Effect of Temper Condition on Stress Relaxation Behavior of an Aluminum Copper Lithium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Sumeet; Beura, Vikrant Kumar; Singh, Amit; Yadava, Manasij; Nayan, Niraj

2018-04-01

Deformation behavior of an Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions (solutionized and T8) is investigated using stress relaxation tests. Fundamental parameters such as the apparent and physical activation volume, strain rate sensitivity, effective stress, and exhaustion rate of mobile dislocation density are determined from single and multiple relaxation tests. It was found that dislocation-dislocation interaction controls the kinetics of plastic deformation in the solutionized sample, whereas dislocation-precipitate interaction is the overriding factor in the presence of T1 precipitates. The apparent activation volume was found to be significantly lower in the presence of T1 precipitates compared with solutionized samples. Strain rate sensitivity and effective stress were found to be higher in the presence of T1 precipitates. In addition, multiple relaxation tests showed that irrespective of microstructural features (solutes, semi-coherent precipitates), the mobile dislocation density reduces during the relaxation period. Further evidence regarding reduction in mobile dislocation density is obtained from uniaxial tensile tests carried out after stress relaxation tests, where both solutionized and T8 samples show an increase in strength. Additional discussion on relaxation strain is included to provide a complete overview regarding the time-dependent deformation behavior of the Al-Cu-Li alloy in different temper conditions.

Understanding the heterogeneity in volume overload and fluid distribution in decompensated heart failure is key to optimal volume management: role for blood volume quantitation.

PubMed

Miller, Wayne L; Mullan, Brian P

2014-06-01

This study sought to quantitate total blood volume (TBV) in patients hospitalized for decompensated chronic heart failure (DCHF) and to determine the extent of volume overload, and the magnitude and distribution of blood volume and body water changes following diuretic therapy. The accurate assessment and management of volume overload in patients with DCHF remains problematic. TBV was measured by a radiolabeled-albumin dilution technique with intravascular volume, pre-to-post-diuretic therapy, evaluated at hospital admission and at discharge. Change in body weight in relation to quantitated TBV was used to determine interstitial volume contribution to total fluid loss. Twenty-six patients were prospectively evaluated. Two patients had normal TBV at admission. Twenty-four patients were hypervolemic with TBV (7.4 ± 1.6 liters) increased by +39 ± 22% (range, +9.5% to +107%) above the expected normal volume. With diuresis, TBV decreased marginally (+30 ± 16%). Body weight declined by 6.9 ± 5.2 kg, and fluid intake/fluid output was a net negative 8.4 ± 5.2 liters. Interstitial compartment fluid loss was calculated at 6.2 ± 4.0 liters, accounting for 85 ± 15% of the total fluid reduction. TBV analysis demonstrated a wide range in the extent of intravascular overload. Dismissal measurements revealed marginally reduced intravascular volume post-diuretic therapy despite large reductions in body weight. Mobilization of interstitial fluid to the intravascular compartment with diuresis accounted for this disparity. Intravascular volume, however, remained increased at dismissal. The extent, composition, and distribution of volume overload are highly variable in DCHF, and this variability needs to be taken into account in the approach to individualized therapy. TBV quantitation, particularly serial measurements, can facilitate informed volume management with respect to a goal of treating to euvolemia. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Myosin-induced volume increase of the hyper-mobile water surrounding actin filaments.

PubMed

Suzuki, Makoto; Kabir, Syed Rashel; Siddique, Md Shahjahan Parvez; Nazia, Umme Salma; Miyazaki, Takashi; Kodama, Takao

2004-09-10

Microwave dielectric spectroscopy can measure the rotational mobility of water molecules that hydrate proteins and the hydration-shell volume. Using this technique, we have recently shown that apart from typical hydrating water molecules with lowered mobility there are other water molecules around the actin filaments (F-actin) which have a much higher mobility than that of bulk water [Biophys. J. 85 (2003) 3154]. We report here that the volume of this water component (hyper-mobile water) markedly increases without significant change of the volume of the ordinary hydration shell when the myosin motor-domain (S1, myosin subfragment-1) binds to F-actin. No hyper-mobile component was found in the hydration shell of S1 itself. The present results strongly suggest that the solvent space around S1 bound to F-actin is diffusionally asymmetric, which supports our model of force generation by actomyosin proposed previously [op. cit.].

Determination of gas phase protein ion densities via ion mobility analysis with charge reduction.

PubMed

Maisser, Anne; Premnath, Vinay; Ghosh, Abhimanyu; Nguyen, Tuan Anh; Attoui, Michel; Hogan, Christopher J

2011-12-28

We use a charge reduction electrospray (ESI) source and subsequent ion mobility analysis with a differential mobility analyzer (DMA, with detection via both a Faraday cage electrometer and a condensation particle counter) to infer the densities of single and multiprotein ions of cytochrome C, lysozyme, myoglobin, ovalbumin, and bovine serum albumin produced from non-denaturing (20 mM aqueous ammonium acetate) and denaturing (1 : 49.5 : 49.5, formic acid : methanol : water) ESI. Charge reduction is achieved through use of a Po-210 radioactive source, which generates roughly equal concentrations of positive and negative ions. Ions produced by the source collide with and reduce the charge on ESI generated drops, preventing Coulombic fissions, and unlike typical protein ESI, leading to gas-phase protein ions with +1 to +3 excess charges. Therefore, charge reduction serves to effectively mitigate any role that Coulombic stretching may play on the structure of the gas phase ions. Density inference is made via determination of the mobility diameter, and correspondingly the spherical equivalent protein volume. Through this approach it is found that for both non-denaturing and denaturing ESI-generated ions, gas-phase protein ions are relatively compact, with average densities of 0.97 g cm(-3) and 0.86 g cm(-3), respectively. Ions from non-denaturing ESI are found to be slightly more compact than predicted from the protein crystal structures, suggesting that low charge state protein ions in the gas phase are slightly denser than their solution conformations. While a slight difference is detected between the ions produced with non-denaturing and denaturing ESI, the denatured ions are found to be much more dense than those examined previously by drift tube mobility analysis, in which charge reduction was not employed. This indicates that Coulombic stretching is typically what leads to non-compact ions in the gas-phase, and suggests that for gas phase measurements to be correlated to biomolecular structures in solution, low charge state ions should be analyzed. Further, to determine if different solution conditions give rise to ions of different structure, ions of similar charge state should be compared. Non-denatured protein ion densities are found to be in excellent agreement with non-denatured protein ion densities inferred from prior DMA and drift tube measurements made without charge reduction (all ions with densities in the 0.85-1.10 g cm(-3) range), showing that these ions are not strongly influenced by Coulombic stretching nor by analysis method.

Association between vestibular schwannomas and mobile phone use.

PubMed

Moon, In Seok; Kim, Bo Gyung; Kim, Jinna; Lee, Jong Dae; Lee, Won-Sang

2014-01-01

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) grow in the region where the energy from mobile phone use is absorbed. We examined the associations of VSs with mobile phone use. This study included 119 patients who had undergone surgical tumor removal. We used two approaches in this investigation. First, a case-control study for the association of mobile phone use and incidence of VSs was conducted. Both cases and controls were investigated with questions based on INTERPHONE guidelines. Amount of mobile phone use according to duration, daily amount, and cumulative hours were compared between two groups. We also conducted a case-case study. The location and volume of the tumors were investigated by MRI. Associations between the estimated amount of mobile phone use and tumor volume and between the laterality of phone use and tumor location were analyzed. In a case-control study, the odds ratio (OR) of tumor incidence according to mobile phone use was 0.956. In the case-case study, tumor volume and estimated cumulative hours showed a strong correlation (r(2) = 0.144, p = 0.002), and regular mobile phone users showed tumors of a markedly larger volume than those of non-regular users (p < 0.001). When the analysis was limited to regular users who had serviceable hearing, laterality showed a strong correlation with tumor side (OR = 4.5). We found that tumors may coincide with the more frequently used ear of mobile phones and tumor volume that showed strong correlation with amount of mobile phone use, thus there is a possibility that mobile phone use may affect tumor growth.

The mobility of landslide: how the flowing volume controls the mobility?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, H.; Kurita, K.; Baratoux, D.

2009-12-01

Landslide simulation by two dimensional discrete element method has been carried out in order to re-examine the volume effect on the run-out efficiency (mobility). The mobility of natural landslides, defined by run-out length divided by drop height, is empirically known to increase with the volumes of debris (Legros, 2002), and the essential cause has been discussed for several decades. While various mechanisms are proposed such as air entrapment (Kent, 1966; Shreve, 1968), self-lubrication of polydisperse grains (Hsu, 1975; Campbell, 1989; Straub, 1997), acoustic fluidization (Melosh, 1979), and continuous fragmentation (Kilburn and Sorensen, 1998), universal explanation is not still obtained. The inadequacy of the mobility parameter itself and also the geometry effect have been recently pointed out as the fundamental cause of apparent increase in mobility with volumes (Soukhovitskaya and Manga, 2006; Lajeunesse et al., 2006; Staron and Lajeunesse, 2009). In our numerical experiments using various particle numbers from 500 to 50,000 with self-similar initial geometry, we found systematic increase in mobility as a function of volume without geometry effect or any particular effect. The remarkable point is that the highly sheared zone is kept for longer traveling distance at the bottom of the layer as the particle number increases. Such state is supposed to be the transition state of shear diffusion into the entire body, and induces temporary small friction coefficient compared to the steady-state flow. The relaxation time of this transition depends on the propagation of the basal shear into a granular media, which increases with flow thickness (Hatano, 2009). Thus longer relaxation time for a larger volume allows longer distance to stop, which could be the fundamental cause of volume effect on the mobility in natural landslides.

Using Mobile Device Samples to Estimate Traffic Volumes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-01

In this project, TTI worked with StreetLight Data to evaluate a beta version of its traffic volume estimates derived from global positioning system (GPS)-based mobile devices. TTI evaluated the accuracy of average annual daily traffic (AADT) volume :...

Understanding arsenic mobilization using reactive transport modeling of groundwater hydrochemistry in the Datong basin study plot, China.

PubMed

Mapoma, Harold Wilson Tumwitike; Xie, Xianjun; Pi, Kunfu; Liu, Yaqing; Zhu, Yapeng

2016-03-01

This paper discusses the reactive transport and evolution of arsenic along a selected flow path in a study plot within the central part of Datong basin. The simulation used the TOUGHREACT code. The spatial and temporal trends in hydrochemistry and mineral volume fraction along a flow path were observed. Furthermore, initial simulation of major ions and pH fits closely to the measured data. The study shows that equilibrium conditions may be attained at different stress periods for each parameter simulated. It is noted that the variations in ionic chemistry have a greater impact on arsenic distribution while reducing conditions drive the mobilization of arsenic. The study concluded that the reduction of Fe(iii) and As(v) and probably SO4/HS cycling are significant factors affecting localized mobilization of arsenic. Besides cation exchange and water-rock interaction, incongruent dissolution of silicates is also a significant control mechanism of general chemistry of the Datong basin aquifer.

Evaluation of trichloroethene recovery processes in heterogeneous aquifer cells flushed with biodegradable surfactants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suchomel, Eric J.; Ramsburg, C. Andrew; Pennell, Kurt D.

2007-12-01

The ability of two biodegradable surfactants, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween® 80) and sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate (Aerosol® MA), to recover a representative dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL), trichloroethene (TCE), from heterogeneous porous media was evaluated through a combination of batch and aquifer cell experiments. An aqueous solution containing 3.3% Aerosol MA, 8% 2-propanol and 6 g/l CaCl 2 yielded a weight solubilization ratio (WSR) of 1.21 g TCE/g surfactant, with a corresponding liquid-liquid interfacial tension (IFT) of 0.19 dyn/cm. Flushing of aquifer cells containing a TCE-DNAPL source zone with approximately two pore volumes of the AMA formulation resulted in substantial (> 30%) mobilization of TCE-DNAPL. However, a TCE mass recovery of 81% was achieved when the aqueous-phase flow rate was sufficient to displace the mobile TCE-DNAPL toward the effluent well. Aqueous solutions of Tween 80 exhibited a greater capacity to solubilize TCE (WSR = 1.74 g TCE/g surfactant) and exerted markedly less reduction in IFT (10.4 dyn/cm). These data contradict an accepted empirical correlation used to estimate IFT values from solubilization capacity, and indicate a unique capacity of T80 to form concentrated TCE emulsions. Flushing of aquifer cells with less than 2.5 pore volumes of a 4% T80 solution achieved TCE mass recoveries ranging from 66 to 85%, with only slight TCE-DNAPL mobilization (< 5%) occurring when the total trapping number exceeded 2 × 10 - 5 . These findings demonstrate the ability of Tween 80 and Aerosol MA solutions to efficiently recover TCE from a heterogeneous DNAPL source zone, and the utility of the total trapping number as a design parameter for a priori prediction of DNAPL mobilization and bank angle formation when flushing with low-IFT solutions. Given their potential to stimulate microbial reductive dechlorination at low concentrations, these surfactants are well-suited for remedial action plans that couple aggressive mass removal followed by enhanced bioremediation to treat chlorinated solvent source zones.

INtensive versus Standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure Lowering to Prevent Functional DeclINe In The ElderlY (INFINITY)

PubMed Central

White, William B.; Marfatia, Ravi; Schmidt, Julia; Wakefield, Dorothy B.; Kaplan, Richard F.; Bohannon, Richard W.; Hall, Charles B.; Guttmann, Charles R.; Moscufo, Nicola; Fellows, Douglas; Wolfson, Leslie

2012-01-01

Reductions in mobility and cognitive function linked to accrual of brain microvascular disease related white-matter hyperintensities(WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) canoccur in older hypertensive patients in as little as 2 years. We have designed a trial evaluating two levels of ambulatory BP control in individuals with normal or mildly impaired mobility and cognition who have detectable cerebrovascular disease (>0.5% WMH fraction of intracranial volume) on functional outcomes. The study is a prospective randomized, open-label trial with blinded endpoints, inpatients ages 75 and older with elevated 24-h systolic BP (≥145 mmHg in the untreated state) who do not have unstable cardiovascular disease, heart failure or stroke. The primary and key secondary outcomes in the trial are: change from baseline in mobility and cognitive function and damage to brain white matter as demonstrated by accrual of WMH volume and changes indiffusion tensor imaging.Approximately 300 patients will be enrolled and 200 randomized to one of two levels of ambulatory BP control (intensive to achieve a goal 24-hour systolic BP of ≤ 130 mmHg or standard to achieve a goal 24-hour systolic BP of ≤ 145 mmHg) for a total of 36 months using similar antihypertensive regimens. The analytical approach provides 85% power to show a clinically meaningful effect in differences in mobility accompanied by quantitative differences in WMH between treatment groups. The INFINITY trial is the first to guide antihypertensive therapy using ambulatory BP monitoring rather than clinic BP to reduce cerebrovascular disease. PMID:23453090

Diaphragmatic mobility in healthy subjects during incentive spirometry with a flow-oriented device and with a volume-oriented device.

PubMed

Yamaguti, Wellington Pereira dos Santos; Sakamoto, Eliana Takahama; Panazzolo, Danilo; Peixoto, Corina da Cunha; Cerri, Giovanni Guido; Albuquerque, André Luis Pereira

2010-01-01

To compare the diaphragmatic mobility of healthy subjects during incentive spirometry with a volume-oriented device, during incentive spirometry with a flow-oriented device, and during diaphragmatic breathing. To compare men and women in terms of diaphragmatic mobility during these three types of breathing exercises. We evaluated the pulmonary function and diaphragmatic mobility of 17 adult healthy volunteers (9 women and 8 men). Diaphragmatic mobility was measured via ultrasound during diaphragmatic breathing and during the use of the two types of incentive spirometers. Diaphragmatic mobility was significantly greater during the use of the volume-oriented incentive spirometer than during the use of the flow-oriented incentive spirometer (70.16 ± 12.83 mm vs. 63.66 ± 10.82 mm; p = 0.02). Diaphragmatic breathing led to a greater diaphragmatic mobility than did the use of the flow-oriented incentive spirometer (69.62 ± 11.83 mm vs. 63.66 ± 10.82 mm; p = 0.02). During all three types of breathing exercises, the women showed a higher mobility/FVC ratio than did the men. Incentive spirometry with a volume-oriented device and diaphragmatic breathing promoted greater diaphragmatic mobility than did incentive spirometry with a flow-oriented device. Women performed better on the three types of breathing exercises than did men.

Electrolytic Manipulation of Persulfate Reactivity by Iron Electrodes for TCE Degradation in Groundwater

PubMed Central

Yuan, Songhu; Liao, Peng; Alshawabkeh, Akram N.

2014-01-01

Activated persulfate oxidation is an effective in situ chemical oxidation process for groundwater remediation. However, reactivity of persulfate is difficult to manipulate or control in the subsurface causing activation before reaching the contaminated zone and leading to a loss of chemicals. Furthermore, mobilization of heavy metals by the process is a potential risk. An effective approach using iron electrodes is thus developed to manipulate the reactivity of persulfate in situ for trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation in groundwater, and to limit heavy metals mobilization. TCE degradation is quantitatively accelerated or inhibited by adjusting the current applied to the iron electrode, following k1 = 0.00053•Iv + 0.059 (−122 A/m3 ≤ Iv ≤ 244 A/m3) where k1 and Iv are the pseudo first-order rate constant (min−1) and volume normalized current (A/m3), respectively. Persulfate is mainly decomposed by Fe2+ produced from the electrochemical and chemical corrosion of iron followed by the regeneration via Fe3+ reduction on the cathode. SO4•− and •OH co-contribute to TCE degradation, but •OH contribution is more significant. Groundwater pH and oxidation-reduction potential can be restored to natural levels by the continuation of electrolysis after the disappearance of contaminants and persulfate, thus decreasing adverse impacts such as the mobility of heavy metals in the subsurface. PMID:24328192

In situ colloid mobilization in Hanford sediments under unsaturated transient flow conditions: effect of irrigation pattern.

PubMed

Zhuang, Jie; McCarthy, John F; Tyner, John S; Perfect, Edmund; Flury, Markus

2007-05-01

Colloid transport may facilitate off-site transport of radioactive wastes at the Hanford site, Washington State. In this study, column experiments were conducted to examine the effect of irrigation schedule on releases of in situ colloids from two Hanford sediments during saturated and unsaturated transientflow and its dependence on solution ionic strength, irrigation rate, and sediment texture. Results show that transient flow mobilized more colloids than steady-state flow. The number of short-term hydrological pulses was more important than total irrigation volume for increasing the amount of mobilized colloids. This effect increased with decreasing ionic strength. At an irrigation rate equal to 5% of the saturated hydraulic conductivity, a transient multipulse flow in 100 mM NaNO3 was equivalent to a 50-fold reduction of ionic strength (from 100 mM to 2 mM) with a single-pulse flow in terms of their positive effects on colloid mobilization. Irrigation rate was more important for the initial release of colloids. In addition to water velocity, mechanical straining of colloids was partly responsible for the smaller colloid mobilization in the fine than in the coarse sands, although the fine sand contained much larger concentrations of colloids than the coarse sand.

White matter volume mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and mobility in older women

PubMed Central

Nagamatsu, Lindsay S.; Hsu, Chun Liang; Davis, Jennifer C.; Best, John R.; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa

2017-01-01

Background With our aging population, understanding determinants of healthy aging is a priority. One essential component of healthy aging is mobility. While self-efficacy can directly impact mobility in older adults, it is unknown what role brain health may play in this relationship. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional pilot analysis of community-dwelling women (n = 80, mean age = 69 years) to examine whether brain volume mediates the relationship between falls-related self-efficacy, as measured by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and mobility, as measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Age, depression, education, functional comorbidities, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were included in the model as covariates. Results We report that total white matter volume, specifically, significantly mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and mobility, where higher self-efficacy was associated with greater white matter volume (r=0.28), which in turn, was associated with better mobility (r=−0.30). Conclusions Our pilot study extends our understanding of the psychosocial and neurological factors that contribute to mobility, and provides insight into effective strategies that may be used to improve functional independence among older adults. Future prospective and intervention studies are required to further elucidate the nature of the relationship between self-efficacy, mobility, and brain health. PMID:27749206

A Design Tool for the Evaluation of Atmosphere Independent Propulsion in Submarines

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

structure«<"\\t\\ tMobility :\\tW’" «<weight _mobility« ’Vi’ cout «<"\\tWeapons:\\t"<«weight...weapofls< h\\t\\tCA 31I:\\t\\t\\t" «<weightc.pcubed_i< "inl; cout...pm << "\\tWeapons:\\t"«<volume_weapons«<"\\t\\ tMobility :\\t\\t" «<volume -mobility<< Wn; pmn « "\\tShip Support:\\t"«<volume -ship support«< n\\tCA 31:\\t\\t\\t

Chest wall mobility is related to respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Lanza, Fernanda de Cordoba; de Camargo, Anderson Alves; Archija, Lilian Rocha Ferraz; Selman, Jessyca Pachi Rodrigues; Malaguti, Carla; Dal Corso, Simone

2013-12-01

Chest wall mobility is often measured in clinical practice, but the correlations between chest wall mobility and respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes are unknown. We investigate the associations between chest wall mobility, axillary and thoracic cirtometry values, respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure), and lung volumes (expiratory reserve volume, FEV(1), inspiratory capacity, FEV(1)/FVC), and the determinants of chest mobility in healthy subjects. In 64 healthy subjects we measured inspiratory capacity, FVC, FEV(1), expiratory reserve volume, maximum inspiratory pressure, and maximum expiratory pressure, and chest wall mobility via axillary and thoracic cirtometry. We used linear regression to evaluate the influence of the measured variables on chest wall mobility. The subjects' mean ± SD values were: age 24 ± 3 years, axillary cirtometry 6.3 ± 2.0 cm, thoracic cirtometry 7.5 ± 2.3 cm; maximum inspiratory pressure 90.4 ± 10.6% of predicted, maximum expiratory pressure 92.8 ± 13.5% of predicted, inspiratory capacity 99.7 ± 8.6% of predicted, FVC 101.9 ± 10.6% of predicted, FEV(1) 98.2 ± 10.3% of predicted, expiratory reserve volume 90.9 ± 19.9% of predicted. There were significant correlations between axillary cirtometry and FVC (r = 0.32), FEV(1) (r = 0.30), maximum inspiratory pressure (r = 0.48), maximum expiratory pressure (r = 0.25), and inspiratory capacity (r = 0.24), and between thoracic cirtometry and FVC (r = 0.50), FEV(1) (r = 0.48), maximum inspiratory pressure (r = 0.46), maximum expiratory pressure (r = 0.37), inspiratory capacity (r = 0.39), and expiratory reserve volume (r = 0.47). In multiple regression analysis the variable that best explained the axillary cirtometry variation was maximum inspiratory pressure (R(2) 0.23), and for thoracic cirtometry it was FVC and maximum inspiratory pressure (R(2) 0.32). Chest mobility in healthy subjects is related to respiratory muscle strength and lung function; the higher the axillary cirtometry and thoracic cirtometry values, the greater the maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and lung volumes in healthy subjects.

Effect of Testosterone Administration on Liver Fat in Older Men With Mobility Limitation: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background. Androgen receptor (AR) knockout male mice display hepatic steatosis, suggesting that AR signaling may regulate hepatic fat. However, the effects of testosterone replacement on hepatic fat in men are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of testosterone administration on hepatic fat in older men with mobility limitation and low testosterone levels who were participating in a randomized trial (the Testosterone in Older Men trial). Methods. Two hundred and nine men with mobility limitation and low total or free testosterone were randomized in the parent trial to either placebo or 10-g testosterone gel daily for 6 months. Hepatic fat was determined by magnetic resonance imaging in 73 men (36 in placebo and 37 in testosterone group) using the volumetric method. Insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance) was derived from fasting glucose and insulin. Results. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, including liver volumes (1583±363 in the testosterone group vs 1522±271mL in the placebo group, p = .42). Testosterone concentrations increased from 250±72 to 632±363ng/dL in testosterone group but did not change in placebo group. Changes in liver volume during intervention did not differ significantly between groups (p = .5) and were not related to on-treatment testosterone concentrations. The change in homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance also did not differ significantly between groups and was not related to either baseline or change in liver fat. Conclusion. Testosterone administration in older men with mobility limitation and low testosterone levels was not associated with a reduction in hepatic fat. Larger trials are needed to determine whether testosterone replacement improves liver fat in men with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis. PMID:23292288

White Matter Volume Mediates the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Mobility in Older Women.

PubMed

Nagamatsu, Lindsay S; Hsu, Chun Liang; Davis, Jennifer C; Best, John R; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa

2016-01-01

Background/Study Context: With our aging population, understanding determinants of healthy aging is a priority. One essential component of healthy aging is mobility. Although self-efficacy can directly impact mobility in older adults, it is unknown what role brain health may play in this relationship. The authors conducted a cross-sectional pilot analysis of community-dwelling women (N = 80, mean age = 69 years) to examine whether brain volume mediates the relationship between falls-related self-efficacy, as measured by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and mobility, as measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Age, depression, education, functional comorbidities, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were included in the model as covariates. The authors report that total white matter volume, specifically, significantly mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and mobility, where higher self-efficacy was associated with greater white matter volume (r = .28), which, in turn, was associated with better mobility (r = -.30). This pilot study extends our understanding of the psychosocial and neurological factors that contribute to mobility and provides insight into effective strategies that may be used to improve functional independence among older adults. Future prospective and intervention studies are required to further elucidate the nature of the relationship between self-efficacy, mobility, and brain health.

Sustainable Cost Models for mHealth at Scale: Modeling Program Data from m4RH Tanzania.

PubMed

Mangone, Emily R; Agarwal, Smisha; L'Engle, Kelly; Lasway, Christine; Zan, Trinity; van Beijma, Hajo; Orkis, Jennifer; Karam, Robert

2016-01-01

There is increasing evidence that mobile phone health interventions ("mHealth") can improve health behaviors and outcomes and are critically important in low-resource, low-access settings. However, the majority of mHealth programs in developing countries fail to reach scale. One reason may be the challenge of developing financially sustainable programs. The goal of this paper is to explore strategies for mHealth program sustainability and develop cost-recovery models for program implementers using 2014 operational program data from Mobile for Reproductive Health (m4RH), a national text-message (SMS) based health communication service in Tanzania. We delineated 2014 m4RH program costs and considered three strategies for cost-recovery for the m4RH program: user pay-for-service, SMS cost reduction, and strategic partnerships. These inputs were used to develop four different cost-recovery scenarios. The four scenarios leveraged strategic partnerships to reduce per-SMS program costs and create per-SMS program revenue and varied the structure for user financial contribution. Finally, we conducted break-even and uncertainty analyses to evaluate the costs and revenues of these models at the 2014 user volume (125,320) and at any possible break-even volume. In three of four scenarios, costs exceeded revenue by $94,596, $34,443, and $84,571 at the 2014 user volume. However, these costs represented large reductions (54%, 83%, and 58%, respectively) from the 2014 program cost of $203,475. Scenario four, in which the lowest per-SMS rate ($0.01 per SMS) was negotiated and users paid for all m4RH SMS sent or received, achieved a $5,660 profit at the 2014 user volume. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis demonstrated that break-even points were driven by user volume rather than variations in program costs. These results reveal that breaking even was only probable when all SMS costs were transferred to users and the lowest per-SMS cost was negotiated with telecom partners. While this strategy was sustainable for the implementer, a central concern is that health information may not reach those who are too poor to pay, limiting the program's reach and impact. Incorporating strategies presented here may make mHealth programs more appealing to funders and investors but need further consideration to balance sustainability, scale, and impact.

Sustainable Cost Models for mHealth at Scale: Modeling Program Data from m4RH Tanzania

PubMed Central

Mangone, Emily R.; Agarwal, Smisha; L’Engle, Kelly; Lasway, Christine; Zan, Trinity; van Beijma, Hajo; Orkis, Jennifer; Karam, Robert

2016-01-01

Background There is increasing evidence that mobile phone health interventions (“mHealth”) can improve health behaviors and outcomes and are critically important in low-resource, low-access settings. However, the majority of mHealth programs in developing countries fail to reach scale. One reason may be the challenge of developing financially sustainable programs. The goal of this paper is to explore strategies for mHealth program sustainability and develop cost-recovery models for program implementers using 2014 operational program data from Mobile for Reproductive Health (m4RH), a national text-message (SMS) based health communication service in Tanzania. Methods We delineated 2014 m4RH program costs and considered three strategies for cost-recovery for the m4RH program: user pay-for-service, SMS cost reduction, and strategic partnerships. These inputs were used to develop four different cost-recovery scenarios. The four scenarios leveraged strategic partnerships to reduce per-SMS program costs and create per-SMS program revenue and varied the structure for user financial contribution. Finally, we conducted break-even and uncertainty analyses to evaluate the costs and revenues of these models at the 2014 user volume (125,320) and at any possible break-even volume. Results In three of four scenarios, costs exceeded revenue by $94,596, $34,443, and $84,571 at the 2014 user volume. However, these costs represented large reductions (54%, 83%, and 58%, respectively) from the 2014 program cost of $203,475. Scenario four, in which the lowest per-SMS rate ($0.01 per SMS) was negotiated and users paid for all m4RH SMS sent or received, achieved a $5,660 profit at the 2014 user volume. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis demonstrated that break-even points were driven by user volume rather than variations in program costs. Conclusions These results reveal that breaking even was only probable when all SMS costs were transferred to users and the lowest per-SMS cost was negotiated with telecom partners. While this strategy was sustainable for the implementer, a central concern is that health information may not reach those who are too poor to pay, limiting the program’s reach and impact. Incorporating strategies presented here may make mHealth programs more appealing to funders and investors but need further consideration to balance sustainability, scale, and impact. PMID:26824747

Volume 4 - Mobile Sources

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Mobile source reference material for activity data collection from the Emissions Inventory Improvement Program (EIIP). Provides complete methods for collecting key inputs to onroad mobile and nonroad mobile emissions models.

Upward Mobility Programs in the Service Sector for Disadvantaged and Dislocated Workers. Volume II: Technical Appendices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tao, Fumiyo; And Others

This volume contains technical and supporting materials that supplement Volume I, which describes upward mobility programs for disadvantaged and dislocated workers in the service sector. Appendix A is a detailed description of the project methodology, including data collection methods and information on data compilation, processing, and analysis.…

The Health Services Mobility Study Method of Task Analysis and Curriculum Design. Research Report No. 11. Volume 3: Using the Computer to Develop Job Ladders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilpatrick, Eleanor

This document is volume 3 of a four-volume report which describes the components of the Health Services Mobility Study (HSMS) method of task analysis, job ladder design, and curriculum development. Divided into four chapters, volume 3 is a manual for using HSMS computer based statistical procedures to design job structures and job ladders. Chapter…

Impact of wastewater derived dissolved organic carbon on reduction, mobility, and bioavailability of As(V) and Cr(VI) in contaminated soils.

PubMed

Kunhikrishnan, Anitha; Choppala, Girish; Seshadri, Balaji; Wijesekara, Hasintha; Bolan, Nanthi S; Mbene, Kenneth; Kim, Won-Il

2017-01-15

In this work, the effects of various wastewater sources (storm water, sewage effluent, piggery effluent, and dairy effluent) on the reduction, and subsequent mobility and bioavailability of arsenate [As(V)] and chromate [Cr(VI)] were compared using both spiked and field contaminated soils. Wastewater addition to soil can increase the supply of carbon, nutrients, and stimulation of microorganisms which are considered to be important factors enhancing the reduction of metal(loid)s including As and Cr. The wastewater-induced mobility and bioavailability of As(V) and Cr(VI) were examined using leaching, earthworm, and soil microbial activity tests. The rate of reduction of As(V) was much less than that of Cr(VI) both in the presence and absence of wastewater addition. Wastewater addition increased the reduction of both As(V) and Cr(VI) compared to the control (Milli-Q water) and the effect was more pronounced in the case of Cr(VI). The leaching experiment indicated that Cr(VI) was more mobile than As(V). Wastewater addition increased the mobility and bioavailability of As(V), but had an opposite effect on Cr(VI). The difference in the mobility and bioavailability of Cr(VI) and As(V) between wastewater sources can be attributed to the difference in their dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. The DOC provides carbon as an electron donor for the reduction of As(V) and Cr(VI) and also serves as a complexing agent thereby impacting their mobility and bioavailability. The DOC-induced reduction increased both the mobility and bioavailability of As, but it caused an opposite effect in the case of Cr. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential dosimetric benefits of adaptive tumor tracking over the internal target volume concept for stereotactic body radiation therapy of pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Karava, Konstantina; Ehrbar, Stefanie; Riesterer, Oliver; Roesch, Johannes; Glatz, Stefan; Klöck, Stephan; Guckenberger, Matthias; Tanadini-Lang, Stephanie

2017-11-09

Radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer has two major challenges: (I) the tumor is adjacent to several critical organs and, (II) the mobility of both, the tumor and its surrounding organs at risk (OARs). A treatment planning study simulating stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pancreatic tumors with both the internal target volume (ITV) concept and the tumor tracking approach was performed. The two respiratory motion-management techniques were compared in terms of doses to the target volume and organs at risk. Two volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans (5 × 5 Gy) were created for each of the 12 previously treated pancreatic cancer patients, one using the ITV concept and one the tumor tracking approach. To better evaluate the overall dose delivered to the moving tumor volume, 4D dose calculations were performed on four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. The resulting planning target volume (PTV) size for each technique was analyzed. Target and OAR dose parameters were reported and analyzed for both 3D and 4D dose calculation. Tumor motion ranged from 1.3 to 11.2 mm. Tracking led to a reduction of PTV size (max. 39.2%) accompanied with significant better tumor coverage (p<0.05, paired Wilcoxon signed rank test) both in 3D and 4D dose calculations and improved organ at risk sparing. Especially for duodenum, stomach and liver, the mean dose was significantly reduced (p<0.05) with tracking for 3D and 4D dose calculations. By using an adaptive tumor tracking approach for respiratory-induced pancreatic motion management, a significant reduction in PTV size can be achieved, which subsequently facilitates treatment planning, and improves organ dose sparing. The dosimetric benefit of tumor tracking is organ and patient-specific.

Mobility and Transportation Analysis in Support of the Light Attack Battalion (LAB) Study. Volume 1. Mobility and Transportation Analyses

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

LAB) STUDY VOLUME I: MOBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION ANALYSES JAMES C EMANUEL L. ALAN DORNEY LAWRENCE E. MARTIN WAYNE E. FERGUSON JOHN P. O’MALLEY...Runs were maBe on dry, eIcha!londi?Ln0Ve^^rfaireS *? 0btain data 5n maximm attainable speeds under K?nn M? wISiI Addltional ana yses were

Mobile automatic metabolic analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bynum, B. G.; Currie, J. R.

1975-01-01

Two flexible pipes, attached to face mask, are connected to spirometers in mobile cart. Inhaled air volume is measured as it is drawn from one spirometer, and exhaled air volume is measured as it is breathed into second spirometer. Sensor is used to monitor heartbeat rate.

Glass Transition and Molecular Mobility in Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Modified Asphalt.

PubMed

Khabaz, Fardin; Khare, Rajesh

2015-11-05

Asphalt, a soft matter consisting of more than a thousand chemical species, is of vital importance for the transportation infrastructure, yet it poses significant challenges for microscopic theory and modeling approaches due to its multicomponent nature. Polymeric additives can potentially enhance the thermo-mechanical properties of asphalt, thus helping reduce the road repair costs; rational design of such systems requires knowledge of the molecular structure and dynamics of these systems. We have used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the volumetric, structural, and dynamic properties of the neat asphalt as well as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) modified asphalt systems. The volume-temperature behavior of the asphalt systems exhibited a glass transition phenomenon, akin to that observed in experiments. The glass transition temperature, room temperature density, and coefficient of volume thermal expansion of the neat asphalt systems so evaluated were in agreement with experimental data when the effect of the high cooling rate used in simulations was accounted for. While the volumetric properties of SBR modified asphalt were found to be insensitive to the presence of the SBR additive, the addition of SBR led to an increase in the aggregation of asphaltene molecules. Furthermore, addition of SBR caused a reduction in the mobility of the constituent molecules of asphalt, with the reduction being more significant for the larger constituent molecules. Similar to other glass forming liquids, the reciprocal of the diffusion coefficient of the selected molecules was observed to follow the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) behavior as a function of temperature. These results suggest the potential for using polymeric additives for enhancing the dynamic mechanical properties of asphalt without affecting its volumetric properties.

The role of mobile devices in doctor-patient communication: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kashgary, Abdullah; Alsolaimani, Roaa; Mosli, Mahmoud; Faraj, Samer

2017-09-01

Introduction In the last few years, the use of telecommunication and mobile technology has grown significantly. This has led to a notable increase in the utilization of this telecommunication in healthcare, namely phone calls and text messaging (SMS). However, evaluating its global impact on improving healthcare processes and outcomes demands a more comprehensive assessment. In this study, we focused on the role of mobile devices via phone calls and SMS in patient-doctor communication, and aimed to assess its impact on various health outcomes. Methods Major databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, and Cochrane CENTRAL, were searched for clinical trials that investigated mobile-device technology in any facet of doctor-patient communication published between 1990 and April 2015. A meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. Results Sixty-two articles met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 23 articles investigated mobile appointment reminder technologies, 19 investigated medication adherence, 20 investigated disease-control interventions, and two investigated test-result reporting. Patients who received an appointment reminder were 10% less likely to miss an appointment (relative risk [RR] = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.15). Mobile interventions increased medication adherence by 22% (RR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.36). Ten of 20 studies examining disease control reported statistically significant reductions in clinically meaningful endpoints. The use of mobile-device interventions improved forced expiratory volume in one second and hemoglobin A1c percentage in meta-analyses. Conclusion The use of mobile-device technologies exerted modest improvements in communication and health outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the true effect of these technologies on doctor-patient communication.

Degassing, gas retention and release in Fe(0) permeable reactive barriers.

PubMed

Ruhl, Aki S; Jekel, Martin

2014-04-01

Corrosion of Fe(0) has been successfully utilized for the reductive treatment of multiple contaminants. Under anaerobic conditions, concurrent corrosion leads to the generation of hydrogen and its liberation as a gas. Gas bubbles are mobile or trapped within the irregular pore structure leading to a reduction of the water filled pore volume and thus decreased residence time and permeability (gas clogging). With regard to the contaminant transport to the reactive site, the estimation of surface properties of the reactive material indicated that individual gas bubbles only occupied minor contact areas of the reactive surface. Quantification of gas entrapment by both gravimetrical and tracer investigations revealed that development of preferential flow paths was not significant. A novel continuous gravimetrical method was implemented to record variations in gas entrapment and gas bubble releases from the reactive filling. Variation of grain size fractions revealed that the pore geometry had a significant impact on gas release. Large pores led to the release of comparably large gas amounts while smaller volumes were released from finer pores with a higher frequency. Relevant processes are explained with a simplified pictorial sequence that incorporates relevant mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pore-scale Investigation of Surfactant Induced Mobilization for the Remediation of LNAPL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, J.; Tick, G. R.

2011-12-01

The presence of nonaqueous phase liquids within the subsurface can significantly limit the effectiveness of groundwater remediation. Specifically, light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) present unique challenges as they can become "smeared" within zones above and below the water table. The aim of this research is to understand the interfacial phenomena at the pore scale influencing residual saturation of LNAPL distribution as function of media heterogeneity and remediation processes from various aquifer systems. A series of columns were packed with three types of unconsolidated sand of increasing heterogeneity in grain size distribution and were established with residual saturations of light and heavy crude oil fractions, respectively. These columns were then subjected to flooding with 0.1% anionic surfactant solution in various episodes to initiate mobilization and enhanced recovery of NAPL phase contamination. Synchrotron X-ray microtomography (SXM) imaging technology was used to study three-dimensional (3-D) distributions of crude-oil-blobs before and after sequential surfactant flooding events. Results showed that LNAPL blob distributions became more heterogeneous after each subsequent surfactant flooding episode for all porous-media systems. NAPL recovery was most effective from the homogenous porous medium whereby 100% recovery resulted after 5 pore volumes (PVs) of flushing. LNAPL within the mildly heterogeneous porous medium produced a limited but consistent reduction in saturation after each surfactant flooding episode (23% and 43% recovery for light and heavy after the 5-PV flood). The highly heterogeneous porous medium showed greater NAPL recovery potential (42% and 16% for light and heavy) only after multiple pore volumes of flushing, at which point the NAPL blobs become fragmented into the smaller fragments in response to the reduced interfacial tension. The heterogeneity of the porous media (i.e. grain-size distribution) was a dominant control on the NAPL-blob-size-distribution trapped as residual saturation. The mobility of the NAPL blobs, as a result of surfactant flooding, was primarily controlled by the relative permeability of the medium and the reduction of interfacial tension between the wetting phase (water) and NAPL phase.

Achieving high field-effect mobility in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide by capping a strong reduction layer.

PubMed

Zan, Hsiao-Wen; Yeh, Chun-Cheng; Meng, Hsin-Fei; Tsai, Chuang-Chuang; Chen, Liang-Hao

2012-07-10

An effective approach to reduce defects and increase electron mobility in a-IGZO thin-film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) is introduced. A strong reduction layer, calcium, is capped onto the back interface of a-IGZO TFT. After calcium capping, the effective electron mobility of a-IGZO TFT increases from 12 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) to 160 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1). This high mobility is a new record, which implies that the proposed defect reduction effect is key to improve electron transport in oxide semiconductor materials. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mobil-Badger technologies for benzene reduction in gasoline

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

Goelzer, A.R.; Ram, S.; Hernandez, A.

1993-01-01

Many refiners will need to reduce the barrels per day of benzene entering the motor gasoline pool. Mobil and Badger have developed and now jointly license three potential refinery alternatives to conventional benzene hydrosaturation to achieve this: Mobil Benzene Reduction, Ethylbenzene and Cumene. The Mobil Benzene Reduction Process (MBR) uses dilute olefins in FCC offgas to extensively alkylate dilute benzene as found in light reformate, light FCC gasoline, or cyclic C[sub 6] naphtha. MBR raises octanes and lowers C[sub 5]+ olefins. MBR does not involve costly hydrogen addition. The refinery-based Mobil/Badger Ethylbenzene Process reacts chemical-grade benzene extracted from light reformatemore » with dilute ethylene found in treated FCC offgas to make high-purity ethylbenzene. EB is the principal feedstock for the production of styrene. The Mobil/Badger Cumene Process alkylates FCC-derived dilute propylene and extracted benzene to selectively yield isopropyl benzene (cumene). Cumene is the principal feedstock for the production of phenol. All three processes use Mobil developed catalysts.« less

Student Mobility. Information Capsule. Volume 0608

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blazer, Christie

2007-01-01

Mobility, rather than stability, has become the norm for students in schools across the United States. The student mobility rate is now higher in the United States than in any other industrialized country. This Information Capsule discusses the reasons for student mobility and the characteristics of highly mobile students and families. Research…

Voluntary Mobile Source Programs: Crediting Innovation and Experimentation Brochure

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This EPA document provides guidance on Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs (VMEPs) that could be implemented and credited with emission reductions for State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related purposes.

Experimental evidence of mobility enhancement in short-channel ultra-thin body double-gate MOSFETs by magnetoresistance technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaisantikulwat, W.; Mouis, M.; Ghibaudo, G.; Cristoloveanu, S.; Widiez, J.; Vinet, M.; Deleonibus, S.

2007-11-01

Double-gate transistor with ultra-thin body (UTB) has proved to offer advantages over bulk device for high-speed, low-power applications. There is thus a strong need to obtain an accurate understanding of carrier transport and mobility in such device. In this work, we report for the first time an experimental evidence of mobility enhancement in UTB double-gate (DG) MOSFETs using magnetoresistance mobility extraction technique. Mobility in planar DG transistor operating in single- and double-gate mode is compared. The influence of different scattering mechanisms in the channel is also investigated by obtaining mobility values at low temperatures. The results show a clear mobility improvement in double-gate mode compared to single-gate mode mobility at the same inversion charge density. This is explained by the role of volume inversion in ultra-thin body transistor operating in DG mode. Volume inversion is found to be especially beneficial in terms of mobility gain at low-inversion densities.

Scoping out the literature on mobile needle and syringe programs-review of service delivery and client characteristics, operation, utilization, referrals, and impact.

PubMed

Strike, Carol; Miskovic, Miroslav

2018-02-08

Needle and syringe program (NSP) service delivery models encompass fixed sites, mobile services, vending machines, pharmacies, peer NSPs, street outreach, and inter-organizational agreements to add NSP services to other programs. For programs seeking to implement or improve mobile services, access to a synthesis of the evidence related to mobile services is beneficial, but lacking. We used a scoping study method to search MEDLINE, PSYCHInfo, Embase, Scopus, and Sociological for relevant literature. We identified 39 relevant manuscripts published between 1975 and November 2017 after removing duplicates and non-relevant manuscripts from the 1313 identified by the search. Charting of the data showed that these publications reported findings related to the service delivery model characteristics, client characteristics, service utilization, specialized interventions offered on mobile NSPs, linking clients to other services, and impact on injection risk behaviors. Mobile NSPs are implemented in high-, medium-, and low-income countries; provide equipment distribution and many other harm reduction services; face limitations to service complement, confidentiality, and duration of interactions imposed by physical space; adapt to changes in locations and types of drug use; attract people who engage in high-risk/intensity injection behavior and who are often not reached by other service models; and may lead to reduced injection-related risks. It is not clear from the literature reviewed, what are, or if there are, a "core and essential" complement of services that mobile NSPs should offer. Decisions about service complement for mobile NSPs need to be made in relation to the context and also other available services. Reports of client visits to mobile NSP provide a picture of the volume and frequency of utilization but are difficult to compare given varied measures and reference periods. Mobile NSPs have an important role to play in improving HIV and HCV prevention efforts across the world. However, more work is needed to create clearer assessment metrics and to improve access to NSP services across the world.

Updated Outcome and Analysis of Tumor Response in Mobile Spine and Sacral Chordoma Treated With Definitive High-Dose Photon/Proton Radiation Therapy

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

Kabolizadeh, Peyman, E-mail: peyman.kabolizadeh@beaumont.org; Chen, Yen-Lin; Liebsch, Norbert

Purpose: Treatment of spine and sacral chordoma generally involves surgical resection, usually in conjunction with radiation therapy. In certain circumstances where resection may result in significant neurologic or organ dysfunction, patients can be treated definitively with radiation therapy alone. Herein, we report the outcome and the assessment of tumor response to definitive radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 patients with unresected chordoma treated with photon/proton radiation therapy. Nineteen patients had complete sets of imaging scans. The soft tissue and bone compartments of the tumor were defined separately. Tumor response was evaluated by the modifiedmore » Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and volumetric analysis. Results: With a median follow-up time of 50.3 months, the rates of 5-year local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and distant failure were 85.4%, 81.9%, 89.4%, and 20.2%, respectively. Eighty-four computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans were reviewed. Among the 19 patients, only 4 local failures occurred, and the median tumor dose was 77.4 GyRBE. Analysis at a median follow-up time of 18 months showed significant volumetric reduction of the total target volume (TTV) and the soft tissue target volume (STTV) within the first 24 months after treatment initiation, followed by further gradual reduction throughout the rest of the follow-up period. The median maximum percentage volumetric regressions of TTV and STTV were 43.2% and 70.4%, respectively. There was only a small reduction in bone target volume over time. In comparison with the modified RECIST, volumetric analysis was more reliable, more reproducible, and could help in measuring minimal changes in the tumor volume. Conclusion: These results continue to support the use of high-dose definitive radiation therapy for selected patients with unresected spine and sacral chordomas. Assessment of tumor response to radiation therapy by volumetric analysis is superior to modified RECIST in chordoma patients. Evaluating the soft tissue target volume is an excellent indicator of tumor response.« less

Understanding Skill in EVA Mass Handling. Volume 4; An Integrated Methodology for Evaluating Space Suit Mobility and Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDonald, P. Vernon; Newman, Dava

1999-01-01

The empirical investigation of extravehicular activity (EVA) mass handling conducted on NASA's Precision Air-Bearing Floor led to a Phase I SBIR from JSC. The purpose of the SBIR was to design an innovative system for evaluating space suit mobility and stability in conditions that simulate EVA on the surface of the Moon or Mars. The approach we used to satisfy the Phase I objectives was based on a structured methodology for the development of human-systems technology. Accordingly the project was broken down into a number of tasks and subtasks. In sequence, the major tasks were: 1) Identify missions and tasks that will involve EVA and resulting mobility requirements in the near and long term; 2) Assess possible methods for evaluating mobility of space suits during field-based EVA tests; 3) Identify requirements for behavioral evaluation by interacting with NASA stakeholders;.4) Identify necessary and sufficient technology for implementation of a mobility evaluation system; and 5) Prioritize and select technology solutions. The work conducted in these tasks is described in this final volume of the series on EVA mass handling. While prior volumes in the series focus on novel data-analytic techniques, this volume addresses technology that is necessary for minimally intrusive data collection and near-real-time data analysis and display.

