacitors show the maximum energy density of 38.42 W h kg-1 (2.24 mW h cm-3) at a power density of 100 W kg-1 (5.83 mW cm-3), and they maintain 59.52% of the initial value at 10 000 W kg-1 (0.583 W cm-3). In addition, the assembled devices show high cycling stabilities (89.7% after 2000 cycles for asymmetric and 87.2% for symmetric), and a high bending stability (64.74% after 200 bending tests). This ability to obtain high energy densities at high power rates while maintaining high cycling stability demonstrates that this well-designed structure could be a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03426d

Whole-breast irradiation: a subgroup analysis of criteria to stratify for prone position treatment

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

Ramella, Sara, E-mail: s.ramella@unicampus.it; Trodella, Lucio; Ippolito, Edy

2012-07-01

To select among breast cancer patients and according to breast volume size those who may benefit from 3D conformal radiotherapy after conservative surgery applied with prone-position technique. Thirty-eight patients with early-stage breast cancer were grouped according to the target volume (TV) measured in the supine position: small ({<=}400 mL), medium (400-700 mL), and large ({>=}700 ml). An ad-hoc designed and built device was used for prone set-up to displace the contralateral breast away from the tangential field borders. All patients underwent treatment planning computed tomography in both the supine and prone positions. Dosimetric data to explore dose distribution and volumemore » of normal tissue irradiated were calculated for each patient in both positions. Homogeneity index, hot spot areas, the maximum dose, and the lung constraints were significantly reduced in the prone position (p < 0.05). The maximum heart distance and the V{sub 5Gy} did not vary consistently in the 2 positions (p = 0.06 and p = 0.7, respectively). The number of necessary monitor units was significantly higher in the supine position (312 vs. 232, p < 0.0001). The subgroups analysis pointed out the advantage in lung sparing in all TV groups (small, medium and large) for all the evaluated dosimetric constraints (central lung distance, maximum lung distance, and V{sub 5Gy}, p < 0.0001). In the small TV group, a dose reduction in nontarget areas of 22% in the prone position was detected (p = 0.056); in the medium and high TV groups, the difference was of about -10% (p = NS). The decrease in hot spot areas in nontarget tissues was 73%, 47%, and 80% for small, medium, and large TVs in the prone position, respectively. Although prone breast radiotherapy is normally proposed in patients with breasts of large dimensions, this study gives evidence of dosimetric benefit in all patient subgroups irrespective of breast volume size.« less

Effects of multilayer snow scheme on the simulation of snow: Offline Noah and coupled with NCEP CFSv2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Subodh Kumar; Sujith, K.; Pokhrel, Samir; Chaudhari, Hemantkumar S.; Hazra, Anupam

2017-03-01

The Noah version 2.7.1 is a moderately complex land surface model (LSM), with a single layer snowpack, combined with vegetation and underlying soil layer. Many previous studies have pointed out biases in the simulation of snow, which may hinder the skill of a forecasting system coupled with the Noah. In order to improve the simulation of snow by the Noah, a multilayer snow scheme (up to a maximum of six layers) is introduced. As Noah is the land surface component of the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), the modified Noah is also coupled with the CFSv2. The offline LSM shows large improvements in the simulation of snow depth, snow water equivalent (SWE), and snow cover area during snow season (October to June). CFSv2 with the modified Noah reveals a dramatic improvements in the simulation of snow depth and 2 m air temperature and moderate improvements in SWE. As suggested in the previous diagnostic and sensitivity study, improvements in the simulation of snow by CFSv2 have lead to the reduction in dry bias over the Indian subcontinent (by a maximum of 2 mm d-1). The multilayer snow scheme shows promising results in the simulation of snow as well as Indian summer monsoon rainfall and hence this development may be the part of the future version of the CFS.

[Acoustic conditions in open plan offices - Pilot test results].

