The Fatigue Approach to Vibration and Health: is it a Practical and Viable way of Predicting the Effects on People?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandover, J.

1998-08-01

The fatigue approach assumes that the vertebral end-plates are the weak link in the spine subjected to shock and vibration, and fail as a result of material fatigue. The theory assumes that end-plate damage leads to degeneration and pain in the lumbar spine. There is evidence for both the damage predicted and the fatigue mode of failure so that the approach may provide a basis for predictive methods for use in epidemiology and standards. An available data set from a variety of heavy vehicles in practical situations was used for predictions of spinal stress and fatigue life. Although there was some disparity between the predictive methods used, the more developed methods indicated fatigue lives that appeared reasonable, taking into account the vehicles tested and our knowledge of spinal degeneration. It is argued that the modelling and fatigue approaches combined offer a basis for estimating the effects of vibration and shock on health. Although the human variables are such that the approach, as yet, only offers rough estimates, it offers a good basis for understanding. The approach indicates that peak values are important and large peaks dominate risk. The method indicates that long term r.m.s. methods probably underestimate the risk of injury. The BS 6841Wband ISO 2631Wkweightings have shortcomings when used where peak values are important. A simple model may be more appropriate. The principle can be applied to continuous vibration as well as high acceleration events so that one method can be applied universally to continuous vibrations, high acceleration events and mixtures of these. An endurance limit can be hypothesised and, if this limit is sufficiently high, then the need for many measurements can be reduced.

Stepping around the Brick Wall: Overcoming Student Obstacles in Methods Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bos, Angela L.; Schneider, Monica C.

2009-01-01

Many political science departments offer, and increasing numbers of them require, undergraduate research methods courses. At the same time, studies cite high levels of student anxiety about such courses. Utilizing survey data from both students who take and faculty who teach methods, we conduct an analysis that compares the barriers students and…

EVALUATION OF THE HIGH VOLUME COLLECTION SYSTEM (HVCS) FOR QUANTIFYING FUGITIVE ORGANIC VAPOR LEAKS

EPA Science Inventory

The report discusses a recently developed measurements technique that offers the potential for providing an easy-to-use and cost effective means to directly measure organic vapor leaks. The method, called High Volume Collection System (HVCS), uses a high volume sampling device an...

Sensitive sub-Doppler nonlinear spectroscopy for hyperfine-structure analysis using simple atomizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mickadeit, Fritz K.; Kemp, Helen; Schafer, Julia; Tong, William M.

1998-05-01

Laser wave-mixing spectroscopy is presented as a sub-Doppler method that offers not only high spectral resolution, but also excellent detection sensitivity. It offers spectral resolution suitable for hyperfine structure analysis and isotope ratio measurements. In a non-planar backward- scattering four-wave mixing optical configuration, two of the three input beams counter propagate and the Doppler broadening is minimized, and hence, spectral resolution is enhanced. Since the signal is a coherent beam, optical collection is efficient and signal detection is convenient. This simple multi-photon nonlinear laser method offers un usually sensitive detection limits that are suitable for trace-concentration isotope analysis using a few different types of simple analytical atomizers. Reliable measurement of hyperfine structures allows effective determination of isotope ratios for chemical analysis.

Production of metals and compounds by radiation chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marsik, S. J.; Philipp, W. H.

1969-01-01

Preparation of metals and compounds by radiation induced chemical reactions involves irradiation of metal salt solutions with high energy electrons. This technique offers a method for the preparation of high purity metals with minimum contamination from the container material or the cover gas.

Interference elimination in digital controllers of automation systems of oil and gas complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solomentsev, K. Yu; Fugarov, D. D.; Purchina, O. A.; Poluyan, A. Y.; Nesterchuk, V. V.; Petrenkova, S. B.

2018-05-01

The given article considers the problems arising in the process of digital governors development for the systems of automatic control. In the case of interference, and also in case of high frequency of digitization, digital differentiation gives a big error. The problem is that the derivative is calculated as the difference of two close variables. The method of differentiation is offered to reduce this error, when there is a case of averaging the difference quotient of the series of meanings. The structure chart for the implementation of this differentiation method is offered in the case of governors construction.

Lessons Learned: How Early College High Schools Offer a Pathway for High School Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaniuka, Theodore Stefan; Vickers, Melinda

2010-01-01

In 2002, Early College High Schools Initiative became a reality across the United States for students and educators looking for ways to improve student graduation rates, college attendance, and overall student achievement. This mixed method case study found that (a) the early college high school environment supported the academic success of…

Highly Crystalline C8-BTBT Thin-Film Transistors by Lateral Homo-Epitaxial Growth on Printed Templates.

PubMed

Janneck, Robby; Pilet, Nicolas; Bommanaboyena, Satya Prakash; Watts, Benjamin; Heremans, Paul; Genoe, Jan; Rolin, Cedric

2017-11-01

Highly crystalline thin films of organic semiconductors offer great potential for fundamental material studies as well as for realizing high-performance, low-cost flexible electronics. The fabrication of these films directly on inert substrates is typically done by meniscus-guided coating techniques. The resulting layers show morphological defects that hinder charge transport and induce large device-to-device variability. Here, a double-step method for organic semiconductor layers combining a solution-processed templating layer and a lateral homo-epitaxial growth by a thermal evaporation step is reported. The epitaxial regrowth repairs most of the morphological defects inherent to meniscus-guided coatings. The resulting film is highly crystalline and features a mobility increased by a factor of three and a relative spread in device characteristics improved by almost half an order of magnitude. This method is easily adaptable to other coating techniques and offers a route toward the fabrication of high-performance, large-area electronics based on highly crystalline thin films of organic semiconductors. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Oxygen production using solid-state zirconia electrolyte technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suitor, Jerry W.; Clark, Douglas J.

1991-01-01

High purity oxygen is required for a number of scientific, medical, and industrial applications. Traditionally, these needs have been met by cryogenic distillation or pressure swing adsorption systems designed to separate oxygen from air. Oxygen separation from air via solid-state zirconia electrolyte technology offers an alternative to these methods. The technology has several advantages over the traditional methods, including reliability, compactness, quiet operation, high purity output, and low power consumption.

Variation in access to sugar-sweetened beverages in vending machines across rural, town and urban high schools

PubMed Central

Adachi-Mejia, A.M.; Longacre, M.R.; Skatrud-Mickelson, M.; Li, Z.; Purvis, L.A.; Titus, L.J.; Beach, M.L.; Dalton, M.A.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Objectives The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Among the many possible routes of access for youth, school vending machines provide ready availability of sugar-sweetened beverages. The purpose of this study was to determine variation in high school student access to sugar-sweetened beverages through vending machines by geographic location – urban, town or rural – and to offer an approach for analysing school vending machine content. Study design Cross-sectional observational study. Methods Between October 2007 and May 2008, trained coders recorded beverage vending machine content and machine-front advertising in 113 machines across 26 schools in New Hampshire and Vermont, USA. Results Compared with town schools, urban schools were significantly less likely to offer sugar-sweetened beverages (P=0.002). Rural schools also offered more sugar-sweetened beverages than urban schools, but this difference was not significant. Advertisements for sugar-sweetened beverages were highly prevalent in town schools. Conclusions High school students have ready access to sugar-sweetened beverages through their school vending machines. Town schools offer the highest risk of exposure; school vending machines located in towns offer up to twice as much access to sugar-sweetened beverages in both content and advertising compared with urban locations. Variation by geographic region suggests that healthier environments are possible and some schools can lead as inspirational role models. PMID:23498924

A Formal Approach to Requirements-Based Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinchey, Michael G.; Rash, James L.; Rouff, Christopher A.

2005-01-01

No significant general-purpose method is currently available to mechanically transform system requirements into a provably equivalent model. The widespread use of such a method represents a necessary step toward high-dependability system engineering for numerous application domains. Current tools and methods that start with a formal model of a system and mechanically produce a provably equivalent implementation are valuable but not sufficient. The "gap" unfilled by such tools and methods is that the formal models cannot be proven to be equivalent to the requirements. We offer a method for mechanically transforming requirements into a provably equivalent formal model that can be used as the basis for code generation and other transformations. This method is unique in offering full mathematical tractability while using notations and techniques that are well known and well trusted. Finally, we describe further application areas we are investigating for use of the approach.

Very high resolution time-lapse photography for plant and ecosystems research

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Very high resolution gigapixel photography increasingly is being used to support a broad range of ecosystem and physical process research because it offers an inexpensive means of simultaneously collecting information at a range of spatial scales. Recently, methods have been developed to incorporate...

On the peculiarities of LDA method in two-phase flows with high concentrations of particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poplavski, S. V.; Boiko, V. M.; Nesterov, A. U.

2016-10-01

Popular applications of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) in gas dynamics are reviewed. It is shown that the most popular method cannot be used in supersonic flows and two-phase flows with high concentrations of particles. A new approach to implementation of the known LDA method based on direct spectral analysis, which offers better prospects for such problems, is presented. It is demonstrated that the method is suitable for gas-liquid jets. Owing to the progress in laser engineering, digital recording of spectra, and computer processing of data, the method is implemented at a higher technical level and provides new prospects of diagnostics of high-velocity dense two-phase flows.

Towards sound epistemological foundations of statistical methods for high-dimensional biology.

PubMed

Mehta, Tapan; Tanik, Murat; Allison, David B

2004-09-01

A sound epistemological foundation for biological inquiry comes, in part, from application of valid statistical procedures. This tenet is widely appreciated by scientists studying the new realm of high-dimensional biology, or 'omic' research, which involves multiplicity at unprecedented scales. Many papers aimed at the high-dimensional biology community describe the development or application of statistical techniques. The validity of many of these is questionable, and a shared understanding about the epistemological foundations of the statistical methods themselves seems to be lacking. Here we offer a framework in which the epistemological foundation of proposed statistical methods can be evaluated.

A Novel High School Chemistry Camp as an Outreach Model for Regional Colleges and Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Exstrom, Christopher L.; Mosher, Michael D.

2000-01-01

Describes the summer chemistry camp offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney which consists of multistage open-ended laboratory projects. Focuses on introducing high school students to principles, methods, and equipment used in academic and professional chemistry laboratories. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Altering Methods to Fill the English Curriculum Gap in Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zinck, Gerald W.

2017-01-01

In the Japanese English education system, a distinct disconnect exists between the elementary and secondary education curricula. Elementary schools across Japan offer English classes, but adjusting to junior high English classes is often difficult for students. While the Japanese government reformed junior high school tests to aid student…

Rehearsal Organizational Structures Used by Successful High School Choral Directors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, James

1989-01-01

Attempts to determine the type of rehearsal organizational structure used by successful Ohio high school mixed chorus directors. Examines relationships between rehearsal structure and either teaching style or student attitudes. Results imply that music methods courses should offer a variety of rehearsal organizational strategies. (Author/LS)

Acoustically enhanced microfluidic mixer to synthesize highly uniform nanodrugs without the addition of stabilizers.

PubMed

Le, Nguyen Hoai An; Van Phan, Hoang; Yu, Jiaqi; Chan, Hak-Kim; Neild, Adrian; Alan, Tuncay

2018-01-01

This article presents an acoustically enhanced microfluidic mixer to generate highly uniform and ultra-fine nanoparticles, offering significant advantages over conventional liquid antisolvent techniques. The method employed a 3D microfluidic geometry whereby two different phases - solvent and antisolvent - were introduced at either side of a 1 μm thick resonating membrane, which contained a through-hole. The vibration of the membrane rapidly and efficiently mixed the two phases, at the location of the hole, leading to the formation of nanoparticles. The versatility of the device was demonstrated by synthesizing budesonide (a common asthma drug) with a mean diameter of 135.7 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.044. The method offers a 40-fold reduction in the size of synthesized particles combined with a substantial improvement in uniformity, achieved without the need of stabilizers.

Graphene Inks with Cellulosic Dispersants: Development and Applications for Printed Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Secor, Ethan Benjamin

Graphene offers promising opportunities for applications in printed and flexible electronic devices due to its high electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical flexibility and strength, and chemical and environmental stability. However, scalable production and processing of graphene presents a critical technological challenge preventing the application of graphene for flexible electronic interconnects, electrochemical energy storage, and chemically robust electrical contacts. In this thesis, a promising and versatile platform for the production, patterning, and application of graphene inks is presented based on cellulosic dispersants. Graphene is produced from flake graphite using scalable liquid-phase exfoliation methods, using the polymers ethyl cellulose and nitrocellulose as multifunctional dispersing agents. These cellulose derivatives offer high colloidal stability and broadly tunable rheology for graphene dispersions, providing an effective and tunable platform for graphene ink development. Thermal or photonic annealing decomposes the polymer dispersant to yield high conductivity, flexible graphene patterns for various electronics applications. In particular, the chemical stability of graphene enables robust electrical contacts for ceramic, metallic, organic and electrolytic materials, validating the diverse applicability of graphene in printed electronics. Overall, the strategy for graphene ink design presented here offers a simple, efficient, and versatile method for integrating graphene in a wide range of printed devices and systems, providing both fundamental insight for nanomaterial ink development and realistic opportunities for practical applications.

Process for making ceramic insulation

DOEpatents

Akash, Akash [Salt Lake City, UT; Balakrishnan, G Nair [Sandy, UT

2009-12-08

A method is provided for producing insulation materials and insulation for high temperature applications using novel castable and powder-based ceramics. The ceramic components produced using the proposed process offers (i) a fine porosity (from nano-to micro scale); (ii) a superior strength-to-weight ratio; and (iii) flexibility in designing multilayered features offering multifunctionality which will increase the service lifetime of insulation and refractory components used in the solid oxide fuel cell, direct carbon fuel cell, furnace, metal melting, glass, chemical, paper/pulp, automobile, industrial heating, coal, and power generation industries. Further, the ceramic components made using this method may have net-shape and/or net-size advantages with minimum post machining requirements.

High performance printed oxide field-effect transistors processed using photonic curing.

PubMed

Garlapati, Suresh Kumar; Marques, Gabriel Cadilha; Gebauer, Julia Susanne; Dehm, Simone; Bruns, Michael; Winterer, Markus; Tahoori, Mehdi Baradaran; Aghassi-Hagmann, Jasmin; Hahn, Horst; Dasgupta, Subho

2018-06-08

Oxide semiconductors are highly promising candidates for the most awaited, next-generation electronics, namely, printed electronics. As a fabrication route for the solution-processed/printed oxide semiconductors, photonic curing is becoming increasingly popular, as compared to the conventional thermal curing method; the former offers numerous advantages over the latter, such as low process temperatures and short exposure time and thereby, high throughput compatibility. Here, using dissimilar photonic curing concepts (UV-visible light and UV-laser), we demonstrate facile fabrication of high performance In 2 O 3 field-effect transistors (FETs). Beside the processing related issues (temperature, time etc.), the other known limitation of oxide electronics is the lack of high performance p-type semiconductors, which can be bypassed using unipolar logics from high mobility n-type semiconductors alone. Interestingly, here we have found that our chosen distinct photonic curing methods can offer a large variation in threshold voltage, when they are fabricated from the same precursor ink. Consequently, both depletion and enhancement-mode devices have been achieved which can be used as the pull-up and pull-down transistors in unipolar inverters. The present device fabrication recipe demonstrates fast processing of low operation voltage, high performance FETs with large threshold voltage tunability.

High performance printed oxide field-effect transistors processed using photonic curing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garlapati, Suresh Kumar; Cadilha Marques, Gabriel; Gebauer, Julia Susanne; Dehm, Simone; Bruns, Michael; Winterer, Markus; Baradaran Tahoori, Mehdi; Aghassi-Hagmann, Jasmin; Hahn, Horst; Dasgupta, Subho

2018-06-01

Oxide semiconductors are highly promising candidates for the most awaited, next-generation electronics, namely, printed electronics. As a fabrication route for the solution-processed/printed oxide semiconductors, photonic curing is becoming increasingly popular, as compared to the conventional thermal curing method; the former offers numerous advantages over the latter, such as low process temperatures and short exposure time and thereby, high throughput compatibility. Here, using dissimilar photonic curing concepts (UV–visible light and UV-laser), we demonstrate facile fabrication of high performance In2O3 field-effect transistors (FETs). Beside the processing related issues (temperature, time etc.), the other known limitation of oxide electronics is the lack of high performance p-type semiconductors, which can be bypassed using unipolar logics from high mobility n-type semiconductors alone. Interestingly, here we have found that our chosen distinct photonic curing methods can offer a large variation in threshold voltage, when they are fabricated from the same precursor ink. Consequently, both depletion and enhancement-mode devices have been achieved which can be used as the pull-up and pull-down transistors in unipolar inverters. The present device fabrication recipe demonstrates fast processing of low operation voltage, high performance FETs with large threshold voltage tunability.

What Can the Study of Genetics Offer to Educators?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Michael S. C.; Kovas, Yulia; Meaburn, Emma L.; Tolmie, Andrew

2015-01-01

This article explores the potential contribution of modern genetic methods and findings to education. It is familiar to hear that the "gene" for this or that behavior has been discovered, or that certain skills are "highly heritable." Can this help educators? To explore this question, we describe the methods used to relate…

The Use of Electrical Resistivity Method to Mapping The Migration of Heavy Metals by Electrokinetic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, A. T. S.; Ayuni, S. A.; Ezree, A. M.; Nizam, Z. M.; Aziman, M.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Norshuhaila, M. S.; Zaidi, E.

2017-08-01

The presence of heavy metals contamination in soil environment highly needs innovative remediation. Basically, this contamination was resulted from ex-mining sites, motor workshop, petrol station, landfill and industrial sites. Therefore, soil treatment is very important due to metal ions are characterized as non-biodegradable material that may be harmful to ecological system, food chain, human health and groundwater sources. There are various techniques that have been proposed to eliminate the heavy metal contamination from the soil such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, electrokinetic remediation, solidification and stabilization. The selection of treatment needs to fulfill some criteria such as cost-effective, easy to apply, green approach and high remediation efficiency. Electrokinetic remediation technique (EKR) offers those solutions in certain area where other methods are impractical. While, electrical resistivity method offers an alternative geophysical technique for soil subsurface profiling to mapping the heavy metals migration by the influece of electrical gradient. Consequently, this paper presents an overview of the use of EKR to treat contaminated soil by using ERM method to verify their effectiveness to remove heavy metals.

Modern methods of cost saving of the production activity in construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silka, Dmitriy

2017-10-01

Every time economy faces recession, cost saving questions acquire increased urgency. This article shows how companies of the construction industry have switched to the new kind of economic relations over recent years. It is specified that the dominant type of economic relations does not allow to quickly reorient on the necessary tools in accordance with new requirements of economic activity. Successful experience in the new environment becomes demanded. Cost saving methods, which were proven in other industries, are offered for achievement of efficiency and competitiveness of the companies. Analysis is performed on the example of the retail sphere, which, according to the authoritative analytical reviews, is extremely innovative on both local and world economic levels. At that, methods, based on the modern unprecedentedly high opportunities of communications and informational exchange took special place among offered methods.

Utility of Work Samples

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muchinsky, Paul M.

1975-01-01

A work sample test can provide a high degree of content validity, and offers a practical method of screening job applicants in accordance with guidelines on employee selection procedures set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (MW)

Student centred teaching methods in a Chinese setting.

PubMed

Clarke, Janice

2010-01-01

This paper offers a discussion about using Western, student centred teaching methods with Chinese student nurses. There is increasing interest from Chinese nurse educators in student centred learning and an increase in partnerships between Chinese and Western universities. This paper suggests that the assumption that Western teaching methods are superior is now questioned and transferring Western style teaching to China requires a high degree of cultural sensitivity.

Combustion Synthesis of Ca3(PO4)2 Net-Shape Surgical Implants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ayers, Reed A.; Castillo, Martin; Gottoli, Guglielmo; Moore, John J.; Simske, Steven J.

2006-01-01

Self-propagating high-temperature combustion synthesis (SHS) is the basis of a method of making components of porous tricalcium phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2] and related compounds in net sizes and shapes for use as surgical implants that are compatible with bone. The SHS method offers advantages over prior methods of manufacturing Ca3(PO4)2-based surgical implants.

48 CFR 22.1203-4 - Method of job offer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Method of job offer. 22.1203-4 Section 22.1203-4 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Under Service Contracts 22.1203-4 Method of job offer. A job offer made by a successor contractor must...

48 CFR 22.1203-4 - Method of job offer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Method of job offer. 22.1203-4 Section 22.1203-4 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Under Service Contracts 22.1203-4 Method of job offer. A job offer made by a successor contractor must...

Eliminating health disparities in unintended pregnancy with long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

PubMed

Parks, Caitlin; Peipert, Jeffrey F

2016-06-01

Significant public health disparities exist surrounding teen and unplanned pregnancy in the United States. Women of color and those with lower education and socioeconomic status are at much greater risk of unplanned pregnancy and the resulting adverse outcomes. Unplanned pregnancies reduce educational and career opportunities and may contribute to socioeconomic deprivation and widening income disparities. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including intrauterine devices and implants, offer the opportunity to change the default from drifting into parenthood to planned conception. LARC methods are forgettable; once placed, they offer highly effective, long-term pregnancy prevention. Increasing evidence in the medical literature demonstrates the population benefits of use of these methods. However, barriers to more widespread use of LARC methods persist and include educational, access, and cost barriers. With increasing insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act and more widespread, no-cost coverage of methods, more and more women are choosing intrauterine devices and the contraceptive implant. Increasing the use of highly effective contraceptive methods may provide one solution to the persistent problem of the health disparities of unplanned and teen pregnancies in the United States and improve women's and children's health. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Parallel-vector unsymmetric Eigen-Solver on high performance computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Duc T.; Jiangning, Qin

1993-01-01

The popular QR algorithm for solving all eigenvalues of an unsymmetric matrix is reviewed. Among the basic components in the QR algorithm, it was concluded from this study, that the reduction of an unsymmetric matrix to a Hessenberg form (before applying the QR algorithm itself) can be done effectively by exploiting the vector speed and multiple processors offered by modern high-performance computers. Numerical examples of several test cases have indicated that the proposed parallel-vector algorithm for converting a given unsymmetric matrix to a Hessenberg form offers computational advantages over the existing algorithm. The time saving obtained by the proposed methods is increased as the problem size increased.

Implicit methods for the Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, S.; Kwak, D.

1990-01-01

Numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations using explicit schemes can be obtained at the expense of efficiency. Conventional implicit methods which often achieve fast convergence rates suffer high cost per iteration. A new implicit scheme based on lower-upper factorization and symmetric Gauss-Seidel relaxation offers very low cost per iteration as well as fast convergence. High efficiency is achieved by accomplishing the complete vectorizability of the algorithm on oblique planes of sweep in three dimensions.

Automated Simultaneous Assembly of Multistage Testlets for a High-Stakes Licensing Examination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breithaupt, Krista; Hare, Donovan R.

2007-01-01

Many challenges exist for high-stakes testing programs offering continuous computerized administration. The automated assembly of test questions to exactly meet content and other requirements, provide uniformity, and control item exposure can be modeled and solved by mixed-integer programming (MIP) methods. A case study of the computerized…

Maximizing Credit Accrual and Recovery for Homeless Students. Best Practices in Homeless Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE, 2010

2010-01-01

Middle and high school students experiencing homelessness often face challenges in accruing credits. Class offerings, methods of calculating credits, and graduation requirements can vary greatly among school districts. Students who change schools late in high school can find themselves suddenly in danger of not graduating due to differing class…

Experiential High School Career Education, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaylor, Lisa; Nicol, Jennifer J.

2016-01-01

Students' perceived self-efficacy and motivation in the context of experiential high school career education was examined through an exploratory mixed methods case study of an elective experiential career education class offered in Saskatchewan public schools. Data were generated by having students (N = 14) complete two measures at the start and…

High-Throughput Method for Strontium Isotope Analysis by Multi-Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer

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

Wall, Andrew J.; Capo, Rosemary C.; Stewart, Brian W.

2016-09-22

This technical report presents the details of the Sr column configuration and the high-throughput Sr separation protocol. Data showing the performance of the method as well as the best practices for optimizing Sr isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS is presented. Lastly, this report offers tools for data handling and data reduction of Sr isotope results from the Thermo Scientific Neptune software to assist in data quality assurance, which help avoid issues of data glut associated with high sample throughput rapid analysis.

High-Throughput Method for Strontium Isotope Analysis by Multi-Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer

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

Hakala, Jacqueline Alexandra

2016-11-22

This technical report presents the details of the Sr column configuration and the high-throughput Sr separation protocol. Data showing the performance of the method as well as the best practices for optimizing Sr isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS is presented. Lastly, this report offers tools for data handling and data reduction of Sr isotope results from the Thermo Scientific Neptune software to assist in data quality assurance, which help avoid issues of data glut associated with high sample throughput rapid analysis.

The anesthesia and brain monitor (ABM). Concept and performance.

PubMed

Kay, B

1984-01-01

Three integral components of the ABM, the frontalis electromyogram (EMG), the processed unipolar electroencephalogram (EEG) and the neuromuscular transmission monitor (NMT) were compared with standard research methods, and their clinical utility indicated. The EMG was compared with the method of Dundee et al (2) for measuring the induction dose of thiopentone; the EEG was compared with the SLE Galileo E8-b and the NMT was compared with the Medelec MS6. In each case correlation of results was extremely high, and the ABM offered some advantages over the standard research methods. We conclude that each of the integral units of the ABM is simple to apply and interpret, yet as accurate as standard apparatus used for research. In addition the ABM offers excellent display and recording facilities and alarm systems.

Design and Build Approaches for Green Streets

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page serves to discuss the concept behind G3's innovative design build strategy. Design build offers a more comprehensive and streamlined approach to project construction and management compared to my traditional methods and is highly encouraged

Dasymetric high resolution population distribution estimates for improved decision making, with a case study of sea-level rise vulnerability in Boca Raton, Florida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziegler, Hannes Moritz

Planners and managers often rely on coarse population distribution data from the census for addressing various social, economic, and environmental problems. In the analysis of physical vulnerabilities to sea-level rise, census units such as blocks or block groups are coarse relative to the required decision-making application. This study explores the benefits offered from integrating image classification and dasymetric mapping at the household level to provide detailed small area population estimates at the scale of residential buildings. In a case study of Boca Raton, FL, a sea-level rise inundation grid based on mapping methods by NOAA is overlaid on the highly detailed population distribution data to identify vulnerable residences and estimate population displacement. The enhanced spatial detail offered through this method has the potential to better guide targeted strategies for future development, mitigation, and adaptation efforts.

Extending the Utility of the Parabolic Approximation in Medical Ultrasound Using Wide-Angle Diffraction Modeling.

PubMed

Soneson, Joshua E

2017-04-01

Wide-angle parabolic models are commonly used in geophysics and underwater acoustics but have seen little application in medical ultrasound. Here, a wide-angle model for continuous-wave high-intensity ultrasound beams is derived, which approximates the diffraction process more accurately than the commonly used Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) equation without increasing implementation complexity or computing time. A method for preventing the high spatial frequencies often present in source boundary conditions from corrupting the solution is presented. Simulations of shallowly focused axisymmetric beams using both the wide-angle and standard parabolic models are compared to assess the accuracy with which they model diffraction effects. The wide-angle model proposed here offers improved focusing accuracy and less error throughout the computational domain than the standard parabolic model, offering a facile method for extending the utility of existing KZK codes.

Recommendations and offers for adult influenza vaccination, 2011–2012 season, United States

PubMed Central

Benedict, Katharine M.; Santibanez, Tammy A.; Black, Carla L.; Ding, Helen; Graitcer, Samuel B.; Bridges, Carolyn B.; Kennedy, Erin D.

2017-01-01

Background Provider recommendations and offers for influenza vaccination improve adult influenza vaccination coverage. Analysis was performed to describe receipt of influenza vaccination recommendations and offers among adults who visited a healthcare provider (HCP) during the 2011–2012 influenza season and describe differences between those receiving and not receiving recommendations and offers for influenza vaccination. Associations between influenza vaccination and receipt of recommendations and offers were examined. Methods Respondents to a random digit dial telephone survey who had visited a HCP since July 1, 2011 were asked if they had received a recommendation for influenza vaccination. Those receiving a recommendation were asked if they received an offer for vaccination. Participants were characterized by demographic and access to health care variables. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between participant characteristics and recommendation alone, between participant characteristics and recommendation and offer, and between influenza vaccination and recommendation and offer. Results Of those who reported visiting a HCP, 43.8% reported receiving a recommendation for influenza vaccination. Of those who reported receiving a recommendation, 76.6% reported receiving an offer for influenza vaccination. Persons with high-risk conditions and persons over 65 years were more likely to receive recommendations for influenza vaccination when compared to those without high-risk conditions and 18–49 year olds, respectively. Those reporting receipt of a recommendation and offer for influenza vaccination were 1.76 times more likely and those reporting receipt of a recommendation but no offer were 1.72 times more likely to report being vaccinated for influenza controlling for all patient characteristics. Conclusions Less than half of respondents reported receipt of recommendations and offers of influenza vaccination during the 2011–2012 influenza season and disparities exist between groups. All healthcare providers seeing adults should recommend or offer influenza vaccination for all patients at every visit during the influenza season. PMID:27137099

A Mixed Methods Examination of Gender Disparity in High Schools Implementing Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watt, Karen M.; Huerta, Jeffery; Martinez, Jorge

2017-01-01

This mixed-methods research study offers insights and explanations into gender imbalance in the college readiness program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Over 200 schools that have been implementing AVID for more than 4 years across the United States participated in this study. Three years of archived historical data pertaining…

Out of the Classroom--Into the Field. Profiles of Promise 32.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawke, Sharryl

A junior high school geography class in La Palma, California, offers extensive field trip experiences to teach students methods of historical-geographical research. Resulting from a course that develops research methods in social studies, a club was formed that provides overnight excursions in various field activities. The club is open to 9th and…

Methods to Increase the Sensitivity of High Resolution Melting Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping in Malaria.

PubMed

Daniels, Rachel; Hamilton, Elizabeth J; Durfee, Katelyn; Ndiaye, Daouda; Wirth, Dyann F; Hartl, Daniel L; Volkman, Sarah K

2015-11-10

Despite decades of eradication efforts, malaria remains a global burden. Recent renewed interest in regional elimination and global eradication has been accompanied by increased genomic information about Plasmodium parasite species responsible for malaria, including characteristics of geographical populations as well as variations associated with reduced susceptibility to anti-malarial drugs. One common genetic variation, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), offers attractive targets for parasite genotyping. These markers are useful not only for tracking drug resistance markers but also for tracking parasite populations using markers not under drug or other selective pressures. SNP genotyping methods offer the ability to track drug resistance as well as to fingerprint individual parasites for population surveillance, particularly in response to malaria control efforts in regions nearing elimination status. While informative SNPs have been identified that are agnostic to specific genotyping technologies, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is particularly suited to field-based studies. Compared to standard fluorescent-probe based methods that require individual SNPs in a single labeled probe and offer at best 10% sensitivity to detect SNPs in samples that contain multiple genomes (polygenomic), HRM offers 2-5% sensitivity. Modifications to HRM, such as blocked probes and asymmetric primer concentrations as well as optimization of amplification annealing temperatures to bias PCR towards amplification of the minor allele, further increase the sensitivity of HRM. While the sensitivity improvement depends on the specific assay, we have increased detection sensitivities to less than 1% of the minor allele. In regions approaching malaria eradication, early detection of emerging or imported drug resistance is essential for prompt response. Similarly, the ability to detect polygenomic infections and differentiate imported parasite types from cryptic local reservoirs can inform control programs. This manuscript describes modifications to high resolution melting technology that further increase its sensitivity to identify polygenomic infections in patient samples.

Fast log P determination by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with UV and mass spectrometry detections.

PubMed

Henchoz, Yveline; Guillarme, Davy; Martel, Sophie; Rudaz, Serge; Veuthey, Jean-Luc; Carrupt, Pierre-Alain

2009-08-01

Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems able to work with columns packed with sub-2 microm particles offer very fast methods to determine the lipophilicity of new chemical entities. The careful development of the most suitable experimental conditions presented here will help medicinal chemists for high-throughput screening (HTS) log P(oct) measurements. The approach was optimized using a well-balanced set of 38 model compounds and a series of 28 basic compounds such as beta-blockers, local anesthetics, piperazines, clonidine, and derivatives. Different organic modifiers and hybrid stationary phases packed with 1.7-microm particles were evaluated in isocratic as well as gradient modes, and the advantages and limitations of tested conditions pointed out. The UHPLC approach offered a significant enhancement over the classical HPLC methods, by a factor 50 in the lipophilicity determination throughput. The hyphenation of UHPLC with MS detection allowed a further increase in the throughput. Data and results reported herein prove that the UHPLC-MS method can represent a progress in the HTS-measurement of lipophilicity due to its speed (at least a factor of 500 with respect to HPLC approaches) and to an extended field of application.

Improvements and Disparities in Types of Foods and Milk Beverages Offered in Elementary School Lunches, 2006–2007 to 2013–2014

PubMed Central

Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam; Powell, Lisa; Chaloupka, Frank J.

2016-01-01

Introduction Children consume much of their daily energy intake at school. School district policies, state laws, and national policies, such as revisions to the US Department of Agriculture’s school meals standards, may affect the types of foods and beverages offered in school lunches over time. Methods This study evaluated changes and disparities in school lunch characteristics from 2006–2007 to 2013–2014. Data were obtained from annual cross-sectional surveys at 4,630 public elementary schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to examine lunch characteristics. Results The percentage of schools regularly offering healthful items such as vegetables (other than potatoes), fresh fruit, salad bars, whole grains, and more healthful pizzas increased significantly from 2006–2007 to 2013–2014, and the percentage of schools offering less healthful items such as fried potatoes, regular pizza, and high-fat milks decreased significantly. Nevertheless, disparities were evident in 2013–2014. Schools in the West were significantly more likely to offer salad bars than were schools in the Northeast, Midwest, or South (adjusted prevalence: West, 66.3%; Northeast, 22.3%; Midwest, 20.8%; South, 18.3%). Majority-black or majority-Latino schools were significantly less likely to offer fresh fruit than were predominantly white schools (adjusted prevalence: majority black, 61.3%; majority Latino, 73.0%; predominantly white, 87.8%). Schools with low socioeconomic status were significantly less likely to offer salads regularly than were schools with middle or high socioeconomic status (adjusted prevalence: low, 38.5%; middle, 47.4%; high, 59.3%). Conclusion Much progress has been made in improving the quality of school lunches in US public elementary schools, but additional opportunities for improvement remain. PMID:26986542

Health savings accounts--a revolutionary method of funding medical care expenses.

PubMed

Knox, George Con

2004-10-01

Health Savings Accounts coupled with a High-Deductible Health Care plan offer many eligible individuals the opportunity to reduce their insurance premiums and create a tax-deductible account to pay medical, dental, and vision care expenses.

Fermentation of philippine vegetable blends.

PubMed

Orillo, C A; Sison, E C; Luis, M; Pederson, C S

1969-01-01

Seven blends of Philipphine vegetables, two of which contained soybeans and one mongo bean sprouts, were prepared for fermentation and study of microbiological and chemical changes. The fermentations were typical lactic acid bacterial fermentations, initiated by Leuconostoc mesenteroides and continued by Lactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus cerevisiae, and L. plantarum. The combination of high acidity and low pH resembled other vegetable fermentations, such as sauerkraut. The procedure offers a method of preserving surplus vegetables, and, in addition, a method for incorporating and preserving the high-protein-containing soybeans.

Single-anchor support and supercritical CO2 drying enable high-precision microfabrication of three-dimensional structures.

PubMed

Maruo, Shoji; Hasegawa, Takuya; Yoshimura, Naoki

2009-11-09

In high-precision two-photon microfabrication of three-dimensional (3-D) polymeric microstructures, supercritical CO(2) drying was employed to reduce surface tension, which tends to cause the collapse of micro/nano structures. Use of supercritical drying allowed high-aspect ratio microstructures, such as micropillars and cantilevers, to be fabricated. We also propose a single-anchor supporting method to eliminate non-uniform shrinkage of polymeric structures otherwise caused by attachment to the substrate. Use of this method permitted frame models such as lattices to be produced without harmful distortion. The combination of supercritical CO(2) drying and the single-anchor supporting method offers reliable high-precision microfabrication of sophisticated, fragile 3-D micro/nano structures.

Academic Rigour, Managerial Relevance and Triangulation of Research Methods: A Perspective of Expectations Fulfilment in Postgraduate Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hui, Loi Teck; Fatt, Quek Kia

2008-01-01

Developing high-quality human capital and advancing existing knowledge stocks are crucial for the competitive advantage of a nation. The authors argue that offering postgraduate programmes that give great emphasis to academic rigour, managerial relevance and the triangulation of research methods is vital if these ends are to be achieved. They…

A nodal discontinuous Galerkin approach to 3-D viscoelastic wave propagation in complex geological media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrecht, L.; Lamert, A.; Friederich, W.; Möller, T.; Boxberg, M. S.

2018-03-01

A nodal discontinuous Galerkin (NDG) approach is developed and implemented for the computation of viscoelastic wavefields in complex geological media. The NDG approach combines unstructured tetrahedral meshes with an element-wise, high-order spatial interpolation of the wavefield based on Lagrange polynomials. Numerical fluxes are computed from an exact solution of the heterogeneous Riemann problem. Our implementation offers capabilities for modelling viscoelastic wave propagation in 1-D, 2-D and 3-D settings of very different spatial scale with little logistical overhead. It allows the import of external tetrahedral meshes provided by independent meshing software and can be run in a parallel computing environment. Computation of adjoint wavefields and an interface for the computation of waveform sensitivity kernels are offered. The method is validated in 2-D and 3-D by comparison to analytical solutions and results from a spectral element method. The capabilities of the NDG method are demonstrated through a 3-D example case taken from tunnel seismics which considers high-frequency elastic wave propagation around a curved underground tunnel cutting through inclined and faulted sedimentary strata. The NDG method was coded into the open-source software package NEXD and is available from GitHub.

Successful ongoing pregnancies after vitrification of oocytes.

PubMed

Lucena, Elkin; Bernal, Diana Patricia; Lucena, Carolina; Rojas, Alejandro; Moran, Abby; Lucena, Andrés

2006-01-01

To demonstrate the efficiency of vitrifying mature human oocytes for different clinical indications. Descriptive case series. Cryobiology laboratory, Centro Colombiano de Fertilidad y Esterilidad-CECOLFES LTDA. (Bogotá, Colombia). Oocyte vitrification was offered as an alternative management for patients undergoing infertility treatment because of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, premature ovarian failure, natural ovarian failure, male factor, poor response, or oocyte donation. Mature oocytes were obtained from 33 donor women and 40 patients undergoing infertility treatment. Oocytes were retrieved by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and vitrified with the Cryotops method, with 30% ethylene glycol, 30% dimethyl sulfoxide, and 0.5 mol/L sucrose. Viability was assessed 3 hours after thawing. The surviving oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertilization was evaluated after 24 hours. The zygotes were further cultured in vitro for up to 72 hours until time of embryo transfer. Recovery, viability, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. Oocyte vitrification with the Cryotop method resulted in high rates of recovery, viability, fertilization, cleavage, and ongoing pregnancy. Vitrification with the Cryotop method is an efficient, fast, and economical method for oocyte cryopreservation that offers high rates of survival, fertilization, embryo development, and ongoing normal pregnancies, providing a new alternative for the management of female infertility.

RF System for the MICE Demonstration of Ionisation Cooling

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

Ronald, K.; et al.

2017-04-01

Muon accelerators offer an attractive option for a range of future particle physics experiments. They can enable high energy (TeV+) high energy lepton colliders whilst mitigating the difficulty of synchrotron losses, and can provide intense beams of neutrinos for fundamental physics experiments investigating the physics of flavor. The method of production of muon beams results in high beam emittance which must be reduced for efficient acceleration. Conventional emittance control schemes take too long, given the very short (2.2 microsecond) rest lifetime of the muon. Ionisation cooling offers a much faster approach to reducing particle emittance, and the international MICE collaborationmore » aims to demonstrate this technique for the first time. This paper will present the MICE RF system and its role in the context of the overall experiment.« less

High definition in minimally invasive surgery: a review of methods for recording, editing, and distributing video.

PubMed

Kelly, Christopher R; Hogle, Nancy J; Landman, Jaime; Fowler, Dennis L

2008-09-01

The use of high-definition cameras and monitors during minimally invasive procedures can provide the surgeon and operating team with more than twice the resolution of standard definition systems. Although this dramatic improvement in visualization offers numerous advantages, the adoption of high definition cameras in the operating room can be challenging because new recording equipment must be purchased, and several new technologies are required to edit and distribute video. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of the popular methods for recording, editing, and distributing high-definition video. This article discusses the essential technical concepts of high-definition video, reviews the different kinds of equipment and methods most often used for recording, and describes several options for video distribution.

Games for health for children—Current status and needed research

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Videogames for health (G4H) offer exciting, innovative, potentially highly effective methods for increasing knowledge, delivering persuasive messages, changing behaviors, and influencing health outcomes. Although early outcome results are promising, additional research is needed to determine the gam...

Trade-offs in sensitivity and sampling depth in bimodal atomic force microscopy and comparison to the trimodal case

PubMed Central

Eslami, Babak; Ebeling, Daniel

2014-01-01

Summary This paper presents experiments on Nafion® proton exchange membranes and numerical simulations illustrating the trade-offs between the optimization of compositional contrast and the modulation of tip indentation depth in bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM). We focus on the original bimodal AFM method, which uses amplitude modulation to acquire the topography through the first cantilever eigenmode, and drives a higher eigenmode in open-loop to perform compositional mapping. This method is attractive due to its relative simplicity, robustness and commercial availability. We show that this technique offers the capability to modulate tip indentation depth, in addition to providing sample topography and material property contrast, although there are important competing effects between the optimization of sensitivity and the control of indentation depth, both of which strongly influence the contrast quality. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the two eigenmodes can be highly coupled in practice, especially when highly repulsive imaging conditions are used. Finally, we also offer a comparison with a previously reported trimodal AFM method, where the above competing effects are minimized. PMID:25161847

Design and analysis of a direct-drive wind power generator with ultra-high torque density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Linni; Shi, Yujun; Wei, Jin; Zheng, Yanchong

2015-05-01

In order to get rid of the nuisances caused by mechanical gearboxes, generators with low rated speed, which can be directly connected to wind turbines, are attracting increasing attention. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new direct-drive wind power generator (DWPG), which can offer ultra-high torque density. First, magnetic gear (MG) is integrated to achieve non-contact torque transmission and speed variation. Second, armature windings are engaged to achieve electromechanical energy conversion. Interior permanent magnet (PM) design on the inner rotor is adopted to boost the torque transmission capability of the integrated MG. Nevertheless, due to lack of back iron on the stator, the proposed generator does not exhibit prominent salient feature, which usually exists in traditional interior PM (IPM) machines. This makes it with good controllability and high power factor as the surface-mounted permanent magnet machines. The performance is analyzed using finite element method. Investigation on the magnetic field harmonics demonstrates that the permanent-magnetic torque offered by the MG can work together with the electromagnetic torque offered by the armature windings to balance the driving torque captured by the wind turbine. This allows the proposed generator having the potential to offer even higher torque density than its integrated MG.

The copper intrauterine device for emergency contraception: an opportunity to provide the optimal emergency contraception method and transition to highly effective contraception.

PubMed

Dermish, Amna I; Turok, David K

2013-07-01

Worldwide, 40% of all pregnancies are unintended. Widespread, over-the-counter availability of oral emergency contraception (EC) has not reduced unintended pregnancy rates. The EC visit presents an opportunity to initiate a highly effective method of contraception in a population at high risk of unintended pregnancy who are actively seeking to avoid pregnancy. The copper intrauterine device (IUD), the most effective method of EC, continues to provide contraception as effective as sterilization for up to 12 years, and it should be offered as the first-line method of EC wherever possible. Increased demand for and supply of the copper IUD for EC may have an important role in reducing rates of unintended pregnancy. The EC visit should include access to the copper IUD as optimal care but should ideally include access to all highly effective methods of contraception.

Method of the active contour for segmentation of bone systems on bitmap images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Hai Anh; Safonov, Roman A.; Kolesnikova, Anna S.; Kirillova, Irina V.; Kossovich, Leonid U.

2018-02-01

It is developed within a method of the active contours the approach, which is allowing to realize separation of a contour of a object of the image in case of its segmentation. This approach exceeds a parametric method on speed, but also does not concede to it on decision accuracy. The approach is offered within this operation will allow to realize allotment of a contour with high accuracy of the image and quicker than a parametric method of the active contours.

A cable-driven parallel manipulator with force sensing capabilities for high-accuracy tissue endomicroscopy.

PubMed

Miyashita, Kiyoteru; Oude Vrielink, Timo; Mylonas, George

2018-05-01

Endomicroscopy (EM) provides high resolution, non-invasive histological tissue information and can be used for scanning of large areas of tissue to assess cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions and their margins. However, current robotic solutions do not provide the accuracy and force sensitivity required to perform safe and accurate tissue scanning. A new surgical instrument has been developed that uses a cable-driven parallel mechanism (CPDM) to manipulate an EM probe. End-effector forces are determined by measuring the tensions in each cable. As a result, the instrument allows to accurately apply a contact force on a tissue, while at the same time offering high resolution and highly repeatable probe movement. 0.2 and 0.6 N force sensitivities were found for 1 and 2 DoF image acquisition methods, respectively. A back-stepping technique can be used when a higher force sensitivity is required for the acquisition of high quality tissue images. This method was successful in acquiring images on ex vivo liver tissue. The proposed approach offers high force sensitivity and precise control, which is essential for robotic EM. The technical benefits of the current system can also be used for other surgical robotic applications, including safe autonomous control, haptic feedback and palpation.

A virtual computer lab for distance biomedical technology education.

PubMed

Locatis, Craig; Vega, Anibal; Bhagwat, Medha; Liu, Wei-Li; Conde, Jose

2008-03-13

The National Library of Medicine's National Center for Biotechnology Information offers mini-courses which entail applying concepts in biochemistry and genetics to search genomics databases and other information sources. They are highly interactive and involve use of 3D molecular visualization software that can be computationally taxing. Methods were devised to offer the courses at a distance so as to provide as much functionality of a computer lab as possible, the venue where they are normally taught. The methods, which can be employed with varied videoconferencing technology and desktop sharing software, were used to deliver mini-courses at a distance in pilot applications where students could see demonstrations by the instructor and the instructor could observe and interact with students working at their remote desktops. Student ratings of the learning experience and comments to open ended questions were similar to those when the courses are offered face to face. The real time interaction and the instructor's ability to access student desktops from a distance in order to provide individual assistance and feedback were considered invaluable. The technologies and methods mimic much of the functionality of computer labs and may be usefully applied in any context where content changes frequently, training needs to be offered on complex computer applications at a distance in real time, and where it is necessary for the instructor to monitor students as they work.

Patterned media towards Nano-bit magnetic recording: fabrication and challenges.

PubMed

Sbiaa, Rachid; Piramanayagam, Seidikkurippu N

2007-01-01

During the past decade, magnetic recording density of HDD has doubled almost every 18 months. To keep increasing the recording density, there is a need to make the small bits thermally stable. The most recent method using perpendicular recording media (PMR) will lose its fuel in a few years time and alternatives are sought. Patterned media, where the bits are magnetically separated from each other, offer the possibility to solve many issues encountered by PMR technology. However, implementation of patterned media would involve developing processing methods which offer high resolution (small bits), regular patterns, and high density. All these need to be achieved without sacrificing a high throughput and low cost. In this article, we review some of the ideas that have been proposed in this subject. However, the focus of the paper is on nano-imprint lithography (NIL) as it fulfills most of the needs of HDD as compared to conventional lithography using electron beam, EUV or X-Rays. The latest development of NIL and related technologies and their future prospects for patterned media are also discussed.

Supertitrations: High-Precision Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guenther, W. B.

1988-01-01

Offers challenging work at a higher level of technique than most students meet in elementary laboratory work. Uses a combined weight and volumetric sequence not shown in textbooks. Notes modern rapid balances help lower evaporation loss during weighings. Discusses the balance, weights, and buoyancy considerations. (MVL)

High Cycle Life Cathode for High Voltage (5V) Lithium Ion Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-16

lithium cobalt phosphate (LiCoPO4) that provides higher energy density (15% > LiFePO4 demonstrated, up to 40% greater with further R&D). •The invention...standard LiFePO4 • Higher voltage at cell level may reduce number of cells required for application • Easy and inexpensive method to prepare • Offers safety

The Effect of a Community College Promise Scholarship on Access and Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pluhta, Elizabeth A.; Penny, G. Richard

2013-01-01

Based on a mixed methods case study design, the current study reports on a Promise Scholarship program offered by a community college and its affiliated foundation to graduating students at a nearby high school located in a low-income neighborhood of a large city and with a high proportion of African American and other students of color. Using a…

"Trust Me! I Can Read": Building from Strengths in the High School English Classroom. Language & Literacy Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamping, Sally; Blase, Dean Woodring

2012-01-01

This innovative guide shows teachers how to transform high-school English students into passionate readers with a trust-based approach that honors both student choice and teacher expertise. The authors begin with a series of reflective invitations to help teachers rediscover trust in themselves and in their students. The book offers methods for…

Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Membranes for Detection of High-Mass Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H.; Park, J.; Aksamija, Z.; Arbulu, M.; Blick, R. H.

2016-12-01

Mechanical resonators realized on the nanoscale by now offer applications in mass sensing of biomolecules with extraordinary sensitivity. The general idea is that perfect mechanical mass sensors should be of extremely small size to achieve zepto- or yoctogram sensitivity in weighing single molecules similar to a classical scale. However, the small effective size and long response time for weighing biomolecules with a cantilever restricts their usefulness as a high-throughput method. Commercial mass spectrometry (MS), on the other hand, such as electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) time of flight (TOF) and their charge-amplifying detectors are the gold standards to which nanomechanical resonators have to live up to. These two methods rely on the ionization and acceleration of biomolecules and the following ion detection after a mass selection step, such as TOF. The principle we describe here for ion detection is based on the conversion of kinetic energy of the biomolecules into thermal excitation of chemical vapor deposition diamond nanomembranes via phonons followed by phonon-mediated detection via field emission of thermally emitted electrons. We fabricate ultrathin diamond membranes with large lateral dimensions for MALDI TOF MS of high-mass proteins. These diamond membranes are realized by straightforward etching methods based on semiconductor processing. With a minimal thickness of 100 nm and cross sections of up to 400 ×400 μ m2 , the membranes offer extreme aspect ratios. Ion detection is demonstrated in MALDI TOF analysis over a broad range from insulin to albumin. The resulting data in detection show much enhanced resolution as compared to existing detectors, which can offer better sensitivity and overall performance in resolving protein masses.

Sol-gel processing with inorganic metal salt precursors

DOEpatents

Hu, Zhong-Cheng

2004-10-19

Methods for sol-gel processing that generally involve mixing together an inorganic metal salt, water, and a water miscible alcohol or other organic solvent, at room temperature with a macromolecular dispersant material, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) added. The resulting homogenous solution is incubated at a desired temperature and time to result in a desired product. The methods enable production of high quality sols and gels at lower temperatures than standard methods. The methods enable production of nanosize sols from inorganic metal salts. The methods offer sol-gel processing from inorganic metal salts.

What drives high flow events in the Swiss Alps? Recent developments in wavelet spectral analysis and their application to hydrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefli, B.; Maraun, D.; Holschneider, M.

2007-12-01

Extreme hydrological events are often triggered by exceptional co-variations of the relevant hydrometeorological processes and in particular by exceptional co-oscillations at various temporal scales. Wavelet and cross wavelet spectral analysis offers promising time-scale resolved analysis methods to detect and analyze such exceptional co-oscillations. This paper presents the state-of-the-art methods of wavelet spectral analysis, discusses related subtleties, potential pitfalls and recently developed solutions to overcome them and shows how wavelet spectral analysis, if combined to a rigorous significance test, can lead to reliable new insights into hydrometeorological processes for real-world applications. The presented methods are applied to detect potentially flood triggering situations in a high Alpine catchment for which a recent re-estimation of design floods encountered significant problems simulating the observed high flows. For this case study, wavelet spectral analysis of precipitation, temperature and discharge offers a powerful tool to help detecting potentially flood producing meteorological situations and to distinguish between different types of floods with respect to the prevailing critical hydrometeorological conditions. This opens very new perspectives for the analysis of model performances focusing on the occurrence and non-occurrence of different types of high flow events. Based on the obtained results, the paper summarizes important recommendations for future applications of wavelet spectral analysis in hydrology.

Systemic Therapy in Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Care Ontario Clinical Practice Guideline

PubMed Central

Basch, Ethan; Loblaw, D. Andrew; Oliver, Thomas K.; Carducci, Michael; Chen, Ronald C.; Frame, James N.; Garrels, Kristina; Hotte, Sebastien; Kattan, Michael W.; Raghavan, Derek; Saad, Fred; Taplin, Mary-Ellen; Walker-Dilks, Cindy; Williams, James; Winquist, Eric; Bennett, Charles L.; Wootton, Ted; Rumble, R. Bryan; Dusetzina, Stacie B.; Virgo, Katherine S.

2014-01-01

Purpose To provide treatment recommendations for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Care Ontario convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based recommendations informed by a systematic review of the literature. Results When added to androgen deprivation, therapies demonstrating improved survival, improved quality of life (QOL), and favorable benefit-harm balance include abiraterone acetate/prednisone, enzalutamide, and radium-223 (223Ra; for men with predominantly bone metastases). Improved survival and QOL with moderate toxicity risk are associated with docetaxel/prednisone. For asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic men, improved survival with unclear QOL impact and low toxicity are associated with sipuleucel-T. For men who previously received docetaxel, improved survival, unclear QOL impact, and moderate to high toxicity risk are associated with cabazitaxel/prednisone. Modest QOL benefit (without survival benefit) and high toxicity risk are associated with mitoxantrone/prednisone after docetaxel. No benefit and excess toxicity are observed with bevacizumab, estramustine, and sunitinib. Recommendations Continue androgen deprivation (pharmaceutical or surgical) indefinitely. Abiraterone acetate/prednisone, enzalutamide, or 223Ra should be offered; docetaxel/prednisone should also be offered, accompanied by discussion of toxicity risk. Sipuleucel-T may be offered to asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic men. For men who have experienced progression with docetaxel, cabazitaxel may be offered, accompanied by discussion of toxicity risk. Mitoxantrone may be offered, accompanied by discussion of limited clinical benefit and toxicity risk. Ketoconazole or antiandrogens (eg, bicalutamide, flutamide, nilutamide) may be offered, accompanied by discussion of limited known clinical benefit. Bevacizumab, estramustine, and sunitinib should not be offered. There is insufficient evidence to evaluate optimal sequences or combinations of therapies. Palliative care should be offered to all patients. PMID:25199761

Hydrodistillation-adsorption method for the isolation of water-soluble, non-soluble and high volatile compounds from plant materials.