A glucose-starvation response regulates the diffusion of macromolecules

PubMed Central

Joyner, Ryan P; Tang, Jeffrey H; Helenius, Jonne; Dultz, Elisa; Brune, Christiane; Holt, Liam J; Huet, Sebastien; Müller, Daniel J; Weis, Karsten

2016-01-01

The organization and biophysical properties of the cytosol implicitly govern molecular interactions within cells. However, little is known about mechanisms by which cells regulate cytosolic properties and intracellular diffusion rates. Here, we demonstrate that the intracellular environment of budding yeast undertakes a startling transition upon glucose starvation in which macromolecular mobility is dramatically restricted, reducing the movement of both chromatin in the nucleus and mRNPs in the cytoplasm. This confinement cannot be explained by an ATP decrease or the physiological drop in intracellular pH. Rather, our results suggest that the regulation of diffusional mobility is induced by a reduction in cell volume and subsequent increase in molecular crowding which severely alters the biophysical properties of the intracellular environment. A similar response can be observed in fission yeast and bacteria. This reveals a novel mechanism by which cells globally alter their properties to establish a unique homeostasis during starvation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09376.001 PMID:27003290

A meta-analysis of overall effects of weight loss interventions delivered via mobile phones and effect size differences according to delivery mode, personal contact, and intervention intensity and duration.

PubMed

Schippers, M; Adam, P C G; Smolenski, D J; Wong, H T H; de Wit, J B F

2017-04-01

Weight loss interventions are delivered through various mediums including, increasingly, mobile phones. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses whether interventions delivered via mobile phones reduce body weight and which intervention characteristics are associated with efficacy. The study included randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of weight loss interventions delivered via mobile phones. A meta-analysis to test intervention efficacy was performed, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether interventions' delivery mode(s), inclusion of personal contact, duration and interaction frequency improve efficacy. Pooled body weight reduction (d = -0.23; 95% confidence interval = -0.38, -0.08) was significant. Interventions delivered via other modes in addition to the mobile phone were associated with weight reduction. Personal contact and more frequent interactions in interventions were also associated with greater weight reduction. In conclusion, the current body of evidence shows that interventions delivered via mobile phones produce a modest reduction in body weight when combined with other delivery modes. Delivering interventions with frequent and personal interactions may in particular benefit weight loss results. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Factors influencing the difference between forecasted and actual drug sales volumes under the price-volume agreement in South Korea.

PubMed

Park, Sun-Young; Han, Euna; Kim, Jini; Lee, Eui-Kyung

2016-08-01

This study analyzed factors contributing to increases in the actual sales volumes relative to forecasted volumes of drugs under price-volume agreement (PVA) policy in South Korea. Sales volumes of newly listed drugs on the national formulary are monitored under PVA policy. When actual sales volume exceeds the pre-agreed forecasted volume by 30% or more, the drug is subject to price-reduction. Logistic regression assessed the factors related to whether drugs were the PVA price-reduction drugs. A generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log-link assessed the factors influencing the increase in actual volumes compared to forecasted volume in the PVA price-reduction drugs. Of 186 PVA monitored drugs, 34.9% were price-reduction drugs. Drugs marketed by pharmaceutical companies with previous-occupation in the therapeutic markets were more likely to be PVA price-reduction drugs than drugs marketed by firms with no previous-occupation. Drugs of multinational pharmaceutical companies were more likely to be PVA price-reduction drugs than those of domestic companies. Having more alternative existing drugs was significantly associated with higher odds of being PVA price-reduction drugs. Among the PVA price-reduction drugs, the increasing rate of actual volume compared to forecasted volume was significantly higher in drugs with clinical usefulness. By focusing the negotiation efforts on those target drugs, PVA policy can be administered more efficiently with the improved predictability of the drug sales volumes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lung Volume Reduction After Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy of Lung Tumors: Potential Application to Emphysema

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

Binkley, Michael S.; Shrager, Joseph B.; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California

2014-09-01

Purpose: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) improves dyspnea and other outcomes in selected patients with severe emphysema, but many have excessive surgical risk for LVRS. We analyzed the dose-volume relationship for lobar volume reduction after stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) of lung tumors, hypothesizing that SABR could achieve therapeutic volume reduction if applied in emphysema. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively identified patients treated from 2007 to 2011 who had SABR for 1 lung tumor, pre-SABR pulmonary function testing, and ≥6 months computed tomographic (CT) imaging follow-up. We contoured the treated lobe and untreated adjacent lobe(s) on CT before and after SABRmore » and calculated their volume changes relative to the contoured total (bilateral) lung volume (TLV). We correlated lobar volume reduction with the volume receiving high biologically effective doses (BED, α/β = 3). Results: 27 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median CT follow-up time of 14 months. There was no grade ≥3 toxicity. The median volume reduction of the treated lobe was 4.4% of TLV (range, −0.4%-10.8%); the median expansion of the untreated adjacent lobe was 2.6% of TLV (range, −3.9%-11.6%). The volume reduction of the treated lobe was positively correlated with the volume receiving BED ≥60 Gy (r{sup 2}=0.45, P=.0001). This persisted in subgroups determined by high versus low pre-SABR forced expiratory volume in 1 second, treated lobe CT emphysema score, number of fractions, follow-up CT time, central versus peripheral location, and upper versus lower lobe location, with no significant differences in effect size between subgroups. Volume expansion of the untreated adjacent lobe(s) was positively correlated with volume reduction of the treated lobe (r{sup 2}=0.47, P<.0001). Conclusions: We identified a dose-volume response for treated lobe volume reduction and adjacent lobe compensatory expansion after lung tumor SABR, consistent across multiple clinical parameters. These data serve to inform our ongoing prospective trial of stereotactic ablative volume reduction (SAVR) for severe emphysema in poor candidates for LVRS.« less

Increase in Nutrients, Mercury, and Methylmercury as a Consequence of Elevated Sulfate Reduction to Sulfide in Experimental Wetland Mesocosms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myrbo, A.; Swain, E. B.; Johnson, N. W.; Engstrom, D. R.; Pastor, J.; Dewey, B.; Monson, P.; Brenner, J.; Dykhuizen Shore, M.; Peters, E. B.

2017-11-01

Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) in both freshwater and marine ecosystems is a pathway for the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter (OM) after oxygen has been consumed. In experimental freshwater wetland mesocosms, sulfate additions allowed MSR to mineralize OM that would not otherwise have been decomposed. The mineralization of OM by MSR increased surface water concentrations of ecologically important constituents of OM: dissolved inorganic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, total mercury, and methylmercury. Increases in surface water concentrations, except for methylmercury, were in proportion to cumulative sulfate reduction, which was estimated by sulfate loss from the surface water into the sediments. Stoichiometric analysis shows that the increases were less than would be predicted from ratios with carbon in sediment, indicating that there are processes that limit P, N, and Hg mobilization to, or retention in, surface water. The highest sulfate treatment produced high levels of sulfide that retarded the methylation of mercury but simultaneously mobilized sedimentary inorganic mercury into surface water. As a result, the proportion of mercury in the surface water as methylmercury peaked at intermediate pore water sulfide concentrations. The mesocosms have a relatively high ratio of wall and sediment surfaces to the volume of overlying water, perhaps enhancing the removal of nutrients and mercury to periphyton. The presence of wild rice decreased sediment sulfide concentrations by 30%, which was most likely a result of oxygen release from the wild rice roots. An additional consequence of the enhanced MSR was that sulfate additions produced phytotoxic levels of sulfide in sediment pore water.

Characterization of dynamics in complex lyophilized formulations: II. Analysis of density variations in terms of glass dynamics and comparisons with global mobility, fast dynamics, and Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS)

PubMed Central

Chieng, Norman; Cicerone, Marcus T.; Zhong, Qin; Liu, Ming; Pikal, Michael J.

2013-01-01

Amorphous HES/disaccharide (trehalose or sucrose) formulations, with and without added polyols (glycerol and sorbitol) and disaccharide formulations of human growth hormone (hGH), were prepared by freeze drying and characterized with particular interest in methodology for using high precision density measurements to evaluate free volume changes and a focus on comparisons between “free volume” changes obtained from analysis of density data, fast dynamics (local mobility), and PALS characterization of “free volume” hole size. Density measurements were performed using a helium gas pycnometer, and fast dynamics was characterized using incoherent neutron scattering spectrometer. Addition of sucrose and trehalose to hGH decreases free volume in the system with sucrose marginally more effective than trehalose, consistent with superior pharmaceutical stability of sucrose hGH formulations well below Tg relative to trehalose. We find that density data may be analyzed in terms of free volume changes by evaluation of volume changes on mixing and calculation of apparent specific volumes from the densities. Addition of sucrose to HES decreases free volume, but the effect of trehalose is not detectable above experimental error. Addition of sorbitol or glycerol to HES/trehalose base formulations appears to significantly decrease free volume, consistent with the positive impact of such additions on pharmaceutical stability (i.e., degradation) in the glassy state. Free volume changes, evaluated from density data, fast dynamics amplitude of local motion, and PALS hole size data generally are in qualitative agreement for the HES/disaccharide systems studied. All predict decreasing molecular mobility as disaccharides are added to HES. Global mobility as measured by enthalpy relaxation times, increases as disaccharides, particularly sucrose, are added to HES. PMID:23623797

Land mobile satellite communication system. Volume 3: Annexes to volume 2: Particular aspects of market analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carnebianca, C.; Pavesi, B.; Tuozzi, A.; Capone, R.

1986-06-01

The socioeconomic desirability in terms of market demand, technical economic feasibility, and price-performance for a Land Mobile Communication system ground based and/or satellite aided, able to satisfy the request of the traffic demand, foreseeable in the 1995 to 2005 time frame, for the Western European countries was assessed. The criterion of economic value of the mobile system is considered as the driving element. Data on traffic; socioeconomic factors; economic factors; and radiotelephony, paging, and dispatch subscription and value for money trends are presented.

Incorporating Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs in State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This EPA memorandum provides guidance and sets forth policy and interpretation regarding the granting of explicit State Implementation Plan (SIP) credit for Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Programs (VMEPs) under section 110 of the Clean Air Act.

Brain volume reduction after whole-brain radiotherapy: quantification and prognostic relevance.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Christian; Distel, Luitpold; Knippen, Stefan; Gryc, Thomas; Schmidt, Manuel Alexander; Fietkau, Rainer; Putz, Florian

2018-01-22

Recent studies have questioned the value of adding whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis treatment. Neurotoxicity, including radiation-induced brain volume reduction, could be one reason why not all patients benefit from the addition of WBRT. In this study, we quantified brain volume reduction after WBRT and assessed its prognostic significance. Brain volumes of 91 patients with cerebral metastases were measured during a 150-day period after commencing WBRT and were compared with their pretreatment volumes. The average daily relative change in brain volume of each patient, referred to as the "brain volume reduction rate," was calculated. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic significance of the brain volume reduction rate, as well as of 3 treatment-related and 9 pretreatment factors. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the brain volume reduction rate across recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classes. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the brain volume reduction rate was a significant predictor of overall survival after WBRT (P < 0.001), as well as the number of brain metastases (P = 0.002) and age (P = 0.008). Patients with a relatively favorable prognosis (RPA classes 1 and 2) experienced significantly less brain volume decrease after WBRT than patients with a poor prognosis (RPA class 3) (P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between delivered radiation dose and brain volume reduction rate (P = 0.147). In this retrospective study, a smaller decrease in brain volume after WBRT was an independent predictor of longer overall survival. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Decreasing airborne contamination levels in high-risk hospital areas using a novel mobile air-treatment unit.

PubMed

Bergeron, V; Reboux, G; Poirot, J L; Laudinet, N

2007-10-01

To evaluate the performance of a new mobile air-treatment unit that uses nonthermal-plasma reactors for lowering the airborne bioburden in critical hospital environments and reducing the risk of nosocomial infection due to opportunistic airborne pathogens, such as Aspergillus fumigatus. Tests were conducted in 2 different high-risk hospital areas: an operating room under simulated conditions and rooms hosting patients in a pediatric hematology ward. Operating room testing provided performance evaluations of removal rates for airborne contamination (ie, particles larger than 0.5 microm) and overall lowering of the airborne bioburden (ie, colony-forming units of total mesophilic flora and fungal flora per cubic meter of air). In the hematology service, opportunistic and nonpathogenic airborne fungal levels in a patient's room equipped with an air-treatment unit were compared to those in a control room. In an operating room with a volume of 118 m(3), the time required to lower the concentration of airborne particles larger than 0.5 microm by 90% was decreased from 12 minutes with the existing high-efficiency particulate air filtration system to less than 2 minutes with the units tested, with a 2-log decrease in the steady-state levels of such particles (P<.01). Concurrently, total airborne mesophilic flora concentrations dropped by a factor of 2, and the concentrations of fungal species were reduced to undetectable levels (P<.01). The 12-day test period in the hematology ward revealed a significant reduction in airborne fungus levels (P<.01), with average reductions of 75% for opportunistic species and 82% for nonpathogenic species. Our data indicate that the mobile, nonthermal-plasma air treatment unit tested in this study can rapidly reduce the levels of airborne particles and significantly lower the airborne bioburden in high-risk hospital environments.

Effects of initial saturation on properties modification and displacement of tetrachloroethene with aqueous isobutanol.

PubMed

Boyd, Glen R; Ocampo-Gómez, Ana M; Li, Minghua; Husserl, Johana

2006-11-20

Packed column experiments were conducted to study effects of initial saturation of tetrachloroethene (PCE) in the range of 1.0-14% pore volume (PV) on mobilization and downward migration of the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) product upon contact with aqueous isobutanol ( approximately 10 vol.%). This study focused on the consequences of swelling beyond residual saturation. Columns were packed with mixtures of neat PCE, water and glass beads and waterflooded to establish a desired homogeneous residual saturation, and then flooded with aqueous isobutanol under controlled hydraulic conditions. Results showed a critical saturation of approximately 8% PV for these packed column experimental conditions. At low initial PCE saturations (<8% PV), experimental results showed reduced risk of NAPL-product migration upon contact with aqueous isobutanol. At higher initial PCE saturations (>8% PV), results showed NAPL-product mobilization and downward migration which was attributed to interfacial tension (IFT) reduction, swelling of the NAPL-product, and reduced density modification. Packed column results were compared with good agreement to theoretical predictions of NAPL-product mobilization using the total trapping number, N(T). In addition to the packed column study, preliminary batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of PCE volumetric fraction in the range of 0.5-20% on density, viscosity, and IFT modification as a function of time following contact with aqueous isobutanol ( approximately 10 vol.%). Modified NAPL-product fluid properties approached equilibrium within approximately 2 h of contact for density and viscosity. IFT reduction occurred immediately as expected. Measured fluid properties were compared with good agreement to theoretical equilibrium predictions based on UNIQUAC. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of initial DNAPL saturation, and the associated risk of downward NAPL-product migration, in applying alcohol flooding for remediation of DNAPL contaminated ground water sites.

Single well tracer method to evaluate enhanced recovery

DOEpatents

Sheely, Jr., Clyde Q.; Baldwin, Jr., David E.

1978-01-01

Data useful to evaluate the effectiveness of or to design an enhanced recovery process (the recovery process involving mobilizing and moving hydrocarbons through a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation from an injection well to a production well by injecting a mobilizing fluid into the injection well) are obtained by a process which comprises sequentially: determining hydrocarbon saturation in the formation in a volume in the formation near a well bore penetrating the formation, injecting sufficient of the mobilizing fluid to mobilize and move hydrocarbons from a volume in the formation near the well bore penetrating the formation, and determining by the single well tracer method a hydrocarbon saturation profile in a volume from which hydrocarbons are moved. The single well tracer method employed is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,842. The process is useful to evaluate surfactant floods, water floods, polymer floods, CO.sub.2 floods, caustic floods, micellar floods, and the like in the reservoir in much less time at greatly reduced costs, compared to conventional multi-well pilot test.

Automatic portion estimation and visual refinement in mobile dietary assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Insoo; Otsmo, Karl; Kim, SungYe; Ebert, David S.; Delp, Edward J.; Boushey, Carol J.

2010-01-01

As concern for obesity grows, the need for automated and accurate methods to monitor nutrient intake becomes essential as dietary intake provides a valuable basis for managing dietary imbalance. Moreover, as mobile devices with built-in cameras have become ubiquitous, one potential means of monitoring dietary intake is photographing meals using mobile devices and having an automatic estimate of the nutrient contents returned. One of the challenging problems of the image-based dietary assessment is the accurate estimation of food portion size from a photograph taken with a mobile digital camera. In this work, we describe a method to automatically calculate portion size of a variety of foods through volume estimation using an image. These "portion volumes" utilize camera parameter estimation and model reconstruction to determine the volume of food items, from which nutritional content is then extrapolated. In this paper, we describe our initial results of accuracy evaluation using real and simulated meal images and demonstrate the potential of our approach.

Recombination in liquid filled ionisation chambers with multiple charge carrier species: Theoretical and numerical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguiar, P.; González-Castaño, D. M.; Gómez, F.; Pardo-Montero, J.

2014-10-01

Liquid-filled ionisation chambers (LICs) are used in radiotherapy for dosimetry and quality assurance. Volume recombination can be quite important in LICs for moderate dose rates, causing non-linearities in the dose rate response of these detectors, and needs to be corrected for. This effect is usually described with Greening and Boag models for continuous and pulsed radiation respectively. Such models assume that the charge is carried by two different species, positive and negative ions, each of those species with a given mobility. However, LICs operating in non-ultrapure mode can contain different types of electronegative impurities with different mobilities, thus increasing the number of different charge carriers. If this is the case, Greening and Boag models can be no longer valid and need to be reformulated. In this work we present a theoretical and numerical study of volume recombination in parallel-plate LICs with multiple charge carrier species, extending Boag and Greening models. Results from a recent publication that reported three different mobilities in an isooctane-filled LIC have been used to study the effect of extra carrier species on recombination. We have found that in pulsed beams the inclusion of extra mobilities does not affect volume recombination much, a behaviour that was expected because Boag formula for charge collection efficiency does not depend on the mobilities of the charge carriers if the Debye relationship between mobilities and recombination constant holds. This is not the case in continuous radiation, where the presence of extra charge carrier species significantly affects the amount of volume recombination.

Application of positive airway pressure in restoring pulmonary function and thoracic mobility in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery: a randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Brigatto, Patrícia; Carbinatto, Jéssica C.; Costa, Carolina M.; Montebelo, Maria I. L.; Rasera-Júnior, Irineu; Pazzianotto-Forti, Eli M.

2014-01-01

Objective: To evaluate whether the application of bilevel positive airway pressure in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery might be more effective in restoring lung volume and capacity and thoracic mobility than the separate application of expiratory and inspiratory positive pressure. Method: Sixty morbidly obese adult subjects who were hospitalized for bariatric surgery and met the predefined inclusion criteria were evaluated. The pulmonary function and thoracic mobility were preoperatively assessed by spirometry and cirtometry and reevaluated on the 1st postoperative day. After preoperative evaluation, the subjects were randomized and allocated into groups: EPAP Group (n=20), IPPB Group (n=20) and BIPAP Group (n=20), then received the corresponding intervention: positive expiratory pressure (EPAP), inspiratory positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or bilevel inspiratory positive airway pressure (BIPAP), in 6 sets of 15 breaths or 30 minutes twice a day in the immediate postoperative period and on the 1st postoperative day, in addition to conventional physical therapy. Results: There was a significant postoperative reduction in spirometric variables (p<0.05), regardless of the technique used, with no significant difference among the techniques (p>0.05). Thoracic mobility was preserved only in group BIPAP (p>0.05), but no significant difference was found in the comparison among groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The application of positive pressure does not seem to be effective in restoring lung function after bariatric surgery, but the use of bilevel positive pressure can preserve thoracic mobility, although this technique was not superior to the other techniques. PMID:25590448

Twelve-month prostate volume reduction after MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation of the prostate.

PubMed

Bonekamp, David; Wolf, M B; Roethke, M C; Pahernik, S; Hadaschik, B A; Hatiboglu, G; Kuru, T H; Popeneciu, I V; Chin, J L; Billia, M; Relle, J; Hafron, J; Nandalur, K R; Staruch, R M; Burtnyk, M; Hohenfellner, M; Schlemmer, H-P

2018-06-25

To quantitatively assess 12-month prostate volume (PV) reduction based on T2-weighted MRI and immediate post-treatment contrast-enhanced MRI non-perfused volume (NPV), and to compare measurements with predictions of acute and delayed ablation volumes based on MR-thermometry (MR-t), in a central radiology review of the Phase I clinical trial of MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) in patients with localized prostate cancer. Treatment day MRI and 12-month follow-up MRI and biopsy were available for central radiology review in 29 of 30 patients from the published institutional review board-approved, prospective, multi-centre, single-arm Phase I clinical trial of TULSA. Viable PV at 12 months was measured as the remaining PV on T2-weighted MRI, less 12-month NPV, scaled by the fraction of fibrosis in 12-month biopsy cores. Reduction of viable PV was compared to predictions based on the fraction of the prostate covered by the MR-t derived acute thermal ablation volume (ATAV, 55°C isotherm), delayed thermal ablation volume (DTAV, 240 cumulative equivalent minutes at 43°C thermal dose isocontour) and treatment-day NPV. We also report linear and volumetric comparisons between metrics. After TULSA, the median 12-month reduction in viable PV was 88%. DTAV predicted a reduction of 90%. Treatment day NPV predicted only 53% volume reduction, and underestimated ATAV and DTAV by 36% and 51%. Quantitative volumetry of the TULSA phase I MR and biopsy data identifies DTAV (240 CEM43 thermal dose boundary) as a useful predictor of viable prostate tissue reduction at 12 months. Immediate post-treatment NPV underestimates tissue ablation. • MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) achieved an 88% reduction of viable prostate tissue volume at 12 months, in excellent agreement with expectation from thermal dose calculations. • Non-perfused volume on immediate post-treatment contrast-enhanced MRI represents only 64% of the acute thermal ablation volume (ATAV), and reports only 60% (53% instead of 88% achieved) of the reduction in viable prostate tissue volume at 12 months. • MR-thermometry-based predictions of 12-month prostate volume reduction based on 240 cumulative equivalent minute thermal dose volume are in excellent agreement with reduction in viable prostate tissue volume measured on pre- and 12-month post-treatment T2w-MRI.

Dissolved Organic Matter Quality in a Shallow Aquifer of Bangladesh: Implications for Arsenic Mobility.

PubMed

Mladenov, Natalie; Zheng, Yan; Simone, Bailey; Bilinski, Theresa M; McKnight, Diane M; Nemergut, Diana; Radloff, Kathleen A; Rahman, M Moshiur; Ahmed, Kazi Matin

2015-09-15

In some high arsenic (As) groundwater systems, correlations are observed between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and As concentrations, but in other systems, such relationships are absent. The role of labile DOM as the main driver of microbial reductive dissolution is not sufficient to explain the variation in DOM-As relationships. Other processes that may also influence As mobility include complexation of As by dissolved humic substances, and competitive sorption and electron shuttling reactions mediated by humics. To evaluate such humic DOM influences, we characterized the optical properties of filtered surface water (n = 10) and groundwater (n = 24) samples spanning an age gradient in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Further, we analyzed large volume fulvic acid (FA) isolates (n = 6) for optical properties, C and N content, and (13)C NMR spectroscopic distribution. Old groundwater (>30 years old) contained primarily sediment-derived DOM and had significantly higher (p < 0.001) dissolved As concentration than groundwater that was younger than 5 years old. Younger groundwater had DOM spectroscopic signatures similar to surface water DOM and characteristic of a sewage pollution influence. Associations between dissolved As, iron (Fe), and FA concentration and fluorescence properties of isolated FA in this field study suggest that aromatic, terrestrially derived FAs promote As-Fe-FA complexation reactions that may enhance As mobility.

Gasoline from coal in the state of Illinois: feasibility study. Volume I. Design. [KBW gasification process, ICI low-pressure methanol process and Mobil M-gasoline process

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

Not Available

1980-01-01

Volume 1 describes the proposed plant: KBW gasification process, ICI low-pressure methanol process and Mobil M-gasoline process, and also with ancillary processes, such as oxygen plant, shift process, RECTISOL purification process, sulfur recovery equipment and pollution control equipment. Numerous engineering diagrams are included. (LTN)

Student Mobility in Higher Education in the European Community: Synthesis Report (Volume 1) and Country Reports (Volume 2).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Jonge, J. F. M.; And Others

The European Community Action Programs for the Mobility of Universities Studies (ERASMUS) provides for the exchange of students who carry out reorganized periods of study from 3 months to 1 year in a member state other than their own. This report examines, country by country, students' ability to move in the higher education sector between member…

Next-Generation Evaporative Cooling Systems for the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit Portable Life Support System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makinen, Janice V.; Anchondo, Ian; Bue, Grant C.; Campbell, Colin; Colunga, Aaron

2012-01-01

The development of the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AEMU) Portable Life Support System (PLSS) is currently underway at NASA Johnson Space Center. The AEMU PLSS features two new evaporative cooling systems, the Reduced Volume Prototype Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (RVP SWME), and the Auxiliary Cooling Loop (ACL). The RVP SWME is the third generation of hollow fiber SWME hardware, and like its predecessors, RVP SWME provides nominal crewmember and electronics cooling by flowing water through porous hollow fibers. Water vapor escapes through the hollow fiber pores, thereby cooling the liquid water that remains inside of the fibers. This cooled water is then recirculated to remove heat from the crewmember and PLSS electronics. Major design improvements, including a 36% reduction in volume, reduced weight, and more flight like back-pressure valve, facilitate the packaging of RVP SWME in the AEMU PLSS envelope. In addition to the RVP SWME, the Auxiliary Cooling Loop (ACL), was developed for contingency crewmember cooling. The ACL is a completely redundant, independent cooling system that consists of a small evaporative cooler--the Mini Membrane Evaporator (Mini-ME), independent pump, independent feed-water assembly and independent Liquid Cooling Garment (LCG). The Mini-ME utilizes the same hollow fiber technology featured in the RVP SWME, but is only 25% of the size of RVP SWME, providing only the necessary crewmember cooling in a contingency situation. The ACL provides a number of benefits when compared with the current EMU PLSS contingency cooling technology; contingency crewmember cooling can be provided for a longer period of time, more contingency situations can be accounted for, no reliance on a Secondary Oxygen Vessel (SOV) for contingency cooling--thereby allowing a SOV reduction in size and pressure, and the ACL can be recharged-allowing the AEMU PLSS to be reused, even after a contingency event. The development of these evaporative cooling systems will contribute to a more robust and comprehensive AEMU PLSS.

High Productivity DRIE solutions for 3D-SiP and MEMS Volume Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puech, M.; Thevenoud, JM; Launay, N.; Arnal, N.; Godinat, P.; Andrieu, B.; Gruffat, JM

2006-04-01

Emerging 3D-SiP technologies and high volume MEMS applications require high productivity mass production DRIE systems. The Alcatel DRIE product range has recently been optimised to reach the highest process and hardware production performances. A study based on sub-micron high aspect ratio structures encountered in the most stringent 3D-SiP has been carried out. The optimization of the Bosch process parameters has resulted in ultra high silicon etch rates, with unrivalled uniformity and repeatability leading to excellent process. In parallel, most recent hardware and proprietary design optimization including vacuum pumping lines, process chamber, wafer chucks, pressure control system, gas delivery are discussed. These improvements have been monitored in a mass production environment for a mobile phone application. Field data analysis shows a significant reduction of cost of ownership thanks to increased throughput and much lower running costs. These benefits are now available for all 3D-SiP and high volume MEMS applications. The typical etched patterns include tapered trenches for CMOS imagers, through silicon via holes for die stacking, well controlled profile angle for 3D high precision inertial sensors, and large exposed area features for inkjet printer heads and Silicon microphones.

Mercury mobilization and speciation linked to bacterial iron oxide and sulfate reduction: A column study to mimic reactive transfer in an anoxic aquifer.

PubMed

Hellal, Jennifer; Guédron, Stéphane; Huguet, Lucie; Schäfer, Jörg; Laperche, Valérie; Joulian, Catherine; Lanceleur, Laurent; Burnol, André; Ghestem, Jean-Philippe; Garrido, Francis; Battaglia-Brunet, Fabienne

2015-09-01

Mercury (Hg) mobility and speciation in subsurface aquifers is directly linked to its surrounding geochemical and microbial environment. The role of bacteria on Hg speciation (i.e., methylation, demethylation and reduction) is well documented, however little data is available on their impact on Hg mobility. The aim of this study was to test if (i) Hg mobility is due to either direct iron oxide reduction by iron reducing bacteria (IRB) or indirect iron reduction by sulfide produced by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), and (ii) to investigate its subsequent fate and speciation. Experiments were carried out in an original column setup combining geochemical and microbiological approaches that mimic an aquifer including an interface of iron-rich and iron depleted zones. Two identical glass columns containing iron oxides spiked with Hg(II) were submitted to (i) direct iron reduction by IRB and (ii) to indirect iron reduction by sulfides produced by SRB. Results show that in both columns Hg was leached and methylated during the height of bacterial activity. In the column where IRB are dominant, Hg methylation and leaching from the column was directly correlated to bacterial iron reduction (i.e., Fe(II) release). In opposition, when SRB are dominant, produced sulfide induced indirect iron oxide reduction and rapid adsorption of leached Hg (or produced methylmercury) on neoformed iron sulfides (e.g., Mackinawite) or its precipitation as HgS. At the end of the SRB column experiment, when iron-oxide reduction was complete, filtered Hg and Fe concentrations increased at the outlet suggesting a leaching of Hg bound to FeS colloids that may be a dominant mechanism of Hg transport in aquifer environments. These experimental results highlight different biogeochemical mechanisms that can occur in stratified sub-surface aquifers where bacterial activities play a major role on Hg mobility and changes in speciation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Broiler Breeder Sperm Mobility Phenotype and its Effects on Female Fertility

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Semen quality in poultry can be characterized by different phenotypic traits including volume, concentration, mobility, viability, and sperm morphology. To date, sperm mobility phenotype has been shown to be the most reliable indicator of male fertilizing potential under artificial insemination (AI...

Microbial biogeochemistry of uranium mill tailings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Landa, Edward R.

2005-01-01

Uranium mill tailings (UMT) are the crushed ore residues from the extraction of uranium (U) from ores. Among the radioactive wastes associated with the nuclear fuel cycle, UMT are unique in terms of their volume and their limited isolation from the surficial environment. For this latter reason, their management and long-term fate has many interfaces with environmental microbial communities and processes. The interactions of microorganisms with UMT have been shown to be diverse and with significant consequences for radionuclide mobility and bioremediation. These radionuclides are associated with the U-decay series. The addition of organic carbon and phosphate is required to initiate the reduction of the U present in the groundwater down gradient of the mills. Investigations on sediment and water from the U-contaminated aquifer, indicates that the addition of a carbon source stimulates the rate of U removal by microbial reduction. Moreover, most attention with respect to passive or engineered removal of U from groundwaters focuses on iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Drop Height and Volume Control the Mobility of Long-Runout Landslides on the Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brandon C.; Campbell, Charles S.

2017-12-01

Long-runout landslides are landslides with volumes of 105 m3 or more, which move much farther from their source than expected. The observation that Martian landslides are generally less mobile than terrestrial landslides offers important evidence regarding the mechanism responsible for the high mobility of long-runout landslides. Here we simulate landslides as granular flow using a soft-particle discrete element model. We show that while surface gravity plays a negligible role, observed differences in fall height naturally reproduce the observed differences in mobility of Martian and terrestrial landslides. We also demonstrate that landslides on Iapetus may fit this trend. Our simulations do not include any fluid and indicate that a mechanism similar to acoustic fluidization can explain the high mobility of long-runout landslides. This implies that long-runout landslides on Mars should not be considered as evidence for ice, saturated clays, or liquid water.

Many-Body Localization and Quantum Nonergodicity in a Model with a Single-Particle Mobility Edge.

PubMed

Li, Xiaopeng; Ganeshan, Sriram; Pixley, J H; Das Sarma, S

2015-10-30

We investigate many-body localization in the presence of a single-particle mobility edge. By considering an interacting deterministic model with an incommensurate potential in one dimension we find that the single-particle mobility edge in the noninteracting system leads to a many-body mobility edge in the corresponding interacting system for certain parameter regimes. Using exact diagonalization, we probe the mobility edge via energy resolved entanglement entropy (EE) and study the energy resolved applicability (or failure) of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH). Our numerical results indicate that the transition separating area and volume law scaling of the EE does not coincide with the nonthermal to thermal transition. Consequently, there exists an extended nonergodic phase for an intermediate energy window where the many-body eigenstates violate the ETH while manifesting volume law EE scaling. We also establish that the model possesses an infinite temperature many-body localization transition despite the existence of a single-particle mobility edge. We propose a practical scheme to test our predictions in atomic optical lattice experiments which can directly probe the effects of the mobility edge.

Expanding the endoscopic transpterygoid corridor to the petroclival region: anatomical study and volumetric comparative analysis.

PubMed

Freeman, Jacob L; Sampath, Raghuram; Quattlebaum, Steven Craig; Casey, Michael A; Folzenlogen, Zach A; Ramakrishnan, Vijay R; Youssef, A Samy

2017-07-21

OBJECTIVE The endoscopic endonasal transmaxillary transpterygoid (TMTP) approach has been the gateway for lateral skull base exposure. Removal of the cartilaginous eustachian tube (ET) and lateral mobilization of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are technically demanding adjunctive steps that are used to access the petroclival region. The gained expansion of the deep working corridor provided by these maneuvers has yet to be quantified. METHODS The TMTP approach with cartilaginous ET removal and ICA mobilization was performed in 5 adult cadaveric heads (10 sides). Accessible portions of the petrous apex were drilled during the following 3 stages: 1) before ET removal, 2) after ET removal but before ICA mobilization, and 3) after ET removal and ICA repositioning. Resection volumes were calculated using 3D reconstructions generated from thin-slice CT scans obtained before and after each step of the dissection. RESULTS The average petrous temporal bone resection volumes at each stage were 0.21 cm 3 , 0.71 cm 3 , and 1.32 cm 3 (p < 0.05, paired t-test). Without ET removal, inferior and superior access to the petrous apex was limited. Furthermore, without ICA mobilization, drilling was confined to the inferior two-thirds of the petrous apex. After mobilization, the resection was extended superiorly through the upper extent of the petrous apex. CONCLUSIONS The transpterygoid corridor to the petroclival region is maximally expanded by the resection of the cartilaginous ET and mobilization of the paraclival ICA. These added maneuvers expanded the deep window almost 6 times and provided more lateral access to the petroclival region with a maximum volume of 1.5 cm 3 . This may result in the ability to resect small-to-moderate sized intradural petroclival lesions up to that volume. Larger lesions may better be approached through an open transcranial approach.

Preferred listening levels of mobile phone programs when considering subway interior noise

PubMed Central

Yu, Jyaehyoung; Lee, Donguk; Han, Woojae

2016-01-01

Today, people listen to music loud using personal listening devices. Although a majority of studies have reported that the high volume played on these listening devices produces a latent risk of hearing problems, there is a lack of studies on “double noise exposures” such as environmental noise plus recreational noise. The present study measures the preferred listening levels of a mobile phone program with subway interior noise for 74 normal-hearing participants in five age groups (ranging from 20s to 60s). The speakers presented the subway interior noise at 73.45 dB, while each subject listened to three application programs [Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), music, game] for 30 min using a tablet personal computer with an earphone. The participants’ earphone volume levels were analyzed using a sound level meter and a 2cc coupler. Overall, the results showed that those in their 20s listened to the three programs significantly louder with DMB set at significantly higher volume levels than for the other programs. Higher volume levels were needed for middle frequency compared to the lower and higher frequencies. We concluded that any potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss for mobile phone users should be communicated when users listen regularly, although the volume level was not high enough that the users felt uncomfortable. When considering individual listening habits on mobile phones, further study to predict total accumulated environmental noise is still needed. PMID:26780960

Preferred listening levels of mobile phone programs when considering subway interior noise.

PubMed

Yu, Jyaehyoung; Lee, Donguk; Han, Woojae

2016-01-01

Today, people listen to music loud using personal listening devices. Although a majority of studies have reported that the high volume played on these listening devices produces a latent risk of hearing problems, there is a lack of studies on "double noise exposures" such as environmental noise plus recreational noise. The present study measures the preferred listening levels of a mobile phone program with subway interior noise for 74 normal-hearing participants in five age groups (ranging from 20s to 60s). The speakers presented the subway interior noise at 73.45 dB, while each subject listened to three application programs [Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), music, game] for 30 min using a tablet personal computer with an earphone. The participants' earphone volume levels were analyzed using a sound level meter and a 2cc coupler. Overall, the results showed that those in their 20s listened to the three programs significantly louder with DMB set at significantly higher volume levels than for the other programs. Higher volume levels were needed for middle frequency compared to the lower and higher frequencies. We concluded that any potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss for mobile phone users should be communicated when users listen regularly, although the volume level was not high enough that the users felt uncomfortable. When considering individual listening habits on mobile phones, further study to predict total accumulated environmental noise is still needed.

Two-column sequential injection chromatography--new approach for fast and effective analysis and its comparison with gradient elution chromatography.

PubMed

Chocholous, Petr; Satínský, Dalibor; Sklenárová, Hana; Solich, Petr

2010-05-23

This work presents novel approach in low-pressure chromatography flow systems--two-column Sequential Injection Chromatography (2-C SIC) and its comparison with gradient elution chromatography on the same instrument. The system was equipped with two different chromatographic columns (connected to selection valve in parallel design) for isocratic separation and determination of all components in composed anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical preparation (tablets). The sample was first injected on the first column of length 30 mm where less retained analytes were separated and then the sample was injected on the second column of length 10 mm where more retained analytes were separated. The SIC system was based on a commercial SIChrom manifold (8-port high-pressure selection valve and medium-pressure syringe pump with 4 mL reservoir) (FIAlab, USA) with two commercially available monolithic columns the "first column" Chromolith Flash RP-18e (25 mm x 4.6 mm i.d. with guard column 5 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) and the "second column" Chromolith RP-18e (10 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) and CCD UV-vis detector USB 4000 with micro-volume 1.0 cm Z flow cell. Two mobile phases were used for analysis (one for each column). The mobile phase 1 used for elution of paracetamol, caffeine and salicylic acid (internal standard) was acetonitrile/water (10:90, v/v, the water part of pH 3.5 adjusted with acetic acid), flow rate was 0.9 mL min(-1) (volume 3.0 mL of mobile phase per analysis). The mobile phase 2 used for elution of propyphenazone was acetonitrile/water (30:70, v/v); flow rate was 1.2 mL min(-1) (volume 1.5 mL of mobile phase per analysis). Absorbance was monitored at 210 nm. Samples were prepared by dissolving of one tablet in 30% acetonitrile and 10 microL of filtered supernatant was injected on each column (2 x 10 microL). The chromatographic resolution between all compounds was >1.45 and analysis time was 5.5 min under the optimal conditions. Limits of detection were determined at 0.4 microg mL(-1) for paracetamol, at 0.5 microg mL(-1) for caffeine and at 0.7 microg mL(-1) for propyphenazone. The new two-column chromatographic set-up developed as an alternative approach to gradient elution chromatography shows evident advantages (time and solvent reduction more than one-third) as compared with single-column gradient SIC method with Chromolith Flash RP-18 (25 mm x 4.6 mm i.d. with guard column 5 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Defect Detection in Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Electrodes Using Infrared Thermography

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

Ulsh, Michael; Porter, Jason M.; Bittinat, Daniel C.

2016-04-01

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are energy conversion devices that offer high power densities and high efficiencies for mobile and other applications. Successful introduction into the marketplace requires addressing cost barriers such as production volumes and platinum loading. For cost reduction, it is vital to minimize waste and maximize quality during the manufacturing of platinum-containing electrodes, including gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). In this work, we report on developing a quality control diagnostic for GDEs, involving creating an ex situ exothermic reaction on the electrode surface and using infrared thermography to measure the resulting temperature profile. Experiments with a moving GDEmore » containing created defects were conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the diagnostic for real-time web-line inspection.« less

VR Mobile Solutions For Chronic Stress Reduction in Young Adults.

PubMed

Gao, Kenneth; Boyd, Chelsie; Wiederhold, Mark D; Wiederhold, Brenda K

2014-01-01

Chronic stress in young adults has become a growing problem within recent decades and many are unable to find cost-effective and accessible treatment for psychological stress in their daily lives. We analyze the market of using a mobile application, Positive Technology, as a solution. Eleven participants, aged between 18 and 24, participated in the exercise. Self-reported stress reduction was measured via an online marketing survey, while physiological measurements were monitored via peripheral devices. Secondary goals assessed the app's ease-of-use, accessibility, and cost. Results indicate that participants enjoyed the availability of the mobile solution and found the app to be fun and easy to learn. Stress levels were reduced in 73% of the participants, with higher effects in females and in participants aged 18-24. We conclude that the mobile platform is an effective means of delivering psychological stress reduction, and could provide an accessible, cost-effective solution.

International Mobility of Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Doctoral Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knight, Jane; Madden, Meggan

2010-01-01

International academic mobility is an aspect of internationalization that is changing rapidly in terms of volume, scope, and impact. Although much of the attention and research on mobility has focused on undergraduate students participating in short-term study abroad, internships, and exchange experiences, the new push to develop international…

National Emphysema Treatment Trial redux: accentuating the positive.

PubMed

Sanchez, Pablo Gerardo; Kucharczuk, John Charles; Su, Stacey; Kaiser, Larry Robert; Cooper, Joel David

2010-09-01

Under the Freedom of Information Act, we obtained the follow-up data of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) to determine the long-term outcome for "a heterogeneous distribution of emphysema with upper lobe predominance," postulated by the NETT hypothesis to be optimal candidates for lung volume reduction surgery. Using the NETT database, we identified patients with heterogeneous distribution of emphysema with upper lobe predominance and analyzed for the first time follow-up data for those receiving lung volume reduction surgery and those receiving medical management. Furthermore, we compared the results of the NETT reduction surgery group with a previously reported consecutive case series of 250 patients undergoing bilateral lung volume reduction surgery using similar selection criteria. Of the 1218 patients enrolled, 511 (42%) conformed to the NETT hypothesis selection criteria and received the randomly assigned surgical or medical treatment (surgical = 261; medical = 250). Lung volume reduction surgery resulted in a 5-year survival benefit (70% vs 60%; P = .02). Results at 3 years compared with baseline data favored surgical reduction in terms of residual volume reduction (25% vs 2%; P < .001), University of California San Diego dyspnea score (16 vs 0 points; P < .001), and improved St George Respiratory Questionnaire quality of life score (12 points vs 0 points; P < .001). For the 513 patients with a homogeneous pattern of emphysema randomized to surgical or medical treatment, lung volume reduction surgery produced no survival advantage and very limited functional benefit. Patients most likely to benefit from lung volume reduction surgery have heterogeneously distributed emphysema involving the upper lung zones predominantly. Such patients in the NETT trial had results nearly identical to those previously reported in a nonrandomized series of similar patients undergoing lung volume reduction surgery. 2010 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Woodbridge Research Facility Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study; Focused Feasibility Study for Operable Unit One

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-11-01

by minimizing leachate . Alternatives 1 and 2 affect no changes in toxicity, mobility, or volume. Short-Term Effectiveness Short-term effectiveness...result of contaminant interactions with other in situ chemicals. • Phytoremediation uses existing plants and trees to incorporate contaminants into... leachate is minimized. Alternatives 1 and 2 effect no changes in toxicity, mobility, or volume. 8.3.6 Short-Term Effectiveness Short-term effectiveness is

Biogeochemical processes controlling the mobility of major ions and trace metals in aquitard sediments beneath an oil sand tailing pond: laboratory studies and reactive transport modeling.

PubMed

Holden, A A; Haque, S E; Mayer, K U; Ulrich, A C

2013-08-01

Increased production and expansion of the oil sand industry in Alberta are of great benefit to the economy, but they carry major environmental challenges. The volume of fluid fine tailings requiring storage is 840×10(6) m(3) and growing, making it imperative that we better understand the fate and transport of oil sand process-affected water (OSPW) seepage from these facilities. Accordingly, the current study seeks to characterize both a) the potential for major ion and trace element release, and b) the principal biogeochemical processes involved, as tailing pond OSPW infiltrates into, and interacts with, underlying glacial till sediments prior to reaching down gradient aquifers or surface waters. Objectives were addressed through a series of aqueous and solid phase experiments, including radial diffusion cells, an isotope analysis, X-ray diffraction, and sequential extractions. The diffusion cells were also simulated in a reactive transport framework to elucidate key reaction processes. The experiments indicate that the ingress and interaction of OSPW with the glacial till sediment-pore water system will result in: a mitigation of ingressing Na (retardation), displacement and then limited precipitation of exchangeable Ca and Mg (as carbonates), sulfate reduction and subsequent precipitation of the produced sulfides, as well as biodegradation of organic carbon. High concentrations of ingressing Cl (~375 mg L(-1)) and Na (~575 mg L(-1)) (even though the latter is delayed, or retarded) are expected to migrate through the till and into the underlying sand channel. Trace element mobility was influenced by ion exchange, oxidation-reduction, and mineral phase reactions including reductive dissolution of metal oxyhydroxides - in accordance with previous observations within sandy aquifer settings. Furthermore, although several trace elements showed the potential for release (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb, Si, Sr), large-scale mobilization is not supported. Thus, the present results suggest that in addition to the commonly cited naphthenic acids, remediation of OSPW-impacted groundwater will need to address high concentrations of major ions contributing to salinization. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

76 FR 58543 - Draft Policy Statement on Volume Reduction and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-21

...-Level Radioactive Waste Management AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Reopening of comment... for public comment a draft Policy Statement on Volume Reduction and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management that updates the 1981 Policy Statement on Low-Level Waste Volume Reduction. The revised Policy...

Prioritizing environmental justice and equality: diesel emissions in southern California.

PubMed

Marshall, Julian D; Swor, Kathryn R; Nguyen, Nam P

2014-04-01

Existing environmental policies aim to reduce emissions but lack standards for addressing environmental justice. Environmental justice research documents disparities in exposure to air pollution; however, little guidance currently exists on how to make improvements or on how specific emission-reduction scenarios would improve or deteriorate environmental justice conditions. Here, we quantify how emission reductions from specific sources would change various measures of environmental equality and justice. We evaluate potential emission reductions for fine diesel particulate matter (DPM) in Southern California for five sources: on-road mobile, off-road mobile, ships, trains, and stationary. Our approach employs state-of-the-science dispersion and exposure models. We compare four environmental goals: impact, efficiency, equality, and justice. Results indicate potential trade-offs among those goals. For example, reductions in train emissions produce the greatest improvements in terms of efficiency, equality, and justice, whereas off-road mobile source reductions can have the greatest total impact. Reductions in on-road emissions produce improvements in impact, equality, and justice, whereas emission reductions from ships would widen existing population inequalities. Results are similar for complex versus simplified exposure analyses. The approach employed here could usefully be applied elsewhere to evaluate opportunities for improving environmental equality and justice in other locations.

Development and evaluation of a mobile intervention for heavy drinking and smoking among college students.

PubMed

Witkiewitz, Katie; Desai, Sruti A; Bowen, Sarah; Leigh, Barbara C; Kirouac, Megan; Larimer, Mary E

2014-09-01

Nearly all college student smokers also drink alcohol, and smoking and heavy episodic drinking (HED) commonly co-occur. However, few studies have examined the factors that concurrently influence smoking and HED among college students and, to date, no interventions have been developed that target both HED and smoking in this population. The objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate a mobile feedback intervention that targets HED and smoking. Participants (N = 94) were non-treatment-seeking college students (M(age) = 20.5 years, SD = 1.7) who engaged in at least a single HED episode in the past 2 weeks and reported concurrent smoking and drinking at least once a week. Participants were randomized to receive either the mobile intervention for 14 days, complete mobile assessments (without intervention) for 14 days, or complete minimal assessments (without intervention or mobile assessments). At a 1-month follow-up, compared with the minimal assessment condition, we observed significant reductions in the number of cigarettes per smoking day in both the mobile intervention (d = 0.55) and mobile assessment (d = 0.45) conditions. Among those randomized to the mobile intervention, receiving more modules of the intervention was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of any drinking during the 14-day assessment period and significant reductions in smoking at 1-month follow-up. The mobile intervention did not result in significant reductions in HED or concurrent smoking and drinking. Future research should continue to examine ways of using technology and the real-time environment to improve interventions for HED and smoking.