PubMed

Mikulski, Witold

The main source of noise in open plan office are conversations. Office work standards in such premises are attained by applying specific acoustic adaptation. This article presents the results of pilot tests and acoustic evaluation of open space rooms. Acoustic properties of 6 open plan office rooms were the subject of the tests. Evaluation parameters, measurement methods and criterial values were adopted according to the following standards: PN-EN ISO 3382- 3:2012, PN-EN ISO 3382-2:2010, PN-B-02151-4:2015-06 and PN-B-02151-3:2015-10. The reverberation time was 0.33- 0.55 s (maximum permissible value in offices - 0.6 s; the criterion was met), sound absorption coefficient in relation to 1 m2 of the room's plan was 0.77-1.58 m2 (minimum permissible value - 1.1 m2; 2 out of 6 rooms met the criterion), distraction distance was 8.5-14 m (maximum permissible value - 5 m; none of the rooms met the criterion), A-weighted sound pressure level of speech at a distance of 4 m was 43.8-54.7 dB (maximum permissible value - 48 dB; 2 out of 6 rooms met the criterion), spatial decay rate of the speech was 1.8-6.3 dB (minimum permissible value - 7 dB; none of the rooms met the criterion). Standard acoustic treatment, containing sound absorbing suspended ceiling, sound absorbing materials on the walls, carpet flooring and sound absorbing workplace barriers, is not sufficient. These rooms require specific advanced acoustic solutions. Med Pr 2016;67(5):653-662. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Evaluating prediction uncertainty of areas contributing recharge to well fields of multiple water suppliers in the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt River Basins, Rhode Island

USGS Publications Warehouse

Friesz, Paul J.

2012-01-01

Three river basins in central Rhode Island-the Hunt River, the Annaquatucket River, and the Pettaquamscutt River-contain 15 production wells clustered in 4 pumping centers from which drinking water is withdrawn. These high-capacity production wells, operated by three water suppliers, are screened in coarse-grained deposits of glacial origin. The risk of contaminating water withdrawn by these well centers may be reduced if the areas contributing recharge to the well centers are delineated and these areas protected from land uses that may affect the water quality. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, began an investigation in 2009 to improve the understanding of groundwater flow and delineate areas contributing recharge to the well centers as part of an effort to protect the source of water to these well centers. A groundwater-flow model was calibrated by inverse modeling using nonlinear regression to obtain the optimal set of parameter values, which provide a single, best representation of the area contributing recharge to a well center. Summary statistics from the calibrated model were used to evaluate the uncertainty associated with the predicted areas contributing recharge to the well centers. This uncertainty analysis was done so that the contributing areas to the well centers would not be underestimated, thereby leaving the well centers inadequately protected. The analysis led to contributing areas expressed as a probability distribution (probabilistic contributing areas) that differ from a single or deterministic contributing area. Groundwater flow was simulated in the surficial deposits and the underlying bedrock in the 47-square-mile study area. Observations (165 groundwater levels and 7 base flows) provided sufficient information to estimate parameters representing recharge and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the glacial deposits and hydraulic conductance of streambeds. The calibrated value for recharge to valley-fill deposits was 27.3 inches per year (in/yr) and to upland till deposits was 18.7 in/yr. Calibrated values for horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the valley-fill deposits ranged from 20 to 480 feet per day (ft/d) and of the upland till deposits was 16.2 ft/d. Calibrated values of streambed hydraulic conductance ranged from 10,000 to 52,000 feet squared per day. Values of recharge and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the valley-fill deposits were the most precisely estimated, whereas the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of till deposits was the least precisely estimated. Simulated areas contributing recharge to the well centers on the basis of the calibrated model ranged from 0.19 to 1.12 square miles (mi2) and covered a total area of 2.79 mi2 for average well center withdrawal rates during 2004-08 (235 to 1,858 gallons per minute (gal/min)). Simulated areas contributing recharge for the maximum well center pumping capacities (800 to 8,500 gal/min) ranged from 0.37 to 3.53 mi2 and covered a total area of 7.99 mi2 in the modeled area. Simulated areas contributing recharge extend upgradient of the well centers to upland till and to groundwater divides. Some areas contributing recharge include small, isolated areas remote from the well centers. Relatively short groundwater traveltimes from recharging locations to discharging wells indicated the wells are vulnerable to contamination from land-surface activities: median traveltimes ranged from 2.9 to 5.0 years for the well centers, and 78 to 93 percent of the traveltimes were 10 years or less for the well centers. Land cover in the areas contributing recharge includes a substantial amount of urban land use for the two well centers in the Hunt River Basin, agriculture and sand and gravel mining uses for the well center in the Annaquatucket River Basin, and, for the well center in the Pettaquamscutt River Basin, land use is primarily undeveloped. Model-prediction uncertainty was evaluated using a Monte Carlo analysis. The parameter variance-covariance matrix from nonlinear regression was used to create parameter sets that reflect the uncertainty of the parameter estimates and the correlation among parameters. The remaining parameters representing the glacial deposits (vertical anisotropy of valley-fill deposits and of till deposits, maximum groundwater evapotranspiration, and hydraulic conductance for headdependent cells representing a groundwater divide) that could not be estimated with nonlinear regression were incorporated into the variance-covariance matrix using prior information on parameters. Thus the uncertainty analysis was an outcome of calibrating the parameters to available observations and to information that the modeler provided. A water budget and model-fit statistical criteria were used to assess parameter sets so that prediction uncertainty was not overestimated. Because of the effects of parameter uncertainty, the size of the probabilistic contributing areas for each well center for both average and maximum pumping rates was larger than the size of the deterministic contributing areas for the well center. Thus, some areas not in the deterministic contributing area may actually be in the contributing area, including additional areas of urban and agricultural land use. Generally, areas closest to the well centers with short groundwater traveltimes are associated with higher probabilities, whereas areas distant from the well centers with long groundwater traveltimes are associated with lower probabilities. The deterministic contributing areas generally corresponded to areas associated with high probabilities (greater than 50 percent). Areas associated with low probabilities extended long distances along groundwater divides in the uplands remote from the well centers.