PubMed

Mastelić, J; Jerković, I; Blazević, I; Radonić, A; Krstulović, L

2008-08-15

Proposed method of hydrodistillation-adsorption (HDA) on activated carbon and hydrodistillation (HD) with solvent trap were compared for the isolation of water-soluble, non-soluble and high volatile compounds, such as acids, monoterpenes, isothiocyanates and others from carob (Certonia siliqua L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and rocket (Eruca sativa L.). Isolated volatiles were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main advantages of HDA method over ubiquitous HD method were higher yields of volatile compounds and their simultaneous separation in three fractions that enabled more detail analyses. This method is particularly suitable for the isolation and analysis of the plant volatiles with high amounts of water-soluble compounds. In distinction from previously published adsorption of remaining volatile compounds from distillation water on activated carbon, this method offers simultaneous hydrodistillation and adsorption in the same apparatus.

Robust design of microchannel cooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ye; Yang, Tao; Hu, Li; Li, Leimin

2005-12-01

Microchannel cooler has offered a new method for the cooling of high power diode lasers, with the advantages of small volume, high efficiency of thermal dissipation and low cost when mass-produced. In order to reduce the sensitivity of design to manufacture errors or other disturbances, Taguchi method that is one of robust design method was chosen to optimize three parameters important to the cooling performance of roof-like microchannel cooler. The hydromechanical and thermal mathematical model of varying section microchannel was calculated using finite volume method by FLUENT. A special program was written to realize the automation of the design process for improving efficiency. The optimal design is presented which compromises between optimal cooling performance and its robustness. This design method proves to be available.

ECONOMICS OF SAMPLE COMPOSITING AS A SCREENING TOOL IN GROUND WATER QUALITY MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

Recent advances in high throughput/automated compositing with robotics/field-screening methods offer seldom-tapped opportunities for achieving cost-reduction in ground water quality monitoring programs. n economic framework is presented in this paper for the evaluation of sample ...

Evaluating imputation algorithms for low-depth genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Well-powered genomic studies require genome-wide marker coverage across many individuals. For non-model species with few genomic resources, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) methods, such as Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS), offer an inexpensive alternative to array-based genotyping. Although affordabl...

Applied Pluralism in the Evaluation of Employee Counselling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goss, Stephen; Mearns, Dave

1997-01-01

Outlines the method, findings, and philosophical approach taken in a 22-month evaluation of an Employee Assistance Program. The program offered free counseling sessions, telephone support, in-service training, and conciliation work. Using an integrated pluralist evaluation, found that clients reported high satisfaction. Reduced absenteeism…

MIDI-Assisted Composing in Your Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reese, Sam

1995-01-01

Describes a junior high school course in musical composition using Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology. Discusses course objectives and three composition projects. Includes a list of definitions and asserts that MIDI technology offers students and teachers a powerful method to study how music works. (CFR)

Dynamic measures of RSA predict distress and regulation in toddlers.

PubMed

Brooker, Rebecca J; Buss, Kristin A

2010-05-01

In this study, we examined a new method for quantifying individual variability using dynamic measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). This method incorporated temporal variation into the measurement of RSA and provided information beyond that offered by more traditional quantifications such as difference scores. Dynamic and static measures of change in RSA were tested in relation to displays of emotion and affective behaviors during a fear-eliciting episode in a sample of 88 typically developing and high-fear toddlers during a laboratory visit at age 24 months. Dynamic measures of RSA contributed information that was unique from traditionally employed, static change scores in predicting high-fear toddlers' displays of shyness during a fear-eliciting episode. In contrast, RSA change scores offered information related to boldness in nonhigh-fear children. In addition, several associations included estimates of nonlinear change in RSA. Implications for the study of individual differences in RSA and relations with emotion and emotion regulation are discussed.

An iron-catalysed C-C bond-forming spirocyclization cascade providing sustainable access to new 3D heterocyclic frameworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Kirsty; Ball, Anthony K.; Birkett, James; Brown, Lee; Chappell, Ben; Gill, Duncan M.; Lo, P. K. Tony; Patmore, Nathan J.; Rice, Craig. R.; Ryan, James; Raubo, Piotr; Sweeney, Joseph B.

2017-04-01

Heterocyclic architectures offer powerful creative possibilities to a range of chemistry end-users. This is particularly true of heterocycles containing a high proportion of sp3-carbon atoms, which confer precise spatial definition upon chemical probes, drug substances, chiral monomers and the like. Nonetheless, simple catalytic routes to new heterocyclic cores are infrequently reported, and methods making use of biomass-accessible starting materials are also rare. Here, we demonstrate a new method allowing rapid entry to spirocyclic bis-heterocycles, in which inexpensive iron(III) catalysts mediate a highly stereoselective C-C bond-forming cyclization cascade reaction using (2-halo)aryl ethers and amines constructed using feedstock chemicals readily available from plant sources. Fe(acac)3 mediates the deiodinative cyclization of (2-halo)aryloxy furfuranyl ethers, followed by capture of the intermediate metal species by Grignard reagents, to deliver spirocycles containing two asymmetric centres. The reactions offer potential entry to key structural motifs present in bioactive natural products.

Highly sensitive distributed birefringence measurements based on a two-pulse interrogation of a dynamic Brillouin grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soto, Marcelo A.; Denisov, Andrey; Angulo-Vinuesa, Xabier; Martin-Lopez, Sonia; Thévenaz, Luc; Gonzalez-Herraez, Miguel

2017-04-01

A method for distributed birefringence measurements is proposed based on the interference pattern generated by the interrogation of a dynamic Brillouin grating (DBG) using two short consecutive optical pulses. Compared to existing DBG interrogation techniques, the method here offers an improved sensitivity to birefringence changes thanks to the interferometric effect generated by the reflections of the two pulses. Experimental results demonstrate the possibility to obtain the longitudinal birefringence profile of a 20 m-long Panda fibre with an accuracy of 10-8 using 16 averages and 30 cm spatial resolution. The method enables sub-metric and highly-accurate distributed temperature and strain sensing.

Method and System for Gamma-Ray Localization Induced Spacecraft Navigation Using Celestial Gamma-Ray Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hisamoto, Chuck (Inventor); Arzoumanian, Zaven (Inventor); Sheikh, Suneel I. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A method and system for spacecraft navigation using distant celestial gamma-ray bursts which offer detectable, bright, high-energy events that provide well-defined characteristics conducive to accurate time-alignment among spatially separated spacecraft. Utilizing assemblages of photons from distant gamma-ray bursts, relative range between two spacecraft can be accurately computed along the direction to each burst's source based upon the difference in arrival time of the burst emission at each spacecraft's location. Correlation methods used to time-align the high-energy burst profiles are provided. The spacecraft navigation may be carried out autonomously or in a central control mode of operation.

Cellulose nanocrystals with tunable surface charge for nanomedicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseinidoust, Zeinab; Alam, Md Nur; Sim, Goeun; Tufenkji, Nathalie; van de Ven, Theo G. M.

2015-10-01

Crystalline nanoparticles of cellulose exhibit attractive properties as nanoscale carriers for bioactive molecules in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine. For applications in imaging and drug delivery, surface charge is one of the most important factors affecting the performance of nanocarriers. However, current methods of preparation offer little flexibility for controlling the surface charge of cellulose nanocrystals, leading to compromised colloidal stability under physiological conditions. We report a synthesis method that results in nanocrystals with remarkably high carboxyl content (6.6 mmol g-1) and offers continuous control over surface charge without any adjustment to the reaction conditions. Six fractions of nanocrystals with various surface carboxyl contents were synthesized from a single sample of softwood pulp with carboxyl contents varying from 6.6 to 1.7 mmol g-1 and were fully characterized. The proposed method resulted in highly stable colloidal nanocrystals that did not aggregate when exposed to high salt concentrations or serum-containing media. Interactions of these fractions with four different tissue cell lines were investigated over a wide range of concentrations (50-300 μg mL-1). Darkfield hyperspectral imaging and confocal microscopy confirmed the uptake of nanocrystals by selected cell lines without any evidence of membrane damage or change in cell density; however a charge-dependent decrease in mitochondrial activity was observed for charge contents higher than 3.9 mmol g-1. A high surface carboxyl content allowed for facile conjugation of fluorophores to the nanocrystals without compromising colloidal stability. The cellular uptake of fluoresceinamine-conjugated nanocrystals exhibited a time-dose dependent relationship and increased significantly with doubling of the surface charge.Crystalline nanoparticles of cellulose exhibit attractive properties as nanoscale carriers for bioactive molecules in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine. For applications in imaging and drug delivery, surface charge is one of the most important factors affecting the performance of nanocarriers. However, current methods of preparation offer little flexibility for controlling the surface charge of cellulose nanocrystals, leading to compromised colloidal stability under physiological conditions. We report a synthesis method that results in nanocrystals with remarkably high carboxyl content (6.6 mmol g-1) and offers continuous control over surface charge without any adjustment to the reaction conditions. Six fractions of nanocrystals with various surface carboxyl contents were synthesized from a single sample of softwood pulp with carboxyl contents varying from 6.6 to 1.7 mmol g-1 and were fully characterized. The proposed method resulted in highly stable colloidal nanocrystals that did not aggregate when exposed to high salt concentrations or serum-containing media. Interactions of these fractions with four different tissue cell lines were investigated over a wide range of concentrations (50-300 μg mL-1). Darkfield hyperspectral imaging and confocal microscopy confirmed the uptake of nanocrystals by selected cell lines without any evidence of membrane damage or change in cell density; however a charge-dependent decrease in mitochondrial activity was observed for charge contents higher than 3.9 mmol g-1. A high surface carboxyl content allowed for facile conjugation of fluorophores to the nanocrystals without compromising colloidal stability. The cellular uptake of fluoresceinamine-conjugated nanocrystals exhibited a time-dose dependent relationship and increased significantly with doubling of the surface charge. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional results are presented in the ESI in Fig. S1 through S4. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02506k

Recent progress in high-mobility thin-film transistors based on multilayer 2D materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Young Ki; Liu, Na; Yin, Demin; Hong, Seongin; Kim, Dong Hak; Kim, Sunkook; Choi, Woong; Yoon, Youngki

2017-04-01

Two-dimensional (2D) layered semiconductors are emerging as promising candidates for next-generation thin-film electronics because of their high mobility, relatively large bandgap, low-power switching, and the availability of large-area growth methods. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on multilayer transition metal dichalcogenides or black phosphorus offer unique opportunities for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, we review recent progress in high-mobility transistors based on multilayer 2D semiconductors. We describe the theoretical background on characterizing methods of TFT performance and material properties, followed by their applications in flexible, transparent, and optoelectronic devices. Finally, we highlight some of the methods used in metal-semiconductor contacts, hybrid structures, heterostructures, and chemical doping to improve device performance.

Methodical foundations of the preparation of highly valued personnel for high-rise construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaeva, Svetlana; Belyantseva, Oksana; Safonova, Nataliya; Vasilyeva, Olga

2018-03-01

When carrying out design and survey and construction and installation works for such an innovative type of activity as high-rise construction, the problem of personnel qualification becomes urgent. The article poses a research problem, identifies the main reasons for the need for training highly qualified specialists in construction, and suggests areas for improving training. The expediency of development of mentoring system was proved, the corresponding model of interaction between educational institutions and construction enterprises was offered, key interaction effects were evaluated.

Effects of High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulation Experience on Self-Efficacy, Motivation and Learning of First Semester Associate Degree Nursing Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuznar, Kathleen A.

2009-01-01

One of the newest methodologies in nursing education is high-fidelity human patient simulation (HPS). Many nursing educators have embraced the method as it offers a strategy to facilitate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Despite their popularity, however, HPS systems are costly and, in an era of cost containment and tuition…

Sputter-ion plating of coatings for protection of gas-turbine blades against high-temperature oxidation and corrosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coad, J. P.; Restall, J. E.

1982-01-01

Considerable effort is being devoted to the development of overlay coatings for protecting critical components such as turbine blades against high-temperature oxidation, corrosion, and erosion damage in service. The most commercially advanced methods for depositing coatings are electron-beam evaporation and plasma spraying. Sputter-ion plating (SIP) offers a potentially cheaper and simpler alternative method for depositing overlays. Experimental work on SIP of Co-Cr-Al-Y and Ni-Cr-Al-Ti alloy coatings is described. Results are presented of metallographic assessment of these coatings, and of the results obtained from high-velocity testing using a gas-turbine simulator rig.

On the use of kinetic energy preserving DG-schemes for large eddy simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flad, David; Gassner, Gregor

2017-12-01

Recently, element based high order methods such as Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods and the closely related flux reconstruction (FR) schemes have become popular for compressible large eddy simulation (LES). Element based high order methods with Riemann solver based interface numerical flux functions offer an interesting dispersion dissipation behavior for multi-scale problems: dispersion errors are very low for a broad range of scales, while dissipation errors are very low for well resolved scales and are very high for scales close to the Nyquist cutoff. In some sense, the inherent numerical dissipation caused by the interface Riemann solver acts as a filter of high frequency solution components. This observation motivates the trend that element based high order methods with Riemann solvers are used without an explicit LES model added. Only the high frequency type inherent dissipation caused by the Riemann solver at the element interfaces is used to account for the missing sub-grid scale dissipation. Due to under-resolution of vortical dominated structures typical for LES type setups, element based high order methods suffer from stability issues caused by aliasing errors of the non-linear flux terms. A very common strategy to fight these aliasing issues (and instabilities) is so-called polynomial de-aliasing, where interpolation is exchanged with projection based on an increased number of quadrature points. In this paper, we start with this common no-model or implicit LES (iLES) DG approach with polynomial de-aliasing and Riemann solver dissipation and review its capabilities and limitations. We find that the strategy gives excellent results, but only when the resolution is such, that about 40% of the dissipation is resolved. For more realistic, coarser resolutions used in classical LES e.g. of industrial applications, the iLES DG strategy becomes quite inaccurate. We show that there is no obvious fix to this strategy, as adding for instance a sub-grid-scale models on top doesn't change much or in worst case decreases the fidelity even more. Finally, the core of this work is a novel LES strategy based on split form DG methods that are kinetic energy preserving. The scheme offers excellent stability with full control over the amount and shape of the added artificial dissipation. This premise is the main idea of the work and we will assess the LES capabilities of the novel split form DG approach when applied to shock-free, moderate Mach number turbulence. We will demonstrate that the novel DG LES strategy offers similar accuracy as the iLES methodology for well resolved cases, but strongly increases fidelity in case of more realistic coarse resolutions.

Fluidized-bed combustion reduces atmospheric pollutants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jonke, A. A.

1972-01-01

Method of reducing sulfur and nitrogen oxides released during combustion of fossil fuels is described. Fuel is burned in fluidized bed of solids with simultaneous feeding of crushed or pulverized limestone to control emission. Process also offers high heat transfer rates and efficient contacting for gas-solid reactions.

Empirical Questionnaire Methods for Fund-Raising Campaign Preparedness in Extension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comley Adams, Catherine; Butler, Douglass A.

2017-01-01

Amid waning public financial support for Extension program offerings, highly strategic and professional fund-raising practices are necessary for gaining momentum among private philanthropists and closing the fiscal gap. University of Missouri Extension conducted a precampaign survey that invited feedback from stakeholders to inform Extension…

EPA’s Non-Targeted Analysis Research Program: Expanding public data resources in support of exposure science

EPA Science Inventory

Suspect screening (SSA) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) methods using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) offer new approaches to efficiently generate exposure data for chemicals in a variety of environmental and biological media. These techniques aid characterization of the...

Titanium(IV) isopropoxide mediated synthesis of pyrimidin-4-ones.

PubMed

Ramanjulu, Joshi M; Demartino, Michael P; Lan, Yunfeng; Marquis, Robert

2010-05-21

A novel, one-step method for the synthesis of tri- and tetrasubstituted pyrimidin-4-ones is reported. This method involves a titanium(IV)-mediated cyclization involving two sequential condensations of primary and beta-ketoamides. The reaction is operationally facile, readily scalable, and offers rapid entry into differentially substituted pyrimidin-4-one scaffolds. The high functional group compatibility allows for substantial diversification in the products generated from this transformation.

Promising approaches to circumvent the blood-brain barrier: progress, pitfalls and clinical prospects in brain cancer

PubMed Central

Papademetriou, Iason T; Porter, Tyrone

2015-01-01

Brain drug delivery is a major challenge for therapy of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Biochemical modifications of drugs or drug nanocarriers, methods of local delivery, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles are promising approaches which enhance transport or bypass the BBB. These approaches are discussed in the context of brain cancer as an example in CNS drug development. Targeting to receptors enabling transport across the BBB offers noninvasive delivery of small molecule and biological cancer therapeutics. Local delivery methods enable high dose delivery while avoiding systemic exposure. BBB disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles offers local and noninvasive treatment. Clinical trials show the prospects of these technologies and point to challenges for the future. PMID:26488496

Promising approaches to circumvent the blood-brain barrier: progress, pitfalls and clinical prospects in brain cancer.

PubMed

Papademetriou, Iason T; Porter, Tyrone

2015-01-01

Brain drug delivery is a major challenge for therapy of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Biochemical modifications of drugs or drug nanocarriers, methods of local delivery, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles are promising approaches which enhance transport or bypass the BBB. These approaches are discussed in the context of brain cancer as an example in CNS drug development. Targeting to receptors enabling transport across the BBB offers noninvasive delivery of small molecule and biological cancer therapeutics. Local delivery methods enable high dose delivery while avoiding systemic exposure. BBB disruption with focused ultrasound and microbubbles offers local and noninvasive treatment. Clinical trials show the prospects of these technologies and point to challenges for the future.

High-order continuum kinetic method for modeling plasma dynamics in phase space

DOE PAGES

Vogman, G. V.; Colella, P.; Shumlak, U.

2014-12-15

Continuum methods offer a high-fidelity means of simulating plasma kinetics. While computationally intensive, these methods are advantageous because they can be cast in conservation-law form, are not susceptible to noise, and can be implemented using high-order numerical methods. Advances in continuum method capabilities for modeling kinetic phenomena in plasmas require the development of validation tools in higher dimensional phase space and an ability to handle non-cartesian geometries. To that end, a new benchmark for validating Vlasov-Poisson simulations in 3D (x,v x,v y) is presented. The benchmark is based on the Dory-Guest-Harris instability and is successfully used to validate a continuummore » finite volume algorithm. To address challenges associated with non-cartesian geometries, unique features of cylindrical phase space coordinates are described. Preliminary results of continuum kinetic simulations in 4D (r,z,v r,v z) phase space are presented.« less

Wisdom of crowds for robust gene network inference

PubMed Central

Marbach, Daniel; Costello, James C.; Küffner, Robert; Vega, Nicci; Prill, Robert J.; Camacho, Diogo M.; Allison, Kyle R.; Kellis, Manolis; Collins, James J.; Stolovitzky, Gustavo

2012-01-01

Reconstructing gene regulatory networks from high-throughput data is a long-standing problem. Through the DREAM project (Dialogue on Reverse Engineering Assessment and Methods), we performed a comprehensive blind assessment of over thirty network inference methods on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and in silico microarray data. We characterize performance, data requirements, and inherent biases of different inference approaches offering guidelines for both algorithm application and development. We observe that no single inference method performs optimally across all datasets. In contrast, integration of predictions from multiple inference methods shows robust and high performance across diverse datasets. Thereby, we construct high-confidence networks for E. coli and S. aureus, each comprising ~1700 transcriptional interactions at an estimated precision of 50%. We experimentally test 53 novel interactions in E. coli, of which 23 were supported (43%). Our results establish community-based methods as a powerful and robust tool for the inference of transcriptional gene regulatory networks. PMID:22796662

High-resolution method for evolving complex interface networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Shucheng; Hu, Xiangyu Y.; Adams, Nikolaus A.

2018-04-01

In this paper we describe a high-resolution transport formulation of the regional level-set approach for an improved prediction of the evolution of complex interface networks. The novelty of this method is twofold: (i) construction of local level sets and reconstruction of a global level set, (ii) local transport of the interface network by employing high-order spatial discretization schemes for improved representation of complex topologies. Various numerical test cases of multi-region flow problems, including triple-point advection, single vortex flow, mean curvature flow, normal driven flow, dry foam dynamics and shock-bubble interaction show that the method is accurate and suitable for a wide range of complex interface-network evolutions. Its overall computational cost is comparable to the Semi-Lagrangian regional level-set method while the prediction accuracy is significantly improved. The approach thus offers a viable alternative to previous interface-network level-set method.

Aspects concerning verification methods and rigidity increment of complex technological systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casian, M.

2016-11-01

Any technological process and technology aims a quality and precise product, something almost impossible without high rigidity machine tools, equipment and components. Therefore, from the design phase, it is very important to create structures and machines with high stiffness characteristics. At the same time, increasing the stiffness should not raise the material costs. Searching this midpoint between high rigidity and minimum expenses leads to investigations and checks in structural components through various methods and techniques and sometimes quite advanced methods. In order to highlight some aspects concerning the significance of the mechanical equipment rigidity, the finite element method and an analytical method based on the use Mathcad software were used, by taking into consideration a subassembly of a grinding machine. Graphical representations were elaborated, offering a more complete image about the stresses and deformations able to affect the considered mechanical subassembly.

Automating the Transition Between Sensorless Motor Control Methods for the NASA Glenn Research Center Flywheel Energy Storage System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fehrmann, Elizabeth A.; Kenny, Barbara H.

2004-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been working to advance the technology necessary for a flywheel energy storage system for the past several years. Flywheels offer high efficiency, durability, and near-complete discharge capabilities not produced by typical chemical batteries. These characteristics show flywheels to be an attractive alternative to the more typical energy storage solutions. Flywheels also offer the possibility of combining what are now two separate systems in space applications into one: energy storage, which is currently provided by batteries, and attitude control, which is currently provided by control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) or reaction wheels. To date, NASA Glenn research effort has produced the control algorithms necessary to demonstrate flywheel operation up to a rated speed of 60,000 RPM and the combined operation of two flywheel machines to simultaneously provide energy storage and single axis attitude control. Two position-sensorless algorithms are used to control the motor/generator, one for low (0 to 1200 RPM) speeds and one for high speeds. The algorithm allows the transition from the low speed method to the high speed method, but the transition from the high to low speed method was not originally included. This leads to a limitation in the existing motor/generator control code that does not allow the flywheels to be commanded to zero speed (and back in the negative speed direction) after the initial startup. In a multi-flywheel system providing both energy storage and attitude control to a spacecraft, speed reversal may be necessary.

The method of planning the energy consumption for electricity market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russkov, O. V.; Saradgishvili, S. E.

2017-10-01

The limitations of existing forecast models are defined. The offered method is based on game theory, probabilities theory and forecasting the energy prices relations. New method is the basis for planning the uneven energy consumption of industrial enterprise. Ecological side of the offered method is disclosed. The program module performed the algorithm of the method is described. Positive method tests at the industrial enterprise are shown. The offered method allows optimizing the difference between planned and factual consumption of energy every hour of a day. The conclusion about applicability of the method for addressing economic and ecological challenges is made.

On the Properties and Design of Organic Light-Emitting Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erickson, Nicholas C.

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) are attractive for use in next-generation display and lighting technologies. In display applications, OLEDs offer a wide emission color gamut, compatibility with flexible substrates, and high power efficiencies. In lighting applications, OLEDs offer attractive features such as broadband emission, high-performance, and potential compatibility with low-cost manufacturing methods. Despite recent demonstrations of near unity internal quantum efficiencies (photons out per electron in), OLED adoption lags conventional technologies, particularly in large-area displays and general lighting applications. This thesis seeks to understand the optical and electronic properties of OLED materials and device architectures which lead to not only high peak efficiency, but also reduced device complexity, high efficiency under high excitation, and optimal white-light emission. This is accomplished through the careful manipulation of organic thin film compositions fabricated via vacuum thermal evaporation, and the introduction of a novel device architecture, the graded-emissive layer (G-EML). This device architecture offers a unique platform to study the electronic properties of varying compositions of organic semiconductors and the resulting device performance. This thesis also introduces an experimental technique to measure the spatial overlap of electrons and holes within an OLED's emissive layer. This overlap is an important parameter which is affected by the choice of materials and device design, and greatly impacts the operation of the OLED at high excitation densities. Using the G-EML device architecture, OLEDs with improved efficiency characteristics are demonstrated, achieving simultaneously high brightness and high efficiency.

MoleculeNet: a benchmark for molecular machine learning† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc02664a

PubMed Central

Wu, Zhenqin; Ramsundar, Bharath; Feinberg, Evan N.; Gomes, Joseph; Geniesse, Caleb; Pappu, Aneesh S.; Leswing, Karl

2017-01-01

Molecular machine learning has been maturing rapidly over the last few years. Improved methods and the presence of larger datasets have enabled machine learning algorithms to make increasingly accurate predictions about molecular properties. However, algorithmic progress has been limited due to the lack of a standard benchmark to compare the efficacy of proposed methods; most new algorithms are benchmarked on different datasets making it challenging to gauge the quality of proposed methods. This work introduces MoleculeNet, a large scale benchmark for molecular machine learning. MoleculeNet curates multiple public datasets, establishes metrics for evaluation, and offers high quality open-source implementations of multiple previously proposed molecular featurization and learning algorithms (released as part of the DeepChem open source library). MoleculeNet benchmarks demonstrate that learnable representations are powerful tools for molecular machine learning and broadly offer the best performance. However, this result comes with caveats. Learnable representations still struggle to deal with complex tasks under data scarcity and highly imbalanced classification. For quantum mechanical and biophysical datasets, the use of physics-aware featurizations can be more important than choice of particular learning algorithm. PMID:29629118

An overview of nanomaterials applied for removing dyes from wastewater.

PubMed

Cai, Zhengqing; Sun, Youmin; Liu, Wen; Pan, Fei; Sun, Peizhe; Fu, Jie

2017-07-01

Organic dyes are one of the most commonly discharged pollutants in wastewaters; however, many conventional treatment methods cannot treat them effectively. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed rapid development of nanotechnologies, which offered new opportunities for developing innovative methods to treat dye-contaminated wastewater with low price and high efficiency. The large surface area, modified surface properties, unique electron conduction properties, etc. offer nanomaterials with excellent performances in dye-contaminated wastewater treatment. For examples, the agar-modified monometallic/bimetallic nanoparticles have the maximum methylene blue adsorption capacity of 875.0 mg/g, which are several times higher than conventional adsorbents. Among various nanomaterials, the carbonaceous nanomaterials, nano-sized TiO 2 , and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) are considered as the most promising nanomaterials for removing dyes from water phase. However, some challenges, such as high cost and poor separation performance, still limit their engineering application. This article reviewed the recent advances in the nanomaterials used for dye removal via adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, and biological treatment. The modification methods for improving the effectiveness of nanomaterials are highlighted. Finally, the current knowledge gaps of developing nanomaterials on the environmental application were discussed, and the possible further research direction is proposed.

Improved methodologies for the preparation of highly substituted pyridines.

PubMed

Fernández Sainz, Yolanda; Raw, Steven A; Taylor, Richard J K

2005-11-25

[reaction: see text] Two separate strategies have been developed for the preparation of highly substituted pyridines from 1,2,4-triazines via the inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction: a microwave-promoted, solvent-free procedure and a tethered imine-enamine (TIE) approach. Both routes avoid the need for a discrete aromatization step and offer significant advantages over the classical methods, giving a wide variety of tri-, tetra-, and penta-substituted pyridines in high, optimized yields.

Evaluating Quality of Aged Archival Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Samples for RNA-Sequencing

EPA Science Inventory

Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples offer a vast, untapped source of genomic data for biomarker discovery. However, the quality of FFPE samples is often highly variable, and conventional methods to assess RNA quality for RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) are not infor...

Optimization of composite wood structural components : processing and design choices

Treesearch

Theodore L. Laufenberg

1985-01-01

Decreasing size and quality of the world's forest resources are responsible for interest in producing composite wood structural components. Process and design optimization methods are offered in this paper. Processing concepts for wood composite structural products are reviewed to illustrate manufacturing boundaries and areas of high potential. Structural...

SetonWorldWide: A Case Study of Student Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiSalvio, Philip

2009-01-01

This case study offers a strategic model of methods and services resulting in relatively high student success rates as defined by course completion of introductory first and second semester online courses. This strategic model is presented in the context of Sloan-C's "Five Pillars of Quality Online Education."

On The Limits of Rational Moral Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leming, James S.

1981-01-01

Explores reasons for the current ineffectiveness of moral education and offers an alternative perspective on the proper purpose and methods for moral education. This ideal moral education is based primarily on the belief that social interactions during childhood are highly significant in the development of morality and on the functionalist…

An Online Adult-Learner Focused Program: An Assessment of Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todd, Curtis L.; Ravi, Kokila; Akoh, Harry; Gray, Vance

2015-01-01

The landscape of higher education has significantly changed. Methods of instructional delivery, student profiles and degree offerings have transformed traditional brick and mortar institutions. Distance educational courses and programs, either fully online or hybrid, have been a major contributing factor in this shift. While a high percentage of…

AstroCV: Astronomy computer vision library

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, Roberto E.; Muñoz, Roberto P.; Hernández, Cristian A.

2018-04-01

AstroCV processes and analyzes big astronomical datasets, and is intended to provide a community repository of high performance Python and C++ algorithms used for image processing and computer vision. The library offers methods for object recognition, segmentation and classification, with emphasis in the automatic detection and classification of galaxies.

Teaching Ecological Concepts with Mud Dauber Nests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Robert W.; Matthews, Janice R.

1999-01-01

Contends that mud dauber nests--which are widely available, safe, inexpensive, and easy to use--offer a novel and highly motivating way to teach ecological concepts to life science students at many grade levels. Presents background information for teachers, details classroom-tested methods for nest dissection, provides keys to nest contents, and…

Reinvigorating Introductory Biology: A Theme-based, Investigative Approach To Teaching Biology Majors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norton, Cynthia G.; Gildensoph, Lynne H.; Phillips, Martha M.; Wygal, Deborah D.; Olson, Kurt H.; Pellegrini, John J.; Tweeten, Kathleen A.

1997-01-01

Describes the reform of an introductory biology curriculum to reverse high attrition rates. Objectives include fostering self-directed learning, emphasizing process over content, and offering laboratory experiences that model the way to acquire scientific knowledge. Teaching methods include discussion, group mentoring, laboratory sections, and…

High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Web Lesson.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Constitutional Rights Foundation, Los Angeles, CA.

This lesson presents an overview of the U. S. Constitution's provision of impeachment as the method for removing the president, vice president, federal judges, and other federal officials from office. The lesson outlines and discusses the impeachment process. It also offers historical background on the framing of the Constitution and on Presidents…

New Teacher Distribution Methods Hold Promise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sawchuk, Stephen

2010-01-01

With effective teaching a top policy priority, certain school districts, the federal government, and nonprofit groups are renewing efforts to pilot and study strategies for pairing effective teachers with students in low-performing, high-poverty schools. The results could offer clues about how to rectify an imbalance in the distribution of the…

20180311 - EPA’s Non-Targeted Analysis Research Program: Expanding public data resources in support of exposure science (SOT)

EPA Science Inventory

Suspect screening (SSA) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) methods using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) offer new approaches to efficiently generate exposure data for chemicals in a variety of environmental and biological media. These techniques aid characterization of the...

The Specificity of Observational Studies in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences: Moving Forward in Mixed Methods Research and Proposals for Achieving Quantitative and Qualitative Symmetry.

PubMed

Anguera, M Teresa; Camerino, Oleguer; Castañer, Marta; Sánchez-Algarra, Pedro; Onwuegbuzie, Anthony J

2017-01-01

Mixed methods studies are been increasingly applied to a diversity of fields. In this paper, we discuss the growing use-and enormous potential-of mixed methods research in the field of sport and physical activity. A second aim is to contribute to strengthening the characteristics of mixed methods research by showing how systematic observation offers rigor within a flexible framework that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Observational methodology is characterized by high scientific rigor and flexibility throughout its different stages and allows the objective study of spontaneous behavior in natural settings, with no external influence. Mixed methods researchers need to take bold yet thoughtful decisions regarding both substantive and procedural issues. We present three fundamental and complementary ideas to guide researchers in this respect: we show why studies of sport and physical activity that use a mixed methods research approach should be included in the field of mixed methods research, we highlight the numerous possibilities offered by observational methodology in this field through the transformation of descriptive data into quantifiable code matrices, and we discuss possible solutions for achieving true integration of qualitative and quantitative findings.

Fe-Catalyzed Synthesis of Porous Carbons Spheres with High Graphitization Degree for High-Performance Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jun; Shi, Hongwei; Zhuo, Xin; Hu, Yalin

2017-10-01

We have developed a facile and efficient Fe-catalyzed method for fabrication of porous carbons spheres with high graphitization degree (GNPCs) using glucose as carbon precursor at relatively low carbonization temperature. GNPCs not only have relatively large accessible ion surface area to accommodate greater capacity but also high graphitization degree to accelerate ion diffusion. As a typical application, we demonstrate that GNPCs exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for use in supercapacitors, with high specific capacity of 150.6 F g-1 at current density of 1 A g-1 and good rate capability and superior cycling stability over 10,000 cycles, confirming their potential application for energy storage. Moreover, it is believed that this method offers a new strategy for synthesis of porous carbons with high graphitization degree.

A study of the breast cancer dynamics in North Carolina.

PubMed

Christakos, G; Lai, J J

1997-11-01

This work is concerned with the study of breast cancer incidence in the State of North Carolina. Methodologically, the current analysis illustrates the importance of spatiotemporal random field modelling and introduces a mode of reasoning that is based on a combination of inductive and deductive processes. The composite space/time analysis utilizes the variability characteristics of incidence and the mathematical features of the random field model to fit it to the data. The analysis is significantly general and can efficiently represent non-homogeneous and non-stationary characteristics of breast cancer variation. Incidence predictions are produced using data at the same time period as well as data from other time periods and disease registries. The random field provides a rigorous and systematic method for generating detailed maps, which offer a quantitative description of the incidence variation from place to place and from time to time, together with a measure of the accuracy of the incidence maps. Spatiotemporal mapping accounts for the geographical locations and the time instants of the incidence observations, which is not usually the case with most empirical Bayes methods. It is also more accurate than purely spatial statistics methods, and can offer valuable information about the breast cancer risk and dynamics in North Carolina. Field studies could be initialized in high-rate areas identified by the maps in an effort to uncover environmental or life-style factors that might be responsible for the high risk rates. Also, the incidence maps can help elucidate causal mechanisms, explain disease occurrences at a certain scale, and offer guidance in health management and administration.

Massive open online courses in health sciences from Latin American institutions: A need for improvement?

PubMed

Culquichicón, Carlos; Helguero-Santin, Luis M; Labán-Seminario, L Max; Cardona-Ospina, Jaime A; Aboshady, Omar A; Correa, Ricardo

2017-01-01

Background: Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have undergone exponential growth over the past few years, offering free and worldwide access to high-quality education. We identified the characteristics of MOOCs in the health sciences offered by Latin American institutions (LAIs). Methods: We screened the eight leading MOOCs platforms to gather their list of offerings. The MOOCs were classified by region and subject. Then, we obtained the following information: Scopus H-index for each institution and course instructor, QS World University Ranking® 2015/16 of LAI, and official language of the course. Results: Our search identified 4170 MOOCs worldwide. From them, 205 MOOCs were offered by LAIs, and six MOOCs were health sciences related. Most of these courses (n = 115) were offered through Coursera. One health science MOOC was taught by three instructors, of which only one was registered in Scopus (H-index = 0). The remaining five health science MOOCs had solely one instructor (H-index = 4 [0-17]). The Latin American country with the highest participation was Brazil (n = 11). Conclusion: The contribution of LAI to MOOCs in the health sciences is low.

Recent progress in the applications of layer-by-layer assembly to the preparation of nanostructured ion-rejecting water purification membranes.

PubMed

Sanyal, Oishi; Lee, Ilsoon

2014-03-01

Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are the two dominant membrane separation processes responsible for ion rejection. While RO is highly efficient in removal of ions it needs a high operating pressure and offers very low selectivity between ions. Nanofiltration on the other hand has a comparatively low operating pressure and most commercial membranes offer selectivity in terms of ion rejection. However in many nanofiltration operations rejection of monovalent ions is not appreciable. Therefore a high flux high rejection membrane is needed that can be applied to water purification systems. One such alternative is the usage of polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes that are prepared by the deposition of alternately charged polyelectrolytes via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method. LbL is one of the most common self-assembly techniques and finds application in various areas. It has a number of tunable parameters like deposition conditions, number of bilayers deposited etc. which can be manipulated as per the type of application. This technique can be applied to make a nanothin membrane skin which gives high rejection and at the same time allow a high water flux across it. Several research groups have applied this highly versatile technique to prepare membranes that can be employed for water purification. Some of these membranes have shown better performance than the commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. These membranes have the potential to be applied to various different aspects of water treatment like water softening, desalination and recovery of certain ions. Besides the conventional method of LbL technique other alternative methods have also been suggested that can make the technique fast, more efficient and thereby make it more commercially acceptable.

Correction of high amounts of astigmatism through orthokeratology. A case report

PubMed Central

Baertschi, Michael; Wyss, Michael

2011-01-01

The purpose of this case report is to introduce a method for a successful treatment of high astigmatism with a new orthokeratology design, called FOKX (Falco Kontaktlinsen, Switzerland). This novel toric orthokeratology contact lens design, the fitting approach and the performance of FOKX lenses will be illustrated in the form of a case report. Correcting astigmatism with orthokeratology offers a new perspective for all patients suffering astigmatism.

Passive shimming of the fringe field of a superconducting magnet for ultra-low field hyperpolarized noble gas MRI.

PubMed

Parra-Robles, Juan; Cross, Albert R; Santyr, Giles E

2005-05-01

Hyperpolarized noble gases (HNGs) provide exciting possibilities for MR imaging at ultra-low magnetic field strengths (<0.15 T) due to the extremely high polarizations available from optical pumping. The fringe field of many superconductive magnets used in clinical MR imaging can provide a stable magnetic field for this purpose. In addition to offering the benefit of HNG MR imaging alongside conventional high field proton MRI, this approach offers the other useful advantage of providing different field strengths at different distances from the magnet. However, the extremely strong field gradients associated with the fringe field present a major challenge for imaging since impractically high active shim currents would be required to achieve the necessary homogeneity. In this work, a simple passive shimming method based on the placement of a small number of ferromagnetic pieces is proposed to reduce the fringe field inhomogeneities to a level that can be corrected using standard active shims. The method explicitly takes into account the strong variations of the field over the volume of the ferromagnetic pieces used to shim. The method is used to obtain spectra in the fringe field of a high-field (1.89 T) superconducting magnet from hyperpolarized 129Xe gas samples at two different ultra-low field strengths (8.5 and 17 mT). The linewidths of spectra measured from imaging phantoms (30 Hz) indicate a homogeneity sufficient for MRI of the rat lung.

Particle separation by phase modulated surface acoustic waves.

PubMed

Simon, Gergely; Andrade, Marco A B; Reboud, Julien; Marques-Hueso, Jose; Desmulliez, Marc P Y; Cooper, Jonathan M; Riehle, Mathis O; Bernassau, Anne L

2017-09-01

High efficiency isolation of cells or particles from a heterogeneous mixture is a critical processing step in lab-on-a-chip devices. Acoustic techniques offer contactless and label-free manipulation, preserve viability of biological cells, and provide versatility as the applied electrical signal can be adapted to various scenarios. Conventional acoustic separation methods use time-of-flight and achieve separation up to distances of quarter wavelength with limited separation power due to slow gradients in the force. The method proposed here allows separation by half of the wavelength and can be extended by repeating the modulation pattern and can ensure maximum force acting on the particles. In this work, we propose an optimised phase modulation scheme for particle separation in a surface acoustic wave microfluidic device. An expression for the acoustic radiation force arising from the interaction between acoustic waves in the fluid was derived. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the expression of the acoustic radiation force differs in surface acoustic wave and bulk devices, due to the presence of a geometric scaling factor. Two phase modulation schemes are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical findings were experimentally validated for different mixtures of polystyrene particles confirming that the method offers high selectivity. A Monte-Carlo simulation enabled us to assess performance in real situations, including the effects of particle size variation and non-uniform acoustic field on sorting efficiency and purity, validating the ability to separate particles with high purity and high resolution.

Why significant variables aren't automatically good predictors.

PubMed

Lo, Adeline; Chernoff, Herman; Zheng, Tian; Lo, Shaw-Hwa

2015-11-10

Thus far, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been disappointing in the inability of investigators to use the results of identified, statistically significant variants in complex diseases to make predictions useful for personalized medicine. Why are significant variables not leading to good prediction of outcomes? We point out that this problem is prevalent in simple as well as complex data, in the sciences as well as the social sciences. We offer a brief explanation and some statistical insights on why higher significance cannot automatically imply stronger predictivity and illustrate through simulations and a real breast cancer example. We also demonstrate that highly predictive variables do not necessarily appear as highly significant, thus evading the researcher using significance-based methods. We point out that what makes variables good for prediction versus significance depends on different properties of the underlying distributions. If prediction is the goal, we must lay aside significance as the only selection standard. We suggest that progress in prediction requires efforts toward a new research agenda of searching for a novel criterion to retrieve highly predictive variables rather than highly significant variables. We offer an alternative approach that was not designed for significance, the partition retention method, which was very effective predicting on a long-studied breast cancer data set, by reducing the classification error rate from 30% to 8%.

Microfluidic cell sorting: a review of the advances in the separation of cells from debulking to rare cell isolation.

PubMed

Shields, C Wyatt; Reyes, Catherine D; López, Gabriel P

2015-03-07

Accurate and high throughput cell sorting is a critical enabling technology in molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, and medicine. While conventional methods can provide high efficiency sorting in short timescales, advances in microfluidics have enabled the realization of miniaturized devices offering similar capabilities that exploit a variety of physical principles. We classify these technologies as either active or passive. Active systems generally use external fields (e.g., acoustic, electric, magnetic, and optical) to impose forces to displace cells for sorting, whereas passive systems use inertial forces, filters, and adhesion mechanisms to purify cell populations. Cell sorting on microchips provides numerous advantages over conventional methods by reducing the size of necessary equipment, eliminating potentially biohazardous aerosols, and simplifying the complex protocols commonly associated with cell sorting. Additionally, microchip devices are well suited for parallelization, enabling complete lab-on-a-chip devices for cellular isolation, analysis, and experimental processing. In this review, we examine the breadth of microfluidic cell sorting technologies, while focusing on those that offer the greatest potential for translation into clinical and industrial practice and that offer multiple, useful functions. We organize these sorting technologies by the type of cell preparation required (i.e., fluorescent label-based sorting, bead-based sorting, and label-free sorting) as well as by the physical principles underlying each sorting mechanism.

Microfluidic Cell Sorting: A Review of the Advances in the Separation of Cells from Debulking to Rare Cell Isolation

PubMed Central

Shields, C. Wyatt; Reyes, Catherine D.; López, Gabriel P.

2015-01-01

Accurate and high throughput cell sorting is a critical enabling technology in molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, and medicine. While conventional methods can provide high efficiency sorting in short timescales, advances in microfluidics have enabled the realization of miniaturized devices offering similar capabilities that exploit a variety of physical principles. We classify these technologies as either active or passive. Active systems generally use external fields (e.g., acoustic, electric, magnetic, and optical) to impose forces to displace cells for sorting, whereas passive systems use inertial forces, filters, and adhesion mechanisms to purify cell populations. Cell sorting on microchips provides numerous advantages over conventional methods by reducing the size of necessary equipment, eliminating potentially biohazardous aerosols, and simplifying the complex protocols commonly associated with cell sorting. Additionally, microchip devices are well suited for parallelization, enabling complete lab-on-a-chip devices for cellular isolation, analysis, and experimental processing. In this review, we examine the breadth of microfluidic cell sorting technologies, while focusing on those that offer the greatest potential for translation into clinical and industrial practice and that offer multiple, useful functions. We organize these sorting technologies by the type of cell preparation required (i.e., fluorescent label-based sorting, bead-based sorting, and label-free sorting) as well as by the physical principles underlying each sorting mechanism. PMID:25598308

Methods Beyond Methods: A Model for Africana Graduate Methods Training.

PubMed

Best, Latrica E; Byrd, W Carson

2014-06-01

A holistic graduate education can impart not just tools and knowledge, but critical positioning to fulfill many of the original missions of Africana Studies programs set forth in the 1960s and 1970s. As an interdisciplinary field with many approaches to examining the African Diaspora, the methodological training of graduate students can vary across graduate programs. Although taking qualitative methods courses are often required of graduate students in Africana Studies programs, and these programs offer such courses, rarely if ever are graduate students in these programs required to take quantitative methods courses, let alone have these courses offered in-house. These courses can offer Africana Studies graduate students new tools for their own research, but more importantly, improve their knowledge of quantitative research of diasporic communities. These tools and knowledge can assist with identifying flawed arguments about African-descended communities and their members. This article explores the importance of requiring and offering critical quantitative methods courses in graduate programs in Africana Studies, and discusses the methods requirements of one graduate program in the field as an example of more rigorous training that other programs could offer graduate students.

Application of computational methods to analyse and investigate physical and chemical processes of high-temperature mineralizing of condensed substances in gas stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markelov, A. Y.; Shiryaevskii, V. L.; Kudrinskiy, A. A.; Anpilov, S. V.; Bobrakov, A. N.

2017-11-01

A computational method of analysis of physical and chemical processes of high-temperature mineralizing of low-level radioactive waste in gas stream in the process of plasma treatment of radioactive waste in shaft furnaces was introduced. It was shown that the thermodynamic simulation method allows fairly adequately describing the changes in the composition of the pyrogas withdrawn from the shaft furnace at different waste treatment regimes. This offers a possibility of developing environmentally and economically viable technologies and small-sized low-cost facilities for plasma treatment of radioactive waste to be applied at currently operating nuclear power plants.

Model reductions using a projection formulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Villemagne, Christian; Skelton, Robert E.

1987-01-01

A new methodology for model reduction of MIMO systems exploits the notion of an oblique projection. A reduced model is uniquely defined by a projector whose range space and orthogonal to the null space are chosen among the ranges of generalized controllability and observability matrices. The reduced order models match various combinations (chosen by the designer) of four types of parameters of the full order system associated with (1) low frequency response, (2) high frequency response, (3) low frequency power spectral density, and (4) high frequency power spectral density. Thus, the proposed method is a computationally simple substitute for many existing methods, has an extreme flexibility to embrace combinations of existing methods and offers some new features.

Determinants of High Schools' Advanced Course Offerings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iatarola, Patrice; Conger, Dylan; Long, Mark C.

2011-01-01

This article examines the factors that determine a high school's probability of offering Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The likelihood that a school offers advanced courses, and the number of sections that it offers, is largely driven by having a critical mass of students who enter high school with…

An evaluation of strain measuring devices for ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Bartolotta, Paul A.

1991-01-01

A series of tensile tests was conducted on SiC/reaction bonded silicon nitrides (RBSN) composites using different methods of strain measurement. The tests were used to find the optimum strain sensing device for use with continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites in ambient and high temperature environments. Bonded resistance gages were found to offer excellent performance for room temperature tests. The clip-on gage offers the same performance, but less time is required for mounting it to the specimen. Low contact force extensometers track the strain with acceptable results at high specimen temperatures. Silicon carbide rods with knife edges are preferred. The edges must be kept sharp. The strain measuring devices should be mounted on the flat side of the specimen. This is in contrast to mounting on the rough thickness side.

An evaluation of strain measuring devices for ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Bartolotta, Paul A.

1992-01-01

A series of tensile tests were conducted on SiC/RBSN composites using different methods of strain measurement. The tests were used to find the optimum strain sensing device for use with continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites in ambient and high temperature environments. Bonded resistance strain gages were found to offer excellent performance for room temperature tests. The clip-on gage offers the same performance but significantly less time is required for mounting it to the specimen. Low contact force extensometers track the strain with acceptable results at high specimen temperatures. Silicon carbide rods with knife edges are preferred. The edges must be kept sharp. The strain measuring devices should be mounted on the flat side of the specimen. This is in contrast to mounting on the rough thickness side.

Challenges and advances in the field of self-assembled membranes.

PubMed

van Rijn, Patrick; Tutus, Murat; Kathrein, Christine; Zhu, Leilei; Wessling, Matthias; Schwaneberg, Ulrich; Böker, Alexander

2013-08-21

Self-assembled membranes are of vital importance in biological systems e.g. cellular and organelle membranes, however, more focus is being put on synthetic self-assembled membranes not only as an alternative for lipid membranes but also as an alternative for lithographic methods. More investigations move towards self-assembly processes because of the low-cost preparations, structural self-regulation and the ease of creating composite materials and tunable properties. The fabrication of new smart membrane materials via self-assembly is of interest for delivery vessels, size selective separation and purification, controlled-release materials, sensors and catalysts, scaffolds for tissue engineering, low dielectric constant materials for microelectronic devices, antireflective coatings and proton exchange membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Polymers and nanoparticles offer the most straightforward approaches to create membrane structures. However, alternative approaches using small molecules or composite materials offer novel ultra-thin membranes or multi-functional membranes, respectively. Especially, the composite material membranes are regarded as highly promising since they offer the possibility to combine properties of different systems. The advantages of polymers which provide elastic and flexible yet stable matrices can be combined with nanoparticles being either inorganic, organic or even protein-based which offers pore-size control, catalytic activity or permeation regulation. It is therefore believed that at the interface of different disciplines with each offering different materials or approaches, the most novel and interesting membrane structures are going to be produced. The combinations and approaches presented in this review offer non-conventional self-assembled membrane materials which exhibit a high potential to advance membrane science and find more practical applications.

The Effect of Two Elementary School-based Prevention Interventions on Being Offered Tobacco and the Transition to Smoking

PubMed Central

Wang, Yan; Storr, Carla L.; Green, Kerry M.; Zhu, Shijun; Stuart, Elizabeth; Landsman, Sarah Lynne; Clemans, Katherine; Petras, Hanno; Kellam, Sheppard; Ialongo, Nicholas S.

2018-01-01

Aims This study sought to more precisely delineate the mechanisms by which two early elementary school-based, universal (i.e., applied to the entire population regardless of risk status) preventive interventions increased survival to first tobacco cigarette smoked. Specifically, we examined whether the interventions’ effect on survival to first use was via the reduction of offers to smoke and/or through preventing the transition from first offer to smoking. Methods A total of 678 urban first-graders were assigned randomly to the classroom-centered (CC), or the family-school partnership (FSP), or a control classroom condition. Youth were followed annually until one year beyond their anticipated high school graduation (mean age ~18 years). Discrete-time survival analyses on 628 youth evaluated the impact of the CC and FSP interventions on first tobacco offer and initial tobacco smoking once offered. Findings The risk of being offered tobacco was reduced among both CC and FSP intervention groups relative to the control group, although the reduction was only statistically significant for the CC intervention. Neither intervention condition reduced the transition to smoking once offered tobacco to smoke. Conclusion The CC intervention appeared to have its effect on survival to first cigarette smoked by delaying the first offer to smoke. Preventive interventions focused on refusal skills during the middle school years may be necessary to reduce the likelihood of the transition to smoking once offered. PMID:21868176

Are School Vending Machines Loaded with Calories and Fat: An Assessment of 106 Middle and High Schools

PubMed Central

PASCH, KERYN E.; LYTLE, LESLIE A.; SAMUELSON, ANNE C.; FARBAKHSH, KIAN; KUBIK, MARTHA Y.; PATNODE, CARRIE D.

2013-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which vending offerings in 106 schools in the St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area met criteria for types of beverages, fat and calories based on selected criteria offered by the Institute of Medicine. Methods Schools where youth participants were attending for the 2006-2007 school year were identified and invited to participate in the study (n=143); 81% of schools (n=116) agreed to participate. Results Of the 116 schools, 106 had vending machines. Across schools with vending machines (n=106), 5085 food and 8442 beverage items were offered. Overall, only 18% of beverage items met criteria for calories and type of beverage; significantly more items in public schools met the criteria as compared to private schools (19% vs. 12%; p<0.01). This difference was also significant for high schools as compared to middle schools (18% vs. 22%; p<0.01). For food items, 41% met calorie criteria, 45% met fat criteria, and 22% met both fat and calorie criteria. Significantly more food items met both criteria in public than private schools (22% vs. 18%; p=0.01), while high schools (22%) and middle schools (21%) were similar. A very small proportion of foods (<5%) would have met the full criteria suggested by the Institute of Medicine for competitive foods.. Conclusion Overall, foods and beverages offered in vending machines continue to be high in fat and calories. Public schools are doing a slightly better job of providing healthy foods as compared to private schools. PMID:21392013

Geologic utility of small-scale airphotos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, M. M.

1969-01-01

The geologic value of small scale airphotos is emphasized by describing the application of high altitude oblique and 1:120,000 to 1:145,000 scale vertical airphotos to several geologic problems in California. These examples show that small-scale airphotos can be of use to geologists in the following ways: (1) high altitude, high oblique airphotos show vast areas in one view; and (2) vertical airphotos offer the most efficient method of discovering the major topographic features and structural and lithologic characteristics of terrain.

High-Level Data-Abstraction System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fishwick, P. A.