In situ stabilization of NAPL contaminant source-zones as a remediation technique to reduce mass discharge and flux to groundwater.

PubMed

Mateas, Douglas J; Tick, Geoffrey R; Carroll, Kenneth C

2017-09-01

Widely used flushing and in-situ destruction based remediation techniques (i.e. pump-and treat, enhanced-solubilization, and chemical oxidation/reduction) for sites contaminated by nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminant sources have been shown to be ineffective at complete mass removal and reducing aqueous-phase contaminant of concern (COC) concentrations to levels suitable for site closure. A remediation method was developed to reduce the aqueous solubility and mass-flux of COCs within NAPL through the in-situ creation of a NAPL mixture source-zone. In contrast to remediation techniques that rely on the rapid removal of contaminant mass, this technique relies on the stabilization of difficult-to-access NAPL sources to reduce COC mass flux to groundwater. A specific amount (volume) of relatively insoluble n-hexadecane (HEXDEC) or vegetable oil (VO) was injected into a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminant source-zone through a bench-scale flow cell port (i.e. well) to form a NAPL mixture of targeted mole fraction (TCE:HEXDEC or TCE:VO). NAPL-aqueous phase batch tests were conducted prior to the flow-cell experiments to evaluate the effects of various NAPL mixture ratios on equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations of TCE to design optimal NAPL (HEXDEC or VO) injection volumes for the flow-cell experiments. The NAPL-stabilization flow-cell experiments initiated and sustained significant reductions in COC concentration and mass flux due to a combination of both reduced relative permeability (increased NAPL-saturation) and via modification of NAPL composition (decreased TCE mole fraction). Variations in remediation performance (i.e. impacts on TCE concentration and mass flux reduction) between the different HEXDEC injection volumes were relatively minor, and therefore inconsistent with Raoult's Law predictions. This phenomenon likely resulted from non-uniform mixing of the injected HEXDEC with TCE in the source-zone. VO injection caused TCE concentrations and mass-flux to decrease more rapidly than with HEXDEC injections. This phenomenon occurred because the injected VO was observed to mix more uniformly with TCE in the source-zone due to a lower mobilization potential. The relative lower density differences (buoyancy effects) between VO and the flushing solution (water) was the primary factor contributing to the lower mobilization potential for VO. Overall, this study indicated that the delivery of HEXDEC or VO into the toxic TCE source-zone was effective in significantly reducing contaminant aqueous-phase concentration and mass-flux. However, the effectiveness of this in-situ NAPL stabilization technique depends on source delivery, uniform mixing of amendment, and that the amendment remains immobilized within and around the NAPL contaminant source. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single well surfactant test to evaluate surfactant floods using multi tracer method

DOEpatents

Sheely, Clyde Q.

1979-01-01

Data useful for evaluating the effectiveness of or designing an enhanced recovery process said process involving mobilizing and moving hydrocarbons through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation from an injection well to a production well by injecting a mobilizing fluid into the injection well, comprising (a) determining hydrocarbon saturation in a volume in the formation near a well bore penetrating formation, (b) injecting sufficient mobilizing fluid to mobilize and move hydrocarbons from a volume in the formation near the well bore, and (c) determining the hydrocarbon saturation in a volume including at least a part of the volume of (b) by an improved single well surfactant method comprising injecting 2 or more slugs of water containing the primary tracer separated by water slugs containing no primary tracer. Alternatively, the plurality of ester tracers can be injected in a single slug said tracers penetrating varying distances into the formation wherein the esters have different partition coefficients and essentially equal reaction times. The single well tracer method employed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,842. This method designated the single well surfactant test (SWST) is useful for evaluating the effect of surfactant floods, polymer floods, carbon dioxide floods, micellar floods, caustic floods and the like in subterranean formations in much less time and at much reduced cost compared to conventional multiwell pilot tests.

Association between Physical Activity Levels and Physiological Factors Underlying Mobility in Young, Middle-Aged and Older Individuals Living in a City District

PubMed Central

Laudani, Luca; Vannozzi, Giuseppe; Sawacha, Zimi; della Croce, Ugo; Cereatti, Andrea; Macaluso, Andrea

2013-01-01

Maintaining adequate levels of physical activity is known to preserve health status and functional independence as individuals grow older. However, the relationship between determinants of physical activity (volume and intensity) and physiological factors underlying mobility (cardio-respiratory fitness, neuromuscular function and functional abilities) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between objectively quantified physical activity and a spectrum of physiological factors underlying mobility in young, middle-aged and older individuals living in a city district. Experiments were carried out on 24 young (28±2 years), 24 middle-aged (48±2 years) and 24 older (70±3 years) gender-matched volunteers. Physical activity was monitored by a wearable activity monitor to quantify volume and intensity of overall physical activity and selected habitual activities over 24 hours. Ventilatory threshold was assessed during an incremental cycling test. Torque, muscle fiber conduction velocity and agonist-antagonist coactivation were measured during maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors and flexors. Ground reaction forces were measured during sit-to-stand and counter-movement jump. K-means cluster analysis was used to classify the participants’ physical activity levels based on parameters of volume and intensity. Two clusters of physical activity volume (i.e., high and low volume) and three clusters of physical activity intensity (i.e. high, medium and low intensity) were identified in all participants. Cardio-respiratory fitness was associated with volume of overall physical activity as well as lying, sitting, standing, walking and stair climbing. On the other hand, neuromuscular function and functional abilities showed a significant association with intensity of overall physical activity as well as postural transition, walking and stair climbing. As a practical application, the relative role played by volume and intensity of overall physical activity and selected habitual activities should be taken into account in the design of preventative training interventions to preserve mobility as individuals grow older. PMID:24040209

Detailed Project Report and Environmental Assessment on Upper Gordons Creek, Urban Flood Damage Reduction Measures at Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

REDUCTION MEASURES AT HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI US Army Corps SEPTEMBER 1986 of Engineers Mobile District DTIC South Atlantic Division O ELECTE S APR 14S1 87...8. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(&) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT. TASK U.S...Army Corps of Enineers AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS ATTN: SAMPD-FW 1 P.O. Box 2288, Mobile , AL 36628 $1. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT

Dynamics of intrapericardial and extrapericardial fat tissues during long-term, dietary-induced, moderate weight loss.

PubMed

Tsaban, Gal; Wolak, Arik; Avni-Hassid, Hila; Gepner, Yftach; Shelef, Ilan; Henkin, Yaakov; Schwarzfuchs, Dan; Cohen, Noa; Bril, Nitzan; Rein, Michal; Serfaty, Dana; Kenigsbuch, Shira; Tene, Lilac; Zelicha, Hila; Yaskolka-Meir, Anat; Komy, Oded; Bilitzky, Avital; Chassidim, Yoash; Ceglarek, Uta; Stumvoll, Michael; Blüher, Matthias; Thiery, Joachim; Dicker, Dror; Rudich, Assaf; Stampfer, Meir J; Shai, Iris

2017-10-01

Background: In view of evidence linking pericardial fat accumulation with increased cardiovascular disease risk, strategies to reduce its burden are needed. Data comparing the effects of specific long-term dietary interventions on pericardial fat tissue mobilization are sparse. Objective: We sought to evaluate intrapericardial-fat (IPF) and extrapericardial-fat (EPF) changes during weight-loss interventions by different dietary regimens. Design: During 18 mo of a randomized controlled trial, we compared a Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate (MED/LC) diet plus 28 g walnuts/d with a calorically equal low-fat (LF) diet among randomly assigned participants with moderate abdominal obesity. We performed whole-body MRI and volumetrically quantified IPF and EPF among 80 participants to follow the 18-mo changes. Results: The participants [mean age: 48.6 y; mean body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ); 31.7; 90% men] had baseline IPF and EPF (mean ± SD) volumes of 172.4 ± 53.3 mL and 194.9 ± 71.5 mL, respectively. The 18-mo moderate weight loss of 3.7 kg was similar in both groups, but the reduction in waist circumference was higher in the MED/LC group (-6.9 ± 6.6 cm) than in the LF diet group (-2.3 ± 6.5 cm; P = 0.01). After 18 mo, the IPF volume had reduced twice as much in the MED/LC group compared with the LF group [-37 ± 26.2 mL (-22% ± 15%) compared with -15.5 ± 26.2 mL (-8% ± 15%), respectively; P < 0.05, after adjustment for changes in weight or visceral adipose tissue]. The EPF volume had reduced similarly in both groups [-41.6 ± 30.2 mL (-23% ± 16%) in the MED/LC group compared with -37.9 ± 28.3 mL (-19% ± 14%) in the LF group; P > 0.1]. After controlling for weight loss, IPF and EPF volume reduction paralleled changes in lipid profile but not with improved glycemic profile variables: the IPF relative reduction was associated with a decrease in triglycerides (TGs) (β = 0.090; 95% CI: 0.026, 0.154; P = 0.007) and the ratio of TGs to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (β = 2.689; 95% CI: 0.373, 5.003; P = 0.024), and the EPF relative reduction was associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol (β = -0.452; 95% CI: -0.880, -0.023; P = 0.039) and a decrease in total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (β = 3.766; 95% CI: 1.092, 6.440; P = 0.007). Conclusions: Moderate but persistent dietary-induced weight loss substantially decreased both IPF and EPF volumes. Reduction of pericardial adipose tissues is independently associated with an improved lipid profile. The Mediterranean diet, rich in unsaturated fats and restricted carbohydrates, is superior to an LF diet in terms of the IPF burden reduction. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01530724. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Assessment of volume reduction effect after lung lobectomy for cancer.

PubMed

Ueda, Kazuhiro; Murakami, Junichi; Sano, Fumiho; Hayashi, Masataro; Kobayashi, Taiga; Kunihiro, Yoshie; Hamano, Kimikazu

2015-07-01

Lung lobectomy results in an unexpected improvement of the remaining lung function in some patients with moderate-to-severe emphysema. Because the lung function is the main limiting factor for therapeutic decision making in patients with lung cancer, it may be advantageous to identify patients who may benefit from the volume reduction effect, particularly those with a poor functional reserve. We measured the regional distribution of the emphysematous lung and normal lung using quantitative computed tomography in 84 patients undergoing lung lobectomy for cancer between January 2010 and December 2012. The volume reduction effect was diagnosed using a combination of radiologic and spirometric parameters. Eight patients (10%) were favorably affected by the volume reduction effect. The forced expiratory volume in one second increased postoperatively in these eight patients, whereas the forced vital capacity was unchanged, thus resulting in an improvement of the airflow obstruction postoperatively. This improvement was not due to a compensatory expansion of the remaining lung but was associated with a relative decrease in the forced end-expiratory lung volume. According to a multivariate analysis, airflow obstruction and the forced end-expiratory lung volume were independent predictors of the volume reduction effect. A combined assessment using spirometry and quantitative computed tomography helped to characterize the respiratory dynamics underlying the volume reduction effect, thus leading to the identification of novel predictors of a volume reduction effect after lobectomy for cancer. Verification of our results by a large-scale prospective study may help to extend the indications for lobectomy in patients with oncologically resectable lung cancer who have a marginal pulmonary function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of topography on pyroclastic flow mobility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogburn, S. E.; Calder, E. S.

2010-12-01

Pyroclastic flows are among the most destructive volcanic phenomena. Hazard mitigation depends upon accurate forecasting of possible flow paths, often using computational models. Two main metrics have been proposed to describe the mobility of pyroclastic flows. The Heim coefficient, height-dropped/run-out (H/L), exhibits an inverse relationship with flow volume. This coefficient corresponds to the coefficient of friction and informs computational models that use Coulomb friction laws. Another mobility measure states that with constant shear stress, planimetric area is proportional to the flow volume raised to the 2/3 power (A∝V^(2/3)). This relationship is incorporated in models using constant shear stress instead of constant friction, and used directly by some empirical models. Pyroclastic flows from Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat; Unzen, Japan; Colima, Mexico; and Augustine, Alaska are well described by these metrics. However, flows in specific valleys exhibit differences in mobility. This study investigates the effect of topography on pyroclastic flow mobility, as measured by the above mentioned mobility metrics. Valley width, depth, and cross-sectional area all influence flow mobility. Investigating the appropriateness of these mobility measures, as well as the computational models they inform, indicates certain circumstances under which each model performs optimally. Knowing which conditions call for which models allows for better model selection or model weighting, and therefore, more realistic hazard predictions.

Mobile contract services: what you need to know.

PubMed

Inman, M

2000-01-01

With sufficient planning and ongoing attention to detail, the performance of a mobile imaging service provider can exceed expectations and requirements. The relationship can prove to be mutually agreeable and profitable for many years. But, when contracting mobile services, you cannot spend too much time on initial research and detail. Several scenarios present outsourcing or mobile services as an acceptable alternative to purchase or lease: outdated equipment, novel or under-utilized technologies, the need for incrementally added or temporary service. To find suitable providers, check with peer sources in your area for recommendations; look specifically for facilities that are comparable in size and volume to your facility. Expect that larger volume facilities will rate more favorable schedules or pricing. Obtain and check references. Require mobile service providers to adhere to the same state and federal laws, rules and regulations that govern your facility; receive the assurance of compliance in writing if it is not specifically addressed in the contract. JCAHO requires that any contract service provider be governed by the same requirements as the accredited facility. Several other rules or licensing requirements may also pertain to mobile services. A prevailing reason for outsourcing imaging services is high equipment costs that cannot be justified with current volume projections. However, equipment quality should not be compromised; it must meet your needs and be in good repair. The mobile service provider you choose should be an extension of your department; quality standards must exist unilaterally. The set rule for assessing mobile service fees is that there is no set rule. There are many ways to negotiate the fee schedule so that it meets the needs of both parties. An effective marketing campaign lets physicians and patients know what you have available. Work with the mobile service provider to plan an initial announcement or open house. The mobile provider should also have patient education materials for referring physicians and your hospital. Having the mobile technologist meet with the radiologists to discuss written protocols will eliminate misunderstandings concerning expectations of both parties; ongoing communication is vital.

The dynamic volume changes of polymerising polymethyl methacrylate bone cement.

PubMed

Muller, Scott D; Green, Sarah M; McCaskie, Andrew W

2002-12-01

The Swedish hip register found an increased risk of early revision of vacuum-mixed cemented total hip replacements. The influence of cement mixing technique on the dynamic volume change in polymerising PMMA is not well understood and may be relevant to this observation. Applying Archimedes' principle, we have investigated the dynamic volume changes in polymerising cement and determined the influence of mixing technique. All specimens showed an overall volume reduction: hand-mixed 3.4% and vacuum-mixed 6.0%. Regression analysis of sectional porosity and volume reduction showed a highly significant relationship. Hand-mixed porous cement showed a transient volume increase before solidification. However, vacuum-mixed cement showed a progressive volume reduction throughout polymerisation. Transient expansion of porous cement occurs at the critical time of micro-interlock formation, possibly improving fixation. Conversely, progressive volume reduction of vacuum-mixed cement throughout the formation of interlock may damage fixation. Stable fixation of vacuum-mixed cement may depend on additional techniques to offset the altered volumetric behaviour of vacuum-mixed cement.

Water activity and mobility in solutions of glycerol and small molecular weight sugars: Implication for cryo- and lyopreservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaoming; Fowler, Alex; Toner, Mehmet

2006-10-01

In this study, the free volume models, originally developed for large molecular weight polymer-solvent systems, were used to study the water activity and mobility in solutions of four small molecular weight cryo-/lyoprotectants, viz., glycerol, a monosaccharide (fructose), and two disaccharides (sucrose and trehalose). The free volume model parameters were determined by fitting the models to available experimental data using a nonlinear optimization procedure. It was found that free volume models could accurately predict the available experimental data, which suggests that the free volume models might be generally applicable to aqueous solutions of small molecular weight cryo-/lyoprotectants. Furthermore, several models for estimating the mutual diffusion coefficient were tested using available experimental data for aqueous solutions of glycerol and a better method to estimate the mutual diffusion coefficient was proposed. Free volume models were used to predict and analyze the water activity and mobility in solutions of four cryo-/lyoprotectants under conditions frequently encountered in cryo-/lyopreservation applications. It was found that the water mobility in the glassy state of the above four solutions is essentially negligible in the case of cryopreservation with storage temperature lower than -110°C. However, the water mobility in a glass at higher temperature (>-80°C) may be significant. As a result, a subcooling of up to 50°C may be necessary for the long-term cryo-/lyopreservation of biomaterials depending on the water content and the type of cryo-/lyoprotectants. It was further shown that trehalose might be the best of the four protectants studied for lyopreservation (water mass fraction ⩽0.1) when the storage temperature is above the room temperature. The results from this study might be useful for the development of more effective protocols for both cryopreservation and lyopreservation of living cells and other biomaterials.

Administration of goserelin acetate after uterine artery embolization does not change the reduction rate and volume of uterine myomas.

PubMed

Vilos, George A; Vilos, Angelos G; Abu-Rafea, Basim; Pron, Gaylene; Kozak, Roman; Garvin, Greg

2006-05-01

To determine if goserelin immediately after uterine artery embolization (UAE) affected myoma reduction. Randomized pilot study (level 1). Teaching hospital. Twenty-six women. All patients underwent UAE, and then 12 patients received 10.8 mg of goserelin 24 hours later. The treatment group was 5 years older: 43 versus 37.7 years. Uterine and myoma volumes were measured by ultrasound 2 weeks before UAE and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Uterine and fibroid volumes. Pretreatment uterine volume was 477 versus 556 cm3, and dominant fibroid volume was 257 versus 225 cm3 in the control versus goserelin groups. Analysis of variance measurements indicated that the change over time did not significantly differ between the two groups. By 12 months, the control group had a mean uterine volume reduction of 58%, while the goserelin group had a reduction of 45%. Dominant fibroid changes over time did not differ between the two groups. At 12 months, the mean fibroid volume had decreased by 86% and 58% in the control and goserelin groups, respectively. The addition of goserelin therapy to UAE did not alter the reduction rate or volume of uterine myomas.

Association between mobile phone traffic volume and road crash fatalities: A population-based case-crossover study.

PubMed

Gariazzo, Claudio; Stafoggia, Massimo; Bruzzone, Silvia; Pelliccioni, Armando; Forastiere, Francesco

2018-06-01

Use of mobile phones while driving is known to cause crashes with possible fatalities. Different habits of mobile phone use might be distracting forces and display differential impacts on accident risk; the assessment of the relative importance is relevant to implement prevention, mitigation, and control measures. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the use of mobile phones at population level and road crash fatalities in large urban areas. Data on road crashes with fatalities were collected from seven Italian metropolitan areas and matched in time and space with high resolution mobile phone traffic volume data about calls, texts, Internet connections and upload/download data. A case-crossover study design was applied to estimate the relative risks of road accident for increases in each type of mobile phone traffic volumes in underlying population present in the small areas where accidents occurred. Effect modification was evaluated by weekday/weekend, hour of the day, meteorological conditions, and street densities. Positive associations between road crashes rates and the number of calls, texts, and Internet connections were found, with incremental risks of 17.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 7.7, 27.6), 8.4% (CI 0.7, 16.8), and 54.6% (CI 34.0, 78.5) per increases (at 15 min intervals) of 5 calls/100 people, 3 text/100 people, and 40 connections/100 people, respectively. Small differences across cities were detected. Working days, nighttime and morning hours were associated with greater phone use and more road accidents. The relationship between mobile phone use and road fatalities at population level is strong. Strict controls on cellular phone in the vehicle may results in a large health benefit. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ion size effects on the electrokinetics of spherical particles in salt-free concentrated suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roa, Rafael; Carrique, Felix; Ruiz-Reina, Emilio

2012-02-01

In this work we study the influence of the counterion size on the electrophoretic mobility and on the dynamic mobility of a suspended spherical particle in a salt-free concentrated colloidal suspension. Salt-free suspensions contain charged particles and the added counterions that counterbalance their surface charge. A spherical cell model approach is used to take into account particle-particle electro-hydrodynamic interactions in concentrated suspensions. The finite size of the counterions is considered including an entropic contribution, related with the excluded volume of the ions, in the free energy of the suspension, giving rise to a modified counterion concentration profile. We are interested in studying the linear response of the system to an electric field, thus we solve the different electrokinetic equations by using a linear perturbation scheme. We find that the ionic size effect is quite important for moderate to high particles charges at a given particle volume fraction. In addition for such particle surface charges, both the electrophoretic mobility and the dynamic mobility suffer more important changes the larger the particle volume fraction for each ion size. The latter effects are more relevant the larger the ionic size.

Iodine retention during evaporative volume reduction

DOEpatents

Godbee, H.W.; Cathers, G.I.; Blanco, R.E.

1975-11-18

An improved method for retaining radioactive iodine in aqueous waste solutions during volume reduction is disclosed. The method applies to evaporative volume reduction processes whereby the decontaminated (evaporated) water can be returned safely to the environment. The method generally comprises isotopically diluting the waste solution with a nonradioactive iodide and maintaining the solution at a high pH during evaporation.

Upward Mobility Programs in the Service Sector for Disadvantaged and Dislocated Workers. Volume I: Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tao, Fumiyo; And Others

Upward mobility programs in the service sector for low-skilled, economically disadvantaged, and dislocated or displaced workers promote employment security, career development, and productivity. Two basic types of upward mobility programs are basic and job-specific skills training. Although 60-80 percent of all employer-sponsored formal training…

An Agent Based Collaborative Simplification of 3D Mesh Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Li-Rong; Yu, Bo; Hagiwara, Ichiro

Large-volume mesh model faces the challenge in fast rendering and transmission by Internet. The current mesh models obtained by using three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology are usually very large in data volume. This paper develops a mobile agent based collaborative environment on the development platform of mobile-C. Communication among distributed agents includes grasping image of visualized mesh model, annotation to grasped image and instant message. Remote and collaborative simplification can be efficiently conducted by Internet.

High-productivity DRIE solutions for 3D-SiP and MEMS volume manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puech, M.; Thevenoud, J. M.; Launay, N.; Arnal, N.; Godinat, P.; Andrieu, B.; Gruffat, J. M.

2006-12-01

Emerging 3D-SiP technologies and high volume MEMS applications require high productivity mass production DRIE systems. The Alcatel DRIE product range has recently been optimized to reach the highest process and hardware production performances. A study based on sub-micron high aspect ratio structures encountered in the most stringent 3D-SiP has been carried out. The optimization of the Bosch process parameters have shown ultra high silicon etch rate, with unrivaled uniformity and repeatability leading to excellent process yields. In parallel, most recent hardware and proprietary design optimization including vacuum pumping lines, process chamber, wafer chucks, pressure control system, gas delivery are discussed. A key factor for achieving the highest performances was the recognized expertise of Alcatel vacuum and plasma science technologies. These improvements have been monitored in a mass production environment for a mobile phone application. Field data analysis shows a significant reduction of cost of ownership thanks to increased throughput and much lower running costs. These benefits are now available for all 3D-SiP and high volume MEMS applications. The typical etched patterns include tapered trenches for CMOS imagers, through silicon via holes for die stacking, well controlled profile angle for 3D high precision inertial sensors, and large exposed area features for inkjet printer head and Silicon microphones.

Determination of void volume in normal phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Jiang, Ping; Wu, Di; Lucy, Charles A

2014-01-10

Void volume is an important fundamental parameter in chromatography. Little prior discussion has focused on the determination of void volume in normal phase liquid chromatography (NPLC). Various methods to estimate the total void volume are compared: pycnometry; minor disturbance method based on injection of weak solvent; tracer pulse method; hold-up volume based on unretained compounds; and accessible volume based on Martin's rule and its descendants. These are applied to NPLC on silica, RingSep and DNAP columns. Pycnometry provides a theoretically maximum value for the total void volume and should be performed at least once for each new column. However, pycnometry does not reflect the volume of adsorbed strong solvent on the stationary phase, and so only yields an accurate void volume for weaker mobile phase conditions. 1,3,5-Tri-t-butyl benzene (TTBB) results in hold-up volumes that are convenient measures of the void volume for all eluent conditions on charge-transfer columns (RingSep and DNAP), but is weakly retained under weak eluent conditions on silica. Injection of the weak mobile phase component (hexane) may be used to determine void volume, but care must be exercised to select the appropriate disturbance feature. Accessible volumes, that are determined using a homologous series, are always biased low, and are not recommended as a measure of the void volume. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluoride Induces a Volume Reduction in CA1 Hippocampal Slices Via MAP Kinase Pathway Through Volume Regulated Anion Channels

PubMed Central

Lee, Jaekwang; Han, Young-Eun; Favorov, Oleg; Tommerdahl, Mark; Whitsel, Barry

2016-01-01

Regulation of cell volume is an important aspect of cellular homeostasis during neural activity. This volume regulation is thought to be mediated by activation of specific transporters, aquaporin, and volume regulated anion channels (VRAC). In cultured astrocytes, it was reported that swelling-induced mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation is required to open VRAC, which are thought to be important in regulatory volume decrease and in the response of CNS to trauma and excitotoxicity. It has been also described that sodium fluoride (NaF), a recognized G-protein activator and protein phosphatase inhibitor, leads to a significant MAP kinase activation in endothelial cells. However, NaF's effect in volume regulation in the brain is not known yet. Here, we investigated the mechanism of NaF-induced volume change in rat and mouse hippocampal slices using intrinsic optical signal (IOS) recording, in which we measured relative changes in intracellular and extracellular volume as changes in light transmittance through brain slices. We found that NaF (1~5 mM) application induced a reduction in light transmittance (decreased volume) in CA1 hippocampus, which was completely reversed by MAP kinase inhibitor U0126 (10 µM). We also observed that NaF-induced volume reduction was blocked by anion channel blockers, suggesting that NaF-induced volume reduction could be mediated by VRAC. Overall, our results propose a novel molecular mechanism of NaF-induced volume reduction via MAP kinase signaling pathway by activation of VRAC. PMID:27122993

Tumor Volume Reduction Rate After Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy as a Prognostic Factor in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

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

Yeo, Seung-Gu; Department of Radiation Oncology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan; Kim, Dae Yong, E-mail: radiopiakim@hanmail.net

2012-02-01

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic significance of tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods and Materials: In total, 430 primary LARC (cT3-4) patients who were treated with preoperative CRT and curative radical surgery between May 2002 and March 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Pre- and post-CRT tumor volumes were measured using three-dimensional region-of-interest MR volumetry. Tumor volume reduction rate was determined using the equation TVRR (%) = (pre-CRT tumor volume - post-CRT tumor volume) Multiplication-Sign 100/pre-CRT tumor volume. The median follow-up period was 64 months (range, 27-99 months) for survivors. Endpoints weremore » disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The median TVRR was 70.2% (mean, 64.7% {+-} 22.6%; range, 0-100%). Downstaging (ypT0-2N0M0) occurred in 183 patients (42.6%). The 5-year DFS and OS rates were 77.7% and 86.3%, respectively. In the analysis that included pre-CRT and post-CRT tumor volumes and TVRR as continuous variables, only TVRR was an independent prognostic factor. Tumor volume reduction rate was categorized according to a cutoff value of 45% and included with clinicopathologic factors in the multivariate analysis; ypN status, circumferential resection margin, and TVRR were significant prognostic factors for both DFS and OS. Conclusions: Tumor volume reduction rate was a significant prognostic factor in LARC patients receiving preoperative CRT. Tumor volume reduction rate data may be useful for tailoring surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy after preoperative CRT.« less

Synaptic Vesicle Mobility and Presynaptic F-Actin Are Disrupted in a N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive Factor Allele of Drosophila

PubMed Central

Nunes, Paula; Haines, Nicola; Kuppuswamy, Venkat; Fleet, David J.

2006-01-01

N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) can dissociate the soluble NSF attachment receptor (SNARE) complex, but NSF also participates in other intracellular trafficking functions by virtue of SNARE-independent activity. Drosophila that express a neural transgene encoding a dominant-negative form of NSF2 show an 80% reduction in the size of releasable synaptic vesicle pool, but no change in the number of vesicles in nerve terminal boutons. Here we tested the hypothesis that vesicles in the NSF2 mutant terminal are less mobile. Using a combination of genetics, pharmacology, and imaging we find a substantial reduction in vesicle mobility within the nerve terminal boutons of Drosophila NSF2 mutant larvae. Subsequent analysis revealed a decrease of filamentous actin in both NSF2 dominant-negative and loss-of-function mutants. Lastly, actin-filament disrupting drugs also decrease vesicle movement. We conclude that a factor contributing to the NSF mutant phenotype is a reduction in vesicle mobility, which is associated with decreased presynaptic F-actin. Our data are consistent with a model in which actin filaments promote vesicle mobility and suggest that NSF participates in establishing or maintaining this population of actin. PMID:16914524

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

Garimella, Sandilya V. B.; Ibrahim, Yehia M.; Tang, Keqi

A novel concept for ion spatial peak compression is described, and discussed primarily in the context of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Using theoretical and numerical methods, the effects of using non-constant (e.g., linearly varying) electric fields on ion distributions (e.g., an ion mobility peak) is evaluated both in the physical and temporal domains. The application of linearly decreasing electric field in conjunction with conventional drift field arrangements is shown to lead to a reduction in IMS physical peak width. When multiple ion packets in a selected mobility window are simultaneously subjected to such fields, there is ion packet compression, i.e.,more » a reduction in peak widths of all species. This peak compression occurs with a modest reduction of resolution, but which can be quickly recovered as ions drift in a constant field after the compression event. Compression also yields a significant increase in peak intensities. In addition, approaches for peak compression in traveling wave IMS are also discussed. Ion mobility peak compression can be particularly useful for mitigating diffusion driven peak spreading over very long path length separations (e.g., in cyclic multi-pass arrangements), and for achieving higher S/N and IMS resolution over a selected mobility range.« less

Pseudo tumors of the lung after lung volume reduction surgery.

PubMed

Oey, Inger F; Jeyapalan, Kanagaratnam; Entwisle, James J; Waller, David A

2004-03-01

We describe 2 patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery, who postoperatively had computed tomographic scans that showed symptomatic mass lesions suggestive of malignancy and an inhaled foreign body. Investigations excluded these conditions with the remaining likely diagnosis of pseudotumor secondary to buttressing material. These potential sequelae of lung volume reduction surgery should be recognized in follow-up investigations.

Global Scale Analysis of Martian Landslide Mobility and Paleoenvironmental Clues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crosta, Giovanni Battista; De Blasio, Fabio Vittorio; Frattini, Paolo

2018-04-01

The mobility of landslides on Mars is studied based on a database of 3,118 events. To establish the volume of the landslides for the whole data set based on the deposit area, a new volume-area relationship based on a representative data set of 222 landslides is used. By plotting the H/L ratio between fall height H and runout L versus volume, the landslide mobility is analyzed and compared with existing empirical relationships for Martian and terrestrial landslides. By analyzing the mobility in terms of normalized residuals, that is, the relative deviation of the H/L ratio from the data set best-fit line, mobility is found to depend on both the landslide location on Mars and the landslide typology. This allows us to identify four different types of high-mobility (hypermobile) landslides. Three classes of high-mobility landslides are associated respectively to meteoroid impact, the Olympus Mons aureoles, and landslides with Toreva-block failure style, and their mobility can be explained by the peculiar flow mechanics. The fourth class includes landslides associated with isolated craters, those in the regions wetted by the putative Oceanus Borealis, and the ones at high latitudes. We suggest that the common factor behind all the hypermobile landslides of this fourth kind is the presence of ice. This is confirmed by our data showing that landslides increase in mobility with latitude. The latitudinal trend mirrors the distribution of ice as detected by radar, neutron probes, and the presence of glacial and layered ejecta morphologies. Because the overall landslide distribution supports the presence of ice-lubricated conditions, two ice lubrication models are presented showing how ice melting within or underneath the landslides could enhance mobility. By proper analysis in terms of apparent friction residuals, we find that the mobility of landslides in Valles Marineris with the largest landslide concentration is lower than average. We explain this circumstance partly from the smaller role of ice in equatorial Valles Marineris and partly because the collapses from high slope relief imply high-speed impact with the floor valley confinement, loss of momentum, and decrease in mobility. Environmental consequences imply that the present subsurface ice distribution may have been persistent throughout the Amazonian period.

Transportation management center data capture for performance and mobility measures guidebook.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

The Guide to Transportation Management Center (TMC) Data Capture for Performance and Mobility Measures is a two-volume document consisting of this summary Guidebook and a Reference Manual. These documents provide technical guidance and recommended pr...

Characterization of a water-solid interaction in a partially ordered system.

PubMed

Chakravarty, Paroma; Lubach, Joseph W

2013-11-04

GNE068-PC, a developmental compound, was previously characterized to be mesomorphous, i.e. having long-range order associated with significant local molecular disorder (Chakravarty et. al., Mol. Pharmaceutics, accepted). The compound was exposed to moisture under different relative humidity conditions ranging from 11% to 60% RH at room temperature (RT) for 7 days, and the resultant product phases were characterized. The partially ordered sample progressively lost crystallinity (long-range order) and birefringence (orientational order) upon exposure to increasing RH conditions, leading to the formation of a completely disordered amorphous phase at 60% RH (RT). Long-range positional order was irrecoverable even after moisture removal from the sample exposed to 60% RH. This was attributed to replacement of residual ethyl acetate by water, the former being critical for maintenance of long-range order in the material. In addition, water sorption appeared to irreversibly alter the molecular orientation, thereby affecting sample birefringence. Solid-state NMR revealed increases in (1)H and (13)C spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) going from the mesomorphous phase to the fully amorphous phase. This was indicative of reduction in lattice mobility, likely due to the decreased motion of the aromatic portions of the molecule, in particular C17, which showed the most dramatic increase in (13)C T1. This is likely due to decrease in available free volume upon water sorption. Drying of the hydrated disordered phase showed somewhat greater mobility than the hydrated phase, likely due to increased relative free volume through removal of water. A water-solid interaction therefore irreversibly changed the solid-state makeup of GNE068-PC.

Control of Sediment Availability on the Path of Channel Recovery in Bedload-Dominated Rivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doyle, H.; Renshaw, C. E.; Magilligan, F. J.

2015-12-01

Following a disturbance, a channel can recover to an equilibrium form by adjusting its slope, width, depth, grain size, or some combination of these dimensions that define the recovery path. In this study we relate the channel recovery path to the quantity and caliber of sediment introduced due to dam construction/removal or erosion caused by flooding. We suggest that the recovery path of a channel depends on the availability of sediment of a size that is transported as bedload during bankfull flows (the "mobile fraction"). We define a ratio, S*, of the sediment volume added to the channel because of the disturbance to the average annual sediment flux. We compare S* values to the recovery path of New England gravel-bedded streams following two dam emplacements and removals and flooding related to Tropical Storm Irene. Pelham Dam in Pelham, MA (removed 2012) and Kendrick Dam in Pittsford, VT (removed 2014) were on similar streams: drainage areas ~25 km2, slopes 1-2%, and bankfull widths ~10 m. Sediment was excavated from both impoundments prior to removal, resulting in lower S* values. Irene-affected study sites are on ~10 gravel-bedded streams in VT, NH, and MA. Sediment input at these sites is due to bank failures and landslides, many of which continue to supply sediment to the channel four years after flooding. To track recovery we collected annual topographic and sediment size data and calculated Shields numbers to determine if channels had reached an equilibrium form. We define equilibrium for bedload rivers as Shields numbers at bankfull discharge equal to that required to initiate bedload transport. Following dam emplacements the channels failed to recover because mobile sediment was unavailable. Fining dominated the recovery at Irene-affected sites (~10% reduction in sediment size) and dam removal sites (up to 30-60% reduction) with little post-disturbance change in channel geometry, possibly due to the limited mobile fraction.

Analytical Method for Determining Tetrazene in Water.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

8217-decanesulfonic acid sodium salt. The mobile phase pH was adjusted to 3 with glacial acetic acid. The modified mobile phase was optimal for separating of...modified with sodium tartrate, gave a well-defined reduction wave at the dropping mercury electrode. The height of the reduction wave was proportional to...anitmony trisulphide, nitrocellulose, PETN, powdered aluminum and calcium silicide . The primer samples were sequentially extracted, first with

Evolution of Mobil`s methods to evaluate exploration and producing opportunities

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

Gaynor, C.B.; Cook, D.M. Jr.

1996-08-01

Over the past decade, Mobil has changed significantly in size, structure and focus to improve profitability. Concurrently, work processes and methodologies have been modified to improve resource utilization and opportunity selection. The key imperative has been recognition of the full range of hydrocarbon volume uncertainty, its risk and value. Exploration has focussed on increasing success through improved geotechnical estimates and demonstrating value addition. For Producing, the important tasks: (1) A centralized Exploration and Producing team was formed to help ensure an integrated, consistent worldwide approach to prospect and field assessments. Monte Carlo simulation was instituted to recognize probability-weighted ranges ofmore » possible outcomes for prospects and fields, and hydrocarbon volume category definitions were standardized. (2) Exploration instituted a global Prospect Inventory, tracking wildcat predictions vs. results. Performance analyses led to initiatives to improve the quality and consistency of assessments. Process improvement efforts included the use of multidisciplinary teams and peer reviews. Continued overestimates of hydrocarbon volumes prompted methodology changes such as the use of {open_quotes}reality checks{close_quotes} and log-normal distributions. The communication of value predictions and additions became paramount. (3) Producing now recognizes the need for Exploration`s commercial discoveries and new Producing ventures, notwithstanding the associated risk. Multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and geoscientists work on post-discovery assessments to optimize field development and maximize the value of opportunities. Mobil now integrates volume and risk assessment with correlative future capital investment programs to make proactive strategic choices to maximize shareholder value.« less

Remote volume rendering pipeline for mHealth applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutenko, Ievgeniia; Petkov, Kaloian; Papadopoulos, Charilaos; Zhao, Xin; Park, Ji Hwan; Kaufman, Arie; Cha, Ronald

2014-03-01

We introduce a novel remote volume rendering pipeline for medical visualization targeted for mHealth (mobile health) applications. The necessity of such a pipeline stems from the large size of the medical imaging data produced by current CT and MRI scanners with respect to the complexity of the volumetric rendering algorithms. For example, the resolution of typical CT Angiography (CTA) data easily reaches 512^3 voxels and can exceed 6 gigabytes in size by spanning over the time domain while capturing a beating heart. This explosion in data size makes data transfers to mobile devices challenging, and even when the transfer problem is resolved the rendering performance of the device still remains a bottleneck. To deal with this issue, we propose a thin-client architecture, where the entirety of the data resides on a remote server where the image is rendered and then streamed to the client mobile device. We utilize the display and interaction capabilities of the mobile device, while performing interactive volume rendering on a server capable of handling large datasets. Specifically, upon user interaction the volume is rendered on the server and encoded into an H.264 video stream. H.264 is ubiquitously hardware accelerated, resulting in faster compression and lower power requirements. The choice of low-latency CPU- and GPU-based encoders is particularly important in enabling the interactive nature of our system. We demonstrate a prototype of our framework using various medical datasets on commodity tablet devices.

Thin Film Research. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-30

Hard Sphere Model *.......... 46 ao *o32 2. Relaxation and Mobility ..... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 33 3. Extensions of the Program...Source - One possible means of increasing adatom mobility on the growing film surface is irradiation by ultraviolet light. Toward this end, a 1000-W...that increasing the mobility of adatoms in the growing film leads to a denser, less porous, structure for many materials. Presumably, this leads to

Remarkable reduction in the threshold voltage of pentacene-based thin film transistors with pentacene/CuPc sandwich configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi; Liu, Qi; Cai, Jing; Li, Yun; Shi, Yi; Wang, Xizhang; Hu, Zheng

2014-06-01

This study investigates the remarkable reduction in the threshold voltage (VT) of pentacene-based thin film transistors with pentacene/copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) sandwich configuration. This reduction is accompanied by increased mobility and lowered sub-threshold slope (S). Sandwich devices coated with a 5 nm layer of CuPc layer are compared with conventional top-contact devices, and results indicate that VT decreased significantly from -20.4 V to -0.2 V, that mobility increased from 0.18 cm2/Vs to 0.51 cm2/Vs, and that S was reduced from 4.1 V/dec to 2.9 V/dec. However, the on/off current ratio remains at 105. This enhanced performance could be attributed to the reduction in charge trap density by the incorporated CuPc layer. Results suggest that this method is simple and effectively generates pentacene-based organic thin film transistors with high mobility and low VT.

Flank instability assessment at Kick-'em-Jenny submarine volcano (Grenada, Lesser Antilles): a multidisciplinary approach using experiments and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dondin, F. J.-Y.; Heap, M. J.; Robertson, R. E. A.; Dorville, J.-F. M.; Carey, S.

2017-01-01

Kick-'em-Jenny (KeJ)—located ca. 8 km north of the island of Grenada—is the only active submarine volcano of the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc. Previous investigations of KeJ revealed that it lies within a collapse scar inherited from a past flank instability episode. To assess the likelihood of future collapse, we employ here a combined laboratory and modeling approach. Lavas collected using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) provided samples to perform the first rock physical property measurements for the materials comprising the KeJ edifice. Uniaxial and triaxial deformation experiments showed that the dominant failure mode within the edifice host rock is brittle. Edifice fractures (such as those at Champagne Vent) will therefore assist the outgassing of the nearby magma-filled conduit, favoring effusive behavior. These laboratory data were then used as input parameters in models of slope stability. First, relative slope stability analysis revealed that the SW to N sector of the volcano displays a deficit of mass/volume with respect to a volcanoid (ideal 3D surface). Slope stability analysis using a limit equilibrium method (LEM) showed that KeJ is currently stable, since all values of stability factor or factor of safety (Fs) are greater than unity. The lowest values of Fs were found for the SW-NW sector of the volcano (the sector displaying a mass/volume deficit). Although currently stable, KeJ may become unstable in the future. Instability (severe reductions in Fs) could result, for example, from overpressurization due to the growth of a cryptodome. Our modeling has shown that instability-induced flank collapse will most likely initiate from the SW-NW sector of KeJ, therefore mobilizing a volume of at least ca. 0.7 km3. The mobilization of ca. 0.7 km3 of material is certainly capable of generating a tsunami that poses a significant hazard to the southern islands of the West Indies.

Effect of middle ear fluid on sound transmission and auditory brainstem response in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Guan, Xiying; Gan, Rong Z

2011-07-01

Combined measurements of middle ear transfer function and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in live guinea pigs with middle ear effusion (MEE) are reported in this paper. The MEE model was created by injecting saline into the middle ear cavity. Vibrations of the tympanic membrane (TM), the tip of the incus, and the round window membrane (RWM) were measured with a laser vibrometer at frequencies of 0.2-40 kHz when the middle ear fluid increased from 0 to 0.2 ml (i.e., full fill of the cavity). The click and pure tone ABRs were recorded as the middle ear fluid increased. Fluid introduction reduced mobility of the TM, incus and RWM mainly at high frequencies (f > 1 kHz). The magnitude of this reduction was related to the volume of fluid. The displacement transmission ratio of the TM to incus varied with frequency and fluid level. The volume displacement ratio of the oval window to round window was approximately 1.0 over most frequencies. Elevation of ABR thresholds and prolongation of ABR latencies were observed as fluid level increased. Reduction of TM displacement correlated well with elevation of ABR threshold at 0.5-8 kHz. Alterations in the ratio of ossicular displacements before and after fluid induction are consistent with fluid-induced changes in complex ossicular motions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dual mobility cups provide biomechanical advantages in situations at risk for dislocation: a finite element analysis.

PubMed

Terrier, Alexandre; Latypova, Adeliya; Guillemin, Maika; Parvex, Valérie; Guyen, Olivier

2017-03-01

Constrained devices, standard implants with large heads, and dual mobility systems have become popular options to manage instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Clinical results with these options have shown variable success rates and significant higher rates of aseptic loosening and mechanical failures with constrained implants. Literature suggests potential advantages of dual mobility, however little is known about its biomechanics. We present a comparative biomechanical study of a standard implant, a constrained implant, and a dual mobility system. A finite element analysis was developed to assess and compare these acetabular options with regard to the range of motion (ROM) to impingement, the angle of dislocation, the resistive torque, the volume of polyethylene (PE) with a stress above 80% of the elastic limit, and the interfacial cup/bone stress. Dual mobility implants provided the greatest ROM to impingement and allowed delaying subluxation and dislocation when compared to standard and constrained implants. Dual mobility also demonstrated the lowest resistive torque at subluxation while the constrained implant provided the greatest one. The lowest critical PE volume was observed with the dual mobility implant, and the highest stress at the interfaces was observed with the constrained implant. This study highlights the biomechanical advantages of dual mobility systems over constrained and standard implants, and is supported by the clinical results reported. Therefore, the use of dual mobility systems in situations at risk for instability should be advocated and constrained implants should be restricted to salvage situations.

M-CASTL 2008 synthesis report : volume 1, older adult mobility.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-04-01

The theme of the Michigan Center for Advancing Safe Transportation throughout the Lifespan (M-CASTL) is Safety : and Mobility throughout the Lifespan. The purpose of the annual synthesis report is to identify short and long-term : research needs that...

Transportation management center data capture for performance and mobility measures reference manual.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

The Guide to Transportation Management Center (TMC) Data Capture for Performance and Mobility Measures is a two-volume document consisting of a summary Guidebook and this Reference Manual. These documents provide technical guidance and recommended pr...

Final report : mobile surveillance and wireless communication systems field operational test. Volume 1, Executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

This study focused on assessing the application of traffic monitoring and management systems which use transportable surveillance and ramp meter trailers, video image processors, and wireless communications. The mobile surveillance and wireless commu...

Differential effect of biochar upon reduction-induced mobility and bioavailability of arsenate and chromate.

PubMed

Choppala, Girish; Bolan, Nanthi; Kunhikrishnan, Anitha; Bush, Richard

2016-02-01

Heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) occur in ionic form in soil, with chromate [Cr(VI)] and arsenate As(V) being the most pre-dominant forms. The application of biochar to Cr(VI) and As(V) spiked and field contaminated soils was evaluated on the reduction processes [(Cr(VI) to Cr(III)] and [As(V) to As(III))], and subsequent mobility and bioavailability of both As(V) and Cr(VI). The assays used in this study included leaching, soil microbial activity and XPS techniques. The reduction rate of As(V) was lower than that of Cr(VI) with and without biochar addition, however, supplementation with biochar enhanced the reduction process of As(V). Leaching experiments indicated Cr(VI) was more mobile than As(V). Addition of biochar reversed the effect by reducing the mobility of Cr and increasing that of As. The presence of Cr and As in both spiked and contaminated soils reduced microbial activity, but with the addition of biochar to these soils, the microbial activity increased in the Cr(VI) contaminated soils, while it was further decreased with As(V) contaminated soils. The addition of biochar was effective in mitigating Cr toxicity by reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III). In contrast, the conversion process of As(V) to As(III) hastened by biochar was not favourable, as As(III) is more toxic in soils. Overall, the presence of functional groups on biochar promotes reduction by providing the electrons required for reduction processes to occur as determined by XPS data. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of hydrofracking fluid on colloid transport in the unsaturated zone.

PubMed

Sang, Wenjing; Stoof, Cathelijne R; Zhang, Wei; Morales, Verónica L; Gao, Bin; Kay, Robert W; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Yalei; Steenhuis, Tammo S

2014-07-15

Hydraulic fracturing is expanding rapidly in the US to meet increasing energy demand and requires high volumes of hydrofracking fluid to displace natural gas from shale. Accidental spills and deliberate land application of hydrofracking fluids, which return to the surface during hydrofracking, are common causes of environmental contamination. Since the chemistry of hydrofracking fluids favors transport of colloids and mineral particles through rock cracks, it may also facilitate transport of in situ colloids and associated pollutants in unsaturated soils. We investigated this by subsequently injecting deionized water and flowback fluid at increasing flow rates into unsaturated sand columns containing colloids. Colloid retention and mobilization was measured in the column effluent and visualized in situ with bright field microscopy. While <5% of initial colloids were released by flushing with deionized water, 32-36% were released by flushing with flowback fluid in two distinct breakthrough peaks. These peaks resulted from 1) surface tension reduction and steric repulsion and 2) slow kinetic disaggregation of colloid flocs. Increasing the flow rate of the flowback fluid mobilized an additional 36% of colloids, due to the expansion of water filled pore space. This study suggests that hydrofracking fluid may also indirectly contaminate groundwater by remobilizing existing colloidal pollutants.