Comprehensive atmospheric modeling of reactive cyclic siloxanes and their oxidation products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janechek, Nathan J.; Hansen, Kaj M.; Stanier, Charles O.

2017-07-01

Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMSs) are important components in personal care products that transport and react in the atmosphere. Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), and their gas-phase oxidation products have been incorporated into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Gas-phase oxidation products, as the precursor to secondary organic aerosol from this compound class, were included to quantify the maximum potential for aerosol formation from gas-phase reactions with OH. Four 1-month periods were modeled to quantify typical concentrations, seasonal variability, spatial patterns, and vertical profiles. Typical model concentrations showed parent compounds were highly dependent on population density as cities had monthly averaged peak D5 concentrations up to 432 ng m-3. Peak oxidized D5 concentrations were significantly less, up to 9 ng m-3, and were located downwind of major urban areas. Model results were compared to available measurements and previous simulation results. Seasonal variation was analyzed and differences in seasonal influences were observed between urban and rural locations. Parent compound concentrations in urban and peri-urban locations were sensitive to transport factors, while parent compounds in rural areas and oxidized product concentrations were influenced by large-scale seasonal variability in OH.

Direct growth of 2D nickel hydroxide nanosheets intercalated with polyoxovanadate anions as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode.

PubMed

Gunjakar, Jayavant L; Inamdar, Akbar I; Hou, Bo; Cha, SeungNam; Pawar, S M; Abu Talha, A A; Chavan, Harish S; Kim, Jongmin; Cho, Sangeun; Lee, Seongwoo; Jo, Yongcheol; Kim, Hyungsang; Im, Hyunsik

2018-05-17

A mesoporous nanoplate network of two-dimensional (2D) layered nickel hydroxide Ni(OH)2 intercalated with polyoxovanadate anions (Ni(OH)2-POV) was built using a chemical solution deposition method. This approach will provide high flexibility for controlling the chemical composition and the pore structure of the resulting Ni(OH)2-POV nanohybrids. The layer-by-layer ordered growth of the Ni(OH)2-POV is demonstrated by powder X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The random growth of the intercalated Ni(OH)2-POV nanohybrids leads to the formation of an interconnected network morphology with a highly porous stacking structure whose porosity is controlled by changing the ratio of Ni(OH)2 and POV. The lateral size and thickness of the Ni(OH)2-POV nanoplates are ∼400 nm and from ∼5 nm to 7 nm, respectively. The obtained thin films are highly active electrochemical capacitor electrodes with a maximum specific capacity of 1440 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, and they withstand up to 2000 cycles with a capacity retention of 85%. The superior electrochemical performance of the Ni(OH)2-POV nanohybrids is attributed to the expanded mesoporous surface area and the intercalation of the POV anions. The experimental findings highlight the outstanding electrochemical functionality of the 2D Ni(OH)2-POV nanoplate network that will provide a facile route for the synthesis of low-dimensional hybrid nanomaterials for a highly active supercapacitor electrode.

Ultrapure Green Light-Emitting Diodes Using Two-Dimensional Formamidinium Perovskites: Achieving Recommendation 2020 Color Coordinates.