1986-01-01

Communication with data-base processor flexible and efficient. High Level Data Abstraction (HILDA) system is three-layer system supporting data-abstraction features of Intel data-base processor (DBP). Purpose of HILDA establishment of flexible method of efficiently communicating with DBP. Power of HILDA lies in its extensibility with regard to syntax and semantic changes. HILDA's high-level query language readily modified. Offers powerful potential to computer sites where DBP attached to DEC VAX-series computer. HILDA system written in Pascal and FORTRAN 77 for interactive execution.

High compositional homogeneity of CdTe{sub x}Se{sub 1−x} crystals grown by the Bridgman method

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

Roy, U. N.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.

2015-02-01

We obtained high-quality CdTe{sub x}Se{sub 1−x} (CdTeSe) crystals from ingots grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. The compositional uniformity of the ingots was evaluated by X-ray fluorescence at BNL’s National Synchrotron Light Source X27A beam line. The compositional homogeneity was highly uniform throughout the ingot, and the effective segregation coefficient of Se was ∼1.0. This high uniformity offers potential opportunity to enhance the yield of the materials for both infrared substrate and radiation-detector applications, so greatly lowering the cost of production and also offering us the prospect to grow large-diameter ingots for use as large-area substrates and for producing highermore » efficiency gamma-ray detectors. The concentration of secondary phases was found to be much lower, by eight- to ten fold compared to that of conventional Cd{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Te (CdZnTe or CZT)« less

Inventory-transportation integrated optimization for maintenance spare parts of high-speed trains

PubMed Central

Wang, Jiaxi; Wang, Huasheng; Wang, Zhongkai; Li, Jian; Lin, Ruixi; Xiao, Jie; Wu, Jianping

2017-01-01

This paper presents a 0–1 programming model aimed at obtaining the optimal inventory policy and transportation mode for maintenance spare parts of high-speed trains. To obtain the model parameters for occasionally-replaced spare parts, a demand estimation method based on the maintenance strategies of China’s high-speed railway system is proposed. In addition, we analyse the shortage time using PERT, and then calculate the unit time shortage cost from the viewpoint of train operation revenue. Finally, a real-world case study from Shanghai Depot is conducted to demonstrate our method. Computational results offer an effective and efficient decision support for inventory managers. PMID:28472097

Absolute quantification of prion protein (90-231) using stable isotope-labeled chymotryptic peptide standards in a LC-MRM AQUA workflow.

PubMed

Sturm, Robert; Sheynkman, Gloria; Booth, Clarissa; Smith, Lloyd M; Pedersen, Joel A; Li, Lingjun

2012-09-01

Substantial evidence indicates that the disease-associated conformer of the prion protein (PrP(TSE)) constitutes the etiologic agent in prion diseases. These diseases affect multiple mammalian species. PrP(TSE) has the ability to convert the conformation of the normal prion protein (PrP(C)) into a β-sheet rich form resistant to proteinase K digestion. Common immunological techniques lack the sensitivity to detect PrP(TSE) at subfemtomole levels, whereas animal bioassays, cell culture, and in vitro conversion assays offer higher sensitivity but lack the high-throughput the immunological assays offer. Mass spectrometry is an attractive alternative to the above assays as it offers high-throughput, direct measurement of a protein's signature peptide, often with subfemtomole sensitivities. Although a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MRM) method has been reported for PrP(TSE), the chemical composition and lack of amino acid sequence conservation of the signature peptide may compromise its accuracy and make it difficult to apply to multiple species. Here, we demonstrate that an alternative protease (chymotrypsin) can produce signature peptides suitable for a LC-MRM absolute quantification (AQUA) experiment. The new method offers several advantages, including: (1) a chymotryptic signature peptide lacking chemically active residues (Cys, Met) that can confound assay accuracy; (2) low attomole limits of detection and quantitation (LOD and LOQ); and (3) a signature peptide retaining the same amino acid sequence across most mammals naturally susceptible to prion infection as well as important laboratory models. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a non-tryptic peptide in a LC-MRM AQUA workflow.

Absolute quantification of prion protein (90-231) using stable isotope-labeled chymotryptic peptide standards in a LC-MRM AQUA workflow

PubMed Central

Sturm, Robert; Kreitinger, Gloria; Booth, Clarissa; Smith, Lloyd; Pedersen, Joel; Li, Lingjun

2012-01-01

Substantial evidence indicates that the disease-associated conformer of the prion protein (PrPTSE) constitutes the etiological agent in prion diseases. These diseases affect multiple mammalian species. PrPTSE has the ability to convert the conformation of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into a β-sheet rich form resistant to proteinase K digestion. Common immunological techniques lack the sensitivity to detect PrPTSE at sub-femtomole levels while animal bioassays, cell culture, and in vitro conversion assays offer ultrasensitivity but lack the high-throughput the immunological assays offer. Mass spectrometry is an attractive alternative to the above assays as it offers high-throughput, direct measurement of a protein’s signature peptide, often with sub-femtomole sensitivities. Although a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MRM) method has been reported for PrPTSE, the chemical composition and lack of amino acid sequence conservation of the signature peptide may compromise its accuracy and make it difficult to apply to multiple species. Here, we demonstrate that an alternative protease (chymotrypsin) can produce signature peptides suitable for a LC-MRM absolute quantification (AQUA) experiment. The new method offers several advantages, including: (1) a chymotryptic signature peptide lacking chemically active residues (Cys, Met) that can confound assay accuracy; (2) low attomole limits of detection and quantitation (LOD and LOQ); and (3) a signature peptide retaining the same amino acid sequence across most mammals naturally susceptible to prion infection as well as important laboratory models. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a non-tryptic peptide in a LC-MRM AQUA workflow. PMID:22714949

Absolute Quantification of Prion Protein (90-231) Using Stable Isotope-Labeled Chymotryptic Peptide Standards in a LC-MRM AQUA Workflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sturm, Robert; Sheynkman, Gloria; Booth, Clarissa; Smith, Lloyd M.; Pedersen, Joel A.; Li, Lingjun

2012-09-01

Substantial evidence indicates that the disease-associated conformer of the prion protein (PrPTSE) constitutes the etiologic agent in prion diseases. These diseases affect multiple mammalian species. PrPTSE has the ability to convert the conformation of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into a β-sheet rich form resistant to proteinase K digestion. Common immunological techniques lack the sensitivity to detect PrPTSE at subfemtomole levels, whereas animal bioassays, cell culture, and in vitro conversion assays offer higher sensitivity but lack the high-throughput the immunological assays offer. Mass spectrometry is an attractive alternative to the above assays as it offers high-throughput, direct measurement of a protein's signature peptide, often with subfemtomole sensitivities. Although a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MRM) method has been reported for PrPTSE, the chemical composition and lack of amino acid sequence conservation of the signature peptide may compromise its accuracy and make it difficult to apply to multiple species. Here, we demonstrate that an alternative protease (chymotrypsin) can produce signature peptides suitable for a LC-MRM absolute quantification (AQUA) experiment. The new method offers several advantages, including: (1) a chymotryptic signature peptide lacking chemically active residues (Cys, Met) that can confound assay accuracy; (2) low attomole limits of detection and quantitation (LOD and LOQ); and (3) a signature peptide retaining the same amino acid sequence across most mammals naturally susceptible to prion infection as well as important laboratory models. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a non-tryptic peptide in a LC-MRM AQUA workflow.

Magnetic eye tracking in mice

PubMed Central

Payne, Hannah L

2017-01-01

Eye movements provide insights about a wide range of brain functions, from sensorimotor integration to cognition; hence, the measurement of eye movements is an important tool in neuroscience research. We describe a method, based on magnetic sensing, for measuring eye movements in head-fixed and freely moving mice. A small magnet was surgically implanted on the eye, and changes in the magnet angle as the eye rotated were detected by a magnetic field sensor. Systematic testing demonstrated high resolution measurements of eye position of <0.1°. Magnetic eye tracking offers several advantages over the well-established eye coil and video-oculography methods. Most notably, it provides the first method for reliable, high-resolution measurement of eye movements in freely moving mice, revealing increased eye movements and altered binocular coordination compared to head-fixed mice. Overall, magnetic eye tracking provides a lightweight, inexpensive, easily implemented, and high-resolution method suitable for a wide range of applications. PMID:28872455

De-Aliasing Through Over-Integration Applied to the Flux Reconstruction and Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spiegel, Seth C.; Huynh, H. T.; DeBonis, James R.

2015-01-01

High-order methods are quickly becoming popular for turbulent flows as the amount of computer processing power increases. The flux reconstruction (FR) method presents a unifying framework for a wide class of high-order methods including discontinuous Galerkin (DG), Spectral Difference (SD), and Spectral Volume (SV). It offers a simple, efficient, and easy way to implement nodal-based methods that are derived via the differential form of the governing equations. Whereas high-order methods have enjoyed recent success, they have been known to introduce numerical instabilities due to polynomial aliasing when applied to under-resolved nonlinear problems. Aliasing errors have been extensively studied in reference to DG methods; however, their study regarding FR methods has mostly been limited to the selection of the nodal points used within each cell. Here, we extend some of the de-aliasing techniques used for DG methods, primarily over-integration, to the FR framework. Our results show that over-integration does remove aliasing errors but may not remove all instabilities caused by insufficient resolution (for FR as well as DG).

Extreme Material Physical Properties and Measurements above 100 tesla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mielke, Charles

2011-03-01

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) Pulsed Field Facility (PFF) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) offers extreme environments of ultra high magnetic fields above 100 tesla by use of the Single Turn method as well as fields approaching 100 tesla with more complex methods. The challenge of metrology in the extreme magnetic field generating devices is complicated by the millions of amperes of current and tens of thousands of volts that are required to deliver the pulsed power needed for field generation. Methods of detecting physical properties of materials are essential parts of the science that seeks to understand and eventually control the fundamental functionality of materials in extreme environments. De-coupling the signal of the sample from the electro-magnetic interference associated with the magnet system is required to make these state-of-the-art magnetic fields useful to scientists studying materials in high magnetic fields. The cutting edge methods that are being used as well as methods in development will be presented with recent results in Graphene and High-Tc superconductors along with the methods and challenges. National Science Foundation DMR-Award 0654118.

EVALUATION OF ROOSEVELT SUMMER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM, 1967.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

RICHARDSON, JOY B.

THE FIRST PART OF THIS REPORT OF A SENATE BILL 28 DEMONSTRATION PROJECT DESCRIBES THE SUMMER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM IN WHICH STUDENTS WERE OFFERED (1) LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE THEIR READING ACHIEVEMENT, (2) AN INNOVATIVE MATHEMATICS COURSE CONDUCTED BY THE "DISCOVERY METHOD," AND (3) SPANISH-ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES TO ENABLE PUPILS OF…

A Selected Bibliography on International Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foreign Policy Association, New York, NY.

This unannotated bibliography is divided into four major sections; 1) General Background Readings for Teachers; 2) Approaches and Methods; 3) Materials for the Classroom; and, 4) Sources of Information and Materials. It offers a highly selective list of items which provide wide coverage of the field. Included are items on foreign policy, war and…

Annual Research Review: Infant Development, Autism, and ADHD--Early Pathways to Emerging Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Mark H.; Gliga, Teodora; Jones, Emily; Charman, Tony

2015-01-01

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, with a high degree of co-occurrence. Methods: Prospective longitudinal studies of infants who later meet criteria for ASD or ADHD offer the opportunity to determine whether the two disorders share…

Video Job Shadows. Project SEED.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kucinkas, Gene; Noyce, Gary

Video Job Shadows encourages students to develop questions about a job and offers them the chance to videotape a business person answering those questions about his or her job. The program can be an effective method of teaching high school students about the world of work and the specific requirements and responsibilities of some jobs in their…

Cape Verdeans in America: Our Story. A Teachers Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almeida, Raymond A.; And Others

Teaching strategies are suggested to help high school social studies teachers develop and implement a study of Cape Verdean American history. Intended as a guide to accompany "Cape Verdeans in America," (SO 011 060), the teacher's manual offers three categories of teaching methods: (1) ideas to help students read and understand the book,…

Digital Advances in Contemporary Audio Production.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shields, Steven O.

Noting that a revolution in sonic high fidelity occurred during the 1980s as digital-based audio production methods began to replace traditional analog modes, this paper offers both an overview of digital audio theory and descriptions of some of the related digital production technologies that have begun to emerge from the mating of the computer…

Prevalent Approaches to Professional Development in State 4-H Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Martin H.; Worker, Steven M.; Schmitt-McQuitty, Lynn; Meehan, Cheryl L.; Lewis, Kendra M.; Schoenfelder, Emily; Brian, Kelley

2017-01-01

High-quality 4-H programming requires effective professional development of educators. Through a mixed methods study, we explored professional development offered through state 4-H programs. Survey results revealed that both in-person and online delivery modes were used commonly for 4-H staff and adult volunteers; for teen volunteers, in-person…

The Futility of Propensity Score Methods in a Statewide Study of International Baccalaureate (IB)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

May, Henry; Rodriguez, Awilda; Sirinides, Philip M.; Perna, Laura W.; Yee, April; Ransom, Tafaya

2014-01-01

With the goal of increasing students' academic readiness for college, high schools in the United States are increasingly offering "credit-based transition programs," including International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment. Existing research points to the promise of IB, AP, and other credit-based…

Improving CME: Using Participant Satisfaction Measures to Specify Educational Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olivieri, Jason J.; Regala, Roderick P.

2013-01-01

Imagine having developed a continuing medical education (CME) initiative to educate physicians on updated guidelines regarding high cholesterol in adults. This initiative consisted of didactic presentations and case-based discussions offered in 5 major US cities, followed by a Web-based enduring component to distill key points of the live…

[Results of a study of the diagnostic qualities of brucellosis and tularemic antigenic erythrocytic diagnostica].

PubMed

Tsybin, B P; Taran, I F; Tinker, A I

1975-09-01

The authors elaborated methods of preparation of brucella and tularemia antigenic erythrocytic diagnostic agents which were characterized as highly specific, specific and stable preparations in mass examination of humans and animals at various stages of the vaccinal and infectous processes. The simplicity of obtaining specific antigens intended for the sensitization of formalinized erythrocytes and stability of the results of results of reproduction of the methods of preparation of the antigenic erythrocytic diagnostic agents offered a possibility of recommending the mentioned methods of industrial preparation of the diagnostic agents.

Electrolytic hydriding of LaFe(13-x)Si(x) alloys for energy efficient magnetic cooling.

PubMed

Lyubina, Julia; Hannemann, Ullrich; Ryan, Mary P; Cohen, Lesley F

2012-04-17

An effective, low-temperature and readily available electrochemical method for tuning the operation temperature of LaFe(13-x)Si(x)-type alloys is demonstrated. Electrolytically hydrided materials have the same high level magnetic properties as in high temperature gas-phase processed materials and offer an advantage of higher hydrogen absorption rate in the ferromagnetic state. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An improved schlieren method for measurement and automatic reconstruction of the far-field focal spot

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhengzhou; Hu, Bingliang; Yin, Qinye

2017-01-01

The schlieren method of measuring far-field focal spots offers many advantages at the Shenguang III laser facility such as low cost and automatic laser-path collimation. However, current methods of far-field focal spot measurement often suffer from low precision and efficiency when the final focal spot is merged manually, thereby reducing the accuracy of reconstruction. In this paper, we introduce an improved schlieren method to construct the high dynamic-range image of far-field focal spots and improve the reconstruction accuracy and efficiency. First, a detection method based on weak light beam sampling and magnification imaging was designed; images of the main and side lobes of the focused laser irradiance in the far field were obtained using two scientific CCD cameras. Second, using a self-correlation template matching algorithm, a circle the same size as the schlieren ball was dug from the main lobe cutting image and used to change the relative region of the main lobe cutting image within a 100×100 pixel region. The position that had the largest correlation coefficient between the side lobe cutting image and the main lobe cutting image when a circle was dug was identified as the best matching point. Finally, the least squares method was used to fit the center of the side lobe schlieren small ball, and the error was less than 1 pixel. The experimental results show that this method enables the accurate, high-dynamic-range measurement of a far-field focal spot and automatic image reconstruction. Because the best matching point is obtained through image processing rather than traditional reconstruction methods based on manual splicing, this method is less sensitive to the efficiency of focal-spot reconstruction and thus offers better experimental precision. PMID:28207758

ELECTROSTATIC ACCELERATORS (in French)

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

Gerbier, R.

1962-04-01

The various methods presently in use for producing the continuous high voltage necessary for the operation of electrostatic accelerators are reviewed. The methods considered are voltage multiplier units (Greinacher and Morganstern types) and electrostatic instruments (Van de Graaff and Trump machines and Felici rotnting cylinder instruments). The electrostatic accelerators used at Grenoble which give currents of several milliamperes at voltages up to 1.2 Mv are described. In this energy region electron accelerators and neutron generators offer very interesting possibilities. (auth)

In Vivo Investigation of Breast Cancer Progression by Use of an Internal Control1

PubMed Central

Baeten, John; Haller, Jodi; Shih, Helen; Ntziachristos, Vasilis

2009-01-01

Optical imaging of breast cancer has been considered for detecting functional and molecular characteristics of diseases in clinical and preclinical settings. Applied to laboratory research, photonic investigations offer a highly versatile tool for preclinical imaging and drug discovery. A particular advantage of the optical method is the availability of multiple spectral bands for performing imaging. Herein, we capitalize on this feature to demonstrate how it is possible to use different wavelengths to offer internal controls and significantly improve the observation accuracy in molecular imaging applications. In particular, we show the independent in vivo detection of cysteine proteases along with tumor permeability and interstitial volume measurements using a dual-wavelength approach. To generate results with a view toward clinically geared studies, a transgenic Her2/neu mouse model that spontaneously developed mammary tumors was used. In vivo findings were validated against conventional ex vivo tests such as histology and Western blot analyses. By correcting for biodistribution parameters, the dual-wavelength method increases the accuracy of molecular observations by separating true molecular target from probe biodistribution. As such, the method is highly appropriate for molecular imaging studies where often probe delivery and target presence are not independently assessed. On the basis of these findings, we propose the dual-wavelength/normalization approach as an essential method for drug discovery and preclinical imaging studies. PMID:19242603

Methods Beyond Methods: A Model for Africana Graduate Methods Training

PubMed Central

Best, Latrica E.; Byrd, W. Carson

2018-01-01

A holistic graduate education can impart not just tools and knowledge, but critical positioning to fulfill many of the original missions of Africana Studies programs set forth in the 1960s and 1970s. As an interdisciplinary field with many approaches to examining the African Diaspora, the methodological training of graduate students can vary across graduate programs. Although taking qualitative methods courses are often required of graduate students in Africana Studies programs, and these programs offer such courses, rarely if ever are graduate students in these programs required to take quantitative methods courses, let alone have these courses offered in-house. These courses can offer Africana Studies graduate students new tools for their own research, but more importantly, improve their knowledge of quantitative research of diasporic communities. These tools and knowledge can assist with identifying flawed arguments about African-descended communities and their members. This article explores the importance of requiring and offering critical quantitative methods courses in graduate programs in Africana Studies, and discusses the methods requirements of one graduate program in the field as an example of more rigorous training that other programs could offer graduate students. PMID:29710883

A Bright Future for Evolutionary Methods in Drug Design.

PubMed

Le, Tu C; Winkler, David A

2015-08-01

Most medicinal chemists understand that chemical space is extremely large, essentially infinite. Although high-throughput experimental methods allow exploration of drug-like space more rapidly, they are still insufficient to fully exploit the opportunities that such large chemical space offers. Evolutionary methods can synergistically blend automated synthesis and characterization methods with computational design to identify promising regions of chemical space more efficiently. We describe how evolutionary methods are implemented, and provide examples of published drug development research in which these methods have generated molecules with increased efficacy. We anticipate that evolutionary methods will play an important role in future drug discovery. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comparison of avian biochemical test results with Abaxis VetScan and Hitachi 911 analyzers.

PubMed

Greenacre, Cheryl B; Flatland, Bente; Souza, Marcy J; Fry, Michael M

2008-12-01

To compare results of clinical biochemical analysis using an Abaxis VetScan bench-top analyzer with reagents specifically marketed for avian use and a Hitachi 911 analyzer, plasma (both methods) and whole blood (VetScan method) samples from 20 clinically healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were analyzed. Correlation between methods was very high (r = 0.9-1.0) for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, glucose, and uric acid; high (r = 0.7-0.89) for creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus, potassium, and total protein; moderate (r = 0.5-0.69) for globulin; and low (r = 0.3-0.49) for albumin and sodium. VetScan analyzer results for globulin, sodium, and uric acid had a constant negative bias (values below those from the Hitachi method). Based on difference plot analysis, results for AST, calcium, CK, and glucose are comparable. Because 16 of 20 values fell below the lower detection limit of the VetScan analyzer, bile acid data were excluded from analysis. By using a relatively small sample size (0.1 ml whole blood or plasma), the VetScan analyzer offers rapid in-house results, compact size, and ease of operation. For 4 of the most clinically relevant biochemical analytes used in avian medicine (AST, calcium, CK, glucose), it offers reliable values. For an additional 4 analytes (phosphorous, potassium, total protein, uric acid), establishing analyzer-specific reference intervals is recommended. Neither the VetScan nor the Hitachi method is recommended to assess albumin and globulin concentrations.

Powder Processing of High Temperature Cermets and Carbides at Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salvail, Pat; Panda, Binayak; Hickman, Robert R.

2007-01-01

The Materials and Processing Laboratory at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is developing Powder Metallurgy (PM) processing techniques for high temperature cermet and carbide material consolidation. These new group of materials would be utilized in the nuclear core for Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTR). Cermet materials offer several advantages for NTR such as retention of fission products and fuels, better thermal shock resistance, hydrogen compatibility, high thermal conductivity, and high strength. Carbide materials offer the highest operating temperatures but are sensitive to thermal stresses and are difficult to process. To support the effort, a new facility has been setup to process refractory metal, ceramic, carbides and depleted uranium-based powders. The facility inciudes inert atmosphere glove boxes for the handling of reactive powders, a high temperature furnace, and powder processing equipment used for blending, milling, and sieving. The effort is focused on basic research to identify the most promising compositions and processing techniques. Several PM processing methods including Cold and Hot Isostatic Pressing are being evaluated to fabricate samples for characterization and hot hydrogen testing.

[Staged oncological screening with TG test].

PubMed

Bakhlaev, I E; Ageenko, A I; Rolik, I S

2006-01-01

The authors present their analysis of screening methods used for early diagnostics of cancer of various localization and for detection of high-risk individuals. They offer a program of step-by-step screening that makes it possible to cover more population with prophylactic examination and to reduce the need for special examination methods. TG-test is a universal and the most informative blastomatous process indicator at any stage, including the preclinical one. The practical screening results double the revealing rate of oncopathology and allow for three-fold reduction in the diagnostic costs compared with standard methods of cancer diagnostics. The medical efficiency of the oncological screening is high; in one third of the examined patients a tumor is diagnosed at the preclinical stage.

Research on environmental impact of water-based fire extinguishing agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuai

2018-02-01

This paper offers current status of application of water-based fire extinguishing agents, the environmental and research considerations of the need for the study of toxicity research. This paper also offers systematic review of test methods of toxicity and environmental impact of water-based fire extinguishing agents currently available, illustrate the main requirements and relevant test methods, and offer some research findings for future research considerations. The paper also offers limitations of current study.

The Specificity of Observational Studies in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences: Moving Forward in Mixed Methods Research and Proposals for Achieving Quantitative and Qualitative Symmetry

PubMed Central

Anguera, M. Teresa; Camerino, Oleguer; Castañer, Marta; Sánchez-Algarra, Pedro; Onwuegbuzie, Anthony J.

2017-01-01

Mixed methods studies are been increasingly applied to a diversity of fields. In this paper, we discuss the growing use—and enormous potential—of mixed methods research in the field of sport and physical activity. A second aim is to contribute to strengthening the characteristics of mixed methods research by showing how systematic observation offers rigor within a flexible framework that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Observational methodology is characterized by high scientific rigor and flexibility throughout its different stages and allows the objective study of spontaneous behavior in natural settings, with no external influence. Mixed methods researchers need to take bold yet thoughtful decisions regarding both substantive and procedural issues. We present three fundamental and complementary ideas to guide researchers in this respect: we show why studies of sport and physical activity that use a mixed methods research approach should be included in the field of mixed methods research, we highlight the numerous possibilities offered by observational methodology in this field through the transformation of descriptive data into quantifiable code matrices, and we discuss possible solutions for achieving true integration of qualitative and quantitative findings. PMID:29312061

Using GIS and perceived distance to understand the unequal geographies of healthcare in lower-income urban neighbourhoods.

PubMed

Hawthorne, Timothy L; Kwan, Mei-Po

2012-01-01

Geographers play important roles in public health research, particularly in understanding healthcare accessibility, utilisation, and individual healthcare experiences. Most accessibility studies have benefited from the increased sophistication of geographic information systems (GIS). Some studies have been enhanced with semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand individual experiences of people as they access healthcare. However, few accessibility studies have explicitly utilised individual in-depth interview data in the construction of new GIS accessibility measures. Using mixed methods including GIS analysis and individual data from semi-structured in-depth interviews, we offer satisfaction-adjusted distance as a new way of conceptualising accessibility in GIS. Based on fieldwork in a predominantly lower-income community in Columbus, Ohio (USA), we find many residents felt neighbourhood healthcare facilities offered low-quality care, which suggested an added perceived distance as they attempt to access high-quality healthcare facilities. The satisfaction-adjusted distance measure accounts for the perceived distance some residents feel as they search for high-quality healthcare in lower-income urban neighbourhoods. In moving beyond conventional GIS and re-conceptualising accessibility in this way, we offer a more realistic portrayal of the issues lower-income urban residents face as they attempt to access high-quality healthcare facilities. The work has theoretical implications for conceptualising healthcare accessibility, advances the mixed-methodologies literature, and argues for a more equitable distribution of high-quality healthcare in urban neighbourhoods.

Homogeneous Immunoassays: Historical Perspective and Future Promise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullman, Edwin F.

1999-06-01

The founding and growth of Syva Company is examined in the context of its leadership role in the development of homogeneous immunoassays. The simple mix and read protocols of these methods offer advantages in routine analytical and clinical applications. Early homogeneous methods were based on insensitive detection of immunoprecipitation during antigen/antibody binding. The advent of reporter groups in biology provided a means of quantitating immunochemical binding by labeling antibody or antigen and physically separating label incorporated into immune complexes from free label. Although high sensitivity was achieved, quantitative separations were experimentally demanding. Only when it became apparent that reporter groups could provide information, not only about the location of a molecule but also about its microscopic environment, was it possible to design practical non-separation methods. The evolution of early homogenous immunoassays was driven largely by the development of improved detection strategies. The first commercial spin immunoassays, developed by Syva for drug abuse testing during the Vietnam war, were followed by increasingly powerful methods such as immunochemical modulation of enzyme activity, fluorescence, and photo-induced chemiluminescence. Homogeneous methods that quantify analytes at femtomolar concentrations within a few minutes now offer important new opportunities in clinical diagnostics, nucleic acid detection and drug discovery.

Uptake of cystic fibrosis testing in primary care: supply push or demand pull?

PubMed Central

Bekker, H; Modell, M; Denniss, G; Silver, A; Mathew, C; Bobrow, M; Marteau, T

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To determine the acceptability and feasibility of screening for carriers of cystic fibrosis in a primary care setting. DESIGN--Follow up study over 15 months of patients offered carrier testing by mouthwash. SETTING--A general practice in inner London. SUBJECTS--5529 patients aged 18-45 invited by various methods and combinations of methods (letter, booklet, personal approach) for testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Uptake of screening, anxiety, and knowledge of test. RESULTS--957 (17%) invitees were screened over the 15 months. 28 carriers and no carrier couples were detected. Uptake rates were 12% (59/502 patients) among patients invited by letter and tested by appointment; 9% (47/496) among patients invited by letter, with leaflet, and tested by appointment; 4% (128/2953) among patients invited by letter six weeks before the end of the study and tested by appointment; 17% (81/471) among patients offered passive opportunistic testing; 70% (453/649) among patients offered active opportunistic testing; and 25% (22/88) among patients offered active opportunistic testing by appointment. A short term rise in anxiety among those given a positive test result had dissipated by three months. At three months about one fifth and one third of those given positive and negative results respectively did not understand their results correctly. CONCLUSION--These results suggest that the strongest variable in determining uptake of screening is the active approach by a health professional offering immediate testing. It remains to be resolved whether the high uptake rates achieved by active recruitment indicate a supply push for this new test rather than a demand from the population. PMID:8329922

Massive open online courses in health sciences from Latin American institutions: A need for improvement?

PubMed Central

Culquichicón, Carlos; Helguero-Santin, Luis M.; Labán-Seminario, L. Max; Cardona-Ospina, Jaime A.

2017-01-01

Background: Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have undergone exponential growth over the past few years, offering free and worldwide access to high-quality education. We identified the characteristics of MOOCs in the health sciences offered by Latin American institutions (LAIs). Methods: We screened the eight leading MOOCs platforms to gather their list of offerings. The MOOCs were classified by region and subject. Then, we obtained the following information: Scopus H-index for each institution and course instructor, QS World University Ranking® 2015/16 of LAI, and official language of the course. Results: Our search identified 4170 MOOCs worldwide. From them, 205 MOOCs were offered by LAIs, and six MOOCs were health sciences related. Most of these courses (n = 115) were offered through Coursera. One health science MOOC was taught by three instructors, of which only one was registered in Scopus (H-index = 0). The remaining five health science MOOCs had solely one instructor (H-index = 4 [0–17]). The Latin American country with the highest participation was Brazil (n = 11). Conclusion: The contribution of LAI to MOOCs in the health sciences is low. PMID:28713560

High resolution identity testing of inactivated poliovirus vaccines

PubMed Central

Mee, Edward T.; Minor, Philip D.; Martin, Javier

2015-01-01

Background Definitive identification of poliovirus strains in vaccines is essential for quality control, particularly where multiple wild-type and Sabin strains are produced in the same facility. Sequence-based identification provides the ultimate in identity testing and would offer several advantages over serological methods. Methods We employed random RT-PCR and high throughput sequencing to recover full-length genome sequences from monovalent and trivalent poliovirus vaccine products at various stages of the manufacturing process. Results All expected strains were detected in previously characterised products and the method permitted identification of strains comprising as little as 0.1% of sequence reads. Highly similar Mahoney and Sabin 1 strains were readily discriminated on the basis of specific variant positions. Analysis of a product known to contain incorrect strains demonstrated that the method correctly identified the contaminants. Conclusion Random RT-PCR and shotgun sequencing provided high resolution identification of vaccine components. In addition to the recovery of full-length genome sequences, the method could also be easily adapted to the characterisation of minor variant frequencies and distinction of closely related products on the basis of distinguishing consensus and low frequency polymorphisms. PMID:26049003

Improved Cell Culture Method for Growing Contracting Skeletal Muscle Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marquette, Michele L.; Sognier, Marguerite A.

2013-01-01

An improved method for culturing immature muscle cells (myoblasts) into a mature skeletal muscle overcomes some of the notable limitations of prior culture methods. The development of the method is a major advance in tissue engineering in that, for the first time, a cell-based model spontaneously fuses and differentiates into masses of highly aligned, contracting myotubes. This method enables (1) the construction of improved two-dimensional (monolayer) skeletal muscle test beds; (2) development of contracting three-dimensional tissue models; and (3) improved transplantable tissues for biomedical and regenerative medicine applications. With adaptation, this method also offers potential application for production of other tissue types (i.e., bone and cardiac) from corresponding precursor cells.

Towards neutron scattering experiments with sub-millisecond time resolution

DOE PAGES

Adlmann, F. A.; Gutfreund, Phillip; Ankner, John Francis; ...

2015-02-01

Neutron scattering techniques offer several unique opportunities in materials research. However, most neutron scattering experiments suffer from the limited flux available at current facilities. This limitation becomes even more severe if time-resolved or kinetic experiments are performed. A new method has been developed which overcomes these limitations when a reversible process is studied, without any compromise on resolution or beam intensity. We demonstrate that, by recording in absolute time the neutron detector events linked to an excitation, information can be resolved on sub-millisecond timescales. Specifically, the concept of the method is demonstrated by neutron reflectivity measurements in time-of-flight mode atmore » the Liquids Reflectometer located at the Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, USA, combined with in situ rheometry. Finally, the opportunities and limitations of this new technique are evaluated by investigations of a micellar polymer solution offering excellent scattering contrast combined with high sensitivity to shear.« less

The oral food desensitization in the Italian allergy centres.

PubMed

Meglio, P; Caminiti, L; Pajno, G B; Dello Iacono, I; Tripodi, S; Verga, M C; Martelli, A

2015-05-01

Attempts aimed at inducing food tolerance through oral food desensitization (OFD) for the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergies are increasing. In Italy, a number of allergy centres offer this procedure. To collect information on how these centres are organized, how patients are selected, the methods used to administer OFD and how adverse reactions are managed. A questionnaire was e-mailed to all the Italian allergy centres offering OFD. The survey shows a high degree of variability between centres. A correct diagnosis of food allergy is crucial for selecting patients for OFD. In the Italian allergy centres, oral food challenges are mostly open label (84%), but in 16% of cases they are single-blind (8%) or double-blind (8%). A high proportion of allergy centres (83%) offer OFD to children presenting forms of anaphylaxis triggered by traces--or very low doses--of food allergen. The majority of allergy centres (76%) enroll patients over 3 years of age, with 44% enrolling patients above the age of 5. Not-controlled asthma, unreliability of parents in the management of OFD and/or risk of adverse events, are the main reasons for exclusion from the procedure. Although OFD may sometimes be successful and may be considered a valid alternative to an elimination diet, further randomized controlled trials are needed, in order to clarify some controversial points, such as the characteristics of the child undergoing OFD, and the methods of food preparation and administration. Moreover, further studies should further investigate OFD safety, efficacy and costs.

Problems of natural lighting for deepened buildings and underground premises under screen effect of high-rise construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larionova, Kira; Stetsky, Sergey

2018-03-01

The main rationale and objective of the submitted research work is to create a quality lighting environment in the premises of deepened buildings and below-ground structures under screen effect of high-rise construction (high-rise buildings). It is noted, that in modern megapolises, a deficiency of vacant urban territories leads to the increased density of urban development with increased amount of high-rise construction and tendency to increase efficiency in the use of underground space. The natural lighting of premises in underground buildings and structures is the most efficient way, but it can be implemented only under use of roof lighting system in the form of roof monitors or skylights. In this case the levels of indoor natural lighting will be affected with serious screening effect of high-rise buildings in surrounding development. Such an situation is not regulated, or even considered by the contemporary building Codes and Regulations on natural lighting of interiors. The authors offered a new formula for a daylight factor calculation with roof lighting system in the described cases. The results of theoretical calculations and experimental studies showed very similar values. This proved the truth of the offered formula and elaborated method of calculation on the basis of an offered hypothesis. It prooves, that it is possible to use some factor and guide points in the daylight factors design under system of side natural lighting in the same design for a system of roof lighting.

Effect of gamma irradiation on microbial load, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gamma irradiation is highly effective in inactivating microorganisms in various foods and offers a safe alternative method of food decontamination. In the present study, soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill) were treated with 0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 KGy of gamma irradiation. Microbial populations on s...

Teaching Anthropology as Science at the Junior High School Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Decanay, Al, Jr.

1977-01-01

Describes an elective anthropology course of eighth grade students taught in 1974-75 and 1975-76. The course was offered as part of the science rather than social studies program, and emphasized physical anthropology and archaeology with laboratory and field methods. The content was within the grasp of motivated average and above average eighth…

Using the Scientific Method to Guide Learning: An Integrated Approach to Early Childhood Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerde, Hope K.; Schachter, Rachel E.; Wasik, Barbara A.

2013-01-01

Researchers and practitioners have become increasingly interested in how early childhood programs prepare young children for science. Due to a number of factors, including educators' low self-efficacy for teaching science and lack of educational resources, many early childhood classrooms do not offer high-quality science experiences for young…

Enhancing Science Education through Extracurricular Activities: A Retrospective Study of "Suzy Science and the Whiz Kids[C]"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kralina, Linda M.

2009-01-01

Extracurricular activities (ECA) are informal settings offering free-choice experiences that are generally voluntary, open-ended, non-sequential, self-directed, hands-on, and evaluation-free. This mixed methods study investigates participation in a high school science ECA by collecting the memories of former student members for their perceptions…

Low Proficiency Learners in Synchronous Computer-Assisted and Face-to-Face Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tam, Shu Sim; Kan, Ngat Har; Ng, Lee Luan

2010-01-01

This experimental study offers empirical evidence of the effect of the computer-mediated environment on the linguistic output of low proficiency learners. The subjects were 32 female undergraduates with high and low proficiency in ESL. A within-subject repeated measures concurrent nested QUAN-qual (Creswell, 2003) mixed methods approach was used.…

Career and Technical Education Pathway Programs, Academic Performance, and the Transition to College and Career

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lekes, Natasha; Bragg, Debra. D.; Loeb, Jane W.; Oleksiw, Catherine A.; Marszalek, Jacob; Brooks-LaRaviere, Margaret; Zhu, Rongchun; Kremidas, Chloe C.; Akukwe, Grace; Lee, Hyeong-Jong; Hood, Lisa K.

2007-01-01

This mixed method study examined secondary student matriculation to two selected community colleges offering career and technical education (CTE) transition programs through partnerships with K-12 and secondary districts having numerous high schools. The study had two distinct components: (1) a secondary study that compared CTE and non-CTE…

An extractive removal step optimized for a high-throughput α-cellulose extraction method for δ 13 C and δ 18 O stable isotope ratio analysis in conifer tree rings

Treesearch

Wen Lin; Asko Noormets; John S. King; Ge Sun; Steve McNulty; Jean-Christophe Domec; Lucas Cernusak

2017-01-01

Stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O) of tree-ring α-cellulose are important tools in paleoclimatology, ecology, plant physiology and genetics. The Multiple Sample Isolation System for Solids (MSISS) was a major advance in the tree-ring α-cellulose extraction methods, offering greater throughput and reduced labor input compared to traditional alternatives. However, the...

Dual channel sensitive detection of hsa-miR-21 based on rolling circle amplification and quantum dots tagging.

PubMed

Wangt, Dan-Chen; Hu, Li-Hui; Zhou, Yu-Hui; Huang, Yu-Ting; Li, Xinhua; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2014-04-01

An isothermal, highly sensitive and specific assay for the detection of hsa-miR-21 with the integration of QDs tagging and rolling circle amplification was offered. In addition, a dual channel strategy for miRNA detection was proposed: anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and fluorescent method were both performed for the final Cd2+ signal readout. The designed strategy exhibited good specificity to hsa-miR-21 and presented comparable detection results by detection methods.

The Method of Manufacturing Nonmetallic Test-Blocks on Different Sensitivity Classes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinichenko, N. P.; Kalinichenko, A. N.; Lobanova, I. S.; Zaitseva, A. A.; Loboda, E. L.

2016-01-01

Nowadays in our modern world there is a vital question of quality control of details made from nonmetallic materials due to their wide spreading. Nondestructive penetrant testing is effective, and in some cases it is the only possible method of accidents prevention at high- risk sites. A brief review of check sample necessary for quality evaluation of penetrant materials is considered. There was offered a way of making agents for quality of penetrant materials testing according to different liquid penetrant testing sensibility classes.

Controlled assembly of organic whispering-gallery-mode microlasers as highly sensitive chemical vapor sensors.

PubMed

Gao, Miaomiao; Wei, Cong; Lin, Xianqing; Liu, Yuan; Hu, Fengqin; Zhao, Yong Sheng

2017-03-09

We demonstrate the fabrication of organic high Q active whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators from π-conjugated polymer by a controlled emulsion-solvent-evaporation method, which can simultaneously provide optical gain and act as an effective resonant cavity. By measuring the shift of their lasing modes on exposure to organic vapor, we successfully monitored the slight concentration variation in the chemical gas. These microlaser sensors demonstrated high detection sensitivity and good signal repeatability under continuous chemical gas treatments. The results offer an effective strategy to design miniaturized optical sensors.

Isolation and characterization of anti-SEB peptides using magnetic sorting and bacterial peptide display library technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pennington, Joseph M.; Kogot, Joshua M.; Sarkes, Deborah A.; Pellegrino, Paul M.; Stratis-Cullum, Dimitra N.

2012-06-01

Peptide display libraries offer an alternative method to existing antibody development methods enabling rapid isolation of highly stable reagents for detection of new and emerging biological threats. Bacterial display libraries are used to isolate new peptide reagents within 1 week, which is simpler and timelier than using competing display library technology based on phage or yeast. Using magnetic sorting methods, we have isolated peptide reagents with high affinity and specificity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a suspected food pathogen. Flow cytometry methods were used for on-cell characterization and the binding affinity (Kd) of this new peptide reagent was determined to be 56 nm with minimal cross-reactivity to other proteins. These results demonstrated that magnetic sorting for new reagents using bacterial display libraries is a rapid and effective method and has the potential for current and new and emerging food pathogen targets.

High Compositional Homogeneity of CdTe xSe 1-x Crystals Grown by the Bridgman Method

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

Roy, U. N.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.

2015-02-03

We obtained high-quality CdTe xSe 1-x (CdTeSe) crystals from ingots grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. The compositional uniformity of the ingots was evaluated by X-ray fluorescence at BNL’s National Synchrotron Light Source X27A beam line. The resulting compositional homogeneity was highly uniform throughout the ingot, and the effective segregation coefficient of Se was ~1.0. This uniformity offers potential opportunity to enhance the yield of the materials for both infrared substrate and radiation-detector applications, so greatly lowering the cost of production and also offering us the prospect to grow large-diameter ingots for use as large-area substrates and for producing highermore » efficiency gamma-ray detectors. The concentration of secondary phases was found to be much lower, by eight- to ten fold compared to that of conventional Cd xZn 1-xTe (CdZnTe or CZT).« less

High-quality ultrastructural preservation using cryofixation for 3D electron microscopy of genetically labeled tissues

PubMed Central

Boassa, Daniela; Hu, Junru; Romoli, Benedetto; Phan, Sebastien; Dulcis, Davide

2018-01-01

Electron microscopy (EM) offers unparalleled power to study cell substructures at the nanoscale. Cryofixation by high-pressure freezing offers optimal morphological preservation, as it captures cellular structures instantaneously in their near-native state. However, the applicability of cryofixation is limited by its incompatibility with diaminobenzidine labeling using genetic EM tags and the high-contrast en bloc staining required for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM). In addition, it is challenging to perform correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with cryofixed samples. Consequently, these powerful methods cannot be applied to address questions requiring optimal morphological preservation. Here, we developed an approach that overcomes these limitations; it enables genetically labeled, cryofixed samples to be characterized with SBEM and 3D CLEM. Our approach is broadly applicable, as demonstrated in cultured cells, Drosophila olfactory organ and mouse brain. This optimization exploits the potential of cryofixation, allowing for quality ultrastructural preservation for diverse EM applications. PMID:29749931

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

Belinsky, Steven A; Palmisano, William A

A molecular marker-based method for monitoring and detecting cancer in humans. Aberrant methylation of gene promoters is a marker for cancer risk in humans. A two-stage, or "nested" polymerase chain reaction method is disclosed for detecting methylated DNA sequences at sufficiently high levels of sensitivity to permit cancer screening in biological fluid samples, such as sputum, obtained non-invasively. The method is for detecting the aberrant methylation of the p16 gene, O 6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene, Death-associated protein kinase gene, RAS-associated family 1 gene, or other gene promoters. The method offers a potentially powerful approach to population-based screening for the detection ofmore » lung and other cancers.« less

Metal ion transport quantified by ICP-MS in intact cells

PubMed Central

Figueroa, Julio A. Landero; Stiner, Cory A.; Radzyukevich, Tatiana L.; Heiny, Judith A.

2016-01-01

The use of ICP-MS to measure metal ion content in biological tissues offers a highly sensitive means to study metal-dependent physiological processes. Here we describe the application of ICP-MS to measure membrane transport of Rb and K ions by the Na,K-ATPase in mouse skeletal muscles and human red blood cells. The ICP-MS method provides greater precision and statistical power than possible with conventional tracer flux methods. The method is widely applicable to studies of other metal ion transporters and metal-dependent processes in a range of cell types and conditions. PMID:26838181

On the parallel solution of parabolic equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallopoulos, E.; Saad, Youcef

1989-01-01

Parallel algorithms for the solution of linear parabolic problems are proposed. The first of these methods is based on using polynomial approximation to the exponential. It does not require solving any linear systems and is highly parallelizable. The two other methods proposed are based on Pade and Chebyshev approximations to the matrix exponential. The parallelization of these methods is achieved by using partial fraction decomposition techniques to solve the resulting systems and thus offers the potential for increased time parallelism in time dependent problems. Experimental results from the Alliant FX/8 and the Cray Y-MP/832 vector multiprocessors are also presented.

Metal ion transport quantified by ICP-MS in intact cells.

PubMed

Figueroa, Julio A Landero; Stiner, Cory A; Radzyukevich, Tatiana L; Heiny, Judith A

2016-02-03

The use of ICP-MS to measure metal ion content in biological tissues offers a highly sensitive means to study metal-dependent physiological processes. Here we describe the application of ICP-MS to measure membrane transport of Rb and K ions by the Na,K-ATPase in mouse skeletal muscles and human red blood cells. The ICP-MS method provides greater precision and statistical power than possible with conventional tracer flux methods. The method is widely applicable to studies of other metal ion transporters and metal-dependent processes in a range of cell types and conditions.

Photobiomolecular deposition of metallic particles and films

DOEpatents

Hu, Zhong-Cheng

2005-02-08

The method of the invention is based on the unique electron-carrying function of a photocatalytic unit such as the photosynthesis system I (PSI) reaction center of the protein-chlorophyll complex isolated from chloroplasts. The method employs a photo-biomolecular metal deposition technique for precisely controlled nucleation and growth of metallic clusters/particles, e.g., platinum, palladium, and their alloys, etc., as well as for thin-film formation above the surface of a solid substrate. The photochemically mediated technique offers numerous advantages over traditional deposition methods including quantitative atom deposition control, high energy efficiency, and mild operating condition requirements.

Photobiomolecular metallic particles and films

DOEpatents

Hu, Zhong-Cheng

2003-05-06

The method of the invention is based on the unique electron-carrying function of a photocatalytic unit such as the photosynthesis system I (PSI) reaction center of the protein-chlorophyll complex isolated from chloroplasts. The method employs a photo-biomolecular metal deposition technique for precisely controlled nucleation and growth of metallic clusters/particles, e.g., platinum, palladium, and their alloys, etc., as well as for thin-film formation above the surface of a solid substrate. The photochemically mediated technique offers numerous advantages over traditional deposition methods including quantitative atom deposition control, high energy efficiency, and mild operating condition requirements.

Strain Prioritization for Natural Product Discovery by a High-Throughput Real-Time PCR Method

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Natural products offer unmatched chemical and structural diversity compared to other small-molecule libraries, but traditional natural product discovery programs are not sustainable, demanding too much time, effort, and resources. Here we report a strain prioritization method for natural product discovery. Central to the method is the application of real-time PCR, targeting genes characteristic to the biosynthetic machinery of natural products with distinct scaffolds in a high-throughput format. The practicality and effectiveness of the method were showcased by prioritizing 1911 actinomycete strains for diterpenoid discovery. A total of 488 potential diterpenoid producers were identified, among which six were confirmed as platensimycin and platencin dual producers and one as a viguiepinol and oxaloterpin producer. While the method as described is most appropriate to prioritize strains for discovering specific natural products, variations of this method should be applicable to the discovery of other classes of natural products. Applications of genome sequencing and genome mining to the high-priority strains could essentially eliminate the chance elements from traditional discovery programs and fundamentally change how natural products are discovered. PMID:25238028

Denoised Wigner distribution deconvolution via low-rank matrix completion

DOE PAGES

Lee, Justin; Barbastathis, George

2016-08-23

Wigner distribution deconvolution (WDD) is a decades-old method for recovering phase from intensity measurements. Although the technique offers an elegant linear solution to the quadratic phase retrieval problem, it has seen limited adoption due to its high computational/memory requirements and the fact that the technique often exhibits high noise sensitivity. Here, we propose a method for noise suppression in WDD via low-rank noisy matrix completion. Our technique exploits the redundancy of an object’s phase space to denoise its WDD reconstruction. We show in model calculations that our technique outperforms other WDD algorithms as well as modern iterative methods for phasemore » retrieval such as ptychography. Here, our results suggest that a class of phase retrieval techniques relying on regularized direct inversion of ptychographic datasets (instead of iterative reconstruction techniques) can provide accurate quantitative phase information in the presence of high levels of noise.« less

Denoised Wigner distribution deconvolution via low-rank matrix completion

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

Lee, Justin; Barbastathis, George

Wigner distribution deconvolution (WDD) is a decades-old method for recovering phase from intensity measurements. Although the technique offers an elegant linear solution to the quadratic phase retrieval problem, it has seen limited adoption due to its high computational/memory requirements and the fact that the technique often exhibits high noise sensitivity. Here, we propose a method for noise suppression in WDD via low-rank noisy matrix completion. Our technique exploits the redundancy of an object’s phase space to denoise its WDD reconstruction. We show in model calculations that our technique outperforms other WDD algorithms as well as modern iterative methods for phasemore » retrieval such as ptychography. Here, our results suggest that a class of phase retrieval techniques relying on regularized direct inversion of ptychographic datasets (instead of iterative reconstruction techniques) can provide accurate quantitative phase information in the presence of high levels of noise.« less

Nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction cancer detection method

DOEpatents

Belinsky, Steven A [Albuquerque, NM; Palmisano, William A [Edgewood, NM

2007-05-08

A molecular marker-based method for monitoring and detecting cancer in humans. Aberrant methylation of gene promoters is a marker for cancer risk in humans. A two-stage, or "nested" polymerase chain reaction method is disclosed for detecting methylated DNA sequences at sufficiently high levels of sensitivity to permit cancer screening in biological fluid samples, such as sputum, obtained non-invasively. The method is for detecting the aberrant methylation of the p16 gene, O 6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene, Death-associated protein kinase gene, RAS-associated family 1 gene, or other gene promoters. The method offers a potentially powerful approach to population-based screening for the detection of lung and other cancers.

A Survey of the Isentropic Euler Vortex Problem Using High-Order Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spiegel, Seth C.; Huynh, H. T.; DeBonis, James R.

2015-01-01

The flux reconstruction (FR) method offers a simple, efficient, and easy to implement method, and it has been shown to equate to a differential approach to discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods. The FR method is also accurate to an arbitrary order and the isentropic Euler vortex problem is used here to empirically verify this claim. This problem is widely used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to verify the accuracy of a given numerical method due to its simplicity and known exact solution at any given time. While verifying our FR solver, multiple obstacles emerged that prevented us from achieving the expected order of accuracy over short and long amounts of simulation time. It was found that these complications stemmed from a few overlooked details in the original problem definition combined with the FR and DG methods achieving high-accuracy with minimal dissipation. This paper is intended to consolidate the many versions of the vortex problem found in literature and to highlight some of the consequences if these overlooked details remain neglected.

DESIGNS FOR SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

NIMNICHT, GLENDON P.; PARTRIDGE, ARTHUR R.

BY MULTIPLE-CLASS TEACHING AND FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING, SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS CAN OFFER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OFFERED BY LARGE HIGH SCHOOLS. WITH ATTENTION TO FACILITY DESIGN, NOT ONLY CAN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, ART, BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, HOMEMAKING, ENGLISH, AND SOCIAL STUDIES BE OFFERED TO TWO OR MORE GROUPS OF…

Peptides Displayed as High Density Brush Polymers Resist Proteolysis and Retain Bioactivity

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We describe a strategy for rendering peptides resistant to proteolysis by formulating them as high-density brush polymers. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by polymerizing well-established cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and showing that the resulting polymers are not only resistant to proteolysis but also maintain their ability to enter cells. The scope of this design concept is explored by studying the proteolytic resistance of brush polymers composed of peptides that are substrates for either thrombin or a metalloprotease. Finally, we demonstrate that the proteolytic susceptibility of peptide brush polymers can be tuned by adjusting the density of the polymer brush and offer in silico models to rationalize this finding. We contend that this strategy offers a plausible method of preparing peptides for in vivo use, where rapid digestion by proteases has traditionally restricted their utility. PMID:25314576

Protonic Conduction of BaCe0.85YO. 1503 Doped with SrTiO3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dynys, Frederick W.; Sayir, Ali

2005-01-01

Reformers based on ceramic membrane technology potentially offer hydrogen production that is comparable to the cost of fossil fuels. Protonic conducting ceramic with the chemical formula AB03 offers the promise of highly selective hydrogen separation at intermediate temperature (400-800 C). Among different perovskite-type oxides, BaCe03 and SrCe03 based compositions show high protonic conductivities but strong resistance to densification. X-ray diffraction studies on sintered specimens of BaCe0.85Y0.1503-6 show multi-phase formation which was found to show dependence upon powder synthesis method. Doping with SrTiO3 suppresses multi-phase formation and enhances grain growth. Conductivity measurements in temperature range of 200 to 1000 C were performed by ac impedance spectroscopy under dry and wet conditions. Sintering behavior, phase formation and conductivity results will be reported.

Active mask segmentation of fluorescence microscope images.

PubMed

Srinivasa, Gowri; Fickus, Matthew C; Guo, Yusong; Linstedt, Adam D; Kovacević, Jelena

2009-08-01

We propose a new active mask algorithm for the segmentation of fluorescence microscope images of punctate patterns. It combines the (a) flexibility offered by active-contour methods, (b) speed offered by multiresolution methods, (c) smoothing offered by multiscale methods, and (d) statistical modeling offered by region-growing methods into a fast and accurate segmentation tool. The framework moves from the idea of the "contour" to that of "inside and outside," or masks, allowing for easy multidimensional segmentation. It adapts to the topology of the image through the use of multiple masks. The algorithm is almost invariant under initialization, allowing for random initialization, and uses a few easily tunable parameters. Experiments show that the active mask algorithm matches the ground truth well and outperforms the algorithm widely used in fluorescence microscopy, seeded watershed, both qualitatively, as well as quantitatively.