Understanding of Relationship between Phospholipid Membrane Permeability and Self-Diffusion Coefficients of Some Drugs and Biologically Active Compounds in Model Solvents.

PubMed

Blokhina, Svetlana V; Volkova, Tatyana V; Golubev, Vasiliy A; Perlovich, German L

2017-10-02

In this work we measured self-diffusion coefficients of 5 drugs (aspirin, caffeine, ethionamide, salicylic acid, and paracetamol) and 11 biologically active compounds of similar structure in deuterated water and 1-octanol by NMR. It has been found that an increase in the van der Waals volume of the molecules of the studied substances result in reduction of their diffusion mobility in both solvents. The analysis of the experimental data showed the influence of chemical nature and structural isomerization of the molecules on the diffusion mobility. Apparent permeability coefficients of the studied compounds were determined using an artificial phospholipid membrane made of egg lecithin as a model of in vivo absorption. Distribution coefficients in 1-octanol/buffer pH 7.4 system were measured. For the first time the model of the passive diffusion through the phospholipid membrane was validated based on the experimental data. To this end, the passive diffusion was considered as an additive process of molecule passage through the aqueous boundary layer before the membrane and 1-octanol barrier simulating the lipid layer of the membrane.

Technology Directions for the 21st Century. Volume 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crimi, Giles F.; Botta, Robert; Ditanna, Thomas; Verheggen, Henry; Stancati, Michael; Feingold, Harvey; Jacobs, Mark

1996-01-01

New technologies will unleash the huge capacity of fiber-optic cable to meet growing demands for bandwidth. Companies will continue to replace private networks with public network bandwidth-on-demand. Although asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is the transmission technology favored by many, its penetration will be slower than anticipated. Hybrid networks - e.g., a mix of ATM, frame relay, and fast Ethernet - may predominate, both as interim and long-term solutions, based on factors such as availability, interoperability, and cost. Telecommunications equipment and services prices will decrease further due to increased supply and more competition. Explosive Internet growth will continue, requiring additional backbone transmission capacity and enhanced protocols, but it is not clear who will fund the upgrade. Within ten years, space-based constellations of satellites in Low Earth orbit (LEO) will serve mobile users employing small, low-power terminals. 'Little LEO's' will provide packet transmission services and geo-position determination. 'Big LEO's' will function as global cellular telephone networks, with some planning to offer video and interactive multimedia services. Geosynchronous satellites also are proposed for mobile voice grade links and high-bandwidth services. NASA may benefit from resulting cost reductions in components, space hardware, launch services, and telecommunications services.

Brain volume changes over the first year of treatment in schizophrenia: relationships to antipsychotic treatment.

PubMed

Emsley, R; Asmal, L; du Plessis, S; Chiliza, B; Phahladira, L; Kilian, S

2017-09-01

Progressive brain volume reductions have been described in schizophrenia, and an association with antipsychotic exposure has been reported. We compared percentage changes in grey and white matter volume from baseline to month 12 in 23 previously antipsychotic-naïve patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder who were treated with the lowest effective dose of flupenthixol decanoate depot formulation, with 53 matched healthy individuals. Total antipsychotic dose was precisely calculated and its relationship with brain volume changes investigated. Relationships between volumetric changes and treatment were further investigated in terms of treatment response (changes in psychopathology and functionality) and treatment-related adverse-events (extrapyramidal symptoms and weight gain). Excessive cortical volume reductions were observed in patients [-4.6 (6.6)%] v. controls [-1.12 (4.0)%] (p = 0.009), with no significant group differences for changes in subcortical grey matter and white matter volumes. In a multiple regression model, the only significant predictor of cortical volume change was total antipsychotic dose received (p = 0.04). Cortical volume change was not significantly associated with the changes in psychopathology, functionality, extrapyramidal symptoms and body mass index or age, gender and duration of untreated psychosis. Brain volume reductions associated with antipsychotic treatment are not restricted to poor outcome patients and occur even with the lowest effective dose of antipsychotic. The lack of an association with poor treatment response or treatment-related adverse effects counts against cortical volume reductions reflecting neurotoxicity, at least in the short term. On the other hand, the volume reductions were not linked to the therapeutic benefits of antipsychotics.

The Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial. Part 2. Uterine fibroid reduction and symptom relief after uterine artery embolization for fibroids.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Bennett, John; Common, Andrew; Wall, Jane; Asch, Murray; Sniderman, Kenneth

2003-01-01

To evaluate fibroid uterine volume reduction, symptom relief, and patient satisfaction with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids. Multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical treatment trial. Eight Ontario university and community hospitals. Five hundred thirty-eight patients undergoing bilateral UAE. Bilateral UAE performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles sized 355-500 microm. Three-month follow-up evaluations including fibroid uterine volume reductions, patient reported symptom improvement (7-point scale), symptom life-impact (10-point scale) reduction, and treatment satisfaction (6-point scale). Median uterine and dominant fibroid volume reductions were 35% and 42%, respectively. Significant improvements were reported for menorrhagia (83%), dysmenorrhea (77%), and urinary frequency/urgency (86%). Mean menstrual duration was significantly reduced after UAE (7.6 to 5.4 days). Improvements in menorrhagia were unrelated to pre-UAE uterine size or post-UAE uterine volume reduction. Amenorrhea occurring after the procedure was highly age dependent, ranging from 3% (1%-7%) in women under age 40 to 41% (26%-58%) in women age 50 or older. Median fibroid life-impact scores were significantly reduced after UAE (8.0 to 3.0). The majority (91%) expressed satisfaction with UAE treatment. UAE reduced fibroid uterine volume and provided significant relief of menorrhagia that was unrelated to initial fibroid uterine size or volume reduction. Patient satisfaction with short-term UAE treatment outcomes was high.

Predicting Structure-Function Relations and Survival following Surgical and Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Treatment of Emphysema.

PubMed

Mondoñedo, Jarred R; Suki, Béla

2017-02-01

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (bLVR) are palliative treatments aimed at reducing hyperinflation in advanced emphysema. Previous work has evaluated functional improvements and survival advantage for these techniques, although their effects on the micromechanical environment in the lung have yet to be determined. Here, we introduce a computational model to simulate a force-based destruction of elastic networks representing emphysema progression, which we use to track the response to lung volume reduction via LVRS and bLVR. We find that (1) LVRS efficacy can be predicted based on pre-surgical network structure; (2) macroscopic functional improvements following bLVR are related to microscopic changes in mechanical force heterogeneity; and (3) both techniques improve aspects of survival and quality of life influenced by lung compliance, albeit while accelerating disease progression. Our model predictions yield unique insights into the microscopic origins underlying emphysema progression before and after lung volume reduction.

Predicting Structure-Function Relations and Survival following Surgical and Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Treatment of Emphysema

PubMed Central

Mondoñedo, Jarred R.

2017-01-01

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (bLVR) are palliative treatments aimed at reducing hyperinflation in advanced emphysema. Previous work has evaluated functional improvements and survival advantage for these techniques, although their effects on the micromechanical environment in the lung have yet to be determined. Here, we introduce a computational model to simulate a force-based destruction of elastic networks representing emphysema progression, which we use to track the response to lung volume reduction via LVRS and bLVR. We find that (1) LVRS efficacy can be predicted based on pre-surgical network structure; (2) macroscopic functional improvements following bLVR are related to microscopic changes in mechanical force heterogeneity; and (3) both techniques improve aspects of survival and quality of life influenced by lung compliance, albeit while accelerating disease progression. Our model predictions yield unique insights into the microscopic origins underlying emphysema progression before and after lung volume reduction. PMID:28182686

DoD and Commercial Advanced Waveform Developments and Programs with Multiple Nunn-McCurdy Breaches. Volume 5

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

and insightful reviews of our report. It is a stron- ger document because of their efforts. xxi Abbreviations 2G second generation 3G third...in the commercial world. LTE includes a set of standards developed by 3GPP for mobile 3G and 4G mobile communications. The currently fielded...generation ( 2G ) digital mobile phone system, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The GSM standard was developed by the European

Arsenic Mobilization Through Microbial Bioreduction of Ferrihydrite Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadanier, C. J.; Roller, J.; Schreiber, M. E.

2004-12-01

Under anaerobic conditions Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can couple the reduction of solid phase Fe(III) (hydr)oxides with the oxidation of organic carbon. Nutrients and trace metals, such as arsenic, associated with Fe(III) hydroxides may be mobilized through microbially-mediated surface reduction. Although arsenic mobilization has been attributed to mineral surface reduction in a variety of pristine and contaminated environments, minimal information exists on the mechanisms causing this arsenic mobilization. Understanding of the fundamental biochemical and physicochemical processes involved in these mobilization mechanisms is still limited, and has been complicated by the often contradictory and interchangeable terminology used in the literature to describe them. We studied arsenic mobilization mechanisms using a series of controlled microcosm experiments containing aggregated arsenic-bearing ferrihydrite nanoparticles and an Fe(III)-reducing microorganism, Geobacter metallireducens. The phase distribution of iron and arsenic was determined through filtration and ultracentrifugation techniques. Experimental results showed that in the biotic trials, approximately 10 percent of the Fe(III) was reduced to Fe(II) by microbial activity, which remained associated with ferrihydrite surfaces. Biotic activity resulted in changes in nanoparticle surface potential and caused deflocculation of nanoparticle aggregates. Deflocculated nanoparticles were able to pass through a 0.2 micron filter and could only be removed from solution by ultracentrifugation. Arsenic mobilized over time in the biotic trials was found to be exclusively associated with the nanoparticles; 98 percent of arsenic that passed through a 0.2 micron filter was removed from solution by ultracentrifugation. None of these changes were observed in abiotic controls. Because arsenic contamination of natural waters due to mobilization from mineral surfaces is a significant route of human arsenic exposure worldwide, improved understanding of the biologically-mediated mechanisms that partition arsenic between solid and solution phases is required for development of effective treatment and remediation strategies.

Energy efficient industrialized housing research program

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

Berg, R.; Brown, G.Z.; Finrow, J.

1989-01-01

This is the second volume of a two volume report on energy efficient industrialized housing. Volume II contains support documentation for Volume I. The following items are included: individual trip reports; software bibliography; industry contacts in the US, Denmark, and Japan; Cost comparison of industrialized housing in the US and Denmark; draft of the final report on the systems analysis for Fleetwood Mobile Home Manufacturers. (SM)

CrossTalk. The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 26, Number 5

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

to a backend domain managed by the cyber criminal. Mobile bots can perform piggybacking on legitimate applications and steal data by controlling...technology infrastructure for managing identities, interfaces (web and/or mobile ), and agreements with service providers. The necessary capabilities and...platforms of unknown or dubious origin, global access by mobile (and largely insecure) devices, eroded trust boundaries, and the possibility of malevolent

Armored Family of Vehicles (AFV). Phase 1 Report. Book 3. Volumes 5 thru 8

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-31

tactical mobility /agility, tactical and strategic deployability, rapid repair/replacement of damaged or destroyed equipment, lethality, reduced...Mover (CEM). (15) Combat Mobility Vehicle (CMV). (16) Combat Gap Crosser (CGC). (17) Combat Excavator (CEX). (18) Mine Dispensing Vehicle (MDV). (19...economic decision analysis (IAW AR 700-XX, AR 700-127 and AR 700-17) and consideration of mobilization requirements. 7. Transportability

Investigation of improvements to truck volume assignments and public transportation benefits methodologies in TTI's urban mobility report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

The Texas A&M Transportation Institutes (TTIs) often-cited Urban Mobility Report (UMR) provides : transportation decision-makers with urban-area congestion statistics and trends. Data and their availability have : continued to evolve rapidly ov...

Does the pancreatic volume reduction rate using serial computed tomographic volumetry predict new onset diabetes after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

PubMed Central

Yun, Sung Pil; Seo, Hyung-Il; Kim, Suk; Kim, Dong Uk; Baek, Dong Hoon

2017-01-01

Abstract Volume reduction of the pancreatic tissues following a pancreatectomy can lead to the deterioration of glucose homeostasis. This is defined as pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of new-onset DM (NODM) and evaluate the risk factors, including the pancreas volume reduction rate in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Sixty-six patients without preoperative DM underwent PD for periampullary tumors between August 2007 and December 2012 and were included in this analysis. These patients underwent follow-up tests and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan 7 days, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months after the operation. The pancreas volume reduction rate was calculated by CT volumetry. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the postoperative development of DM. After PD, newly diagnosed DM occurred in 16 patients (24.2%). The incidence of DM was highest among patients with carcinomas with an advanced T stage. The pancreatic volume reduction rate after 6 and 12 months in the NODM group was significantly higher than the normal glucose group in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the pancreatic volume reduction rate 6 months after PD was the only significant predictive factor for the development of NODM (P = 0.002). This study suggests that the pancreatic volume reduction rate 6 months after PD was the only significant predictive factor for the development of NODM. CT volumetry of the pancreas may be useful as a predictor of NODM after PD. PMID:28353594

Mobile luminance data collection system user manual.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

While nighttime driving volumes are lower than daytime, the percentage of crashes with respect to volume is higher, so it is critical that transportation agencies do everything economically possible to improve nighttime driving safety. One crucial pa...

Characterization of Sodium Mobility and Binding by 23 Na NMR Spectroscopy in a Model Lipoproteic Emulsion Gel for Sodium Reduction.

PubMed

Okada, Kyle S; Lee, Youngsoo

2017-07-01

The effects of formulation and processing parameters on sodium availability in a model lipid/protein-based emulsion gel were studied for purposes of sodium reduction. Heat-set model gels were prepared with varying levels of protein, lipid, and NaCl contents and high pressure homogenization treatments. Single quantum and double quantum-filtered 23 Na NMR spectroscopy experiments were used to characterize sodium mobility, structural order around "bound" (restricted mobility) sodium, and sodium binding, which have been correlated to saltiness perception in food systems previously. Total sodium mobility was lower in gels with higher protein or fat content, and was not affected by changes in homogenization pressure. The gels with increased protein, fat, or homogenization pressure had increased structure surrounding "bound" sodium and more relative "bound" sodium due to increased interfacial protein interactions. The data obtained in this study provide information on factors affecting sodium availability, which can be applied towards sodium reduction in lipid/protein-based foods. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Fast multiview three-dimensional reconstruction method using cost volume filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Joo; Park, Min Ki; Jang, In Yeop; Lee, Kwan H.

2014-03-01

As the number of customers who want to record three-dimensional (3-D) information using a mobile electronic device increases, it becomes more and more important to develop a method which quickly reconstructs a 3-D model from multiview images. A fast multiview-based 3-D reconstruction method is presented, which is suitable for the mobile environment by constructing a cost volume of the 3-D height field. This method consists of two steps: the construction of a reliable base surface and the recovery of shape details. In each step, the cost volume is constructed using photoconsistency and then it is filtered according to the multiscale. The multiscale-based cost volume filtering allows the 3-D reconstruction to maintain the overall shape and to preserve the shape details. We demonstrate the strength of the proposed method in terms of computation time, accuracy, and unconstrained acquisition environment.

Counter-current chromatography: simple process and confusing terminology.

PubMed

Conway, Walter D

2011-09-09

The origin of counter-current chromatography is briefly stated, followed by a description of the mechanism of elution of solutes, which illustrates the elegance and simplicity of the technique. The CCC retention equation can be mentally derived from three facts; that a substance with a distribution coefficient of 0 elutes at the mobile phase solvent front (one mobile phase volume); and one with a distribution coefficient of 1 elutes at the column volume of mobile phase; and solutes with higher distribution coefficients elute at additional multiples of the stationary phase volume. The pattern corresponds to the classical solute retention equation for chromatography, V(R)=V(M)+K(C)V(S), K(C) not being limited to integer values. This allows the entire pattern of solute retention to be visualized on the chromatogram. The high volume fraction of stationary phase in CCC greatly enhances resolution. A survey of the names, symbols and definitions of several widely used chromatography and liquid-liquid distribution parameters in the IUPAC Gold Book and in a recent summary in LC-GC by Majors and Carr revealed numerous conflicts in both names and definitions. These will retard accurate dissemination of CCC research unless the discordance is resolved. It is proposed that the chromatography retention parameter, K(C), be called the distribution coefficient and that a new biphasic distribution parameter, K(Δ(A)), be defined for CCC and be called the species partition ratio. The definition of V(M) should be clarified. V(H) is suggested to represent the holdup volume and V(X) is suggested for the extra-column volume. H(V) and H(L) are suggested to represent the volume and length of a theoretical plate in CCC. Definitions of the phase ratio, β, conflict and should be clarified. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbial Sulfate Reduction Enhances Arsenic Mobility Downstream of Zerovalent-Iron-Based Permeable Reactive Barrier.

PubMed

Kumar, Naresh; Couture, Raoul-Marie; Millot, Romain; Battaglia-Brunet, Fabienne; Rose, Jérôme

2016-07-19

We assessed the potential of zerovalent-iron- (Fe(0)) based permeable reactive barrier (PRB) systems for arsenic (As) remediation in the presence or absence of microbial sulfate reduction. We conducted long-term (200 day) flow-through column experiments to investigate the mechanisms of As transformation and mobility in aquifer sediment (in particular, the PRB downstream linkage). Changes in As speciation in the aqueous phase were monitored continuously. Speciation in the solid phase was determined at the end of the experiment using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy analysis. We identified thio-As species in solution and AsS in solid phase, which suggests that the As(V) was reduced to As(III) and precipitated as AsS under sulfate-reducing conditions and remained as As(V) under abiotic conditions, even with low redox potential and high Fe(II) content (4.5 mM). Our results suggest that the microbial sulfate reduction plays a key role in the mobilization of As from Fe-rich aquifer sediment under anoxic conditions. Furthermore, they illustrate that the upstream-downstream linkage of PRB affects the speciation and mobility of As in downstream aquifer sediment, where up to 47% of total As initially present in the sediment was leached out in the form of mobile thio-As species.

Land mobile satellite communication system. Volume 2: Traffic analysis and market demand for the land mobile communications system in the European scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carnebianca, C.; Pavesi, B.; Tuozzi, A.; Capone, R.

1986-06-01

The socioeconomic desirability in terms of market demand, technical economic feasibility, and price-performance for a Land Mobile Communication system ground based and/or satellite aided, able to satisfy the request of the traffic demand, foreseable in the 1995-2005 time frame, for the Western European countries was assessed. The criterion of economic value of the mobile system is considered as the driving element. The presence of gaps in the terrestrial system and reasonable traffic extrapolations suggest a very attractive role for a land mobile satellite communications mission.

Volume reduction of the corpus callosum and its relationship with deficits in interhemispheric transfer of information in recent-onset psychosis.

PubMed

Chaim, Tiffany M; Schaufelberger, Maristela S; Ferreira, Luiz K; Duran, Fábio L S; Ayres, Adriana M; Scazufca, Marcia; Menezes, Paulo R; Amaro, Edson; Leite, Claudia C; Murray, Robin M; McGuire, Philip K; Rushe, Teresa M; Busatto, Geraldo F

2010-10-30

The present study aimed to investigate the presence of corpus callosum (CC) volume deficits in a population-based recent-onset psychosis (ROP) sample, and whether CC volume relates to interhemispheric communication deficits. For this purpose, we used voxel-based morphometry comparisons of magnetic resonance imaging data between ROP (n =122) and healthy control (n = 94) subjects. Subgroups (38 ROP and 39 controls) were investigated for correlations between CC volumes and performance on the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Significant CC volume reductions in ROP subjects versus controls emerged after excluding substance misuse and non-right-handedness. CC reductions retained significance in the schizophrenia subgroup but not in affective psychoses subjects. There were significant positive correlations between CC volumes and CFLT scores in ROP subjects, specifically in subtasks involving interhemispheric communication. From these results, we can conclude that CC volume reductions are present in association with ROP. The relationship between such deficits and CFLT performance suggests that interhemispheric communication impairments are directly linked to CC abnormalities in ROP. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermodynamics of H-bonding in alcohols and water. The mobile order theory as opposed to the classical multicomponent order theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huyskens, P.; Kapuku, F.; Colemonts-Vandevyvere, C.

1990-09-01

In liquids the partners of H bonds constantly change. As a consequence the entities observed by IR spectroscopy are not the same as those considered for thermodynamic properties. For the latter, the H-bonds are shared by all the molecules. The thermodynamic "monomeric fraction", γ, the time fraction during which an alcohol molecule is vaporizable, is the square root of the spectroscopic monomeric fraction, and is the fraction of molecules which, during a time interval of 10 -14 s, have their hydroxylic proton and their lone pairs free. The classical thermodynamic treatments of Mecke and Prigogine consider the spectroscopic entities as real thermodynamic entities. Opposed to this, the mobile order theory considers all the formal molecules as equal but with a reduction of the entropy due to the fact that during a fraction 1-γ of the time, the OH proton follows a neighbouring oxygen atom on its journey through the liquid. Mobile order theory and classic multicomponent treatment lead, in binary mixtures of the associated substance A with the inert substance S, to expressions of the chemical potentials μ A and μ S that are fundamentally different. However, the differences become very important only when the molar volumes overlineVS and overlineVA differ by a factor larger than 2. As a consequence the equations of the classic theory can still fit the experimental vapour pressure data of mixtures of liquid alcohols and liquid alkanes. However, the solubilities of solid alkanes in water for which overlineVS > 3 overlineVA are only correctly predicted by the mobile order theory.

Relationship between Arm Morbidity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Surgery in Women with Node-Negative Breast Cancer: NSABP Protocol B-32

PubMed Central

Kopec, Jacek A.; Colangelo, Linda H.; Land, Stephanie R.; Julian, Thomas B.; Brown, Ann M.; Anderson, Stewart J.; Krag, David N.; Ashikaga, Takamaru; Costantino, Joseph P.; Wolmark, Norman; Ganz, Patricia A.

2012-01-01

Background The impact of arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery on patient-observed changes in daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have not been well-studied. Objective To examine the association of objective measures such as range of motion (ROM) and lymphedema, with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the arm and breast, upper extremity function, activities, and HRQoL. Methods The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-32 was a randomized trial comparing sentinel node resection (SNR) with axillary dissection (AD) in women with node-negative breast cancer. ROM and arm volume were measured objectively. PROs included symptoms; arm function; limitations in social, recreational, occupational, and other regular activities; and a global index of HRQoL. Statistical methods included cross-tabulations and multivariable linear regression models. Results In all, 744 women provided at least 1 postsurgery assessment. About one-third of the patients experienced arm mobility restrictions. A similar number of patients avoided the use of the arm 6 months after surgery. Limitations in work and other regular activities were reported by about a quarter of the patients. In this multivariable analysis, arm mobility and sensory neuropathy were predictors of patient-reported arm function and overall HRQoL. Predictors for activity limitations also included side of surgery (dominant vs nondominant). Edema was not significant after adjustment for sensory neuropathy and ROM. Limitations Arm mobility and edema were measured simultaneously only once during the follow-up (6 months). Conclusion Clinical measures of sensory neuropathy and restrictions in arm mobility following breast cancer surgery are associated with self-reported limitations in activity and reductions in overall HRQoL. PMID:22951047

Insular Volume Reduction in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder

PubMed Central

Kawaguchi, Akiko; Nemoto, Kiyotaka; Nakaaki, Shutaro; Kawaguchi, Takatsune; Kan, Hirohito; Arai, Nobuyuki; Shiraishi, Nao; Hashimoto, Nobuhiko; Akechi, Tatsuo

2016-01-01

Despite the fact that social anxiety disorder (SAD) is highly prevalent, there have been only a few structural imaging studies. Moreover, most of them reported about a volume reduction in amygdale, which plays a key role in the neural function of SAD. Insula is another region of interest. Its hyperactivity in regard to processing negative emotional information or interoceptive awareness has been detected in patients with SAD. Referring to these studies, we hypothesized that insular volumes might reduce in patients with SAD and made a comparison of insular volumes between 13 patients with SAD and 18 healthy controls with matched age and gender using voxel-based morphometry. As a result, we found a significant volume reduction in insula in the SAD group. Our results suggest that the patients with SAD might have an insular volume reduction apart from amygdala. Since insula plays a critical role in the pathology of SAD, more attention should be paid not only to functional study but also morphometrical study of insula. PMID:26834652

Final report : mobile surveillance and wireless communication systems field operational test. Volume 2, FOT objectives, organization, system design, results, conclusions, and recommendations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-03-01

The Mobile Surveillance and Wireless Communication Systems Field Operational Test (FOT) evaluated the performance of wireless traffic detection and communications systems in areas where permanent detectors, electrical power, and landline communicatio...

Improving the effectiveness of nighttime temporary traffic control warning devices, volume 2 : evaluation of nighttime mobile warning lights.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-11-01

Vehicle-mounted warning lights for nighttime mobile highway operations provide critical protection to workers and the driving : public. Alerting the traveling public of the approaching work activity and providing guidance is vital to maintaining safe...

Automatic portion estimation and visual refinement in mobile dietary assessment

PubMed Central

Woo, Insoo; Otsmo, Karl; Kim, SungYe; Ebert, David S.; Delp, Edward J.; Boushey, Carol J.

2011-01-01

As concern for obesity grows, the need for automated and accurate methods to monitor nutrient intake becomes essential as dietary intake provides a valuable basis for managing dietary imbalance. Moreover, as mobile devices with built-in cameras have become ubiquitous, one potential means of monitoring dietary intake is photographing meals using mobile devices and having an automatic estimate of the nutrient contents returned. One of the challenging problems of the image-based dietary assessment is the accurate estimation of food portion size from a photograph taken with a mobile digital camera. In this work, we describe a method to automatically calculate portion size of a variety of foods through volume estimation using an image. These “portion volumes” utilize camera parameter estimation and model reconstruction to determine the volume of food items, from which nutritional content is then extrapolated. In this paper, we describe our initial results of accuracy evaluation using real and simulated meal images and demonstrate the potential of our approach. PMID:22242198

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Biodiesel Offers an Easy Alternative for

Science.gov Websites

substantial petroleum reductions and cost savings. The University has also purchased a mobile fueling station , particularly because the university chose to implement a relatively unique mobile trailer to fuel their shuttle . The mobile fueling station was the only upfront cost, but Worku says the resulting time efficiencies

Mechanism of reduction of mitral regurgitation with vasodilator therapy.

PubMed

Yoran, C; Yellin, E L; Becker, R M; Gabbay, S; Frater, R W; Sonnenblick, E H

1979-04-01

Acute mitral regurgitation was produced in six open chest dogs by excising a portion of the anterior valve leaflet. Electromagnetic flow probes were placed in the left atrium around the mitral anulus and in the ascending aorta to determine phasic left ventricular filling volume, regurgitant volume and stroke volume. The systolic pressure gradient was calculated from simultaneously measured high fidelity left atrial and left ventricular pressures. The effective mitral regurgitant orifice area was calculated from Gorlin's hydraulic equation. Infusion of nitroprusside resulted in a significant reduction in mitral regurgitation. No significant change occurred in the systolic pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the left atrium because both peak left ventricular pressure and left atrial pressure were reduced. The reduction of mitral regurgitation was largely due to reduction in the size of the mitral regurgitant orifice. Reduction of ventricular volume rather than the traditional concept of reduction of impedance of left ventricular ejection may explain the effects of vasodilators in reducing mitral regurgitation.

Technology Base Seminar Wargame 2 (TBSWG 2). Volume 1. Summary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-16

nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) and ballistic protection without reducing soldier mobility . Training and rehearsal systems will allow the...7 KNOW WHERE THE ENEMY IS ALL THE TIME SENSOR FIDEUTY INFORMATION FUSION 3 RANGE OF COMMO 4 RANGE OF FIRES S PRECISION MUNITIONS 6 RAPID MOBILITY 7...and .nfo Precision Problems and TECNOLOGIES Fusion) Fires Mobility Advanced Materials/ Material Processing 0) Advanced Propulsion Advanced Signal

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Houston Energizes Deployment of Plug-In

Science.gov Websites

and other pollutant emissions: buildings and structures, mobile sources, and waste (also read more recent reports). Vehicle electrification became a key focus of mobile source emissions-reduction

Pharmacokinetic evidence for improved ophthalmic drug delivery by reduction of instilled volume.

PubMed

Patton, T F

1977-07-01

The bioavailability of topically applied pilocarpine nitrate was studied as a function of instilled volume. As the instilled volume decreased, the fraction of dose absorbed increased. The relationship between fraction absorbed and instilled volume was not direct, but appropriate adjustment of instilled volume and concentration should permit substantial dosage reductions without sacrifice of drug concentration in the eye. The implications of these findings from both a therapeutic and toxicity standpoint are discussed.

2005 NDIA Combat Vehicles Conference. Volume 1. Wednesday

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-22

supporting arms under armor (FO/FAC) helpful • Mobile Data Automated Communications Terminal (MDACT) • Useful if connectivity can be maintained • Consider...other uses • Ability to coordinate supporting arms under armor (FO/FAC) helpful • Mobile Data Automated Communications Terminal (MDACT) • Useful if

Numeric and volumetric changes in Leydig cells during aging of rats.

PubMed

Neves, Bruno Vinicius Duarte; Lorenzini, Fernando; Veronez, Djanira; Miranda, Eduardo Pereira de; Neves, Gabriela Duarte; Fraga, Rogério de

2017-10-01

To analyze the effects of aging in rats on the nuclear volume, cytoplasmic volume, and total volume of Leydig cells, as well as their number. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six subgroups of 12 rats, which underwent right orchiectomy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. The weight and volume of the resected testicles were assessed. A stereological study of Leydig cells was conducted, which included measurements of cell number and nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes. The weight and volume of the resected testicles showed reductions with age. Only the subgroup composed of 24-month old rats showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. Significant reductions in the cytoplasmic volume and total volume of Leydig cells were observed in 18- and 24-month old rats. The number of Leydig cells did not vary significantly with age. Aging in rats resulted in reduction of the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes of Leydig cells. There was no change in the total number of these cells during aging.

Can prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) reduce the volume of the peripheral zone? MRI evaluation of zonal anatomy and infarction after PAE.

PubMed

Lin, Yen-Ting; Amouyal, Grégory; Correas, Jean-Michel; Pereira, Héléna; Pellerin, Olivier; Del Giudice, Costantino; Déan, Carole; Thiounn, Nicolas; Sapoval, Marc

2016-10-01

To assess the impact of prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) on various prostate gland anatomical zones. We retrospectively reviewed paired MRI scans obtained before and after PAE for 25 patients and evaluated changes in volumes of the median lobe (ML), central gland (CG), peripheral zone (PZ) and whole prostate gland (WPV) following PAE. We used manual segmentation to calculate volume on axial view T2-weighted images for ML, CG and WPV. We calculated PZ volume by subtracting CG volume from WPV. Enhanced phase on dynamic contrasted-enhanced MRI was used to evaluate the infarction areas after PAE. Clinical results of International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function questionnaires and the urodynamic study were evaluated before and after PAE. Significant reductions in volume were observed after PAE for ML (26.2 % decrease), CG (18.8 %), PZ (16.4 %) and WPV (19.1 %; p < 0.001 for all these volumes). Patients with clinical failure had smaller volume reductions for WPV, ML and CG (all p < 0.05). Patients with significant CG infarction after PAE displayed larger WPV, ML and CG volume reductions (all p < 0.01). PAE can significantly decrease WPV, ML, CG and PZ volumes, and poor clinical outcomes are associated with smaller volume reductions. • The MRI segmentation method provides detailed comparisons of prostate volume change. • Prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) decreased central gland and peripheral zone volumes. • Prostates with infarction after PAE showed larger decreases in volume. • A larger decrease in prostate volume is associated with clinical success.

Reduction of variance in spectral estimates for correction of ultrasonic aberration.

PubMed

Astheimer, Jeffrey P; Pilkington, Wayne C; Waag, Robert C

2006-01-01

A variance reduction factor is defined to describe the rate of convergence and accuracy of spectra estimated from overlapping ultrasonic scattering volumes when the scattering is from a spatially uncorrelated medium. Assuming that the individual volumes are localized by a spherically symmetric Gaussian window and that centers of the volumes are located on orbits of an icosahedral rotation group, the factor is minimized by adjusting the weight and radius of each orbit. Conditions necessary for the application of the variance reduction method, particularly for statistical estimation of aberration, are examined. The smallest possible value of the factor is found by allowing an unlimited number of centers constrained only to be within a ball rather than on icosahedral orbits. Computations using orbits formed by icosahedral vertices, face centers, and edge midpoints with a constraint radius limited to a small multiple of the Gaussian width show that a significant reduction of variance can be achieved from a small number of centers in the confined volume and that this reduction is nearly the maximum obtainable from an unlimited number of centers in the same volume.

Crustal dynamics project data analysis, 1987. Volume 2: Mobile VLBI geodetic results, 1982-1986

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, C.; Ryan, J. W.

1987-01-01

The Goddard VLBI group reports the results of analyzing 101 Mark III data sets acquired from mobile observing sites through the end of 1986 and available to the Crustal Dynamics Project. The fixed VLBI observations at Hat Creek, Ft. Davis, Mojave, and OVRO are included as they participate heavily in the mobile schedules. One large solution GLB171 was used to obtain baseline length and transverse evolutions. Radio source positions were estimated globally, while nutation offsets were estimated from each data set. The results include 28 mobile sites.

Hippocampal volume in healthy controls given 3-day stress doses of hydrocortisone.

PubMed

Brown, E Sherwood; Jeon-Slaughter, Haekyung; Lu, Hanzhang; Jamadar, Rhoda; Issac, Sruthy; Shad, Mujeeb; Denniston, Daren; Tamminga, Carol; Nakamura, Alyson; Thomas, Binu P

2015-03-13

In animal models, corticosterone elevations are associated with hippocampal changes that can be prevented with phenytoin. In humans, Cushing's syndrome and long-term prescription corticosteroid use are associated with a reduction in the hippocampal volume. However, little is known about the effects of short-term corticosteroid administration on the hippocampus. The current report examines changes in the hippocampal volume during a brief hydrocortisone exposure and whether volumetric changes can be blocked by phenytoin. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover study was conducted in healthy adults (n=17). Participants received hydrocortisone (160 mg/day)/placebo, phenytoin/placebo, both medications together, or placebo/placebo, with 21-day washouts between the conditions. Structural MRI scans and cortisol levels were obtained following each medication condition. No significant difference in the total brain volume was observed with hydrocortisone. However, hydrocortisone was associated with a significant 1.69% reduction in the total hippocampal volume compared with placebo. Phenytoin blocked the volume reduction associated with hydrocortisone. Reduction in hippocampal volume correlated with the change in cortisol levels (r=-0.58, P=0.03). To our knowledge, this is the first report of structural hippocampal changes with brief corticosteroid exposure. The correlation between the change in hippocampal volume and cortisol level suggests that the volume changes are related to cortisol elevation. Although the findings from this pilot study need replication, they suggest that the reductions in hippocampal volume occur even during brief exposure to corticosteroids, and that hippocampal changes can, as in animal models, be blocked by phenytoin. The results may have implications both for understanding the response of the hippocampus to stress as well as for patients receiving prescription corticosteroids.

Hippocampal Volume in Healthy Controls Given 3-Day Stress Doses of Hydrocortisone

PubMed Central

Brown, E Sherwood; Jeon-Slaughter, Haekyung; Lu, Hanzhang; Jamadar, Rhoda; Issac, Sruthy; Shad, Mujeeb; Denniston, Daren; Tamminga, Carol; Nakamura, Alyson; Thomas, Binu P

2015-01-01

In animal models, corticosterone elevations are associated with hippocampal changes that can be prevented with phenytoin. In humans, Cushing's syndrome and long-term prescription corticosteroid use are associated with a reduction in the hippocampal volume. However, little is known about the effects of short-term corticosteroid administration on the hippocampus. The current report examines changes in the hippocampal volume during a brief hydrocortisone exposure and whether volumetric changes can be blocked by phenytoin. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover study was conducted in healthy adults (n=17). Participants received hydrocortisone (160 mg/day)/placebo, phenytoin/placebo, both medications together, or placebo/placebo, with 21-day washouts between the conditions. Structural MRI scans and cortisol levels were obtained following each medication condition. No significant difference in the total brain volume was observed with hydrocortisone. However, hydrocortisone was associated with a significant 1.69% reduction in the total hippocampal volume compared with placebo. Phenytoin blocked the volume reduction associated with hydrocortisone. Reduction in hippocampal volume correlated with the change in cortisol levels (r=−0.58, P=0.03). To our knowledge, this is the first report of structural hippocampal changes with brief corticosteroid exposure. The correlation between the change in hippocampal volume and cortisol level suggests that the volume changes are related to cortisol elevation. Although the findings from this pilot study need replication, they suggest that the reductions in hippocampal volume occur even during brief exposure to corticosteroids, and that hippocampal changes can, as in animal models, be blocked by phenytoin. The results may have implications both for understanding the response of the hippocampus to stress as well as for patients receiving prescription corticosteroids. PMID:25409592

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients

PubMed Central

Qian, Lin-Xue; Liu, Dong; Zhao, Jun-Feng

2017-01-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. A total of 474 benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation from September 2012 to August 2015 were included. Nodule volume and thyroid function were measured before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and subsequently after every 6 months. The nodule volume reduction rate and changes of thyroid function were evaluated. The volume of all thyroid nodules significantly decreased after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. The average volume was 13.07 ± 0.95 ml before treatment, and 1.14 ± 0.26 ml at 12-months follow-up. The mean volume reduction rate was 90% and the final volume reduction rate was 94%. The volume reduction rate of mainly cystic nodules was significantly higher than that of simple solid and mainly solid nodules (all P < 0.05). The pretreatment volume of nodules was positively correlated with the final volume reduction rate at final follow-up (P = 0.004). No serious complications were observed after treatment. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is an effective and safe technique for treatment of benign thyroid nodules, and has the potential for clinical applications. Impact statement Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. It can significantly reduce the nodule volume, improve the patients’ clinical symptoms, has less complication, guarantees quick recovery, meets patients' aesthetic needs, and shows less interference on the physiological and psychological aspects of the body. MWA should be a good complement to traditional open surgery and has potentials in clinical applications. PMID:28847173

Longitudinal Changes in Total Brain Volume in Schizophrenia: Relation to Symptom Severity, Cognition and Antipsychotic Medication

PubMed Central

Veijola, Juha; Guo, Joyce Y.; Moilanen, Jani S.; Jääskeläinen, Erika; Miettunen, Jouko; Kyllönen, Merja; Haapea, Marianne; Huhtaniska, Sanna; Alaräisänen, Antti; Mäki, Pirjo; Kiviniemi, Vesa; Nikkinen, Juha; Starck, Tuomo; Remes, Jukka J.; Tanskanen, Päivikki; Tervonen, Osmo; Wink, Alle-Meije; Kehagia, Angie; Suckling, John; Kobayashi, Hiroyuki; Barnett, Jennifer H.; Barnes, Anna; Koponen, Hannu J.; Jones, Peter B.; Isohanni, Matti; Murray, Graham K.

2014-01-01

Studies show evidence of longitudinal brain volume decreases in schizophrenia. We studied brain volume changes and their relation to symptom severity, level of function, cognition, and antipsychotic medication in participants with schizophrenia and control participants from a general population based birth cohort sample in a relatively long follow-up period of almost a decade. All members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 with any psychotic disorder and a random sample not having psychosis were invited for a MRI brain scan, and clinical and cognitive assessment during 1999–2001 at the age of 33–35 years. A follow-up was conducted 9 years later during 2008–2010. Brain scans at both time points were obtained from 33 participants with schizophrenia and 71 control participants. Regression models were used to examine whether brain volume changes predicted clinical and cognitive changes over time, and whether antipsychotic medication predicted brain volume changes. The mean annual whole brain volume reduction was 0.69% in schizophrenia, and 0.49% in controls (p = 0.003, adjusted for gender, educational level, alcohol use and weight gain). The brain volume reduction in schizophrenia patients was found especially in the temporal lobe and periventricular area. Symptom severity, functioning level, and decline in cognition were not associated with brain volume reduction in schizophrenia. The amount of antipsychotic medication (dose years of equivalent to 100 mg daily chlorpromazine) over the follow-up period predicted brain volume loss (p = 0.003 adjusted for symptom level, alcohol use and weight gain). In this population based sample, brain volume reduction continues in schizophrenia patients after the onset of illness, and antipsychotic medications may contribute to these reductions. PMID:25036617

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients.

PubMed

Liu, Yu-Jiang; Qian, Lin-Xue; Liu, Dong; Zhao, Jun-Feng

2017-09-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. A total of 474 benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation from September 2012 to August 2015 were included. Nodule volume and thyroid function were measured before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and subsequently after every 6 months. The nodule volume reduction rate and changes of thyroid function were evaluated. The volume of all thyroid nodules significantly decreased after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. The average volume was 13.07 ± 0.95 ml before treatment, and 1.14 ± 0.26 ml at 12-months follow-up. The mean volume reduction rate was 90% and the final volume reduction rate was 94%. The volume reduction rate of mainly cystic nodules was significantly higher than that of simple solid and mainly solid nodules (all P < 0.05). The pretreatment volume of nodules was positively correlated with the final volume reduction rate at final follow-up ( P = 0.004). No serious complications were observed after treatment. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is an effective and safe technique for treatment of benign thyroid nodules, and has the potential for clinical applications. Impact statement Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. It can significantly reduce the nodule volume, improve the patients' clinical symptoms, has less complication, guarantees quick recovery, meets patients' aesthetic needs, and shows less interference on the physiological and psychological aspects of the body. MWA should be a good complement to traditional open surgery and has potentials in clinical applications.

Fate of Cd during microbial Fe(III) mineral reduction by a novel and Cd-tolerant Geobacter species.

PubMed

Muehe, E Marie; Obst, Martin; Hitchcock, Adam; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Behrens, Sebastian; Schröder, Christian; Byrne, James M; Michel, F Marc; Krämer, Ute; Kappler, Andreas

2013-12-17

Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides affect the mobility of contaminants in the environment by providing reactive surfaces for sorption. This includes the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), which prevails in agricultural soils and is taken up by crops. Fe(III)-reducing bacteria can mobilize such contaminants by Fe(III) mineral dissolution or immobilize them by sorption to or coprecipitation with secondary Fe minerals. To date, not much is known about the fate of Fe(III) mineral-associated Cd during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Here, we describe the isolation of a new Geobacter sp. strain Cd1 from a Cd-contaminated field site, where the strain accounts for 10(4) cells g(-1) dry soil. Strain Cd1 reduces the poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxide ferrihydrite in the presence of at least up to 112 mg Cd L(-1). During initial microbial reduction of Cd-loaded ferrihydrite, sorbed Cd was mobilized. However, during continuous microbial Fe(III) reduction, Cd was immobilized by sorption to and/or coprecipitation within newly formed secondary minerals that contained Ca, Fe, and carbonate, implying the formation of an otavite-siderite-calcite (CdCO3-FeCO3-CaCO3) mixed mineral phase. Our data shows that microbially mediated turnover of Fe minerals affects the mobility of Cd in soils, potentially altering the dynamics of Cd uptake into food or phyto-remediating plants.

An upscaled two-equation model of transport in porous media through unsteady-state closure of volume averaged formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaynikov, S.; Porta, G.; Riva, M.; Guadagnini, A.

2012-04-01

We focus on a theoretical analysis of nonreactive solute transport in porous media through the volume averaging technique. Darcy-scale transport models based on continuum formulations typically include large scale dispersive processes which are embedded in a pore-scale advection diffusion equation through a Fickian analogy. This formulation has been extensively questioned in the literature due to its inability to depict observed solute breakthrough curves in diverse settings, ranging from the laboratory to the field scales. The heterogeneity of the pore-scale velocity field is one of the key sources of uncertainties giving rise to anomalous (non-Fickian) dispersion in macro-scale porous systems. Some of the models which are employed to interpret observed non-Fickian solute behavior make use of a continuum formulation of the porous system which assumes a two-region description and includes a bimodal velocity distribution. A first class of these models comprises the so-called ''mobile-immobile'' conceptualization, where convective and dispersive transport mechanisms are considered to dominate within a high velocity region (mobile zone), while convective effects are neglected in a low velocity region (immobile zone). The mass exchange between these two regions is assumed to be controlled by a diffusive process and is macroscopically described by a first-order kinetic. An extension of these ideas is the two equation ''mobile-mobile'' model, where both transport mechanisms are taken into account in each region and a first-order mass exchange between regions is employed. Here, we provide an analytical derivation of two region "mobile-mobile" meso-scale models through a rigorous upscaling of the pore-scale advection diffusion equation. Among the available upscaling methodologies, we employ the Volume Averaging technique. In this approach, the heterogeneous porous medium is supposed to be pseudo-periodic, and can be represented through a (spatially) periodic unit cell. Consistently with the two-region model working hypotheses, we subdivide the pore space into two volumes, which we select according to the features of the local micro-scale velocity field. Assuming separation of the scales, the mathematical development associated with the averaging method in the two volumes leads to a generalized two-equation model. The final (upscaled) formulation includes the standard first order mass exchange term together with additional terms, which we discuss. Our developments allow to identify the assumptions which are usually implicitly embedded in the usual adoption of a two region mobile-mobile model. All macro-scale properties introduced in this model can be determined explicitly from the pore-scale geometry and hydrodynamics through the solution of a set of closure equations. We pursue here an unsteady closure of the problem, leading to the occurrence of nonlocal (in time) terms in the upscaled system of equations. We provide the solution of the closure problems for a simple application documenting the time dependent and the asymptotic behavior of the system.

Accuracy of Mobile-Based Audiometry in the Evaluation of Hearing Loss in Quiet and Noisy Environments.

PubMed

Saliba, Joe; Al-Reefi, Mahmoud; Carriere, Junie S; Verma, Neil; Provencal, Christiane; Rappaport, Jamie M

2017-04-01

Objectives (1) To compare the accuracy of 2 previously validated mobile-based hearing tests in determining pure tone thresholds and screening for hearing loss. (2) To determine the accuracy of mobile audiometry in noisy environments through noise reduction strategies. Study Design Prospective clinical study. Setting Tertiary hospital. Subjects and Methods Thirty-three adults with or without hearing loss were tested (mean age, 49.7 years; women, 42.4%). Air conduction thresholds measured as pure tone average and at individual frequencies were assessed by conventional audiogram and by 2 audiometric applications (consumer and professional) on a tablet device. Mobile audiometry was performed in a quiet sound booth and in a noisy sound booth (50 dB of background noise) through active and passive noise reduction strategies. Results On average, 91.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 89.1%-93.2%) and 95.8% (95% CI, 93.5%-97.1%) of the threshold values obtained in a quiet sound booth with the consumer and professional applications, respectively, were within 10 dB of the corresponding audiogram thresholds, as compared with 86.5% (95% CI, 82.6%-88.5%) and 91.3% (95% CI, 88.5%-92.8%) in a noisy sound booth through noise cancellation. When screening for at least moderate hearing loss (pure tone average >40 dB HL), the consumer application showed a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 95.9%, respectively, and the professional application, 100% and 95.9%. Overall, patients preferred mobile audiometry over conventional audiograms. Conclusion Mobile audiometry can correctly estimate pure tone thresholds and screen for moderate hearing loss. Noise reduction strategies in mobile audiometry provide a portable effective solution for hearing assessments outside clinical settings.

Bipolar molecular composites: a new class of high-electron-mobility organic solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Liang-Bih; Jenekhe, Samson A.; Borsenberger, Paul M.

1997-10-01

We describe high electron mobility in organic solids in the form of bipolar molecular composites of N,N'-bis(1,2-dimethylpropyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (NTDI) and tri-p-tolylaniine (TTA). The electron mobility in the NTDI/TTA composites is ~2 x 10 cm2/Vs, which is a factor of 4 to 6 higher than in pure NTDI and isone of the highest values reported for disordered organic solids. The field and temperature dependencies of the charge mobility can be described using the disorder formalism due to Bassler and co-workers, which provides an estimation of the energy width σ of the hopping site manifold. Analysis of the data gave σ=0.081 and 0.060 eV for the electron and hole mobilities in a NTDI/TTA composite of 0.5510.45 molar ratio. The energetic disorder for electron transport in the bipolar composites is substantially lower than for pure NTDI, which is 0.093 eV. The results suggest that the observed enhancement arises from a substantial reduction of energetic disorder in the electron transport manifold of the bipolar composites. The reduction of energetic disorder may be due to intermolecular charge transfer between NTDI and TTA. Such a charge transfer could stabilize the electron transport manifold by better charge delocalization, and consequently, less energetic disorder. Another possible reason for the observed enhanced electron mobility is the reduction of NTDI dimers that can act as carrier traps by the presence of TTA molecules in the bipolar composites. These results also suggest that bipolar composites represent a promising new class of high electron mobility organic solids.