PubMed

Kumar, Sudhir; Jagielski, Jakub; Kallikounis, Nikolaos; Kim, Young-Hoon; Wolf, Christoph; Jenny, Florian; Tian, Tian; Hofer, Corinne J; Chiu, Yu-Cheng; Stark, Wendelin J; Lee, Tae-Woo; Shih, Chih-Jen

2017-09-13

Pure green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are essential for realizing an ultrawide color gamut in next-generation displays, as is defined by the recommendation (Rec.) 2020 standard. However, because the human eye is more sensitive to the green spectral region, it is not yet possible to achieve an ultrapure green electroluminescence (EL) with a sufficiently narrow bandwidth that covers >95% of the Rec. 2020 standard in the CIE 1931 color space. Here, we demonstrate efficient, ultrapure green EL based on the colloidal two-dimensional (2D) formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr 3 ) hybrid perovskites. Through the dielectric quantum well (DQW) engineering, the quantum-confined 2D FAPbBr 3 perovskites exhibit a high exciton binding energy of 162 meV, resulting in a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of ∼92% in the spin-coated films. Our optimized LED devices show a maximum current efficiency (η CE ) of 13.02 cd A -1 and the CIE 1931 color coordinates of (0.168, 0.773). The color gamut covers 97% and 99% of the Rec. 2020 standard in the CIE 1931 and the CIE 1976 color space, respectively, representing the "greenest" LEDs ever reported. Moreover, the device shows only a ∼10% roll-off in η CE (11.3 cd A -1 ) at 1000 cd m -2 . We further demonstrate large-area (3 cm 2 ) and ultraflexible (bending radius of 2 mm) LEDs based on 2D perovskites.

Bioactive and metal uptake studies of carboxymethyl chitosan-graft-D-glucuronic acid membranes for tissue engineering and environmental applications.

PubMed

Jayakumar, R; Rajkumar, M; Freitas, H; Sudheesh Kumar, P T; Nair, S V; Furuike, T; Tamura, H

2009-08-01

Carboxymethyl chitosan-graft-D-glucuronic acid (CMCS-g-D-GA) was prepared by grafting D-GA onto CMCS in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and then the membranes were made from it. In this work, the bioactivity studies of CMCS-g-D-GA membranes were carried out and then characterized by SEM, CLSM, XRD and FT-IR. The CMCS-g-D-GA membranes were found to be bioactive. The adsorption of Ni2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions onto CMCS-g-D-GA membranes has also been investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of CMCS-g-D-GA for Ni2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ was found to be 57, 56.4 and 70.2 mg/g, respectively. Hence, these membranes were useful for tissue engineering, environmental and water purification applications.

Three-dimensional simulations of ground motions in the San Bernardino Valley, California, for hypothetical earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frankel, A.

1993-01-01

Three-dimensional finite difference simulations of elastic waves in the San Bernardino Valley were performed for two hypothetical earthquakes on the San Andreas fault: a point source with moment magnitude M5 and an extended rupture with M6.5. A method is presented for incorporating a source with arbitrary focal mechanism in the grid. Synthetics from the 3-D simulations are compared with those derived from 2-D (vertical cross section) and 1-D (flat-layered) models. The synthetic seismograms from the 3-D and 2-D simulations exhibit large surface waves produced by conversion of incident S waves at the edge of the basin. Seismograms from the flat-layered model do not contain these converted surface waves and underestimate the duration of shaking. Maps of maximum ground velocities occur in localized portions of the basin. The location of the largest velocities changes with the rupture propagation direction. Contours of maximum shaking are also dependent on asperity positions and radiation pattern. -from Author

Estimated probabilities, volumes, and inundation areas depths of potential postwildfire debris flows from Carbonate, Slate, Raspberry, and Milton Creeks, near Marble, Gunnison County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stevens, Michael R.; Flynn, Jennifer L.; Stephens, Verlin C.; Verdin, Kristine L.