Digital intermediate frequency QAM modulator using parallel processing

DOEpatents

Pao, Hsueh-Yuan [Livermore, CA; Tran, Binh-Nien [San Ramon, CA

2008-05-27

The digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) modulator applies to various modulation types and offers a simple and low cost method to implement a high-speed digital IF modulator using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The architecture eliminates multipliers and sequential processing by storing the pre-computed modulated cosine and sine carriers in ROM look-up-tables (LUTs). The high-speed input data stream is parallel processed using the corresponding LUTs, which reduces the main processing speed, allowing the use of low cost FPGAs.

Adolescent postabortion groups: risk reduction in a school-based health clinic.

PubMed

Daly, Joan Ziegler; Ziegler, Robert; Goldstein, Donna J

2004-10-01

A short-term postabortion group for adolescents was developed. Three groups were conducted in an adolescent mental health clinic within an urban high school-based health clinic. The clinical group experiences offered the adolescents an opportunity to integrate the experience of pregnancy and the abortion decision into their lives. At follow up, adolescents who participated in th postabortion counseling group indicated that they chose and used a method of birth control, did not repeat an unplanned pregnancy, and remained in high school.

Crack propagation of brittle rock under high geostress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ning; Chu, Weijiang; Chen, Pingzhi

2018-03-01

Based on fracture mechanics and numerical methods, the characteristics and failure criterions of wall rock cracks including initiation, propagation, and coalescence are analyzed systematically under different conditions. In order to consider the interaction among cracks, adopt the sliding model of multi-cracks to simulate the splitting failure of rock in axial compress. The reinforcement of bolts and shotcrete supporting to rock mass can control the cracks propagation well. Adopt both theory analysis and simulation method to study the mechanism of controlling the propagation. The best fixed angle of bolts is calculated. Then use ansys to simulate the crack arrest function of bolt to crack. Analyze the influence of different factors on stress intensity factor. The method offer more scientific and rational criterion to evaluate the splitting failure of underground engineering under high geostress.

Can artificial parthenogenesis sidestep ethical pitfalls in human therapeutic cloning? An historical perspective

PubMed Central

Fangerau, H

2005-01-01

The aim of regenerative medicine is to reconstruct tissue that has been lost or pathologically altered. Therapeutic cloning seems to offer a method of achieving this aim; however, the ethical debate surrounding human therapeutic cloning is highly controversial. Artificial parthenogenesis—obtaining embryos from unfertilised eggs—seems to offer a way to sidestep these ethical pitfalls. Jacques Loeb (1859–1924), the founding father of artificial parthogenesis, faced negative public opinion when he published his research in 1899. His research, the public's response to his findings, and his ethical foundations serve as an historical argument both for the communication of science and compromise in biological research. PMID:16319240

Spatial-impulse-response-dependent back-projection using the non-stationary convolution in optoacoustic mesoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Tong; Wang, Yihan; Gao, Feng; Zhao, Huijuan; Ntziachristos, Vasilis; Li, Jiao

2018-02-01

Photoacoustic mesoscopy (PAMe), offering high-resolution (sub-100-μm) and high optical contrast imaging at the depth of 1-10 mm, generally obtains massive collection data using a high-frequency focused ultrasonic transducer. The spatial impulse response (SIR) of this focused transducer causes the distortion of measured signals in both duration and amplitude. Thus, the reconstruction method considering the SIR needs to be investigated in the computation-economic way for PAMe. Here, we present a modified back-projection algorithm, by introducing a SIR-dependent calibration process using a non-satationary convolution method. The proposed method is performed on numerical simulations and phantom experiments of microspheres with diameter of both 50 μm and 100 μm, and the improvement of image fidelity of this method is proved to be evident by methodology parameters. The results demonstrate that, the images reconstructed when the SIR of transducer is accounted for have higher contrast-to-noise ratio and more reasonable spatial resolution, compared to the common back-projection algorithm.

Distributed collaborative probabilistic design for turbine blade-tip radial running clearance using support vector machine of regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Cheng-Wei; Bai, Guang-Chen

2014-12-01

To improve the computational precision and efficiency of probabilistic design for mechanical dynamic assembly like the blade-tip radial running clearance (BTRRC) of gas turbine, a distribution collaborative probabilistic design method-based support vector machine of regression (SR)(called as DCSRM) is proposed by integrating distribution collaborative response surface method and support vector machine regression model. The mathematical model of DCSRM is established and the probabilistic design idea of DCSRM is introduced. The dynamic assembly probabilistic design of aeroengine high-pressure turbine (HPT) BTRRC is accomplished to verify the proposed DCSRM. The analysis results reveal that the optimal static blade-tip clearance of HPT is gained for designing BTRRC, and improving the performance and reliability of aeroengine. The comparison of methods shows that the DCSRM has high computational accuracy and high computational efficiency in BTRRC probabilistic analysis. The present research offers an effective way for the reliability design of mechanical dynamic assembly and enriches mechanical reliability theory and method.

Changes in School Food Preparation Methods Result in Healthier Cafeteria Lunches in Elementary Schools.

PubMed

Behrens, Timothy K; Liebert, Mina L; Peterson, Hannah J; Howard Smith, Jennifer; Sutliffe, Jay T; Day, Aubrey; Mack, Jodi

2018-05-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a districtwide food best practices and preparation changes in elementary schools lunches, implemented as part of the LiveWell@School childhood obesity program, funded by LiveWell Colorado/Kaiser Permanente Community Health Initiative. Longitudinal study examining how school changes in best practices for food preparation impacted the types of side items offered from 2009 to 2015 in elementary school cafeterias in a high-need school district in southern Colorado. Specifically, this study examined changes in side items (fruits, vegetables, potatoes, breads, and desserts). In Phase 1 (2009-2010), baseline data were collected. During Phase 2 (2010-2011), breaded and processed foods (e.g., frozen nuggets, pre-packaged pizza) were removed and school chefs were trained on scratch cooking methods. Phase 3 (2011-2012) saw an increased use of fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables after a new commodity order. During Phase 4 (2013-2015), chef consulting and training took place. The frequency of side offerings was tracked across phases. Analyses were completed in Fall 2016. Because of limited sample sizes, data from Phases 2 to 4 (intervention phases) were combined for potatoes and desserts. Descriptive statistics were calculated. After adjusting for length of time for each phase, Pearson chi-square tests were conducted to examine changes in offerings of side items by phase. Fresh fruit offerings increased and canned fruit decreased in Phases 1-4 (p=0.001). A significant difference was observed for vegetables (p=0.001), with raw and steamed vegetables increasing and canned vegetables decreasing from Phase 1 to 4. Fresh potatoes (low in sodium) increased and fried potatoes (high in sodium) decreased from Phase 1 to Phases 2-4 (p=0.001). Breads were eliminated entirely in Phase 2, and dessert changes were not significant (p=0.927). This approach to promoting healthier lunch sides is a promising paradigm for improving elementary cafeteria food offerings. This article is part of a supplement entitled Building Thriving Communities Through Comprehensive Community Health Initiatives, which is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Community Health. Copyright © 2018 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fast Filtration of Bacterial or Mammalian Suspension Cell Cultures for Optimal Metabolomics Results

PubMed Central

Bordag, Natalie; Janakiraman, Vijay; Nachtigall, Jonny; González Maldonado, Sandra; Bethan, Bianca; Laine, Jean-Philippe; Fux, Elie

2016-01-01

The metabolome offers real time detection of the adaptive, multi-parametric response of the organisms to environmental changes, pathophysiological stimuli or genetic modifications and thus rationalizes the optimization of cell cultures in bioprocessing. In bioprocessing the measurement of physiological intracellular metabolite levels is imperative for successful applications. However, a sampling method applicable to all cell types with little to no validation effort which simultaneously offers high recovery rates, high metabolite coverage and sufficient removal of extracellular contaminations is still missing. Here, quenching, centrifugation and fast filtration were compared and fast filtration in combination with a stabilizing washing solution was identified as the most promising sampling method. Different influencing factors such as filter type, vacuum pressure, washing solutions were comprehensively tested. The improved fast filtration method (MxP® FastQuench) followed by routine lipid/polar extraction delivers a broad metabolite coverage and recovery reflecting well physiological intracellular metabolite levels for different cell types, such as bacteria (Escherichia coli) as well as mammalian cells chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and mouse myeloma cells (NS0).The proposed MxP® FastQuench allows sampling, i.e. separation of cells from medium with washing and quenching, in less than 30 seconds and is robustly designed to be applicable to all cell types. The washing solution contains the carbon source respectively the 13C-labeled carbon source to avoid nutritional stress during sampling. This method is also compatible with automation which would further reduce sampling times and the variability of metabolite profiling data. PMID:27438065

Boron Nitride Nanotube: Synthesis and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiano, Amanda L.; Park, Cheol; Lee, Joseph W.; Luong, Hoa H.; Gibbons, Luke J.; Chu, Sang-Hyon; Applin, Samantha I.; Gnoffo, Peter; Lowther, Sharon; Kim, Hyun Jung;

Boron nitride nanotube: synthesis and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiano, Amanda L.; Park, Cheol; Lee, Joseph W.; Luong, Hoa H.; Gibbons, Luke J.; Chu, Sang-Hyon; Applin, Samantha; Gnoffo, Peter; Lowther, Sharon; Kim, Hyun Jung; Danehy, Paul M.; Inman, Jennifer A.; Jones, Stephen B.; Kang, Jin Ho; Sauti, Godfrey; Thibeault, Sheila A.; Yamakov, Vesselin; Wise, Kristopher E.; Su, Ji; Fay, Catharine C.

2014-04-01

Scientists have predicted that carbon's immediate neighbors on the periodic chart, boron and nitrogen, may also form perfect nanotubes, since the advent of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991. First proposed then synthesized by researchers at UC Berkeley in the mid 1990's, the boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) has proven very difficult to make until now. Herein we provide an update on a catalyst-free method for synthesizing highly crystalline, small diameter BNNTs with a high aspect ratio using a high power laser under a high pressure and high temperature environment first discovered jointly by NASA/NIA/JSA. Progress in purification methods, dispersion studies, BNNT mat and composite formation, and modeling and diagnostics will also be presented. The white BNNTs offer extraordinary properties including neutron radiation shielding, piezoelectricity, thermal oxidative stability (> 800°C in air), mechanical strength, and toughness. The characteristics of the novel BNNTs and BNNT polymer composites and their potential applications are discussed.

Investigating the Role of Domain General Mechanisms in the Acquisition of Domain Specific Expertise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Scott Barry

2007-01-01

The expert performance approach championed by Ericsson et al. provides a scientific way forward for research on giftedness, and offers exciting new ways to further one's understanding of the determinants of high ability within a particular domain of expertise. While the methods the authors use are commendable and are likely to further one's…

Evidence from Neurolinguistic Methodologies: Can It Actually Inform Linguistic/Language Acquisition Theories and Translate to Evidence-Based Applications?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Leah; González Alonso, Jorge; Pliatsikas, Christos; Rothman, Jason

2018-01-01

This special issue is a testament to the recent burgeoning interest by theoretical linguists, language acquisitionists and teaching practitioners in the neuroscience of language. It offers a highly valuable, state-of-the-art overview of the neurophysiological methods that are currently being applied to questions in the field of second language…

Money Management and the Consumer, Taxes: "An Offer You Can't Avoid."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This unit, one of a series of six Project SCAT (Skills for Consumer Applied Today) units, is designed to help senior high school students develop consumer education skills. For a description of the specific objectives and format of the units, see SO 013 467. This document provides teaching methods, learning activities, and a student booklet for a…

Microfabrication for Drug Delivery

PubMed Central

Koch, Brendan; Rubino, Ilaria; Quan, Fu-Shi; Yoo, Bongyoung; Choi, Hyo-Jick

2016-01-01

This review is devoted to discussing the application of microfabrication technologies to target challenges encountered in life processes by the development of drug delivery systems. Recently, microfabrication has been largely applied to solve health and pharmaceutical science issues. In particular, fabrication methods along with compatible materials have been successfully designed to produce multifunctional, highly effective drug delivery systems. Microfabrication offers unique tools that can tackle problems in this field, such as ease of mass production with high quality control and low cost, complexity of architecture design and a broad range of materials. Presented is an overview of silicon- and polymer-based fabrication methods that are key in the production of microfabricated drug delivery systems. Moreover, the efforts focused on studying the biocompatibility of materials used in microfabrication are analyzed. Finally, this review discusses representative ways microfabrication has been employed to develop systems delivering drugs through the transdermal and oral route, and to improve drug eluting implants. Additionally, microfabricated vaccine delivery systems are presented due to the great impact they can have in obtaining a cold chain-free vaccine, with long-term stability. Microfabrication will continue to offer new, alternative solutions for the development of smart, advanced drug delivery systems. PMID:28773770

Machine Learning Approaches in Cardiovascular Imaging.

PubMed

Henglin, Mir; Stein, Gillian; Hushcha, Pavel V; Snoek, Jasper; Wiltschko, Alexander B; Cheng, Susan

2017-10-01

Cardiovascular imaging technologies continue to increase in their capacity to capture and store large quantities of data. Modern computational methods, developed in the field of machine learning, offer new approaches to leveraging the growing volume of imaging data available for analyses. Machine learning methods can now address data-related problems ranging from simple analytic queries of existing measurement data to the more complex challenges involved in analyzing raw images. To date, machine learning has been used in 2 broad and highly interconnected areas: automation of tasks that might otherwise be performed by a human and generation of clinically important new knowledge. Most cardiovascular imaging studies have focused on task-oriented problems, but more studies involving algorithms aimed at generating new clinical insights are emerging. Continued expansion in the size and dimensionality of cardiovascular imaging databases is driving strong interest in applying powerful deep learning methods, in particular, to analyze these data. Overall, the most effective approaches will require an investment in the resources needed to appropriately prepare such large data sets for analyses. Notwithstanding current technical and logistical challenges, machine learning and especially deep learning methods have much to offer and will substantially impact the future practice and science of cardiovascular imaging. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Experimental Detection and Visualization of the Extracellular Matrix in Macrocolony Biofilms.

PubMed

Serra, Diego O; Hengge, Regine

2017-01-01

By adopting elaborate three-dimensional morphologies that vary according to their extracellular matrix composition, macrocolony biofilms offer a unique opportunity to interrogate about the roles of specific matrix components in shaping biofilm architecture. Here, we describe two methods optimized for Escherichia coli that profit from morphology and the high level of structural organization of macrocolonies to gain insight into the production and assembly of amyloid curli and cellulose-the two major biofilm matrix elements of E. coli-in biofilms. The first method, the macrocolony morphology assay, is based on the ability of curli and cellulose-either alone or in combination-to generate specific morphological and Congo Red-staining patterns in E. coli macrocolonies, which can then be used as a direct visual readout for the production of these matrix components. The second method involves thin sectioning of macrocolonies, which along with in situ staining of amyloid curli and cellulose and microscopic imaging allows gaining fine details of the spatial arrangement of both matrix elements inside macrocolonies. Beyond their current use with E. coli and related curli and cellulose-producing Enterobacteriaceae, both the methods offer the potential to be adapted to other bacterial species.

Time-series analysis of sleep wake stage of rat EEG using time-dependent pattern entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishizaki, Ryuji; Shinba, Toshikazu; Mugishima, Go; Haraguchi, Hikaru; Inoue, Masayoshi

2008-05-01

We performed electroencephalography (EEG) for six male Wistar rats to clarify temporal behaviors at different levels of consciousness. Levels were identified both by conventional sleep analysis methods and by our novel entropy method. In our method, time-dependent pattern entropy is introduced, by which EEG is reduced to binary symbolic dynamics and the pattern of symbols in a sliding temporal window is considered. A high correlation was obtained between level of consciousness as measured by the conventional method and mean entropy in our entropy method. Mean entropy was maximal while awake (stage W) and decreased as sleep deepened. These results suggest that time-dependent pattern entropy may offer a promising method for future sleep research.

Dissolution-Induced Nanowire Synthesis on Hot-Dip Galvanized Surface in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide.

PubMed

Kaleva, Aaretti; Saarimaa, Ville; Heinonen, Saara; Nikkanen, Juha-Pekka; Markkula, Antti; Väisänen, Pasi; Levänen, Erkki

2017-07-11

In this study, we demonstrate a rapid treatment method for producing a needle-like nanowire structure on a hot-dip galvanized sheet at a temperature of 50 °C. The processing method involved only supercritical carbon dioxide and water to induce a reaction on the zinc surface, which resulted in growth of zinc hydroxycarbonate nanowires into flower-like shapes. This artificial patina nanostructure predicts high surface area and offers interesting opportunities for its use in industrial high-end applications. The nanowires can significantly improve paint adhesion and promote electrochemical stability for organic coatings, or be converted to ZnO nanostructures by calcining to be used in various semiconductor applications.

Dissolution-Induced Nanowire Synthesis on Hot-Dip Galvanized Surface in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

PubMed Central

Saarimaa, Ville; Heinonen, Saara; Nikkanen, Juha-Pekka; Markkula, Antti; Väisänen, Pasi; Levänen, Erkki

2017-01-01

In this study, we demonstrate a rapid treatment method for producing a needle-like nanowire structure on a hot-dip galvanized sheet at a temperature of 50 °C. The processing method involved only supercritical carbon dioxide and water to induce a reaction on the zinc surface, which resulted in growth of zinc hydroxycarbonate nanowires into flower-like shapes. This artificial patina nanostructure predicts high surface area and offers interesting opportunities for its use in industrial high-end applications. The nanowires can significantly improve paint adhesion and promote electrochemical stability for organic coatings, or be converted to ZnO nanostructures by calcining to be used in various semiconductor applications. PMID:28696374

Whole genome sequencing in the prevention and control of Staphylococcus aureus infection.

PubMed

Price, J R; Didelot, X; Crook, D W; Llewelyn, M J; Paul, J

2013-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus remains a leading cause of hospital-acquired infection but weaknesses inherent in currently available typing methods impede effective infection prevention and control. The high resolution offered by whole genome sequencing has the potential to revolutionise our understanding and management of S. aureus infection. To outline the practicalities of whole genome sequencing and discuss how it might shape future infection control practice. We review conventional typing methods and compare these with the potential offered by whole genome sequencing. In contrast with conventional methods, whole genome sequencing discriminates down to single nucleotide differences and allows accurate characterisation of transmission events and outbreaks and additionally provides information about the genetic basis of phenotypic characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility and virulence. However, translating its potential into routine practice will depend on affordability, acceptable turnaround times and on creating a reliable standardised bioinformatic infrastructure. Whole genome sequencing has the potential to provide a universal test that facilitates outbreak investigation, enables the detection of emerging strains and predicts their clinical importance. Copyright © 2012 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective biosensing of Staphylococcus aureus using chitosan quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelhamid, Hani Nasser; Wu, Hui-Fen

2018-01-01

Selective biosensing of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using chitosan modified quantum dots (CTS@CdS QDs) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide is reported. The method is based on the intrinsic positive catalase activity of S. aureus. CTS@CdS quantum dots provide high dispersion in aqueous media with high fluorescence emission. Staphylococcus aureus causes a selective quenching of the fluorescence emission of CTS@CdS QDs in the presence of H2O2 compared to other pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The intrinsic enzymatic character of S. aureus (catalase positive) offers selective and fast biosensing. The present method is highly selective for positive catalase species and requires no expensive reagents such as antibodies, aptamers or microbeads. It could be extended for other species that are positive catalase.

High-Throughput Quantitative Lipidomics Analysis of Nonesterified Fatty Acids in Plasma by LC-MS.

PubMed

Christinat, Nicolas; Morin-Rivron, Delphine; Masoodi, Mojgan

2017-01-01

Nonesterified fatty acids are important biological molecules which have multiple functions such as energy storage, gene regulation, or cell signaling. Comprehensive profiling of nonesterified fatty acids in biofluids can facilitate studying and understanding their roles in biological systems. For these reasons, we have developed and validated a high-throughput, nontargeted lipidomics method coupling liquid chromatography to high-resolution mass spectrometry for quantitative analysis of nonesterified fatty acids. Sufficient chromatographic separation is achieved to separate positional isomers such as polyunsaturated and branched-chain species and quantify a wide range of nonesterified fatty acids in human plasma samples. However, this method is not limited only to these fatty acid species and offers the possibility to perform untargeted screening of additional nonesterified fatty acid species.

DAST single-nanometer crystal preparation using a substrate-supported rapid evaporation crystallization method.

PubMed

Tian, Tian; Cai, Bin; Sugihara, Okihiro

2016-12-07

A substrate-supported rapid evaporation crystallization (SSREC) method was used to develop a highly nonlinear optical material, 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST), which satisfies the Rayleigh scattering requirement for the fabrication of highly transparent composites. DAST nanocrystals have a second harmonic generation active crystal structure and a high signal-to-noise ratio second harmonic generation signal when excited by using a 1064 nm cw laser. The nanocrystals also possess size-dependent UV-vis absorption and fluorescence behavior which is not seen in the bulk state. SSREC offers a very convenient means of nanocrystal size control for fabricating nonlinear optical nanomaterials, and the unique properties of these DAST NCs provide potential applications in the fields of lasing, fluorescence probes, and other nonlinear optical photonics.

Free Flow Zonal Electrophoresis for Fractionation of Plant Membrane Compartments Prior to Proteomic Analysis.

PubMed

Barkla, Bronwyn J

2018-01-01

Free flow zonal electrophoresis (FFZE) is a versatile, reproducible, and potentially high-throughput technique for the separation of plant organelles and membranes by differences in membrane surface charge. It offers considerable benefits over traditional fractionation techniques, such as density gradient centrifugation and two-phase partitioning, as it is relatively fast, sample recovery is high, and the method provides unparalleled sample purity. It has been used to successfully purify chloroplasts and mitochondria from plants but also, to obtain highly pure fractions of plasma membrane, tonoplast, ER, Golgi, and thylakoid membranes. Application of the technique can significantly improve protein coverage in large-scale proteomics studies by decreasing sample complexity. Here, we describe the method for the fractionation of plant cellular membranes from leaves by FFZE.

The summer institute in clinical dental research methods: still going and growing after twenty years.

PubMed

Derouen, Timothy A; Wiesenbach, Carol

2012-11-01

The first Summer Institute in Clinical Dental Research Methods, a faculty development program at the University of Washington, was offered in the summer of 1992 for sixteen participants. The primary objective of the program was to give clinical faculty members in dentistry an introduction to and an understanding of the fundamental principles and methods used in good clinical research. In the twentieth offering of the institute in 2011, there were thirty-five participants, and over the twenty institutes, there has been a cumulative total of 463 participants who have come from thirty U.S. states as well as forty-three countries outside the United States. The curriculum has expanded from the initial offering of biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, behavioral research methods, and ethics in clinical research to now include clinical trials, grantsmanship, data analysis, an elective in molecular biology, and a team project that provides participants with hands-on experience in research proposal development as members of an interdisciplinary team. Enrollment has doubled since the first year, yet exit evaluations of the program content have remained consistently high (rated as very good to excellent). One of the indicators of program quality is that at least 50 percent of recent participants indicated that they attended because the program was recommended by colleagues who had attended. There seems to be an ever-increasing pool of dental faculty members who are eager to learn more about clinical research methodology through the institute despite the intensive demands of full-time participation in a six-week program.

The potential for modification in cloning and vitrification technology to enhance genetic progress in beef cattle in Northern Australia.

PubMed

Taylor-Robinson, Andrew W; Walton, Simon; Swain, David L; Walsh, Kerry B; Vajta, Gábor

2014-08-01

Recent advances in embryology and related research offer considerable possibilities to accelerate genetic improvement in cattle breeding. Such progress includes optimization and standardization of laboratory embryo production (in vitro fertilization - IVF), introduction of a highly efficient method for cryopreservation (vitrification), and dramatic improvement in the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning) in terms of required effort, cost, and overall outcome. Handmade cloning (HMC), a simplified version of somatic cell nuclear transfer, offers the potential for relatively easy and low-cost production of clones. A potentially modified method of vitrification used at a centrally located laboratory facility could result in cloned offspring that are economically competitive with elite animals produced by more traditional means. Apart from routine legal and intellectual property issues, the main obstacle that hampers rapid uptake of these technologies by the beef cattle industry is a lack of confidence from scientific and commercial sources. Once stakeholder support is increased, the combined application of these methods makes a rapid advance toward desirable traits (rapid growth, high-quality beef, optimized reproductive performance) a realistic goal. The potential impact of these technologies on genetic advancement in beef cattle herds in which improvement of stock is sought, such as in northern Australia, is hard to overestimate. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A microfluidic chip integrated with a high-density PDMS-based microfiltration membrane for rapid isolation and detection of circulating tumor cells.

PubMed

Fan, Xiaoyun; Jia, Chunping; Yang, Jun; Li, Gang; Mao, Hongju; Jin, Qinghui; Zhao, Jianlong

2015-09-15

Isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) by size exclusion is a widely researched technique that offers the advantage of capturing tumor cells without reliance on cell surface expression markers. In this work, we report the development of a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane filter-based microdevice for rapid and highly efficient isolation of CTCs from peripheral blood. A precise and highly porous PDMS microfilter was fabricated and integrated into the microfiltration chip by combining a sacrificial transferring film with a sandwich molding method. We achieved >90% recovery when isolating lung cancer cells from spiked blood samples, with a relatively high processing throughput of 10 mL/h. In contrast to existing CTC filtration systems, which rely on low-porosity track-etch filters or expensive lithography-based filters, our microfiltration chip does not require complex e-beam lithography or the reactive ion etching process, therefore it offers a low-cost alternative tool for highly efficient CTC enrichment and in situ analysis. Thus, this new microdevice has the potential for use in routine monitoring of cancer development and cancer therapy in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

McNamara, B.

Tandem and stellarator equilibria at high ..beta.. have proved hard to compute and the relaxation methods of Bauer et al., Chodura and Schluter, Hirshman, Strauss, and Pearlstein et al. have been slow to converge. This paper reports an extension of the low-..beta.. analytic method of Pearlstein, Kaiser, and Newcomb to arbitrary ..beta.. for tandem mirrors which converges in 10 to 20 iterations. Extensions of the method to stellarator equilibria are proposed and are very close to the analytic method of Johnson and Greene - the stellarator expansion. Most of the results of all these calculations can be adequately described bymore » low-..beta.. approximations since the MHD stability limits occur at low ..beta... The tandem mirror, having weak curvature and a long central cell, allows finite Larmor radius effects to eliminate most ballooning modes and offers the possibility of really high average ..beta... This is the interest in developing such three-dimensional numerical algorithms.« less

Epidemiologic methods in mastitis treatment and control.

PubMed

Thurmond, M C

1993-11-01

Methods and concepts of epidemiology offer means whereby udder health can be monitored and evaluated. Prerequisite to a sound epidemiologic approach is development of measures of mastitis that minimize biases and that account for sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests. Mastitis surveillance offers an ongoing and passive system for evaluation of udder health, whereas clinical and observational trials offer a more proactive and developmental approach to improving udder health.

The Quality Assessment of the Services Offered to the Students of the College of Education at King Saud University Using (SERVQUAL) Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alhabeeb, Abdurrahman Mohammad

2015-01-01

The goal of this study is measuring the level of quality service offered to students at the college of education at King Saud University, specifically the gap between students' perceptions and expectations of the quality of the offered service. The descriptive analytical approach has been applied in the study using SERVQUAL method to collect data…

Plasma synthesis and HPHT consolidation of BN nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanotubes to produce nanocrystalline cubic boron nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stout, Christopher

Plasma methods offer a variety of advantages to nanomaterials synthesis. The process is robust, allowing varying particle sizes and phases to be generated simply by modifying key parameters. The work here demonstrates a novel approach to nanopowder synthesis using inductively-coupled plasma to decompose precursor, which are then quenched to produce a variety of boron nitride (BN)-phase nanoparticles, including cubic phase, along with short-range-order nanospheres (e.g., nano-onions) and BN nanotubes. Cubic BN (c-BN) powders can be generated through direct deposition onto a chilled substrate. The extremely-high pyrolysis temperatures afforded by the equilibrium plasma offer a unique particle growth environment, accommodating long deposition times while exposing resulting powders to temperatures in excess of 5000K without any additional particle nucleation and growth. Such conditions can yield short-range ordered amorphous BN structures in the form of 20nm diameter nanospheres. Finally, when introducing a rapid-quenching counter-flow gas against the plasma jet, high aspect ratio nanotubes are synthesized, which are collected on substrate situated radially. The benefits of these morphologies are also evident in high-pressure/high-temperature consolidation experiments, where nanoparticle phases can offer a favorable conversion route to super-hard c-BN while maintaining nanocrystallinity. Experiments using these morphologies are shown to begin to yield c-BN conversion at conditions as low as 2.0 GPa and 1500°C when using micron sized c-BN seeding to create localized regions of high pressures due to Hertzian forces acting on the nanoparticles.

A Comparison of Simple Methods to Incorporate Material Temperature Dependency in the Green's Function Method for Estimating Transient Thermal Stresses in Thick-Walled Power Plant Components.

PubMed

Rouse, James; Hyde, Christopher

2016-01-06

The threat of thermal fatigue is an increasing concern for thermal power plant operators due to the increasing tendency to adopt "two-shifting" operating procedures. Thermal plants are likely to remain part of the energy portfolio for the foreseeable future and are under societal pressures to generate in a highly flexible and efficient manner. The Green's function method offers a flexible approach to determine reference elastic solutions for transient thermal stress problems. In order to simplify integration, it is often assumed that Green's functions (derived from finite element unit temperature step solutions) are temperature independent (this is not the case due to the temperature dependency of material parameters). The present work offers a simple method to approximate a material's temperature dependency using multiple reference unit solutions and an interpolation procedure. Thermal stress histories are predicted and compared for realistic temperature cycles using distinct techniques. The proposed interpolation method generally performs as well as (if not better) than the optimum single Green's function or the previously-suggested weighting function technique (particularly for large temperature increments). Coefficients of determination are typically above 0 . 96 , and peak stress differences between true and predicted datasets are always less than 10 MPa.

A novel rail defect detection method based on undecimated lifting wavelet packet transform and Shannon entropy-improved adaptive line enhancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Qiushi; Zhang, Xin; Wang, Yan; Shen, Yi; Makis, Viliam

2018-07-01

Acoustic emission (AE) technology is sensitive to subliminal rail defects, however strong wheel-rail contact rolling noise under high-speed condition has gravely impeded detecting of rail defects using traditional denoising methods. In this context, the paper develops an adaptive detection method for rail cracks, which combines multiresolution analysis with an improved adaptive line enhancer (ALE). To obtain elaborate multiresolution information of transient crack signals with low computational cost, lifting scheme-based undecimated wavelet packet transform is adopted. In order to feature the impulsive property of crack signals, a Shannon entropy-improved ALE is proposed as a signal enhancing approach, where Shannon entropy is introduced to improve the cost function. Then a rail defect detection plan based on the proposed method for high-speed condition is put forward. From theoretical analysis and experimental verification, it is demonstrated that the proposed method has superior performance in enhancing the rail defect AE signal and reducing the strong background noise, offering an effective multiresolution approach for rail defect detection under high-speed and strong-noise condition.

Detection of high-risk mucosal human papillomavirus DNA in human specimens by a novel and sensitive multiplex PCR method combined with DNA microarray.

PubMed

Gheit, Tarik; Tommasino, Massimo

2011-01-01

Epidemiological and functional studies have clearly demonstrated that certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) from the genus alpha of the HPV phylogenetic tree, referred to as high-risk (HR) types, are the etiological cause of cervical cancer. Several methods for HPV detection and typing have been developed, and their importance in clinical and epidemiological studies has been well demonstrated. However, comparative studies have shown that several assays have different sensitivities for the detection of specific HPV types, particularly in the case of multiple infections. In this chapter, we describe a novel one-shot method for the detection and typing of 19 mucosal HR HPV types (types 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73, and 82). The assay combines the advantages of the multiplex PCR methods, i.e., high sensitivity and the possibility to perform multiple amplifications in a single reaction, with an array primer extension (APEX) assay. The latter method offers the benefits of Sanger dideoxy sequencing with the high-throughput potential of the microarray. Initial studies have revealed that the assay is very sensitive in detecting multiple HPV infections.

Remote air pollution measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, R. L.

1975-01-01

This paper presents a discussion and comparison of the Raman method, the resonance and fluorescence backscatter method, long path absorption methods and the differential absorption method for remote air pollution measurement. A comparison of the above remote detection methods shows that the absorption methods offer the most sensitivity at the least required transmitted energy. Topographical absorption provides the advantage of a single ended measurement, and differential absorption offers the additional advantage of a fully depth resolved absorption measurement. Recent experimental results confirming the range and sensitivity of the methods are presented.

High-testosterone men reject low ultimatum game offers.

PubMed

Burnham, Terence C

2007-09-22

The ultimatum game is a simple negotiation with the interesting property that people frequently reject offers of 'free' money. These rejections contradict the standard view of economic rationality. This divergence between economic theory and human behaviour is important and has no broadly accepted cause. This study examines the relationship between ultimatum game rejections and testosterone. In a variety of species, testosterone is associated with male seeking dominance. If low ultimatum game offers are interpreted as challenges, then high-testosterone men may be more likely to reject such offers. In this experiment, men who reject low offers ($5 out of $40) have significantly higher testosterone levels than those who accept. In addition, high testosterone levels are associated with higher ultimatum game offers, but this second finding is not statistically significant.

Preparation and characterization of progesterone dispersions using supercritical carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Falconer, James R; Wen, Jingyuan; Zargar-Shoshtari, Sara; Chen, John J; Farid, Mohammed; Tallon, Stephen J; Alany, Raid G

2014-04-01

Supercritical fluid methods offer an alternative to conventional mixing methods, particularly for heat sensitive drugs and where an organic solvent is undesirable. To design, develop and construct a unit for the particles from a gas-saturated suspension/solution (PGSS) method and form endogenous progesterone (PGN) dispersion systems using SC-CO2. The PGN dispersions were manufactured using three selected excipients: polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400/4000 (50:50), Gelucire 44/14 and D-α-tocopheryl PEG 1000 succinate (TPGS). Semisolid dispersions of PGN prepared by PGSS method were compared to the conventional methods; comelting (CM), cosolvent (CS) and physical mixing (PM). The dispersion systems made were characterized by Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PGN recovery, uniformity and in vitro dissolution, analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Raman spectra revealed no changes in the crystalline structure of PGN treated with SC-CO2 compared to that of untreated PGN. XRPD and FTIR showed the presence of peaks and bands for PGN confirming that PGN has been incorporated well with each individual excipient. All PGN dispersions prepared by the PGSS method resulted in the improvement of PGN dissolution rates compared to that prepared by the conventional methods and untreated PGN after 60 min (p value < 0.05). The novel PGN dispersions prepared by the PGSS method offer the great potential to enhance PGN dissolution rate, reduce preparation time and form stable crystalline dispersion systems over those prepared by conventional methods.

Hydraulic Control Method for Heating Systems of High-Rise Buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, D.; Chernenkov, V.; Likhachev, I.

2017-11-01

The following article reflects the ideas of possibility to increase energy efficiency of heating systems in high-rise buildings. The article also includes the principle ways of high-rise building heating systems operation as well as traditional engineering decisions aimed at the elimination of the increased pressure effect in heaters. The main disadvantages of such decisions are also presented for the reader. Moreover, the article offers the way of operation for the above-mentioned systems together with the equipment that implements this operation. An economic impact from such energy-saving technology application has been also evaluated.

Multiprocessor switch with selective pairing

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan; Gschwind, Michael K; Salapura, Valentina

2014-03-11

System, method and computer program product for a multiprocessing system to offer selective pairing of processor cores for increased processing reliability. A selective pairing facility is provided that selectively connects, i.e., pairs, multiple microprocessor or processor cores to provide one highly reliable thread (or thread group). Each paired microprocessor or processor cores that provide one highly reliable thread for high-reliability connect with a system components such as a memory "nest" (or memory hierarchy), an optional system controller, and optional interrupt controller, optional I/O or peripheral devices, etc. The memory nest is attached to a selective pairing facility via a switch or a bus

Liquid Dynamics in high melting materials studied by inelastic X-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinn, Harald; Alatas, Ahmet; Said, Ayman; Alp, Esen E.; Price, David L.; Saboungi, Marie Louis; Scheunemann, Richard

2004-03-01

The transport properties of high melting materials are of interest for a variety of applications, including geo-sciences, nuclear waste confinement and aerospace technology. While traditional methods of measuring transport properties are often extremely difficult due to the high reactivity of the melts, the combination of containerless levitation and inelastic X-ray scattering offers new insights in the microscopic dynamics of these liquids. Data on the dynamic structure factor of liquid aluminum oxide and liquid boron between 2000-2800 degree Celsius are discussed and related to several macroscopic quantities like sound velocity, viscosity and diffusion.

An extended Lagrangian method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing

1993-01-01

A unique formulation of describing fluid motion is presented. The method, referred to as 'extended Lagrangian method', is interesting from both theoretical and numerical points of view. The formulation offers accuracy in numerical solution by avoiding numerical diffusion resulting from mixing of fluxes in the Eulerian description. Meanwhile, it also avoids the inaccuracy incurred due to geometry and variable interpolations used by the previous Lagrangian methods. The present method is general and capable of treating subsonic flows as well as supersonic flows. The method proposed in this paper is robust and stable. It automatically adapts to flow features without resorting to clustering, thereby maintaining rather uniform grid spacing throughout and large time step. Moreover, the method is shown to resolve multidimensional discontinuities with a high level of accuracy, similar to that found in 1D problems.

Genetics-based methods for detection of Salmonella spp. in foods.

PubMed

Mozola, Mark A

2006-01-01

Genetic methods are now at the forefront of foodborne pathogen testing. The sensitivity, specificity, and inclusivity advantages offered by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe technology have driven an intense effort in methods development over the past 20 years. DNA probe-based methods for Salmonella spp. and other pathogens have progressed from time-consuming procedures involving the use of radioisotopes to simple, high throughput, automated assays. The analytical sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification technology has facilitated a reduction in analysis time by allowing enriched samples to be tested for previously undetectable quantities of analyte. This article will trace the evolution of the development of genetic methods for detection of Salmonella in foods, review the basic assay formats and their advantages and limitations, and discuss method performance characteristics and considerations for selection of methods.

Ultrasonography of ovarian hyperandrogenemia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzmina, Svetlana A.; Zharkin, Nikolay A.

2001-05-01

The method of ultrasonography is high informative and widely used in diagnostics of ovarian hyperandrogenaemia. The majority of authors consider that a hyperplasia of a stroma is the main pathognomonic marker of polycystic ovaries (PCO). Still recently swell of a stroma was valued visually, that had subjective nature. We offer for the first time a way of diagnostics of stromal hyperplasia grounded on measurement of a volume of a stroma and ovary with ultrasound method, calculation of the ratio of a volume of the ovary to a volume of a stroma for every patient.

SAIL--stereo-array isotope labeling.

PubMed

Kainosho, Masatsune; Güntert, Peter

2009-11-01

Optimal stereospecific and regiospecific labeling of proteins with stable isotopes enhances the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method for the determination of the three-dimensional protein structures in solution. Stereo-array isotope labeling (SAIL) offers sharpened lines, spectral simplification without loss of information and the ability to rapidly collect and automatically evaluate the structural restraints required to solve a high-quality solution structure for proteins up to twice as large as before. This review gives an overview of stable isotope labeling methods for NMR spectroscopy with proteins and provides an in-depth treatment of the SAIL technology.

Recovery and purification process development for monoclonal antibody production

PubMed Central

Ma, Junfen; Winter, Charles; Bayer, Robert

2010-01-01

Hundreds of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently in development, and many companies have multiple antibodies in their pipelines. Current methodology used in recovery processes for these molecules are reviewed here. Basic unit operations such as harvest, Protein A affinity chromatography and additional polishing steps are surveyed. Alternative processes such as flocculation, precipitation and membrane chromatography are discussed. We also cover platform approaches to purification methods development, use of high throughput screening methods, and offer a view on future developments in purification methodology as applied to mAbs. PMID:20647768

In vivo MRI cell tracking using perfluorocarbon probes and fluorine-19 detection

PubMed Central

Ahrens, Eric T.; Zhong, Jia

2013-01-01

This article is a brief survey of preclinical in vivo cell tracking methods and applications using perfluorocarbon (PFC) probes and fluorine-19 (19F) MRI detection. Detection of the 19F signal offers high cell specificity and quantification abilities in spin-density weighted MR images. We discuss the compositions of matter, methods, and applications of PFC-based cell tracking using ex vivo and in situ PFC labeling in preclinical studies of inflammation and cellular therapeutics. We will also address potential applicability of 19F cell tracking to clinical trials. PMID:23606473

Lagrangian methods in nonlinear plasma wave interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, F. W.

1980-01-01

Analysis of nonlinear plasma wave interactions is usually very complicated, and simplifying mathematical approaches are highly desirable. The application of averaged-Lagrangian methods offers a considerable reduction in effort, with improved insight into synchronism and conservation (Manley-Rowe) relations. This chapter indicates how suitable Lagrangian densities have been defined, expanded, and manipulated to describe nonlinear wave-wave and wave-particle interactions in the microscopic, macroscopic and cold plasma models. Recently, further simplifications have been introduced by the use of techniques derived from Lie algebra. These and likely future developments are reviewed briefly.

Research on signal processing method for total organic carbon of water quality online monitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, R.; Xie, Z. X.; Chu, D. Z.; Zhang, S. W.; Cao, X.; Wu, N.

2017-08-01

At present, there is no rapid, stable and effective approach of total organic carbon (TOC) measurement in the Marine environmental online monitoring field. Therefore, this paper proposes an online TOC monitor of chemiluminescence signal processing method. The weak optical signal detected by photomultiplier tube can be enhanced and converted by a series of signal processing module: phase-locked amplifier module, fourth-order band pass filter module and AD conversion module. After a long time of comparison test & measurement, compared with the traditional method, on the premise of sufficient accuracy, this chemiluminescence signal processing method can offer greatly improved measuring speed and high practicability for online monitoring.

In Vitro Activity of Voriconazole against Prototheca wickerhamii: Comparative Evaluation of Sensititre and NCCLS M27-A2 Methods of Detection

PubMed Central

Linares, Maria José; Solís, Francisco; Casal, Manuel

2005-01-01

A total of 104 Prototheca wickerhamii isolates and two control strains were tested for susceptibility to voriconazole using the Sensititre YeastOne colorimetric antifungal plate and NCCLS reference method. Voriconazole was highly active against all isolates, with an MIC at which 90% of isolates were inhibited of ≤0.5 μg/ml. Comparison of MICs obtained with the Sensititre product and the NCCLS method demonstrated agreement (100% ± 2 log2 dilutions) between the two methods. Voriconazole may offer an option for the treatment of Prototheca sp. infections, and its efficacy should be established through clinical experience. PMID:15872301

Geoscience Education Opportunities: Partnerships to Advance TeacHing and Scholarship (GEOPATHS) in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niemi, T. M.; Adegoke, J.; Stoddard, E.; Odom, L.; Ketchum, D.

2007-12-01

The GEOPATHS project is a partnership between the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) and the Kansas City Missouri School District (KCMSD). The goal of GEOPATHS is to raise enrollment in the Geosciences, especially among populations that are traditionally underrepresented in the discipline. We are addressing this goal by expanding dual-credit and Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities for high school students and also by serving teachers through enhancing their understanding of geoscience content and inquiry teaching methods using GLOBE resources and protocols. Our focus in the first two years of the project is to increase the number of teachers that are certified to teach AP Environmental Science by offering specially designed professional development workshops for high school teachers in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The structure of the workshop for each year is divided into two weeks of content knowledge exploration using the learning cycle and concept mapping, and one week of inquiry-based experiments, field projects, and exercises. We are also supporting teachers in their use of these best-practice methods by providing materials and supplies along with lesson plans for inquiry investigations for their classes. The lesson plans include activities and experiments that are inquiry-based. The last two years of the project will include direct engagement/recruiting of promising minority high school students via paid summer research internships and scholarship offers.

Comparison of Norethindrone-Containing OCPs to Desogestrel OCPs and Depro-Provera in Women

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-01

servicewomen requesting contraception have been prescribed a monophasic norethindrone-containing birth control pill (NOCA). In 1992, injectable depot...medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) received approval and more recently, birth control pills using the new progestin, desogestrel (DOCA), have been made...an injectable progestational agent that offers a highly effective, safe, convenient, reversible and almost user-independent method of birth control (12

Photogrammetric Verification of Fiber Optic Shape Sensors on Flexible Aerospace Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Jason P.; Rogge, Matthew D.; Jones, Thomas W.

2012-01-01

Multi-core fiber (MCF) optic shape sensing offers the possibility of providing in-flight shape measurements of highly flexible aerospace structures and control surfaces for such purposes as gust load alleviation, flutter suppression, general flight control and structural health monitoring. Photogrammetric measurements of surface mounted MCF shape sensing cable can be used to quantify the MCF installation path and verify measurement methods.

"The Glory of God Is Intelligence": Exploring the Foundations of Latter-Day Saint Religious Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffiths, Casey Paul; Esplin, Scott C.; Randall, E. Vance

2016-01-01

In recent years the educational programs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have received praise for their role in the high rates of religiosity and denominational retention among their youth. This study offers a historical summary of the efforts of LDS to develop the most effective methods of engaging their youth in…

Ultraheavy cosmic ray tracks in meteorites: A reappraisal, based on calibrations with relativistic ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perron, C.

1985-01-01

Experiments were carried out on tracks of high energy U ions in olivine, a common meteoritic mineral. The results offer an explanation for the lack of success of previous attempts to derive the Ultraheavy Cosmic Ray composition from the study of tracks in meteorites. They also suggest how such experiments should be performed. The methods tested are described and illustrated.

Online Course Use in New York High Schools: Results from a Survey in the Greater Capital Region. REL 2015-075

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clements, Margaret; Pazzaglia, Angela M.; Zweig, Jacqueline

2015-01-01

As in most states, New York does not currently have a state-level protocol for collecting data about schools' objectives or methods for offering online courses. The goals of the study conducted by the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands' Northeast Rural Districts Research Alliance (NRDRA) were (1) to create a survey tool capable…

Electric Field Reconstruction in the Image Plane of a High-Contrast Coronagraph Using a Set of Pinholes Around the Lyot Plane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giveon, Amir; Kern, Brian; Shaklan, Stuart; Wallace, Kent; Noecker, Charley

2012-01-01

The pair-wise estimation has been used now on various testbeds with different coronagraphs with the best contrast results to date. Pinholes estimate has been implemented and ready to be tested in closed loop correction. Pinholes estimate offers an independent method. We hope to improve the calibration process to gain better estimates.

The application of measurement techniques to track flutter testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roglin, H. R.

1975-01-01

The application is discussed of measurement techniques to captive flight flutter tests at the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT), U. S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California. The high-speed track, by its ability to prove the validity of design and to accurately determine the actual margin of safety, offers a unique method of flutter testing for the aircraft design engineer.

Implementation of intelligent compaction technologies for road constructions in Wyoming.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-03-01

Conventional test methods for roadway compaction cover less than 1% of roadway; whereas, intelligent : compaction (IC) offers a method to measure 100% of a roadway. IC offers the ability to increase : compaction uniformity of soils and asphalt paveme...

A new method of measuring gravitational acceleration in an undergraduate laboratory program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qiaochu; Wang, Chang; Xiao, Yunhuan; Schulte, Jurgen; Shi, Qingfan

2018-01-01

This paper presents a high accuracy method to measure gravitational acceleration in an undergraduate laboratory program. The experiment is based on water in a cylindrical vessel rotating about its vertical axis at a constant speed. The water surface forms a paraboloid whose focal length is related to rotational period and gravitational acceleration. This experimental setup avoids classical source errors in determining the local value of gravitational acceleration, so prevalent in the common simple pendulum and inclined plane experiments. The presented method combines multiple physics concepts such as kinematics, classical mechanics and geometric optics, offering the opportunity for lateral as well as project-based learning.

Practical Aerobic Oxidations of Alcohols and Amines with Homogeneous Cu/TEMPO and Related Catalyst Systems

PubMed Central

Ryland, Bradford L.; Stahl, Shannon S.

2014-01-01

Alcohol and amine oxidations are common reactions in laboratory and industrial synthesis of organic molecules. Aerobic oxidation methods have long been sought for these transformations, but few practical methods exist that offer advantages over traditional oxidation methods. Recently developed homogeneous Cu/TEMPO (TEMPO = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-N-oxyl) and related catalyst systems appear to fill this void. The reactions exhibit high levels of chemoselectivity and broad functional-group tolerance, and they often operate efficiently at room temperature with ambient air as the oxidant. These advances, together with their historical context and recent applications, are highlighted in this minireview. PMID:25044821

Numerical Studies of Optimization and Aberration Correction Methods for the Preliminary Demonstration of the Parametric Ionization Cooling (PIC) Principle in the Twin Helix Muon Cooling Channel

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

Maloney, J. A.; Morozov, V. S.; Derbenev, Ya. S.

Muon colliders have been proposed for the next generation of particle accelerators that study high-energy physics at the energy and intensity frontiers. In this paper we study a possible implementation of muon ionization cooling, Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (PIC), in the twin helix channel. The resonant cooling method of PIC offers the potential to reduce emittance beyond that achievable with ionization cooling with ordinary magnetic focusing. We examine optimization of a variety of parameters, study the nonlinear dynamics in the twin helix channel and consider possible methods of aberration correction.

Pressure Self-focusing Effect and Novel Methods for Increasing the Maximum Pressure in Traditional and Rotational Diamond Anvil Cells.

PubMed

Feng, Biao; Levitas, Valery I

2017-04-21

The main principles of producing a region near the center of a sample, compressed in a diamond anvil cell (DAC), with a very high pressure gradient and, consequently, with high pressure are predicted theoretically. The revealed phenomenon of generating extremely high pressure gradient is called the pressure self-focusing effect. Initial analytical predictions utilized generalization of a simplified equilibrium equation. Then, the results are refined using our recent advanced model for elastoplastic material under high pressures in finite element method (FEM) simulations. The main points in producing the pressure self-focusing effect are to use beveled anvils and reach a very thin sample thickness at the center. We find that the superposition of torsion in a rotational DAC (RDAC) offers drastic enhancement of the pressure self-focusing effect and allows one to reach the same pressure under a much lower force and deformation of anvils.

Enabling skin vaccination using new delivery technologies

PubMed Central

Kim, Yeu-Chun; Prausnitz, Mark R.

2011-01-01

The skin is known to be a highly immunogenic site for vaccination, but few vaccines in clinical use target skin largely because conventional intradermal injection is difficult and unreliable to perform. Now, a number of new or newly adapted delivery technologies have been shown to administer vaccine to the skin either by non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. Non-invasive methods include high-velocity powder and liquid jet injection, as well as diffusion-based patches in combination with skin abrasion, thermal ablation, ultrasound, electroporation, and chemical enhancers. Minimally invasive methods are generally based on small needles, including solid microneedle patches, hollow microneedle injections, and tattoo guns. The introduction of these advanced delivery technologies can make the skin a site for simple, reliable vaccination that increases vaccine immunogenicity and offers logistical advantages to improve the speed and coverage of vaccination. PMID:21799951

Enabling skin vaccination using new delivery technologies

PubMed Central

Kim, Yeu-Chun; Prausnitz, Mark R.

2011-01-01

The skin is known to be a highly immunogenic site for vaccination, but few vaccines in clinical use target skin largely because conventional intradermal injection is difficult and unreliable to perform. Now, a number of new or newly adapted delivery technologies have been shown to administer vaccine to the skin either by non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. Non-invasive methods include high-velocity powder and liquid jet injection, as well as diffusion-based patches in combination with skin abrasion, thermal ablation, ultrasound, electroporation, and chemical enhancers. Minimally invasive methods are generally based on small needles, including solid microneedle patches, hollow microneedle injections and tattoo guns. The introduction of these advanced delivery technologies can make the skin a site for simple, reliable vaccination that increases vaccine immunogenicity and offers logistical advantages to improve the speed and coverage of vaccination. PMID:21472533

Buried Target Imaging: A Comparative Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaderi Aram, Morteza; Dehmollaian, Mojtaba; Khaleghi, Ali

2017-12-01

A wide variety of qualitative methods have been proposed for microwave imaging. It is difficult to select only one of these methods based on a priori information and measurement equipment to achieve a reliable reconstruction. Various arrangements for antennas to be used in, for instance, have been proposed which have direct impacts on the complexity of inverse methods as well as the quality of output images. In this study, four qualitative methods of the linear sampling method (LSM), time reversal (TR), diffraction tomography (DT), and back-projection (BP) have been reviewed in a 2D scenario; the performance of the methods is compared within the same framework of a multi-static configuration. The goal is to compare their resolutions and determine their advantages and drawbacks. It is shown that LSM provides the best azimuth resolution but the worst range resolution. It is almost invariant to dielectric contrast and is appropriate for a wide range of dielectric contrasts and relatively large objects. It is also shown that at relatively low dielectric contrasts, TR images are most similar to the true object, show fewer artifacts, and offer high immunity to noise. While suffering from more artifacts due to the presence of some ghost images, DT offers the best range resolution. The results also show that BP has the worst azimuth resolution when reconstructing deeply-buried targets, although its implementation is straightforward and not computationally complex.

Example-Based Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy.

PubMed

Jia, Shu; Han, Boran; Kutz, J Nathan

2018-04-23

Capturing biological dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution demands the advancement in imaging technologies. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy offers spatial resolution surpassing the diffraction limit to resolve near-molecular-level details. While various strategies have been reported to improve the temporal resolution of super-resolution imaging, all super-resolution techniques are still fundamentally limited by the trade-off associated with the longer image acquisition time that is needed to achieve higher spatial information. Here, we demonstrated an example-based, computational method that aims to obtain super-resolution images using conventional imaging without increasing the imaging time. With a low-resolution image input, the method provides an estimate of its super-resolution image based on an example database that contains super- and low-resolution image pairs of biological structures of interest. The computational imaging of cellular microtubules agrees approximately with the experimental super-resolution STORM results. This new approach may offer potential improvements in temporal resolution for experimental super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and provide a new path for large-data aided biomedical imaging.