Task Descriptions in Diagnostic Radiology. Research Report No. 7. Volume 4, Index of Tasks by Code Number and Extended Name.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilpatrick, Eleanor

The fourth of four volumes in Research Report No. 7 of the Health Services Mobility Study (HSMS), this book contains the extended task names of all the tasks whose descriptions can be found in the three prior volumes. It serves as an index to all the tasks by listing the volume in which each task description appears. Chapter 1 of this volume…

CrossTalk: The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 27, Number 5, September/October 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

CMSP Infrastructure . 24. CMSP Infrastructure sends message via broadcast to mobile devices in the designated area(s). 25. Mobile device users... infrastructure could potentially threaten our way of life. Given the swiftness of technological change, it is excusable that organizations might...system, which is diagramed in Fig. 1, would expand these op- tions to mobile devices. FEMA established the message struc- ture and the approvals needed to

The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 18, Number 9

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

microprocessors. ods for mobility measurements, methods for Modeling and computation of transient rotor analyzing mobility data, mathematical modeling...behavior and nonlinear fluid-film bearing from mobility data, and applications of modal behavior will be described. Sessions will be test results will be...Zoned Viscoelastic Analysis of the Response of Dams to Earth- soil, quakesR. Abascal, J. Dominguez V. Lotfi , N6 445 • . , .-e ’SJ. PP %-’ , Ph.D. Thesis

Woody debris in north Iberian streams: influence of geomorphology, vegetation, and management.

PubMed

Diez, J R; Elosegi, A; Pozo, J

2001-11-01

The effect of stream geomorphology, maturity, and management of riparian forests on abundance, role, and mobility of wood was evaluated in 20 contrasting reaches in the Agüera stream catchment (northern Iberian Peninsula). During 1 year the volume of woody debris exceeding 1 cm in diameter was measured in all reaches. All large woody debris (phi > 5 cm) pieces were tagged, their positions mapped, and their subsequent changes noted. Volume of woody debris was in general low and ranged from 40 to 22,000 cm3 m-2; the abundance of debris dams ranged from 0 to 5.5 per 100 m of channel. Wood was especially rare and unstable in downstream reaches, or under harvested forests (both natural or plantations). Results stress that woody debris in north Iberian streams has been severely reduced by forestry and log removal. Because of the important influence of woody debris on structure and function of stream systems, this reduction has likely impacted stream communities. Therefore, efforts to restore north Iberian streams should include in-channel and riparian management practices that promote greater abundance and stability of large woody debris whenever possible.

Potential means of cost reduction in grade crossing automatic gate systems. volume II : improved gate arm concepts for railroad/highway grade crossings gate systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-02-28

This report, Volume II of a two-volume study, examines the potential for reduction of the cost of installing and maintaining automatic gates at railroad-highway grade crossings. It includes a review of current practices, equipment, and standards; con...

Potential means of cost reduction in grade crossing automatic gate systems. volume I : overview and low cost railroad/highway grade crossing gate systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-02-28

This report, Volume I of a two-volume study, examines the potential for reduction of the cost of installing and maintaining automatic gates at railroad-highway grade crossings. It comprises a general overview; a review of current practices, equipment...

MOBILE ON-SITE RECYCLING OF METALWORKING FLUIDS

EPA Science Inventory

This evaluation addresses the product quality, waste reduction, and economic issues involved in recycling metalworking fluids through a mobile recycling unit. The specific recycling unit evaluated is based on the technology of filtration, pasteurization, and centrifugation. Metal...

Reducing falls and improving mobility in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Sosnoff, Jacob J; Sung, JongHun

2015-06-01

Falls are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and are related to physical injury and reduce the quality of life. Mobility impairments are a significant risk factor for falls in persons with MS. Although there is evidence that mobility in persons with MS can be improved with rehabilitation, much less is known about fall prevention. This review focuses on fall prevention in persons with MS. Ten fall prevention interventions consisting of 524 participants with a wide range of disability were systematically identified. Nine of the 10 investigations report a reduction in falls and/or proportion of fallers following treatment. The vast majority observed an improvement in balance that co-occurred with the reduction in falls. Methodological limitations preclude any firm conclusions. Numerous gaps in the understanding of fall prevention in persons with MS are discussed. Well-designed randomized control trials targeting mobility and falls are warranted.

Impact of mobile intensive care unit use on total ischemic time and clinical outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients - real-world data from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey.

PubMed

Koifman, Edward; Beigel, Roy; Iakobishvili, Zaza; Shlomo, Nir; Biton, Yitschak; Sabbag, Avi; Asher, Elad; Atar, Shaul; Gottlieb, Shmuel; Alcalai, Ronny; Zahger, Doron; Segev, Amit; Goldenberg, Ilan; Strugo, Rafael; Matetzky, Shlomi

2017-01-01

Ischemic time has prognostic importance in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Mobile intensive care unit use can reduce components of total ischemic time by appropriate triage of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Data from the Acute Coronary Survey in Israel registry 2000-2010 were analyzed to evaluate factors associated with mobile intensive care unit use and its impact on total ischemic time and patient outcomes. The study comprised 5474 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients enrolled in the Acute Coronary Survey in Israel registry, of whom 46% ( n=2538) arrived via mobile intensive care units. There was a significant increase in rates of mobile intensive care unit utilization from 36% in 2000 to over 50% in 2010 ( p<0.001). Independent predictors of mobile intensive care unit use were Killip>1 (odds ratio=1.32, p<0.001), the presence of cardiac arrest (odds ratio=1.44, p=0.02), and a systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg (odds ratio=2.01, p<0.001) at presentation. Patients arriving via mobile intensive care units benefitted from increased rates of primary reperfusion therapy (odds ratio=1.58, p<0.001). Among ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary reperfusion, those arriving by mobile intensive care unit benefitted from shorter median total ischemic time compared with non-mobile intensive care unit patients (175 (interquartile range 120-262) vs 195 (interquartile range 130-333) min, respectively ( p<0.001)). Upon a multivariate analysis, mobile intensive care unit use was the most important predictor in achieving door-to-balloon time <90 min (odds ratio=2.56, p<0.001) and door-to-needle time <30 min (odds ratio=2.96, p<0.001). One-year mortality rates were 10.7% in both groups (log-rank p-value=0.98), however inverse propensity weight model, adjusted for significant differences between both groups, revealed a significant reduction in one-year mortality in favor of the mobile intensive care unit group (odds ratio=0.79, 95% confidence interval (0.66-0.94), p=0.01). Among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the utilization of mobile intensive care units is associated with increased rates of primary reperfusion, a reduction in the time interval to reperfusion, and a reduction in one-year adjusted mortality.

FY2017 Energy Efficient Mobility Systems Annual Progress Report

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

None

During fiscal year 2017 (FY 2017), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) created the Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Program to understand the range of mobility futures that could result from these disruptive technologies and services, and to create solutions that improve mobility energy productivity, or the value derived from the transportation system per unit of energy consumed. Increases in mobility energy productivity result from improvements in the quality or output of the transportation system, and/or reductions in the energy used for transportation.

Cd Mobility in Anoxic Fe-Mineral-Rich Environments - Potential Use of Fe(III)-Reducing Bacteria in Soil Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehe, E. M.; Adaktylou, I. J.; Obst, M.; Schröder, C.; Behrens, S.; Hitchcock, A. P.; Tylsizczak, T.; Michel, F. M.; Krämer, U.; Kappler, A.

2014-12-01

Agricultural soils are increasingly burdened with heavy metals such as Cd from industrial sources and impure fertilizers. Metal contaminants enter the food chain via plant uptake from soil and negatively affect human and environmental health. New remediation approaches are needed to lower soil metal contents. To apply these remediation techniques successfully, it is necessary to understand how soil microbes and minerals interact with toxic metals. Here we show that microbial Fe(III) reduction initially mobilizes Cd before its immobilization under anoxic conditions. To study how microbial Fe(III) reduction influences Cd mobility, we isolated a new Cd-tolerant, Fe(III)-reducing Geobacter sp. from a heavily Cd-contaminated soil. In lab experiments, this Geobacter strain first mobilized Cd from Cd-loaded Fe(III) hydroxides followed by precipitation of Cd-bearing mineral phases. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the original and newly formed Cd-containing Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases, including Cd-Fe-carbonates, Fe-phosphates and Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, were identified and characterized. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, Cd was mapped in the Fe(II) mineral aggregates formed during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Microbial Fe(III) reduction mobilizes Cd prior to its precipitation in Cd-bearing mineral phases. The mobilized Cd could be taken up by phytoremediating plants, resulting in a net removal of Cd from contaminated sites. Alternatively, Cd precipitation could reduce Cd bioavailability in the environment, causing less toxic effects to crops and soil microbiota. However, the stability and thus bioavailability of these newly formed Fe-Cd mineral phases needs to be assessed thoroughly. Whether phytoremediation or immobilization of Cd in a mineral with reduced Cd bioavailability are feasible mechanisms to reduce toxic effects of Cd in the environment remains to be determined.

Development of a Rapid Cycling CO(sub 2) and H(sub 2)O Removal Sorbent

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paul, Heather; Alptekin, Goekhan; Cates, Matthew; Bernal, Casey; Dubovik, Margarita; Gershanovich, Yevgenia

2007-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) planned future missions set stringent demands on the design of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), requiring dramatic reductions in weight, decreased reliance on supplies and greater flexibility on the types of missions. Use of regenerable systems that reduce weight and volume of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is of critical importance to NASA, both for low orbit operations and for long duration manned missions. The carbon dioxide and humidity control unit in the existing PLSS design is relatively large, since it has to remove and store 8 hours worth of CO2. If the sorbent regeneration can be carried out during the extravehicular activity (EVA) with a relatively high regeneration frequency, the size of the sorbent canister and weight can be significantly reduced. The progress of regenerable CO2 and humidity control is leading us towards the use of a rapid cycling amine system. TDA Research, Inc. is developing compact, regenerable sorbent materials to control CO2 and humidity in the space suit ventilation loop. The sorbent can be regenerated using space vacuum during the EVA, eliminating all carbon dioxide and humidity duration-limiting elements in the life support system. The material also has applications in other areas of space exploration such as the Orion spacecraft and other longer duration exploration missions requiring regenerable technologies. This paper summarizes the results of the sorbent development, testing, and evaluation efforts to date. The results of a preliminary system analysis are also included, showing the size and volume reductions for PLSS provided by the new system.

Future Aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilato, Louis

There are some disturbing signs that appear on the horizon as phenolic resins enter their second century of existence. The large area of wood adhesives application (~60% of the total volume of phenolic resins in North America) is under intense pressure due to many factors that are contributing to continuing reduction in the sales volume of wood adhesives. These factors include the known slow cure speed of phenolic resins compared to Urea Formaldehyde (UF), Melamine Formaldehyde (MF), or Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI); installation of new machinery/ equipment with fast continuous lines; continued decrease in plywood consumption at the expense of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) where phenolic resin is the preferred adhesive for plywood; further reduction in formaldehyde emissions through California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase I and Phase II; uncertainty of whether formaldehyde will be identified as a human carcinogen pending the anticipated 2009 study; and the environmental movement to reduce or eliminate formaldehyde-containing resins in wood and thermal insulation consumer products (U.S. Green Building Council and other Environmental groups like the Sierra Club). Consumers are being urged by environmental organizations to purchase composite wood products with lower formaldehyde emission levels or none at all. This is illustrated by examining the news media reports after the Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The home trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that were used for Louisiana and Mississippi residents after Katrina hurricane as temporary housing further accelerated concerns over formaldehyde emissions since higher than typical indoor exposure levels of formaldehyde in travel trailers and mobile homes were determined for the FEMA trailers.

Consequences of quality of reduction on osteosynthesis complications and quality of life in elderly patients with subtrochanteric fracture.

PubMed

Codesido-Vilar, P; Mejía-Casado, A; Riego-Fernández, J; Rodriguez-Casas, N; García-Cabanas, S; Rivas-Felice, J; García-Quevedo, L

2018-05-18

To compare results in terms of orthopaedic complications and quality of life in elderly patients with subtrochanteric fracture treated with intramedullary nailing according to fracture reduction status. A prospective cohort study including 90 elderly patients with subtrochanteric fractures of the femur treated with a cephalomedullary nail, with a minimum 1-year follow up. The inclusion criteria were: aged 60 years or older, without severe cognitive dysfunction and independent ambulatory capability before the fracture. We defined 3different groups in relation to fracture reduction status: good, acceptable and poor, according to modified criteria from Baumgartner et al. We compared clinical and surgical characteristics and healthy quality of life, social function and mobility according to the EQ-5D, Jensen Index and Mobility Score of Parker and Palmer questionnaires. We found differences in time to union, better in the good reduction group (P=.002); need for open reduction, more frequent in the good reduction group (P<.001), and in postoperative complications, more frequent in the poor reduction group (P=.001). We found no significant differences between the 3groups regarding scores in quality of life, social function and mobility. Reduction in subtrochanteric fractures in older people is key to obtaining better clinic and surgical results, improving time to union and decreasing surgical complications. Exposure of the focus fracture seems to be a safe manoeuvre. Quality of life had substantially deteriorated n these patients, but a there was a tendency, although not statistically significant, for it to improve in patients after good surgical reduction. Copyright © 2018 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Fluid-fluid interfacial mobility from random walks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barclay, Paul L.; Lukes, Jennifer R.

2017-12-01

Dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics is used to perform the first calculation of fluid-fluid interfacial mobilities. The mobility is calculated from one-dimensional random walks of the interface by relating the diffusion coefficient to the interfacial mobility. Three different calculation methods are employed: one using the interfacial position variance as a function of time, one using the mean-squared interfacial displacement, and one using the time-autocorrelation of the interfacial velocity. The mobility is calculated for two liquid-liquid interfaces and one liquid-vapor interface to examine the robustness of the methods. Excellent agreement between the three calculation methods is shown for all the three interfaces, indicating that any of them could be used to calculate the interfacial mobility.

Cortical grey matter volume reduction in people with schizophrenia is associated with neuro-inflammation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Y; Catts, V S; Sheedy, D; McCrossin, T; Kril, J J; Shannon Weickert, C

2016-01-01

Cortical grey matter volume deficits and neuro-inflammation exist in patients with schizophrenia, although it is not clear whether elevated cytokines contribute to the cortical volume reduction. We quantified cortical and regional brain volumes in fixed postmortem brains from people with schizophrenia and matched controls using stereology. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and SERPINA3 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantified in the contralateral fresh frozen orbitofrontal cortex. We found a small, but significant reduction in cortical grey matter (1.3% F(1,85)=4.478, P=0.037) and superior frontal gyrus (6.5% F(1,80)=5.700, P=0.019) volumes in individuals with schizophrenia compared with controls. Significantly reduced cortical grey matter (9.2% F(1,24)=8.272, P=0.008) and superior frontal gyrus (13.9% F(1,20)=5.374, P=0.031) volumes were found in cases with schizophrenia and ‘high inflammation' status relative to schizophrenia cases with ‘low inflammation' status in the prefrontal cortex. The expression of inflammatory mRNAs in the orbitofrontal cortex was significantly correlated with those in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (all r>0.417, all P<0.022), except for IL-8. Moreover, average daily and lifetime antipsychotic intake negatively correlated with cortical grey matter and superior frontal gyrus volumes (all r<−0.362, all P<0.05). The results suggest that the reduction in cortical grey matter volume in people with schizophrenia is exaggerated in those who have high expression of inflammatory cytokines. Further, antipsychotic medication intake does not appear to ameliorate the reduction in brain volume. PMID:27959331

Physiologic Basis for Improved Pulmonary Function after Lung Volume Reduction

PubMed Central

Fessler, Henry E.; Scharf, Steven M.; Ingenito, Edward P.; McKenna, Robert J.; Sharafkhaneh, Amir

2008-01-01

It is not readily apparent how pulmonary function could be improved by resecting portions of the lung in patients with emphysema. In emphysema, elevation in residual volume relative to total lung capacity reduces forced expiratory volumes, increases inspiratory effort, and impairs inspiratory muscle mechanics. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) better matches the size of the lungs to the size of the thorax containing them. This restores forced expiratory volumes and the mechanical advantage of the inspiratory muscles. In patients with heterogeneous emphysema, LVRS may also allow space occupied by cysts to be reclaimed by more normal lung. Newer, bronchoscopic methods for lung volume reduction seek to achieve similar ends by causing localized atelectasis, but may be hindered by the low collateral resistance of emphysematous lung. Understanding of the mechanisms of improved function after LVRS can help select patients more likely to benefit from this approach. PMID:18453348

Randomized Comparison of Mobile and Web-Tools to Provide Dementia Risk Reduction Education: Use, Engagement and Participant Satisfaction

PubMed Central

O'Connor, Elodie; Hatherly, Chris

2014-01-01

Background Encouraging middle-aged adults to maintain their physical and cognitive health may have a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of dementia in the future. Mobile phone apps and interactive websites may be one effective way to target this age group. However, to date there has been little research investigating the user experience of dementia risk reduction tools delivered in this way. Objective The aim of this study was to explore participant engagement and evaluations of three different targeted smartphone and Web-based dementia risk reduction tools following a four-week intervention. Methods Participants completed a Web-based screening questionnaire to collect eligibility information. Eligible participants were asked to complete a Web-based baseline questionnaire and were then randomly assigned to use one of the three dementia risk reduction tools for a period of four weeks: (1) a mobile phone application; (2) an information-based website; and (3) an interactive website. User evaluations were obtained via a Web-based follow-up questionnaire after completion of the intervention. Results Of 415 eligible participants, 370 (89.16%) completed the baseline questionnaire and were assigned to an intervention group; 200 (54.05%) completed the post-intervention questionnaire. The average age of participants was 52 years, and 149 (75%) were female. Findings indicated that participants from all three intervention groups reported a generally positive impression of the tools across a range of domains. Participants using the information-based website reported higher ratings of their overall impression of the tool, F2,191=4.12, P=.02; how interesting the information was, F2,189=3.53, P=.03; how helpful the information was, F2,192=4.15, P=.02; and how much they learned, F2,188=3.86, P=.02. Group differences were significant between the mobile phone app and information-based website users, but not between the interactive website users and the other two groups. Additionally, participants using the information-based website reported significantly higher scores on their ratings of the ease of navigation, F2,190=4.20, P=.02, than those using the mobile phone app and the interactive website. There were no significant differences between groups on ratings of ease of understanding the information, F2,188=0.27, P=.76. Most participants from each of the three intervention groups indicated that they intended to keep using the dementia risk reduction eHealth tool. Conclusions Overall, results indicated that while participants across all three intervention groups reported a generally positive experience with the targeted dementia risk reduction tools, participants using the information-based website provided a more favorable evaluation across a range of areas than participants using the mobile phone app. Further research is required to investigate whether targeted dementia risk reduction tools, in the form of interactive websites and mobile apps, can be improved to provide benefits above those gained by providing static information alone. PMID:26543904

Randomized Comparison of Mobile and Web-Tools to Provide Dementia Risk Reduction Education: Use, Engagement and Participant Satisfaction.

PubMed

O'Connor, Elodie; Farrow, Maree; Hatherly, Chris

2014-01-01

Encouraging middle-aged adults to maintain their physical and cognitive health may have a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of dementia in the future. Mobile phone apps and interactive websites may be one effective way to target this age group. However, to date there has been little research investigating the user experience of dementia risk reduction tools delivered in this way. The aim of this study was to explore participant engagement and evaluations of three different targeted smartphone and Web-based dementia risk reduction tools following a four-week intervention. Participants completed a Web-based screening questionnaire to collect eligibility information. Eligible participants were asked to complete a Web-based baseline questionnaire and were then randomly assigned to use one of the three dementia risk reduction tools for a period of four weeks: (1) a mobile phone application; (2) an information-based website; and (3) an interactive website. User evaluations were obtained via a Web-based follow-up questionnaire after completion of the intervention. Of 415 eligible participants, 370 (89.16%) completed the baseline questionnaire and were assigned to an intervention group; 200 (54.05%) completed the post-intervention questionnaire. The average age of participants was 52 years, and 149 (75%) were female. Findings indicated that participants from all three intervention groups reported a generally positive impression of the tools across a range of domains. Participants using the information-based website reported higher ratings of their overall impression of the tool, F2,191=4.12, P=.02; how interesting the information was, F2,189=3.53, P=.03; how helpful the information was, F2,192=4.15, P=.02; and how much they learned, F2,188=3.86, P=.02. Group differences were significant between the mobile phone app and information-based website users, but not between the interactive website users and the other two groups. Additionally, participants using the information-based website reported significantly higher scores on their ratings of the ease of navigation, F2,190=4.20, P=.02, than those using the mobile phone app and the interactive website. There were no significant differences between groups on ratings of ease of understanding the information, F2,188=0.27, P=.76. Most participants from each of the three intervention groups indicated that they intended to keep using the dementia risk reduction eHealth tool. Overall, results indicated that while participants across all three intervention groups reported a generally positive experience with the targeted dementia risk reduction tools, participants using the information-based website provided a more favorable evaluation across a range of areas than participants using the mobile phone app. Further research is required to investigate whether targeted dementia risk reduction tools, in the form of interactive websites and mobile apps, can be improved to provide benefits above those gained by providing static information alone.

The effect of increased mobility on morbidity in the neurointensive care unit.

PubMed

Titsworth, W Lee; Hester, Jeannette; Correia, Tom; Reed, Richard; Guin, Peggy; Archibald, Lennox; Layon, A Joseph; Mocco, J

2012-06-01

The detrimental effects of immobility on intensive care unit (ICU) patients are well established. Limited studies involving medical ICUs have demonstrated the safety and benefit of mobility protocols. Currently no study has investigated the role of increased mobility in the neurointensive care unit population. This study was a single-institution prospective intervention trial to investigate the effectiveness of increased mobility among neurointensive care unit patients. All patients admitted to the neurointensive care unit of a tertiary care center over a 16-month period (April 2010 through July 2011) were evaluated. The study consisted of a 10-month (8025 patient days) preintervention observation period followed by a 6-month (4455 patient days) postintervention period. The intervention was a comprehensive mobility initiative utilizing the Progressive Upright Mobility Protocol (PUMP) Plus. Implementation of the PUMP Plus increased mobility among neurointensive care unit patients by 300% (p < 0.0001). Initiation of this protocol also correlated with a reduction in neurointensive care unit length of stay (LOS; p < 0.004), hospital LOS (p < 0.004), hospital-acquired infections (p < 0.05), and ventilator-associated pneumonias (p < 0.001), and decreased the number of patient days in restraints (p < 0.05). Additionally, increased mobility did not lead to increases in adverse events as measured by falls or inadvertent line disconnections. Among neurointensive care unit patients, increased mobility can be achieved quickly and safely with associated reductions in LOS and hospital-acquired infections using the PUMP Plus program.

Mobile NMR: Measuring Pixels, Images, and Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bluemich, Bernhard

2007-03-01

The vision of bringing nuclear magnetic resonance out of the lab to the doctor's office, the chemical reactor, or the manufacturing site is becoming reality with the development of mobile NMR. Pioneered for well logging in the oil industry, the concept has been explored for materials testing in a more systematic way since the introduction of the NMR-MOUSE. This is a small, one-sided access NMR sensor which acquires the information of one pixel from a particular spot of a large object. As the sensor explores the stray-fields of a permanent magnet and an rf coil, the magnetic fields are inhomogeneous and the sensitive volume is limited to the region, where both fields are orthogonal and the Larmor frequency lies within the excitation bandwidth. By shaping the magnet and the coil geometries, the shape of the sensitive volume can be tailored to a thin slice or a larger volume a certain distance away from the sensor surface. In the first case, there is a strong field gradient in the depth direction, and in the second case, a homogeneous sweet spot of the field profile is desired. The first case is suitable for measuring high-resolution depth profiles, while the second case is suitable for chemical shift resolved spectroscopy and volume imaging. The basic concepts of open and closed mobile NMR sensors will be discussed along with applications from testing polymer products, cultural heritage, medical tissue, and rock cores.

Optimization of Composting for Explosives Contaminated Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-30

undesirable and essentially economically unfeasible for the remediation of small sites due to the large expenditures required for the mobilization and...mm, 5 micron. * Detector: UV absorbance at 250 nm. " Mobile phase: 52% methanol/48% water. " Flow rate: 1.5 mL/min. * Injection volume: 50 1&L. The...and lOx calibration standards. 4-21 57SC/2hif 12/02/91 Samples were diluted with mobile phase as necessary to bring target analytes into the

A method for deriving a 4D-interpolated balanced planning target for mobile tumor radiotherapy.

PubMed

Roland, Teboh; Hales, Russell; McNutt, Todd; Wong, John; Simari, Patricio; Tryggestad, Erik

2012-01-01

Tumor control and normal tissue toxicity are strongly correlated to the tumor and normal tissue volumes receiving high prescribed dose levels in the course of radiotherapy. Planning target definition is, therefore, crucial to ensure favorable clinical outcomes. This is especially important for stereotactic body radiation therapy of lung cancers, characterized by high fractional doses and steep dose gradients. The shift in recent years from population-based to patient-specific treatment margins, as facilitated by the emergence of 4D medical imaging capabilities, is a major improvement. The commonly used motion-encompassing, or internal-target volume (ITV), target definition approach provides a high likelihood of coverage for the mobile tumor but inevitably exposes healthy tissue to high prescribed dose levels. The goal of this work was to generate an interpolated balanced planning target that takes into account both tumor coverage and normal tissue sparing from high prescribed dose levels, thereby improving on the ITV approach. For each 4DCT dataset, 4D deformable image registration was used to derive two bounding targets, namely, a 4D-intersection and a 4D-composite target which minimized normal tissue exposure to high prescribed dose levels and maximized tumor coverage, respectively. Through definition of an "effective overlap volume histogram" the authors derived an "interpolated balanced planning target" intended to balance normal tissue sparing from prescribed doses with tumor coverage. To demonstrate the dosimetric efficacy of the interpolated balanced planning target, the authors performed 4D treatment planning based on deformable image registration of 4D-CT data for five previously treated lung cancer patients. Two 4D plans were generated per patient, one based on the interpolated balanced planning target and the other based on the conventional ITV target. Plans were compared for tumor coverage and the degree of normal tissue sparing resulting from the new approach was quantified. Analysis of the 4D dose distributions from all five patients showed that while achieving tumor coverage comparable to the ITV approach, the new planning target definition resulted in reductions of lung V(10), V(20), and V(30) of 6.3% ± 1.7%, 10.6% ± 3.9%, and 12.9% ± 5.5%, respectively, as well as reductions in mean lung dose, mean dose to the GTV-ring and mean heart dose of 8.8% ± 2.5%, 7.2% ± 2.5%, and 10.6% ± 3.6%, respectively. The authors have developed a simple and systematic approach to generate a 4D-interpolated balanced planning target volume that implicitly incorporates the dynamics of respiratory-organ motion without requiring 4D-dose computation or optimization. Preliminary results based on 4D-CT data of five previously treated lung patients showed that this new planning target approach may improve normal tissue sparing without sacrificing tumor coverage.

Correlation between National Influenza Surveillance Data and Search Queries from Mobile Devices and Desktops in South Korea

PubMed Central

Seo, Dong-Woo; Sohn, Chang Hwan; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Ryoo, Seung Mok; Lee, Yoon-Seon; Lee, Jae Ho; Kim, Won Young; Lim, Kyoung Soo

2016-01-01

Background Digital surveillance using internet search queries can improve both the sensitivity and timeliness of the detection of a health event, such as an influenza outbreak. While it has recently been estimated that the mobile search volume surpasses the desktop search volume and mobile search patterns differ from desktop search patterns, the previous digital surveillance systems did not distinguish mobile and desktop search queries. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of mobile and desktop search queries in terms of digital influenza surveillance. Methods and Results The study period was from September 6, 2010 through August 30, 2014, which consisted of four epidemiological years. Influenza-like illness (ILI) and virologic surveillance data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used. A total of 210 combined queries from our previous survey work were used for this study. Mobile and desktop weekly search data were extracted from Naver, which is the largest search engine in Korea. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation of the mobile and desktop data with ILI and virologic data in Korea. We also performed lag correlation analysis. We observed that the influenza surveillance performance of mobile search queries matched or exceeded that of desktop search queries over time. The mean correlation coefficients of mobile search queries and the number of queries with an r-value of ≥ 0.7 equaled or became greater than those of desktop searches over the four epidemiological years. A lag correlation analysis of up to two weeks showed similar trends. Conclusion Our study shows that mobile search queries for influenza surveillance have equaled or even become greater than desktop search queries over time. In the future development of influenza surveillance using search queries, the recognition of changing trend of mobile search data could be necessary. PMID:27391028

Correlation between National Influenza Surveillance Data and Search Queries from Mobile Devices and Desktops in South Korea.

PubMed

Shin, Soo-Yong; Kim, Taerim; Seo, Dong-Woo; Sohn, Chang Hwan; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Ryoo, Seung Mok; Lee, Yoon-Seon; Lee, Jae Ho; Kim, Won Young; Lim, Kyoung Soo

2016-01-01

Digital surveillance using internet search queries can improve both the sensitivity and timeliness of the detection of a health event, such as an influenza outbreak. While it has recently been estimated that the mobile search volume surpasses the desktop search volume and mobile search patterns differ from desktop search patterns, the previous digital surveillance systems did not distinguish mobile and desktop search queries. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of mobile and desktop search queries in terms of digital influenza surveillance. The study period was from September 6, 2010 through August 30, 2014, which consisted of four epidemiological years. Influenza-like illness (ILI) and virologic surveillance data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used. A total of 210 combined queries from our previous survey work were used for this study. Mobile and desktop weekly search data were extracted from Naver, which is the largest search engine in Korea. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation of the mobile and desktop data with ILI and virologic data in Korea. We also performed lag correlation analysis. We observed that the influenza surveillance performance of mobile search queries matched or exceeded that of desktop search queries over time. The mean correlation coefficients of mobile search queries and the number of queries with an r-value of ≥ 0.7 equaled or became greater than those of desktop searches over the four epidemiological years. A lag correlation analysis of up to two weeks showed similar trends. Our study shows that mobile search queries for influenza surveillance have equaled or even become greater than desktop search queries over time. In the future development of influenza surveillance using search queries, the recognition of changing trend of mobile search data could be necessary.

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

Wan, Li; Thompson, Gregory, E-mail: gthompson@eng.ua.edu

A series of 40–2 nm bilayer spacing Ti/Fe multilayers were sputter-deposited. As the length scale of individual Ti layers equaled to 2 nm, Ti phase transforms from a hexagonal close packed (hcp)-to-body centered cubic (bcc) crystal structures for equal layer thicknesses in Ti/Fe multilayers. Further equal reductions in bilayer spacing to less than 1 nm resulted in an additional transformation from a crystalline to amorphous structure. Atom probe tomography reveals significant intermixing between layers which contributes to the observed phase transformations. Real-time, intrinsic growth stress measurements were also performed to relate the adatom mobility to these phase transformations. For the hcp Ti/bcc Femore » multilayers of equivalent volume fractions, the multilayers undergo an overall tensile stress state to a compressive stress state with decreasing bilayer thickness for the multilayers. When the above phase transformations occurred, a modest reduction in the overall compressive stress of the multilayer was noted. Depending on the Fe thickness, the Ti growth was observed to be a tensile to compressive growth change to a purely compressive growth for thinner bilayer spacing. Fe retained a tensile growth stress regardless of the bilayer spacing studied.« less

Root restriction: A tool for improving volume utilization efficiency in bioregenerative life-support systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, Thomas; Wheeler, Raymond

2016-06-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate root restriction as a tool to increase volume utilization efficiency in spaceflight crop production systems. Bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum cv. California Wonder) were grown under restricted rooting volume conditions in controlled environment chambers. The rooting volume was restricted to 500 ml and 60 ml in a preliminary trial, and 1500 ml (large), 500 ml (medium), and 250 ml (small) for a full fruiting trial. To reduce the possible confounding effects of water and nutrient restrictions, care was taken to ensure an even and consistent soil moisture throughout the study, with plants being watered/fertilized several times daily with a low concentration soluble fertilizer solution. Root restriction resulted in a general reduction in biomass production, height, leaf area, and transpiration rate; however, the fruit production was not significantly reduced in the root restricted plants under the employed environmental and horticultural conditions. There was a 21% reduction in total height and a 23% reduction in overall crown diameter between the large and small pot size in the fruiting study. Data from the fruiting trial were used to estimate potential volume utilization efficiency improvements for edible biomass in a fixed production volume. For fixed lighting and rooting hardware situations, the majority of improvement from root restriction was in the reduction of canopy area per plant, while height reductions could also improve volume utilization efficiency in high stacked or vertical agricultural systems.

Root restriction: A tool for improving volume utilization efficiency in bioregenerative life-support systems.

PubMed

Graham, Thomas; Wheeler, Raymond

2016-06-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate root restriction as a tool to increase volume utilization efficiency in spaceflight crop production systems. Bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum cv. California Wonder) were grown under restricted rooting volume conditions in controlled environment chambers. The rooting volume was restricted to 500ml and 60ml in a preliminary trial, and 1500ml (large), 500ml (medium), and 250ml (small) for a full fruiting trial. To reduce the possible confounding effects of water and nutrient restrictions, care was taken to ensure an even and consistent soil moisture throughout the study, with plants being watered/fertilized several times daily with a low concentration soluble fertilizer solution. Root restriction resulted in a general reduction in biomass production, height, leaf area, and transpiration rate; however, the fruit production was not significantly reduced in the root restricted plants under the employed environmental and horticultural conditions. There was a 21% reduction in total height and a 23% reduction in overall crown diameter between the large and small pot size in the fruiting study. Data from the fruiting trial were used to estimate potential volume utilization efficiency improvements for edible biomass in a fixed production volume. For fixed lighting and rooting hardware situations, the majority of improvement from root restriction was in the reduction of canopy area per plant, while height reductions could also improve volume utilization efficiency in high stacked or vertical agricultural systems. Copyright © 2016 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). All rights reserved.

An Empirical Study on the Determinants of International Student Mobility: A Global Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Hao

2013-01-01

This paper, based on the data of 48 countries and regions from 1999 to 2008, studies the economic and educational determinants of how countries of different types attract international students. The study finds that: the volume of merchandise trade between countries facilitates international student mobility across borders; international students…

EVALUATION OF THE THORACOABDOMINAL MOBILITY OF OBESE SUBJECTS IN PRE-BARIATRIC SURGERY.

PubMed

Veloso, Ana Paula Limongi Richardelli; Cusmanich, Karla Garcez

Obesity can affect the thorax, diaphragm, and alterations in respiratory function even if the lungs are within normality. The respiratory compliance is very reduced by the increase in fat mass. To evaluate the effect of the physical therapeutic respiratory exercises on the thoracoabdominal mobility of obese individuals in pre-bariatric surgery. Cross-sectional and descriptive study, which used the cirtometry (axillary, xiphoid and abdominal) to evaluate the mobility of 74 individuals, 27 men and 47 women, in pre-bariatric surgery, assisted by the team EMAD, after eight weeks of physiotherapy, following a protocol of exercises, reevaluating and compared the measures pre and post intervention. Had positive correlation abdominal mobility in the total volume of all participants (p=0.010) and also for all the measures in the measurement of residual volume in three levels (p=0.000). Comparing genders, in total volume, cirtometry abdominal greater for women (p=0.015) when compared to men and residual volume, significance for either men or women in all measurements (p=0.000). Obese patients that underwent the physiotherapeutic treatment during the preoperative period, had pré respiratory dynamics improved by the increase in the mobility of the chest cavity and by the improvement of respiratory conscience. A obesidade pode afetar o tórax e o diafragma, determinando alterações na função respiratória, mesmo quando os pulmões se apresentam dentro da normalidade. A complacência respiratória é muito reduzida pelo aumento de massa gordurosa. Avaliar o efeito de exercícios fisioterapêuticos respiratórios sobre a mobilidade torácica de indivíduos obesos no pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica. Estudo transversal e descritivo, que utilizou a cirtometria (axilar, xifoide e abdominal) para avaliar a mobilidade de 74 indivíduos, 27 homens e 47 mulheres, em pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica, assistidos pela equipe EMAD, após oito semanas de fisioterapia, seguindo um protocolo de exercícios, reavaliando e comparado as medidas pré e pós a intervenção. Apresentaram correlação positiva a mobilidade abdominal no volume total de todos os participantes (p=0,010) e também para todas as medidas na mensuração do volume residual nos três níveis (p=0,000). Comparando os sexos, no volume total, a cirtometria abdominal maior das mulheres (p=0,015) quando comparada a dos homens e no volume residual, significância tanto para os homens quanto para as mulheres em todas as mensurações (p=0,000). Obesos que se submeteram ao tratamento fisioterapêutico durante o período pré-operatório, tiveram dinâmica respiratória melhorada pelo aumento da mobilidade da caixa torácica e pela melhora da consciência respiratória.

Randomised clinical trial of chest drainage systems.

PubMed Central

Graham, A N; Cosgrove, A P; Gibbons, J R; McGuigan, J A

1992-01-01

BACKGROUND: Problems in the management of thoracic trauma have stimulated the search for an alternative to underwater seals for drainage of the pleural cavity. A chest drainage bag incorporating a one way flutter valve has been compared with underwater seal drains in a randomised clinical trial. METHODS: During June-December 1989 119 patients undergoing elective thoracotomy were randomised to receive postoperative chest drainage by drainage bags (56 patients, 87 drains) or by underwater seal drains (63 patients, 98 drains). Daily drainage volumes, the requirement for pleural suction, mobility, and complications were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean volume drained, the requirements for pleural suction, or the occurrence of complications. Patients with drainage bags were fully mobile 23 hours (95% confidence interval 0-47 hours) earlier than the others. CONCLUSIONS: When used after elective thoracotomy drainage bags are safe and effective and permit earlier mobility than underwater seal drains. PMID:1496507

Mobility of pyroclastic flows and surges at the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calder, E.S.; Cole, P.D.; Dade, W.B.; Druitt, T.H.; Hoblitt, R.P.; Huppert, H.E.; Ritchie, L.; Sparks, R.S.J.; Young, S.R.

1999-01-01

The Soufriere Hills Volcano on Montserrat has produced avalanche-like pyroclastic flows formed by collapse of the unstable lava dome or explosive activity. Pyroclastic flows associated with dome collapse generate overlying dilute surges which detach from and travel beyond their parent flows. The largest surges partially transform by rapid sedimentation into dense secondary pyroclastic flows that pose significant hazards to distal areas. Different kinds of pyroclastic density currents display contrasting mobilities indicated by ratios of total height of fall H, run-out distance L, area inundated A and volume transported V. Dome-collapse flow mobilities (characterised by either L/H or A/V 2/3) resemble those of terrestrial and extraterrestrial cold-rockfalls (Dade and Huppert, 1998). In contrast, fountain-fed pumice flows and fine-grained, secondary pyroclastic flows travel slower but, for comparable initial volumes and heights, can inundate greater areas.

Effects of solvent composition in the normal-phase liquid chromatography of alkylphenols and naphthols

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

Hurtubise, R.J.; Hussain, A.; Silver, H.F.

1981-11-01

The normal-phase liquid chromatographic models of Scott, Snyder, and Soczewinski were considered for a ..mu..-Bondapak NH/sub 2/ stationary phase. n-Heptane:2-propanol and n-heptane:ethyl acetate mobile phases of different compositions were used. Linear relationships were obtained from graphs of log K' vs. log mole fraction of the strong solvent for both n-heptane:2-propanol and n-heptane:ethyl acetate mobile phases. A linear relationship was obtained between the reciprocal of corrected retention volume and % wt/v of 2-propanol but not between the reciprocal of corrected retention volume and % wt/v of ethyl acetate. The slopes and intercept terms from the Snyder and Soczewinski models were foundmore » to approximately describe interactions with ..mu..-Bondapak NH/sub 2/. Capacity factors can be predicted for the compounds by using the equations obtained from mobile phase composition variation experiments.« less

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

Toczydlowska, Diana; Kedra-Krolik, Karolina; Nejbert, Krzysztof

The role of surface electrostatics on the reductive dissolution of iron (III) oxides is poorly understood, despite its importance in controlling the amount of mobilized iron. We report the potentiometric titration of the a; y -Fe2O3 oxides exposed to reductants and complexing ligands (Fe(II), ascorbate, oxalate, malonate). We monitored in situ surface and potentials, the ratio of mobilized ferric to ferrous ions, and periodically analyzed nanoparticle crystal structure using X-ray diffraction. We found that addition of Fe2+ ions produces a response consistent with the iron solubilityactivity curve, whereas the presence of ascorbate significantly decreases the amount of mobilized Fe(III) duemore » to reduction to Fe(II). In addition, XRD analysis proved that y-Fe2O3 particles remain structurally unchanged along the titration pathway despite iron cycling between aqueous and solid reservoirs. Our studies, suggest that the surface redoxactivity of iron oxides is primarily governed by the balance between Fe(III) and Fe(II) ions in aqueous phase, which may be easily altered by complexing and reducing agents.« less

Effect of Hydrofracking Fluid on Colloid Transport in the Unsaturated Zone

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Hydraulic fracturing is expanding rapidly in the US to meet increasing energy demand and requires high volumes of hydrofracking fluid to displace natural gas from shale. Accidental spills and deliberate land application of hydrofracking fluids, which return to the surface during hydrofracking, are common causes of environmental contamination. Since the chemistry of hydrofracking fluids favors transport of colloids and mineral particles through rock cracks, it may also facilitate transport of in situ colloids and associated pollutants in unsaturated soils. We investigated this by subsequently injecting deionized water and flowback fluid at increasing flow rates into unsaturated sand columns containing colloids. Colloid retention and mobilization was measured in the column effluent and visualized in situ with bright field microscopy. While <5% of initial colloids were released by flushing with deionized water, 32–36% were released by flushing with flowback fluid in two distinct breakthrough peaks. These peaks resulted from 1) surface tension reduction and steric repulsion and 2) slow kinetic disaggregation of colloid flocs. Increasing the flow rate of the flowback fluid mobilized an additional 36% of colloids, due to the expansion of water filled pore space. This study suggests that hydrofracking fluid may also indirectly contaminate groundwater by remobilizing existing colloidal pollutants. PMID:24905470

Proceedings of the AFOSR Special Conference on Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems, Norfolk, Virginia, 22-25 February 1982. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-25

However, because the mobility of the ions is much smaller than the mobility of the electrons (for cesium i = 1/500 Me), and because of ion...space applications of this high temperature in- sulation. Use of glass-alumina insulation for motors in mobile applications would reduce cooling...present and/or mobile only during irradiation. VII-7-7 WS 710 01AS$ AesowRpIOr MEA8IJRtED MOt AN FTER L5 MvV ELECTRON NtADIATION Fig. 7 -- Growth of

Internal Kinematics of the Tongue Following Volume Reduction

PubMed Central

SHCHERBATYY, VOLODYMYR; PERKINS, JONATHAN A.; LIU, ZI-JUN

2008-01-01

This study was undertaken to determine the functional consequences following tongue volume reduction on tongue internal kinematics during mastication and neuromuscular stimulation in a pig model. Six ultrasonic-crystals were implanted into the tongue body in a wedge-shaped configuration which allows recording distance changes in the bilateral length (LENG) and posterior thickness (THICK), as well as anterior (AW), posterior dorsal (PDW), and ventral (PVW) widths in 12 Yucatan-minipigs. Six animals received a uniform mid-sagittal tongue volume reduction surgery (reduction), and the other six had identical incisions without tissue removal (sham). The initial-distances among each crystal-pairs were recorded before, and immediately after surgery to calculate the dimensional losses. Referring to the initial-distance there were 3−66% and 1−4% tongue dimensional losses by the reduction and sham surgeries, respectively. The largest deformation in sham animals during mastication was in AW, significantly larger than LENG, PDW, PVW, and THICK (P < 0.01−0.001). In reduction animals, however, these deformational changes significantly diminished and enhanced in the anterior and posterior tongue, respectively (P < 0.05−0.001). In both groups, neuromuscular stimulation produced deformational ranges that were 2−4 times smaller than those occurred during chewing. Furthermore, reduction animals showed significantly decreased ranges of deformation in PVW, LENG, and THICK (P < 0.05−0.01). These results indicate that tongue volume reduction alters the tongue internal kinematics, and the dimensional losses in the anterior tongue caused by volume reduction can be compensated by increased deformations in the posterior tongue during mastication. This compensatory effect, however, diminishes during stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve and individual tongue muscles. PMID:18484603

Western blotting using capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Anderson, Gwendolyn J; M Cipolla, Cynthia; Kennedy, Robert T

2011-02-15

A microscale Western blotting system based on separating sodium-dodecyl sulfate protein complexes by capillary gel electrophoresis followed by deposition onto a blotting membrane for immunoassay is described. In the system, the separation capillary is grounded through a sheath capillary to a mobile X-Y translation stage which moves a blotting membrane past the capillary outlet for protein deposition. The blotting membrane is moistened with a methanol and buffer mixture to facilitate protein adsorption. Although discrete protein zones could be detected, bands were broadened by ∼1.7-fold by transfer to membrane. A complete Western blot for lysozyme was completed in about one hour with 50 pg mass detection limit from low microgram per milliliter samples. These results demonstrate substantial reduction in time requirements and improvement in mass sensitivity compared to conventional Western blots. Western blotting using capillary electrophoresis shows promise to analyze low volume samples with reduced reagents and time, while retaining the information content of a typical Western blot.

The Loss of Efficiency Caused by Agents’ Uncoordinated Routing in Transport Networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Junjie; Wang, Pu

2014-01-01

Large-scale daily commuting data were combined with detailed geographical information system (GIS) data to analyze the loss of transport efficiency caused by drivers’ uncoordinated routing in urban road networks. We used Price of Anarchy (POA) to quantify the loss of transport efficiency and found that both volume and distribution of human mobility demand determine the POA. In order to reduce POA, a small number of highways require considerable decreases in traffic, and their neighboring arterial roads need to attract more traffic. The magnitude of the adjustment in traffic flow can be estimated using the fundamental measure traffic flow only, which is widely available and easy to collect. Surprisingly, the most congested roads or the roads with largest traffic flow were not those requiring the most reduction of traffic. This study can offer guidance for the optimal control of urban traffic and facilitate improvements in the efficiency of transport networks. PMID:25349995

Evaluation of Military Field-Water Quality. Volume 8. Performance of Mobile Water-Purification Unit (MWPU) and Pretreatment Components of the 600-GPH Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU), and Consideration of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Bypass, Potable-Water Disinfection, and Water-Quality Analysis Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

Health Risks in Potential Theaters of Operation for U.S. Military Forces. The nine volumes of this study contain a comprehensive assessment of the chemical...module. The percentage of total free chlorine ( hypochlorous acid , HOCl) plus hypochlorlte ion (OClN), measured by the Model 453 membrane sensor, varies...between the performances of the 600-Sph Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU) operated in the bypass node and ’the Mobile Water Purification

NASA NDE Applications for Mobile MEMS Devices and Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, William C.; Atkinson, Gary M.; Barclay, R. O.

2008-01-01

NASA would like new devices and sensors for performing nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of aerospace vehicles. These devices must be small in size/volume, mass, and power consumption. The devices must be autonomous and mobile so they can access the internal structures of aircraft and spacecraft and adequately monitor the structural health of these craft. The platforms must be mobile in order to transport NDE sensors for evaluating structural integrity and determining whether further investigations will be required. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is crucial to the development of the mobile platforms and sensor systems. This paper presents NASA s needs for micro mobile platforms and MEMS sensors that will enable NDE to be performed on aerospace vehicles.

Buffer Gas Modifiers Effect Resolution in Ion Mobility Spectrometry through Selective Ion-Molecule Clustering Reactions

PubMed Central

Fernández-Maestre, Roberto; Wu, Ching; Hill, Herbert H.