2011-01-01

During 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Gunnison County, initiated a study to estimate the potential for postwildfire debris flows to occur in the drainage basins occupied by Carbonate, Slate, Raspberry, and Milton Creeks near Marble, Colorado. Currently (2010), these drainage basins are unburned but could be burned by a future wildfire. Empirical models derived from statistical evaluation of data collected from recently burned basins throughout the intermountain western United States were used to estimate the probability of postwildfire debris-flow occurrence and debris-flow volumes for drainage basins occupied by Carbonate, Slate, Raspberry, and Milton Creeks near Marble. Data for the postwildfire debris-flow models included drainage basin area; area burned and burn severity; percentage of burned area; soil properties; rainfall total and intensity for the 5- and 25-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration-rainfall; and topographic and soil property characteristics of the drainage basins occupied by the four creeks. A quasi-two-dimensional floodplain computer model (FLO-2D) was used to estimate the spatial distribution and the maximum instantaneous depth of the postwildfire debris-flow material during debris flow on the existing debris-flow fans that issue from the outlets of the four major drainage basins. The postwildfire debris-flow probabilities at the outlet of each drainage basin range from 1 to 19 percent for the 5-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall, and from 3 to 35 percent for 25-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall. The largest probabilities for postwildfire debris flow are estimated for Raspberry Creek (19 and 35 percent), whereas estimated debris-flow probabilities for the three other creeks range from 1 to 6 percent. The estimated postwildfire debris-flow volumes at the outlet of each creek range from 7,500 to 101,000 cubic meters for the 5-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall, and from 9,400 to 126,000 cubic meters for the 25-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall. The largest postwildfire debris-flow volumes were estimated for Carbonate Creek and Milton Creek drainage basins, for both the 5- and 25-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfalls. Results from FLO-2D modeling of the 5-year and 25-year recurrence, 1-hour rainfalls indicate that the debris flows from the four drainage basins would reach or nearly reach the Crystal River. The model estimates maximum instantaneous depths of debris-flow material during postwildfire debris flows that exceeded 5 meters in some areas, but the differences in model results between the 5-year and 25-year recurrence, 1-hour rainfalls are small. Existing stream channels or topographic flow paths likely control the distribution of debris-flow material, and the difference in estimated debris-flow volume (about 25 percent more volume for the 25-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall compared to the 5-year-recurrence, 1-hour-duration rainfall) does not seem to substantially affect the estimated spatial distribution of debris-flow material. Historically, the Marble area has experienced periodic debris flows in the absence of wildfire. This report estimates the probability and volume of debris flow and maximum instantaneous inundation area depths after hypothetical wildfire and rainfall. This postwildfire debris-flow report does not address the current (2010) prewildfire debris-flow hazards that exist near Marble.

Comparison of 3D and 2D shear-wave elastography for differentiating benign and malignant breast masses: focus on the diagnostic performance.

PubMed

Choi, H Y; Sohn, Y-M; Seo, M

2017-10-01

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional (3D) image shear-wave elastography (SWE) for differentiating benign from malignant breast masses compared to two-dimensional (2D) SWE and B-mode ultrasound (US). This study consisted of 205 breast lesions from 199 patients who underwent B-mode US and SWE before biopsy from January 2014 to March 2016. Quantitative elasticity values (maximum and mean elasticity, Emax and Emean) obtained from 2D and 3D SWE (axial, sagittal, and coronal images) were reviewed retrospectively, in addition to the histopathological findings including immunohistochemistry profiles (luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer) in cases of malignancy. Histopathological findings were regarded as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of each data set was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis to compare sensitivity and specificity. Among 205 lesions, 105 (51.22%) were malignant and 100 (48.78%) were benign. Compared to benign masses, malignant masses had higher values of Emax and Emean on both 2D and 3D SWE, the differences of which were statistically significant (p<0.001). The AUCs of 2D, 3D axial, and sagittal SWE were significantly higher than that of 3D coronal SWE (p<0.05). In addition, the sensitivities of axial, sagittal, and coronal 3D SWE were all higher than that of 2D SWE for Emean (81.9%, 87.6%, and 89.5% versus 70.5%, respectively, p<0.05). Conversely, the specificity of 2D and 3D axial SWE was higher than that of 3D sagittal and coronal SWE (Emax, 84%, 83% versus 76%, 73%; Emean, 85%, 81% versus 68%, 50%, respectively, p<0.05). We also assessed changes in Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 3 and category 4a lesions by adding each of the parameters for 2D and 3D SWE in B-mode US. The specificity, PPV, and accuracy of combined 2D or combined 3D SWE with B-mode US was statistically higher than that of B-mode US alone for differentiating benign and malignant lesions (p<0.05). Among SWE images, 2D SWE, and 3D SWE axial and sagittal images exhibited superior diagnostic performance compared to 3D coronal images. Addition of 3D SWE images to B-mode US improved the diagnostic performance for distinguishing benign from malignant masses. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of cis-4-[18F]Fluoro-D-Proline Uptake in Human Brain Tumors After Multimodal Treatment.

PubMed

Verger, Antoine; Stoffels, Gabriele; Galldiks, Norbert; Lohmann, Philipp; Willuweit, Antje; Neumaier, Bernd; Geisler, Stefanie; Langen, Karl-Josef