Luminogenic cytochrome P450 assays.

PubMed

Cali, James J; Ma, Dongping; Sobol, Mary; Simpson, Daniel J; Frackman, Susan; Good, Troy D; Daily, William J; Liu, David

2006-08-01

Luminogenic cytochrome P450 (CYP) assays couple CYP enzyme activity to firefly luciferase luminescence in a technology called P450-Glo(TM) (Promega). Luminogenic substrates are used in assays of human CYP1A1, -1A2, -1B1, -2C8, -2C9, -2C19, -2D6, -2J2, -3A4, -3A7, -4A11, -4F3B, -4F12 and -19. The assays detect dose-dependent CYP inhibition by test compounds against recombinant CYP enzymes or liver microsomes. Induction or inhibition of CYP activities in cultured hepatocytes is measured in a nonlytic approach that leaves cells intact for additional analysis. Luminogenic CYP assays offer advantages of speed and safety over HPLC and radiochemical-based methods. Compared with fluorogenic methods the approach offers advantages of improved sensitivity and decreased interference between optical properties of test compound and CYP substrate. These homogenous assays are sensitive and robust tools for high-throughput CYP screening in early drug discovery.

Reconfigurable radio-frequency arbitrary waveforms synthesized in a silicon photonic chip.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Shen, Hao; Fan, Li; Wu, Rui; Niu, Ben; Varghese, Leo T; Xuan, Yi; Leaird, Daniel E; Wang, Xi; Gan, Fuwan; Weiner, Andrew M; Qi, Minghao

2015-01-12

Photonic methods of radio-frequency waveform generation and processing can provide performance advantages and flexibility over electronic methods due to the ultrawide bandwidth offered by the optical carriers. However, bulk optics implementations suffer from the lack of integration and slow reconfiguration speed. Here we propose an architecture of integrated photonic radio-frequency generation and processing and implement it on a silicon chip fabricated in a semiconductor manufacturing foundry. Our device can generate programmable radio-frequency bursts or continuous waveforms with only the light source, electrical drives/controls and detectors being off-chip. It modulates an individual pulse in a radio-frequency burst within 4 ns, achieving a reconfiguration speed three orders of magnitude faster than thermal tuning. The on-chip optical delay elements offer an integrated approach to accurately manipulating individual radio-frequency waveform features without constraints set by the speed and timing jitter of electronics, and should find applications ranging from high-speed wireless to defence electronics.

Nondestructive assessment of pore size in foam-based hybrid composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, M. Y.; Ko, R. T.

2012-05-01

In-situ non-destructive evaluation (NDE) during processing of high temperature polymer based hybrids offers great potential to gain close control and achieve the desired level of pore size, with low overall development cost. During the polymer curing cycle, close control over the evolution of volatiles would be beneficial to avoid the presence of pores or at least control their sizes. Traditional NDE methods cannot realistically be expected to evaluate individual pores in such components, as each pore evolves and grows during curing. However, NDE techniques offer the potential to detect and quantify the macroscopic response of many pores that are undesirable or intentionally introduced into these advanced materials. In this paper, preliminary results will be presented for nondestructive assessment of pore size in foam-based hybrid composite materials using ultrasonic techniques. Pore size was evaluated through the frequency content of the ultrasonic signal. The effects of pore size on the attenuation of ultrasound were studied. Feasibility of this method was demonstrated on two types of foams with various pore sizes.

Reconfigurable radio-frequency arbitrary waveforms synthesized in a silicon photonic chip

PubMed Central

Wang, Jian; Shen, Hao; Fan, Li; Wu, Rui; Niu, Ben; Varghese, Leo T.; Xuan, Yi; Leaird, Daniel E.; Wang, Xi; Gan, Fuwan; Weiner, Andrew M.; Qi, Minghao

2015-01-01

Photonic methods of radio-frequency waveform generation and processing can provide performance advantages and flexibility over electronic methods due to the ultrawide bandwidth offered by the optical carriers. However, bulk optics implementations suffer from the lack of integration and slow reconfiguration speed. Here we propose an architecture of integrated photonic radio-frequency generation and processing and implement it on a silicon chip fabricated in a semiconductor manufacturing foundry. Our device can generate programmable radio-frequency bursts or continuous waveforms with only the light source, electrical drives/controls and detectors being off-chip. It modulates an individual pulse in a radio-frequency burst within 4 ns, achieving a reconfiguration speed three orders of magnitude faster than thermal tuning. The on-chip optical delay elements offer an integrated approach to accurately manipulating individual radio-frequency waveform features without constraints set by the speed and timing jitter of electronics, and should find applications ranging from high-speed wireless to defence electronics. PMID:25581847

High mass accuracy assay for trimethylamine N-oxide using stable-isotope dilution with liquid chromatography coupled to orthogonal acceleration time of flight mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring.

PubMed

Heaney, Liam M; Jones, Donald J L; Mbasu, Richard J; Ng, Leong L; Suzuki, Toru

2016-01-01

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has attracted interest as circulating levels have reported prognostic value in patients with cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure. With continual advances in accurate mass measurements, robust methods that can employ the capabilities of time of flight mass spectrometers would offer additional utility in the analysis of complex clinical samples. A Waters Acquity UPLC was coupled to a Waters Synapt G2-S high-resolution mass spectrometer. TMAO was measured in plasma by stable-isotope dilution-hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring (LC-ToF-MRM). Two transitions were monitored: m/z 76.1 to 58.066/59.073 and m/z 85.1 to 66.116/68.130. The method was assessed for linearity, lower limits of detection and quantitation, and reproducibility. A selected cohort of patients with systolic heart failure (SHF; n = 43) and healthy controls (n = 42) were measured to verify the assay is suitable for the analysis of clinical samples. Quantitative analysis of TMAO using LC-ToF-MRM enabled linearity to be established between 0.1 and 75 μmol/L, with a lower limit of detection of 0.05 μmol/L. Relative standard deviations reported an inter-day variation of ≤20.8% and an intra-day variation of ≤11.4% with an intra-study quality control variation of 2.7%. Run times were 2.5 min. Clinical application of the method reported that TMAO in SHF was elevated compared to that of healthy controls (p < 0.0005). LC-ToF-MRM offers a highly selective method for accurate mass measurement of TMAO with rapid and reproducible results. Applicability of the method was shown in a selected cohort of patient samples.

A high-throughput liquid bead array-based screening technology for Bt presence in GMO manipulation.

PubMed

Fu, Wei; Wang, Huiyu; Wang, Chenguang; Mei, Lin; Lin, Xiangmei; Han, Xueqing; Zhu, Shuifang

2016-03-15

The number of species and planting areas of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been rapidly developed during the past ten years. For the purpose of GMO inspection, quarantine and manipulation, we have now devised a high-throughput Bt-based GMOs screening method based on the liquid bead array. This novel method is based on the direct competitive recognition between biotinylated antibodies and beads-coupled antigens, searching for Bt presence in samples if it contains Bt Cry1 Aa, Bt Cry1 Ab, Bt Cry1 Ac, Bt Cry1 Ah, Bt Cry1 B, Bt Cry1 C, Bt Cry1 F, Bt Cry2 A, Bt Cry3 or Bt Cry9 C. Our method has a wide GMO species coverage so that more than 90% of the whole commercialized GMO species can be identified throughout the world. Under our optimization, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability and availability validation, the method shows a high specificity and 10-50 ng/mL sensitivity of quantification. We then assessed more than 1800 samples in the field and food market to prove capacity of our method in performing a high throughput screening work for GMO manipulation. Our method offers an applicant platform for further inspection and research on GMO plants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of gel-filter method for high enrichment of low-molecular weight proteins from serum.

PubMed

Chen, Lingsheng; Zhai, Linhui; Li, Yanchang; Li, Ning; Zhang, Chengpu; Ping, Lingyan; Chang, Lei; Wu, Junzhu; Li, Xiangping; Shi, Deshun; Xu, Ping

2015-01-01

The human serum proteome has been extensively screened for biomarkers. However, the large dynamic range of protein concentrations in serum and the presence of highly abundant and large molecular weight proteins, make identification and detection changes in the amount of low-molecular weight proteins (LMW, molecular weight ≤ 30kDa) difficult. Here, we developed a gel-filter method including four layers of different concentration of tricine SDS-PAGE-based gels to block high-molecular weight proteins and enrich LMW proteins. By utilizing this method, we identified 1,576 proteins (n = 2) from 10 μL serum. Among them, 559 (n = 2) proteins belonged to LMW proteins. Furthermore, this gel-filter method could identify 67.4% and 39.8% more LMW proteins than that in representative methods of glycine SDS-PAGE and optimized-DS, respectively. By utilizing SILAC-AQUA approach with labeled recombinant protein as internal standard, the recovery rate for GST spiked in serum during the treatment of gel-filter, optimized-DS, and ProteoMiner was 33.1 ± 0.01%, 18.7 ± 0.01% and 9.6 ± 0.03%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the gel-filter method offers a rapid, highly reproducible and efficient approach for screening biomarkers from serum through proteomic analyses.

Preparation of construction specifications, contract documents, field testing, educational materials, and course offerings for trenchless construction

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-10-01

Trenchless technology offers methods by which underground utilities may be installed without damage to overlying pavement, if proper precautions are observed. In the past ten years, repeated improvements in technology, materials, and methods have adv...

Sensitive analytical method for simultaneous analysis of some vasoconstrictors with highly overlapped analytical signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolić, G. S.; Žerajić, S.; Cakić, M.

2011-10-01

Multivariate calibration method is a powerful mathematical tool that can be applied in analytical chemistry when the analytical signals are highly overlapped. The method with regression by partial least squares is proposed for the simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of adrenergic vasoconstrictors in decongestive solution containing two active components: phenyleprine hydrochloride and trimazoline hydrochloride. These sympathomimetic agents are that frequently associated in pharmaceutical formulations against the common cold. The proposed method, which is, simple and rapid, offers the advantages of sensitivity and wide range of determinations without the need for extraction of the vasoconstrictors. In order to minimize the optimal factors necessary to obtain the calibration matrix by multivariate calibration, different parameters were evaluated. The adequate selection of the spectral regions proved to be important on the number of factors. In order to simultaneously quantify both hydrochlorides among excipients, the spectral region between 250 and 290 nm was selected. A recovery for the vasoconstrictor was 98-101%. The developed method was applied to assay of two decongestive pharmaceutical preparations.

Design and Analysis of Linear Fault-Tolerant Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machines

PubMed Central

Xu, Liang; Liu, Guohai; Du, Yi; Liu, Hu

2014-01-01

This paper proposes a new linear fault-tolerant permanent-magnet (PM) vernier (LFTPMV) machine, which can offer high thrust by using the magnetic gear effect. Both PMs and windings of the proposed machine are on short mover, while the long stator is only manufactured from iron. Hence, the proposed machine is very suitable for long stroke system applications. The key of this machine is that the magnetizer splits the two movers with modular and complementary structures. Hence, the proposed machine offers improved symmetrical and sinusoidal back electromotive force waveform and reduced detent force. Furthermore, owing to the complementary structure, the proposed machine possesses favorable fault-tolerant capability, namely, independent phases. In particular, differing from the existing fault-tolerant machines, the proposed machine offers fault tolerance without sacrificing thrust density. This is because neither fault-tolerant teeth nor the flux-barriers are adopted. The electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machine are analyzed using the time-stepping finite-element method, which verifies the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis. PMID:24982959

Clinical review: Checklists - translating evidence into practice

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Checklists are common tools used in many industries. Unfortunately, their adoption in the field of medicine has been limited to equipment operations or part of specific algorithms. Yet they have tremendous potential to improve patient outcomes by democratizing knowledge and helping ensure that all patients receive evidence-based best practices and safe high-quality care. Checklist adoption has been slowed by a variety of factors, including provider resistance, delays in knowledge dissemination and integration, limited methodology to guide development and maintenance, and lack of effective technical strategies to make them available and easy to use. In this article, we explore some of the principles and possible strategies to further develop and encourage the implementation of checklists into medical practice. We describe different types of checklists using examples and explore the benefits they offer to improve care. We suggest methods to create checklists and offer suggestions for how we might apply them, using some examples from our own experience, and finally, offer some possible directions for future research. PMID:20064195

Design and analysis of linear fault-tolerant permanent-magnet vernier machines.

PubMed

Xu, Liang; Ji, Jinghua; Liu, Guohai; Du, Yi; Liu, Hu

2014-01-01

This paper proposes a new linear fault-tolerant permanent-magnet (PM) vernier (LFTPMV) machine, which can offer high thrust by using the magnetic gear effect. Both PMs and windings of the proposed machine are on short mover, while the long stator is only manufactured from iron. Hence, the proposed machine is very suitable for long stroke system applications. The key of this machine is that the magnetizer splits the two movers with modular and complementary structures. Hence, the proposed machine offers improved symmetrical and sinusoidal back electromotive force waveform and reduced detent force. Furthermore, owing to the complementary structure, the proposed machine possesses favorable fault-tolerant capability, namely, independent phases. In particular, differing from the existing fault-tolerant machines, the proposed machine offers fault tolerance without sacrificing thrust density. This is because neither fault-tolerant teeth nor the flux-barriers are adopted. The electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed machine are analyzed using the time-stepping finite-element method, which verifies the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Decellularization of Aorta and Cornea.

PubMed

Guler, Selcan; Aslan, Bahar; Hosseinian, Pezhman; Aydin, Halil Murat

2017-09-01

Tissue engineering approaches utilize both natural and synthetic materials in the repair and regeneration processes. A naturally sourced material for this purpose is required to be free from any antigenic matter such as cells or cellular components. Decellularization of tissues may be achieved through chemical or physical removal agents. Supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO 2 ) has been used on the purpose of removing bioburden from tissues and offers an alternative to the traditionally used treatment methods. In addition to many advantages it offers with regard to the successful decellularization of tissues, it is known to have a sterilization effect. This study provides an insight into sc-CO 2 -assisted decellularization trials of corneal and aortic tissues. Results showed that high pressure of the fluid bursts the cells during the treatment and rapid depressurization was found to be effective in the removal of the cells from the tissues. sc-CO 2 decellularization offers significantly reduced treatment times, complete decellularization, and preserved extracellular matrix structure.

Analytical reverse time migration: An innovation in imaging of infrastructures using ultrasonic shear waves.

PubMed

Asadollahi, Aziz; Khazanovich, Lev

2018-04-11

The emergence of ultrasonic dry point contact (DPC) transducers that emit horizontal shear waves has enabled efficient collection of high-quality data in the context of a nondestructive evaluation of concrete structures. This offers an opportunity to improve the quality of evaluation by adapting advanced imaging techniques. Reverse time migration (RTM) is a simulation-based reconstruction technique that offers advantages over conventional methods, such as the synthetic aperture focusing technique. RTM is capable of imaging boundaries and interfaces with steep slopes and the bottom boundaries of inclusions and defects. However, this imaging technique requires a massive amount of memory and its computation cost is high. In this study, both bottlenecks of the RTM are resolved when shear transducers are used for data acquisition. An analytical approach was developed to obtain the source and receiver wavefields needed for imaging using reverse time migration. It is shown that the proposed analytical approach not only eliminates the high memory demand, but also drastically reduces the computation time from days to minutes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning calcite morphology and growth acceleration by a rational design of highly stable protein-mimetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chun-Long; Qi, Jiahui; Tao, Jinhui; Zuckermann, Ronald N.; Deyoreo, James J.

2014-09-01

In nature, proteins play a significant role in biomineral formation. One of the ultimate goals of bioinspired materials science is to develop highly stable synthetic molecules that mimic the function of these natural proteins by controlling crystal formation. Here, we demonstrate that both the morphology and the degree of acceleration or inhibition observed during growth of calcite in the presence of peptoids can be rationally tuned by balancing the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, with hydrophobic interactions playing the dominant role. While either strong electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions inhibit growth and reduces expression of the {104} faces, correlations between peptoid-crystal binding energies and observed changes in calcite growth indicate moderate electrostatic interactions allow peptoids to weakly adsorb while moderate hydrophobic interactions cause disruption of surface-adsorbed water layers, leading to growth acceleration with retained expression of the {104} faces. This study provides fundamental principles for designing peptoids as crystallization promoters, and offers a straightforward screening method based on macroscopic crystal morphology. Because peptoids are sequence-specific, highly stable, and easily synthesized, peptoid-enhanced crystallization offers a broad range of potential applications.

Tuning calcite morphology and growth acceleration by a rational design of highly stable protein-mimetics

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

Chen, Chunlong; Qi, Jiahui; Tao, Jinhui

2014-09-05

In nature, proteins play a significant role in biomineral formation. One of the ultimate goals of bioinspired materials science is to develop highly stable synthetic molecules that mimic the function of these natural proteins by controlling crystal formation. Here, we demonstrate that both the morphology and the degree of acceleration or inhibition observed during growth of calcite in the presence of peptoids can be rationally tuned by balancing the electrostatic interactions (EI) and hydrophobic interactions (HI), with HI playing the dominant role. While either strong EI or HI inhibit growth and suppress (104) face expression, correlations between peptoid-crystal binding energiesmore » and observed changes in calcite growth indicate moderate EI allow peptoids to weakly adsorb while moderate HI cause disruption of surface-adsorbed water layers, leading to growth acceleration with retained expression of (104) faces. This study provides fundamental principles for designing peptoids as crystallization promoters, and offers a straightforward screening method based on macroscopic crystal morphology. Because peptoids are sequence-specific, highly stable, and easily synthesized, peptoid-enhanced crystallization offers a broad range of potential applications.« less

Tuning calcite morphology and growth acceleration by a rational design of highly stable protein-mimetics

PubMed Central

Chen, Chun-Long; Qi, Jiahui; Tao, Jinhui; Zuckermann, Ronald N.; DeYoreo, James J.

2014-01-01

In nature, proteins play a significant role in biomineral formation. One of the ultimate goals of bioinspired materials science is to develop highly stable synthetic molecules that mimic the function of these natural proteins by controlling crystal formation. Here, we demonstrate that both the morphology and the degree of acceleration or inhibition observed during growth of calcite in the presence of peptoids can be rationally tuned by balancing the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, with hydrophobic interactions playing the dominant role. While either strong electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions inhibit growth and reduces expression of the {104} faces, correlations between peptoid-crystal binding energies and observed changes in calcite growth indicate moderate electrostatic interactions allow peptoids to weakly adsorb while moderate hydrophobic interactions cause disruption of surface-adsorbed water layers, leading to growth acceleration with retained expression of the {104} faces. This study provides fundamental principles for designing peptoids as crystallization promoters, and offers a straightforward screening method based on macroscopic crystal morphology. Because peptoids are sequence-specific, highly stable, and easily synthesized, peptoid-enhanced crystallization offers a broad range of potential applications. PMID:25189418

GPU-accelerated FDTD modeling of radio-frequency field-tissue interactions in high-field MRI.

PubMed

Chi, Jieru; Liu, Feng; Weber, Ewald; Li, Yu; Crozier, Stuart

2011-06-01

The analysis of high-field RF field-tissue interactions requires high-performance finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) computing. Conventional CPU-based FDTD calculations offer limited computing performance in a PC environment. This study presents a graphics processing unit (GPU)-based parallel-computing framework, producing substantially boosted computing efficiency (with a two-order speedup factor) at a PC-level cost. Specific details of implementing the FDTD method on a GPU architecture have been presented and the new computational strategy has been successfully applied to the design of a novel 8-element transceive RF coil system at 9.4 T. Facilitated by the powerful GPU-FDTD computing, the new RF coil array offers optimized fields (averaging 25% improvement in sensitivity, and 20% reduction in loop coupling compared with conventional array structures of the same size) for small animal imaging with a robust RF configuration. The GPU-enabled acceleration paves the way for FDTD to be applied for both detailed forward modeling and inverse design of MRI coils, which were previously impractical.

[Implementation of the eLearning project NESTOR. A network for students in traumatology and orthopedics].

PubMed

Back, D A; Haberstroh, N; Hoff, E; Plener, J; Haas, N P; Perka, C; Schmidmaier, G

2012-01-01

Modern internet-based information technologies offer great possibilities to create and improve teaching methods for students. The eLearning tool NESTOR (Network for Students in Traumatology and Orthopedics) presented here was designed to complement the existing clinical teaching in orthopedics and traumatology at the Charité, University Medicine Berlin. Using a learning management system, videos, podcasts, X-ray diagnosis, virtual patients, tests and further tools for learning and study information were combined. After implementation the eLearning project was evaluated by students. The NESTOR project offers various possibilities for knowledge acquisition. Students using the program voluntarily showed a high acceptance whereby 82.4% were very satisfied with the contents offered and 95.3% supported the idea of a future use of NESTOR in teaching. The blended learning approach was positively evaluated by 93.5% of the students. The project received the eLearning seal of quality of the Charité University Medicine Berlin. Using complex eLearning tools, such as the NESTOR project represents a contemporary teaching approach in the teaching of traumatology and orthopedics and should be offered in a blended learning context as they are well accepted by students.

Staging optics considerations for a plasma wakefield acceleration linear collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindstrøm, C. A.; Adli, E.; Allen, J. M.; Delahaye, J. P.; Hogan, M. J.; Joshi, C.; Muggli, P.; Raubenheimer, T. O.; Yakimenko, V.

2016-09-01

Plasma wakefield acceleration offers acceleration gradients of several GeV/m, ideal for a next-generation linear collider. The beam optics requirements between plasma cells include injection and extraction of drive beams, matching the main beam beta functions into the next cell, canceling dispersion as well as constraining bunch lengthening and chromaticity. To maintain a high effective acceleration gradient, this must be accomplished in the shortest distance possible. A working example is presented, using novel methods to correct chromaticity, as well as scaling laws for a high energy regime.

Supersonic transport grid generation, validation, and optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aaronson, Philip G.

1995-01-01

The ever present demand for reduced flight times has renewed interest in High Speed Civil Transports (HSCT). The need for an HSCT becomes especially apparent when the long distance, over-sea, high growth Pacific rim routes are considered. Crucial to any successful HSCT design are minimal environmental impact and economic viability. Vital is the transport's aerodynamic efficiency, ultimately effecting both the environmental impact and the operating cost. Optimization, including numerical optimization, coupled with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology, has and will offer a significant improvement beyond traditional methods.

Smart glass as the method of improving the energy efficiency of high-rise buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamayunova, Olga; Gumerova, Eliza; Miloradova, Nadezda

2018-03-01

The question that has to be answered in high-rise building is glazing and its service life conditions. Contemporary market offers several types of window units, for instance, wooden, aluminum, PVC and combined models. Wooden and PVC windows become the most widespread and competitive between each other. In recent times design engineers choose smart glass. In this article, the advantages and drawbacks of all types of windows are reviewed, and the recommendations are given according to choice of window type in order to improve energy efficiency of buildings.

Massive bone allograft: a salvage procedure for complex bone loss due to high-velocity missiles--a long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Salai, M; Volks, S; Blankstein, A; Chechik, A; Amit, Y; Horosowski, H

1990-07-01

The treatment of high-velocity missile injury to the limbs is often associated with segmental bone loss, as well as damage to neurovascular and soft tissue. In such "limb threatening" cases, massive bone allograft can fill the bone defect and offer stability to the soft tissue reconstruction. The return of function in the affected limb is relatively rapid when using this method as a primary procedure. The indications for use of this technique and illustrative case reports are presented and discussed.

Deformable image registration for multimodal lung-cancer staging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheirsilp, Ronnarit; Zang, Xiaonan; Bascom, Rebecca; Allen, Thomas W.; Mahraj, Rickhesvar P. M.; Higgins, William E.

2016-03-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) serve as major diagnostic imaging modalities in the lung-cancer staging process. Modern scanners provide co-registered whole-body PET/CT studies, collected while the patient breathes freely, and high-resolution chest CT scans, collected under a brief patient breath hold. Unfortunately, no method exists for registering a PET/CT study into the space of a high-resolution chest CT scan. If this could be done, vital diagnostic information offered by the PET/CT study could be brought seamlessly into the procedure plan used during live cancer-staging bronchoscopy. We propose a method for the deformable registration of whole-body PET/CT data into the space of a high-resolution chest CT study. We then demonstrate its potential for procedure planning and subsequent use in multimodal image-guided bronchoscopy.

Comparison of two Gram stain point-of-care systems for urogenital gonorrhoea among high-risk patients: diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness before and after changing the screening algorithm at an STI clinic in Amsterdam.

PubMed

Bartelsman, M; Straetemans, M; Vaughan, K; Alba, S; van Rooijen, M S; Faber, W R; de Vries, H J C

2014-08-01

To compare point-of-care (POC) systems in two different periods: (1) before 2010 when all high-risk patients were offered POC management for urogenital gonorrhoea by Gram stain examination; and (2) after 2010 when only those with symptoms were offered Gram stain examination. Retrospective comparison of a Gram stain POC system to all high-risk patients (2008-2009) with only those with urogenital symptoms (2010-2011) on diagnostic accuracy, loss to follow-up, presumptively and correctly treated infections and diagnostic costs. Culture was the reference diagnostic method. In men the sensitivity of the Gram stain was 95.9% (95% CI 93.1% to 97.8%) in 2008-2009 and 95.4% (95% CI 93.7% to 96.8%) in 2010-2011, and in women the sensitivity was 32.0% (95% CI 19.5% to 46.7%) and 23.1% (95% CI 16.1% to 31.3%), respectively. In both periods the overall specificity was high (99.9% (95% CI 99.8% to 100%) and 99.8% (95% CI 99.7% to 99.9%), respectively). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) before and after 2010 were also high: PPV 97.0% (95% CI 94.5% to 98.5%) and 97.7% (95% CI 96.3% to 98.6%), respectively; NPV 99.6% (95% CI 99.4% to 99.7%) and 98.8% (95% CI 98.5% to 99.0%), respectively. There were no differences between the two time periods in loss to follow-up (7.1% vs 7.0%). Offering Gram stains only to symptomatic high-risk patients as opposed to all high-risk patients saved €2.34 per correctly managed consultation (a reduction of 7.7%). The sensitivity of the Gram stain is high in men but low in women. When offered only to high-risk patients with urogenital symptoms, the cost per correctly managed consultation is reduced by 7.7% without a significant difference in accuracy and loss to follow-up. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Automated DNA extraction from genetically modified maize using aminosilane-modified bacterial magnetic particles.

PubMed

Ota, Hiroyuki; Lim, Tae-Kyu; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi; Yoshino, Tomoko; Harada, Manabu; Matsunaga, Tadashi

2006-09-18

A novel, automated system, PNE-1080, equipped with eight automated pestle units and a spectrophotometer was developed for genomic DNA extraction from maize using aminosilane-modified bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs). The use of aminosilane-modified BMPs allowed highly accurate DNA recovery. The (A(260)-A(320)):(A(280)-A(320)) ratio of the extracted DNA was 1.9+/-0.1. The DNA quality was sufficiently pure for PCR analysis. The PNE-1080 offered rapid assay completion (30 min) with high accuracy. Furthermore, the results of real-time PCR confirmed that our proposed method permitted the accurate determination of genetically modified DNA composition and correlated well with results obtained by conventional cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based methods.

Cell Patterning for Liver Tissue Engineering via Dielectrophoretic Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Yahya, Wan Nurlina Wan; Kadri, Nahrizul Adib; Ibrahim, Fatimah

2014-01-01

Liver transplantation is the most common treatment for patients with end-stage liver failure. However, liver transplantation is greatly limited by a shortage of donors. Liver tissue engineering may offer an alternative by providing an implantable engineered liver. Currently, diverse types of engineering approaches for in vitro liver cell culture are available, including scaffold-based methods, microfluidic platforms, and micropatterning techniques. Active cell patterning via dielectrophoretic (DEP) force showed some advantages over other methods, including high speed, ease of handling, high precision and being label-free. This article summarizes liver function and regenerative mechanisms for better understanding in developing engineered liver. We then review recent advances in liver tissue engineering techniques and focus on DEP-based cell patterning, including microelectrode design and patterning configuration. PMID:24991941

Why do people reject unintended inequity? Responders' rejection in a truncated ultimatum game.

PubMed

Ohmura, Yu; Yamagishi, Toshio

2005-04-01

Rejection of an inequitable and yet unintended outcome in a truncated ultimatum game was examined in an experiment with 46 undergraduate students (27 men and 19 women) from a large national university in Japan. In an ultimatum game, one of two players, the proposer, makes an offer to divide a fixed-sum of money. The other player, the responder, decides whether to accept or reject the offer. When the responder rejects the proposer's offer, neither of the two players receives a reward. Previous work examining the behavior of participants in the truncated ultimatum game employed strategy method in their experimental design. We examined whether these previous findings would be replicated in an experimental design that did not use the strategy method and instead used the standard one-shot game. Seven out of 46 responders given an inequitable offer rejected it, replicating prior results with the strategy method. We further found that subjects who rejected an offer that was involuntary and yet inequitable did not over-attribute intentions to the proposer's involuntary behavior more strongly than did acceptors. These findings strongly suggest that aversion to inequity is the explanation for the subjects' rejection of the inequitable offer.

Towards socially inclusive research: an evaluation of telephone questionnaire administration in a multilingual population.

PubMed

Dormandy, Elizabeth; Brown, Katrina; Reid, Erin P; Marteau, Theresa M

2008-01-31

Missing data may bias the results of clinical trials and other studies. This study describes the response rate, questionnaire responses and financial costs associated with offering participants from a multilingual population the option to complete questionnaires over the telephone. Before and after study of two methods of questionnaire completion. Seven hundred and sixty five pregnant women from 25 general practices in two UK inner city Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) taking part in a cluster randomised controlled trial of offering antenatal sickle cell and thalassaemia screening in primary care. Two hundred and four participants did not speak English. Sixty one women were offered postal questionnaire completion only and 714 women were offered a choice of telephone or postal questionnaire completion. (i) Proportion of completed questionnaires, (ii) attitude and knowledge responses obtained from a questionnaire assessing informed choice. The response rate from women offered postal completion was 26% compared with 67% for women offered a choice of telephone or postal completion (41% difference 95% CI Diff 30 to 52). For non-English speakers offered a choice of completion methods the response rate was 56% compared with 71% for English speakers (95% CI Diff 7 to 23). No difference was found for knowledge by completion method, but telephone completion was associated with more positive attitude classifications than postal completion (87 vs 96%, 95% CI diff 0.006 to 15). Compared with postal administration the additional costs associated with telephone administration were pound3.90 per questionnaire for English speakers and pound71.60 per questionnaire for non English speakers. Studies requiring data to be collected by questionnaire may obtain higher response rates from both English and non-English speakers when a choice of telephone or postal administration (and where necessary, an interpreter)is offered compared to offering postal administration only. This approach will, however, incur additional research costs and uncertainty remains about the equivalence of responses obtained from the two methods.

Detection of fetal cell-free DNA in maternal plasma for Down syndrome, Edward syndrome and Patau syndrome of high risk fetus

PubMed Central

Ke, Wei-Lin; Zhao, Wei-Hua; Wang, Xin-Yu

2015-01-01

Objective: The study aimed to validate the efficacy of detection of fetal cell-free DNA in maternal plasma of trisomy 21, 18 and 13 in a clinical setting. Methods: A total of 2340 women at high risk for Down syndrome based on maternal age, prenatal history or a positive sesum or sonographic screening test were offered prenatal noninvasive aneuploidy test. According to the prenatal noninvasive aneuploidy test, the pregnant women at high risk were offered amniocentesis karyotype analysis and the pregnant at low risk were followed up to make sure the newborn outcome. Results: The prenatal noninvasive aneuploidy test was positive for trisomy 21 in 17 cases, for trisomy 18 in 6 cases and for trisomy 13 in 1 case, which of all were confirmed by karyotype analysis. Newborns of low risk gestational woman detected by prenatal noninvasive aneuploidy for trisomy 21, 18, 13 were followed up and no one was found with trisomy. Conclusions: The prenatal noninvasive aneuploidy test is highly accurate for detection of trisomy 21, 18 and 13, which can be considered as a practical alternative for traditional invasive diagnostic procedures. PMID:26309618

Recommendations for Culturally Sensitive Research Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Awad, Germine H.; Patall, Erika A.; Rackley, Kadie R.; Reilly, Erin D.

2016-01-01

As the US continues to diversify, methods for accurately assessing human behavior must evolve. This paper offers multicultural research considerations at several stages of the research process for psychological research and consultation. Implications regarding the comparative research framework are discussed and suggestions are offered on how to…

Ambiguities and completeness of SAS data analysis: investigations of apoferritin by SAXS/SANS EID and SEC-SAXS methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabelskii, D. V.; Vlasov, A. V.; Ryzhykau, Yu L.; Murugova, T. N.; Brennich, M.; Soloviov, D. V.; Ivankov, O. I.; Borshchevskiy, V. I.; Mishin, A. V.; Rogachev, A. V.; Round, A.; Dencher, N. A.; Büldt, G.; Gordeliy, V. I.; Kuklin, A. I.

2018-03-01

The method of small angle scattering (SAS) is widely used in the field of biophysical research of proteins in aqueous solutions. Obtaining low-resolution structure of proteins is still a highly valuable method despite the advances in high-resolution methods such as X-ray diffraction, cryo-EM etc. SAS offers the unique possibility to obtain structural information under conditions close to those of functional assays, i.e. in solution, without different additives, in the mg/mL concentration range. SAS method has a long history, but there are still many uncertainties related to data treatment. We compared 1D SAS profiles of apoferritin obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SAS methods. It is shown that SAS curves for X-ray diffraction crystallographic structure of apoferritin differ more significantly than it might be expected due to the resolution of the SAS instrument. Extrapolation to infinite dilution (EID) method does not sufficiently exclude dimerization and oligomerization effects and therefore could not guarantee total absence of dimers account in the final SAS curve. In this study, we show that EID SAXS, EID SANS and SEC-SAXS methods give complementary results and when they are used all together, it allows obtaining the most accurate results and high confidence from SAS data analysis of proteins.

Characterization of free thiol variants of an IgG1 by reversed phase ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Hongbin; Jeong, Justin; Kao, Yung-Hsiang; Zhang, Yonghua Taylor

2015-05-10

RP-HPLC has been demonstrated as a powerful tool to study antibody free thiol and disulfide variants. Recently, the introduction of UHPLC columns with wide pore size (300Å) and small particle size (1.7μm) offered the opportunity to further improve the separation of such variants. This paper describes a systematic evaluation of stationary phases, operating parameters, and mobile phases for a UHPLC based method to separate free thiol variants of a recombinant monoclonal antibody (referred as mAb A), targeting high resolution, high throughput and improved recovery. Among the four different stationary phases evaluated, UHPLC diphenyl columns were found to provide the best separation. Using an optimized UHPLC method, free thiol variants of mAb A were separated in 5min. Importantly, the UHPLC method revealed minor variants that had coeluted in an HPLC based method, and the UHPLC method is also applicable as a platform method for characterization of other mAbs as well. Furthermore, an on-line UHPLC-MS method was developed to characterize the separated variants, and this method can streamline the characterization of fully assembled monoclonal and bispecific therapeutic antibodies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proven high-reliability assembly methods applied to avionics fiber-optics high-speed transceivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauzon, Jocelyn; Leduc, Lorrain; Bessette, Daniel; Bélanger, Nicolas; Larose, Robert; Dion, Bruno

2012-06-01

Harsh environment avionics applications require operating temperature ranges that can extend to, and exceed -50 to 115°C. For obvious maintenance, management and cost arguments, product lifetimes as long as 20 years are also sought. This leads to mandatory long-term hermeticity that cannot be obtained with epoxy or silicone sealing; but only with glass seal or metal solder or brazing. A hermetic design can indirectly result in the required RF shielding of the component. For fiber-optics products, these specifications need to be compatible with the smallest possible size, weight and power consumption. The products also need to offer the best possible high-speed performances added to the known EMI immunity in the transmission lines. Fiber-optics transceivers with data rates per fiber channel up to 10Gbps are now starting to be offered on the market for avionics applications. Some of them are being developed by companies involved in the "normal environment" telecommunications market that are trying to ruggedize their products packaging in order to diversify their customer base. Another approach, for which we will present detailed results, is to go back to the drawing boards and design a new product that is adapted to proven MIL-PRF-38534 high-reliability packaging assembly methods. These methods will lead to the introduction of additional requirements at the components level; such as long-term high-temperature resistance for the fiber-optic cables. We will compare both approaches and demonstrate the latter, associated with the redesign, is the preferable one. The performance of the fiber-optic transceiver we have developed, in terms of qualification tests such as temperature cycling, constant acceleration, hermeticity, residual gaz analysis, operation under random vibration and mechanical shocks and accelerated lifetime tests will be presented. The tests are still under way, but so far, we have observed no performance degradation of such a product after more than 1050 hours of operation at 95°C.

Application of holographic interferometry for analysis of the dynamic and modal characteristics of an advanced exotic metal airfoil structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fein, Howard

1999-03-01

Holographic Interferometry has been successfully employed to characterize the materials and behavior of diverse types of structures under stress. Specialized variations of this technology have also been applied to define dynamic and vibration related structural behavior. Such applications of holographic technique offer some of the most effective methods of modal and dynamic analysis available. Real-time dynamic testing of the modal and mechanical behavior of aerodynamic control and airfoil structures for advanced aircraft has always required advanced instrumentation for data collection in either actual flight test or wind-tunnel simulations. Advanced optical holography techniques are alternate methods which result in actual full-field behavioral data on the ground in a noninvasive environment. These methods offer significant insight in both the development and subsequent operational test and modeling of advanced exotic metal control structures and their integration with total vehicle system dynamics. Structures and materials can be analyzed with very low amplitude excitation and the resultant data can be used to adjust the accuracy mathematically derived structural and behavioral models. Holographic Interferometry offers a powerful tool to aid in the developmental engineering of exotic metal structures for high stress applications. Advanced Titanium alloy is a significant example of these sorts of materials which has found continually increased use in advanced aerodynamic, undersea, and other highly mobil platforms. Aircraft applications in particular must consider environments where extremes in vibration and impulsive mechanical stress can affect both operation and structural stability. These considerations present ideal requisites for analysis using advanced holographic methods in the initial design and test of structures made with such advanced materials. Holographic techniques are nondestructive, real- time, and definitive in allowing the identification of vibrational modes, displacements, and motion geometries. Such information can be crucial to the determination of mechanical configurations and designs as well as operational parameters of structural components fabricated from advanced and exotic materials. Anomalous behavioral characteristics can be directly related to hidden structural or mounting anomalies and defects. Deriving such information can be crucial to the determination of mechanical configurations and designs, as well as critical operational parameters of structural components fabricated from advanced and exotic materials.

High-emulation mask recognition with high-resolution hyperspectral video capture system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Jiao; Fang, Xiaojing; Li, Shoufeng; Wang, Yongjin

2014-11-01

We present a method for distinguishing human face from high-emulation mask, which is increasingly used by criminals for activities such as stealing card numbers and passwords on ATM. Traditional facial recognition technique is difficult to detect such camouflaged criminals. In this paper, we use the high-resolution hyperspectral video capture system to detect high-emulation mask. A RGB camera is used for traditional facial recognition. A prism and a gray scale camera are used to capture spectral information of the observed face. Experiments show that mask made of silica gel has different spectral reflectance compared with the human skin. As multispectral image offers additional spectral information about physical characteristics, high-emulation mask can be easily recognized.

A Study of Dip-Coatable, High-Capacitance Ion Gel Dielectrics for 3D EWOD Device Fabrication

PubMed Central

Clement, Carlos E.; Jiang, Dongyue; Thio, Si Kuan; Park, Sung-Yong

2017-01-01

We present a dip-coatable, high-capacitance ion gel dielectric for scalable fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) devices such as an n × n liquid prism array. Due to the formation of a nanometer-thick electric double layer (EDL) capacitor, an ion gel dielectric offers two to three orders higher specific capacitance (c ≈ 10 μF/cm2) than that of conventional dielectrics such as SiO2. However, the previous spin-coating method used for gel layer deposition poses several issues for 3D EWOD device fabrication, particularly when assembling multiple modules. Not only does the spin-coating process require multiple repetitions per module, but the ion gel layer also comes in risks of damage or contamination due to handling errors caused during assembly. In addition, it was observed that the chemical formulation previously used for the spin-coating method causes the surface defects on the dip-coated gel layers and thus leads to poor EWOD performance. In this paper, we alternatively propose a dip-coating method with modified gel solutions to obtain defect-free, functional ion gel layers without the issues arising from the spin-coating method for 3D device fabrication. A dip-coating approach offers a single-step coating solution with the benefits of simplicity, scalability, and high throughput for deposition of high-capacitance gel layers on non-planar EWOD devices. An ion gel solution was prepared by combining the [EMIM][TFSI] ionic liquid and the [P(VDF-HFP)] copolymer at various wt % ratios in acetone solvent. Experimental studies were conducted to fully understand the effects of chemical composition ratios in the gel solution and how varying thicknesses of ion gel and Teflon layers affects EWOD performance. The effectiveness and potentiality of dip-coatable gel layers for 3D EWOD devices have been demonstrated through fabricating 5 × 1 arrayed liquid prisms using a single-step dip-coating method. Each prism module has been individually controlled to achieve spatial beam steering without the need for bulky mechanical moving parts. PMID:28772400

A Study of Dip-Coatable, High-Capacitance Ion Gel Dielectrics for 3D EWOD Device Fabrication.

PubMed

Clement, Carlos E; Jiang, Dongyue; Thio, Si Kuan; Park, Sung-Yong

2017-01-05

We present a dip-coatable, high-capacitance ion gel dielectric for scalable fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) devices such as an n × n liquid prism array. Due to the formation of a nanometer-thick electric double layer (EDL) capacitor, an ion gel dielectric offers two to three orders higher specific capacitance ( c ≈ 10 μF/cm²) than that of conventional dielectrics such as SiO₂. However, the previous spin-coating method used for gel layer deposition poses several issues for 3D EWOD device fabrication, particularly when assembling multiple modules. Not only does the spin-coating process require multiple repetitions per module, but the ion gel layer also comes in risks of damage or contamination due to handling errors caused during assembly. In addition, it was observed that the chemical formulation previously used for the spin-coating method causes the surface defects on the dip-coated gel layers and thus leads to poor EWOD performance. In this paper, we alternatively propose a dip-coating method with modified gel solutions to obtain defect-free, functional ion gel layers without the issues arising from the spin-coating method for 3D device fabrication. A dip-coating approach offers a single-step coating solution with the benefits of simplicity, scalability, and high throughput for deposition of high-capacitance gel layers on non-planar EWOD devices. An ion gel solution was prepared by combining the [EMIM][TFSI] ionic liquid and the [P(VDF-HFP)] copolymer at various wt % ratios in acetone solvent. Experimental studies were conducted to fully understand the effects of chemical composition ratios in the gel solution and how varying thicknesses of ion gel and Teflon layers affects EWOD performance. The effectiveness and potentiality of dip-coatable gel layers for 3D EWOD devices have been demonstrated through fabricating 5 × 1 arrayed liquid prisms using a single-step dip-coating method. Each prism module has been individually controlled to achieve spatial beam steering without the need for bulky mechanical moving parts.

An empirical evaluation of supervised learning approaches in assigning diagnosis codes to electronic medical records

PubMed Central

Kavuluru, Ramakanth; Rios, Anthony; Lu, Yuan

2015-01-01

Background Diagnosis codes are assigned to medical records in healthcare facilities by trained coders by reviewing all physician authored documents associated with a patient's visit. This is a necessary and complex task involving coders adhering to coding guidelines and coding all assignable codes. With the popularity of electronic medical records (EMRs), computational approaches to code assignment have been proposed in the recent years. However, most efforts have focused on single and often short clinical narratives, while realistic scenarios warrant full EMR level analysis for code assignment. Objective We evaluate supervised learning approaches to automatically assign international classification of diseases (ninth revision) - clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to EMRs by experimenting with a large realistic EMR dataset. The overall goal is to identify methods that offer superior performance in this task when considering such datasets. Methods We use a dataset of 71,463 EMRs corresponding to in-patient visits with discharge date falling in a two year period (2011–2012) from the University of Kentucky (UKY) Medical Center. We curate a smaller subset of this dataset and also use a third gold standard dataset of radiology reports. We conduct experiments using different problem transformation approaches with feature and data selection components and employing suitable label calibration and ranking methods with novel features involving code co-occurrence frequencies and latent code associations. Results Over all codes with at least 50 training examples we obtain a micro F-score of 0.48. On the set of codes that occur at least in 1% of the two year dataset, we achieve a micro F-score of 0.54. For the smaller radiology report dataset, the classifier chaining approach yields best results. For the smaller subset of the UKY dataset, feature selection, data selection, and label calibration offer best performance. Conclusions We show that datasets at different scale (size of the EMRs, number of distinct codes) and with different characteristics warrant different learning approaches. For shorter narratives pertaining to a particular medical subdomain (e.g., radiology, pathology), classifier chaining is ideal given the codes are highly related with each other. For realistic in-patient full EMRs, feature and data selection methods offer high performance for smaller datasets. However, for large EMR datasets, we observe that the binary relevance approach with learning-to-rank based code reranking offers the best performance. Regardless of the training dataset size, for general EMRs, label calibration to select the optimal number of labels is an indispensable final step. PMID:26054428

High fidelity studies of exploding foil initiator bridges, Part 1: Experimental method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowden, Mike; Neal, William

2017-01-01

Simulations of high voltage detonators, such as Exploding Bridgewire (EBW) and Exploding Foil Initiators (EFI), have historically been simple, often empirical, one-dimensional models capable of predicting parameters such as current, voltage and in the case of EFIs, flyer velocity. Correspondingly, experimental methods have in general been limited to the same parameters. With the advent of complex, first principles magnetohydrodynamic codes such as ALEGRA and ALE-MHD, it is now possible to simulate these components in three dimensions, predicting a much greater range of parameters than before. A significant improvement in experimental capability was therefore required to ensure these simulations could be adequately validated. In this first paper of a three part study, the experimental method for determining the current, voltage, flyer velocity and multi-dimensional profile of detonator components is presented. This improved capability, along with high fidelity simulations, offer an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the processes behind the functioning of EBW and EFI detonators.

Electrical transport measurements of thin film samples under high hydrostatic pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabaleta, J.; Parks, S. C.; Baum, B.; Teker, A.; Syassen, K.; Mannhart, J.

2017-03-01

We present a method to perform electrical measurements of epitaxial films and heterostructures a few nanometers thick under high hydrostatic pressures in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). Hydrostatic pressure offers the possibility to tune the rich landscape of properties shown by epitaxial heterostructures, systems in which the combination of different materials, performed with atomic precision, can give rise to properties not present in their individual constituents. Measuring electrical conductivity under hydrostatic pressure in these systems requires a robust method that can address all the challenges: the preparation of the sample with side length and thickness that fits in the DAC setup, a contacting method compatible with liquid media, a gasket insulation that resists high forces, as well as an accurate procedure to place the sample in the pressure chamber. We prove the robustness of the method described by measuring the resistance of a two dimensional electron system buried at the interface between two insulating oxides under hydrostatic conditions up to ˜5 GPa. The setup remains intact until ˜10 GPa, where large pressure gradients affect the two dimensional conductivity.

Electrical transport measurements of thin film samples under high hydrostatic pressure.

PubMed

Zabaleta, J; Parks, S C; Baum, B; Teker, A; Syassen, K; Mannhart, J

2017-03-01

We present a method to perform electrical measurements of epitaxial films and heterostructures a few nanometers thick under high hydrostatic pressures in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). Hydrostatic pressure offers the possibility to tune the rich landscape of properties shown by epitaxial heterostructures, systems in which the combination of different materials, performed with atomic precision, can give rise to properties not present in their individual constituents. Measuring electrical conductivity under hydrostatic pressure in these systems requires a robust method that can address all the challenges: the preparation of the sample with side length and thickness that fits in the DAC setup, a contacting method compatible with liquid media, a gasket insulation that resists high forces, as well as an accurate procedure to place the sample in the pressure chamber. We prove the robustness of the method described by measuring the resistance of a two dimensional electron system buried at the interface between two insulating oxides under hydrostatic conditions up to ∼5 GPa. The setup remains intact until ∼10 GPa, where large pressure gradients affect the two dimensional conductivity.

DNA fingerprinting of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli O157 based on Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeats Analysis (MLVA)

PubMed Central

Lindstedt, Bjørn-Arne; Heir, Even; Gjernes, Elisabet; Vardund, Traute; Kapperud, Georg

2003-01-01

Background The ability to react early to possible outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and to trace possible sources relies on the availability of highly discriminatory and reliable techniques. The development of methods that are fast and has the potential for complete automation is needed for this important pathogen. Methods In all 73 isolates of shiga-toxin producing E. coli O157 (STEC) were used in this study. The two available fully sequenced STEC genomes were scanned for tandem repeated stretches of DNA, which were evaluated as polymorphic markers for isolate identification. Results The 73 E. coli isolates displayed 47 distinct patterns and the MLVA assay was capable of high discrimination between the E. coli O157 strains. The assay was fast and all the steps can be automated. Conclusion The findings demonstrate a novel high discriminatory molecular typing method for the important pathogen E. coli O157 that is fast, robust and offers many advantages compared to current methods. PMID:14664722

The use of digital PCR to improve the application of quantitative molecular diagnostic methods for tuberculosis.

PubMed

Devonshire, Alison S; O'Sullivan, Denise M; Honeyborne, Isobella; Jones, Gerwyn; Karczmarczyk, Maria; Pavšič, Jernej; Gutteridge, Alice; Milavec, Mojca; Mendoza, Pablo; Schimmel, Heinz; Van Heuverswyn, Fran; Gorton, Rebecca; Cirillo, Daniela Maria; Borroni, Emanuele; Harris, Kathryn; Barnard, Marinus; Heydenrych, Anthenette; Ndusilo, Norah; Wallis, Carole L; Pillay, Keshree; Barry, Thomas; Reddington, Kate; Richter, Elvira; Mozioğlu, Erkan; Akyürek, Sema; Yalçınkaya, Burhanettin; Akgoz, Muslum; Žel, Jana; Foy, Carole A; McHugh, Timothy D; Huggett, Jim F

2016-08-03

Real-time PCR (qPCR) based methods, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF, are increasingly being used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB). While qualitative methods are adequate for diagnosis, the therapeutic monitoring of TB patients requires quantitative methods currently performed using smear microscopy. The potential use of quantitative molecular measurements for therapeutic monitoring has been investigated but findings have been variable and inconclusive. The lack of an adequate reference method and reference materials is a barrier to understanding the source of such disagreement. Digital PCR (dPCR) offers the potential for an accurate method for quantification of specific DNA sequences in reference materials which can be used to evaluate quantitative molecular methods for TB treatment monitoring. To assess a novel approach for the development of quality assurance materials we used dPCR to quantify specific DNA sequences in a range of prototype reference materials and evaluated accuracy between different laboratories and instruments. The materials were then also used to evaluate the quantitative performance of qPCR and Xpert MTB/RIF in eight clinical testing laboratories. dPCR was found to provide results in good agreement with the other methods tested and to be highly reproducible between laboratories without calibration even when using different instruments. When the reference materials were analysed with qPCR and Xpert MTB/RIF by clinical laboratories, all laboratories were able to correctly rank the reference materials according to concentration, however there was a marked difference in the measured magnitude. TB is a disease where the quantification of the pathogen could lead to better patient management and qPCR methods offer the potential to rapidly perform such analysis. However, our findings suggest that when precisely characterised materials are used to evaluate qPCR methods, the measurement result variation is too high to determine whether molecular quantification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis would provide a clinically useful readout. The methods described in this study provide a means by which the technical performance of quantitative molecular methods can be evaluated independently of clinical variability to improve accuracy of measurement results. These will assist in ultimately increasing the likelihood that such approaches could be used to improve patient management of TB.

Availability of high school extracurricular sports programs and high-risk behaviors.

PubMed

Cohen, Deborah A; Taylor, Stephanie L; Zonta, Michela; Vestal, Katherine D; Schuster, Mark A

2007-02-01

The Surgeon General has called for an expansion of school-based extracurricular sports programs to address the obesity epidemic. However, little is known about the availability of and participation in high school extracurricular sports and how participation in these sports is related to high-risk behaviors. We surveyed Los Angeles County public high schools in 2002 to determine the number of extracurricular sports programs offered and the percentage of students participating in those programs. We used community data on rates of arrests, births, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among youth to examine associations between risk behaviors and participation in sports programs. The average school offered 14 sports programs, and the average participation rate was 39% for boys and 30% for girls. Smaller schools and schools with higher percentages of disadvantaged students offered fewer programs. The average school offering 13 or fewer programs had 14% of its students participating, while the average school offering 16 or more programs had 31% of its students participating in sports. Controlling for area-level demographics, juvenile arrest rates and teen birth rates, but not STD rates, were lower in areas where schools offered more extracurricular sports. Opportunities for participation in high school extracurricular sports are limited. Future studies should test whether increased opportunities will increase physical activity and impact the increasing overweight problem in youths.

Why should we investigate the morphological disparity of plant clades?

PubMed Central

Oyston, Jack W.; Hughes, Martin; Gerber, Sylvain; Wills, Matthew A.