2013-01-01

RATIONALE When polar molecules (modifiers) are introduced into the buffer gas of an ion mobility spectrometer, most ion mobilities decrease due to the formation of ion-modifier clusters. METHODS We used ethyl lactate, nitrobenzene, 2-butanol, and tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile as buffer gas modifiers and electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry. Ethyl lactate, nitrobenzene, and tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile had not been tested as buffer gas modifiers and 2-butanol had not been used with basic amino acids. RESULTS The ion mobilities of several diamines (arginine, histidine, lysine, and atenolol) were not affected or only slightly reduced when these modifiers were introduced into the buffer gas (3.4% average reduction in an analyte's mobility for the three modifiers). Intramolecular bridges caused limited change in the ion mobilities of diamines when modifiers were added to the buffer gas; these bridges hindered the attachment of modifier molecules to the positive charge of ions and delocalized the charge, which deterred clustering. There was also a tendency towards large changes in ion mobility when the mass of the analyte decreased; ethanolamine, the smallest compound tested, had the largest reduction in ion mobility with the introduction of modifiers into the buffer gas (61%). These differences in mobilities, together with the lack of shift in bridge-forming ions, were used to separate ions that overlapped in IMS, such as isoleucine and lysine, and arginine and phenylalanine, and made possible the prediction of separation or not of overlapping ions. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of modifiers into the buffer gas in IMS can selectively alter the mobilities of analytes to aid in compound identification and/or enable the separation of overlapping analyte peaks. PMID:22956312

Validation of a 2 percent lactic acid antimicrobial rinse for mobile poultry slaughter operations.

PubMed

Killinger, Karen M; Kannan, Aditi; Bary, Andy I; Cogger, Craig G

2010-11-01

Poultry processing antimicrobial interventions are critical for pathogen control, and organic, mobile operations in Washington seek alternatives to chlorine. Laboratory and field studies (three replications each) evaluated lactic acid efficacy as a chlorine alternative. For the laboratory study, retail-purchased, conventionally processed chicken wings inoculated with Salmonella were randomly assigned to the following treatments: Salmonella inoculation followed by no treatment (10 wings) or by 3-min rinses of water, 50 to 100 ppm of chlorine, or 2% lactic acid (20 wings for each rinse treatment). Wings were sampled for Salmonella enumeration on xylose lysine desoxycholate agar. During pastured poultry processing at mobile slaughter units for each field study replication, 20 chicken carcasses were randomly assigned to each treatment: untreated control or 3-min immersion in lactic acid or chlorine. Whole-carcass rinses were examined for aerobic plate count (APC) on tryptic soy agar and coliforms on violet red bile agar. Untreated controls were also examined for Salmonella. In the laboratory study, lactic acid produced a significant (P < 0.01) Salmonella reduction compared with the inoculated no-rinse, water, and chlorine treatments, which were statistically similar to each other. In the field study, no Salmonella was detected on untreated controls. Lactic acid produced significant >2-log (P < 0.01) reductions in APC and coliforms, whereas chlorine resulted in slight, but significant 0.4-log reductions (P < 0.01) and 0.21-log reductions (P < 0.05) in APC and coliforms compared with untreated controls. Considering laboratory and field studies, lactic acid produced greater reductions in Salmonella, APC, and coliforms, validating its effectiveness as a chlorine alternative in mobile poultry slaughter operations.

CO2 Leakage-Induced Shallow Aquifer Contaminations and Associated Health Risk Assessment.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, C. Y.; Han, W. S.; Park, E.; Choung, S.; Piao, J.; Han, G.; Tianfu, X.

2016-12-01

Leakage of stored CO2 from designated deep formation could degrade portable groundwater quality in overlaying shallow aquifers. Dissolution of leaked CO2 causes to reduction of pH and alters dominant geochemical reactions, which ultimately enhances mobility of toxic heavy metals in shallow aquifer. In this study, among various toxic heavy metals, mobilization of As and U were focused because these metals are considered to be cancer potency factor when human being continuously exposes for long period. For this reason, it is critical to evaluate relationship between the amount of leaked CO2 into shallow aquifer and a degree of mobility in As and U. In the end, cancer risk to human body were quantified with probabilistic approach after accounting for shallow groundwater velocity, pumping rate from residential well, geologic heterogeneity. For this study, two-dimensional reactive transport models were developed. Geologic heterogeneity was accounted with three interbedded rock types, which consisted of sandstone, As and U bearing shale, and carbonate rocks, respectively. Within these three-rock types, variability includes changes in permeability, porosity, a type of minerals, and its volume fraction, accounting for both physical and chemical heterogeneities Finally, human health risk is calculated through multiplying cancer potency factor by average daily dose, which is obtained after acquiring for both As and U concentrations profile at residential well through reactive transport modeling. As per variability, a series of human health risks were calculated. Quantification of risk in conjunction with sensitivity analysis aids to evaluate a list of geologic parameters enhancing human health risk.

Physicochemical Approaches for the Remediation of Former Manufactured Gas Plant Tars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauswirth, S.; Miller, C. T.

2014-12-01

Former manufactured gas plant (FMGP) tars are one of the most challenging non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants to remediate due to their complex chemical composition, high viscosities, and ability to alter wettability. In this work, we investigate several in situ remediation techniques for the removal of tar from porous media. Batch and column experiments were conducted to test the effectiveness of mobilization, solubilization, and chemical oxidation remediation approaches. Alkaline (NaOH), surfactant (Triton X-100), and polymer (xanthan gum) agents were used in various combinations to reduce tar-water interfacial tension, increase flushing solution viscosity, and increase the solubilities of tar components. Base-activated sodium persulfate was used alone and in combination with surfactant to chemically oxidized tar components. The effectiveness of each method was assessed in terms of both removal of PAHs from the system and reduction of dissolved-phase effluent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations. In column studies, alkaline-polymer (AP) and alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) solutions efficiently mobilized 81-93% and 95-96% of residual PAHs, respectively, within two pore volumes. The impact of AP flushing on dissolved-phase PAH concentrations was relatively low; however, the concentrations of several low molar mass PAHs were significantly reduced after ASP flushing. Surfactant-polymer (SP) solutions removed over 99% of residual PAHs through a combination of mobilization and solubilization, and reduced the post-remediation, dissolved-phase total PAH concentration by 98.4-99.1%. Degradation of residual PAHs by base-activated sodium persulfate was relatively low (30-50%), and had little impact on dissolved-phase PAH concentrations.

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study, exhibit C. Volume 4: Transportation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G. M.

1979-01-01

Volume 4 of a seven volume Satellite Power Systems (SPS) is presented. This volume is divided into the following sections: (1) transportation systems elements; (2) transportation systems requirements; (3) heavy lift launch vehicles (HLLV); (4) LEO-GEO transportation; (5) on-orbit mobility systems; (6) personnel transfer systems; and (7) cost and programmatics. Three appendixes are also provided and they include: horizontal takeoff (single stage to orbit technical summary); HLLV reference vehicle trajectory and trade study data; and electric orbital transfer vehicle sizing.

Region-specific reduction in brain volume in young adults with perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Bregant, Tina; Rados, Milan; Vasung, Lana; Derganc, Metka; Evans, Alan C; Neubauer, David; Kostovic, Ivica

2013-11-01

A severe form of perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) carries a high risk of perinatal death and severe neurological sequelae while in mild HIE only discrete cognitive disorders may occur. To compare total brain volumes and region-specific cortical measurements between young adults with mild-moderate perinatal HIE and a healthy control group of the same age. MR imaging was performed in a cohort of 14 young adults (9 males, 5 females) with a history of mild or moderate perinatal HIE. The control group consisted of healthy participants, matched with HIE group by age and gender. Volumetric analysis was done after the processing of MR images using a fully automated CIVET pipeline. We measured gyrification indexes, total brain volume, volume of grey and white matter, and of cerebrospinal fluid. We also measured volume, thickness and area of the cerebral cortex in the parietal, occipital, frontal, and temporal lobe, and of the isthmus cinguli, parahippocampal and cingulated gyrus, and insula. The HIE patient group showed smaller absolute volumetric data. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) reductions of gyrification index in the right hemisphere, of cortical areas in the right temporal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus, of cortical volumes in the right temporal lobe and of cortical thickness in the right isthmus of the cingulate gyrus were found. Comparison between the healthy group and the HIE group of the same gender showed statistically significant changes in the male HIE patients, where a significant reduction was found in whole brain volume; left parietal, bilateral temporal, and right parahippocampal gyrus cortical areas; and bilateral temporal lobe cortical volume. Our analysis of total brain volumes and region-specific corticometric parameters suggests that mild-moderate forms of perinatal HIE lead to reductions in whole brain volumes. In the study reductions were most pronounced in temporal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus. Copyright © 2013 European Paediatric Neurology Society. All rights reserved.

Coupling nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatography to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for arsenic speciation.

PubMed

Cheng, Heyong; Shen, Lihuan; Liu, Jinhua; Xu, Zigang; Wang, Yuanchao

2018-04-01

Nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatography shows low consumption of solvents and samples, offering one of the best choices for arsenic speciation in precious samples in combination with inuctively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A systematic investigation on coupling nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatography to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry from instrument design to injected sample volume and mobile phase was performed in this study. Nanoflow mobile phase was delivered by flow splitting using a conventional high-pressure pump with reuse of mobile phase waste. Dead volume was minimized to 60 nL for the sheathless interface based on the previously developed nanonebulizer. Capillary columns for nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatography were found to be sensitive to sample loading volume. An apparent difference was also found between the mobile phases for nanoliter and conventional high-performance liquid chromatography. Baseline separation of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsenic, and dimethylarsenic was achieved within 11 min on a 15 cm C 18 capillary column and within 12 min on a 25 cm strong anion exchange column. Detection limits of 0.9-1.8 μg/L were obtained with precisions variable in the range of 1.6-4.2%. A good agreement between determined and certified values of a certified reference material of human urine (GBW 09115) validated its accuracy along with good recoveries (87-102%). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Trends in Higher Education. Volume 2: Faculty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, 2007

2007-01-01

This volume of "Trends" provides a historical analysis of faculty hiring over the last 30 years, with breakdowns that examine nationwide shifts in gender, age, mobility and attrition as well as within specific disciplines. Following this analysis is a discussion of the factors that will drive change in faculty renewal for the…

Estimating Energy Consumption of Mobile Fluid Power in the United States

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

Lynch, Lauren; Zigler, Bradley T.

This report estimates the market size and energy consumption of mobile off-road applications utilizing hydraulic fluid power, and summarizes technology gaps and implementation barriers. Mobile fluid power is the use of hydraulic fluids under pressure to transmit power in mobile equipment applications. The mobile off-road fluid power sector includes various uses of hydraulic fluid power equipment with fundamentally diverse end-use application and operational requirements, such as a skid steer loader, a wheel loader or an agriculture tractor. The agriculture and construction segments dominate the mobile off-road fluid power market in component unit sales volume. An estimated range of energy consumedmore » by the mobile off-road fluid power sector is 0.36 - 1.8 quads per year, which was 1.3 percent - 6.5 percent of the total energy consumed in 2016 by the transportation sector. Opportunities for efficiency improvements within the fluid power system result from needs to level and reduce the peak system load requirements and develop new technologies to reduce fluid power system level losses, both of which may be facilitated by characterizing duty cycles to define standardized performance test methods. There are currently no commonly accepted standardized test methods for evaluating equipment level efficiency over a duty cycle. The off-road transportation sector currently meets criteria emissions requirements, and there are no efficiency regulations requiring original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to invest in new architecture development to improve the fuel economy of mobile off-road fluid power systems. In addition, the end-user efficiency interests are outweighed by low equipment purchase or lease price concerns, required payback periods, and reliability and durability requirements of new architecture. Current economics, low market volumes with high product diversity, and regulation compliance challenge OEM investment in commercialization of new architecture development.« less

POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT - U.S. COAST GUARD AVIATION TRAINING CENTER - MOBILE, AL

EPA Science Inventory

An assessment of pollution prevention opportunities at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, AL, identified waste reduction opportunities in five major processing areas: flight simulator operation, aircraft maintenance, aircraft fueling, aircraft washing, and...

Army Command and Control Study-82 (ACCS-82). Volume III. Annexes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-30

specific issues identified by the group as requiring resolution in order to acompLish the study objective (Vol I, Chap 7). Recommendations are organized...Volume I, have been approved with the following modifications: a. Organizational Issue 1. The Army Readiness and Mobilization Region concept, described...in Volume IV, is the approved organizational alternative. b. Organizational Issue 3. The activation of one additional CONUS headquarters is

Effects of large volume injection of aliphatic alcohols as sample diluents on the retention of low hydrophobic solutes in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

David, Victor; Galaon, Toma; Aboul-Enein, Hassan Y

2014-01-03

Recent studies showed that injection of large volume of hydrophobic solvents used as sample diluents could be applied in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC). This study reports a systematic research focused on the influence of a series of aliphatic alcohols (from methanol to 1-octanol) on the retention process in RP-LC, when large volumes of sample are injected on the column. Several model analytes with low hydrophobic character were studied by RP-LC process, for mobile phases containing methanol or acetonitrile as organic modifiers in different proportions with aqueous component. It was found that starting with 1-butanol, the aliphatic alcohols can be used as sample solvents and they can be injected in high volumes, but they may influence the retention factor and peak shape of the dissolved solutes. The dependence of the retention factor of the studied analytes on the injection volume of these alcohols is linear, with a decrease of its value as the sample volume is increased. The retention process in case of injecting up to 200μL of upper alcohols is dependent also on the content of the organic modifier (methanol or acetonitrile) in mobile phase. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rates of As and trace-element mobilization caused by Fe reduction in mixed BTEX–ethanol experimental plumes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ziegler, Brady A.; McGuire, Jennifer T.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.

2015-01-01

Biodegradation of organic matter, including petroleum-based fuels and biofuels, can create undesired secondary water-quality effects. Trace elements, especially arsenic (As), have strong adsorption affinities for Fe(III) (oxyhydr)-oxides and can be released to groundwater during Fe-reducing biodegradation. We investigated the mobilization of naturally occurring As, cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) from wetland sediments caused by the introduction of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and ethanol mixtures under iron- and nitrate-reducing conditions, using in situ push–pull tests. When BTEX alone was added, results showed simultaneous onset and similar rates of Fe reduction and As mobilization. In the presence of ethanol, the maximum rates of As release and Fe reduction were higher, the time to onset of reaction was decreased, and the rates occurred in multiple stages that reflected additional processes. The concentration of As increased from <1 μg/L to a maximum of 99 μg/L, exceeding the 10 μg/L limit for drinking water. Mobilization of Co, Cr, and Ni was observed in association with ethanol biodegradation but not with BTEX. These results demonstrate the potential for trace-element contamination of drinking water during biodegradation and highlight the importance of monitoring trace elements at natural and enhanced attenuation sites.

Do Mobile Learning Devices Enhance Learning in Higher Education Anatomy Classrooms?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Kate; Barter, Phil

2015-01-01

Recently there has been an increased volume of research and practice of mobile Learning (mLearning) and in particular of the tablet device. The question of how, when and where to best incorporate the tablet device into the learning environment in Higher Education remains largely unanswered. The article presents the findings of an empirical study…

A Mobile Phone Faraday Cage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

French, M. M. J.

2011-01-01

A Faraday cage is an interesting physical phenomenon where an electromagnetic wave can be excluded from a volume of space by enclosure with an electrically conducting material. The practical application of this in the classroom is to block the signal to a mobile phone by enclosing it in a metal can. The background of the physics behind this is…

HUMAN HEALTH DAMAGES FROM MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION: ADDITIONAL DELPHI DATA ANALYSIS. VOLUME II

EPA Science Inventory

The report contains the results of additional analyses of the data generated by a panel of medical experts for a study of Human Health Damages from Mobile Source Air Pollution (hereafter referred to as HHD) conducted by the California Air Resources Board in 1973-75 for the U.S. E...

Effect of exogenous reductant on growth and iron mobilization from ferrihydrite by the Pseudomonas mendocina ymp strain.

PubMed

Dhungana, Suraj; Anthony, Charles R; Hersman, Larry E

2007-05-01

Growth of the Pseudomonas mendocina ymp strain on insoluble ferrihydrite is enhanced by exogenous reductants with concurrent increase in soluble iron concentrations. This shows that exogenous reductants play a substantial role in the overall microbial iron bioavailability. The exogenous reductants may work together with the siderophores, Fe-scavenging agents, to facilitate ferrihydrite dissolution.

Mobility of large rock avalanches: evidence from Valles Marineris, Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

McEwen, A.S.

1989-01-01

Measurements of H/L (height of drop/length of runout) vs. volume for landslides in Valles Marineris on Mars show a trend of decreasing H/L with increasing volume. This trend, which is linear on a log-log plot, is parallel to but lies above the trend for terrestrial dry rock avalanches. This result and estimates of 104 to 105 Pa yield strength suggest that the landslides were not water saturated, as suggested by previous workers. The offset between the H/L vs. volume trends shows that a typical Martian avalanche must be nearly two orders of magnitude more voluminous than a typical terrestrial avalance in order to achieve the same mobility. This offset might be explained by the effects of gravity on flows with high yield strengths. These results should prove useful to future efforts to resolve the controversy over the mechanics of long-runout avalanches. -Author

Population mobility reductions associated with travel restrictions during the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone: use of mobile phone data.

PubMed

Peak, Corey M; Wesolowski, Amy; Zu Erbach-Schoenberg, Elisabeth; Tatem, Andrew J; Wetter, Erik; Lu, Xin; Power, Daniel; Weidman-Grunewald, Elaine; Ramos, Sergio; Moritz, Simon; Buckee, Caroline O; Bengtsson, Linus

2018-06-26

Travel restrictions were implementeded on an unprecedented scale in 2015 in Sierra Leone to contain and eliminate Ebola virus disease. However, the impact of epidemic travel restrictions on mobility itself remains difficult to measure with traditional methods. New 'big data' approaches using mobile phone data can provide, in near real-time, the type of information needed to guide and evaluate control measures. We analysed anonymous mobile phone call detail records (CDRs) from a leading operator in Sierra Leone between 20 March and 1 July in 2015. We used an anomaly detection algorithm to assess changes in travel during a national 'stay at home' lockdown from 27 to 29 March. To measure the magnitude of these changes and to assess effect modification by region and historical Ebola burden, we performed a time series analysis and a crossover analysis. Routinely collected mobile phone data revealed a dramatic reduction in human mobility during a 3-day lockdown in Sierra Leone. The number of individuals relocating between chiefdoms decreased by 31% within 15 km, by 46% for 15-30 km and by 76% for distances greater than 30 km. This effect was highly heterogeneous in space, with higher impact in regions with higher Ebola incidence. Travel quickly returned to normal patterns after the restrictions were lifted. The effects of travel restrictions on mobility can be large, targeted and measurable in near real-time. With appropriate anonymization protocols, mobile phone data should play a central role in guiding and monitoring interventions for epidemic containment.

Alternative Hand Contamination Technique To Compare the Activities of Antimicrobial and Nonantimicrobial Soaps under Different Test Conditions▿

PubMed Central

Fuls, Janice L.; Rodgers, Nancy D.; Fischler, George E.; Howard, Jeanne M.; Patel, Monica; Weidner, Patrick L.; Duran, Melani H.

2008-01-01

Antimicrobial hand soaps provide a greater bacterial reduction than nonantimicrobial soaps. However, the link between greater bacterial reduction and a reduction of disease has not been definitively demonstrated. Confounding factors, such as compliance, soap volume, and wash time, may all influence the outcomes of studies. The aim of this work was to examine the effects of wash time and soap volume on the relative activities and the subsequent transfer of bacteria to inanimate objects for antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial soaps. Increasing the wash time from 15 to 30 seconds increased reduction of Shigella flexneri from 2.90 to 3.33 log10 counts (P = 0.086) for the antimicrobial soap, while nonantimicrobial soap achieved reductions of 1.72 and 1.67 log10 counts (P > 0.6). Increasing soap volume increased bacterial reductions for both the antimicrobial and the nonantimicrobial soaps. When the soap volume was normalized based on weight (∼3 g), nonantimicrobial soap reduced Serratia marcescens by 1.08 log10 counts, compared to the 3.83-log10 reduction caused by the antimicrobial soap (P < 0.001). The transfer of Escherichia coli to plastic balls following a 15-second hand wash with antimicrobial soap resulted in a bacterial recovery of 2.49 log10 counts, compared to the 4.22-log10 (P < 0.001) bacterial recovery on balls handled by hands washed with nonantimicrobial soap. This indicates that nonantimicrobial soap was less active and that the effectiveness of antimicrobial soaps can be improved with longer wash time and greater soap volume. The transfer of bacteria to objects was significantly reduced due to greater reduction in bacteria following the use of antimicrobial soap. PMID:18441107

Alternative hand contamination technique to compare the activities of antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial soaps under different test conditions.

PubMed

Fuls, Janice L; Rodgers, Nancy D; Fischler, George E; Howard, Jeanne M; Patel, Monica; Weidner, Patrick L; Duran, Melani H

2008-06-01

Antimicrobial hand soaps provide a greater bacterial reduction than nonantimicrobial soaps. However, the link between greater bacterial reduction and a reduction of disease has not been definitively demonstrated. Confounding factors, such as compliance, soap volume, and wash time, may all influence the outcomes of studies. The aim of this work was to examine the effects of wash time and soap volume on the relative activities and the subsequent transfer of bacteria to inanimate objects for antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial soaps. Increasing the wash time from 15 to 30 seconds increased reduction of Shigella flexneri from 2.90 to 3.33 log(10) counts (P = 0.086) for the antimicrobial soap, while nonantimicrobial soap achieved reductions of 1.72 and 1.67 log(10) counts (P > 0.6). Increasing soap volume increased bacterial reductions for both the antimicrobial and the nonantimicrobial soaps. When the soap volume was normalized based on weight (approximately 3 g), nonantimicrobial soap reduced Serratia marcescens by 1.08 log(10) counts, compared to the 3.83-log(10) reduction caused by the antimicrobial soap (P < 0.001). The transfer of Escherichia coli to plastic balls following a 15-second hand wash with antimicrobial soap resulted in a bacterial recovery of 2.49 log(10) counts, compared to the 4.22-log(10) (P < 0.001) bacterial recovery on balls handled by hands washed with nonantimicrobial soap. This indicates that nonantimicrobial soap was less active and that the effectiveness of antimicrobial soaps can be improved with longer wash time and greater soap volume. The transfer of bacteria to objects was significantly reduced due to greater reduction in bacteria following the use of antimicrobial soap.

On the feasibility to conduct gradient liquid chromatography separations in narrow-bore columns at pressures up to 2000bar.

PubMed

De Pauw, Ruben; Swier, Tim; Degreef, Bart; Desmet, Gert; Broeckhoven, Ken

2016-11-18

The limits in operating pressures are extended for narrow-bore columns in gradient elution up to 2000bar. As the required pumps for these pressures are incompatible with common chromatographic solvents and are not suitable to apply a mobile phase composition gradient, a mobile phase delivery and injection system is described and experimentally validated which allows to use any possible chromatographic solvent in isocratic and gradient elution. The mobile phase delivery and injection system also allows to perform multiple separations without the need to depressurize the column. This system consists out of 5 dual on/off valves and two large volume loops in which the gradient and equilibration volume of initial mobile phase are loaded by a commercial liquid chromatography pump. The loops are then flushed toward the column at extreme pressures. The mobile phase delivery and injection system is first evaluated in isocratic elution and shows a comparable performance to a state-of-the-art commercial flow-through-needle injector but with twice the pressure rating. Distortion of the loaded gradient by dispersion in the gradient storage loop is studied. The effect of the most important parameters (such as flow rate, pressure and gradient steepness) is experimentally investigated. Different gradient steepnesses and volumes can be applied at different flow rates and operating pressures with a good repeatability. Due to the isobaric operation of the pumps, the gradient is monitored in real-time by a mass flow meter installed at the detector outlet. The chromatograms are then converted from time to volume-base. A separation of a 19-compound sample is performed on a 300×2.1mm column at 1000bar and on a 600×2.1mm column at 2000bar. The peak capacity was found to increase from 141 to 199 and thus scales with L as is predicted by theory. This allows to conclude that the inlet pressure for narrow-bore columns in gradient elution can be increased up to 2000bar without fundamental pressure-induced limitations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluid-assisted Ductile Deformation in the Main Central Thrust, Sikkim Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, S.; Majumdar, A. S.; Mukul, M.

2016-12-01

The disparity in the definition and position of the Main Central Thrust (MCT), a major crustal scale fault-zone (FZ) in the Himalaya have hindered detailed studies on its geometry, kinematics, deformation mechanisms and role of fluid aiding in deformation within the MCTFZ. To resolve these ambiguities, we have mapped the MCT using a ductile fault-zone model, characterized by a fault core (FC) of maximum-grain size reduction flanked by relatively less deformed hanging-wall (HWDZ) and footwall damage zones (FWDZ). The mineralogical and compositional variations from protolith to FC are analysed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The study reveals in the structurally lowest exposure near Rongli, Sikkim, India the MCTFZ outcrops with 120m thick FC flanked by 1.2km HWDZ and 1.3km FWDZ. The modal proportion of quartz progressively increases from protolith ( 32%) to the FC ( 90%), coupled with decrease in proportion of feldspars ( 60% to 9%) and biotite ( 6% to 2%). Volume-conservative mass balance calculations show an increase in SiO2 concentration (in wt%), coupled with a decrease in other major and minor element concentrations like Al2O3, TiO2, Fe2O3, Na2O and CaO in the FC relative to the protolith composition. Similar trend was observed for Al2O3 and TiO2 conservative isocon analyses with volume gain of 138% and 55% respectively from the protolith to the FC. The extensive mineralogical and compositional changes from the protolith to the FC indicate fluid-induced element mobilization in the MCTFZ. Evidences of reaction softening, as observed by the transformation of mechanically stronger minerals like feldspar and hornblende to weaker sericite and biotite respectively, attest to deformation in the presence of fluid. The fluid enriches the FC with easily deformable quartz along with reduction in proportion of relatively less deformable feldspar. The presence of fluid facilitates deformation of quartz in MCTFZ at lower temperatures by hydrolytic weakening thus, supplementing deformation by grain-size sensitive dislocation-creep. These results from the present study indicate that fluids have played a significant role in the evolution of the MCTFZ, fluid induced mobility of perceived immobile elements like Al2O3 and TiO2 and probable cause of the ambiguous Ar-Ar ages in the region.

Characterization of fluid physics effects on cardiovascular response to microgravity (G-572)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pantalos, George M.; Bennett, Thomas E.; Sharp, M. Keith; Woodruff, Stewart; Oleary, Sean; Gillars, Kevin; Lemon, Mark; Sojka, Jan

1995-01-01

The investigation of cardiovascular adaptation to space flight has seen substantial advancement in the last several years. In-flight echocardiographic measurements of astronaut cardiac function on the Space Shuttle have documented an initial increase, followed by a progressive reduction in both left ventricular volume index and stroke volume with a compensatory increase in heart rate to maintain cardiac output. To date, the reduced cardiac size and stroke volume have been presumed to be the consequence of the reduction in circulating fluid volume within a few days after orbital insertion. However, no specific mechanism for the reduced stroke volume has been identified. The following investigation proposes the use of a hydraulic model of the cardiovascular system to examine the possibility that the observed reduction in stroke volume may, in part, be related to fluid physics effects on heart function. The automated model is being prepared to fly as a Get Away Special (GAS) payload within the next year.

Empirical relations between large wood transport and catchment characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steeb, Nicolas; Rickenmann, Dieter; Rickli, Christian; Badoux, Alexandre

2017-04-01

The transport of vast amounts of large wood (LW) in water courses can considerably aggravate hazardous situations during flood events, and often strongly affects resulting flood damage. Large wood recruitment and transport are controlled by various factors which are difficult to assess and the prediction of transported LW volumes is difficult. Such information are, however, important for engineers and river managers to adequately dimension retention structures or to identify critical stream cross-sections. In this context, empirical formulas have been developed to estimate the volume of transported LW during a flood event (Rickenmann, 1997; Steeb et al., 2017). The data base of existing empirical wood load equations is, however, limited. The objective of the present study is to test and refine existing empirical equations, and to derive new relationships to reveal trends in wood loading. Data have been collected for flood events with LW occurrence in Swiss catchments of various sizes. This extended data set allows us to derive statistically more significant results. LW volumes were found to be related to catchment and transport characteristics, such as catchment size, forested area, forested stream length, water discharge, sediment load, or Melton ratio. Both the potential wood load and the fraction that is effectively mobilized during a flood event (effective wood load) are estimated. The difference of potential and effective wood load allows us to derive typical reduction coefficients that can be used to refine spatially explicit GIS models for potential LW recruitment.

A clinical investigation of the mechanism of loxoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for patients with nocturia.

PubMed

Araki, Tohru; Yokoyama, Teruhiko; Araki, Motoo; Furuya, Seiji

2008-12-01

We previously reported the effectiveness of loxoprofen sodium (loxoprofen), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) complaining of nocturia. In this study, we explored the mechanism of loxoprofen in the treatment of nocturia. Fifty-six patients complaining of nocturia were enrolled. They took a single 60-mg tablet of loxoprofen at bedtime for 14 days. The effects of this treatment were assessed by bladder diaries. Nocturia improved (nocturia decreased >or=1 void/night) in 40 patients (71.4%). Nocturnal urine volume was reduced in 31 of 40 (77.5%) without nocturnal single-void volume increase. Nocturnal single-void volume increased in 4 of 40 (10.0%) without nocturnal urine volume reduction. Two of 40 (5.0%) demonstrated both nocturnal urine volume reduction and nocturnal single-void volume increase. Three (7.5%) were exceptions to the above. In conclusion, the main mechanism of loxoprofen is the reduction of nocturnal urine volume for the treatment of nocturia and the second mechanism is the increased bladder capacity.

Procedure for chromatography involving sample solvent with higher elution strength than the mobile phase.

PubMed

Patil, Nitin S; Mendhe, Rakesh B; Sankar, Ajeet A; Iyer, Harish

2008-01-11

In preparative chromatography, often the solubility of the sample in the mobile phase is limited, making the mobile phase unsuitable as a solvent for preparation of load. Generally, solvents that have high solubility for the sample also have higher elution strengths than the mobile phase. Additionally, at high loading volumes, these strong sample solvents are known to adversely affect the band profiles leading to poor chromatographic performance. Here, we show that controlling the mobile phase strength during loading and post-load elution resulted in improved band profiles when the sample solvent was stronger than the mobile phase. Such an approach improves performance in preparative chromatography by allowing either higher sample loading or higher organic content in mobile phase (without loss of yield). Alternately, the approach can be used for improvement in performance by increase in yield or product purity.

Evaluation of percutaneous ethanol injections in benign thyroid nodules.

PubMed

Perez, Camila Luhm Silva; Fighera, Tayane Muniz; Miasaki, Fabiola; Mesa Junior, Cleo Otaviano; Paz Filho, Gilberto Jorge da; Graf, Hans; Carvalho, Gisah Amaral de

2014-12-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function.

Comparative study of solvation parameter models accounting the effects of mobile phase composition in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Torres-Lapasió, J R; Ruiz-Angel, M J; García-Alvarez-Coque, M C

2007-09-28

Solvation parameter models relate linearly compound properties with five fundamental solute descriptors (excess molar refraction, dipolarity/polarizability, effective hydrogen-bond acidity and basicity, and McGowan volume). These models are widely used, due to the availability of protocols to obtain the descriptors, good performance, and general applicability. Several approaches to predict retention in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) as a function of these descriptors and mobile phase composition are compared, assaying the performance with a set of 146 organic compounds of diverse nature, eluted with acetonitrile and methanol. The approaches are classified in two groups: those that only allow predictions of retention for the mobile phases used to build the models, and those valid at any other mobile phase composition. The first group includes the use of ratios between the regressed coefficients of the solvation models that are assumed to be characteristic for a column/solvent system, and the application of offsets to transfer the retention from a reference mobile phase to any other. Maximal accuracy in predictions corresponded, however, to the approaches in the second group, which were based on models that describe the retention as a function of mobile phase composition (expressed as the solvent volume fraction or a normalised polarity measurement), where the coefficients were made dependent on the solvent descriptors. The study revealed the properties that influence the retention and distinguish the particular behaviour of acetonitrile and methanol in RPLC.

Requirements for a mobile communications satellite system. Volume 2: Technical report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horstein, M.

1983-01-01

Three types of satellite aided mobile communications are considered for users in areas not served by (terrestrial) cellular radio systems. In system 1, mobile units are provided a direct satellite link to a gateway station, which serves as the interface to the terrestrial toll network. In system 2, a terrestrial radio link similar to those in cellular systems connects the mobile unit to a translator station; each translator relays the traffic from mobile units in its vicinity, via satellite, to the regional gateway. It is not feasible for system 2 to provide obiquitous coverage. Therefore, system 3 is introduced, in which the small percentage of users not within range of a translator are provided a direct satellite link as in system 1.

Seasoning degrade in kiln drying ponderosa pine in south central Oregon.

Treesearch

A.C. Knauss

1957-01-01

This report presents the results of a study to determine the loss in volume and value of lumber when kiln drying and surfacing the production from ponderosa pine logs. The study measured (1) the reduction in volume due to trimming and culling dry lumber after surfacing, (2) the reduction in grade due to seasoning defects, (3) the reduction in grade due to failure of...

Effect of microbially mediated iron mineral transformation on temporal variation of arsenic in the Pleistocene aquifers of the central Yangtze River basin.

PubMed

Deng, Yamin; Zheng, Tianliang; Wang, Yanxin; Liu, Lun; Jiang, Hongchen; Ma, Teng

2018-04-01

Significant seasonal variation of groundwater arsenic (As) concentrations in shallow aquifers of the Jianghan Plain, central Yangtze River Basin has been reported recently, but the underlying mechanisms remain not well understood. To elaborate biogeochemical processes responsible for the observed As concentration variation, 42-day incubation experiments were done using sediment samples collected respectively from the depth of 26, 36 and 60m of the As-affected aquifer which were labeled respectively as JH26, JH36, JH60. Where JH denotes Jianghan Plain, and the number indicates the depth of the sediment sample. The results indicated that As could be mobilized from the sediments of 26m and 36m depth under the stimulation of exogenous organic carbon, with the maximum As release amount of 1.60 and 1.03mgkg -1 , respectively, while the sediments at 60m depth did not show As mobilization. The microbially mediated reductive dissolution of amorphous iron oxides and reduction of As(V) to As(III) could account for the observed As mobilization. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing results indicated that the variation of microbial community correlated with the released As concentration (R=0.7, P<0.05) and the iron-reducing bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Clostridium and Geobacter, were the main drivers for the As mobilization from the sediments at 26m and 36m depth. The increase of arsC gene abundance (up to 1.4×10 5 copies g -1 ) during As release suggested that As reduction was mediated by the resistant reduction mechanism. By contrast, in the 60m sediments where the Fe and As release was absent, the iron-reducing bacteria accounted for a very minor proportion and sulfate-reducing bacteria were predominant in the microbial community. In addition, after 30days of incubation, the released As in the 26m sediments was immobilized via co-precipitation with or adsorption onto the Fe-sulfide mineral newly-formed by the bacterial sulfate reduction. These results are consistent with the results of our previous field monitoring, indicating that the bacterial sulfate reduction could lead to the temporal decrease in groundwater As concentrations. This study provides insights into the mechanism for As mobilization and seasonal As concentration variation in the Pleistocene aquifers from alluvial plains. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gross morphology and morphometric sequelae in the hippocampus, fornix, and corpus callosum of patients with severe non-missile traumatic brain injury without macroscopically detectable lesions: a T1 weighted MRI study

PubMed Central

Tomaiuolo, F; Carlesimo, G; Di, P; Petrides, M; Fera, F; Bonanni, R; Formisano, R; Pasqualetti, P; Caltagirone, C

2004-01-01

Objective: The gross morphology and morphometry of the hippocampus, fornix, and corpus callosum in patients with severe non-missile traumatic brain injury (nmTBI) without obvious neuroradiological lesions was examined and the volumes of these structures were correlated with performance on memory tests. In addition, the predictability of the length of coma from the selected anatomical volumes was examined. Method: High spatial resolution T1 weighted MRI scans of the brain (1 mm3) and neuropsychological evaluations with standardised tests were performed at least 3 months after trauma in 19 patients. Results: In comparison with control subjects matched in terms of gender and age, volume reduction in the hippocampus, fornix, and corpus callosum of the nmTBI patients was quantitatively significant. The length of coma correlated with the volume reduction in the corpus callosum. Immediate free recall of word lists correlated with the volume of the fornix and the corpus callosum. Delayed recall of word lists and immediate recall of the Rey figure both correlated with the volume of the fornix. Delayed recall of the Rey figure correlated with the volume of the fornix and the right hippocampus. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that in severe nmTBI without obvious neuroradiological lesions there is a clear hippocampal, fornix, and callosal volume reduction. The length of coma predicts the callosal volume reduction, which could be considered a marker of the severity of axonal loss. A few memory test scores correlated with the volumes of the selected anatomical structures. This relationship with memory performance may reflect the diffuse nature of the damage, leading to the disruption of neural circuits at multiple levels and the progressive neural degeneration occurring in TBI. PMID:15314123

Impact of Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation on Pulmonary Vein Cross Sectional Area: Implications for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis.

PubMed

Jazayeri, Mohammad-Ali; Vanga, Subba Reddy; Vuddanda, Venkat; Turagam, Mohit; Parikh, Valay; Lavu, Madhav; Bommana, Sudharani; Atkins, Donita; Nath, Jayant; Rosamond, Thomas; Vacek, James; Madhu Reddy, Y; Lakkireddy, Dhanunjaya

2017-01-01

Restoration of normal sinus rhythm by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients can result in a reduction of left atrial (LA) volume and pulmonary vein (PV) dimensions. It is not clear if this PV size reduction represents a secondary effect of overall LA volume reduction or true PV stenosis. We assessed the relationship between LA volume reduction and PV orifice area pre- and post-RFA. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care academic hospital. Pre- and post-RFA cardiac computed tomography (CT) studies of 100 consecutive AF patients were reviewed. Studies identifying obvious segmental PV narrowing were excluded. Left atrial volumes and PV orifice cross-sectional areas (PVOCA) were measured using proprietary software from the CT scanner vendor (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI). The cohort had a mean age of 60 ± 8 years, 73% were male, and 90% were Caucasian. Non-paroxysmal AF was present in 76% of patients with a mean duration from diagnosis to RFA of 55 ± 54 months. Mean procedural time was 244 ± 70 min. AF recurred in 27% at 3 month follow-up. Pre-RFA LA volumes were 132 ± 60 ml and mean PVOCA was 2.89 ± 2.32 cm 2 . In patients with successful ablation, mean LA volume decreased by 10% and PVOCA decreased by 21%. PVOCA was significantly reduced in patients with successful RFA compared to those who had recurrence (2.18 ± 1.12 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9 cm 2 , p = 0.04) but reduction in LA volume between groups was not significant (118 ± 42 vs. 133 ± 54 ml, p=0.15). The study demonstrates that both PV orifice dimensions and LA volume are reduced after successful AF ablation. These data warrant a reassessment of criteria for diagnosing PV stenosis based on changes in PV caliber alone, ideally incorporating LA volume changes.

Spatial distribution of erosion and deposition during a glacier surge: Brúarjökull, Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korsgaard, Niels J.; Schomacker, Anders; Benediktsson, Ívar Örn; Larsen, Nicolaj K.; Ingólfsson, Ólafur; Kjær, Kurt H.

2015-12-01

Time-series of digital elevation models (DEMs) of the forefield of the Brúarjökull surge-type glacier in Iceland were used to quantify the volume of material that was mobilized by the 1963-1964 surge. The DEMs were produced by stereophotogrammetry on aerial photographs from before the surge (1961) and after (1988 and 2003). The analysis was performed on two DEMs of Difference (DoDs), i.e., a 1961-2003 DoD documenting the impact of the surge and a 1988-2003 DoD documenting the post-surge modification of the juvenile surging glacier landsystem. Combined with a digital geomorphological map, the DoDs allow us to quantify the impact of the surge on a landsystem scale down to individual landforms. A total of 34.2 ± 11.3 × 106 m3 of material was mobilized in the 30.7-km2 study area as a result of the most recent surge event. Of these, 17.4 ± 6.6 × 106 m3 of the material were eroded and 16.8 ± 4.7 × 106 m3 were deposited. More than half of the deposited volume was ice-cored landforms. This study demonstrates that although the total mobilized mass volume is high, the net volume gain of ice and sediment deposited as landforms in the forefield caused by the surge is low. Furthermore, deposition of new dead-ice from the 1963-1964 surge constitutes as much as 64% of the volume gain in the forefield. The 1988-2003 DoD is used to quantify the melt-out of this dead-ice and other paraglacial modification of the recently deglaciated forefield of Brúarjökull.

Logistics Reduction Technologies for Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James L., Jr.; Ewert, Michael K.; Fink, Patrick W.

2014-01-01

Human exploration missions under study are limited by the launch mass capacity of existing and planned launch vehicles. The logistical mass of crew items is typically considered separate from the vehicle structure, habitat outfitting, and life support systems. Although mass is typically the focus of exploration missions, due to its strong impact on launch vehicle and habitable volume for the crew, logistics volume also needs to be considered. NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing (LRR) Project is developing six logistics technologies guided by a systems engineering cradle-to-grave approach to enable after-use crew items to augment vehicle systems. Specifically, AES LRR is investigating the direct reduction of clothing mass, the repurposing of logistical packaging, the use of autonomous logistics management technologies, the processing of spent crew items to benefit radiation shielding and water recovery, and the conversion of trash to propulsion gases. Reduction of mass has a corresponding and significant impact to logistical volume. The reduction of logistical volume can reduce the overall pressurized vehicle mass directly, or indirectly benefit the mission by allowing for an increase in habitable volume during the mission. The systematic implementation of these types of technologies will increase launch mass efficiency by enabling items to be used for secondary purposes and improve the habitability of the vehicle as mission durations increase. Early studies have shown that the use of advanced logistics technologies can save approximately 20 m(sup 3) of volume during transit alone for a six-person Mars conjunction class mission.

Monitoring and evaluation of plant and hydrological controls on arsenic transport across the water sediment interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaffe, P. R.; MacDonald, L. H.; Paull, J.

2009-12-01

Plants and hydrology influence the transport of arsenic in wetlands by changing the dominant redox chemistry in the subsurface, and different plant and hydrological regimes can serve as effective barriers or promoters of metal transport. Inorganic arsenic, especially arsenate, binds to iron oxides in wetlands. In flooded wetland sediments, organic carbon from plants consumes oxygen and promotes reductive iron dissolution, which leads to arsenic release, while plants simultaneously create microoxic regimes around root hairs that oxidize and precipitate iron, promoting arsenic capture. Hydrology influences arsenic mobility by promoting wetting and drying cycles. Such cycles can lead to rapid shifts from anaerobic to aerobic conditions, and vice versa, with lasting impact on the oxidation state of iron and, by extension, the mobility of arsenic. Remediation strategies should take these competing conditions into account, and to help inform these strategies this study examines the chemistry of an industrially contaminated wetland when the above mechanisms aggregate. The study tests whether, in bulk, plants promote iron reduction or oxidation in intermittently flooded or consistently flooded sediments, and how this impacts arsenic mobility. This research uses a novel dialysis-based monitoring technique to examine the macro-properties of arsenic transport at the sediment water interface and at depth. Dialysis-based monitoring allows long-term seasonal trends in anaerobic porewater and allows active hypothesis testing on the influence of plants on redox chemistry. This study finds that plants promote iron reduction and that iron-reducing zones tend to correlate with zones with mobile arsenic. However, one newly reported and important finding of this study is that a brief summer drought that dried and oxidized sediments with a long history of iron-reduction zone served to effectively halt iron reduction for many months, and this corresponded to a lasting decline in dissolved arsenic concentrations during that time. This finding clearly links hydrological controls on sediment chemistry to arsenic mobility. Through mechanisms like this that influences iron, plants and hydrology impact many contaminants and, although focusing on arsenic, the principals uncovered from this detailed research bear real-world implications for forecasting and managing the transport of a variety of contaminants in wetland systems.

Incorporating Storm Sewer Exfiltration into SWMM: Proof of Concept

EPA Science Inventory

This study evaluates the peak flow and volume reduction achieved by exfiltration from a perforated storm sewer in an urban catchment. There are three related objectives: [1] quantify peak flow and volume reduction; [2] demonstrate adaptability to climate change; and [3] evaluate ...

A toolbox for alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing mobility

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-01

This report presents the Tolling Data Test Plan for the national evaluation of the Los Angeles (LA) Congestion Reduction Demonstration (Metro ExpressLanes) under the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Congestion Reduction Demonstra...

Can coarse surface layers in gravel-bedded rivers be mobilized by finer gravel bedload?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venditti, J. G.; Dietrich, W. E.; Nelson, P. A.; Wydzga, M. A.; Fadde, J.; Sklar, L.

2005-12-01

In response to reductions in sediment supply, gravel-bed rivers undergo a coarsening of the sediments that comprise the river's bed and, over some longer time scale, a river's grade may also be reduced as sediments are depleted from upstream reaches. Coarse, degraded river reaches are commonly observed downstream of dams across the Western United States. Following dam closure, these riverbeds become immobile under the altered flow and sediment supply regimes, leading to a reduction in the available salmon spawning and rearing habitat. Gravel augmentation to these streams is now common practice. This augmentation is typically seen as resurfacing the static coarse bed. As an alternative, we propose that the addition of appropriately finer gravels to these channels may be capable of mobilizing an otherwise immobile coarse surface layer, creating the potential to release fine material trapped beneath the surface. A series of laboratory experiments are being undertaken to test this hypothesis in a 30 m long and 0.86 m wide gravel-bedded flume channel using a constant discharge and a unimodal bed sediment with a median grain size of 8 mm and no sand present. The channel width-to-depth ratio of ~4 suppresses the development of lateral topography and allows us to focus on grain-to-grain interactions. Experiments proceed by maintaining a constant sediment feed until an equilibrium grade and transport rate are established, starving the flume of sediment for at least 24 hours, and then adding narrowly graded gravel over a period of one to two hours at a rate that is ~4x the bedload rate observed prior to terminating the sediment supply. The bed prior to sediment addition has an armor median grain size that is typically twice that of the subsurface and feed size distribution. The volume and median grain size of the resulting pulses are varied. Pulses move downstream rapidly with well-defined fronts in the form of bedload sheets and cause peaks in the sediment flux approximately equal to the supply rate. Once the pulse has passed through the flume, bedload flux rapidly drops to background values, leaving few introduced grains on the bed. When the sediment feed is the median grain size of the subsurface bed material mixture, few armor grains are mobilized, although there is some exchange between the surface and bedload. Pulses composed of the fine tail of the surface grain size distribution are capable of mobilizing all grain sizes in the armor (including the largest grains) as finer bedload fills the interstices of the coarse surface layer. This suggests that gravel augmentation using fine gravel may provide an effective means of improving bed mobility conditions. Further experiments are underway to explore the effects of repeated fine gravel addition on bed state.

Combined reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease in sedentary elders with functional limitations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objectives: Because they are potentially modifiable and may coexist, we evaluated the combined occurrence of a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), including its association with exertional symptoms, physical inactivity, and impaired mobility, in s...

High intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of breast fibroadenomata: results of the HIFU-F trial.

PubMed

Peek, M C L; Ahmed, M; Scudder, J; Baker, R; Pinder, S E; Douek, M

2016-12-01

Breast fibroadenomata (FAD) are the most common breast lumps in women. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive ablative technique that can be used to treat FAD but is associated with prolonged treatment times. In the HIFU-F trial, we evaluated the change in volume over time with circumferential HIFU treatment of FAD and compared this to no treatment. Patients ≥18 years, diagnosed with symptomatic, palpable FAD, visible on ultrasound (US) were recruited. Twenty patients were treated using US-guided HIFU under local anaesthesia. Another 20 participants underwent an US 6 months after diagnosis. Outcome measures included: reduction in treatment time compared to whole lesion ablation; feasibility to achieve a 50% reduction in volume after 6 months; decrease in volume compared to a control group and reduction in symptoms. Circumferential ablation reduced the mean treatment time by 37.5% (SD 20.1%) compared to whole lesion ablation. US demonstrated a significant mean reduction in FAD volume of 43.5% (SD 38.8%; p = 0.016, paired t-test) in the HIFU group compared to 4.6% (SD 46.0%; p = 0.530) in the control group after 6 months. This mean reduction in FAD volume between the two groups was significant in favour of the HIFU group (p = 0.002, grouped t-test). Pre-treatment pain completely resolved in 6 out of 8 patients 6 months post-treatment. Circumferential HIFU ablation of FAD is feasible, with a significant reduction in pain and volume compared to control participants. It provides a simple, non-invasive, outpatient-based alternative to surgical excision for FAD.

Changes in blood product utilization in a seven-hospital system after the implementation of a patient blood management program: A 9-year follow-up.