2018-04-23

Cis-4-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-proline (D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro) has been shown to pass the intact blood-brain barrier and to accumulate in areas of secondary neurodegeneration and necrosis in the rat brain while uptake in experimental brain tumors is low. This pilot study explores the uptake behavior of D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro in human brain tumors after multimodal treatment. In a prospective study, 27 patients with suspected recurrent brain tumor after treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy (SRC) were investigated by dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) using D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro (22 high-grade gliomas, one unspecified glioma, and 4 metastases). Furthermore, two patients with untreated lesions were included (one glioblastoma, one reactive astrogliosis). Data were compared with the results of PET using O-(2-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([ 18 F]FET) which detects viable tumor tissue. Tracer distribution, mean and maximum lesion-to-brain ratios (LBR mean , LBR max ), and time-to-peak (TTP) of the time activity curve (TAC) of tracer uptake were evaluated. Final diagnosis was determined by histology (n = 9), clinical follow-up (n = 10), or by [ 18 F]FET PET (n = 10). D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro showed high uptake in both recurrent brain tumors (n = 11) and lesions classified as treatment-related changes (TRC) only (n = 16) (LBR mean 2.2 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.6, n.s.; LBR max 3.4 ± 1.2 and 3.2 ± 1.3, n.s.). The untreated glioblastoma and the lesion showing reactive astrogliosis exhibited low D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro uptake. Distribution of [ 18 F]FET and D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro uptake was discordant in 21/29 cases indicating that the uptake mechanisms are different. The high accumulation of D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro in pretreated brain tumors and TRC supports the hypothesis that tracer uptake is related to cell death. Further studies before and after therapy are needed to assess the potential of D-cis-[ 18 F]FPro for treatment monitoring.

Physiological consequences of height-related morphological variation in Sequoia sempervirens foliage.

PubMed

Mullin, Lucy P; Sillett, Stephen C; Koch, George W; Tu, Kevin P; Antoine, Marie E

2009-08-01

This study examined relationships between foliar morphology and gas exchange characteristics as they vary with height within and among crowns of Sequoia sempervirens D. Don trees ranging from 29 to 113 m in height. Shoot mass:area (SMA) ratio increased with height and was less responsive to changes in light availability as height increased, suggesting a transition from light to water relations as the primary determinant of morphology with increasing height. Mass-based rates of maximum photosynthesis (A(max,m)), standardized photosynthesis (A(std,m)) and internal CO(2) conductance (g(i,m)) decreased with height and SMA, while the light compensation point, light saturation point, and mass and area-based rates of dark respiration (R(m)) increased with height and SMA. Among foliage from different heights, much of the variation in standardized photosynthesis was explained by variation in g(i,) consistent with increasing limitation of photosynthesis by internal conductance in foliage with higher SMA. The syndrome of lower internal and stomatal conductance to CO(2) and higher respiration may contribute to reductions in upper crown growth efficiency with increasing height in S. sempervirens trees.

Inkjet 3D printing of UV and thermal cure silicone elastomers for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCoul, David; Rosset, Samuel; Schlatter, Samuel; Shea, Herbert

2017-12-01

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are an attractive form of electromechanical transducer, possessing high energy densities, an efficient design, mechanical compliance, high speed, and noiseless operation. They have been incorporated into a wide variety of devices, such as microfluidic systems, cell bioreactors, tunable optics, haptic displays, and actuators for soft robotics. Fabrication of DEA devices is complex, and the majority are inefficiently made by hand. 3D printing offers an automated and flexible manufacturing alternative that can fabricate complex, multi-material, integrated devices consistently and in high resolution. We present a novel additive manufacturing approach to DEA devices in which five commercially available, thermal and UV-cure DEA silicone rubber materials have been 3D printed with a drop-on-demand, piezoelectric inkjet system. Using this process, 3D structures and high-quality silicone dielectric elastomer membranes as thin as 2 μm have been printed that exhibit mechanical and actuation performance at least as good as conventionally blade-cast membranes. Printed silicone membranes exhibited maximum tensile strains of up to 727%, and DEAs with printed silicone dielectrics were actuated up to 6.1% area strain at a breakdown strength of 84 V μm-1 and also up to 130 V μm-1 at 2.4% strain. This approach holds great potential to manufacture reliable, high-performance DEA devices with high throughput.

Maximum leaf conductance driven by CO2 effects on stomatal size and density over geologic time.

PubMed

Franks, Peter J; Beerling, David J

2009-06-23

Stomatal pores are microscopic structures on the epidermis of leaves formed by 2 specialized guard cells that control the exchange of water vapor and CO(2) between plants and the atmosphere. Stomatal size (S) and density (D) determine maximum leaf diffusive (stomatal) conductance of CO(2) (g(c(max))) to sites of assimilation. Although large variations in D observed in the fossil record have been correlated with atmospheric CO(2), the crucial significance of similarly large variations in S has been overlooked. Here, we use physical diffusion theory to explain why large changes in S necessarily accompanied the changes in D and atmospheric CO(2) over the last 400 million years. In particular, we show that high densities of small stomata are the only way to attain the highest g(cmax) values required to counter CO(2)"starvation" at low atmospheric CO(2) concentrations. This explains cycles of increasing D and decreasing S evident in the fossil history of stomata under the CO(2) impoverished atmospheres of the Permo-Carboniferous and Cenozoic glaciations. The pattern was reversed under rising atmospheric CO(2) regimes. Selection for small S was crucial for attaining high g(cmax) under falling atmospheric CO(2) and, therefore, may represent a mechanism linking CO(2) and the increasing gas-exchange capacity of land plants over geologic time.