2016-01-01

Background Disparity refers to the morphological variation in a sample of taxa, and is distinct from diversity or taxonomic richness. Diversity and disparity are fundamentally decoupled; many groups attain high levels of disparity early in their evolution, while diversity is still comparatively low. Diversity may subsequently increase even in the face of static or declining disparity by increasingly fine sub-division of morphological ‘design’ space (morphospace). Many animal clades reached high levels of disparity early in their evolution, but there have been few comparable studies of plant clades, despite their profound ecological and evolutionary importance. This study offers a prospective and some preliminary macroevolutionary analyses. Methods Classical morphometric methods are most suitable when there is reasonable conservation of form, but lose traction where morphological differences become greater (e.g. in comparisons across higher taxa). Discrete character matrices offer one means to compare a greater diversity of forms. This study explores morphospaces derived from eight discrete data sets for major plant clades, and discusses their macroevolutionary implications. Key Results Most of the plant clades in this study show initial, high levels of disparity that approach or attain the maximum levels reached subsequently. These plant clades are characterized by an initial phase of evolution during which most regions of their empirical morphospaces are colonized. Angiosperms, palms, pines and ferns show remarkably little variation in disparity through time. Conifers furnish the most marked exception, appearing at relatively low disparity in the latest Carboniferous, before expanding incrementally with the radiation of successive, tightly clustered constituent sub-clades. Conclusions Many cladistic data sets can be repurposed for investigating the morphological disparity of plant clades through time, and offer insights that are complementary to more focused morphometric studies. The unique structural and ecological features of plants make them ideally suited to investigating intrinsic and extrinsic constraints on disparity. PMID:26658292

Dynamical sensitivity control of a single-spin quantum sensor.

PubMed

Lazariev, Andrii; Arroyo-Camejo, Silvia; Rahane, Ganesh; Kavatamane, Vinaya Kumar; Balasubramanian, Gopalakrishnan

2017-07-26

The Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defect in diamond is a unique quantum system that offers precision sensing of nanoscale physical quantities at room temperature beyond the current state-of-the-art. The benchmark parameters for nanoscale magnetometry applications are sensitivity, spectral resolution, and dynamic range. Under realistic conditions the NV sensors controlled by conventional sensing schemes suffer from limitations of these parameters. Here we experimentally show a new method called dynamical sensitivity control (DYSCO) that boost the benchmark parameters and thus extends the practical applicability of the NV spin for nanoscale sensing. In contrast to conventional dynamical decoupling schemes, where π pulse trains toggle the spin precession abruptly, the DYSCO method allows for a smooth, analog modulation of the quantum probe's sensitivity. Our method decouples frequency selectivity and spectral resolution unconstrained over the bandwidth (1.85 MHz-392 Hz in our experiments). Using DYSCO we demonstrate high-accuracy NV magnetometry without |2π| ambiguities, an enhancement of the dynamic range by a factor of 4 · 10 3 , and interrogation times exceeding 2 ms in off-the-shelf diamond. In a broader perspective the DYSCO method provides a handle on the inherent dynamics of quantum systems offering decisive advantages for NV centre based applications notably in quantum information and single molecule NMR/MRI.

The Effect of Nutrient-Based Standards on Competitive Foods in 3 Schools: Potential Savings in Kilocalories and Grams of Fat

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snelling, Anastasia M.; Yezek, Jennifer

2012-01-01

Background: The study investigated how nutrient standards affected the number of kilocalories and grams of fat and saturated fat in competitive foods offered and sold in 3 high schools. Methods: The study is a quasi-experimental design with 3 schools serving as the units of assignment and analysis. The effect of the nutrient standards was measured…

What serious video games can offer child obesity prevention

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Childhood obesity is a worldwide issue, and effective methods encouraging children to adopt healthy diet and physical activity behaviors are needed. This viewpoint addresses the promise of serious video games, and why they may offer one method for helping children eat healthier and become more physi...

Iterative-Transform Phase Retrieval Using Adaptive Diversity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce H.

2007-01-01

A phase-diverse iterative-transform phase-retrieval algorithm enables high spatial-frequency, high-dynamic-range, image-based wavefront sensing. [The terms phase-diverse, phase retrieval, image-based, and wavefront sensing are defined in the first of the two immediately preceding articles, Broadband Phase Retrieval for Image-Based Wavefront Sensing (GSC-14899-1).] As described below, no prior phase-retrieval algorithm has offered both high dynamic range and the capability to recover high spatial-frequency components. Each of the previously developed image-based phase-retrieval techniques can be classified into one of two categories: iterative transform or parametric. Among the modifications of the original iterative-transform approach has been the introduction of a defocus diversity function (also defined in the cited companion article). Modifications of the original parametric approach have included minimizing alternative objective functions as well as implementing a variety of nonlinear optimization methods. The iterative-transform approach offers the advantage of ability to recover low, middle, and high spatial frequencies, but has disadvantage of having a limited dynamic range to one wavelength or less. In contrast, parametric phase retrieval offers the advantage of high dynamic range, but is poorly suited for recovering higher spatial frequency aberrations. The present phase-diverse iterative transform phase-retrieval algorithm offers both the high-spatial-frequency capability of the iterative-transform approach and the high dynamic range of parametric phase-recovery techniques. In implementation, this is a focus-diverse iterative-transform phaseretrieval algorithm that incorporates an adaptive diversity function, which makes it possible to avoid phase unwrapping while preserving high-spatial-frequency recovery. The algorithm includes an inner and an outer loop (see figure). An initial estimate of phase is used to start the algorithm on the inner loop, wherein multiple intensity images are processed, each using a different defocus value. The processing is done by an iterative-transform method, yielding individual phase estimates corresponding to each image of the defocus-diversity data set. These individual phase estimates are combined in a weighted average to form a new phase estimate, which serves as the initial phase estimate for either the next iteration of the iterative-transform method or, if the maximum number of iterations has been reached, for the next several steps, which constitute the outerloop portion of the algorithm. The details of the next several steps must be omitted here for the sake of brevity. The overall effect of these steps is to adaptively update the diversity defocus values according to recovery of global defocus in the phase estimate. Aberration recovery varies with differing amounts as the amount of diversity defocus is updated in each image; thus, feedback is incorporated into the recovery process. This process is iterated until the global defocus error is driven to zero during the recovery process. The amplitude of aberration may far exceed one wavelength after completion of the inner-loop portion of the algorithm, and the classical iterative transform method does not, by itself, enable recovery of multi-wavelength aberrations. Hence, in the absence of a means of off-loading the multi-wavelength portion of the aberration, the algorithm would produce a wrapped phase map. However, a special aberration-fitting procedure can be applied to the wrapped phase data to transfer at least some portion of the multi-wavelength aberration to the diversity function, wherein the data are treated as known phase values. In this way, a multiwavelength aberration can be recovered incrementally by successively applying the aberration-fitting procedure to intermediate wrapped phase maps. During recovery, as more of the aberration is transferred to the diversity function following successive iterations around the ter loop, the estimated phase ceases to wrap in places where the aberration values become incorporated as part of the diversity function. As a result, as the aberration content is transferred to the diversity function, the phase estimate resembles that of a reference flat.

Network topological analysis reveals the functional cohesiveness for the newly discovered links by Yeast 2 Hybrid approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghiassian, Susan; Pevzner, Sam; Rolland, Thomas; Tassan, Murat; Barabasi, Albert Laszlo; Vidal, Mark; CCNR, Northeastern University Collaboration; Dana Farber Cancer Institute Collaboration

2014-03-01

Protein-protein interaction maps and interactomes are the blueprint of Network Medicine and systems biology and are being experimentally studied by different groups. Despite the wide usage of Literature Curated Interactome (LCI), these sources are biased towards different parameters such as highly studied proteins. Yeast two hybrid method is a high throughput experimental setup which screens proteins in an unbiased fashion. Current knowledge of protein interactions is far from complete. In fact the previous offered data from Y2H method (2005), is estimated to offer only 5% of all potential protein interactions. Currently this coverage has increased to 20% of what is known as reference HI In this work we study the topological properties of Y2H protein-protein interactions network with LCI and show although they both agree on some properties, LCI shows a clear unbiased nature of interaction selections. Most importantly, we assess the properties of PPI as it evolves with increasing the coverage. We show that, the newly discovered interactions tend to connect proteins that have been closer than average in the previous PPI release. reinforcing the modular structure of PPI. Furthermore, we show, some unseen effects on PPI (as opposed to LCI) can be explained by its incompleteness.

The new extended-cycle levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptives.

PubMed

Bonnema, Rachel A; Spencer, Abby L

2011-09-19

Effective contraceptive counseling requires an understanding of a woman's preferences and medical history as well as the risks, benefits, side effects, and contraindications of each contraceptive method. Hormonal contraceptives using a variety of delivery methods are highly effective and this review highlights the new extended-cycle levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol contraceptives. Extended-cycle OCPs are unique in offering fewer or no withdrawal bleeds over the course of one year but providers need to carefully counsel women regarding the initial increased breakthrough bleeding. Extended-cycle OCPs may be of particular benefit in women with medical comorbidities who would benefit from less withdrawal bleeds, those desiring to avoid monthly menses due to increased hormonal withdrawal symptoms, or simply women who don't desire a monthly period. The risks associated with all extended-cycle OCPs have been found to be similar to those of traditional OCPs therefore counseling on the risks and side effects is comparable to that of any combined hormonal contraceptives. Newer extended-cycle regimens shorten or eliminate the hormone-free interval, decrease frequency of menses to four times per year or eliminate menses altogether. This can reduce the risk of common menstrual symptoms, endometriosis, or severe dysmenorrhea by offering potentially greater ovarian suppression and preventing endogenous estradiol production while still providing highly effective, rapidly reversible, and safe contraception.

High resolution identity testing of inactivated poliovirus vaccines.

PubMed

Mee, Edward T; Minor, Philip D; Martin, Javier

2015-07-09

Definitive identification of poliovirus strains in vaccines is essential for quality control, particularly where multiple wild-type and Sabin strains are produced in the same facility. Sequence-based identification provides the ultimate in identity testing and would offer several advantages over serological methods. We employed random RT-PCR and high throughput sequencing to recover full-length genome sequences from monovalent and trivalent poliovirus vaccine products at various stages of the manufacturing process. All expected strains were detected in previously characterised products and the method permitted identification of strains comprising as little as 0.1% of sequence reads. Highly similar Mahoney and Sabin 1 strains were readily discriminated on the basis of specific variant positions. Analysis of a product known to contain incorrect strains demonstrated that the method correctly identified the contaminants. Random RT-PCR and shotgun sequencing provided high resolution identification of vaccine components. In addition to the recovery of full-length genome sequences, the method could also be easily adapted to the characterisation of minor variant frequencies and distinction of closely related products on the basis of distinguishing consensus and low frequency polymorphisms. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

A feasibility study of damage detection in beams using high-speed camera (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Chao; Yuan, Fuh-Gwo

2017-04-01

In this paper a method for damage detection in beam structures using high-speed camera is presented. Traditional methods of damage detection in structures typically involve contact (i.e., piezoelectric sensor or accelerometer) or non-contact sensors (i.e., laser vibrometer) which can be costly and time consuming to inspect an entire structure. With the popularity of the digital camera and the development of computer vision technology, video cameras offer a viable capability of measurement including higher spatial resolution, remote sensing and low-cost. In the study, a damage detection method based on the high-speed camera was proposed. The system setup comprises a high-speed camera and a line-laser which can capture the out-of-plane displacement of a cantilever beam. The cantilever beam with an artificial crack was excited and the vibration process was recorded by the camera. A methodology called motion magnification, which can amplify subtle motions in a video is used for modal identification of the beam. A finite element model was used for validation of the proposed method. Suggestions for applications of this methodology and challenges in future work will be discussed.

Understanding medical practice team roles.

PubMed

Hills, Laura

2015-01-01

Do you believe that the roles your employees play on your medical practice team are identical to their job titles or job descriptions? Do you believe that team roles are determined by personality type? This article suggests that a more effective way to build and manage your medical practice team is to define team roles through employee behaviors. It provides 10 rules of behavioral team roles that can help practice managers to select and build high-performing teams, build more productive team relationships, improve the employee recruitment process, build greater team trust and understanding; and increase their own effectiveness. This article describes in detail Belbin's highly regarded and widely used team role theory and summarizes four additional behavioral team role theories and systems. It offers lessons learned when applying team role theory to practice. Finally, this article offers an easy-to-implement method for assessing current team roles. It provides a simple four-question checklist that will help practice managers balance an imbalanced medical practice team.

Microfluidics on compliant substrates: recent developments in foldable and bendable devices and system packaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, Bonnie L.

2012-04-01

Microfluidics is revolutionizing laboratory methods and biomedical devices, offering new capabilities and instrumentation in multiple areas such as DNA analysis, proteomics, enzymatic analysis, single cell analysis, immunology, point-of-care medicine, personalized medicine, drug delivery, and environmental toxin and pathogen detection. For many applications (e.g., wearable and implantable health monitors, drug delivery devices, and prosthetics) mechanically flexible polymer devices and systems that can conform to the body offer benefits that cannot be achieved using systems based on conventional rigid substrate materials. However, difficulties in implementing active devices and reliable packaging technologies have limited the success of flexible microfluidics. Employing highly compliant materials such as PDMS that are typically employed for prototyping, we review mechanically flexible polymer microfluidic technologies based on free-standing polymer substrates and novel electronic and microfluidic interconnection schemes. Central to these new technologies are hybrid microfabrication methods employing novel nanocomposite polymer materials and devices. We review microfabrication methods using these materials, along with demonstrations of example devices and packaging schemes that employ them. We review these recent developments and place them in the context of the fields of flexible microfluidics and conformable systems, and discuss cross-over applications to conventional rigid-substrate microfluidics.

Multiview point clouds denoising based on interference elimination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yang; Wu, Qian; Wang, Le; Jiang, Huanyu

2018-03-01

Newly emerging low-cost depth sensors offer huge potentials for three-dimensional (3-D) modeling, but existing high noise restricts these sensors from obtaining accurate results. Thus, we proposed a method for denoising registered multiview point clouds with high noise to solve that problem. The proposed method is aimed at fully using redundant information to eliminate the interferences among point clouds of different views based on an iterative procedure. In each iteration, noisy points are either deleted or moved to their weighted average targets in accordance with two cases. Simulated data and practical data captured by a Kinect v2 sensor were tested in experiments qualitatively and quantitatively. Results showed that the proposed method can effectively reduce noise and recover local features from highly noisy multiview point clouds with good robustness, compared to truncated signed distance function and moving least squares (MLS). Moreover, the resulting low-noise point clouds can be further smoothed by the MLS to achieve improved results. This study provides the feasibility of obtaining fine 3-D models with high-noise devices, especially for depth sensors, such as Kinect.

Tracking Control of Shape-Memory-Alloy Actuators Based on Self-Sensing Feedback and Inverse Hysteresis Compensation

PubMed Central

Liu, Shu-Hung; Huang, Tse-Shih; Yen, Jia-Yush

2010-01-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) offer a high power-to-weight ratio, large recovery strain, and low driving voltages, and have thus attracted considerable research attention. The difficulty of controlling SMA actuators arises from their highly nonlinear hysteresis and temperature dependence. This paper describes a combination of self-sensing and model-based control, where the model includes both the major and minor hysteresis loops as well as the thermodynamics effects. The self-sensing algorithm uses only the power width modulation (PWM) signal and requires no heavy equipment. The method can achieve high-accuracy servo control and is especially suitable for miniaturized applications. PMID:22315530

Improved spectrophotometric analysis of fullerenes C60 and C70 in high-solubility organic solvents.

PubMed

Törpe, Alexander; Belton, Daniel J

2015-01-01

Fullerenes are among a number of recently discovered carbon allotropes that exhibit unique and versatile properties. The analysis of these materials is of great importance and interest. We present previously unreported spectroscopic data for C60 and C70 fullerenes in high-solubility solvents, including error bounds, so as to allow reliable colorimetric analysis of these materials. The Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law is found to be valid at all wavelengths. The measured data were highly reproducible, and yielded high-precision molar absorbance coefficients for C60 and C70 in o-xylene and o-dichlorobenzene, which both exhibit a high solubility for these fullerenes, and offer the prospect of improved extraction efficiency. A photometric method for a C60/C70 mixture analysis was validated with standard mixtures, and subsequently improved for real samples by correcting for light scattering, using a power-law fit. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of C60/C70 mixtures extracted from fullerene soot.

Seedless Synthesis of Monodispersed Gold Nanorods with Remarkably High Yield: Synergistic Effect of Template Modification and Growth Kinetics Regulation.

PubMed

Liu, Kang; Bu, Yanru; Zheng, Yuanhui; Jiang, Xuchuan; Yu, Aibing; Wang, Huanting

2017-03-08

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are versatile materials due to their broadly tunable optical properties associated with their anisotropic feature. Conventional seed-mediated synthesis is, however, not only limited by the operational complexity and over-sensitivity towards subtle changes of experimental conditions but also suffers from low yield (≈15 %). A facile seedless method is reported to overcome these challenges. Monodispersed AuNRs with high yield (≈100 %) and highly adjustable longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are reproducibly synthesized. The parameters that influence the AuNRs growth were thoroughly investigated in terms of growth kinetics and soft-template regulation, offering a better understanding of the template-based mechanism. The facile synthesis, broad tunability of LSRP, high reproducibility, high yield, and ease of scale-up make this method promising for the future mass production of monodispersed AuNRs for applications in catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Learning Styles in Engineering Education: The Quest to Improve Didactic Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holvikivi, Jaana

2007-01-01

This article discusses a dilemma that engineering educators encounter when attempting to develop pedagogical methods: that of finding efficient and scientifically valid didactic practices. The multitude of methods offered by educational consultants is perplexing. Moreover, the popularity of commercially offered solutions such as learning styles…

A Bike Built for Magnetic Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schattner, U.; Segev, A.; Lyakhovsky, V.

2017-12-01

Understanding the magnetic signature of the subsurface geology is crucial for structural, groundwater, earthquake propagation, and mineral studies. The cheapest measuring method is by walking with sensors. This approach yields high-resolution maps, yet its coverage is limited. We invented a new design that records magnetic data while riding a bicycle. The new concept offers an efficient, low-cost method of collecting high-resolution ground magnetic field data over rough terrain where conventional vehicles dare not venture. It improves the efficiency of the traditional method by more than five times. The Bike-magnetic scales up ground magnetism from a localized site survey to regional coverage. By now we covered 3300 square KM (about the size of Rhode Island) across northern Israel, in profile spacing of 1-2 km. Initial Total Magnetic Intensity maps reveal a myriad of new features that were not detected by the low-resolution regional aeromagnetic survey that collected data from 1000 m height.

Incorporating DNA Sequencing into Current Prenatal Screening Practice for Down's Syndrome

PubMed Central

Wald, Nicholas J.; Bestwick, Jonathan P.

2013-01-01

Background Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome is performed using biochemical and ultrasound markers measured in early pregnancy such as the Integrated test using first and second trimester markers. Recently, DNA sequencing methods have been introduced on free DNA in maternal plasma, yielding a high screening performance. These methods are expensive and there is a test failure rate. We determined the screening performance of merging the Integrated test with the newer DNA techniques in a protocol that substantially reduces the cost compared with universal DNA testing and still achieves high screening performance with no test failures. Methods Published data were used to model screening performance of a protocol in which all women receive the first stage of the Integrated test at about 11 weeks of pregnancy. On the basis of this higher risk women have reflex DNA testing and lower risk women as well as those with a failed DNA test complete the Integrated test at about 15 weeks. Results The overall detection rate was 95% with a 0.1% false-positive rate if 20% of women were selected to receive DNA testing. If all women had DNA testing the detection rate would be 3 to 4 percentage points higher with a false-positive rate 30 times greater if women with failed tests were treated as positive and offered a diagnostic amniocentesis, or 3 times greater if they had a second trimester screening test (Quadruple test) and treated as positive only if this were positive. The cost per women screened would be about one-fifth, compared with universal DNA testing, if the DNA test were 20 times the cost of the Integrated test. Conclusion The proposed screening protocol achieves a high screening performance without programme test failures and at a substantially lower cost than offering all women DNA testing. PMID:23527014

Laser-induced volatilization and ionization of microparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinha, M. P.

1984-01-01

A method for the laser vaporization and ionization of individual micron-size particles is presented whereby a particle is ionized by a laser pulse while in flight in the beam. Ionization in the beam offers a real-time analytical capability and eliminates any possible substrate-sample interferences during an analysis. An experimental arrangement using a high-energy Nd-YAG laser is described, and results are presented for ions generated from potassium biphthalate particles (1.96 micron in diameter). The method proposed here is useful for the chemical analysis of aerosol particles by mass spectrometry and for other spectroscopic and chemical kinetic studies.

NASA Design Strengthens Welds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process-a combination of extruding and forging-ideal for use when the original metal characteristics must remain as unchanged as possible. While exploring methods to improve the use of FSW in manufacturing, engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center created technologies to address the method's shortcomings. MTS Systems Corporation, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, discovered the NASA-developed technology and then signed a co-exclusive license agreement to commercialize Marshall's design for use in high-strength structural alloys. The resulting process offers the added bonuses of being cost-competitive, efficient, and most importantly, versatile.

Biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using algae.

PubMed

Castro, Laura; Blázquez, María Luisa; Muñoz, Jesus Angel; González, Felisa; Ballester, Antonio

2013-09-01

The increasing demand and limited natural resources of noble metals make its recovery from dilute industrial wastes attractive, especially when using environmentally friendly methods. Nowadays, the high impact that nanotechnology is having in both science and society offers new research possibilities. Gold and silver nanoparticles were biosynthesised by a simple method using different algae as reducing agent. The authors explored the application of dead algae in an eco-friendly procedure. The nanoparticle formation was followed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The functional groups involved in the bioreduction were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Physical treatment of fever

PubMed Central

Purssell, E.

2000-01-01

Fever is a common symptom of childhood illness, and much time and effort is spent in the pursuit of reducing high temperature. Although antipyretic drugs are the main form of treatment, this report considers the part that physical treatments might play in reducing the temperature of febrile children. Such treatments include tepid sponging, removing clothing, and cooling the environment. Of these treatments, tepid sponging has been studied most extensively, as an addition to paracetamol, but seems to offer little advantage over paracetamol alone. It is likely that other methods might be equally ineffective because they all rely on similar methods of heat loss.

 PMID:10685930

A review on radiation-induced nucleation and growth of colloidal metallic nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

This review presents an introduction to the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by radiation-induced method, especially gamma irradiation. This method offers some benefits over the conventional methods because it provides fully reduced and highly pure nanoparticles free from by-products or chemical reducing agents, and is capable of controlling the particle size and structure. The nucleation and growth mechanism of metallic nanoparticles are also discussed. The competition between nucleation and growth process in the formation of nanoparticles can determine the size of nanoparticles which is influenced by certain parameters such as the choice of solvents and stabilizer, the precursor to stabilizer ratio, pH during synthesis, and absorbed dose. PMID:24225302

Three-dimensional scene encryption and display based on computer-generated holograms.

PubMed

Kong, Dezhao; Cao, Liangcai; Jin, Guofan; Javidi, Bahram

2016-10-10

An optical encryption and display method for a three-dimensional (3D) scene is proposed based on computer-generated holograms (CGHs) using a single phase-only spatial light modulator. The 3D scene is encoded as one complex Fourier CGH. The Fourier CGH is then decomposed into two phase-only CGHs with random distributions by the vector stochastic decomposition algorithm. Two CGHs are interleaved as one final phase-only CGH for optical encryption and reconstruction. The proposed method can support high-level nonlinear optical 3D scene security and complex amplitude modulation of the optical field. The exclusive phase key offers strong resistances of decryption attacks. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of the novel method.

Preliminary Solar Sail Design and Fabrication Assessment: Spinning Sail Blade, Square Sail Sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, J. B.; Dowdle, D. M.; Hahn, D. W.; Hildreth, E. N.; Lagerquist, D. R.; Mahaonoul, E. J.; Munson, J. B.; Origer, T. F.

1977-01-01

Blade design aspects most affecting producibility and means of measurement and control of length, scallop, fullness and straightness requirements and tolerances were extensively considered. Alternate designs of the panel seams and edge reinforcing members are believed to offer advantages of seam integrity, producibility, reliability, cost and weight. Approaches to and requirements for highly specialized metalizing methods, processes and equipment were studied and identified. Alternate methods of sail blade fabrication and related special machinery, tooling, fixtures and trade offs were examined. A preferred and recommended approach is also described. Quality control plans, inspection procedures, flow charts and special test equipment associated with the preferred manufacturing method were analyzed and are discussed.

An extended Lagrangian method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing

1992-01-01

A unique formulation of describing fluid motion is presented. The method, referred to as 'extended Lagrangian method', is interesting from both theoretical and numerical points of view. The formulation offers accuracy in numerical solution by avoiding numerical diffusion resulting from mixing of fluxes in the Eulerian description. Meanwhile, it also avoids the inaccuracy incurred due to geometry and variable interpolations used by the previous Lagrangian methods. Unlike the Lagrangian method previously imposed which is valid only for supersonic flows, the present method is general and capable of treating subsonic flows as well as supersonic flows. The method proposed in this paper is robust and stable. It automatically adapts to flow features without resorting to clustering, thereby maintaining rather uniform grid spacing throughout and large time step. Moreover, the method is shown to resolve multi-dimensional discontinuities with a high level of accuracy, similar to that found in one-dimensional problems.

Space fusion energy conversion using a field reversed configuration reactor: A new technical approach for space propulsion and power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulze, Norman R.; Miley, George H.; Santarius, John F.

1991-01-01

The fusion energy conversion design approach, the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) - when burning deuterium and helium-3, offers a new method and concept for space transportation with high energy demanding programs, like the Manned Mars Mission and planetary science outpost missions require. FRC's will increase safety, reduce costs, and enable new missions by providing a high specific power propulsion system from a high performance fusion engine system that can be optimally designed. By using spacecraft powered by FRC's the space program can fulfill High Energy Space Missions (HESM) in a manner not otherwise possible. FRC's can potentially enable the attainment of high payload mass fractions while doing so within shorter flight times.

Automated Microscopy: Macro Language Controlling a Confocal Microscope and its External Illumination: Adaptation for Photosynthetic Organisms.

PubMed

Steinbach, Gábor; Kaňa, Radek

2016-04-01

Photosynthesis research employs several biophysical methods, including the detection of fluorescence. Even though fluorescence is a key method to detect photosynthetic efficiency, it has not been applied/adapted to single-cell confocal microscopy measurements to examine photosynthetic microorganisms. Experiments with photosynthetic cells may require automation to perform a large number of measurements with different parameters, especially concerning light conditions. However, commercial microscopes support custom protocols (through Time Controller offered by Olympus or Experiment Designer offered by Zeiss) that are often unable to provide special set-ups and connection to external devices (e.g., for irradiation). Our new system combining an Arduino microcontroller with the Cell⊕Finder software was developed for controlling Olympus FV1000 and FV1200 confocal microscopes and the attached hardware modules. Our software/hardware solution offers (1) a text file-based macro language to control the imaging functions of the microscope; (2) programmable control of several external hardware devices (light sources, thermal controllers, actuators) during imaging via the Arduino microcontroller; (3) the Cell⊕Finder software with ergonomic user environment, a fast selection method for the biologically important cells and precise positioning feature that reduces unwanted bleaching of the cells by the scanning laser. Cell⊕Finder can be downloaded from http://www.alga.cz/cellfinder. The system was applied to study changes in fluorescence intensity in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells under long-term illumination. Thus, we were able to describe the kinetics of phycobilisome decoupling. Microscopy data showed that phycobilisome decoupling appears slowly after long-term (>1 h) exposure to high light.

Computation of rainfall erosivity from daily precipitation amounts.

PubMed

Beguería, Santiago; Serrano-Notivoli, Roberto; Tomas-Burguera, Miquel

2018-10-01

Rainfall erosivity is an important parameter in many erosion models, and the EI30 defined by the Universal Soil Loss Equation is one of the best known erosivity indices. One issue with this and other erosivity indices is that they require continuous breakpoint, or high frequency time interval, precipitation data. These data are rare, in comparison to more common medium-frequency data, such as daily precipitation data commonly recorded by many national and regional weather services. Devising methods for computing estimates of rainfall erosivity from daily precipitation data that are comparable to those obtained by using high-frequency data is, therefore, highly desired. Here we present a method for producing such estimates, based on optimal regression tools such as the Gamma Generalised Linear Model and universal kriging. Unlike other methods, this approach produces unbiased and very close to observed EI30, especially when these are aggregated at the annual level. We illustrate the method with a case study comprising more than 1500 high-frequency precipitation records across Spain. Although the original records have a short span (the mean length is around 10 years), computation of spatially-distributed upscaling parameters offers the possibility to compute high-resolution climatologies of the EI30 index based on currently available, long-span, daily precipitation databases. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Library instruction in medical education: a survey of current practices in the United States and Canada

PubMed Central

Nevius, Amanda M.; Ettien, A’Llyn; Link, Alissa P.; Sobel, Laura Y.

2018-01-01

Objective The most recent survey on instruction practices in libraries affiliated with accredited medical institutions in the United States was conducted in 1996. The present study sought to update these data, while expanding to include Canadian libraries. Additional analysis was undertaken to test for statistically significant differences between library instruction in the United States and Canada and between libraries affiliated with highly ranked and unranked institutions. Methods A twenty-eight-question survey was distributed to libraries affiliated with accredited US and Canadian medical schools to assess what and how often librarians teach, as well as how librarians are involved in the curriculum committee and if they are satisfied with their contact with students and faculty. Quantitative data were analyzed with SAS, R, and MedCalc. Results Most of the seventy-three responding libraries provided instruction, both asynchronously and synchronously. Library instruction was most likely to be offered in two years of medical school, with year one seeing the most activity. Database use was the most frequently taught topic, and libraries reported a median of five librarians providing instruction, with larger staffs offering slightly more education sessions per year. Libraries associated with highly ranked schools were slightly more likely to offer sessions that were integrated into the medical school curriculum in year four and to offer sessions in more years overall. Conclusions In US and Canadian libraries, regardless of the rank of the affiliated medical school, librarians’ provision of instruction in multiple formats on multiple topics is increasingly common. PMID:29339939

A review of nanostructured lithium ion battery materials via low temperature synthesis.

PubMed

Chen, Jiajun

2013-01-01

Nanostructured materials afford us new opportunities to improve the current technology for synthesizing Li ion batteries. Generating nanomaterials with new properties via an inexpensive approach offers a tremendous potential for realizing high performance Li-ion batteries. In this review, I mainly summarize some of the recent progress made, and describe the patents awarded on synthesizing nanostructured cathode materials for these batteries via low temperature wet- chemistry methods. From an economical view, such syntheses, especially hydrothermal synthesis, may offer the opportunities for significantly lowering the cost of manufacturing battery materials, while conferring distinct environmental advantages. Recent advances in in-situ (real time) X-ray diffraction for studying hydrothermal synthesis have great potential for bettering the rational design of advanced lithium-electrode materials. The development of this technique also will be discussed.

On the Anticataractogenic Effects of L-Carnosine: Is It Best Described as an Antioxidant, Metal-Chelating Agent or Glycation Inhibitor?

PubMed Central

Alany, Raid G.

2016-01-01

Purpose. L-Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide which recently gained popularity as an anticataractogenic agent due to its purported antioxidant activities. There is a paucity of research and conclusive evidence to support such claims. This work offers compelling data that help clarify the mechanism(s) behind the anticataract properties of L-carnosine. Methods. Direct in vitro antioxidant free radical scavenging properties were assayed using three different antioxidant (TEAC, CUPRAC, and DPPH) assays. Indirect in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant assays were studied by measuring glutathione bleaching capacity and total sulfhydryl (SH) capacity of bovine lens homogenates as well as hydrogen-peroxide-stress assay using human lens epithelial cells. Whole porcine lenses were incubated in high galactose media to study the anticataract effects of L-carnosine. MTT cytotoxicity assays were conducted on human lens epithelial cells. Results. The results showed that L-carnosine is a highly potent antiglycating agent but with weak metal chelating and antioxidant properties. There were no significant decreases in lens epithelial cell viability compared to negative controls. Whole porcine lenses incubated in high galactose media and treated with 20 mM L-carnosine showed a dramatic inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation as evidenced by NBT and boronate affinity chromatography assays. Conclusion. L-Carnosine offers prospects for investigating new methods of treatment for diabetic cataract and any diseases that are caused by glycation. PMID:27822337

Application of multivariate statistical techniques in microbial ecology

PubMed Central

Paliy, O.; Shankar, V.

2016-01-01

Recent advances in high-throughput methods of molecular analyses have led to an explosion of studies generating large scale ecological datasets. Especially noticeable effect has been attained in the field of microbial ecology, where new experimental approaches provided in-depth assessments of the composition, functions, and dynamic changes of complex microbial communities. Because even a single high-throughput experiment produces large amounts of data, powerful statistical techniques of multivariate analysis are well suited to analyze and interpret these datasets. Many different multivariate techniques are available, and often it is not clear which method should be applied to a particular dataset. In this review we describe and compare the most widely used multivariate statistical techniques including exploratory, interpretive, and discriminatory procedures. We consider several important limitations and assumptions of these methods, and we present examples of how these approaches have been utilized in recent studies to provide insight into the ecology of the microbial world. Finally, we offer suggestions for the selection of appropriate methods based on the research question and dataset structure. PMID:26786791

Method for high-precision multi-layered thin film deposition for deep and extreme ultraviolet mirrors

DOEpatents

Ruffner, Judith Alison

1999-01-01

A method for coating (flat or non-flat) optical substrates with high-reflectivity multi-layer coatings for use at Deep Ultra-Violet ("DUV") and Extreme Ultra-Violet ("EUV") wavelengths. The method results in a product with minimum feature sizes of less than 0.10-.mu.m for the shortest wavelength (13.4-nm). The present invention employs a computer-based modeling and deposition method to enable lateral and vertical thickness control by scanning the position of the substrate with respect to the sputter target during deposition. The thickness profile of the sputter targets is modeled before deposition and then an appropriate scanning algorithm is implemented to produce any desired, radially-symmetric thickness profile. The present invention offers the ability to predict and achieve a wide range of thickness profiles on flat or figured substrates, i.e., account for 1/R.sup.2 factor in a model, and the ability to predict and accommodate changes in deposition rate as a result of plasma geometry, i.e., over figured substrates.

Learning Technology Adoption: Navy Barriers And Resistance

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-03-01

ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words) Technological developments offer opportunities to enhance training effectiveness, in support of achieving high-velocity...developments offer opportunities to enhance training effectiveness, in support of achieving high-velocity learning. However, resistance to change...considering what opportunities for enhanced training might be offered by learning-centered technologies. This is evident in the CNO’s statement, “We must

Analysis of Nanodomain Composition in High-Impact Polypropylene by Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared.

PubMed

Tang, Fuguang; Bao, Peite; Su, Zhaohui

2016-05-03

In this paper, compositions of nanodomains in a commercial high-impact polypropylene (HIPP) were investigated by an atomic force microscopy-infrared (AFM-IR) technique. An AFM-IR quantitative analysis method was established for the first time, which was then employed to analyze the polyethylene content in the nanoscopic domains of the rubber particles dispersed in the polypropylene matrix. It was found that the polyethylene content in the matrix was close to zero and was high in the rubbery intermediate layers, both as expected. However, the major component of the rigid cores of the rubber particles was found to be polypropylene rather than polyethylene, contrary to what was previously believed. The finding provides new insight into the complicated structure of HIPPs, and the AFM-IR quantitative method reported here offers a useful tool for assessing compositions of nanoscopic domains in complex polymeric systems.

High-resolution non-contact measurement of the electrical activity of plants in situ using optical recording

PubMed Central

Zhao, Dong-Jie; Chen, Yang; Wang, Zi-Yang; Xue, Lin; Mao, Tong-Lin; Liu, Yi-Min; Wang, Zhong-Yi; Huang, Lan

2015-01-01

The limitations of conventional extracellular recording and intracellular recording make high-resolution multisite recording of plant bioelectrical activity in situ challenging. By combining a cooled charge-coupled device camera with a voltage-sensitive dye, we recorded the action potentials in the stem of Helianthus annuus and variation potentials at multiple sites simultaneously with high spatial resolution. The method of signal processing using coherence analysis was used to determine the synchronization of the selected signals. Our results provide direct visualization of the phloem, which is the distribution region of the electrical activities in the stem and leaf of H. annuus, and verify that the phloem is the main action potential transmission route in the stems of higher plants. Finally, the method of optical recording offers a unique opportunity to map the dynamic bioelectrical activity and provides an insight into the mechanisms of long-distance electrical signal transmission in higher plants. PMID:26333536

High-level generation of polyclonal antibodies by genetic immunization.

PubMed

Chambers, Ross S; Johnston, Stephen Albert

2003-09-01

Antibodies are important tools for investigating the proteome, but current methods for producing them have become a rate-limiting step. A primary obstacle in most methods for generating antibodies or antibody-like molecules is the requirement for at least microgram quantities of purified protein. We have developed a technology for producing antibodies using genetic immunization. Genetic immunization-based antibody production offers several advantages, including high throughput and high specificity. Moreover, antibodies produced from genetically immunized animals are more likely to recognize the native protein. Here we show that a genetic immunization-based system can be used to efficiently raise useful antibodies to a wide range of antigens. We accomplished this by linking the antigen gene to various elements that enhance antigenicity and by codelivering plasmids encoding genetic adjuvants. Our system, which was tested by immunizing mice with >130 antigens, has shown a final success rate of 84%.

High-Capacity Hydrogen-Based Green-Energy Storage Solutions For The Grid Balancing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Errico, F.; Screnci, A.

One of the current main challenges in green-power storage and smart grids is the lack of effective solutions for accommodating the unbalance between renewable energy sources, that offer intermittent electricity supply, and a variable electricity demand. Energy management systems have to be foreseen for the near future, while they still represent a major challenge. Integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, by safe and cost-effective energy storage systems based on solid state hydrogen is today achievable thanks to recently some technology breakthroughs. Optimized solid storage method made of magnesium-based hydrides guarantees a very rapid absorption and desorption kinetics. Coupled with electrolyzer technology, high-capacity storage of green-hydrogen is therefore practicable. Besides these aspects, magnesium has been emerging as environmentally friend energy storage method to sustain integration, monitoring and control of large quantity of GWh from high capacity renewable generation in the EU.

High-Capacity Hydrogen-Based Green-Energy Storage Solutions for the Grid Balancing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Errico, F.; Screnci, A.

One of the current main challenges in green-power storage and smart grids is the lack of effective solutions for accommodating the unbalance between renewable energy sources, that offer intermittent electricity supply, and a variable electricity demand. Energy management systems have to be foreseen for the near future, while they still represent a major challenge. Integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, by safe and cost-effective energy storage systems based on solid state hydrogen is today achievable thanks to recently some technology breakthroughs. Optimized solid storage method made of magnesium-based hydrides guarantees a very rapid absorption and desorption kinetics. Coupled with electrolyzer technology, high-capacity storage of green-hydrogen is therefore practicable. Besides these aspects, magnesium has been emerging as environmentally friend energy storage method to sustain integration, monitoring and control of large quantity of GWh from high capacity renewable generation in the EU.

Facebook targeted advertisement for research recruitment: A primer for nurse researchers.

PubMed

Carter-Harris, Lisa

2016-11-01

Recruiting participants for research studies can be challenging and costly. Innovative recruitment methods are needed. Facebook targeted advertisement offers a low-cost alternative to traditional methods that has been successfully used in research study recruitment. This primer offers nurse researchers a method utilizing social media as a recruitment tool and details Facebook targeted advertisement for research recruitment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Barriers to contraceptive services.

PubMed

Silverman, J; Torres, A; Forrest, J D

1987-01-01

More than 1/2 of the pregnancies that occur each year in the US are unintended and 1/2 of these end in abortion. An attempt was made to determine the contraceptive availability, needs and preferences of low-income women via a telephone survey of 760 women, 18-35 years of age, living in 4 urban locations and a mail survey of all family planning clinics and private obstetrician-gynecologists in each of the 4 communities, as well as other physicians and clinics mentioned by the women. Although 94% of the women said they had used some contraceptive method at some time, 23% were not currently practicing contraception. Both nonuse and the use of less effective methods appear to be caused by method-related fears, dislike of available methods, and a general negative feeling about contraception. Less effective methods may be avoided because women view them as offering less protection and dislike their coitus-dependent qualities. Structural or provider-related concerns, such as cost, were seldom reported as barriers to contraceptive use. The primary barrier to clinic use is the apparent belief of many women that clinics do not offer personalized care and provide lower quality care than private physicians. Private physicians are avoided because of high cost and their lesser acceptance of Medicaid or Medi-Cal reimbursement. Encouraging more favorable attitudes toward contraceptive methods and improving access to and knowledge of inexpensive, personalized family planning services appear to be critical factors in fostering better contraceptive practice among low-income women in the US.

Measuring masses of single bacterial whole cells with a quadrupole ion trap.

PubMed

Peng, Wen-Ping; Yang, Yi-Chang; Kang, Ming-Wei; Lee, Yuan T; Chang, Huan-Cheng

2004-09-29

A novel method has been developed to precisely measure the masses of single bacterial whole cells using a quadrupole ion trap as an electrodynamic balance. The bacterial cells were introduced into the ion trap by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, confined in space by audio frequency ac fields, and detected by elastic light scattering. Mass measurement accuracy approaching 0.1% was achieved for Escherichia coli K-12 with a mass distribution of +/-3% from 60 repetitive measurements of the particles and their clusters. This is the first high-precision mass measurement reported for any intact microorganisms with masses greater than 1 x 1010 Da. The method opens new avenues for high-precision mass measurement of single microbial particles and offers an alternative approach for rapid identification of microorganisms by mass spectrometry.

Comments on settling chamber design for quiet, blowdown wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beckwith, I. E.

1981-01-01

Transfer of an existing continous circuit supersonic wind tunnel to Langley and its operation there as a blowdown tunnel is planned. Flow disturbance requirements in the supply section and methods for reducing the high level broad band acoustic disturbances present in typical blowdown tunnels are reviewed. Based on recent data and the analysis of two blowdown facilities at Langley, methods for reducing the total turbulence levels in the settling chamber, including both acoustic and vorticity modes, to less than one percent are recommended. The pertinent design details of the damping screens and honeycomb and the recommended minimum pressure drop across the porous components providing the required two orders of magnitude attenuation of acoustic noise levels are given. A suggestion for the support structure of these high pressure drop porous components is offered.

Bridging the gap with a duel-credit Earth Science course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Norden, W.

2011-12-01

College-bound high school students rarely have any exposure to the Earth Sciences. Earth Science may be offered to Middle School students. What is offered in High School, however, is usually a watered-down course offered to the weakest students. Meanwhile, our best and brightest students are steered towards biology, chemistry, and physics, what most schools consider the "real sciences". As a direct result, our population is not literate in the Earth Sciences and few students choose to study the Earth Science in college. One way to counteract this trend is to offer a rigorous capstone Earth Science course to High School Juniors and Seniors. Offering a course does not guarantee enrollment, however. Top science students are too busy taking Advanced Placement courses to consider a non-AP course. For that reason, the best way to lure top students into studying Earth Science is to create a duel-credit course, for which students receive both high school and college credit. A collaboration between high school teachers and college professors can result in a quality Earth Science course that bridges the huge gap that now exists between middle school science and college Earth Science. Harvard-Westlake School has successfully offered a duel-credit course with UCLA, and has created a model that can be used by other schools.

Forensic Evaluation of Deaf Individuals: Challenges and Strategies.

PubMed

Pollard, Robert Q; Berlinski, Brian T

2017-01-01

Forensic evaluation of deaf individuals presents unique challenges due to many examinees' fund of information deficits, potential for language deprivation, and examiners' frequent lack of creativity regarding communication methods. This article describes challenges most frequently encountered in competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations and offers strategies for overcoming them. The value of employing multiple communication methods, especially the use of illustrations, is emphasized. Suggestions also are offered regarding preparing evaluation reports and effectively communicating "key deaf fundamentals" to legal personnel. Encouragement is offered for qualified, sign-fluent professionals to engage in forensic work.

An application of holographic interferometry for dynamic vibration analysis of a jet engine turbine compressor rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fein, Howard

2003-09-01

Holographic Interferometry has been successfully employed to characterize the materials and behavior of diverse types of structures under dynamic stress. Specialized variations of this technology have also been applied to define dynamic and vibration related structural behavior. Such applications of holographic technique offer some of the most effective methods of modal and dynamic analysis available. Real-time dynamic testing of the modal and mechanical behavior of jet engine turbine, rotor, vane, and compressor structures has always required advanced instrumentation for data collection in either simulated flight operation test or computer-based modeling and simulations. Advanced optical holography techniques are alternate methods which result in actual full-field behavioral data in a noninvasive, noncontact environment. These methods offer significant insight in both the development and subsequent operational test and modeling of advanced jet engine turbine and compressor rotor structures and their integration with total vehicle system dynamics. Structures and materials can be analyzed with very low amplitude excitation and the resultant data can be used to adjust the accuracy of mathematically derived structural and behavioral models. Holographic Interferometry offers a powerful tool to aid in the developmental engineering of turbine rotor and compressor structures for high stress applications. Aircraft engine applications in particular most consider operational environments where extremes in vibration and impulsive as well as continuous mechanical stress can affect both operation and structural stability. These considerations present ideal requisites for analysis using advanced holographic methods in the initial design and test of turbine rotor components. Holographic techniques are nondestructive, real-time, and definitive in allowing the identification of vibrational modes, displacements, and motion geometries. Such information can be crucial to the determination of mechanical configurations and designs as well as critical operational parameters of turbine structural components or unit turbine components fabricated from advanced and exotic new materials or using new fabrication methods. Anomalous behavioral characteristics can be directly related to hidden structural or mounting anomalies and defects.

Narrative Inquiry: Theory and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savin-Baden, Maggi; Van Niekerk, Lana

2007-01-01

This article offers an overview of the method of narrative inquiry and explores competing trends in the use of the approach. It not only examines the theories relating to the method but also offers practical guidance on using narrative inquiry, including an exploration of what might count as a narrative and ways of analysing narrative data. The…

Exploring the Instructional Value and Worth of a MOOC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacDonald, Patrick; Ahern, Terence C.

2015-01-01

Technology offers new and innovative ways to deliver learning such as the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The MOOC offers institutes of higher education a potential delivery method for delivering online learning. This study utilized a qualitative method to gather and analyze an active observer's experience within a MOOC. The results aligned…

Advanced Nanoemulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fryd, Michael M.; Mason, Thomas G.

2012-05-01

Recent advances in the growing field of nanoemulsions are opening up new applications in many areas such as pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. Moreover, highly controlled nanoemulsions can also serve as excellent model systems for investigating basic scientific questions about soft matter. Here, we highlight some of the most recent developments in nanoemulsions, focusing on methods of formation, surface modification, material properties, and characterization. These developments provide insight into the substantial advantages that nanoemulsions can offer over their microscale emulsion counterparts.

Advanced composites for windmills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourquardez, G.

A development status assessment is conducted for advanced composite construction techniques for windmill blade structures which, as in the case of composite helicopter rotors, promise greater reliability, longer service life, superior performance, and lower costs. Composites in wind turbine applications must bear aerodynamic, inertial and gravitational loads in complex interaction cycles. Attention is given to large Darrieus-type vertical axis windmills, to which composite construction methods may offer highly effective pitch-control mechanisms, especially in the 'umbrella' configuration.

Selective reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes with hydrosilane via photoredox catalysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Muliang; Li, Nan; Tao, Xingyu; Ruzi, Rehanguli; Yu, Shouyun; Zhu, Chengjian

2017-09-12

The direct reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes with hydrosilane was achieved through visible light photoredox catalysis. The combination of both single electron transfer and hydrogen atom transfer steps offers a novel and convenient approach to selective reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes. The method also features mild conditions, high yields, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance, such as alkyne, ester, ketone, amide and amine groups.

Watermelon quality traits as affected by ploidy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Growers offering high quality watermelons [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.), Matsum & Nakai] that are also high in phytonutrients will have stronger market opportunities. In order to offer highly nutritious fruit, the industry must understand the nature of phytonutrient accumulation as it is affected by ...

A Versatile High-Vacuum Cryo-transfer System for Cryo-microscopy and Analytics

PubMed Central

Tacke, Sebastian; Krzyzanek, Vladislav; Nüsse, Harald; Wepf, Roger Albert; Klingauf, Jürgen; Reichelt, Rudolf

2016-01-01

Cryogenic microscopy methods have gained increasing popularity, as they offer an unaltered view on the architecture of biological specimens. As a prerequisite, samples must be handled under cryogenic conditions below their recrystallization temperature, and contamination during sample transfer and handling must be prevented. We present a high-vacuum cryo-transfer system that streamlines the entire handling of frozen-hydrated samples from the vitrification process to low temperature imaging for scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A template for cryo-electron microscopy and multimodal cryo-imaging approaches with numerous sample transfer steps is presented. PMID:26910419

Satellite -Based Networks for U-Health & U-Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graschew, G.; Roelofs, T. A.; Rakowsky, S.; Schlag, P. M.

2008-08-01

The use of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as enabling tools for healthcare services (eHealth) introduces new ways of creating ubiquitous access to high-level medical care for all, anytime and anywhere (uHealth). Satellite communication constitutes one of the most flexible methods of broadband communication offering high reliability and cost-effectiveness of connections meeting telemedicine communication requirements. Global networks and the use of computers for educational purposes stimulate and support the development of virtual universities for e-learning. Especially real-time interactive applications can play an important role in tailored and personalised services.

Design and outcomes of an acoustic data visualization seminar.

PubMed

Robinson, Philip W; Pätynen, Jukka; Haapaniemi, Aki; Kuusinen, Antti; Leskinen, Petri; Zan-Bi, Morley; Lokki, Tapio

2014-01-01

Recently, the Department of Media Technology at Aalto University offered a seminar entitled Applied Data Analysis and Visualization. The course used spatial impulse response measurements from concert halls as the context to explore high-dimensional data visualization methods. Students were encouraged to represent source and receiver positions, spatial aspects, and temporal development of sound fields, frequency characteristics, and comparisons between halls, using animations and interactive graphics. The primary learning objectives were for the students to translate their skills across disciplines and gain a working understanding of high-dimensional data visualization techniques. Accompanying files present examples of student-generated, animated and interactive visualizations.

Evaluation of the low dose cardiac CT imaging using ASIR technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Jiahua; Hsieh, Jiang; Deubig, Amy; Sainath, Paavana; Crandall, Peter

2010-04-01

Today Cardiac imaging is one of the key driving forces for the research and development activities of Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. It requires high spatial and temporal resolution and is often associated with high radiation dose. The newly introduced ASIR technique presents an efficient method that offers the dose reduction benefits while maintaining image quality and providing fast reconstruction speed. This paper discusses the study of image quality of the ASIR technique for Cardiac CT imaging. Phantoms as well as clinical data have been evaluated to demonstrate the effectiveness of ASIR technique for Cardiac CT applications.

Evaluation of service quality in family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia.

PubMed

Hancock, Nancy L; Vwalika, Bellington; Sitali, Elizabeth Siyama; Mbwili-Muleya, Clara; Chi, Benjamin H; Stuart, Gretchen S

2015-10-01

To determine the quality of contraceptive services in family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, using a standardized approach. We utilized the Quick Investigation of Quality, a cross-sectional survey tool consisting of a facility assessment, client-provider observation and client exit interview, in public-sector family planning clinics. Data were collected on availability of seven contraceptive methods, information given to clients, interpersonal relations between providers and clients, providers' technical competence and mechanisms for continuity and follow-up. Data were collected from five client-provider observations and client exit interviews in each of six public-sector family planning clinics. All clinics had at least two contraceptive methods continuously available for the preceding 6 months. Most providers asked clients about concerns with their contraceptive method (80%) and told clients when to return to the clinic (87%). Most clients reported that the provider advised what to do if a problem develops (93%), described possible side effects (89%), explained how to use the method effectively (85%) and told them when to come for follow-up (83%). Clients were satisfied with services received (93%). This application of the Quick Investigation of Quality showed that the participating family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, were prepared to offer high-quality services with the available commodities and that clients were satisfied with the received services. Despite the subjective client satisfaction, quality improvement efforts are needed to increase contraceptive availability. Although clients perceived the quality of care received to be high, family planning service quality could be improved to continuously offer the full spectrum of contraceptive options. The Quick Investigation of Quality was easily implemented in Lusaka, Zambia, and this simple approach could be utilized in a variety of settings as a modality for quality improvement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Parental Acceptability of Contraceptive Methods Offered to their Teen During a Confidential Health Care Visit

PubMed Central

Hartman, Lauren B; Shafer, Mary-Ann; Pollack, Lance M; Wibbelsman, Charles; Chang, Fay; Tebb, Kathleen P

2013-01-01

Purpose To examine parental acceptability of contraceptive methods offered confidentially to their adolescent daughter. Methods A random sample of 261 parents/guardians with a daughter between 12–17 completed a telephone survey examining the relationship between parental acceptability of seven contraceptive methods with adolescents’ likelihood to have sex, parenting beliefs, parents’ sexual health as teens, sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge, and demographic factors. Results Acceptability was highest for oral contraceptive pills (59%), and lowest for intrauterine device (IUD) (18%). Parental acceptance of teens’ autonomy was significantly associated with increased acceptability of all methods. Parental knowledge of STIs was poor and 51% found it acceptable for clinicians to provide their sexually active teen with condoms. Conclusion Conclusions: Parents were more accepting of OCPs and condoms, compared to IUDs and implants. Parental recognition of their teen’s autonomy was associated with greater parental acceptability of clinicians providing their adolescent with contraceptives (regardless of the specific type of method being offered). PMID:23332493

DEVELOPMENT OF SULFHYDRYL-REACTIVE SILICA FOR PROTEIN IMMOBILIZATION IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY

PubMed Central

Mallik, Rangan; Wa, Chunling; Hage, David S.

2008-01-01

Two techniques were developed for the immobilization of proteins and other ligands to silica through sulfhydryl groups. These methods made use of maleimide-activated silica (the SMCC method) or iodoacetyl-activated silica (the SIA method). The resulting supports were tested for use in high-performance affinity chromatography by employing human serum albumin (HSA) as a model protein. Studies with normal and iodoacetamide-modified HSA indicated that these methods had a high selectivity for sulfhydryl groups on this protein, which accounted for the coupling of 77–81% of this protein to maleimide- or iodacetyl-activated silica. These supports were also evaluated in terms of their total protein content, binding capacity, specific activity, non-specific binding, stability and chiral selectivity for several test solutes. HSA columns prepared using maleimide-activated silica gave the best overall results for these properties when compared to HSA that had been immobilized to silica through the Schiff base method (i.e., an amine-based coupling technique). A key advantage of the supports developed in this work is that they offer the potential of giving greater site-selective immobilization and ligand activity than amine-based coupling methods. These features make these supports attractive in the development of protein columns for such applications as the study of biological interactions and chiral separations. PMID:17297940

Faraday forcing of high-temperature levitated liquid metal drops for the measurement of surface tension.