PubMed

Verdecchia, Nicole M; Wisniewski, Mary Kay; Waters, Jonathan H; Triulzi, Darrell J; Alarcon, Louis H; Yazer, Mark H

2016-09-01

To analyze changes in red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), and plasma transfusion volumes 9 years after the implementation of a multifaceted patient blood management (PBM) program across multiple hospitals. Between fiscal years 2007 and 2015, the annual transfusion volumes for seven hospitals in a regional healthcare system were analyzed by hospital, and between 2014 and 2015, by four service lines including emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), medical/surgical ward, and operating room at each hospital. The number of units of RBCs administered to transfused recipients on the wards and in ICUs was also enumerated. For these seven hospitals combined, there was a 29.9% reduction in the number of RBCs transfused between 2007 and 2015, a 24.8% reduction in plasma units, and a 25.7% reduction in PLT units. The two largest hospitals saw some of the largest reductions in RBC transfusions (40.1, 25.1%), and plasma transfusions (26.1, 33.8%), and one of those hospitals had a 49.5% reduction in PLT transfusions. Smaller-sized hospitals also had reductions in transfusion volumes, while some volumes increased at hospitals when new or expanded clinical services were introduced. The number of RBC units per transfused recipient was generally between 1.5 and 2 units on the wards and slightly higher in the ICUs. Although the overall volume of transfusions has generally decreased at each hospital site over time, the appropriateness of the administered transfusions cannot be evaluated by these data. The system-wide implementation of a PBM program has reduced transfusion volumes.

Modelling the impact of retention-detention units on sewer surcharge and peak and annual runoff reduction.

PubMed

Locatelli, Luca; Gabriel, Søren; Mark, Ole; Mikkelsen, Peter Steen; Arnbjerg-Nielsen, Karsten; Taylor, Heidi; Bockhorn, Britta; Larsen, Hauge; Kjølby, Morten Just; Blicher, Anne Steensen; Binning, Philip John

2015-01-01

Stormwater management using water sensitive urban design is expected to be part of future drainage systems. This paper aims to model the combination of local retention units, such as soakaways, with subsurface detention units. Soakaways are employed to reduce (by storage and infiltration) peak and volume stormwater runoff; however, large retention volumes are required for a significant peak reduction. Peak runoff can therefore be handled by combining detention units with soakaways. This paper models the impact of retrofitting retention-detention units for an existing urbanized catchment in Denmark. The impact of retrofitting a retention-detention unit of 3.3 m³/100 m² (volume/impervious area) was simulated for a small catchment in Copenhagen using MIKE URBAN. The retention-detention unit was shown to prevent flooding from the sewer for a 10-year rainfall event. Statistical analysis of continuous simulations covering 22 years showed that annual stormwater runoff was reduced by 68-87%, and that the retention volume was on average 53% full at the beginning of rain events. The effect of different retention-detention volume combinations was simulated, and results showed that allocating 20-40% of a soakaway volume to detention would significantly increase peak runoff reduction with a small reduction in the annual runoff.

USE OF POSITIVE PRESSURE IN THE BARIATRIC SURGERY AND EFFECTS ON PULMONARY FUNCTION AND PREVALENCE OF ATELECTASIS: RANDOMIZED AND BLINDED CLINICAL TRIAL

PubMed Central

BALTIERI, Letícia; SANTOS, Laisa Antonela; RASERA-JUNIOR, Irineu; MONTEBELO, Maria Imaculada Lima; PAZZIANOTTO-FORTI, Eli Maria

2014-01-01

Background In surgical procedures, obesity is a risk factor for the onset of intra and postoperative respiratory complications. Aim Determine what moment of application of positive pressure brings better benefits on lung function, incidence of atelectasis and diaphragmatic excursion, in the preoperative, intraoperative or immediate postoperative period. Method Randomized, controlled, blinded study, conducted in a hospital and included subjects with BMI between 40 and 55 kg/m2, 25 and 55 years, underwent bariatric surgery by laparotomy. They were underwent preoperative and postoperative evaluations. They were allocated into four different groups: 1) Gpre: treated with positive pressure in the BiPAP mode (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure) before surgery for one hour; 2) Gpos: BIPAP after surgery for one hour; 3) Gintra: PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure) at 10 cmH2O during the surgery; 4) Gcontrol: only conventional respiratory physiotherapy. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric data, pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Results Were allocated 40 patients, 10 in each group. There were significant differences for the expiratory reserve volume and percentage of the predicted expiratory reserve volume, in which the groups that received treatment showed a smaller loss in expiratory reserve volume from the preoperative to postoperative stages. The postoperative radiographic analysis showed a 25% prevalence of atelectasis for Gcontrol, 11.1% for Gintra, 10% for Gpre, and 0% for Gpos. There was no significant difference in diaphragmatic mobility amongst the groups. Conclusion The optimal time of application of positive pressure is in the immediate postoperative period, immediately after extubation, because it reduces the incidence of atelectasis and there is reduction of loss of expiratory reserve volume. PMID:25409961

Use of positive pressure in the bariatric surgery and effects on pulmonary function and prevalence of atelectasis: randomized and blinded clinical trial.

PubMed

Baltieri, Letícia; Santos, Laisa Antonela; Rasera, Irineu; Montebelo, Maria Imaculada Lima; Pazzianotto-Forti, Eli Maria

2014-01-01

In surgical procedures, obesity is a risk factor for the onset of intra and postoperative respiratory complications. Determine what moment of application of positive pressure brings better benefits on lung function, incidence of atelectasis and diaphragmatic excursion, in the preoperative, intraoperative or immediate postoperative period. Randomized, controlled, blinded study, conducted in a hospital and included subjects with BMI between 40 and 55 kg/m2, 25 and 55 years, underwent bariatric surgery by laparotomy. They were underwent preoperative and postoperative evaluations. They were allocated into four different groups: 1) Gpre: treated with positive pressure in the BiPAP mode (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure) before surgery for one hour; 2) Gpos: BIPAP after surgery for one hour; 3) Gintra: PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure) at 10 cmH2O during the surgery; 4) Gcontrol: only conventional respiratory physiotherapy. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric data, pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Were allocated 40 patients, 10 in each group. There were significant differences for the expiratory reserve volume and percentage of the predicted expiratory reserve volume, in which the groups that received treatment showed a smaller loss in expiratory reserve volume from the preoperative to postoperative stages. The postoperative radiographic analysis showed a 25% prevalence of atelectasis for Gcontrol, 11.1% for Gintra, 10% for Gpre, and 0% for Gpos. There was no significant difference in diaphragmatic mobility amongst the groups. The optimal time of application of positive pressure is in the immediate postoperative period, immediately after extubation, because it reduces the incidence of atelectasis and there is reduction of loss of expiratory reserve volume.

Cyber Compendium, Professional Continuing Education Course Papers. Volume 2, Issue 1, Spring 2015

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

250,000 mobile devices.23 Cutting just 20% of this infrastructure would translate to a potential savings of over $7 Billion per year. Air...BYOD device extends beyond the device itself. There is the supporting infrastructure such as the Mobile Application Store (MAS), which provides access...96 Prioritizing Cyber Capabilities: to Protect U.S. Critical Infrastructure

In Situ NAPL Modification for Contaminant Source-Zone Passivation, Mass Flux Reduction, and Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mateas, D. J.; Tick, G.; Carroll, K. C.

2016-12-01

A remediation method was developed to reduce the aqueous solubility and mass-flux of target NAPL contaminants through the in-situ creation of a NAPL mixture source-zone. This method was tested in the laboratory using equilibrium batch tests and two-dimensional flow-cell experiments. The creation of two different NAPL mixture source zones were tested in which 1) volumes of relatively insoluble n-hexadecane (HEX) or vegetable oil (VO) were injected into a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminant source-zone; and 2) pre-determined HEX-TCE and VO-TCE mixture ratio source zones were emplaced into the flow cell prior to water flushing. NAPL-aqueous phase batch tests were conducted prior to the flow-cell experiments to evaluate the effects of various NAPL mixture ratios on equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations of TCE and toluene (TOL) and to design optimal NAPL (HEX or VO) injection volumes for the flow-cell experiments. Uniform NAPL mixture source-zones were able to quickly decrease contaminant mass-flux, as demonstrated by the emplaced source-zone experiments. The success of the HEX and VO injections to also decrease mass flux was dependent on the ability of these injectants to homogeneously mix with TCE source-zone. Upon injection, both HEX and VO migrated away from the source-zone, to some extent. However, the lack of a steady-state dissolution phase and the inefficient mass-flux-reduction/mass-removal behavior produced after VO injection suggest that VO was more effective than HEX for mixing and partitioning within the source-zone region to form a more homogeneous NAPL mixture with TCE. VO appears to be a promising source-zone injectant-NAPL due to its negligible long-term toxicity and lower mobilization potential.

Spatial Characteristics of Small Green Spaces' Mitigating Effects on Microscopic Urban Heat Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J.; Lee, D. K.; Jeong, W.; Kim, J. H.; Huh, K. Y.

2015-12-01

The purpose of the study is to find small greens' disposition, types and sizes to reduce air temperature effectively in urban blocks. The research sites were six high developed blocks in Seoul, Korea. Air temperature was measured with mobile loggers in clear daytime during summer, from August to September, at screen level. Also the measurement repeated over three times a day during three days by walking and circulating around the experimental blocks and the control blocks at the same time. By analyzing spatial characteristics, the averaged air temperatures were classified with three spaces, sunny spaces, building-shaded spaces and small green spaces by using Kruskal-Wallis Test; and small green spaces in 6 blocks were classified into their outward forms, polygonal or linear and single or mixed. The polygonal and mixed types of small green spaces mitigated averaged air temperature of each block which they belonged with a simple linear regression model with adjusted R2 = 0.90**. As the area and volume of these types increased, the effect of air temperature reduction (ΔT; Air temperature difference between sunny space and green space in a block) also increased in a linear relationship. The experimental range of this research is 100m2 ~ 2,000m2 of area, and 1,000m3 ~ 10,000m3 of volume of small green space. As a result, more than 300m2 and 2,300m3 of polygonal green spaces with mixed vegetation is required to lower 1°C; 650m2 and 5,000m3 of them to lower 2°C; about 2,000m2 and about 10,000m3 of them to lower 4°C air temperature reduction in an urban block.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of Fasted State Colonic Liquid Pockets in Healthy Humans.

PubMed

Murray, Kathryn; Hoad, Caroline L; Mudie, Deanna M; Wright, Jeff; Heissam, Khaled; Abrehart, Nichola; Pritchard, Susan E; Al Atwah, Salem; Gowland, Penny A; Garnett, Martin C; Amidon, Gregory E; Spiller, Robin C; Amidon, Gordon L; Marciani, Luca

2017-08-07

The rate and extent of drug dissolution and absorption from solid oral dosage forms is highly dependent on the volume of liquid in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, little is known about the time course of GIT liquid volumes after drinking a glass of water (8 oz), particularly in the colon, which is a targeted site for both locally and systemically acting drug products. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies offered novel insights on GIT liquid distribution in fasted humans in the stomach and small intestine, and showed that freely mobile liquid in the intestine collects in fairly distinct regions or "pockets". Based on this previous pilot data, we hypothesized that (1) it is possible to quantify the time course of the volume and number of liquid pockets in the undisturbed colon of fasted healthy humans following ingestion of 240 mL, using noninvasive MRI methods; (2) the amount of freely mobile water in the fasted human colon is of the order of only a few milliliters. Twelve healthy volunteers fasted overnight and underwent fasted abdominal MRI scans before drinking 240 mL (∼8 fluid ounces) of water. After ingesting the water they were scanned at frequent intervals for 2 h. The images were processed to quantify freely mobile water in the total and regional colon: ascending, transverse, and descending. The fasted colon contained (mean ± SEM) 11 ± 5 pockets of resting liquid with a total volume of 2 ± 1 mL (average). The colonic fluid peaked at 7 ± 4 mL 30 min after the water drink. This peak fluid was distributed in 17 ± 7 separate liquid pockets in the colon. The regional analysis showed that pockets of free fluid were found primarily in the ascending colon. The interindividual variability was very high; the subjects showed a range of number of colonic fluid pockets from 0 to 89 and total colonic freely mobile fluid volume from 0 to 49 mL. This is the first study measuring the time course of the number, regional location, and volume of pockets of freely mobile liquid in the undisturbed colon of fasted humans after ingestion of a glass of water. Novel insights into the colonic fluid environment will be particularly relevant to improve our understanding and design of the in vivo performance of controlled release formulations targeted to the colon. The in vivo quantitative information presented here can be input into physiologically based mechanistic models of dissolution and absorption, and can be used in the design and set up of novel in vitro performance tools predictive of the in vivo environment.

Numerical Modeling of Arsenic Mobility during Reductive Iron-Mineral Transformations.

PubMed

Rawson, Joey; Prommer, Henning; Siade, Adam; Carr, Jackson; Berg, Michael; Davis, James A; Fendorf, Scott

2016-03-01

Millions of individuals worldwide are chronically exposed to hazardous concentrations of arsenic from contaminated drinking water. Despite massive efforts toward understanding the extent and underlying geochemical processes of the problem, numerical modeling and reliable predictions of future arsenic behavior remain a significant challenge. One of the key knowledge gaps concerns a refined understanding of the mechanisms that underlie arsenic mobilization, particularly under the onset of anaerobic conditions, and the quantification of the factors that affect this process. In this study, we focus on the development and testing of appropriate conceptual and numerical model approaches to represent and quantify the reductive dissolution of iron oxides, the concomitant release of sorbed arsenic, and the role of iron-mineral transformations. The initial model development in this study was guided by data and hypothesized processes from a previously reported,1 well-controlled column experiment in which arsenic desorption from ferrihydrite coated sands by variable loads of organic carbon was investigated. Using the measured data as constraints, we provide a quantitative interpretation of the processes controlling arsenic mobility during the microbial reductive transformation of iron oxides. Our analysis suggests that the observed arsenic behavior is primarily controlled by a combination of reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite, arsenic incorporation into or co-precipitation with freshly transformed iron minerals, and partial arsenic redox transformations.

Biogeochemistry of heavy metals in contaminated excessively moistened soils (Analytical review)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vodyanitskii, Yu. N.; Plekhanova, I. O.

2014-03-01

The biogeochemical behavior of heavy metals in contaminated excessively moistened soils depends on the development of reducing conditions (either moderate or strong). Upon the moderate biogenic reduction, Cr as the metal with variable valence forms low-soluble compounds, which decreases its availability to plants and prevents its penetration into surface- and groundwater. Creation of artificial barriers for Cr fixation on contaminated sites is based on the stimulation of natural metal-reducing bacteria. Arsenic, being a metalloid with a variable valence, is mobilized upon the moderate biogenic reduction. The mobility of siderophilic heavy metals with a constant valence grows under the moderate reducing conditions at the expense of dissolution of iron (hydr)oxides as carriers of these metals. Zinc, which can enter the newly formed goethite lattice, is an exception. Strong reduction processes in organic excessively moist and flooded soils (usually enriched in S) lead to the formation of low-soluble sulfides of heavy elements with both variable (As) and constant (Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb) valence. On changing aquatic regime in overmoistened soils and their drying, sulfides of heavy metals are oxidized, and previously fixed metals are mobilized.

An interactive visualization tool for mobile objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Tetsuo

Recent advancements in mobile devices---such as Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular phones, car navigation system, and radio-frequency identification (RFID)---have greatly influenced the nature and volume of data about individual-based movement in space and time. Due to the prevalence of mobile devices, vast amounts of mobile objects data are being produced and stored in databases, overwhelming the capacity of traditional spatial analytical methods. There is a growing need for discovering unexpected patterns, trends, and relationships that are hidden in the massive mobile objects data. Geographic visualization (GVis) and knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) are two major research fields that are associated with knowledge discovery and construction. Their major research challenges are the integration of GVis and KDD, enhancing the ability to handle large volume mobile objects data, and high interactivity between the computer and users of GVis and KDD tools. This dissertation proposes a visualization toolkit to enable highly interactive visual data exploration for mobile objects datasets. Vector algebraic representation and online analytical processing (OLAP) are utilized for managing and querying the mobile object data to accomplish high interactivity of the visualization tool. In addition, reconstructing trajectories at user-defined levels of temporal granularity with time aggregation methods allows exploration of the individual objects at different levels of movement generality. At a given level of generality, individual paths can be combined into synthetic summary paths based on three similarity measures, namely, locational similarity, directional similarity, and geometric similarity functions. A visualization toolkit based on the space-time cube concept exploits these functionalities to create a user-interactive environment for exploring mobile objects data. Furthermore, the characteristics of visualized trajectories are exported to be utilized for data mining, which leads to the integration of GVis and KDD. Case studies using three movement datasets (personal travel data survey in Lexington, Kentucky, wild chicken movement data in Thailand, and self-tracking data in Utah) demonstrate the potential of the system to extract meaningful patterns from the otherwise difficult to comprehend collections of space-time trajectories.

Hot-isostatically pressed wasteforms for Magnox sludge immobilisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heath, Paul G.; Stewart, Martin W. A.; Moricca, Sam; Hyatt, Neil C.

2018-02-01

Thermal treatment technologies offer many potential benefits for the treatment of radioactive wastes including the passivation of reactive species and significant waste volume reductions. This paper presents a study investigating the production of wasteforms using Hot-isostatic pressing technology for the immobilisation of Magnox sludges from the UK's Sellafield Site. Simulants considered physically representative of these sludges were used to determine possible processing parameters and to determine the phase assemblages and morphologies produced during processing. The study showed hot-isostatic pressing is capable of processing Magnox sludges at up to 60 wt% (oxide basis) into dense, mixed ceramic wasteforms. The wasteforms produced are a glass-bonded ceramic of mixed magnesium titanates, encapsulating localised grains of periclase. The ability to co-process Magnox sludges with SIXEP sand/clinoptilolite slurries has also been demonstrated. The importance of these results is presented through a comparison of volume reduction data, which shows HIPing may provide a 20-fold volume reduction over the current cementitious baseline and double the volume reduction attainable for vitrification technologies.

Geo-located Twitter as proxy for global mobility patterns.

PubMed

Hawelka, Bartosz; Sitko, Izabela; Beinat, Euro; Sobolevsky, Stanislav; Kazakopoulos, Pavlos; Ratti, Carlo

2014-05-27

Pervasive presence of location-sharing services made it possible for researchers to gain an unprecedented access to the direct records of human activity in space and time. This article analyses geo-located Twitter messages in order to uncover global patterns of human mobility. Based on a dataset of almost a billion tweets recorded in 2012, we estimate the volume of international travelers by country of residence. Mobility profiles of different nations were examined based on such characteristics as mobility rate, radius of gyration, diversity of destinations, and inflow-outflow balance. Temporal patterns disclose the universally valid seasons of increased international mobility and the particular character of international travels of different nations. Our analysis of the community structure of the Twitter mobility network reveals spatially cohesive regions that follow the regional division of the world. We validate our result using global tourism statistics and mobility models provided by other authors and argue that Twitter is exceptionally useful for understanding and quantifying global mobility patterns.

Dissociable contributions of MRI volume reductions of superior temporal and fusiform gyri to symptoms and neuropsychology in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Nestor, Paul G; Onitsuka, Toshiaki; Gurrera, Ronald J; Niznikiewicz, Margaret; Frumin, Melissa; Shenton, Martha E; McCarley, Robert W

2007-03-01

We sought to identify the functional correlates of reduced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes of the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and the fusiform gyrus (FG) in patients with chronic schizophrenia. MRI volumes, positive/negative symptoms, and neuropsychological tests of facial memory and executive functioning were examined within the same subjects. The results indicated two distinct, dissociable brain structure-function relationships: (1) reduced left STG volume-positive symptoms-executive deficits; (2) reduced left FG-negative symptoms-facial memory deficits. STG and FG volume reductions may each make distinct contributions to symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.

Familial and environmental influences on brain volumes in twins with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Picchioni, Marco M; Rijsdijk, Fruhling; Toulopoulou, Timothea; Chaddock, Christopher; Cole, James H; Ettinger, Ulrich; Oses, Ana; Metcalfe, Hugo; Murray, Robin M; McGuire, Philip

2017-03-01

Reductions in whole brain and grey matter volumes are robust features of schizophrenia, yet their etiological influences are unclear. We investigated the association between the genetic and environmental risk for schizophrenia and brain volumes. Whole brain, grey matter and white matter volumes were established from structural MRIs from twins varying in their zygosity and concordance for schizophrenia. Hippocampal volumes were measured manually. We conducted between-group testing and full genetic modelling. We included 168 twins in our study. Whole brain, grey matter, white matter and right hippocampal volumes were smaller in twins with schizophrenia. Twin correlations were larger for whole brain, grey matter and white matter volumes in monozygotic than dizygotic twins and were significantly heritable, whereas hippocampal volume was the most environmentally sensitive. There was a significant phenotypic correlation between schizophrenia and reductions in all the brain volumes except for that of the left hippocampus. For whole brain, grey matter and the right hippocampus the etiological links with schizophrenia were principally associated with the shared familial environment. Lower birth weight and perinatal hypoxia were both associated with lower whole brain volume and with lower white matter and grey matter volumes, respectively. Scan data were collected across 2 sites, and some groups were modest in size. Whole brain, grey matter and right hippocampal volume reductions are linked to schizophrenia through correlated familial risk (i.e., the shared familial environment). The degree of influence of etiological factors varies between brain structures, leading to the possibility of a neuroanatomically specific etiological imprint.

Volume estimation using food specific shape templates in mobile image-based dietary assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, Junghoon; Woo, Insoo; Kim, SungYe; Maciejewski, Ross; Zhu, Fengqing; Delp, Edward J.; Boushey, Carol J.; Ebert, David S.

2011-03-01

As obesity concerns mount, dietary assessment methods for prevention and intervention are being developed. These methods include recording, cataloging and analyzing daily dietary records to monitor energy and nutrient intakes. Given the ubiquity of mobile devices with built-in cameras, one possible means of improving dietary assessment is through photographing foods and inputting these images into a system that can determine the nutrient content of foods in the images. One of the critical issues in such the image-based dietary assessment tool is the accurate and consistent estimation of food portion sizes. The objective of our study is to automatically estimate food volumes through the use of food specific shape templates. In our system, users capture food images using a mobile phone camera. Based on information (i.e., food name and code) determined through food segmentation and classification of the food images, our system choose a particular food template shape corresponding to each segmented food. Finally, our system reconstructs the three-dimensional properties of the food shape from a single image by extracting feature points in order to size the food shape template. By employing this template-based approach, our system automatically estimates food portion size, providing a consistent method for estimation food volume.

A Two-Year Longitudinal MRI Study of the Corpus Callosum in Autism

PubMed Central

Frazier, Thomas W.; Keshavan, Matcheri S.; Minshew, Nancy J.; Hardan, Antonio Y.

2015-01-01

A growing body of literature has identified size reductions of the corpus callosum (CC) in autism. However, to our knowledge, no published studies have reported on the growth of CC volumes in youth with autism. Volumes of the total CC and its sub-divisions were obtained from 23 male children with autism and 23 age-matched male controls at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Persistent reductions in total CC volume were observed in participants with autism relative to controls. Only the rostral body sub-division showed a normalization of size over time. Persistent reductions are consistent with the diagnostic stability and life-long impairment observed in many individuals with autism. Multimodal imaging studies are needed to identify specific fiber tracks contributing to CC reductions. PMID:22350341

High Volume Pulsed EPC for T/R Modules in Satellite Constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Notarianni, Michael; Maynadier, Paul; Marin, Marc

2014-08-01

In the frame of Iridium Next business, a mobile satellite service, Thales Alenia Space (TAS) has to produce more than 2400 x 65W and 162 x 250W pulsed Electronic Power Conditioners (EPC) to supply the RF transmit/receive modules that compose the active antenna of the satellites.The company has to deal with mass production constraints where cost, volume and performances are crucial factors. Compared to previous constellations realized by TAS, the overall challenge is to make further improvements in a short time:- Predictable electrical models- Deeper design-to-cost approach- Streamlining improvements and test coverageAs the active antenna drives the consumption of the payload, accurate performances have been evaluated early owing to the use of simulation (based on average model) and breadboard tests at the same time.The necessary cost reduction has been done owing to large use of COTS (Components Off The Shelf). In order to secure cost and schedule, each manufacturing step has been optimized to maximize test coverage in order to guarantee high reliability.At this time, more than 200 flight models have already been manufactured, validating this approach.This paper is focused on the 65W EPC but the same activities have been led on the 250W EPC.

[Influence of mobile phase composition on chiral separation of organic selenium racemates].

PubMed

Han, Xiao-qian; Qi, Bang-feng; Dun, Hui-juan; Zhu, Xin-yi; Na, Peng-jun; Jiang, Sheng-xiang; Chen, Li-ren

2002-05-01

The chiral separation of some chiral compounds with similar structure on the cellulose tris (3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase prepared by us was obtained. Ternary mobile phases influencing chiral recognition were investigated. A mode of interaction between the structural character of samples and chiral stationary phase is discussed. The results indicated that the retention and chiral separation of the analytes had a bigger change with minute addition of alcohols or acetonitrile as modifier in n-hexane/2-propanol (80/20, volume ratio) binary mobile phase.

Experimental ion mobility measurements in Xe-CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortez, A. F. V.; Santos, M. A. G.; Veenhof, R.; Patra, R. N.; Neves, P. N. B.; Santos, F. P.; Borges, F. I. G. M.; Conde, C. A. N.

2017-06-01

Data on ion mobility is important to improve the performance of large volume gaseous detectors. In the present work the method, experimental setup and results for the ion mobility measurements in Xe-CO2 mixtures are presented. The results for this mixture show the presence of only one peak for all gas ratios of Xe-CO2, low reduced electric fields, E/N, 10-25 Td (2.4-6.1 kV·cm-1·bar-1), low pressures 6-8 Torr (8-10.6 mbar), at room temperature.

ARSENIC MOBILIZATION BY THE DISSIMILATORY FE(III)-REDUCING BACTERIUM SHEWANELLA ALGA BRY. (R825399)

EPA Science Inventory

The mobility of arsenic commonly increases as reducing conditions are
established within sediments or flooded soils. Although the reduction of arsenic
increases its solubility at circumneutral pH, hydrous ferric oxides (HFO)
strongly sorb both As(V) (arsenate) and ...

Sulfur cycling, retention, and mobility in soils: A review

Treesearch

Pamela J. Edwards

1998-01-01

Sulfur inputs to forests originate from mineral weathering, atmospheric deposition, and organic matter decomposition. In the soil, sulfur occurs in organic and inorganic forms and is cycled within and between those forms via mobilization, immobilization, mineralization, oxidation, and reduction processes. Organic sulfur compounds are largely immobile. Inorganic sulfur...

The Mobility Assistance Program. A Comprehensive Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hicks, Laurabeth H.

The Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) was established to assist U.S. Department of Education employees affected by the reduction in force (RIF). MAP's mission was to provide career transition and outplacement job search assistance to RIF-affected employees. It provided these services: job search, personnel support, training, and professional…

Bioremediation in fractured rock: 2. Mobilization of chloroethene compounds from the rock matrix

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shapiro, Allen M.; Tiedeman, Claire; Imbrigiotta, Thomas; Goode, Daniel J.; Hsieh, Paul A.; Lacombe, Pierre; DeFlaun, Mary F.; Drew, Scott R.; Curtis, Gary P.

2018-01-01

A mass balance is formulated to evaluate the mobilization of chlorinated ethene compounds (CE) from the rock matrix of a fractured mudstone aquifer under pre- and postbioremediation conditions. The analysis relies on a sparse number of monitoring locations and is constrained by a detailed description of the groundwater flow regime. Groundwater flow modeling developed under the site characterization identified groundwater fluxes to formulate the CE mass balance in the rock volume exposed to the injected remediation amendments. Differences in the CE fluxes into and out of the rock volume identify the total CE mobilized from diffusion, desorption, and nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution under pre- and postinjection conditions. The initial CE mass in the rock matrix prior to remediation is estimated using analyses of CE in rock core. The CE mass mobilized per year under preinjection conditions is small relative to the total CE mass in the rock, indicating that current pump-and-treat and natural attenuation conditions are likely to require hundreds of years to achieve groundwater concentrations that meet regulatory guidelines. The postinjection CE mobilization rate increased by approximately an order of magnitude over the 5 years of monitoring after the amendment injection. This rate is likely to decrease and additional remediation applications over several decades would still be needed to reduce CE mass in the rock matrix to levels where groundwater concentrations in fractures achieve regulatory standards.

Mobile flow cytometer for mHealth.

PubMed

Balsam, Joshua; Bruck, Hugh Alan; Rasooly, Avraham

2015-01-01

Flow cytometry is used for cell counting and analysis in numerous clinical and environmental applications. However flow cytometry is not used in mHealth mainly because current flow cytometers are large, expensive, power-intensive devices designed to operate in a laboratory. Their design results in a lack of portability and makes them unsuitable for mHealth applications. Another limitation of current technology is the low volumetric throughput rates that are not suitable for rapid detection of rare cells.To address these limitations, we describe here a novel, low-cost, mobile flow cytometer based on wide-field imaging with a webcam for large volume and high throughput fluorescence detection of rare cells as a simulation for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection. The mobile flow cytometer uses a commercially available webcam capable of 187 frames per second video capture at a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. For fluorescence detection, a 1 W 450 nm blue laser is used for excitation of Syto-9 fluorescently stained cells detected at 535 nm. A wide-field flow cell was developed for large volume analysis that allows for the linear velocity of target cells to be lower than in conventional hydrodynamic focusing flow cells typically used in cytometry. The mobile flow cytometer was found to be capable of detecting low concentrations at flow rates of 500 μL/min, suitable for rare cell detection in large volumes. The simplicity and low cost of this device suggests that it may have a potential clinical use for mHealth flow cytometry for resource-poor settings associated with global health.

Enabling Real-Time Volume Rendering of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging on an iOS Device.

PubMed

Holub, Joseph; Winer, Eliot

2017-12-01

Powerful non-invasive imaging technologies like computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used daily by medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients. While 2D slice viewers have long been the standard, many tools allowing 3D representations of digital medical data are now available. The newest imaging advancement, functional MRI (fMRI) technology, has changed medical imaging from viewing static to dynamic physiology (4D) over time, particularly to study brain activity. Add this to the rapid adoption of mobile devices for everyday work and the need to visualize fMRI data on tablets or smartphones arises. However, there are few mobile tools available to visualize 3D MRI data, let alone 4D fMRI data. Building volume rendering tools on mobile devices to visualize 3D and 4D medical data is challenging given the limited computational power of the devices. This paper describes research that explored the feasibility of performing real-time 3D and 4D volume raycasting on a tablet device. The prototype application was tested on a 9.7" iPad Pro using two different fMRI datasets of brain activity. The results show that mobile raycasting is able to achieve between 20 and 40 frames per second for traditional 3D datasets, depending on the sampling interval, and up to 9 frames per second for 4D data. While the prototype application did not always achieve true real-time interaction, these results clearly demonstrated that visualizing 3D and 4D digital medical data is feasible with a properly constructed software framework.

Dual control of flow field heterogeneity and immobile porosity on non-Fickian transport in Berea sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gjetvaj, Filip; Russian, Anna; Gouze, Philippe; Dentz, Marco

2015-10-01

Both flow field heterogeneity and mass transfer between mobile and immobile domains have been studied separately for explaining observed anomalous transport. Here we investigate non-Fickian transport using high-resolution 3-D X-ray microtomographic images of Berea sandstone containing microporous cement with pore size below the setup resolution. Transport is computed for a set of representative elementary volumes and results from advection and diffusion in the resolved macroporosity (mobile domain) and diffusion in the microporous phase (immobile domain) where the effective diffusion coefficient is calculated from the measured local porosity using a phenomenological model that includes a porosity threshold (ϕθ) below which diffusion is null and the exponent n that characterizes tortuosity-porosity power-law relationship. We show that both flow field heterogeneity and microporosity trigger anomalous transport. Breakthrough curve (BTC) tailing is positively correlated to microporosity volume and mobile-immobile interface area. The sensitivity analysis showed that the BTC tailing increases with the value of ϕθ, due to the increase of the diffusion path tortuosity until the volume of the microporosity becomes negligible. Furthermore, increasing the value of n leads to an increase in the standard deviation of the distribution of effective diffusion coefficients, which in turn results in an increase of the BTC tailing. Finally, we propose a continuous time random walk upscaled model where the transition time is the sum of independently distributed random variables characterized by specific distributions. It allows modeling a 1-D equivalent macroscopic transport honoring both the control of the flow field heterogeneity and the multirate mass transfer between mobile and immobile domains.

Childhood maltreatment and corpus callosum volume in recently diagnosed patients with bipolar I disorder: data from the Systematic Treatment Optimization Program for Early Mania (STOP-EM).

PubMed

Bücker, J; Muralidharan, K; Torres, I J; Su, W; Kozicky, J; Silveira, L E; Bond, D J; Honer, W G; Kauer-Sant'anna, M; Lam, R W; Yatham, L N

2014-01-01

Childhood trauma (CT) has been associated with abnormalities in the corpus callosum (CC). Decreased CC volumes have been reported in children and adolescents with trauma as well as adults with CT compared to healthy controls. CC morphology is potentially susceptible to the effects of Bipolar Disorder (BD) itself. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between CT and CC morphology in BD. We using magnetic resonance imaging in 53 adults with BD recently recovered from their first manic episode, with (n = 23) and without (n = 30) CT, defined using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and 16 healthy controls without trauma. ANCOVA was performed with age, gender and intracranial volume as covariates in order to evaluate group differences in CC volume. The total CC volume was found to be smaller in BD patients with trauma compared to BD patients without trauma (p < .05). The differences were more pronounced in the anterior region of the CC. There was a significant negative correlation between CTQ scores and total CC volume in BD patients with trauma (p = .01). We did not find significant differences in the CC volume of patients with/without trauma compared to the healthy subjects. Our sample consists of patients recovered from a first episode of mania and are early in the course of illness and reductions in CC volume may occur late in the course of BD. It might mean there may be two sources of CC volume reduction in these patients: the reduction due to trauma, and the further reduction due to the illness. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of breast volume is a useful supplement to select candidates for surgical breast reduction.

PubMed

Ikander, Peder; Drejøe, Jennifer Berg; Lumholt, Pavia; Sjøstrand, Helle; Matzen, Steen; Quirinia, Anne; Siersen, Hans Erik; Ringberg, Anita; Lambaa, Susanne; Hölmich, Lisbet Rosenkrantz

2014-01-01

The indication for breast reduction in a public welfare or an insurance paid setting depends on the severity of the subjective symptoms and the clinical evaluation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of breast volume as an objective criterion to establish the indication for breast reduction surgery, thus establishing a standard decision basis that can be shared by surgeons and departments to secure patients fair and equal treatment opportunities. A total of 427 patients who were referred to three Danish public hospitals with breast hypertrophy in the period from January 2007 to March 2011 were included prospectively in the study. The patients' subjective complaints, height, weight and standard breast measurements were registered as well as the decision for or against surgery. Breast volume was measured using transparent plastic cups. Cut-off values for breast volume were calculated based on whether or not the patients were offered reduction surgery. Most patients (93%) with a breast volume below 800 cc were not offered surgery, while most with a volume exceeding 900 cc were offered surgery (94%). In the grey zone between 800 and 900 cc, the indication seemed to be less clear-cut, and additional parameters need to be included. Breast volume can be used as an objective criterion in addition to the presently used criteria. Breast volume can easily be measured and has become appreciated by plastic surgeons dealing with patients with breast hypertrophy as a tool which facilitates their decision-making and patients' acceptance of the decisions made. not relevant. not relevant.

The jammed-to-mobile transition in frozen sand under stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durham, W. B.; Pathare, A.; Stern, L. A.; Lenferink, H. J.

2009-12-01

We conducted laboratory deformation experiments on sand-rich mixtures of sand + ice under sufficient confinement to inhibit macroscopic dilation. Dry sand packs constrained not to dilate when they are under a shearing load reach an immobile or “jammed” state, as load-supporting “force chains” of sand particles form after a small amount of strain and cannot be broken without volume expansion. Our research objective here was to find the minimum volume fraction of ice required to overcome the jammed state. The result surprised us: the required volume fraction is not a fixed number, but depends on the packing characteristics of the sand in question. Experiments were carried out in a triaxial gas deformation rig at confining pressures (60 - 200 MPa) always at least twice the level of differential stresses (11 - 50 MPa) in order to suppress dilatancy. Run temperatures were 223 - 243 K. We used two kinds of quartz sand, one well-sorted, with a maximum dry packing density (MDPD) of about 0.68 sand by volume, and the other a mixture of two sizes, having a higher MDPD of 0.75. Ice volume fraction ranged from well below saturation (where unfilled porosity necessarily remained) to slightly greater than the value of porosity at MDPD. We tested these frozen sands in compression under constant applied differential stress (creep). Strain rates were very low at these conditions, and runs took days or weeks to complete. The amount of strain required to reach the jammed state in ice-undersaturated samples was approximately 0.04, and did not show an obvious dependence on ice content. For both sands, the onset of mobility occurred at approximately 5% above the value of pore volume at MDPD. Furthermore, viscosity of mobile frozen sand near the transition point was extremely sensitive to ice fraction, which implies that at geologic strain rates, far slower than we can reach in the lab, the ice fraction at transition may lie closer to that at MDPD. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy shows that fracturing of sand grains occurs in ice-undersaturated samples, but gradually disappears as saturation is reached. There are no fractured sand grains in deforming mobile frozen sand packs. One application of this work is to the regolith of Mars at mid-latitudes and poleward, where significant ice is expected to be present. Partially relaxed (“softened”) landforms such as craters require the presence of ice, but also suggest strengths far higher than that of ice. The extreme sensitivity of viscosity to ice content near the mobility boundary, and the near coincidence of mobility and saturation at MDPD together suggest a plausible explanation for partial landform softening on Mars that does not require a fortuitous ice content or an unrealistically brief period of saturation; namely, that the water content of the Martian regolith lies at or near saturation. If true, we can estimate the historical water content of the Martian regolith for reasonable soil densities as being between 120 and 240 global meters of water for the upper kilometer of crust. This is somewhat lower than previous estimates.

Mobile Clinic In Massachusetts Associated With Cost Savings From Lowering Blood Pressure And Emergency Department Use

PubMed Central

Hill, Caterina; Bennet, Jennifer; Vavasis, Anthony; Oriol, Nancy E.

2014-01-01

Mobile health clinics are in increasingly wide use, but evidence of their clinical impact or cost-effectiveness is limited. Using a unique data set of 5,900 patients who made a total of 10,509 visits in 2010–12 to the Family Van, an urban mobile health clinic in Massachusetts, we examined the effect of screenings and counseling provided by the clinic on blood pressure. Patients who presented with high blood pressure during their initial visit experienced average reductions of 10.7 mmHg and 6.2 mmHg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, during their follow-up visits. These changes were associated with 32.2 percent and 44.6 percent reductions in the relative risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, respectively, which we converted into savings using estimates of the incidence and costs of these conditions over thirty months. The savings from this reduction in blood pressure and patient-reported avoided emergency department visits produced a positive lower bound for the clinic’s return on investment of 1.3. All other services of the clinic—those aimed at diabetes, obesity, and maternal health, for example—were excluded from this lower-bound estimate. Policy makers should consider mobile clinics as a delivery model for underserved communities with poor health status and high use of emergency departments. PMID:23297269

Mobile clinic in Massachusetts associated with cost savings from lowering blood pressure and emergency department use.

PubMed

Song, Zirui; Hill, Caterina; Bennet, Jennifer; Vavasis, Anthony; Oriol, Nancy E

2013-01-01

Mobile health clinics are in increasingly wide use, but evidence of their clinical impact or cost-effectiveness is limited. Using a unique data set of 5,900 patients who made a total of 10,509 visits in 2010-12 to the Family Van, an urban mobile health clinic in Massachusetts, we examined the effect of screenings and counseling provided by the clinic on blood pressure. Patients who presented with high blood pressure during their initial visit experienced average reductions of 10.7 mmHg and 6.2 mmHg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, during their follow-up visits. These changes were associated with 32.2 percent and 44.6 percent reductions in the relative risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, respectively, which we converted into savings using estimates of the incidence and costs of these conditions over thirty months. The savings from this reduction in blood pressure and patient-reported avoided emergency department visits produced a positive lower bound for the clinic's return on investment of 1.3. All other services of the clinic-those aimed at diabetes, obesity, and maternal health, for example-were excluded from this lower-bound estimate. Policy makers should consider mobile clinics as a delivery model for underserved communities with poor health status and high use of emergency departments.

Neuroanatomical profiles of alexithymia dimensions and subtypes.

PubMed

Goerlich-Dobre, Katharina Sophia; Votinov, Mikhail; Habel, Ute; Pripfl, Juergen; Lamm, Claus

2015-10-01

Alexithymia, a major risk factor for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders, has been recognized to comprise two dimensions, a cognitive dimension (difficulties identifying, analyzing, and verbalizing feelings) and an affective one (difficulties emotionalizing and fantasizing). Based on these dimensions, the existence of four distinct alexithymia subtypes has been proposed, but never empirically tested. In this study, 125 participants were assigned to four groups corresponding to the proposed alexithymia subtypes: Type I (impairment on both dimensions), Type II (impairment on the cognitive, but not the affective dimension), Type III (impairment on the affective, but not the cognitive dimension), and Lexithymics (no impairment on either dimension). By means of voxel-based morphometry, associations of the alexithymia dimensions and subtypes with gray and white matter volumes were analyzed. Type I and Type II alexithymia were characterized by gray matter volume reductions in the left amygdala and the thalamus. The cognitive dimension was further linked to volume reductions in the right amygdala, left posterior insula, precuneus, caudate, hippocampus, and parahippocampus. Type III alexithymia was marked by volume reduction in the MCC only, and the affective dimension was further characterized by larger sgACC volume. Moreover, individuals with the intermediate alexithymia Types II and III showed gray matter volume reductions in distinct regions, and had larger corpus callosum volumes compared to Lexithymics. These results substantiate the notion of a differential impact of the cognitive and affective alexithymia dimensions on brain morphology and provide evidence for separable neuroanatomical representations of the different alexithymia subtypes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Toward Risk Reduction for Mobile Service Composition.

PubMed

Deng, Shuiguang; Huang, Longtao; Li, Ying; Zhou, Honggeng; Wu, Zhaohui; Cao, Xiongfei; Kataev, Mikhail Yu; Li, Ling

2016-08-01

The advances in mobile technologies enable us to consume or even provide services through powerful mobile devices anytime and anywhere. Services running on mobile devices within limited range can be composed to coordinate together through wireless communication technologies and perform complex tasks. However, the mobility of users and devices in mobile environment imposes high risk on the execution of the tasks. This paper targets reducing this risk by constructing a dependable service composition after considering the mobility of both service requesters and providers. It first proposes a risk model and clarifies the risk of mobile service composition; and then proposes a service composition approach by modifying the simulated annealing algorithm. Our objective is to form a service composition by selecting mobile services under the mobility model and to ensure the service composition have the best quality of service and the lowest risk. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach can yield near-optimal solutions and has a nearly linear complexity with respect to a problem size.

A novel approach to restore atrial function after the maze procedure in patients with an enlarged left atrium.

PubMed

Marui, Akira; Tambara, Keiichi; Tadamura, Eiji; Saji, Yoshiaki; Sasahashi, Nozomu; Ikeda, Tadashi; Nishina, Takeshi; Komeda, Masashi

2007-08-01

Left atrial (LA) volume reduction surgery concomitant with the maze procedure has been reported to facilitate sinus rhythm recovery even in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) with an enlarged LA. However, it is unknown whether the procedures can also restore effective atrial function of the enlarged LA with over-stretched myocardium. The maze procedures in association with mitral valve surgery were performed to 57 AF patients with an enlarged LA (LA diameter >or=60mm). Among them, 32 patients had concomitant LA volume reduction surgery (VR group). Another 25 patients did not have the volume reduction (control group). Three months postoperatively LA end-diastolic volume (LAEDV, ml) assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was larger in the VR group than that in the control group (291+/-117 vs 223+/-81 ml, p<0.05). Postoperatively, sinus rhythm recovery rate was better (84 vs 68%, p<0.05) and LAEDV was drastically smaller (118+/-48 vs 203+/-76 ml, p<0.001) in the VR group than those in the control group. Among the patients with sinus rhythm recovery in both groups, LA contraction ejection fraction (%) improved in the VR group but not in the control group (22.3+/-7.8 vs 10.3+/-4.7%, p<0.001). The LA volume reduction surgery concomitant with the maze procedure restored contraction of the enlarged LA; however, the maze procedure alone did not restore LA contraction in spite of successful sinus rhythm recovery. LA volume reduction surgery may be desirable to the patients with refractory AF with over-stretched LA.

A Model Recycling Program: UNC Takes Action as Landfill Space Shrinks and Costs Rise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherman, Rhonda L.

1991-01-01

The University of North Carolina responded to escalating waste disposal costs and shrinking landfill space with a structured program of recycling, including a mobile recycling drop, student family housing recycling, a newspaper drop-off site, high-volume glass pick-up, high-volume newspaper pick-up, and cardboard recycling. Campus-wide cooperation…

An approach to efficient mobility management in intelligent networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, K. M. S.

1995-01-01

Providing personal communication systems supporting full mobility require intelligent networks for tracking mobile users and facilitating outgoing and incoming calls over different physical and network environments. In realizing the intelligent network functionalities, databases play a major role. Currently proposed network architectures envision using the SS7-based signaling network for linking these DB's and also for interconnecting DB's with switches. If the network has to support ubiquitous, seamless mobile services, then it has to support additionally mobile application parts, viz., mobile origination calls, mobile destination calls, mobile location updates and inter-switch handovers. These functions will generate significant amount of data and require them to be transferred between databases (HLR, VLR) and switches (MSC's) very efficiently. In the future, the users (fixed or mobile) may use and communicate with sophisticated CPE's (e.g. multimedia, multipoint and multisession calls) which may require complex signaling functions. This will generate volumness service handling data and require efficient transfer of these message between databases and switches. Consequently, the network providers would be able to add new services and capabilities to their networks incrementally, quickly and cost-effectively.

Charge carrier mobility in a two-phase disordered organic system in the low-carrier concentration regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woellner, Cristiano F.; Li, Zi; Freire, José A.; Lu, Gang; Nguyen, Thuc-Quyen

2013-09-01

In this paper we use a three-dimensional Pauli master equation to investigate the charge carrier mobility of a two-phase system which can mimic donor-acceptor and amorphous-crystalline bulk heterojunctions. By taking the energetic disorder of each phase, their energy offset, and domain morphology into consideration, we show that the carrier mobility can have a completely different behavior when compared to a one-phase system. When the energy offset is equal to zero, the mobility is controlled by the more disordered phase. When the energy offset is nonzero, we show that the mobility electric field dependence switches from negative to positive at a threshold field proportional to the energy offset. Additionally, the influence of morphology, through the domain size and volume ratio parameters, on the transport is investigated and an approximate analytical expression for the zero field mobility is provided.

Access to Educational Opportunity in Rural Communities: Alternative Patterns of Delivering Vocational Education in Sparsely Populated Areas. Volume 3: The Northwest Multi-District: A Mobile Facilities Center.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Roland L.; And Others

Representing the mobile facilities pattern of inter-district cooperation, the Northwest Multi-District case is one of four studies addressing access of rural students to vocational education through inter-school district cooperation. The report identifies essential features of this form of cooperation, details factors facilitating/impeding the…

Soot Formation and Destruction in High-Pressure Flames with Real Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-18

due to its higher mobility ) as the mixture exits the fuel tube leaving relatively high concentrations of ethylene in the lifted region, leading to...resulting in more soot production. This could potentially be explained by comparing the mobility of argon to nitrogen. Argon diffuses away from the...precursors formed due to a large concentration of fuel caused by the higher mobility of helium relative to fuel and thus an effective reduction in the

The Expression of Backwater Dynamics in the Morphology, Kinematics and Deposit Architecture of Fluvio-deltaic Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, A. M.; Smith, V.

2017-12-01

A downstream reduction in bed material flux is associated with the backwater zone, where rivers in their terminal reaches deepen to respond to the sea-level in the receiving basin. This downstream change in sediment transport is reflected in: a) lateral channel mobility, and b) sedimentology and stratigraphic architecture of composite depositional bodies that are left behind. Here we draw comparisons between the Mississippi River and the Trinity River (TX), in terms of bar morphologies and composition, and lateral mobility of these rivers. Across the backwater transition, both rivers display a slight increase in lateral migration rates, followed by substantial decrease lateral migration in the terminal reaches. Both rivers also display predominantly symmetrical channel cross-sections, coincident with very small migration rates in the terminal reaches. We will discuss how the divergence in sediment transport flux across the backwater zone relates to the volume and shape of bank-attached bars, which in turn relates to the cross-sectional shapes of the channels as well as their lateral migrations rates, and ultimately defines the internal architecture of the composite channel deposits that result. Furthermore, we draw comparisons between the morphologies of bank-attached bars and channels in rivers and submarine channels to present insights into how the dominant mode of sediment transport in these different environments ultimately controls the morphologies and kinematics of these channels.