Maximum leaf conductance driven by CO2 effects on stomatal size and density over geologic time

PubMed Central

Franks, Peter J.; Beerling, David J.

2009-01-01

Stomatal pores are microscopic structures on the epidermis of leaves formed by 2 specialized guard cells that control the exchange of water vapor and CO2 between plants and the atmosphere. Stomatal size (S) and density (D) determine maximum leaf diffusive (stomatal) conductance of CO2 (gcmax) to sites of assimilation. Although large variations in D observed in the fossil record have been correlated with atmospheric CO2, the crucial significance of similarly large variations in S has been overlooked. Here, we use physical diffusion theory to explain why large changes in S necessarily accompanied the changes in D and atmospheric CO2 over the last 400 million years. In particular, we show that high densities of small stomata are the only way to attain the highest gcmax values required to counter CO2“starvation” at low atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This explains cycles of increasing D and decreasing S evident in the fossil history of stomata under the CO2 impoverished atmospheres of the Permo-Carboniferous and Cenozoic glaciations. The pattern was reversed under rising atmospheric CO2 regimes. Selection for small S was crucial for attaining high gcmax under falling atmospheric CO2 and, therefore, may represent a mechanism linking CO2 and the increasing gas-exchange capacity of land plants over geologic time. PMID:19506250

Optical stent inspection of surface texture and coating thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermudez, Carlos; Laguarta, Ferran; Cadevall, Cristina; Matilla, Aitor; Ibañez, Sergi; Artigas, Roger

2017-02-01

Stent quality control is a critical process. Coronary stents have to be inspected 100% so no defective stent is implanted into a human body. We have developed a high numerical aperture optical stent inspection system able to acquire both 2D and 3D images. Combining a rotational stage, an area camera with line-scan capability and a triple illumination arrangement, unrolled sections of the outer, inner, and sidewalls surfaces are obtained with high resolution. During stent inspection, surface roughness and coating thickness uniformity is of high interest. Due to the non-planar shape of the surface of the stents, the thickness values of the coating need to be corrected with the 3D surface local slopes. A theoretical model and a simulation are proposed, and a measurement with white light interferometry is shown. Confocal and spectroscopic reflectometry showed to be limited in this application due to stent surface roughness. Due to the high numerical aperture of the optical system, only certain parts of the stent are in focus, which is a problem for defect detection, specifically on the sidewalls. In order to obtain fully focused 2D images, an extended depth of field algorithm has been implemented. A comparison between pixel variance and Laplacian filtering is shown. To recover the stack image, two different methods are proposed: maximum projection and weighted intensity. Finally, we also discuss the implementation of the processing algorithms in both the CPU and GPU, targeting real-time 2-Million pixel image acquisition at 50 frames per second.

Protocol for in vitro somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

PubMed

Verma, Dipti; Joshi, Rohit; Shukla, Alok; Kumar, Pramod

2011-12-01

Development of highly efficient and reproducible plant regeneration system has tremendous potential to provide improved technology to assist in genetic transformation of indica rice cultivars for their further exploitation in selection. For the development of a highly reproducible regeneration system through somatic embryogenesis, mature embryos of highly popular rice cultivars i.e., Govind (for rainfed areas), Pusa Basmati-1 (aromatic basmati) and Jaya (for irrigated areas) were used. Optimum callus formation (%) to MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D was obtained at 12.0 microM in Govind, 14.0 microM in Jaya and 15.0 microM in Pusa Basmati-1. All the cultivars showed good proliferation on MS medium without hormone. In Govind, highest embryogenic response was observed in MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (0.4 microM) + kinetin (0.4 microM), while in Pusa Basmati-1 with 2, 4-D (0.4 microM) + kinetin (2.0 microM) and in Jaya on hormone-free MS medium. Excellent embryo regeneration in Govind was observed on MS medium supplemented with low concentrations (1.1 microM) of BAP or hormone-free MS medium, while in Pusa Basmati-1 and Jaya embryogenesis was observed on MS medium supplemented with higher concentration of BAP (2.2 microM). Similarly, maximum plantlets with proliferated roots were observed in Govind on hormone-free MS medium, while in Pusa Basmati-1 and Jaya on MS medium supplemented with high concentration of NAA (4.0 microM). Developed plantlets were further successfully acclimatized and grown under pot culture up to maturity. Further the yield potential of in vitro developed plants was accessed at par to the direct seeded one under pot culture. Present, protocol standardizes somatic embryogenesis and efficient regeneration of agronomically important, high yielding and diverse indica rice cultivars which can be utilized as an efficient tool for molecular studies and genetic transformation in future.