PubMed

Brosius, Nevin; Ward, Kevin; Matsumoto, Satoshi; SanSoucie, Michael; Narayanan, Ranga

2018-01-01

In this work, a method for the measurement of surface tension using continuous periodic forcing is presented. To reduce gravitational effects, samples are electrostatically levitated prior to forcing. The method, called Faraday forcing, is particularly well suited for fluids that require high temperature measurements such as liquid metals where conventional surface tension measurement methods are not possible. It offers distinct advantages over the conventional pulse-decay analysis method when the sample viscosity is high or the levitation feedback control system is noisy. In the current method, levitated drops are continuously translated about a mean position at a small, constant forcing amplitude over a range of frequencies. At a particular frequency in this range, the drop suddenly enters a state of resonance, which is confirmed by large executions of prolate/oblate deformations about the mean spherical shape. The arrival at this resonant condition is a signature that the parametric forcing frequency is equal to the drop's natural frequency, the latter being a known function of surface tension. A description of the experimental procedure is presented. A proof of concept is given using pure Zr and a Ti 39.5 Zr 39.5 Ni 21 alloy as examples. The results compare favorably with accepted literature values obtained using the pulse-decay method.

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy

PubMed Central

Fathi, Marziyeh; Sahandi Zangabad, Parham; Majidi, Sima; Barar, Jaleh; Erfan-Niya, Hamid

2017-01-01

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli. PMID:29435435

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Fathi, Marziyeh; Sahandi Zangabad, Parham; Majidi, Sima; Barar, Jaleh; Erfan-Niya, Hamid; Omidi, Yadollah

2017-01-01

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli.

The importance of marketing in nurse education.

PubMed

Webster, R

There can be little doubt that changes in the National Health Service (NHS) heralded by the 1989 Government White Paper, Working for Patients, have significant implications for nurse education. Not least will be the need for Colleges and Schools of Nursing to present a high profile in terms of the services they offer. This paper explores the concept of marketing and its increasing importance to nurse education. It examines Giles' three propositions in relation to marketing, and suggests that these may be applied successfully to organisations providing a service, as well as those producing material goods. It looks at how and why marketing is necessary to nurse education, and suggests that marketing is an essential tool in assisting the School to achieve its objectives. Marketing strategies are discussed in detail, looking first at methods of research, then at the processes used to sell the courses being offered. These include the techniques of developing the offering, marketing the offering, facilitation, valuation and finally, promotional communication. The paper concludes by summarising the reasons why marketing techniques will be essential to the future success of nurse education, at a time when it is so vital to ensure that a well qualified nursing workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Topography measurements of high NA aspherical microlenses by digital holographic microscopy with spherical illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Józwik, Michal; Mikuła, Marta; Kozacki, Tomasz; Kostencka, Julianna; Gorecki, Christophe

2017-06-01

In this contribution, we propose a method of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) that enables measurement of high numerical aperture spherical and aspherical microstructures of both concave and convex shapes. The proposed method utilizes reflection of the spherical illumination beam from the object surface and the interference with a spherical reference beam of the similar curvature. In this case, the NA of DHM is fully utilized for illumination and imaging of the reflected object beam. Thus, the system allows capturing the phase coming from larger areas of the quasi-spherical object and, therefore, offers possibility of high accuracy characterization of its surface even in the areas of high inclination. The proposed measurement procedure allows determining all parameters required for the accurate shape recovery: the location of the object focus point and the positions of the illumination and reference point sources. The utility of the method is demonstrated with characterization of surface of high NA focusing objects. The accuracy is firstly verified by characterization of a known reference sphere with low error of sphericity. Then, the method is applied for shape measurement of spherical and aspheric microlenses. The results provide a full-field reconstruction of high NA topography with resolution in the nanometer range. The surface sphericity is evaluated by the deviation from the best fitted sphere or asphere, and the important parameters of the measured microlens: e.g.: radius of curvature and conic constant.

Public offerings of securities by petroleum industry: methods and costs of raising capital

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

Siemon, D.

1978-01-01

This study examines public securities offerings by the petroleum industry and the flotation costs associated with raising capital through offerings to the public. Descriptive material is presented on an aggregate basis for the industry and also by selected company characteristics. Data were obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission's records of registration statements for public offerings and include all public offerings registered with the SEC during the period January 1970 through October 1975. The petroleum industry issued 101 debt offerings and 1058 equity offerings during the time period. The total number of offerings for all industries was estimated to bemore » 20,000, so the petroleum industry accounted for roughly 5% of the total volume.« less

Darwin Assembly: fast, efficient, multi-site bespoke mutagenesis

PubMed Central

Cozens, Christopher

2018-01-01

Abstract Engineering proteins for designer functions and biotechnological applications almost invariably requires (or at least benefits from) multiple mutations to non-contiguous residues. Several methods for multiple site-directed mutagenesis exist, but there remains a need for fast and simple methods to efficiently introduce such mutations – particularly for generating large, high quality libraries for directed evolution. Here, we present Darwin Assembly, which can deliver high quality libraries of >108 transformants, targeting multiple (>10) distal sites with minimal wild-type contamination (<0.25% of total population) and which takes a single working day from purified plasmid to library transformation. We demonstrate its efficacy with whole gene codon reassignment of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, mutating 19 codons in a single reaction in KOD DNA polymerase and generating high quality, multiple-site libraries in T7 RNA polymerase and Tgo DNA polymerase. Darwin Assembly uses commercially available enzymes, can be readily automated, and offers a cost-effective route to highly complex and customizable library generation. PMID:29409059

Analysis of nonreciprocal noise based on mode splitting in a high-Q optical microresonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhaohua; Xiao, Yarong; Huo, Jiayan; Shao, Hui

2018-01-01

The whispering gallery mode optical microresonator offers a high quality factor, which enables it to act as the core component of a high sensitivity resonator optic gyro; however, nonreciprocal noise limits its precision. Considering the Sagnac effect, i.e. mode splitting in high-quality optical micro-resonators, we derive the explicit expression for the angular velocity versus the splitting amount, and verify the sensing mechanism by simulation using finite element method. Remarkably, the accuracy of the angular velocity measurement in the whispering gallery mode optical microresonator with a quality factor of 108 is 106 °/s. We obtain the optimal coupling position of the novel angular velocity sensing system by detecting the output transmittance spectra of different vertical coupling distances and axial coupling positions. In addition, the reason for the nonreciprocal phenomenon is determined by theoretical analysis of the evanescent distribution of a tapered fiber. These results will provide an effective method and a theoretical basis for suppression of the nonreciprocal noise.

Measuring the Optical Performance of Evacuated Receivers via an Outdoor Thermal Transient Test: Preprint

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

Kutscher, C.; Burkholder, F.; Netter, J.

2011-08-01

Modern parabolic trough solar collectors operated at high temperatures to provide the heat input to Rankine steam power cycles employ evacuated receiver tubes along the collector focal line. High performance is achieved via the use of a selective surface with a high absorptance for incoming short-wave solar radiation and a low emittance for outgoing long-wave infrared radiation, as well as the use of a hard vacuum to essentially eliminate convective and conductive heat losses. This paper describes a new method that determines receiver overall optical efficiency by exposing a fluid-filled, pre-cooled receiver to one sun outdoors and measuring the slopemore » of the temperature curve at the point where the receiver temperature passes the glass envelope temperature (that is, the point at which there is no heat gain or loss from the absorber). This transient test method offers the potential advantages of simplicity, high accuracy, and the use of the actual solar spectrum.« less

A sensitive gel-based global O-glycomics approach reveals high levels of mannosyl glycans in the high mass region of the mouse brain proteome.

PubMed

Breloy, Isabelle; Pacharra, Sandra; Aust, Christina; Hanisch, Franz-Georg

2012-08-01

We developed a gel-based global O-glycomics method applicable for highly complex protein mixtures entrapped in discontinuous gradient gel layers. The protocol is based on in-gel proteolysis with pronase followed by (glyco)peptide elution and off-gel reductive β-elimination. The protocol offers robust performance with sensitivity in the low picomolar range, is compatible with gel-based proteomics, and shows superior performance in global applications in comparison with workflows eliminating glycans in-gel or from electroblotted glycoproteins. By applying this method, we analyzed the O-glycome of human myoblasts and of the mouse brain O-glycoproteome. After semipreparative separation of mouse brain proteins by one-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis, the O-glycans from proteins in different mass ranges were characterized with a focus on O-mannose-based glycans. The relative proportion of the latter, which generally represent a rare modification, increases to comparatively high levels in the mouse brain proteome in dependence of increasing protein masses.

High spatial resolution detection of low-energy electrons using an event-counting method, application to point projection microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salançon, Evelyne; Degiovanni, Alain; Lapena, Laurent; Morin, Roger

2018-04-01

An event-counting method using a two-microchannel plate stack in a low-energy electron point projection microscope is implemented. 15 μm detector spatial resolution, i.e., the distance between first-neighbor microchannels, is demonstrated. This leads to a 7 times better microscope resolution. Compared to previous work with neutrons [Tremsin et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 592, 374 (2008)], the large number of detection events achieved with electrons shows that the local response of the detector is mainly governed by the angle between the hexagonal structures of the two microchannel plates. Using this method in point projection microscopy offers the prospect of working with a greater source-object distance (350 nm instead of 50 nm), advancing toward atomic resolution.

[Internet research methods: advantages and challenges].

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Tien, Yueh-Hsuan

2009-12-01

Compared to traditional research methods, using the Internet to conduct research offers a number of advantages to the researcher, which include increased access to sensitive issues and vulnerable / hidden populations; decreased data entry time requirements; and enhanced data accuracy. However, Internet research also presents certain challenges to the researcher. In this article, the advantages and challenges of Internet research methods are discussed in four principle issue areas: (a) recruitment, (b) data quality, (c) practicality, and (d) ethics. Nursing researchers can overcome problems related to sampling bias and data truthfulness using creative methods; resolve technical problems through collaboration with other disciplines; and protect participant's privacy, confidentiality and data security by maintaining a high level of vigilance. Once such issues have been satisfactorily addressed, the Internet should open a new window for Taiwan nursing research.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine at Norwegian and Danish hospitals

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Several studies have found that a high proportion of the population in western countries use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, little is known about whether CAM is offered in hospitals. The aim of this study was to describe to what extent CAM is offered in Norwegian and Danish hospitals and investigate possible changes in Norway since 2001. Methods A one-page questionnaire was sent to all included hospitals in both countries. The questionnaire was sent to the person responsible for the clinical activity, typically the medical director. 99 hospitals in the authority (85%) in Norway and 126 in Denmark (97%) responded. Given contact persons were interviewed. Results CAM is presently offered in about 50% of Norwegian hospitals and one-third of Danish hospitals. In Norway CAM was offered in 50 hospitals, 40 of which involved acupuncture. 19 hospitals gave other alternative therapies like biofeedback, hypnosis, cupping, ear-acupuncture, herbal medicine, art therapy, homeopathy, reflexology, thought field therapy, gestalt therapy, aromatherapy, tai chi, acupressure, yoga, pilates and other. 9 hospitals offered more than one therapy form. In Denmark 38 hospitals offered acupuncture and one Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Light Therapy. The most commonly reported reason for offering CAM was scientific evidence in Denmark. In Norway it was the interest of a hospital employee, except for acupuncture where the introduction is more often initiated by the leadership and is more based on scientific evidence of effect. All persons (except one) responsible for the alternative treatment had a medical or allied health professional background and their education/training in CAM treatment varied substantially. Conclusions The extent of CAM being offered has increased substantially in Norway during the first decade of the 21st century. This might indicate a shift in attitude regarding CAM within the conventional health care system. PMID:21244655

A new instrument of VUV laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging with micrometer spatial resolution and low level of molecular fragmentation.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Liu, Feng; Mo, Yuxiang; Wang, Zhaoying; Zhang, Sichun; Zhang, Xinrong

2017-11-01

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has important applications in material research, biology, and medicine. The MSI method based on UV laser desorption/ionization (UVLDI) can obtain images of intact samples, but has a high level of molecular fragmentation. In this work, we report a new MSI instrument that uses a VUV laser (125.3 nm) as a desorption/ionization source to exploit its advantages of high single photon energy and small focus size. The new instrument was tested by the mass spectra of Nile red and FGB (Fibrinogen beta chain) samples and mass spectrometric images of a fly brain section. For the tested samples, the VUVDI method offers lower levels of molecular fragmentations and higher sensitivities than those of the UVLDI method and second ion mass spectrometry imaging method using a Bi 3 + beam. The ablation crater produced by the focused VUV laser on a quartz plate has an area of 10 μm 2 . The VUV laser is prepared based on the four-wave mixing method using three collimated laser beams and a heated Hg cell.

A new instrument of VUV laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging with micrometer spatial resolution and low level of molecular fragmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia; Liu, Feng; Mo, Yuxiang; Wang, Zhaoying; Zhang, Sichun; Zhang, Xinrong

2017-11-01

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has important applications in material research, biology, and medicine. The MSI method based on UV laser desorption/ionization (UVLDI) can obtain images of intact samples, but has a high level of molecular fragmentation. In this work, we report a new MSI instrument that uses a VUV laser (125.3 nm) as a desorption/ionization source to exploit its advantages of high single photon energy and small focus size. The new instrument was tested by the mass spectra of Nile red and FGB (Fibrinogen beta chain) samples and mass spectrometric images of a fly brain section. For the tested samples, the VUVDI method offers lower levels of molecular fragmentations and higher sensitivities than those of the UVLDI method and second ion mass spectrometry imaging method using a Bi3+ beam. The ablation crater produced by the focused VUV laser on a quartz plate has an area of 10 μm2. The VUV laser is prepared based on the four-wave mixing method using three collimated laser beams and a heated Hg cell.

A simple, fast and accurate in-situ method to measure the rate of transport of redox species through membranes for lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meddings, Nina; Owen, John R.; Garcia-Araez, Nuria

2017-10-01

Lithium ion conducting membranes are important to protect the lithium metal electrode and act as a barrier to crossover species such as polysulphides in Li-S systems, redox mediators in Li-O2 cells or dissolved cathode species or electrolyte oxidation products in high voltage Li-ion batteries. We present an in-situ method for measuring permeability of membranes to crossover redox species. The method employs a 'Swagelok' cell design equipped with a glassy carbon working electrode, in which redox species are placed initially in the counter electrode compartment only. Permeability through the membrane, which separates working and counter electrodes, is determined using a square wave voltammetry technique that allows the concentration of crossover redox species to be evaluated over time with very high precision. We test the method using a model and well-behaved electrochemical system to demonstrate its sensitivity, reproducibility and reliability relative to alternative approaches. This new method offers advantages in terms of small electrolyte volume, and simple, fast, quantitative and in-situ measurement.

Gradient optimization of finite projected entangled pair states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wen-Yuan; Dong, Shao-Jun; Han, Yong-Jian; Guo, Guang-Can; He, Lixin

2017-05-01

Projected entangled pair states (PEPS) methods have been proven to be powerful tools to solve strongly correlated quantum many-body problems in two dimensions. However, due to the high computational scaling with the virtual bond dimension D , in a practical application, PEPS are often limited to rather small bond dimensions, which may not be large enough for some highly entangled systems, for instance, frustrated systems. Optimization of the ground state using the imaginary time evolution method with a simple update scheme may go to a larger bond dimension. However, the accuracy of the rough approximation to the environment of the local tensors is questionable. Here, we demonstrate that by combining the imaginary time evolution method with a simple update, Monte Carlo sampling techniques and gradient optimization will offer an efficient method to calculate the PEPS ground state. By taking advantage of massive parallel computing, we can study quantum systems with larger bond dimensions up to D =10 without resorting to any symmetry. Benchmark tests of the method on the J1-J2 model give impressive accuracy compared with exact results.

Intermediate view synthesis algorithm using mesh clustering for rectangular multiview camera system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Byeongho; Kim, Taewan; Oh, Kwan-Jung; Ho, Yo-Sung; Choi, Jong-Soo

2010-02-01

A multiview video-based three-dimensional (3-D) video system offers a realistic impression and a free view navigation to the user. The efficient compression and intermediate view synthesis are key technologies since 3-D video systems deal multiple views. We propose an intermediate view synthesis using a rectangular multiview camera system that is suitable to realize 3-D video systems. The rectangular multiview camera system not only can offer free view navigation both horizontally and vertically but also can employ three reference views such as left, right, and bottom for intermediate view synthesis. The proposed view synthesis method first represents the each reference view to meshes and then finds the best disparity for each mesh element by using the stereo matching between reference views. Before stereo matching, we separate the virtual image to be synthesized into several regions to enhance the accuracy of disparities. The mesh is classified into foreground and background groups by disparity values and then affine transformed. By experiments, we confirm that the proposed method synthesizes a high-quality image and is suitable for 3-D video systems.

MLP: A Parallel Programming Alternative to MPI for New Shared Memory Parallel Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taft, James R.

1999-01-01

Recent developments at the NASA AMES Research Center's NAS Division have demonstrated that the new generation of NUMA based Symmetric Multi-Processing systems (SMPs), such as the Silicon Graphics Origin 2000, can successfully execute legacy vector oriented CFD production codes at sustained rates far exceeding processing rates possible on dedicated 16 CPU Cray C90 systems. This high level of performance is achieved via shared memory based Multi-Level Parallelism (MLP). This programming approach, developed at NAS and outlined below, is distinct from the message passing paradigm of MPI. It offers parallelism at both the fine and coarse grained level, with communication latencies that are approximately 50-100 times lower than typical MPI implementations on the same platform. Such latency reductions offer the promise of performance scaling to very large CPU counts. The method draws on, but is also distinct from, the newly defined OpenMP specification, which uses compiler directives to support a limited subset of multi-level parallel operations. The NAS MLP method is general, and applicable to a large class of NASA CFD codes.

Assessment of Diesse Ves-matic automated system for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

PubMed Central

Caswell, M; Stuart, J

1991-01-01

Measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) using a closed tube system reduces the biohazard risk to laboratory staff. The Diesse Ves-matic system offers manual or vacuum collection of blood into plastic tubes, automated mixing of the sample, and automated reading of the end point after 20 minutes of sedimentation. This system was compared with the 1977 Westergren ESR method of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) and with the 1988 ICSH undiluted ESR method. Manually collected Ves-matic samples showed good agreement with ICSH values, although there was a tendency to false low results at low ESR values which may represent dilution of plasma protein with excess citrate. Vacuum collected Ves-matic samples also showed good agreement with ICSH values, although there was a tendency to false high results which may reflect a change in the blood: citrate ratio caused by loss of anticoagulant diluent or vacuum from plastic tubes during storage. The Diesse Ves-matic system incorporates several improvements over previous technology and offers a safer, quicker, and more standardised ESR. PMID:1752986

A Novel Method for Tracking Individuals of Fruit Fly Swarms Flying in a Laboratory Flight Arena.

PubMed

Cheng, Xi En; Qian, Zhi-Ming; Wang, Shuo Hong; Jiang, Nan; Guo, Aike; Chen, Yan Qiu

2015-01-01

The growing interest in studying social behaviours of swarming fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, has heightened the need for developing tools that provide quantitative motion data. To achieve such a goal, multi-camera three-dimensional tracking technology is the key experimental gateway. We have developed a novel tracking system for tracking hundreds of fruit flies flying in a confined cubic flight arena. In addition to the proposed tracking algorithm, this work offers additional contributions in three aspects: body detection, orientation estimation, and data validation. To demonstrate the opportunities that the proposed system offers for generating high-throughput quantitative motion data, we conducted experiments on five experimental configurations. We also performed quantitative analysis on the kinematics and the spatial structure and the motion patterns of fruit fly swarms. We found that there exists an asymptotic distance between fruit flies in swarms as the population density increases. Further, we discovered the evidence for repulsive response when the distance between fruit flies approached the asymptotic distance. Overall, the proposed tracking system presents a powerful method for studying flight behaviours of fruit flies in a three-dimensional environment.

MASS ESTIMATES OF RAPIDLY MOVING PROMINENCE MATERIAL FROM HIGH-CADENCE EUV IMAGES

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

Williams, David R.; Baker, Deborah; Van Driel-Gesztelyi, Lidia, E-mail: d.r.williams@ucl.ac.uk

We present a new method for determining the column density of erupting filament material using state-of-the-art multi-wavelength imaging data. Much of the prior work on filament/prominence structure can be divided between studies that use a polychromatic approach with targeted campaign observations and those that use synoptic observations, frequently in only one or two wavelengths. The superior time resolution, sensitivity, and near-synchronicity of data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory's Advanced Imaging Assembly allow us to combine these two techniques using photoionization continuum opacity to determine the spatial distribution of hydrogen in filament material. We apply the combined techniques to SDO/AIA observationsmore » of a filament that erupted during the spectacular coronal mass ejection on 2011 June 7. The resulting 'polychromatic opacity imaging' method offers a powerful way to track partially ionized gas as it erupts through the solar atmosphere on a regular basis, without the need for coordinated observations, thereby readily offering regular, realistic mass-distribution estimates for models of these erupting structures.« less

Integrative Approaches for Predicting in vivo Effects of Chemicals from their Structural Descriptors and the Results of Short-term Biological Assays

PubMed Central

Low, Yen S.; Sedykh, Alexander; Rusyn, Ivan; Tropsha, Alexander

2017-01-01

Cheminformatics approaches such as Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling have been used traditionally for predicting chemical toxicity. In recent years, high throughput biological assays have been increasingly employed to elucidate mechanisms of chemical toxicity and predict toxic effects of chemicals in vivo. The data generated in such assays can be considered as biological descriptors of chemicals that can be combined with molecular descriptors and employed in QSAR modeling to improve the accuracy of toxicity prediction. In this review, we discuss several approaches for integrating chemical and biological data for predicting biological effects of chemicals in vivo and compare their performance across several data sets. We conclude that while no method consistently shows superior performance, the integrative approaches rank consistently among the best yet offer enriched interpretation of models over those built with either chemical or biological data alone. We discuss the outlook for such interdisciplinary methods and offer recommendations to further improve the accuracy and interpretability of computational models that predict chemical toxicity. PMID:24805064

Computational methods for analysis and inference of kinase/inhibitor relationships

PubMed Central

Ferrè, Fabrizio; Palmeri, Antonio; Helmer-Citterich, Manuela

2014-01-01

The central role of kinases in virtually all signal transduction networks is the driving motivation for the development of compounds modulating their activity. ATP-mimetic inhibitors are essential tools for elucidating signaling pathways and are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, off-target ligand binding and complex and sometimes unexpected kinase/inhibitor relationships can occur for seemingly unrelated kinases, stressing that computational approaches are needed for learning the interaction determinants and for the inference of the effect of small compounds on a given kinase. Recently published high-throughput profiling studies assessed the effects of thousands of small compound inhibitors, covering a substantial portion of the kinome. This wealth of data paved the road for computational resources and methods that can offer a major contribution in understanding the reasons of the inhibition, helping in the rational design of more specific molecules, in the in silico prediction of inhibition for those neglected kinases for which no systematic analysis has been carried yet, in the selection of novel inhibitors with desired selectivity, and offering novel avenues of personalized therapies. PMID:25071826

Cost-effective rapid prototyping and assembly of poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Matellan, Carlos; Del Río Hernández, Armando E

2018-05-03

The difficulty in translating conventional microfluidics from laboratory prototypes to commercial products has shifted research efforts towards thermoplastic materials for their higher translational potential and amenability to industrial manufacturing. Here, we present an accessible method to fabricate and assemble polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic devices in a "mask-less" and cost-effective manner that can be applied to manufacture a wide range of designs due to its versatility. Laser micromachining offers high flexibility in channel dimensions and morphology by controlling the laser properties, while our two-step surface treatment based on exposure to acetone vapour and low-temperature annealing enables improvement of the surface quality without deformation of the device. Finally, we demonstrate a capillarity-driven adhesive delivery bonding method that can produce an effective seal between PMMA devices and a variety of substrates, including glass, silicon and LiNbO 3 . We illustrate the potential of this technique with two microfluidic devices, an H-filter and a droplet generator. The technique proposed here offers a low entry barrier for the rapid prototyping of thermoplastic microfluidics, enabling iterative design for laboratories without access to conventional microfabrication equipment.

Metastable Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

DOE PAGES

Graetz, Jason

2012-01-01

The possibility of using hydrogen as a reliable energy carrier for both stationary and mobile applications has gained renewed interest in recent years due to improvements in high temperature fuel cells and a reduction in hydrogen production costs. However, a number of challenges remain and new media are needed that are capable of safely storing hydrogen with high gravimetric and volumetric densities. Metal hydrides and complex metal hydrides offer some hope of overcoming these challenges; however, many of the high capacity “reversible” hydrides exhibit a large endothermic decomposition enthalpy making it difficult to release the hydrogen at low temperatures. Onmore » the other hand, the metastable hydrides are characterized by a low reaction enthalpy and a decomposition reaction that is thermodynamically favorable under ambient conditions. The rapid, low temperature hydrogen evolution rates that can be achieved with these materials offer much promise for mobile PEM fuel cell applications. However, a critical challenge exists to develop new methods to regenerate these hydrides directly from the reactants and hydrogen gas. This spotlight paper presents an overview of some of the metastable metal hydrides for hydrogen storage and a few new approaches being investigated to address the key challenges associated with these materials.« less

Cold Spraying of Armstrong Process Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, D.; Fernández, R.; Delloro, F.; Jodoin, B.

2017-04-01

Titanium parts are ideally suited for aerospace applications due to their unique combination of high specific strength and excellent corrosion resistance. However, titanium as bulk material is expensive and challenging/costly to machine. Production of complex titanium parts through additive manufacturing looks promising, but there are still many barriers to overcome before reaching mainstream commercialization. The cold gas dynamic spraying process offers the potential for additive manufacturing of large titanium parts due to its reduced reactive environment, its simplicity to operate, and the high deposition rates it offers. A few challenges are to be addressed before the additive manufacturing potential of titanium by cold gas dynamic spraying can be reached. In particular, it is known that titanium is easy to deposit by cold gas dynamic spraying, but the deposits produced are usually porous when nitrogen is used as the carrier gas. In this work, a method to manufacture low-porosity titanium components at high deposition efficiencies is revealed. The components are produced by combining low-pressure cold spray using nitrogen as the carrier gas with low-cost titanium powder produced using the Armstrong process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of additive manufactured titanium components are investigated.

Real-Time Capabilities of a Digital Analyzer for Mixed-Field Assay Using Scintillation Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aspinall, M. D.; Joyce, M. J.; Lavietes, A.; Plenteda, R.; Cave, F. D.; Parker, H.; Jones, A.; Astromskas, V.

2017-03-01

Scintillation detectors offer a single-step detection method for fast neutrons and necessitate real-time acquisition, whereas this is redundant in two-stage thermal detection systems using helium-3 and lithium-6, where the fast neutrons need to be thermalized prior to detection. The relative affordability of scintillation detectors and the associated fast digital acquisition systems have enabled entirely new measurement setups that can consist of sizeable detector arrays. These detectors in most cases rely on photomultiplier tubes, which have significant tolerances and result in variations in detector response functions. The detector tolerances and other environmental instabilities must be accounted for in measurements that depend on matched detector performance. This paper presents recent advances made to a high-speed FPGA-based digitizer. The technology described offers a complete solution for fast-neutron scintillation detectors by integrating multichannel high-speed data acquisition technology with dedicated detector high-voltage supplies. This configuration has significant advantages for large detector arrays that require uniform detector responses. We report on bespoke control software and firmware techniques that exploit real-time functionality to reduce setup and acquisition time, increase repeatability, and reduce statistical uncertainties.

Early Effects of the San Francisco Paid Sick Leave Policy

PubMed Central

Colla, Carrie H.; Dow, William H.; Dube, Arindrajit; Lovell, Vicky

2014-01-01

Objectives. We examined employers’ responses to San Francisco, California’s 2007 Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. Methods. We used the 2009 Bay Area Employer Health Benefits Survey to describe sick leave policy changes and the policy’s effects on firm (n = 699) operations. Results. The proportion of firms offering paid sick leave in San Francisco grew from 73% in 2006 to 91% in 2009, with large firms (99%) more likely to offer sick leave than are small firms (86%) in 2009. Most firms (57%) did not make any changes to their sick leave policy, although 17% made a major change to sick leave policy to comply with the law. Firms beginning to offer sick leave reported reductions in other benefits (39%), worse profitability (32%), and increases in prices (18%) but better employee morale (17%) and high support for the policy (71%). Many employers (58%) reported some difficulty understanding legal requirements, complying administratively, or reassigning work responsibilities. Conclusions. There was a substantial increase in paid sick leave coverage after the mandate. Employers reported some difficulties in complying with the law but supported the policy overall. PMID:24432927

Optimization-based sale transactions and hydrothermal scheduling

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

Prasannan, B.; Luh, P.B.; Yan, H.

1995-12-31

Selling and purchasing power are important activities for utilities because of potential savings. When a selling utility presents an offer including prices, power levels and durations, a purchasing utility selects power levels and durations within the offered range subject to relevant constraints. The decisionmaking process is complicated because transactions are coupled with system demand and reserve, therefore decisions have to be made in conjunction with the commitment and dispatching of units. Furthermore, transaction decisions have to be made in almost real time in view of the competitiveness of the power market caused by deregulation. In this paper, transactions are analyzedmore » from a selling utility`s viewpoint for a system consisting of thermal, hydro and pumped-storage units. To effectively solve the problem, linear sale revenues are approximated by nonlinear functions, and non-profitable options are identified and eliminated from consideration. The multipliers are then updated at the high level by using a modified subgradient method to obtain near optimal solutions quickly. Testing results show that the algorithm produces good sale offers efficiently.« less

Optimization-based sale transactions and hydrothermal scheduling

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

Prasannan, B.; Luh, P.B.; Yan, H.

1996-05-01

Selling and purchasing power are important activities for utilities because of potential savings. When a selling utility presents an offer including prices, power levels and durations, a purchasing utility selects power levels and durations within the offered range subject to relevant constraints. The decisionmaking process is complicated because transactions are coupled with system demand and reserve, therefore decisions have to be made in conjunction with the commitment and dispatching of units. Furthermore, transaction decisions have to be made in almost real time in view of the competitiveness of the power market caused by deregulation. In this paper, transactions are analyzedmore » from a selling utility`s viewpoint for a system consisting of thermal, hydro and pumped-storage units. To effectively solve the problem, linear sale revenues are approximated by nonlinear functions, and non-profitable options are identified and eliminated from consideration. The multipliers are then updated at the high level by using a modified subgradient method to obtain near optimal solutions quickly. Testing results show that the algorithm produces good sale offers efficiently.« less

High-resolution 3D imaging of polymerized photonic crystals by lab-based x-ray nanotomography with 50-nm resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Leilei; Chen, Ying-Chieh; Gelb, Jeff; Stevenson, Darren M.; Braun, Paul A.

2010-09-01

High resolution x-ray computed tomography is a powerful non-destructive 3-D imaging method. It can offer superior resolution on objects that are opaque or low contrast for optical microscopy. Synchrotron based x-ray computed tomography systems have been available for scientific research, but remain difficult to access for broader users. This work introduces a lab-based high-resolution x-ray nanotomography system with 50nm resolution in absorption and Zernike phase contrast modes. Using this system, we have demonstrated high quality 3-D images of polymerized photonic crystals which have been analyzed for band gap structures. The isotropic volumetric data shows excellent consistency with other characterization results.

Questions from Dad: A Very Cool Way To Communicate with Kids.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Twilley, Dwight

This book offers help and guidance to fathers who have been physically separated from their children by divorce, work, or other factors. It gives methods and ideas to help long-distance fathers better communicate with and stay connected to their children. The methods offered in this book include devising test-like questionnaires for children;…

42 CFR 59.5 - What requirements must be met by a family planning project?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...). If an organization offers only a single method of family planning, it may participate as part of a... status. (5) Not provide abortion as a method of family planning. A project must: (i) Offer pregnant women...) about which the pregnant woman indicates she does not wish to receive such information and counseling...

Optical Fiber Design And Fabrication: Discussion On Recent Developments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Philippe; Devautour, Mathieu; Lavoute, Laure; Gaponov, Dmitry; Brasse, Gurvan; Hautreux, Stéphanie; Février, Sébastien; Restoin, Christine; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Gérôme, Frédéric; Humbert, Georges; Blondy, Jean-Marc

2008-10-01

Level of emitted power and beam quality of singlemode fiber lasers have been drastically increased at the expense of loss due to bend sensitivity, simplicity of manufacturing and packaging. Furthermore, the extension of the spectral coverage was primarily explored by exploiting non-linear effects, neglecting numerous possible transitions of rare earths. Through different research areas, we demonstrate the possibilities offered by new fiber designs and alternative methods of manufacturing. Photonic Band Gap fibers reconcile diffraction limited beam and large mode area with low bending loss. 80% slope efficiency is demonstrated together with a robust propagation allowing the fiber to be tightly bent until wounding radii as small as 6 cm. Highly ytterbium doped multimode core surrounded by high refractive index rods fiber exhibits a transverse singlemode behavior under continuous wave laser regime. A robust LP01 mode is observed and filtering effect is clearly observed. A non CVD process based on silica sand vitrification allows the synthesis of large and highly doped core with high index homogeneity, opening the way to design of efficient large mode area fiber lasers. 74% slope efficiency is measured, demonstrating the good quality of the core material. Finally, the use of rare earth (Er3+) doped zirconia nanocrystals in silica matrix offers a large panel of ignored energy transitions for visible or off-usual band of emission.

Analysis of Maintenance Service Contracts for Dump Trucks Used in Mining Industry with Simulation Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dymasius, A.; Wangsaputra, R.; Iskandar, B. P.

2016-02-01

A mining company needs high availability of dump trucks used to haul mining materials. As a result, an effective maintenance action is required to keep the dump trucks in a good condition and hence reducing failure and downtime of the dump trucks. To carry out maintenance in-house requires a high intensive maintenance facility and high skilled maintenance specialists. Often, outsourcing maintenance is an economic option for the company. An external agent takes a proactive action with offering some maintenance contract options to the owner. The decision problem for the owner is to decide the best option and for the agent is to determine the optimal price for each option offered. A non-cooperative game-theory is used to formulate the decision problems for the owner and the agent. We consider that failure pattern of each truck follows a non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) and a queueing theory with multiple servers is used to estimate the downtime. As it involves high complexity to model downtime using a queueing theory, then in this paper we use a simulation method. Furthermore, we conduct experiment to seek for the best number of maintenance facilities (servers) which minimises maintenance and penalty costs incurred to the agent.

Radio Frequency Plasma Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) for Structural Applications: Part I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hales, Stephen J.; Alexa, Joel A.; Jensen, Brian J.; Thomsen, Donald L.

2016-01-01

It is evident that nanotubes, such as carbon, boron nitride and even silicon, offer great potential for many aerospace applications. The opportunity exists to harness the extremely high strength and stiffness exhibited by high-purity, low-defect nanotubes in structural materials. Even though the technology associated with carbon nanotube (CNT) development is mature, the mechanical property benefits have yet to be fully realized. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) offer similar structural benefits, but exhibit superior chemical and thermal stability. A broader range of potential structural applications results, particularly as reinforcing agents for metal- and ceramic- based composites. However, synthesis of BNNTs is more challenging than CNTs mainly because of the higher processing temperatures required, and mass production techniques have yet to emerge. A promising technique is radio frequency plasma spray (RFPS), which is an inductively coupled, very high temperature process. The lack of electrodes and the self- contained, inert gas environment lend themselves to an ultraclean product. It is the aim of this White Paper to survey the state of the art with regard to nano-material production by analyzing the pros and cons of existing methods. The intention is to combine the best concepts and apply the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) RFPS facility to reliably synthesize large quantities of consistent, high-purity BNNTs.

Day-Ahead Short-Term Forecasting Electricity Load via Approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khamitov, R. N.; Gritsay, A. S.; Tyunkov, D. A.; E Sinitsin, G.

2017-04-01

The method of short-term forecasting of a power consumption which can be applied to short-term forecasting of power consumption is offered. The offered model is based on sinusoidal function for the description of day and night cycles of power consumption. Function coefficients - the period and amplitude are set up is adaptive, considering dynamics of power consumption with use of an artificial neural network. The presented results are tested on real retrospective data of power supply company. The offered method can be especially useful if there are no opportunities of collection of interval indications of metering devices of consumers, and the power supply company operates with electrical supply points. The offered method can be used by any power supply company upon purchase of the electric power in the wholesale market. For this purpose, it is necessary to receive coefficients of approximation of sinusoidal function and to have retrospective data on power consumption on an interval not less than one year.

Endoscopic methods in the treatment of early-stage esophageal cancer

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Most patients with early esophageal cancer restricted to the mucosa may be offered endoscopic therapy, which is similarly effective, less invasive and less expensive than esophagectomy. Selection of appropriate relevant treatment and therapy methods should be performed at a specialized center with adequate facilities. The selection of an endoscopic treatment method for high-grade dysplasia and early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma requires that tumor infiltration is restricted to the mucosa and that there is no neighboring lymph node metastasis. In squamous cell carcinoma, this treatment method is accepted in cases of tumors invading only up to the lamina propria of mucosa (m2). Tumors treated with the endoscopic method should be well or moderately differentiated and should not invade lymphatic or blood vessels. When selecting endoscopic treatments for these lesions, a combination of endoscopic resection and endoscopic ablation methods should be considered. PMID:25097676

High-performance oxygen reduction catalysts in both alkaline and acidic fuel cells based on pre-treating carbon material and iron precursor

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

Song, Ping; Barkholtz, Heather M.; Wang, Ying

We demonstrate a new and simple method for pre-treating the carbon material and iron precursor to prepare oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, which can produce super-high performance and stability in alkaline solution, with high performance in acid solution. This strategy using cheap materials is simply controllable. Moreover, it has achieved smaller uniform nanoparticles to exhibit high stability, and the synergetic effect of Fe and N offered much higher performance in ORR than commercial Pt/C, with high maximum power density in alkaline and acid fuel cell test. So it can make this kind of catalysts be the most promising alternatives ofmore » Pt-based catalysts with best performance/price.« less

Nonlinear Bubble Dynamics And The Effects On Propagation Through Near-Surface Bubble Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leighton, Timothy G.

2004-11-01

Nonlinear bubble dynamics are often viewed as the unfortunate consequence of having to use high acoustic pressure amplitudes when the void fraction in the near-surface oceanic bubble layer is great enough to cause severe attenuation (e.g. >50 dB/m). This is seen as unfortunate since existing models for acoustic propagation in bubbly liquids are based on linear bubble dynamics. However, the development of nonlinear models does more than just allow quantification of the errors associated with the use of linear models. It also offers the possibility of propagation modeling and acoustic inversions which appropriately incorporate the bubble nonlinearity. Furthermore, it allows exploration and quantification of possible nonlinear effects which may be exploited. As a result, high acoustic pressure amplitudes may be desirable even in low void fractions, because they offer opportunities to gain information about the bubble cloud from the nonlinearities, and options to exploit the nonlinearities to enhance communication and sonar in bubbly waters. This paper presents a method for calculating the nonlinear acoustic cross-sections, scatter, attenuations and sound speeds from bubble clouds which may be inhomogeneous. The method allows prediction of the time dependency of these quantities, both because the cloud may vary and because the incident acoustic pulse may have finite and arbitrary time history. The method can be readily adapted for bubbles in other environments (e.g. clouds of interacting bubbles, sediments, structures, in vivo, reverberant conditions etc.). The possible exploitation of bubble acoustics by marine mammals, and for sonar enhancement, is explored.

Methods Used by Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy to Prepare Student Pharmacists for Careers in Academia

PubMed Central

Dy-Boarman, Eliza A.; Clifford, Kalin M.; Summa, Maria A.; Willson, Megan N.; Boyle, Jaclyn A.; Peeters, Michael J.

2017-01-01

Objective. To identify the methods used by US colleges and schools of pharmacy to prepare student pharmacists for academic careers. Method. An 18-item survey instrument was developed and distributed to US colleges and schools of pharmacy. Representatives were asked about faculty responsibilities, experiences in academia currently offered to student pharmacists, and representatives’ perception of their student pharmacists’ preparedness for careers in academia, including barriers in current programming. Results. Representatives from 96 colleges/schools responded. The vast majority (96%) provided academia-focused advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs), 40% provided didactic coursework in academia, 28% offered a longitudinal research track, and 42% offered academia-focused independent studies. Teaching methods and creating learning objectives were the most common pedagogical content, while assessment activities were diverse. Time was the most prevalent barrier to providing training for academic careers; however, degree of student pharmacist interest, faculty inexperience, and lack of leadership support were also commonly reported. Conclusions: Colleges and schools of pharmacy vary in the extent to which they prepare student pharmacists for careers in academia. Advanced pharmacy practice experiences were the most common method of training offered. Standardization of training for academia may better promote this career path to student pharmacists. PMID:28289296

Teaching methods and surgical training in North American graduate periodontics programs: exploring the landscape.

PubMed

Ghiabi, Edmond; Taylor, K Lynn

2010-06-01

This project aimed at documenting the surgical training curricula offered by North American graduate periodontics programs. A survey consisting of questions on teaching methods employed and the content of the surgical training program was mailed to directors of all fifty-eight graduate periodontics programs in Canada and the United States. The chi-square test was used to assess whether the residents' clinical experience was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by having a) a structured preclinical program or b) another dental residency program in the institution. Thirty-four programs (59 percent) responded to the survey. Twenty-six programs (76 percent of respondents) reported offering a structured preclinical component. Traditional teaching methods such as slides, live demonstration, DVD/CD, and animal cadavers were the most common teaching methods used, whereas online courses, computer simulation, and various surgical mannequins were least commonly used. The most commonly performed surgical procedures were conventional flaps, periodontal plastic procedures, hard tissue grafts, and implants. Furthermore, residents in programs offering a structured preclinical component performed significantly more procedures (P=0.012) using lasers than those in programs not offering a structured preclinical program. Devising new and innovative teaching methods is a clear avenue for future development in North American graduate periodontics programs.

Elitist Binary Wolf Search Algorithm for Heuristic Feature Selection in High-Dimensional Bioinformatics Datasets.

PubMed

Li, Jinyan; Fong, Simon; Wong, Raymond K; Millham, Richard; Wong, Kelvin K L

2017-06-28

Due to the high-dimensional characteristics of dataset, we propose a new method based on the Wolf Search Algorithm (WSA) for optimising the feature selection problem. The proposed approach uses the natural strategy established by Charles Darwin; that is, 'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, but the most adaptable'. This means that in the evolution of a swarm, the elitists are motivated to quickly obtain more and better resources. The memory function helps the proposed method to avoid repeat searches for the worst position in order to enhance the effectiveness of the search, while the binary strategy simplifies the feature selection problem into a similar problem of function optimisation. Furthermore, the wrapper strategy gathers these strengthened wolves with the classifier of extreme learning machine to find a sub-dataset with a reasonable number of features that offers the maximum correctness of global classification models. The experimental results from the six public high-dimensional bioinformatics datasets tested demonstrate that the proposed method can best some of the conventional feature selection methods up to 29% in classification accuracy, and outperform previous WSAs by up to 99.81% in computational time.

The application of biotechnological methods in authenticity testing.

PubMed

Popping, Bert

2002-09-11

By counterfeiting brand names in the food and drink industry as well as fraudulently labelling and selling low quality products as premium products, this sector of the industry has lost significant amounts of money and the consumer has been deceived. While it was difficult to establish certain types of fraud before the advent of modern biotechnology, DNA-based methods make an important contribution to protect high-quality brand names and protect the consumer. Several years ago, DNA technologies were considered as methods used in universities, primarily for research purpose, not so much for 'real-life' applications. However, this has changed and a number of laboratories have specialised in offering such services to the industry. This article will review DNA-based techniques commonly used for authenticity testing.

From thermometric to spectrophotometric kinetic-catalytic methods of analysis. A review.

PubMed

Cerdà, Víctor; González, Alba; Danchana, Kaewta

2017-05-15

Kinetic-catalytic analytical methods have proved to be very easy and highly sensitive strategies for chemical analysis, that rely on simple instrumentation [1,2]. Molecular absorption spectrophotometry is commonly used as the detection technique. However, other detection systems, like electrochemical or thermometric ones, offer some interesting possibilities since they are not affected by the color or turbidity of the samples. In this review some initial experience with thermometric kinetic-catalytic methods is described, up to our current experience exploiting spectrophotometric flow techniques to automate this kind of reactions, including the use of integrated chips. Procedures for determination of inorganic and organic species in organic and inorganic matrices are presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Practical aerobic oxidations of alcohols and amines with homogeneous copper/TEMPO and related catalyst systems.

PubMed

Ryland, Bradford L; Stahl, Shannon S

2014-08-18

Oxidations of alcohols and amines are common reactions in the synthesis of organic molecules in the laboratory and industry. Aerobic oxidation methods have long been sought for these transformations, but few practical methods exist that offer advantages over traditional oxidation methods. Recently developed homogeneous Cu/TEMPO (TEMPO = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-N-oxyl) and related catalyst systems appear to fill this void. The reactions exhibit high levels of chemoselectivity and broad functional-group tolerance, and they often operate efficiently at room temperature with ambient air as the oxidant. These advances, together with their historical context and recent applications, are highlighted in this Minireview. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A speciation solver for cement paste modeling and the semismooth Newton method

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

Georget, Fabien, E-mail: fabieng@princeton.edu; Prévost, Jean H., E-mail: prevost@princeton.edu; Vanderbei, Robert J., E-mail: rvdb@princeton.edu

2015-02-15

The mineral assemblage of a cement paste may vary considerably with its environment. In addition, the water content of a cement paste is relatively low and the ionic strength of the interstitial solution is often high. These conditions are extreme conditions with respect to the common assumptions made in speciation problem. Furthermore the common trial and error algorithm to find the phase assemblage does not provide any guarantee of convergence. We propose a speciation solver based on a semismooth Newton method adapted to the thermodynamic modeling of cement paste. The strong theoretical properties associated with these methods offer practical advantages.more » Results of numerical experiments indicate that the algorithm is reliable, robust, and efficient.« less

Microcanonical-ensemble computer simulation of the high-temperature expansion coefficients of the Helmholtz free energy of a square-well fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sastre, Francisco; Moreno-Hilario, Elizabeth; Sotelo-Serna, Maria Guadalupe; Gil-Villegas, Alejandro

2018-02-01

The microcanonical-ensemble computer simulation method (MCE) is used to evaluate the perturbation terms Ai of the Helmholtz free energy of a square-well (SW) fluid. The MCE method offers a very efficient and accurate procedure for the determination of perturbation terms of discrete-potential systems such as the SW fluid and surpass the standard NVT canonical ensemble Monte Carlo method, allowing the calculation of the first six expansion terms. Results are presented for the case of a SW potential with attractive ranges 1.1 ≤ λ ≤ 1.8. Using semi-empirical representation of the MCE values for Ai, we also discuss the accuracy in the determination of the phase diagram of this system.

Electrochemical hydrogen sulfide biosensors.

PubMed

Xu, Tailin; Scafa, Nikki; Xu, Li-Ping; Zhou, Shufeng; Abdullah Al-Ghanem, Khalid; Mahboob, Shahid; Fugetsu, Bunshi; Zhang, Xueji

2016-02-21

The measurement of sulfide, especially hydrogen sulfide, has held the attention of the analytical community due to its unique physiological and pathophysiological roles in biological systems. Electrochemical detection offers a rapid, highly sensitive, affordable, simple, and real-time technique to measure hydrogen sulfide concentration, which has been a well-documented and reliable method. This review details up-to-date research on the electrochemical detection of hydrogen sulfide (ion selective electrodes, polarographic hydrogen sulfide sensors, etc.) in biological samples for potential therapeutic use.

Deep Ultraviolet Laser Diode for UV-Resonance Enhanced Raman Identification of Biological Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-31

Advanced Research Projects Agency (DOD) ( Controlling DARPA Office) ARPA Order Q51 1/00 Issued by U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Under Contract No...documented in a wide range of books, research papers and monographs well described in McCreery14. Raman spectroscopy offers a non -contact method of...magnitude non -linear increase in intensity. High levels of chemical specificity can be obtained using Raman spectroscopy without sample preparation, contact

SDN control of optical nodes in metro networks for high capacity inter-datacentre links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magalhães, Eduardo; Perry, Philip; Barry, Liam

2017-11-01

Worldwide demand for bandwidth has been growing fast for some years and continues to do so. To cover this, mega datacentres need scalable connectivity to provide rich connectivity to handle the heavy traffic across them. Therefore, hardware infrastructures must be able to play different roles according to service and traffic requirements. In this context, software defined networking (SDN) decouples the network control and forwarding functions enabling the network control to become directly programmable and the underlying infrastructure to be abstracted for applications and network services. In addition, elastic optical networking (EON) technologies enable efficient spectrum utilization by allocating variable bandwidth to each user according to their actual needs. In particular, flexible transponders and reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) are key elements since they can offer degrees of freedom to self adapt accordingly. Thus, it is crucial to design control methods in order to optimize the hardware utilization and offer high reconfigurability, flexibility and adaptability. In this paper, we propose and analyze, using a simulation framework, a method of capacity maximization through optical power profile manipulation for inter datacentre links that use existing metropolitan optical networks by exploiting the global network view afforded by SDN. Results show that manipulating the loss profiles of the ROADMs in the metro-network can yield optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) improvements up to 10 dB leading to an increase in 112% in total capacity.

Digital pathology and image analysis for robust high-throughput quantitative assessment of Alzheimer disease neuropathologic changes.

PubMed

Neltner, Janna Hackett; Abner, Erin Lynn; Schmitt, Frederick A; Denison, Stephanie Kay; Anderson, Sonya; Patel, Ela; Nelson, Peter T

2012-12-01

Quantitative neuropathologic methods provide information that is important for both research and clinical applications. The technologic advancement of digital pathology and image analysis offers new solutions to enable valid quantification of pathologic severity that is reproducible between raters regardless of experience. Using an Aperio ScanScope XT and its accompanying image analysis software, we designed algorithms for quantitation of amyloid and tau pathologies on 65 β-amyloid (6F/3D antibody) and 48 phospho-tau (PHF-1)-immunostained sections of human temporal neocortex. Quantitative digital pathologic data were compared with manual pathology counts. There were excellent correlations between manually counted and digitally analyzed neuropathologic parameters (R² = 0.56-0.72). Data were highly reproducible among 3 participants with varying degrees of expertise in neuropathology (intraclass correlation coefficient values, >0.910). Digital quantification also provided additional parameters, including average plaque area, which shows statistically significant differences when samples are stratified according to apolipoprotein E allele status (average plaque area, 380.9 μm² in apolipoprotein E [Latin Small Letter Open E]4 carriers vs 274.4 μm² for noncarriers; p < 0.001). Thus, digital pathology offers a rigorous and reproducible method for quantifying Alzheimer disease neuropathologic changes and may provide additional insights into morphologic characteristics that were previously more challenging to assess because of technical limitations.

Unifying Model-Based and Reactive Programming within a Model-Based Executive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Brian C.; Gupta, Vineet; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

Real-time, model-based, deduction has recently emerged as a vital component in AI's tool box for developing highly autonomous reactive systems. Yet one of the current hurdles towards developing model-based reactive systems is the number of methods simultaneously employed, and their corresponding melange of programming and modeling languages. This paper offers an important step towards unification. We introduce RMPL, a rich modeling language that combines probabilistic, constraint-based modeling with reactive programming constructs, while offering a simple semantics in terms of hidden state Markov processes. We introduce probabilistic, hierarchical constraint automata (PHCA), which allow Markov processes to be expressed in a compact representation that preserves the modularity of RMPL programs. Finally, a model-based executive, called Reactive Burton is described that exploits this compact encoding to perform efficIent simulation, belief state update and control sequence generation.

Optical Imaging of Ionizing Radiation from Clinical Sources

PubMed Central

Shaffer, Travis M.; Drain, Charles Michael

2016-01-01

Nuclear medicine uses ionizing radiation for both in vivo diagnosis and therapy. Ionizing radiation comes from a variety of sources, including x-rays, beam therapy, brachytherapy, and various injected radionuclides. Although PET and SPECT remain clinical mainstays, optical readouts of ionizing radiation offer numerous benefits and complement these standard techniques. Furthermore, for ionizing radiation sources that cannot be imaged using these standard techniques, optical imaging offers a unique imaging alternative. This article reviews optical imaging of both radionuclide- and beam-based ionizing radiation from high-energy photons and charged particles through mechanisms including radioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence, and scintillation. Therapeutically, these visible photons have been combined with photodynamic therapeutic agents preclinically for increasing therapeutic response at depths difficult to reach with external light sources. Last, new microscopy methods that allow single-cell optical imaging of radionuclides are reviewed. PMID:27688469

[E-learning with journal articles].

PubMed

Adriaanse, Marcel T; van Eijsden, Pieter; de Leeuw, Peter W

2014-01-01

E-learning is a popular method of continuous medical education (CME) which is becoming increasingly available to doctors. A specific form of E-learning is an online knowledge test accompanying a journal article. CME accreditation points can be obtained by reading an article and then answering test questions on it. This is a user-friendly form of CME which an increasing number of journals are offering as a service to their readers. The Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG) has been offering accredited tests to its readers since 2011. On comparison with international journals, a high standard has been set by the development of a test concept in which interpretation and reflection play integral roles. In the Dutch setting, the concept of the test was developed by professional bodies working closely together and it is a concept that is used as an example to other journals.

Pure-tone Audiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapul, A. A.; Zubova, E. I.; Torgaev, S. N.; Drobchik, V. V.