Geological hazard zonation in a marble exploitation area (Apuan Alps, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francioni, M.; Salvini, R.; Riccucci, S.

2011-12-01

The present paper describes the hazard mapping of an exploitation area sited in the Apuan Alps marble district (Italy) carried out by the integration of various survey and analysis methodologies. The research, supported by the Massa and Carrara Local Sanitary Agency responsible for workplace health and safety activities, aimed to reduce the high degree hazard of rock fall caused by the presence of potentially unstable blocks located on slopes overhanging the marble quarries. The study of rocky fronts bases on the knowledge of both the structural setting and the physical-mechanical properties of intact material and its discontinuities. In this work the main difficulty in obtaining this information was the inaccessibility of the slope overhanging the area (up to 500 meters high). For this reason, the structural and geological-engineering surveys were integrated by outcomes from digital photogrammetry carried out through terrestrial stereoscopic photos acquired from an aerostatic balloon and a helicopter. In this way, it was possible to derive the geometrical characteristics of joints (such as discontinuities dip, dip direction, spacing and persistence), blocks volumes and slopes morphology also in inaccessible areas. This information, combined with data coming from the geological-engineering survey, was used to perform the stability analysis of the slope. Subsequently, using the topographic map at the scale of 1:2,000, the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the slopes and several topographic profiles along it were produced. Assuming that there is a good correspondence between travelling paths and maximum down slope angle, probable trajectories of rock fall along the slope were calculated on the DTM by means of a GIS procedure which utilizes the ArcHydro module of EsriTM ArcMap software. When performing such a 2D numerical modelling of rock falls, lateral dispersion of trajectories has often been hampered by the "a priori" choice of the travelling path. Such a choice can be assessed largely subjective and it leads to possible errors. Thus, rock fall hazard zonation needs spatially distributed analyses including a reliable modelling of lateral dispersion. In this research Conefall software, a freeware QuanterraTM code that estimates the potential run out areas by means of a "so-called" cone method, was used to compute the spatial distribution of rock falls frequency, velocities and kinetic energies. In this way, a modelling approach based on local morphologies was employed to assess the accuracy of the 2D analysis by profiles created "a priori" along the maximum down slope angle. Final results about slope stability and run out analysis allowed to create rock fall hazard map and to advise the most suitable protection works to mitigate the hazard in the most risky sites.

77 FR 65864 - Receipt of an Application for Incidental Take Permit (16230)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-31

... by dividing estuarine waters into 6 management units (i.e., A, B, C, D1, D2, E). Each of the... into two areas, D1 and D2, to allow the NCDMF to effectively address areas of high sea turtle abundance.... Management Unit D1 includes Southern Core Sound, Back Sound and North River. Management Unit D2 encompasses...

Greenland ice sheet retreat since the Little Ice Age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beitch, Marci J.

Late 20th century and 21st century satellite imagery of the perimeter of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) provide high resolution observations of the ice sheet margins. Examining changes in ice margin positions over time yield measurements of GrIS area change and rates of margin retreat. However, longer records of ice sheet margin change are needed to establish more accurate predictions of the ice sheet's future response to global conditions. In this study, the trimzone, the area of deglaciated terrain along the ice sheet edge that lacks mature vegetation cover, is used as a marker of the maximum extent of the ice from its most recent major advance during the Little Ice Age. We compile recently acquired Landsat ETM+ scenes covering the perimeter of the GrIS on which we map area loss on land-, lake-, and marine-terminating margins. We measure an area loss of 13,327 +/- 830 km2, which corresponds to 0.8% shrinkage of the ice sheet. This equates to an averaged horizontal retreat of 363 +/- 69 m across the entire GrIS margin. Mapping the areas exposed since the Little Ice Age maximum, circa 1900 C.E., yields a century-scale rate of change. On average the ice sheet lost an area of 120 +/- 16 km 2/yr, or retreated at a rate of 3.3 +/- 0.7 m/yr since the LIA maximum.