2017-08-01

The research focuses on a pure-tone audiometer designing. The relevance of the study is proved by high incidence of an auditory analyser in older people and children. At first, the article provides information about subjective and objective audiometry methods. Secondly, we offer block-diagram and basic-circuit arrangement of device. We decided to base on STM32F407VG microcontroller and use digital pot in the function of attenuator. Third, we implemented microcontroller and PC connection. C programming language is used for microcontroller’s program and PC’s interface. Fourthly, we created the pure-tone audiometer prototype. In the future, we will implement the objective method ASSR in addition to pure-tone audiometry.

Condenser-type diffusion denuders for the collection of sulfur dioxide in a cleanroom.

PubMed

Chang, In-Hyoung; Lee, Dong Soo; Ock, Soon-Ho

2003-02-01

High-efficiency condenser-type diffusion denuders of cylindrical and planar geometries are described. The film condensation of water vapor onto a cooled denuder surface can be used as a method for collecting water-soluble gases. By using SO(2) as the test gas, the planar design offers quantitative collection efficiency at air sampling rates up to 5 L min(-1). Coupled to ion chromatography, the limit of detection (LOD) for SO(2) is 0.014 ppbv with a 30-min successive analysis sequence. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of temperature- and humidity-controlled cleanroom air.

Video Vectorization via Tetrahedral Remeshing.

PubMed

Wang, Chuan; Zhu, Jie; Guo, Yanwen; Wang, Wenping

2017-02-09

We present a video vectorization method that generates a video in vector representation from an input video in raster representation. A vector-based video representation offers the benefits of vector graphics, such as compactness and scalability. The vector video we generate is represented by a simplified tetrahedral control mesh over the spatial-temporal video volume, with color attributes defined at the mesh vertices. We present novel techniques for simplification and subdivision of a tetrahedral mesh to achieve high simplification ratio while preserving features and ensuring color fidelity. From an input raster video, our method is capable of generating a compact video in vector representation that allows a faithful reconstruction with low reconstruction errors.

Note: Force- and torque-detection of high frequency electron spin resonance using a membrane-type surface-stress sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Hideyuki; Ishimura, Kento; Okamoto, Tsubasa; Ohmichi, Eiji; Ohta, Hitoshi

2018-03-01

We developed a practical useful method for force- and torque-detected electron spin resonance (FDESR/TDESR) spectroscopy in the millimeter wave frequency region. This method uses a commercially available membrane-type surface-stress (MSS) sensor. The MSS is composed of a silicon membrane supported by four beams in which piezoresistive paths are integrated for detecting the deformation of the membrane. Although this device has a lower spin sensitivity than a microcantilever, it offers several distinct advantages, including mechanical strength, ease of use, and versatility. These advantages make this device suitable for practical applications that require FDESR/TDESR.

Computational Methods for Stability and Control (COMSAC): The Time Has Come

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Robert M.; Biedron, Robert T.; Ball, Douglas N.; Bogue, David R.; Chung, James; Green, Bradford E.; Grismer, Matthew J.; Brooks, Gregory P.; Chambers, Joseph R.

2005-01-01

Powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools have emerged that appear to offer significant benefits as an adjunct to the experimental methods used by the stability and control community to predict aerodynamic parameters. The decreasing costs for and increasing availability of computing hours are making these applications increasingly viable as time goes on and the cost of computing continues to drop. This paper summarizes the efforts of four organizations to utilize high-end computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to address the challenges of the stability and control arena. General motivation and the backdrop for these efforts will be summarized as well as examples of current applications.

Numerical simulation of fluid flow through simplified blade cascade with prescribed harmonic motion using discontinuous Galerkin method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vimmr, Jan; Bublík, Ondřej; Prausová, Helena; Hála, Jindřich; Pešek, Luděk

2018-06-01

This paper deals with a numerical simulation of compressible viscous fluid flow around three flat plates with prescribed harmonic motion. This arrangement presents a simplified blade cascade with forward wave motion. The aim of this simulation is to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on the flat plates. The mathematical model describing this problem is formed by Favre-averaged system of Navier-Stokes equations in arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation completed by one-equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. The simulation was performed using the developed in-house CFD software based on discontinuous Galerkin method, which offers high order of accuracy.

Biopsy using a magnetic capsule endoscope carrying, releasing, and retrieving untethered microgrippers.

PubMed

Yim, Sehyuk; Gultepe, Evin; Gracias, David H; Sitti, Metin

2014-02-01

This paper proposes a new wireless biopsy method where a magnetically actuated untethered soft capsule endoscope carries and releases a large number of thermo-sensitive, untethered microgrippers (μ-grippers) at a desired location inside the stomach and retrieves them after they self-fold and grab tissue samples. We describe the working principles and analytical models for the μ-gripper release and retrieval mechanisms, and evaluate the proposed biopsy method in ex vivo experiments. This hierarchical approach combining the advanced navigation skills of centimeter-scaled untethered magnetic capsule endoscopes with highly parallel, autonomous, submillimeter scale tissue sampling μ-grippers offers a multifunctional strategy for gastrointestinal capsule biopsy.

Pathogen reduction and blood transfusion safety in Africa: strengths, limitations and challenges of implementation in low-resource settings.

PubMed

Ware, A D; Jacquot, C; Tobian, A A R; Gehrie, E A; Ness, P M; Bloch, E M

2018-01-01

Transfusion-transmitted infection risk remains an enduring challenge to blood safety in Africa. A high background incidence and prevalence of the major transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), dependence on high-risk donors to meet demand, suboptimal testing and quality assurance collectively contribute to the increased risk. With few exceptions, donor testing is confined to serological evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) and syphilis. Barriers to implementation of broader molecular methods include cost, limited infrastructure and lack of technical expertise. Pathogen reduction (PR), a term used to describe a variety of methods (e.g. solvent detergent treatment or photochemical activation) that may be applied to blood following collection, offers the means to diminish the infectious potential of multiple pathogens simultaneously. This is effective against different classes of pathogen, including the major TTIs where laboratory screening is already implemented (e.g. HIV, HBV and HCV) as well pathogens that are widely endemic yet remain unaddressed (e.g. malaria, bacterial contamination). We sought to review the available and emerging PR techniques and their potential application to resource-constrained parts of Africa, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of such technologies. PR has been slow to be adopted even in high-income countries, primarily given the high costs of use. Logistical considerations, particularly in low-resourced parts of Africa, also raise concerns about practicality. Nonetheless, PR offers a rational, innovative strategy to contend with TTIs; technologies in development may well present a viable complement or even alternative to targeted screening in the future. © 2017 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Adsorption study of selenium ions from aqueous solutions using MgO nanosheets synthesized by ultrasonic method

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

Cui, Wenwen; Li, Ping; Wang, Zheming

tMgO nanosheets with thickness ranges of 3–10 molecule layers and high specific area (166.44 m2g-1)were successfully fabricated by an ultrasound-assisted exfoliation method and used as adsorbent forthe removal of both selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)) from aqueous solutions. The resulting MgOnanosheets displayed high maximum adsorption capacities of 103.52 and 10.28 mg g-1for Se(IV) andSe(VI), respectively. ATR-FTIR and XPS spectroscopic results suggested that both Se(IV) and Se(VI) formedinner-sphere surface complexes on MgO nanosheets under the present experimental conditions. Fur-thermore, high adsorption capacity for Se(IV/VI) in the presence of coexistent anions (SO 4 2-, PO43-, Cl-,and F-) and efficient regeneratability of adsorbentmore » by NaOH solution were observed in the competitiveadsorption and regeneration steps. The simple one-step synthesis process of MgO nanosheets and highadsorption capacities offer a promising method for Se(IV/VI) removal in water treatment.« less

Effects of Age-related Differences in Empathy on Social Economic Decision-Making

PubMed Central

Beadle, Janelle N.; Paradiso, Sergio; Kovach, Christopher; Polgreen, Linnea; Denburg, Natalie; Tranel, Daniel

2012-01-01

Background The ways in which aging affects social economic decision-making is a central issue in the psychology of aging. To examine age-related differences in social economic decision-making as a function of empathy, 80 healthy volunteers participated in the Repeated Fixed Opponent Ultimatum Game (UG-R). Previous economic decision making research has shown that in younger adults empathy is associated with prosocial behavior. The effects of empathy on older adult social economic decision-making are not well understood. Methods On each of 20 consecutive trials in the UG-R, one player (“Proposer”) splits ten dollars with another player (“Responder”) who chooses either to accept (whereby both receive the proposed division) or reject (whereby neither receives anything). Trait cognitive and emotional empathy were measured using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Results UG-R data were examined as a function of age and cognitive empathy. For unfair offers (i.e., offers less than $5), older Responders with high cognitive empathy showed less prosocial behavior and obtained greater payoffs than younger Responders with high cognitive empathy. Conclusions High levels of cognitive empathy may differentially affect economic decision making behavior in younger and older adults. For older adults, high cognitive empathy may be involved in obtaining high financial payoffs while for younger adults it may instead facilitate social relationships. PMID:22237008

A homeostatic, chip-based platform for zebrafish larvae immobilization and long-term imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedrich, Timo; Zhu, Feng; Wlodkowic, Donald; Kaslin, Jan

2015-12-01

Zebrafish larvae are ideal for toxicology and drug screens due to their transparency, small size and similarity to humans on the genetic level. Using modern imaging techniques, cells and tissues can be dynamically visualised and followed over days in multiple zebrafish. Yet continued imaging experiments require specialized conditions such as: moisture and heat control to maintain specimen homeostasis. Chambers that control the environment are generally very expensive and are not always available for all imaging platforms. A highly customizable mounting configuration with built-in means of controlling temperature and media flow would therefore be a valuable tool for long term imaging experiments. Rapid prototyping using 3D printing is particularly suitable as a production method as it offers high flexibility in design, is widely available and allows a high degree of customizing. We study neural regeneration in zebrafish. Regeneration is limited in humans, but zebrafish recover from neural damage within days. Yet, the underlying regenerative mechanisms remain unclear. We developed an agarose based mounting system that holds the embryos in defined positions along removable strips. Homeostasis and temperature control is ensured by channels circulating buffer and heated water. This allows to image up to 120 larvae simultaneously for more than two days. Its flexibility and the low-volume, high larvae ratio will allow screening of small compound libraries. Taken together, we offer a low cost, highly adaptable solution for long term in-vivo imaging.

Physical activity, dietary practices, and other health behaviors of at-risk youth attending alternative high schools.

PubMed

Kubik, Martha Y; Lytle, Leslie; Fulkerson, Jayne A

2004-04-01

This study assessed the interest of alternative high school staff in intervention research on students' eating and physical activity habits and the feasibility of conducting such research in alternative school settings. A two-phase descriptive design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methods. In fall/winter 2001-2002, alternative high school administrators in Minnesota were surveyed (response rate = 83%; n = 130/157). During summer 2002, one-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted with key school personnel (n = 15) from urban and suburban schools. Findings indicated few schools had been invited to participate in research on nutrition (11%) and physical activity (7%). However, more than 80% of administrators reported interest in their students participating in such research. Most schools offered health and PE classes and had access to indoor gym facilities and outdoor play areas. While most schools offered a school lunch program, participation was low, cold lunches were common, and food often was unappealing. Beverage and snack vending machines were common. Overall, the physical environment of most alternative schools did not support physical activity and healthy eating as normative behavior. Interest in interventions on physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary practices, and other priority health-risk behavior common in students attending alternative schools was high among teachers and administrators. Results suggest research in alternative high schools is feasible and successful implementation and evaluation of programs possible.

[Experiencing dementia: evaluation of Into D'mentia].

PubMed

Hattink, Bart J J; Meiland, Franka J M; Campman, Carlijn A M; Rietsema, Jan; Sitskoorn, Margriet; Dröes, Rose-Marie

2015-10-01

Most persons with dementia in the Netherlands live at home, where they are cared for by informal carers such as family members or friends, who offer this care unpaid. Their care-task poses a high burden on these informal carers, increasing the risk of health problems and social isolation. Many informal carers indicate they want more information on the behaviour of those they care for. To develop and evaluate Into D'mentia, a simulation set in a living kitchen in which visitors experience a day in the life of someone with dementia. During this 'day', modern techniques such as sensors and projections, simulate the limitations of having dementia. This intervention is evaluated on usefulness and user friendliness, and on its effect on empathy, attitudes towards dementia, coping, carer burden, person-centered care capabilities and care satisfaction. Nine informal carers and 23 care professionals took part in the research into the Into D'mentia simulation. Before and after their visit, they filled in several questionnaires, with, among others, their opinion on the usefulness and user friendliness of this experience. Participants found Into D'mentia a highly useful and user friendly development. They indicated that the simulation offered good insight in the life of someone with dementia, and that they could offer better care thanks to this experience. Participants also indicated that they often thought back on their experiences in the simulation, in order to better understand the behaviour of people with dementia. Into D'mentia offers a unique, accessible way to experience the limitations dementia has on daily life. Users indicate that it is a useful and user friendly innovation. Into D'mentia appears to be a suitable method to support informal and professional caregivers.

Estimating extinction using unsupervised machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meingast, Stefan; Lombardi, Marco; Alves, João

2017-05-01

Dust extinction is the most robust tracer of the gas distribution in the interstellar medium, but measuring extinction is limited by the systematic uncertainties involved in estimating the intrinsic colors to background stars. In this paper we present a new technique, Pnicer, that estimates intrinsic colors and extinction for individual stars using unsupervised machine learning algorithms. This new method aims to be free from any priors with respect to the column density and intrinsic color distribution. It is applicable to any combination of parameters and works in arbitrary numbers of dimensions. Furthermore, it is not restricted to color space. Extinction toward single sources is determined by fitting Gaussian mixture models along the extinction vector to (extinction-free) control field observations. In this way it becomes possible to describe the extinction for observed sources with probability densities, rather than a single value. Pnicer effectively eliminates known biases found in similar methods and outperforms them in cases of deep observational data where the number of background galaxies is significant, or when a large number of parameters is used to break degeneracies in the intrinsic color distributions. This new method remains computationally competitive, making it possible to correctly de-redden millions of sources within a matter of seconds. With the ever-increasing number of large-scale high-sensitivity imaging surveys, Pnicer offers a fast and reliable way to efficiently calculate extinction for arbitrary parameter combinations without prior information on source characteristics. The Pnicer software package also offers access to the well-established Nicer technique in a simple unified interface and is capable of building extinction maps including the Nicest correction for cloud substructure. Pnicer is offered to the community as an open-source software solution and is entirely written in Python.

Bin-Hash Indexing: A Parallel Method for Fast Query Processing

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

Bethel, Edward W; Gosink, Luke J.; Wu, Kesheng

2008-06-27

This paper presents a new parallel indexing data structure for answering queries. The index, called Bin-Hash, offers extremely high levels of concurrency, and is therefore well-suited for the emerging commodity of parallel processors, such as multi-cores, cell processors, and general purpose graphics processing units (GPU). The Bin-Hash approach first bins the base data, and then partitions and separately stores the values in each bin as a perfect spatial hash table. To answer a query, we first determine whether or not a record satisfies the query conditions based on the bin boundaries. For the bins with records that can not bemore » resolved, we examine the spatial hash tables. The procedures for examining the bin numbers and the spatial hash tables offer the maximum possible level of concurrency; all records are able to be evaluated by our procedure independently in parallel. Additionally, our Bin-Hash procedures access much smaller amounts of data than similar parallel methods, such as the projection index. This smaller data footprint is critical for certain parallel processors, like GPUs, where memory resources are limited. To demonstrate the effectiveness of Bin-Hash, we implement it on a GPU using the data-parallel programming language CUDA. The concurrency offered by the Bin-Hash index allows us to fully utilize the GPU's massive parallelism in our work; over 12,000 records can be simultaneously evaluated at any one time. We show that our new query processing method is an order of magnitude faster than current state-of-the-art CPU-based indexing technologies. Additionally, we compare our performance to existing GPU-based projection index strategies.« less

Training in childhood obesity management in the United States: a survey of pediatric, internal medicine-pediatrics and family medicine residency program directors

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Information about the availability and effectiveness of childhood obesity training during residency is limited. Methods We surveyed residency program directors from pediatric, internal medicine-pediatrics (IM-Peds), and family medicine residency programs between September 2007 and January 2008 about childhood obesity training offered in their programs. Results The response rate was 42.2% (299/709) and ranged by specialty from 40.1% to 45.4%. Overall, 52.5% of respondents felt that childhood obesity training in residency was extremely important, and the majority of programs offered training in aspects of childhood obesity management including prevention (N = 240, 80.3%), diagnosis (N = 282, 94.3%), diagnosis of complications (N = 249, 83.3%), and treatment (N = 242, 80.9%). However, only 18.1% (N = 54) of programs had a formal childhood obesity curriculum with variability across specialties. Specifically, 35.5% of IM-Peds programs had a formal curriculum compared to only 22.6% of pediatric and 13.9% of family medicine programs (p < 0.01). Didactic instruction was the most commonly used training method but was rated as only somewhat effective by 67.9% of respondents using this method. The most frequently cited significant barrier to implementing childhood obesity training was competing curricular demands (58.5%). Conclusions While most residents receive training in aspects of childhood obesity management, deficits may exist in training quality with a minority of programs offering a formal childhood obesity curriculum. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity, a greater emphasis should be placed on development and use of effective training strategies suitable for all specialties training physicians to care for children. PMID:20163732

The theoretical base of e-learning and its role in surgical education.

PubMed

Evgeniou, Evgenios; Loizou, Peter

2012-01-01

The advances in Internet and computer technology offer many solutions that can enhance surgical education and increase the effectiveness of surgical teaching. E-learning plays an important role in surgical education today, with many e-learning projects already available on the Internet. E-learning is based on a mixture of educational theories that derive from behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist educational theoretical frameworks. CAN EDUCATIONAL THEORY IMPROVE E-LEARNING?: Conventional educational theory can be applied to improve the quality and effectiveness of e-learning. The theory of "threshold concepts" and educational theories on reflection, motivation, and communities of practice can be applied when designing e-learning material. E-LEARNING IN SURGICAL EDUCATION: E-learning has many advantages but also has weaknesses. Studies have shown that e-learning is an effective teaching method that offers high levels of learner satisfaction. Instead of trying to compare e-learning with traditional methods of teaching, it is better to integrate in e-learning elements of traditional teaching that have been proven to be effective. E-learning can play an important role in surgical education as a blended approach, combined with more traditional methods of teaching, which offer better face-to-interaction with patients and colleagues in different circumstances and hands on practice of practical skills. National provision of e-learning can make evaluation easier. The correct utilization of Internet and computer resources combined with the application of valid conventional educational theory to design e-learning relevant to the various levels of surgical training can be effective in the training of future surgeons. Copyright © 2012 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Supporting Beacon and Event-Driven Messages in Vehicular Platoons through Token-Based Strategies

PubMed Central

Uhlemann, Elisabeth

2018-01-01

Timely and reliable inter-vehicle communications is a critical requirement to support traffic safety applications, such as vehicle platooning. Furthermore, low-delay communications allow the platoon to react quickly to unexpected events. In this scope, having a predictable and highly effective medium access control (MAC) method is of utmost importance. However, the currently available IEEE 802.11p technology is unable to adequately address these challenges. In this paper, we propose a MAC method especially adapted to platoons, able to transmit beacons within the required time constraints, but with a higher reliability level than IEEE 802.11p, while concurrently enabling efficient dissemination of event-driven messages. The protocol circulates the token within the platoon not in a round-robin fashion, but based on beacon data age, i.e., the time that has passed since the previous collection of status information, thereby automatically offering repeated beacon transmission opportunities for increased reliability. In addition, we propose three different methods for supporting event-driven messages co-existing with beacons. Analysis and simulation results in single and multi-hop scenarios showed that, by providing non-competitive channel access and frequent retransmission opportunities, our protocol can offer beacon delivery within one beacon generation interval while fulfilling the requirements on low-delay dissemination of event-driven messages for traffic safety applications. PMID:29570676

Supporting Beacon and Event-Driven Messages in Vehicular Platoons through Token-Based Strategies.

PubMed

Balador, Ali; Uhlemann, Elisabeth; Calafate, Carlos T; Cano, Juan-Carlos

2018-03-23

Timely and reliable inter-vehicle communications is a critical requirement to support traffic safety applications, such as vehicle platooning. Furthermore, low-delay communications allow the platoon to react quickly to unexpected events. In this scope, having a predictable and highly effective medium access control (MAC) method is of utmost importance. However, the currently available IEEE 802.11p technology is unable to adequately address these challenges. In this paper, we propose a MAC method especially adapted to platoons, able to transmit beacons within the required time constraints, but with a higher reliability level than IEEE 802.11p, while concurrently enabling efficient dissemination of event-driven messages. The protocol circulates the token within the platoon not in a round-robin fashion, but based on beacon data age, i.e., the time that has passed since the previous collection of status information, thereby automatically offering repeated beacon transmission opportunities for increased reliability. In addition, we propose three different methods for supporting event-driven messages co-existing with beacons. Analysis and simulation results in single and multi-hop scenarios showed that, by providing non-competitive channel access and frequent retransmission opportunities, our protocol can offer beacon delivery within one beacon generation interval while fulfilling the requirements on low-delay dissemination of event-driven messages for traffic safety applications.

Nanoporous Al sandwich foils using size effect of Al layer thickness during Cu/Al/Cu laminate rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hailiang; Lu, Cheng; Tieu, A. Kiet; Li, Huijun; Godbole, Ajit; Kong, Charlie

2018-06-01

The roll bonding technique is one of the most widely used methods to produce metal laminate sheets. Such sheets offer interesting research opportunities for both scientists and engineers. In this paper, we report on an experimental investigation of the 'thickness effect' during laminate rolling for the first time. Using a four-high multifunction rolling mill, Cu/Al/Cu laminate sheets were fabricated with a range of thicknesses (16, 40, 70 and 130 μm) of the Al layer. The thickness of the Cu sheets was a constant 300 μm. After rolling, TEM images show good bonding quality between the Cu and Al layers. However, there are many nanoscale pores in the Al layer. The fraction of nanoscale pores in the Al layer increases with a reduction in the Al layer thickness. The finite element method was used to simulate the Cu/Al/Cu rolling process. The simulation results reveal the effect of the Al layer thickness on the deformation characteristics of the Cu/Al/Cu laminate. Finally, we propose that the size effect of the Al layer thickness during Cu/Al/Cu laminate rolling may offer a method to fabricate 'nanoporous' Al sandwich laminate foils. Such foils can be used in electromagnetic shielding of electrical devices and noisy shielding of building.

SET: a pupil detection method using sinusoidal approximation

PubMed Central

Javadi, Amir-Homayoun; Hakimi, Zahra; Barati, Morteza; Walsh, Vincent; Tcheang, Lili

2015-01-01

Mobile eye-tracking in external environments remains challenging, despite recent advances in eye-tracking software and hardware engineering. Many current methods fail to deal with the vast range of outdoor lighting conditions and the speed at which these can change. This confines experiments to artificial environments where conditions must be tightly controlled. Additionally, the emergence of low-cost eye tracking devices calls for the development of analysis tools that enable non-technical researchers to process the output of their images. We have developed a fast and accurate method (known as “SET”) that is suitable even for natural environments with uncontrolled, dynamic and even extreme lighting conditions. We compared the performance of SET with that of two open-source alternatives by processing two collections of eye images: images of natural outdoor scenes with extreme lighting variations (“Natural”); and images of less challenging indoor scenes (“CASIA-Iris-Thousand”). We show that SET excelled in outdoor conditions and was faster, without significant loss of accuracy, indoors. SET offers a low cost eye-tracking solution, delivering high performance even in challenging outdoor environments. It is offered through an open-source MATLAB toolkit as well as a dynamic-link library (“DLL”), which can be imported into many programming languages including C# and Visual Basic in Windows OS (www.eyegoeyetracker.co.uk). PMID:25914641

1995 Summer Opportunities for American Indian Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ORBIS Associates, Washington, DC.

This document contains information on summer academic programs offered to American Indian and Alaska Native junior high and high school students. Included are mathematics and science summer programs offered to high school students by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society at universities in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Iowa,…

Developing Students' Autonomy and Self-Regulation through a Co-Teaching Research Methods Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fabregas Janeiro, Maria G.; Gaeta González, Martha L.

2008-01-01

The College of Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) decided to offer Pedagogy Doctoral students from Mexico a 3 week co-teaching research methods experience. Two professors, one from each institution (OSU and UPAEP), designed the syllabus to offer a co-teaching experience…

What serious video games can offer child obesity prevention.

PubMed

Thompson, Debbe

2014-07-16

Childhood obesity is a worldwide issue, and effective methods encouraging children to adopt healthy diet and physical activity behaviors are needed. This viewpoint addresses the promise of serious video games, and why they may offer one method for helping children eat healthier and become more physically active. Lessons learned are provided, as well as examples gleaned from personal experiences.

Democratic Environments Offered to Children at School, in the Family, and in Society: The Case of Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kus, Zafer

2014-01-01

This research aims to investigate democratic environments offered to children in Turkey at school, in the home, and in society. A mixed method is a general type of research where qualitative and quantitative methods are used together. The researcher first collects quantitative and then the qualitative data. The study group in the research…

Exploring microwave resonant multi-point ignition using high-speed schlieren imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cheng; Zhang, Guixin; Xie, Hong; Deng, Lei; Wang, Zhi

2018-03-01

Microwave plasma offers a potential method to achieve rapid combustion in a high-speed combustor. In this paper, microwave resonant multi-point ignition and its control method have been studied via high-speed schlieren imaging. The experiment was conducted with the microwave resonant ignition system and the schlieren optical system. The microwave pulse in 2.45 GHz with 2 ms width and 3 kW peak power was employed as an ignition energy source to produce initial flame kernels in the combustion chamber. A reflective schlieren method was designed to illustrate the flame development process with a high-speed camera. The bottom of the combustion chamber was made of a quartz glass coated with indium tin oxide, which ensures sufficient microwave reflection and light penetration. Ignition experiments were conducted at 2 bars of stoichiometric methane-air mixtures. Schlieren images show that flame kernels were generated at more than one location simultaneously and flame propagated with different speeds in different flame kernels. Ignition kernels were discussed in three types according to their appearances. Pressure curves and combustion duration also show that multi-point ignition plays a significant role in accelerating combustion.

Apprehending ganglioside diversity: a comprehensive methodological approach[S

PubMed Central

Masson, Elodie A. Y.; Sibille, Estelle; Martine, Lucy; Chaux-Picquet, Fanny; Bretillon, Lionel; Berdeaux, Olivier

2015-01-01

Gangliosides (GGs) make a wide family of glycosphingolipids ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and particularly abundant in the brain and nervous system. They exhibit a huge diversity due to structural variations in both their oligosaccharidic chain and ceramide moiety, which represent a real analytical challenge. Since their discovery in the 1940s, methods have persistently improved until the emergence of LC/MS, which offers a high level of specificity and sensitivity and is suitable with high-throughput profiling studies. We describe here a comprehensive approach relying on various techniques and aiming at fully characterizing GGs in biological samples. First, total GG content was determined by a biochemical assay. Second, GG class composition was assessed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography followed by colorimetric revelation. Then, ceramide types of GG classes were identified, and their relative quantification was performed thanks to the development of a powerful and reliable LC/MS method. Finally, ceramides were structurally characterized, and minor and less common GG classes were identified using high-resolution MS. These methods were applied to the rat retina to provide an exhaustive description of its GG composition, giving the base for a better understanding of the precise roles of GGs in this tissue. PMID:26142958

Exploring microwave resonant multi-point ignition using high-speed schlieren imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Cheng; Zhang, Guixin; Xie, Hong; Deng, Lei; Wang, Zhi

2018-03-01

Microwave plasma offers a potential method to achieve rapid combustion in a high-speed combustor. In this paper, microwave resonant multi-point ignition and its control method have been studied via high-speed schlieren imaging. The experiment was conducted with the microwave resonant ignition system and the schlieren optical system. The microwave pulse in 2.45 GHz with 2 ms width and 3 kW peak power was employed as an ignition energy source to produce initial flame kernels in the combustion chamber. A reflective schlieren method was designed to illustrate the flame development process with a high-speed camera. The bottom of the combustion chamber was made of a quartz glass coated with indium tin oxide, which ensures sufficient microwave reflection and light penetration. Ignition experiments were conducted at 2 bars of stoichiometric methane-air mixtures. Schlieren images show that flame kernels were generated at more than one location simultaneously and flame propagated with different speeds in different flame kernels. Ignition kernels were discussed in three types according to their appearances. Pressure curves and combustion duration also show that multi-point ignition plays a significant role in accelerating combustion.

Associations among school characteristics and foodservice practices in a nationally representative sample of United States schools.

PubMed

Thomson, Jessica L; Tussing-Humphreys, Lisa M; Martin, Corby K; LeBlanc, Monique M; Onufrak, Stephen J

2012-01-01

Determine school characteristics associated with healthy/unhealthy food service offerings or healthy food preparation practices. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Nationally representative sample of public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Data from the 2006 School Health Policies and Practices Study Food Service School Questionnaire, n = 526 for Healthy and Unhealthy Offerings analysis; n = 520 for Healthy Preparation analysis. Scores for healthy/unhealthy foodservice offerings and healthy food preparation practices. Multivariable regression to determine significant associations among school characteristics and offerings/preparation practices. Public schools and schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Team Nutrition reported more healthy offerings and preparation than private or nonparticipating schools, respectively. Elementary schools reported fewer unhealthy offerings than middle or high schools; middle schools reported fewer unhealthy offerings than high schools. Schools requiring foodservice managers to have a college education reported more healthy preparation, whereas those requiring completion of a foodservice training program reported fewer unhealthy offerings and more healthy preparation than schools without these requirements. Results suggest the school nutrition environment may be improved by requiring foodservice managers to hold a nutrition-related college degree and/or successfully pass a foodservice training program, and by participating in a school-based nutrition program, such as USDA Team Nutrition. Copyright © 2012 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. All rights reserved.

Computational methods for evaluation of cell-based data assessment--Bioconductor.

PubMed

Le Meur, Nolwenn

2013-02-01

Recent advances in miniaturization and automation of technologies have enabled cell-based assay high-throughput screening, bringing along new challenges in data analysis. Automation, standardization, reproducibility have become requirements for qualitative research. The Bioconductor community has worked in that direction proposing several R packages to handle high-throughput data including flow cytometry (FCM) experiment. Altogether, these packages cover the main steps of a FCM analysis workflow, that is, data management, quality assessment, normalization, outlier detection, automated gating, cluster labeling, and feature extraction. Additionally, the open-source philosophy of R and Bioconductor, which offers room for new development, continuously drives research and improvement of theses analysis methods, especially in the field of clustering and data mining. This review presents the principal FCM packages currently available in R and Bioconductor, their advantages and their limits. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a high-throughput liquid state assay for lipase activity using natural substrates and rhodamine B.

PubMed

Zottig, Ximena; Meddeb-Mouelhi, Fatma; Beauregard, Marc

2016-03-01

A fluorescence-based assay for the determination of lipase activity using rhodamine B as an indicator, and natural substrates such as olive oil, is described. It is based on the use of a rhodamine B-natural substrate emulsion in liquid state, which is advantageous over agar plate assays. This high-throughput method is simple and rapid and can be automated, making it suitable for screening and metagenomics application. Reaction conditions such as pH and temperature can be varied and controlled. Using triolein or olive oil as a natural substrate allows monitoring of lipase activity in reaction conditions that are closer to those used in industrial settings. The described method is sensitive over a wide range of product concentrations and offers good reproducibility. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Power-Factor Calculation under Consideration of Cross Saturation of the Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Brushless Field Excitation

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

Lee, Seong T; Burress, Timothy A; Hsu, John S

2009-01-01

This paper introduces a new method for calculating the power factor with consideration of the cross saturation between the direct-axis (d-axis) and the quadrature-axis (q-axis) of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). The conventional two-axis IPMSM model is modified to include the cross-saturation effect by adding the cross-coupled inductance terms. This paper also contains the new method of calculating the cross-coupled inductance values as well as self-inductance values in d- and q-axes. The analyzed motor is a high-speed brushless field excitation machine that offers high torque per ampere per core length at low speed and weakened flux at highmore » speed, which was developed for the traction motor of a hybrid electric vehicle.« less

Superthin Solar Cells Based on AIIIBV/Ge Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakhanov, N. A.; Pchelyakov, O. P.; Vladimirov, V. M.

2017-11-01

A comparative analysis of the prospects of creating superthin, light-weight, and highly efficient solar cells based on AIIIBV/InGaAs and AIIIBV/Ge heterostructures is performed. Technological problems and prospects of each variant are discussed. A method of thinning of AIIIBV/Ge heterostructures with the use of an effective temporary carrier is proposed. The method allows the process to be performed almost with no risk of heterostructure fracture, thinning of the Ge junction down to several tens of micrometers (or even several micrometers), significant enhancement of the yield of good structures, and also convenient and reliable transfer of thinned solar cells to an arbitrary light and flexible substrate. Such a technology offers a possibility of creating high-efficiency thin and light solar cells for space vehicles on the basis of mass-produced AIIIBV/Ge heterostructures.

A new gas dilution method for measuring body volume.

PubMed Central

Nagao, N; Tamaki, K; Kuchiki, T; Nagao, M

1995-01-01

This study was designed to examine the validity of a new gas dilution method (GD) for measuring human body volume and to compare its accuracy with the results obtained by the underwater weighing method (UW). We measured the volume of plastic bottles and 16 subjects (including two females), aged 18-42 years with each method. For the bottles, the volume measured by hydrostatic weighing was correlated highly (r = 1.000) with that measured by the new gas dilution method. For the subjects, the body volume determined by the two methods was significantly correlated (r = 0.998). However, the subject's volume measured by the gas dilution method was significantly larger than that by underwater weighing method. There was significant correlation (r = 0.806) between GD volume-UW volume and the body mass index (BMI), so that UW volume could be predicted from GD volume and BMI. It can be concluded that the new gas dilution method offers promising possibilities for future research in the population who cannot submerge underwater. PMID:7551760

Assessing Opportunities to Enhance Comprehensive Health Promotion and Wellness Programming in a State Community College System.

PubMed

Linnan, Laura A; Arandia, Gabriela; Naseer, Carolyn; Li, Jiang; Pomerantz, Meg; Diehl, Sandra J

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND North Carolina has the third largest community college system in the nation and reaches residents in all 100 counties. Few studies have focused on the health of employees who work at these institutions. We assessed the current status of and interest in supporting health promotion efforts among North Carolina Community College System members. METHODS North Carolina Community College System presidents completed a brief 15-item survey assessing support for and interest in offering health promotion programs. Wellness coordinators completed a 60-item questionnaire assessing current health promotion programming and organizational, environmental, and policy supports for health promotion efforts. Onsite interviews with a sub-sample of Wellness coordinators offered insights into important implementation considerations. We examined differences by campus size with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS All 58 presidents (100%) and 51 wellness coordinators (88%) completed surveys. Ten percent of colleges offered comprehensive employee health promotion programming. Most offered physical activity (70.6%), tobacco cessation (51.0%), weight loss/management (49.0%), and/or nutrition counseling (47.1%). Larger colleges were more likely to offer programming and environmental support. Nearly all presidents (89.7%) believed it is "very" or "extremely" important to offer health promotion programs to employees, and most (84%) were interested in promoting health through a university partnership. LIMITATIONS Despite very high survey response rates from presidents and wellness coordinators at each community college, onsite interviews were only done at select campuses, limiting the generalizability and scope of conclusions derived from interview data. CONCLUSION Community colleges in North Carolina are promising settings for promoting employee health. Findings identify resources, barriers, and technical assistance that could facilitate greater adoption and implementation of programs. ©2017 by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. All rights reserved.

Comparing 2 Adhesive Methods on Skin Integrity in the High-Risk Neonate.

PubMed

Boswell, Nicole; Waker, Cheryl L

2016-12-01

Nurses have a primary role in promoting neonatal skin integrity and skin care management of the critically ill neonate. Adhesive products are essential to secure needed medical devices but can be a significant factor contributing to skin breakdown. Current literature does not offer a definitive answer regarding which products most safely and effectively work to secure needed devices in the high-risk neonatal population. To determine which adhesive method is best practice to safely and effectively secure lines/tubes in the high-risk neonate population. The only main effect that was significant was age group with mean skin scores. Subjects in the younger group (24-28 weeks) had higher skin scores than in the older group (28-34 weeks), validating that younger gestations are at higher risk of breakdown with the use of adhesives. The findings did not clearly identify which product was superior to secure tubes and lines, or was the least injurious to skin of the high-risk neonate. Neither a transparent dressing only or transparent dressing over hydrocolloid method clearly demonstrated an advantage in the high-risk, preterm neonate. Anecdotal comments suggested staff preferred the transparent dressing over hydrocolloid method as providing better adhesive while protecting skin integrity. The findings validated that younger gestations are at higher risk of breakdown with the use of adhesives and therefore require close vigilance to maintain skin integrity.

A clinical assay for the measurement of milrinone in plasma by HPLC mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chihoho, B; Sage, A B; Smolenski, R T; Vazir, A; Rose, M L; Banner, N R; Leaver, N V

2012-05-01

Milrinone is a bipyridine phosphodiesterase inhibitor with positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects. As interest in longer term use of intravenous therapy increases, it becomes essential to monitor its plasma concentration owing to a narrow therapeutic range, an increased half-life in renal failure and toxicity associated with high levels. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with mass (MS) detection using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer is presented. The method was compared with the UV/HPLC method and validated according to current international guidelines. Coefficients of variation of less than 7.5% were obtained across the therapeutic range and 18.3% at 2.4 ng/mL, the lower limit of quantitation. Plasma from 13 cardiac surgery patients receiving standard intravenous doses of milrinone were measured. Eight patients achieved therapeutic milrinone levels within 3-4 h post start of infusion, one was borderline sub-therapeutic and four patients achieved levels that were above the upper limit of the therapeutic range and potentially toxic. This method offers high sensitivity, is rapid, easy to use and requires minimal amount of sample. We believe this method could become the reference procedure for clinical monitoring of milrinone and help to improve the safety of the use of this drug in patients with cardiac failure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

BASIC: A Simple and Accurate Modular DNA Assembly Method.

PubMed

Storch, Marko; Casini, Arturo; Mackrow, Ben; Ellis, Tom; Baldwin, Geoff S

2017-01-01

Biopart Assembly Standard for Idempotent Cloning (BASIC) is a simple, accurate, and robust DNA assembly method. The method is based on linker-mediated DNA assembly and provides highly accurate DNA assembly with 99 % correct assemblies for four parts and 90 % correct assemblies for seven parts [1]. The BASIC standard defines a single entry vector for all parts flanked by the same prefix and suffix sequences and its idempotent nature means that the assembled construct is returned in the same format. Once a part has been adapted into the BASIC format it can be placed at any position within a BASIC assembly without the need for reformatting. This allows laboratories to grow comprehensive and universal part libraries and to share them efficiently. The modularity within the BASIC framework is further extended by the possibility of encoding ribosomal binding sites (RBS) and peptide linker sequences directly on the linkers used for assembly. This makes BASIC a highly versatile library construction method for combinatorial part assembly including the construction of promoter, RBS, gene variant, and protein-tag libraries. In comparison with other DNA assembly standards and methods, BASIC offers a simple robust protocol; it relies on a single entry vector, provides for easy hierarchical assembly, and is highly accurate for up to seven parts per assembly round [2].

Highly sensitive and selective determination of redox states of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 in mice tissues: Application of orbitrap mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pandey, Renu; Riley, Christopher L; Mills, Edward M; Tiziani, Stefano

2018-06-29

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a redox active molecule that plays a fundamental role in mitochondrial energy generation and functions as a potent endogenous antioxidant. Redox ratio of CoQ has been suggested as a good marker of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, simultaneous measurement of redox states of CoQ is challenging owing to its hydrophobicity and instability of the reduced form. In order to improve the analytical methodology, paying special attention to this instability, we developed a highly sensitive and selective high-resolution/accurate-mass (HR/AM) UHPLC-MS/MS method for the rapid determination of redox states of CoQ 9 and CoQ 10 by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. CoQs were extracted using hexane with the addition of butylated hydroxytoluene to limit oxidation during sample preparation. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on a Kinetex C 18 column with the isocratic elution of 5 mM ammonium formate in 2-propanol/methanol (60:40) within 4 min. A full MS/all ion fragmentation (AIF) acquisition mode with mass accuracy < 5 ppm was used for detection and determination of redox states of CoQ 9 and CoQ 10 in healthy mice tissues using reduced and oxidized CoQ 4 as internal standards. The validated method showed good linearity (r 2  ≥ 0.9991), intraday, inter-day precision (CVs ≤ 11.9%) and accuracy (RE ≤±15.2%). In contrast to existing methods, the current method offers enhanced sensitivity (up to 52 fold) with LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.01 to 0.49 ng mL -1 and 0.04-1.48 ng mL -1 , respectively. Moreover, we evaluated various diluents to investigate bench top stability (at 4 °C) of targeted analytes in tissue samples during LC-MS assay up to 24 h. Ethanol was determined to be an optimum diluent without any significant oxidation of reduced CoQ up to 24 h. The developed method offers a rapid, highly sensitive and selective strategy for the measurement of redox states of CoQs in clinical studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical and experimental investigation of light trapping effect of nanostructured diatom frustules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiangfan; Wang, Chen; Baker, Evan; Sun, Cheng

2015-07-01

Recent advances in nanophotonic light-trapping technologies offer promising solutions in developing high-efficiency thin-film solar cells. However, the cost-effective scalable manufacturing of those rationally designed nanophotonic structures remains a critical challenge. In contrast, diatoms, the most common type of phytoplankton found in nature, may offer a very attractive solution. Diatoms exhibit high solar energy harvesting efficiency due to their frustules (i.e., hard porous cell wall made of silica) possessing remarkable hierarchical micro-/nano-scaled features optimized for the photosynthetic process through millions of years of evolution. Here we report numerical and experimental studies to investigate the light-trapping characteristic of diatom frustule. Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods are employed to investigate the light-trapping characteristics of the diatom frustules. In simulation, placing the diatom frustules on the surface of the light-absorption materials is found to strongly enhance the optical absorption over the visible spectrum. The absorption spectra are also measured experimentally and the results are in good agreement with numerical simulations.

Isometric multimodal photoacoustic microscopy based on optically transparent micro-ring ultrasonic detection.

PubMed

Dong, Biqin; Li, Hao; Zhang, Zhen; Zhang, Kevin; Chen, Siyu; Sun, Cheng; Zhang, Hao F

2015-01-01

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is an attractive imaging tool complementary to established optical microscopic modalities by providing additional molecular specificities through imaging optical absorption contrast. While the development of optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (ORPAM) offers high lateral resolution, the acoustically-determined axial resolution is limited due to the constraint in ultrasonic detection bandwidth. ORPAM with isometric spatial resolution along both axial and lateral direction is yet to be developed. Although recently developed sophisticated optical illumination and reconstruction methods offer improved axial resolution in ORPAM, the image acquisition procedures are rather complicated, limiting their capabilities for high-speed imaging and being easily integrated with established optical microscopic modalities. Here we report an isometric ORPAM based on an optically transparent micro-ring resonator ultrasonic detector and a commercial inverted microscope platform. Owing to the superior spatial resolution and the ease of integrating our ORPAM with established microscopic modalities, single cell imaging with extrinsic fluorescence staining, intrinsic autofluorescence, and optical absorption can be achieved simultaneously. This technique holds promise to greatly improve the accessibility of PAM to the broader biomedical researchers.

Optogenetic stimulation of a meso-scale human cortical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvaraj, Prashanth; Szeri, Andrew; Sleigh, Jamie; Kirsch, Heidi

2015-03-01

Neurological phenomena like sleep and seizures depend not only on the activity of individual neurons, but on the dynamics of neuron populations as well. Meso-scale models of cortical activity provide a means to study neural dynamics at the level of neuron populations. Additionally, they offer a safe and economical way to test the effects and efficacy of stimulation techniques on the dynamics of the cortex. Here, we use a physiologically relevant meso-scale model of the cortex to study the hypersynchronous activity of neuron populations during epileptic seizures. The model consists of a set of stochastic, highly non-linear partial differential equations. Next, we use optogenetic stimulation to control seizures in a hyperexcited cortex, and to induce seizures in a normally functioning cortex. The high spatial and temporal resolution this method offers makes a strong case for the use of optogenetics in treating meso scale cortical disorders such as epileptic seizures. We use bifurcation analysis to investigate the effect of optogenetic stimulation in the meso scale model, and its efficacy in suppressing the non-linear dynamics of seizures.

The New Facilities for Neutron Radiography at the LVR-15 Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soltes, J.; Viererbl, L.; Vacik, J.; Tomandl, I.; Krejci, F.; Jakubek, J.

2016-09-01

Neutron radiography is an imaging method often used at research reactor sites. Back in 2011 a project was started with the goal to build a neutron radiography facility at the site of the LVR-15 research reactor in Rez, Czech Republic. In the scope of the project two horizontal channels were adapted for the needs of neutron radiography. This comprises the HC1 channel which offers an intense thermal neutron beam with a diameter of 10 cm, which can be used for imaging of larger samples, and the HC3 channel which beam is restricted just to 4x80 mm2, but is highly thermalized, collimated and reduced from gamma background, thus capable of providing better radiograph resolution. Both facilities are equipped with newest Timepix based detectors, with thin 6LiF converters for neutron detection capable of delivering high resolution. Both facilities offer a unique opportunity for non-destructive testing in the Czech region. In 2015 both facilities were put into test operation and several radiographs were acquired, which are presented in the following text.

Thermal Arc Spray Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafiz Abd Malek, Muhamad; Hayati Saad, Nor; Kiyai Abas, Sunhaji; Mohd Shah, Noriyati

2013-06-01

Usage of protective coating for corrosion protection was on highly demand during the past decade; and thermal spray coating played a major part during that time. In recent years, the thermal arc spray coating becomes a popular coating. Many big players in oil and gas such as PETRONAS, EXXON MOBIL and SHELL in Malaysia tend to use the coating on steel structure as a corrosion protection. Further developments in coating processes, the devices, and raw materials have led to expansion of functional coatings and applications scope from conventional coating to specialized industries. It is widely used because of its ability to withstand high process temperature, offer advantages in efficiency, lower cost and acts as a corrosion protection. Previous research also indicated that the thermal arc spray offers better coating properties compared to other methods of spray. This paper reviews some critical area of thermal spray coating by discussing the process/parameter of thermal arc spray technology and quality control of coating. Coating performance against corrosion, wear and special characteristic of coating are also described. The field application of arc spray technology are demonstrated and reviewed.

Optimizing secondary prevention of cervical cancer: Recent advances and future challenges.

PubMed

Ogilvie, Gina; Nakisige, Carolyn; Huh, Warner K; Mehrotra, Ravi; Franco, Eduardo L; Jeronimo, Jose

2017-07-01

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines offer enormous promise for the ultimate control and possible elimination of cervical cancer, barriers to uptake and coverage of the vaccine both in high- and low/middle-income settings mean that advances in secondary prevention continue to be essential to prevent unnecessary deaths and suffering from cervical cancer for decades to come. While cytology (the Pap smear) has reduced cervical cancer incidence and prevalence in jurisdictions where it has been systematically implemented in population-based programs-mainly in high-income settings-limitations inherent to this method, and to program delivery, leave many women still vulnerable to cervical cancer. Recent evidence has confirmed that screening based on HPV testing prevents more invasive cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, and offers innovative options such as self-collection of specimens to improve screening uptake broadly. In this paper, we review key advances, future opportunities, and ongoing challenges for secondary prevention of cervical cancer using HPV-based testing. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Spent Fuel Assay with an Ultra-High Rate HPGe Spectrometer

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

Fast, James; Fulsom, Bryan; Pitts, Karl

2015-07-01

Traditional verification of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) includes determination of initial enrichment, burnup and cool down time (IE, BU, CT). Along with neutron measurements, passive gamma assay provides important information for determining BU and CT. Other gamma-ray-based assay methods such as passive tomography and active delayed gamma offer the potential to measure the spatial distribution of fission products and the fissile isotopic concentration of the fuel, respectively. All fuel verification methods involving gamma-ray spectroscopy require that the spectrometers manage very high count rates while extracting the signatures of interest. PNNL has developed new digital filtering and analysis techniques to producemore » an ultra-high rate gamma-ray spectrometer from a standard coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) crystal. This 37% relative efficiency detector has been operated for SNF measurements at input count rates of 500-1300 kcps and throughput in excess of 150 kcps. Optimized filtering algorithms preserve the spectroscopic capability of the system even at these high rates. This paper will present the results of both passive and active SNF measurement performed with this system at PNNL. (authors)« less

Connecting the Space between Design and Research: Explorations in Participatory Research Supervision

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caldwell, Glenda Amayo; Osborne, Lindy; Mewburn, Inger; Nottingham, Anitra

2016-01-01

In this article we offer a single case study using an action research method for gathering and analysing data offering insights valuable to both design and research supervision practice. We do not attempt to generalise from this single case, but offer it as an instance that can improve our understanding of research supervision practice. We…

An empirical evaluation of supervised learning approaches in assigning diagnosis codes to electronic medical records.

PubMed

Kavuluru, Ramakanth; Rios, Anthony; Lu, Yuan

2015-10-01

Diagnosis codes are assigned to medical records in healthcare facilities by trained coders by reviewing all physician authored documents associated with a patient's visit. This is a necessary and complex task involving coders adhering to coding guidelines and coding all assignable codes. With the popularity of electronic medical records (EMRs), computational approaches to code assignment have been proposed in the recent years. However, most efforts have focused on single and often short clinical narratives, while realistic scenarios warrant full EMR level analysis for code assignment. We evaluate supervised learning approaches to automatically assign international classification of diseases (ninth revision) - clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to EMRs by experimenting with a large realistic EMR dataset. The overall goal is to identify methods that offer superior performance in this task when considering such datasets. We use a dataset of 71,463 EMRs corresponding to in-patient visits with discharge date falling in a two year period (2011-2012) from the University of Kentucky (UKY) Medical Center. We curate a smaller subset of this dataset and also use a third gold standard dataset of radiology reports. We conduct experiments using different problem transformation approaches with feature and data selection components and employing suitable label calibration and ranking methods with novel features involving code co-occurrence frequencies and latent code associations. Over all codes with at least 50 training examples we obtain a micro F-score of 0.48. On the set of codes that occur at least in 1% of the two year dataset, we achieve a micro F-score of 0.54. For the smaller radiology report dataset, the classifier chaining approach yields best results. For the smaller subset of the UKY dataset, feature selection, data selection, and label calibration offer best performance. We show that datasets at different scale (size of the EMRs, number of distinct codes) and with different characteristics warrant different learning approaches. For shorter narratives pertaining to a particular medical subdomain (e.g., radiology, pathology), classifier chaining is ideal given the codes are highly related with each other. For realistic in-patient full EMRs, feature and data selection methods offer high performance for smaller datasets. However, for large EMR datasets, we observe that the binary relevance approach with learning-to-rank based code reranking offers the best performance. Regardless of the training dataset size, for general EMRs, label calibration to select the optimal number of labels is an indispensable final step. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-Destructive High-Resolution Organic Matter Record on Lake Sediment using Steady-State Solid Phase Fluorescence: Organic Matter Quality and Quantity Assessment.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quiers, M.; Perrette, Y.; Etienne, D.; Develle, A. L.; Jacq, K.

2017-12-01

The use of organic proxies increases in paleoenvironmental reconstructions from natural archives. Major advances have been achieved by the development of new highly informative molecular proxies usually linked to specific compounds. While studies focused on targeted compounds, offering a high information degree, advances on bulk organic matter are limited. However, this bulk is the main contributor to carbon cycle and has been shown to be a driver of many mineral or organic compounds transfer and record. Development of target proxies need complementary information on bulk organic matter to understand biases link to controlling factors or analytical methods, and provide a robust interpretation. Fluorescence methods have often been employed to characterize and quantify organic matter. However, these technics are mainly developed for liquid samples, inducing material and resolution loss when working on natural archives (either stalagmite or sediments). High-resolution solid phase fluorescence (SPF) was developed on speleothems. This method allows now to analyse organic matter quality and quantity if procedure to constrain the optical density are adopted. In fact, a calibration method using liquid phase fluorescence (LPF) was developed for speleothem, allowing to quantify organic carbon at high-resolution. We report here an application of such a procedure SPF/LPF measurements on lake sediments. In order to avoid sediment matrix effects on the fluorescence signal, a calibration using LPF measurements was realised. First results using this method provided organic matter quality record of different organic matter compounds (humic-like, protein-like and chlorophylle-like compounds) at high resolution for the sediment core. High resolution organic matter fluxes are obtained in a second time, applying pragmatic chemometrics model (non linear models, partial least square models) on high resolution fluorescence data. SPF method can be considered as a promising tool for high resolution record on organic matter quality and quantity. Potential application of this method will be evocated (lake ecosystem dynamic, changes in trophic levels)

Associations among School Characteristics and Foodservice Practices in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Schools

PubMed Central

Thomson, Jessica L.; Tussing-Humphreys, Lisa M.; Martin, Corby K.; LeBlanc, Monique M.; Onufrak, Stephen J.

2012-01-01

Objective Determine school characteristics associated with healthy/unhealthy foodservice offerings or healthy food preparation practices. Design Retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data. Setting Nationally representative sample of public and private elementary, middle and high schools. Participants 526 and 520 schools with valid data from the 2006 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) Food Service School Questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure(s) Scores for healthy/unhealthy foodservice offerings and healthy food preparation practices. Analysis Multivariable regression to determine significant associations among school characteristics and offerings/preparation practices. Results Public schools and schools participating in USDA Team Nutrition reported more healthy offerings and preparation than private or non-participating schools, respectively. Elementary schools reported less unhealthy offerings than middle or high schools; middle schools reported less unhealthy offerings than high schools. Schools requiring foodservice managers to have a college education reported more healthy preparation while those requiring completion of a foodservice training program reported less unhealthy offerings and more healthy preparation than schools without these requirements. Conclusions and Implications Results suggest the school nutrition environment may be improved by requiring foodservice managers to hold a nutrition-related college degree and/or successfully pass a foodservice training program, and by participating in a school-based nutrition program, such as USDA Team Nutrition. PMID:22963956