Effect of chaotropes on the kinetics of iron release from ferritin by flavin nucleotides.

PubMed

Johnson, Lindsay E; Wilkinson, Tyler; Arosio, Paolo; Melman, Artem; Bou-Abdallah, Fadi

2017-12-01

Ferritins are ubiquitous multi-subunit iron storage and detoxification proteins that play a critical role in iron homeostasis. Ferrous ions that enter the protein's shell through hydrophilic channels are rapidly oxidized at dinuclear centers on the H-subunit before transfer to the protein's cavity for storage. The mechanisms of iron loading have been extensively studied, but little is known about iron mobilization. Fe(III) reduction can occur via rapid reduction by suitable reducing agents followed by chelation of Fe(II) ions or via direct and slow Fe(III) chelation. Here, the iron release kinetics from ferritin by FMNH 2 in the presence of various chaotropic agents are studied and their in-vivo physiological significance discussed. The iron release kinetics from horse and human ferritins by FMNH 2 were monitored at 522nm where the Fe(II)-bipyridine complex absorbs. The experiments were performed in the presence of different concentrations of three chaotropic agents, urea, guanidine HCl, and triton. Under our experimental conditions, iron reductive mobilization by the non-enzymatic FMN/NAD(P)H system is limited by the concentration of FMNH 2 and is independent on the type or amount of chaotropes present. Diffusion of FMNH 2 through the ferritin pores is an unlikely mechanism for ferritin iron reduction. An iron mobilization mechanism involving rapid electron transfer through the protein shell is discussed. Caution must be exercised when interpreting the kinetics of iron mobilization from ferritin using the FMN/NAD(P)H system. The kinetics are highly dependent on the amount of dissolved oxygen and the concentration of reagents used. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Lifestyle Modification Using a Smartphone Application on Obesity With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Short-term, Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Cho, Sung-Woo; Wee, Jee Hye; Yoo, Sooyoung; Heo, Eunyoung; Ryu, Borim; Kim, Yoojung; Lee, Joong Seek; Kim, Jeong-Whun

2018-01-30

To investigate the short-term effects of a lifestyle modification intervention based on a mobile application (app) linked to a hospital electronic medical record (EMR) system on weight reduction and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We prospectively enrolled adults (aged >20 years) with witnessed snoring or sleep apnea from a sleep clinic. The patients were randomized into the app user (n=24) and control (n=23) groups. The mobile app was designed to collect daily lifestyle data by wearing a wrist activity tracker and reporting dietary intake. A summary of the lifestyle data was displayed on the hospital EMR and was reviewed. In the control group, the lifestyle modification was performed as per usual practice. All participants underwent peripheral arterial tonometry (WatchPAT) and body mass index (BMI) measurements at baseline and after 4 weeks of follow-up. Age and BMI did not differ significantly between the two groups. While we observed a significant decrease in the BMI of both groups, the decrease was greater in the app user group (P <0.001). Apnea-hypopnea index, respiratory distress index, and oxygenation distress index did not change significantly in both groups. However, the proportion of sleep spent snoring at >45 dB was significantly improved in the app user group alone (P =0.014). In either group, among the participants with successful weight reduction, the apnea-hypopnea index was significantly reduced after 4 weeks (P =0.015). Multiple regression analyses showed that a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index was significantly associated with BMI. Although a short-term lifestyle modification approach using a mobile app was more effective in achieving weight reduction, improvement in OSA was not so significant. Long-term efficacy of this mobile app should be evaluated in the future studies.

Reduced left ventricular filling following blood volume extraction does not result in compensatory augmentation of cardiac mechanics.

PubMed

Lord, Rachel; MacLeod, David; George, Keith; Oxborough, David; Shave, Rob; Stembridge, Mike

2018-04-01

What is the central question of this study? A reduction in left ventricular (LV) filling, and concomitant increase in heart rate, augments LV mechanics to maintain stroke volume (SV); however, the impact of reduced LV filling in isolation on SV and LV mechanics is currently unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? An isolated decrease in LV filling did not provoke a compensatory increase in mechanics to maintain SV; in contrast, LV mechanics and SV were reduced. These data indicate that when LV filling is reduced without changes in heart rate, LV mechanics do not compensate to maintain SV. An acute non-invasive reduction in preload has been shown to augment cardiac mechanics to maintain stroke volume and cardiac output. Such interventions induce concomitant changes in heart rate, whereas blood volume extraction reduces preload without changes in heart rate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a preload reduction in isolation resulted in augmented stroke volume achieved via enhanced cardiac mechanics. Nine healthy volunteers (four female, age 29 ± 11 years) underwent echocardiography for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and mechanics in a supine position at baseline and end extraction after the controlled removal of 25% of total blood volume (1062 ± 342 ml). Arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously by a pressure transducer attached to an indwelling radial artery catheter. Heart rate and total peripheral resistance were unchanged from baseline to end extraction, but systolic blood pressure was reduced (from 148 to 127 mmHg). From baseline to end extraction there were significant reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (from 89 to 71 ml) and stroke volume (from 56 to 37 ml); however, there was no change in LV twist, basal or apical rotation. In contrast, LV longitudinal strain (from -20 to -17%) and basal circumferential strain (from -22 to -19%) were significantly reduced from baseline to end extraction. In conclusion, a reduction in preload during blood volume extraction does not result in compensatory changes in stroke volume or cardiac mechanics. Our data suggest that LV strain is dependent on LV filling and consequent geometry, whereas LV twist could be mediated by heart rate. © 2018 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2018 The Physiological Society.

Pension Policy for a Mobile Labor Force.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, John A.; And Others

This book analyzes what happens to the pension benefits of workers who quit or are laid off jobs. The first chapter reviews the connection between job mobility and pension portability. Chapter 2 portrays a labor market undergoing changes that often result in reductions in retirement benefits. Chapter 3 describes job change further by examining…

Controlled method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of various substances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanalstine, James M. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of macromolecules, particles, cells, and the like is provided. The method comprises interacting the particles or cells with a polymer-linked affinity compound composed of: a hydrophilic neutral polymer such as polyethylene glycol, and an affinity component consisting of a hydrophobic compound such as a fatty acid ester, an immunocompound such as an antibody or active fragment thereof or simular macromolecule, or other ligands. The reduction of electrophoretic mobility achieved is directly proportional to the concentration of the polymer-linked affinity compound employed, and the mobility reduction obtainable is up to 100 percent for particular particles and cells. The present invention is advantageous in that analytical electrophoretic separation can not be achieved for macromolecules, particles, and cells whose native surface charge structure had prevented them from being separated by normal electrophoretic means. Depending on the affinity component utilized, separation can be achieved on the basis of specific/irreversible, specific/reversible, semi-specific/reversible, relatively nonspecific/reversible, or relatively nonspecific/irreversible ligand-substance interactions. The present method is also advantageous in that it can be used in a variety of standard laboratory electrophoresis equipment.

Optimal Ge/SiGe nanofin geometries for hole mobility enhancement: Technology limit from atomic simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedula, Ravi Pramod; Mehrotra, Saumitra; Kubis, Tillmann; Povolotskyi, Michael; Klimeck, Gerhard; Strachan, Alejandro

2015-05-01

We use first principles simulations to engineer Ge nanofins for maximum hole mobility by controlling strain tri-axially through nano-patterning. Large-scale molecular dynamics predict fully relaxed, atomic structures for experimentally achievable nanofins, and orthogonal tight binding is used to obtain the corresponding electronic structure. Hole transport properties are then obtained via a linearized Boltzmann formalism. This approach explicitly accounts for free surfaces and associated strain relaxation as well as strain gradients which are critical for quantitative predictions in nanoscale structures. We show that the transverse strain relaxation resulting from the reduction in the aspect ratio of the fins leads to a significant enhancement in phonon limited hole mobility (7× over unstrained, bulk Ge, and 3.5× over biaxially strained Ge). Maximum enhancement is achieved by reducing the width to be approximately 1.5 times the height and further reduction in width does not result in additional gains. These results indicate significant room for improvement over current-generation Ge nanofins, provide geometrical guidelines to design optimized geometries and insight into the physics behind the significant mobility enhancement.

Electrokinetic Particle Aggregation and Flow Instabilities in Non-Dilute Colloidal Suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navaneetham, Guru; Posner, Jonathan

2007-11-01

An experimental investigation of electrokinetic particle aggregation and flow instabilities of non-dilute colloidal suspensions in microfabricated channels is presented. The addition of charged colloidal particles can alter the solution's conductivity, permittivity as well as the average particle electrophoretic mobility. In this work, a colloid volume fraction gradient is achieved at the intersection of a Y-shaped PDMS microchannel. The solution conductivity and the particle mobility as a function of the particle (500 nm polystyrene) volume fraction are presented. The critical conditions required for particle aggregation and flow instability are given along with a scaling analysis which shows that the flow becomes unstable at a critical electric Rayleigh number for a wide range of applied electric fields and colloid volume fractions. Electrokinetic particle aggregation and instabilities of non-dilute colloidal suspensions may be important for applications such as the electrophoretic deposition of particles to form micropatterned colloidal assemblies, electrorheological devices, and on-chip, electrokinetic manipulation of colloids.

Electron attachment to toluene in n-hexane and 2,2-dimethylbutane at high pressure

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

Itoh, Kengo; Nishikawa, Masaru; Holroyd, R.

The effect of dilute concentration of toluene on the electron mobility in two isometric hexanes was studied as a function of pressure from 1 bar to 3 kbar and at selected temperatures between 9 and 60[degrees]C. The effect of toluene on the mobility is small at 1 bar but quite large at the higher pressures. The results are interpreted in terms of reversible electron attachment to a toluene species which is the monomer in n-hexane. For this reaction [triangle]H[sub r] is - 12.0 kcal /mol in n-hexane at 2.5 kbar. In 2,2-dimethylbutane attachment to a dimeric species is indicated. Themore » volume changes for these attachment reactions are large, between [minus]80 and [minus]100 cm[sup 3]/mol. In hexane the volume changes are attributed in part to the electrostriction of the solvent by the toluene anion and in part to a positive molar volume of the electron. 19 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Chemical Treatments for Mobilizing Arsenic from Contaminated Aquifer Solids to Accelerate Remediation

PubMed Central

Wovkulich, Karen; Mailloux, Brian J.; Lacko, Allison; Keimowitz, Alison R.; Stute, Martin; Simpson, H. James; Chillrud, Steven N.

2010-01-01

Arsenic is a prevalent contaminant at US Superfund sites where remediation by pump and treat systems is often complicated by slow desorption of As from Fe and Al (hydr)oxides in aquifer solids. Chemical amendments that either compete with As for sorption sites or dissolve Fe and Al (hydr)oxides can increase As mobility and improve pump and treat remediation efficiency. The goal of this work was to determine optimal amendments for improving pump and treat at As contaminated sites such as the Vineland Chemical Co. Superfund site in southern New Jersey. Extraction and column experiments were performed using As contaminated aquifer solids (81 ± 1 mg/kg), site groundwater, and either phosphate (NaH2PO4·H2O) or oxalic acid (C2H2O4·2H2O). In extraction experiments, phosphate mobilized between 11% and 94% of As from the aquifer solids depending on phosphate concentration and extraction time (1 mM-1 M; 1–24 h) and oxalic acid mobilized between 38 and 102% depending on oxalic acid concentration and extraction time (1–400 mM; 1–24 h). In column experiments, phosphate additions induced more As mobilization in the first few pore volumes but oxalic acid was more effective at mobilizing As overall and at lower amendment concentrations. At the end of the laboratory column experiments, 48% of As had been mobilized from the aquifer sediments with 100 mM phosphate and 88% had been mobilized with 10 mM oxalic acid compared with 5% with ambient groundwater alone. Furthermore, simple extrapolations based on pore volumes suggest that chemical treatments could lower the time necessary for clean up at the Vineland site from 600 a with ambient groundwater alone to potentially as little as 4 a with 10 mM oxalic acid. PMID:21076621

Protective Effect of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Allele DRB1*13:02 on Age-Related Brain Gray Matter Volume Reduction in Healthy Women.

PubMed

James, Lisa M; Christova, Peka; Lewis, Scott M; Engdahl, Brian E; Georgopoulos, Angeliki; Georgopoulos, Apostolos P

2018-03-01

Reduction of brain volume (brain atrophy) during healthy brain aging is well documented and dependent on genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Here we investigated the possible dependence of brain gray matter volume reduction in the absence of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) allele DRB1*13:02 which prevents brain atrophy in Gulf War Illness (James et al., 2017). Seventy-one cognitively healthy women (32-69years old) underwent a structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) scan to measure the volumes of total gray matter, cerebrocortical gray matter, and subcortical gray matter. Participants were assigned to two groups, depending on whether they lacked the DRB1*13:02 allele (No DRB1*13:02 group, N=60) or carried the DRB1*13:02 allele (N=11). We assessed the change of brain gray matter volume with age in each group by performing a linear regression where the brain volume (adjusted for total intracranial volume) was the dependent variable and age was the independent variable. In the No DRB1*13:02 group, the volumes of total gray matter, cerebrocortical gray matter, and subcortical gray matter were reduced highly significantly. In contrast, none of these volumes showed a statistically significant reduction with age in the DRB1*13:02 group. These findings document the protective effect of DRB1*13:02 on age-dependent reduction of brain gray matter in healthy individuals. Since the role of this allele is to connect to matching epitopes of external antigens for the subsequent production of antibodies and elimination of the offending antigen, we hypothesize that its protective effect may be due to the successful elimination of such antigens to which we are exposed during the lifespan, antigens that otherwise would persist causing gradual brain atrophy. In addition, we consider a possible beneficial role of DRB1*13:02 attributed to its binding to cathepsin S, a known harmful substance in brain aging (Wendt et al., 2008). Of course, other factors covarying with the presence of DRB1*13:02 could be involved. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)--what should physicians, homecare-providers and health insurance companies know?].

PubMed

Koehler, U; Hildebrandt, O; Jerrentrup, L; Koehler, K-I; Kianinejad, P; Sohrabi, K; Schäfer, H; Kenn, K

2014-03-01

Long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) has been demonstrated to improve prognosis in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. In terms of pathogenesis, improved oxygenation, reduction of pulmonary artery pressure as well as reduction of respiratory work are important. Since there are considerable differences between the LTOT systems, individually tailored therapy is needed. In particular, the mobility aspects of the patients must be taken into consideration. It is important to distinguish between stationary/mobile devices with a liquid oxygen system and stationary/mobile devices with oxygen concentrator. Oxygen titration should be performed in relation to rest and activity phases (e. g. 6 minute walk test) as well as in relation to the sleep phase. Employing devices with demand-controlled valves should be critically examined. This can be undertaken only under physician orders and requires continuous monitoring. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A Double-Negative Metamaterial-Inspired Mobile Wireless Antenna for Electromagnetic Absorption Reduction.

PubMed

Alam, Touhidul; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2015-07-29

A double-negative metamaterial-inspired antenna is presented for mobile wireless applications. The antenna consists of a semi-circular radiating patch and a 3 × 4 hexagonal shaped metamaterial unit cell array in the ground plane. The antenna is fed with a 50 Ω microstrip feed line. The electric dimensions of the proposed antenna are 0.20λ × 0.26λ × 0.004λ, at the low-end frequency. The proposed antenna achieves a -10 dB impedance with a bandwidth of 2.29 GHz at the lower band and 1.28 GHz at the upper band and can operate for most of the mobile applications such as upper GSM bands, WiMAX, Bluetooth, and wireless local area network (WLAN) frequency bands. The focused novelties of the proposed antenna are its small size, multi-standard operating bands, and electromagnetic absorption reduction at all the operating frequencies using the double-negative metamaterial ground plane.

40 CFR 60.664 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (less methane and ethane) reduction efficiency shall be prior to the inlet of the control device and... methane and ethane), dry basis, ppm by volume. %O2d=Concentration of O2, dry basis, percent by volume. (4... emission reduction (R) of TOC (minus methane and ethane) shall be determined using the following equation...

76 FR 50500 - Request for Comments on the Draft Policy Statement on Volume Reduction and Low-Level Radioactive...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-15

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2011-0183] Request for Comments on the Draft Policy Statement on Volume Reduction and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Request for public comment. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is revising its...

Original predictive approach to the compressibility of pharmaceutical powder mixtures based on the Kawakita equation.

PubMed

Mazel, Vincent; Busignies, Virginie; Duca, Stéphane; Leclerc, Bernard; Tchoreloff, Pierre

2011-05-30

In the pharmaceutical industry, tablets are obtained by the compaction of two or more components which have different physical properties and compaction behaviours. Therefore, it could be interesting to predict the physical properties of the mixture using the single-component results. In this paper, we have focused on the prediction of the compressibility of binary mixtures using the Kawakita model. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and L-alanine were compacted alone and mixed at different weight fractions. The volume reduction, as a function of the compaction pressure, was acquired during the compaction process ("in-die") and after elastic recovery ("out-of-die"). For the pure components, the Kawakita model is well suited to the description of the volume reduction. For binary mixtures, an original approach for the prediction of the volume reduction without using the effective Kawakita parameters was proposed and tested. The good agreement between experimental and predicted data proved that this model was efficient to predict the volume reduction of MCC and L-alanine mixtures during compaction experiments. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Specific features of electron scattering in uniaxially deformed n-Ge single crystals in the presence of radiation defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luniov, S. V.; Zimych, A. I.; Nazarchuk, P. F.; Maslyuk, V. T.; Megela, I. G.

2016-12-01

Temperature dependencies for concentration of electrons and the Hall mobility for unirradiated and irradiated by the flow of electrons ? single crystals ?, with the energy of ?, for different values of uniaxial pressures along the crystallographic directions ?, ? and ? are obtained on the basis of piezo-Hall effect measurements. Non-typical growth of the Hall mobility of electrons for irradiated single crystals ? in comparison with unirradiated with the increasing of value of uniaxial pressures along the crystallographic directions ? (for the entire range of the investigated temperatures) and ? (to temperatures ?) has been revealed. Such an effect of the Hall mobility increase for uniaxially deformed single crystals ? is explained by the reduction of gradients of a resistance as a result of reduction in the amplitude of a large-scale potential with deformation and concentration of charged A-centers in the process of their recharge by the increasing of uniaxial pressure and consequently the probability of scattering on these centers. Theoretical calculations for temperature dependencies of the Hall mobility for uniaxially deformed single crystals ? in terms of the electrons scattering on the ions of shallow donors, acoustic, optical and intervalley phonons, regions of disordering and large-scale potential is good conformed to the corresponding experimental results at temperatures T<220 K for the case of uniaxial pressures along the crystallographic directions ? and ? and for temperatures ? when the uniaxial pressure is directed along the crystallographic directions ?. The mechanism of electron scattering on a charged radiation defects (which correspond to the deep energy levels of A-centers) 'is turned off' for the given temperatures due to the uniaxial pressure. Reduction of the Hall mobility in transition through a maximum of dependence ? with the increasing temperature for cases of the uniaxial deformation of the irradiated single crystals ? along the crystallographic directions ? and ? is explained by the deforming redistribution of electrons between the minima of conduction band of germanium with different mobility.

Positive ion densities and mobilities in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leiden, S.

1976-01-01

A brief sketch of the theory concerning the use of the Gerdien condenser as a mobility spectrometer is presented. Data reduction of three parachute borne Gerdien condenser probes is given, as well as that of one blunt conductivity probe. Comparisons of concentrations calculated by two different methods indicate consistency of results. Mobility profiles demonstrating remarkable fine structure are discussed in detail. Finally, theoretical implications of the results on ionospheric structure, including possible night-day differences and latitudinal variations, are considered.

Mobile measurements of ship emissions in two harbour areas in Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirjola, L.; Pajunoja, A.; Walden, J.; Jalkanen, J.-P.; Rönkkö, T.; Kousa, A.; Koskentalo, T.

2014-01-01

Four measurement campaigns were performed in two different environments - inside the harbour areas in the city centre of Helsinki, and along the narrow shipping channel near the city of Turku, Finland - using a mobile laboratory van during winter and summer conditions in 2010-2011. The characteristics of gaseous (CO, CO2, SO2, NO, NO2, NOx) and particulate (number and volume size distributions as well as PM2.5) emissions for 11 ships regularly operating on the Baltic Sea were studied to determine the emission parameters. The highest particle concentrations were 1.5 × 106 and 1.6 × 105 cm-3 in Helsinki and Turku, respectively, and the particle number size distributions had two modes. The dominating mode peaked at 20-30 nm, and the accumulation mode at 80-100 nm. The majority of the particle mass was volatile, since after heating the sample to 265 °C, the particle volume of the studied ship decreased by around 70%. The emission factors for NOx varied in the range of 25-100 g (kg fuel)-1, for SO2 in the range of 2.5-17.0 g (kg fuel)-1, for particle number in the range of (0.32-2.26) × 1016 # (kg fuel)-1, and for PM2.5 between 1.0-4.9 g (kg fuel)-1. The ships equipped with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) had the lowest NOx emissions, whereas the ships with DWI (direct water injection) and HAMs (humid air motors) had the lowest SO2 emissions but the highest particulate emissions. For all ships, the averaged fuel sulphur contents (FSCs) were less than 1% (by mass) but none of them was below 0.1% which will be the new EU directive starting 1 January 2015 in the SOx emission control areas; this indicates that ships operating on the Baltic Sea will face large challenges.

Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator; An Enhanced Evaporative Cooling System for the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit Portable Life Support System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bue, Grant C.; Makinen, Janice V.; Miller, Sean; Campbell, Colin; Lynch, Bill; Vogel, Matt; Craft, Jesse; Wilkes, Robert; Kuehnel, Eric

2014-01-01

Development of the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AEMU) portable life support subsystem (PLSS) is currently under way at NASA Johnson Space Center. The AEMU PLSS features a new evaporative cooling system, the Generation 4 Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (Gen4 SWME). The SWME offers several advantages when compared with prior crewmember cooling technologies, including the ability to reject heat at increased atmospheric pressures, reduced loop infrastructure, and higher tolerance to fouling. Like its predecessors, Gen4 SWME provides nominal crew member and electronics cooling by flowing water through porous hollow fibers. Water vapor escapes through the hollow fiber pores, thereby cooling the liquid water that remains inside of the fibers. This cooled water is then recirculated to remove heat from the crew member and PLSS electronics. Test results from the backup cooling system which is based on a similar design and the subject of a companion paper, suggested that further volume reductions could be achieved through fiber density optimization. Testing was performed with four fiber bundle configurations ranging from 35,850 fibers to 41,180 fibers. The optimal configuration reduced the Gen4 SWME envelope volume by 15% from that of Gen3 while dramatically increasing the performance margin of the system. A rectangular block design was chosen over the Gen3 cylindrical design, for packaging configurations within the AEMU PLSS envelope. Several important innovations were made in the redesign of the backpressure valve which is used to control evaporation. A twin-port pivot concept was selected from among three low profile valve designs for superior robustness, control and packaging. The backpressure valve motor, the thermal control valve, delta pressure sensors and temperature sensors were incorporated into the manifold endcaps, also for packaging considerations. Flight-like materials including a titanium housing were used for all components. Performance testing of the Gen4 SWME is underway.

Effect of preload reduction by hemodialysis on left atrial volume and echocardiographic Doppler parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease.

PubMed

Barberato, Silvio H; Mantilla, Diego E V; Misocami, M Arcio; Gonçalves, Simone M; Bignelli, Alexandre T; Riella, Miguel C; Pecoits-Filho, Roberto

2004-11-01

Left atrial (LA) volume has been proposed as a less preload-dependent parameter of diastolic function than Doppler mitral inflow. We hypothesize that in the absence of mitral regurgitation and atrial fibrilation, LA enlargement could be a more practical (and relatively preload-independent) method for the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of preload reduction by hemodialysis on LA volume.

Mobilization and transport of pollutants in an abandoned dump in tropical conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelinson, Natalia; Shinzato, Marjolly; Wendland, Edson

2017-04-01

The valuation and treatment techniques of municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries are not sufficiently developed, and therefore, the volume of waste destined for disposal still presents significant amounts. In Brazil, the more common practice of final destination is the deposition on the soil, due to its simple operation and low cost compared to other techniques. One of the most serious negative environmental impacts in the irregular disposal of solid waste is the contamination of soil and groundwater by waste leachates. The final disposal in dumps is forbidden by Brazilian law since 2010, nevertheless, the public administration is not prepared to monitor waste disposal areas and the risk of contamination of water. In this sense, a research has been developed in an abandoned dump installed over an outcrop of the Botucatu Formation, which is part of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG) and therefore, is an area of high water vulnerability. In this dump, an old gully was used as a final waste disposal area for urban, construction and demolition, medical and industrial waste from 1980 to 1996. Since the end of the deposition, the waste body is kept with inefficient hydraulic control. The water infiltration due to rainfall promotes the mobility of contaminant in the deposit. The present water quality in the dump has been monitored through physical and chemical analysis of samples collected in the unsaturated zone (inside the waste mass using vacuum lysimeters) and in the saturated zone (monitoring wells). The rainfall variation observed in the years 2014 (dry year) and 2015 (wet year) contributed significantly to evaluate the mobilization of pollutants within the dump. The reduction of the water volume that infiltrates the waste mass affected the quality of the leachate collected in the lysimeters. The groundwater collected in monitoring wells outside the dump area presents low turbidity values (<1.50 NTU) in relation to wells located downstream of the dump showed values greater than 10, a similar behavior was observed for the conductivity (>1000 µS.cma-1 in leachate) and chlorides values (>800 mg.L-1). Contaminated water flows through the bottom of the dump. In addition, this research also indicates amendments of surface water downstream of the dump area.

Small ICBM area narrowing report. Volume 1. Hard mobile launcher in random movement basing mode

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

Not Available

The purpose of this report is to identify those areas that could potentially support deployment of the Small Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) utilizing basing modes presently considered viable: the Hard Mobile Launcher in Random Movement, the Hard Mobile Launcher at Minuteman Facilities, and the Hard Silo in Patterned Array. Specifically, this report describes the process and the rationale supporting the application of Exclusionary and Evaluative Criteria and lists those locations that were eliminated through the application of these criteria. The remaining locations will be the subject of further investigations.

Small ICBM area narrowing report. Volume 2. Hard mobile launcher at minuteman facilities basing mode

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

Not Available

The purpose of this report is to identify those areas that could potentially support deployment of the Small Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) utilizing basing modes presently considered viable: the Hard Mobile Launcher in Random Movement, the Hard Mobile Launcher at Minuteman Facilities, and the Hard Silo in Patterned Array. Specifically, this report describes the process and the rationale supporting the application of Exclusionary and Evaluative Criteria and lists those locations that were eliminated through the application of these criteria. The remaining locations will be the subject of further investigations.

Fuzzy Logic based Handoff Latency Reduction Mechanism in Layer 2 of Heterogeneous Mobile IPv6 Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwar, Farhat; Masud, Mosharrof H.; Latif, Suhaimi A.

2013-12-01

Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) is one of the pioneer standards that support mobility in IPv6 environment. It has been designed to support different types of technologies for providing seamless communications in next generation network. However, MIPv6 and subsequent standards have some limitations due to its handoff latency. In this paper, a fuzzy logic based mechanism is proposed to reduce the handoff latency of MIPv6 for Layer 2 (L2) by scanning the Access Points (APs) while the Mobile Node (MN) is moving among different APs. Handoff latency occurs when the MN switches from one AP to another in L2. Heterogeneous network is considered in this research in order to reduce the delays in L2. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and velocity of the MN are considered as the input of fuzzy logic technique. This technique helps the MN to measure optimum signal quality from APs for the speedy mobile node based on fuzzy logic input rules and makes a list of interfaces. A suitable interface from the list of available interfaces can be selected like WiFi, WiMAX or GSM. Simulation results show 55% handoff latency reduction and 50% packet loss improvement in L2 compared to standard to MIPv6.

Quantifying the net social benefits of vehicle trip reductions : guidance for customizing the TRIMMS(c) model.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

This study details the development of a series of enhancements to the Trip Reduction Impacts of : Mobility Management Strategies (TRIMMS) model. TRIMMS allows quantifying the net social : benefits of a wide range of transportation demand management...

Autologous fibrin sealant reduces the incidence of prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage after lung volume reduction surgery: a prospective randomized blinded study.

PubMed

Moser, C; Opitz, I; Zhai, W; Rousson, V; Russi, E W; Weder, W; Lardinois, D

2008-10-01

Prolonged air leak is reported in up to 50% of patients after lung volume reduction surgery. The effect of an autologous fibrin sealant on the intensity and duration of air leak and on the time to chest drain removal after lung volume reduction surgery was investigated in a randomized prospective clinical trial. Twenty-five patients underwent bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery. In each patient, an autologous fibrin sealant was applied along the staple lines on one side, whereas no additional measure was taken on the other side. Randomization of treatment was performed at the end of the resection on the first side. Air leak was assessed semiquantitatively by use of a severity score (0 = no leak; 4 = continuous severe leak) by two investigators blinded to the treatment. Mean value of the total severity scores for the first 48 hours postoperative was significantly lower in the treated group (4.7 +/- 7.7) than in the control group (16.0 +/- 10.1) (P < .001), independently of the length of the resection. Prolonged air leak and mean duration of drainage were also significantly reduced after application of the sealant (4.5% and 2.8 +/- 1.9 days versus 31.8% and 5.9 +/- 2.9 days) (P = .03 and P < .001). Autologous fibrin sealant for reinforcement of the staple lines after lung volume reduction surgery significantly reduces prolonged air leak and duration of chest tube drainage.

Structural neural correlates of impaired mobility and subsequent decline in executive functions: A 12-month prospective study

PubMed Central

Hsu, Chun Liang; Best, John R.; Chiu, Bryan K.; Nagamatsu, Lindsay S; Voss, Michelle W.; Handy, Todd C.; Bolandzadeh, Niousha; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa

2016-01-01

Impaired mobility, such as falls, may be an early biomarker of subsequent cognitive decline and is associated with subclinical alterations in both brain structure and function. In this 12-month prospective study, we examined whether there are volumetric differences in gray matter and subcortical regions, as well as cerebral white matter, between older fallers and non-fallers. In addition, we assessed whether these baseline volumetric differences are associated with changes in cognitive function over 12 months. A total of 66 community-dwelling older adults were recruited and categorized by their falls status. Magnetic resonance imaging occurred at baseline and participants’ physical and cognitive performances were assessed at baseline and 12-months. At baseline, fallers showed significantly lower volumes in gray matter, subcortical regions, and cerebral white matter compared with non-fallers. Notably, fallers had significantly lower left lateral orbitofrontal white matter volume. Moreover, lower left lateral orbitofrontal white matter volume at baseline was associated with greater decline in set-shifting performance over 12 months. Our data suggest that falls may indicate subclinical alterations in regional brain volume that are associated with subsequent decline in executive functions. PMID:27079333

Recovery of photoinduced reversible dark States utilized for molecular diffusion measurements.

PubMed

Chmyrov, Andriy; Sandén, Tor; Widengren, Jerker

2010-12-15

For a spatially restricted excitation volume, the effective modulation of the excitation in time is influenced by the passage times of the molecules through the excitation volume. By applying an additional time-modulated excitation, the buildup of photoinduced reversible dark states in fluorescent molecules can be made to vary significantly with their passage times through the excitation volume. The variations in the dark state populations are reflected by the time-averaged fluorescence intensity, which thus can be used to characterize the mobilities of the molecules. The concept was experimentally verified by measuring the fluorescence response of freely diffusing cyanine fluorophores (Cy5), undergoing trans-cis isomerization when subject to time-modulated excitation in a focused laser beam. From the fluorescence response, and by applying a simple photodynamic model, the transition times of the Cy5 molecules could be well reproduced when applying different laminar flow speeds through the detection volume. The presented approach puts no constraints on sample concentration, no requirements for high time resolution or sensitivity in the detection, nor requires a high fluorescence brightness of the characterized molecules. This can make the concept useful for a broad range of biomolecular mobility studies.

Effects of moisture content and initial pH in composting process on heavy metal removal characteristics of grass clipping compost used for stormwater filtration.

PubMed

Khan, Eakalak; Khaodhir, Sutha; Ruangrote, Darin

2009-10-01

Heavy metals are common contaminants in stormwater runoff. One of the devices that can be used to effectively and economically remove heavy metals from runoff is a yard waste compost stormwater filter. The primary goal of composting is to reduce waste volume rather than to produce stormwater filter media. Moisture content (MC) and initial pH, the two important parameters in composting, were studied for their effects on yard waste volume reduction and heavy metal adsorption performances of the compost. The main objective of this investigation was to examine whether the conditions that provided high yard waste volume reduction would also result in compost with good heavy metal removal performances. Manila grass was composted at different initial pHs (5-9) and MCs (30-70%) and the composts were used to adsorb cadmium, copper, lead and zinc from water. Results indicated that MC is more critical than initial pH for both volume reduction and production of compost with high metal adsorption performances. The most optimal conditions for the two attributes were not exactly the same but lower MCs of 30-40% and pH 7 or higher tended to satisfy both high volume reduction and effective metal adsorption.

Volume reduction of benign thyroid nodules 3 months after a single treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

PubMed

Korkusuz, Huedayi; Fehre, Niklas; Sennert, Michael; Happel, Christian; Grünwald, Frank

2015-01-01

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising, non-invasive technique in treating benign thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU to induce clinically meaningful shrinkage in benign predominantly solid TNs and to identify variables that influence or predict the magnitude of TN volume reduction. For each of ten subjects, HIFU treatment was conducted on a single nodule. Nodular volume was measured sonographically at baseline and at 3 months post-procedure. Nodular function and early treatment assessment was done scintigraphically. Median nodular volume reduction was 0.7 ml absolute and 48.8% relative to pre-interventional size (p < 0.05). Absolute shrinkage was negatively correlated with the average treatment depth (τ = -0.61, p < 0.05). Absolute nodular volume was positively correlated with the scintigraphic nodular uptake reduction (τ = 0.66, p < 0.05). HIFU treatment of benign predominantly solid TNs appears to be safe and effective for inducing nodular shrinkage. Despite potential for improvement, a single treatment session with HIFU is already a viable alternative to more standard methods. The feasibility of multiple HIFU treatments requires further investigation. Due to the small sample size, the findings of this analysis need conformation by larger studies.

Mobile phone intervention reduces perinatal mortality in zanzibar: secondary outcomes of a cluster randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Lund, Stine; Rasch, Vibeke; Hemed, Maryam; Boas, Ida Marie; Said, Azzah; Said, Khadija; Makundu, Mkoko Hassan; Nielsen, Birgitte Bruun

2014-03-26

Mobile phones are increasingly used in health systems in developing countries and innovative technical solutions have great potential to overcome barriers of access to reproductive and child health care. However, despite widespread support for the use of mobile health technologies, evidence for its role in health care is sparse. We aimed to evaluate the association between a mobile phone intervention and perinatal mortality in a resource-limited setting. This study was a pragmatic, cluster-randomized, controlled trial with primary health care facilities in Zanzibar as the unit of randomization. At their first antenatal care visit, 2550 pregnant women (1311 interventions and 1239 controls) who attended antenatal care at selected primary health care facilities were included in this study and followed until 42 days after delivery. Twenty-four primary health care facilities in six districts were randomized to either mobile phone intervention or standard care. The intervention consisted of a mobile phone text message and voucher component. Secondary outcome measures included stillbirth, perinatal mortality, and death of a child within 42 days after birth as a proxy of neonatal mortality. Within the first 42 days of life, 2482 children were born alive, 54 were stillborn, and 36 died. The overall perinatal mortality rate in the study was 27 per 1000 total births. The rate was lower in the intervention clusters, 19 per 1000 births, than in the control clusters, 36 per 1000 births. The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in perinatal mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.50 (95% CI 0.27-0.93). Other secondary outcomes showed an insignificant reduction in stillbirth (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.34-1.24) and an insignificant reduction in death within the first 42 days of life (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.36-1.74). Mobile phone applications may contribute to improved health of the newborn and should be considered by policy makers in resource-limited settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01821222; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01821222 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6NqxnxYn0).

The Department of Defense Shale Oil Task Force. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-10-05

transition from natural crude to synthetic fuels during the time period 1985-2010. The report also points out that shale-derived military mobility fuel is...transition from natural crude to synthetic fuels during the time period 1985-201)1. The report also points out that shale-derived military mobility...with emphasis on comparative economics, environmental and timing considerations. o Industrial considerations. o Research and development on new

Reserve Component Manpower Readiness and Mobilization Policy. Volume 1. Based on the Colloquium on Mobilization with Special Emphasis on Guard and Reserve Components, 1-4 November 1983

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

addressing the NATO WINTEX/ CIMEX -85 Exercise in order to bring into its major events oppor- tunities to test new modalities for civil-military cooperation...context. Perhaps the most effective means for assessing the implica- tions of such concerns lies in the exercise arena. The forthcoming WINTEX/ CIMEX -85

Command History. United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 1968. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1968-01-01

phase of the 1968 plan was put through ae scheduled. The opening of the Tte Offensive. however, temporarily scuttled the program. Temporarily, local...decrease slightly. Completed construction of an additional 1, 200 km oalhighways and tte restoration of more of the VNRS was expected to materialize in...Assistance Program MINRON Mine Squadron \\05 Military Intelligence Service MISC Mobile Infiltration Surveillance Center MIUWG Mobile Inshore Undersea

AGT 1500 Powerpack Improvement Project (M1 TMEPS). Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

culminated in a one week evalUation of the ATR. This was due to funding and schedule constraints. Testing was concentrated on vehicle mobility performance...June 1990 with a one week vehicle demonstration at Milford Proving Grounds. The vehicle performed well but the mobility characteristics, most...all of the nonrecurring, recurring, engineering, data, system test and evaluation, and initial spares costs aplicable to each alternative. TMEPS as a

Ultra Precision Machining

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-20

in the fields of mobile robots and military systems. In both fields extensive use is made of a variety of dissimilar sensors to gather information (Luo...and Kay [27]). For example, a mobile robot might use both sonar and stereo imaging data to get a better estimate of the distance to the nearest wall...Estimation and Modulation Theory, volume 1. McGraw-Hill, 1968. [45] R. H. Volin. Techniques and aplications of mechanical signature analsysis. Shock

United States Air Force Summer Faculty Research Program. Management Report. Volume 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

Anderson, N.L. et al (1986). Effects of Aroclor 1254 on proteins of mouse liver: Aplication of two-dimensional electrophoretic protein mapping...transferability of job skill, has surfaced in the context of civilian occupational mobility (Byrne, 1975; Fine, 1957a, 1957b) transitions from military to...considerations from concept through deployment. Defense Management Journal, 16(2), 12-19. Byrne, J. J. (1975). Occupational mobility of workers. Monthly

Pulse oximeter plethysmographic waveform changes in awake, spontaneously breathing, hypovolemic volunteers.

PubMed

McGrath, Susan P; Ryan, Kathy L; Wendelken, Suzanne M; Rickards, Caroline A; Convertino, Victor A

2011-02-01

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether alterations in the pulse oximeter waveform characteristics would track progressive reductions in central blood volume. We also assessed whether changes in the pulse oximeter waveform provide an indication of blood loss in the hemorrhaging patient before changes in standard vital signs. Pulse oximeter data from finger, forehead, and ear pulse oximeter sensors were collected from 18 healthy subjects undergoing progressive reduction in central blood volume induced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Stroke volume measurements were simultaneously recorded using impedance cardiography. The study was conducted in a research laboratory setting where no interventions were performed. Pulse amplitude, width, and area under the curve (AUC) features were calculated from each pulse wave recording. Amalgamated correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between the changes in pulse oximeter waveform features and changes in stroke volume with LBNP. For pulse oximeter sensors on the ear and forehead, reductions in pulse amplitude, width, and area were strongly correlated with progressive reductions in stroke volume during LBNP (R(2) ≥ 0.59 for all features). Changes in pulse oximeter waveform features were observed before profound decreases in arterial blood pressure. The best correlations between pulse features and stroke volume were obtained from the forehead sensor area (R(2) = 0.97). Pulse oximeter waveform features returned to baseline levels when central blood volume was restored. These results support the use of pulse oximeter waveform analysis as a potential diagnostic tool to detect clinically significant hypovolemia before the onset of cardiovascular decompensation in spontaneously breathing patients.

Tumor Shrinkage Assessed by Volumetric MRI in Long-Term Follow-Up After Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma

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

Kopp, Christine, E-mail: Christine.Kopp@lrz.tu-muenchen.de; Theodorou, Marilena; Poullos, Nektarios

2012-03-01

Purpose: To evaluate tumor control and side effects associated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in the management of residual or recurrent nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). Methods and Materials: We assessed exact tumor volume shrinkage in 16 patients with NFPA after FSRT. All patients had previously undergone surgery. Gross tumor volume (GTV) was outlined on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and median 63 months (range, 28-100 months) after FSRT. MRI was performed as an axial three-dimensional gradient echo T1-weighted sequence at 1.6-mm slice thickness without gap (3D MRI). Results: Mean tumor size of all 16 pituitary adenomas before treatment wasmore » 7.4 mL (3.3-18.9 mL). We found shrinkage of the treated pituitary adenoma in all patients. Within a median follow-up of 63 months (28-100 months) an absolute mean volume reduction of 3.8 mL (0.9-12.4 mL) was seen. The mean relative size reduction compared with the volume before radiotherapy was 51% (22%-95%). Shrinkage measured by 3D MRI was greater at longer time intervals after radiotherapy. A strong negative correlation between the initial tumor volume and the absolute volume reduction after FSRT was found. There was no correlation between tumor size reduction and patient age, sex, or number of previous surgeries. Conclusions: By using 3D MRI in all patients undergoing FSRT of an NFPA, tumor shrinkage is detected. Our data demonstrate that volumetric assessment based on 3D MRI adds additional information to routinely used radiological response measurements. After FSRT a mean relative size reduction of 51% can be expected within 5 years.« less

Thin EFG octagons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalejs, J. P.

1994-06-01

This report describes the impact of the technical achievements made in the first 18 months of the three year PVMaT program at Mobil Solar on lowering the manufacturing costs of its photovoltaic polycrystalline silicon-based modules. Manufacturing cost decreases are being achieved through a reduction of silicon material utilization, increases in productivity and yield in crystal growth, and through improvements in the laser cutting process for EFG wafers. The yield, productivity, and throughput advances made possible by these technical achievements are shown to be able to enhance future market share growth for Mobil Solar products as a consequence of significant reductions in a number of direct manufacturing cost elements in EFG wafer and module production.

Bioremediation in Fractured Rock: 2. Mobilization of Chloroethene Compounds from the Rock Matrix.

PubMed

Shapiro, Allen M; Tiedeman, Claire R; Imbrigiotta, Thomas E; Goode, Daniel J; Hsieh, Paul A; Lacombe, Pierre J; DeFlaun, Mary F; Drew, Scott R; Curtis, Gary P

2018-03-01

A mass balance is formulated to evaluate the mobilization of chlorinated ethene compounds (CE) from the rock matrix of a fractured mudstone aquifer under pre- and postbioremediation conditions. The analysis relies on a sparse number of monitoring locations and is constrained by a detailed description of the groundwater flow regime. Groundwater flow modeling developed under the site characterization identified groundwater fluxes to formulate the CE mass balance in the rock volume exposed to the injected remediation amendments. Differences in the CE fluxes into and out of the rock volume identify the total CE mobilized from diffusion, desorption, and nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution under pre- and postinjection conditions. The initial CE mass in the rock matrix prior to remediation is estimated using analyses of CE in rock core. The CE mass mobilized per year under preinjection conditions is small relative to the total CE mass in the rock, indicating that current pump-and-treat and natural attenuation conditions are likely to require hundreds of years to achieve groundwater concentrations that meet regulatory guidelines. The postinjection CE mobilization rate increased by approximately an order of magnitude over the 5 years of monitoring after the amendment injection. This rate is likely to decrease and additional remediation applications over several decades would still be needed to reduce CE mass in the rock matrix to levels where groundwater concentrations in fractures achieve regulatory standards. © 2017, National Ground Water Association.

Brain volume reductions in adolescent heavy drinkers.

PubMed

Squeglia, Lindsay M; Rinker, Daniel A; Bartsch, Hauke; Castro, Norma; Chung, Yoonho; Dale, Anders M; Jernigan, Terry L; Tapert, Susan F

2014-07-01

Brain abnormalities in adolescent heavy drinkers may result from alcohol exposure, or stem from pre-existing neural features. This longitudinal morphometric study investigated 40 healthy adolescents, ages 12-17 at study entry, half of whom (n=20) initiated heavy drinking over the 3-year follow-up. Both assessments included high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. FreeSurfer was used to segment brain volumes, which were measured longitudinally using the newly developed quantitative anatomic regional change analysis (QUARC) tool. At baseline, participants who later transitioned into heavy drinking showed smaller left cingulate, pars triangularis, and rostral anterior cingulate volume, and less right cerebellar white matter volumes (p<.05), compared to continuous non-using teens. Over time, participants who initiated heavy drinking showed significantly greater volume reduction in the left ventral diencephalon, left inferior and middle temporal gyrus, and left caudate and brain stem, compared to substance-naïve youth (p<.05). Findings suggest pre-existing volume differences in frontal brain regions in future drinkers and greater brain volume reduction in subcortical and temporal regions after alcohol use was initiated. This is consistent with literature showing pre-existing cognitive deficits on tasks recruited by frontal regions, as well as post-drinking consequences on brain regions involved in language and spatial tasks. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Mobile Phones Democratize and Cultivate Next-Generation Imaging, Diagnostics and Measurement Tools

PubMed Central

Ozcan, Aydogan

2014-01-01

In this article, I discuss some of the emerging applications and the future opportunities and challenges created by the use of mobile phones and their embedded components for the development of next-generation imaging, sensing, diagnostics and measurement tools. The massive volume of mobile phone users, which has now reached ~7 billion, drives the rapid improvements of the hardware, software and high-end imaging and sensing technologies embedded in our phones, transforming the mobile phone into a cost-effective and yet extremely powerful platform to run e.g., biomedical tests and perform scientific measurements that would normally require advanced laboratory instruments. This rapidly evolving and continuing trend will help us transform how medicine, engineering and sciences are practiced and taught globally. PMID:24647550

Metabolic complications associated with use of diuretics.

PubMed

Palmer, Biff F

2011-11-01

Diuretics are commonly used therapeutic agents that act to inhibit sodium transport systems along the length of the renal tubule. The most effective diuretics are inhibitors of sodium chloride transport in the thick ascending limb of Henle. Loop diuretics mobilize large amounts of sodium chloride and water and produce a copious diuresis with a sharp reduction of extracellular fluid volume. As the site of action of diuretics moves downstream (thiazide and potassium-sparing diuretics), their effectiveness declines because the transport systems they inhibit have low transport capacity. Depending on the site of action diuretics can influence the renal handling of electrolyte-free water, calcium, potassium, protons, sodium bicarbonate, and uric acid. As a result, electrolyte and acid-base disorders commonly accompany diuretic use. Glucose and lipid abnormalities also can occur, particularly with the use of thiazide diuretics. This review focuses on the biochemical complications associated with the use of diuretics. The development of these complications can be minimized with careful monitoring, dosage adjustment, and replacement of electrolyte losses. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Promoting mobility and reducing length of stay in hospitalized general medicine patients: A quality-improvement project.

PubMed

Hoyer, Erik H; Friedman, Michael; Lavezza, Annette; Wagner-Kosmakos, Kathleen; Lewis-Cherry, Robin; Skolnik, Judy L; Byers, Sherrie P; Atanelov, Levan; Colantuoni, Elizabeth; Brotman, Daniel J; Needham, Dale M

2016-05-01

To determine whether a multidisciplinary mobility promotion quality-improvement (QI) project would increase patient mobility and reduce hospital length of stay (LOS). Implemented using a structured QI model, the project took place between March 1, 2013 and March 1, 2014 on 2 general medicine units in a large academic medical center. There were 3352 patients admitted during the QI project period. The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM) scale, an 8-point ordinal scale ranging from bed rest (score = 1) to ambulating ≥250 feet (score = 8), was used to quantify mobility. Changes in JH-HLM scores were compared for the first 4 months of the project (ramp-up phase) versus 4 months after project completion (post-QI phase) using generalized estimating equations. We compared the relative change in median LOS for the project months versus 12 months prior among the QI units, using multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for 7 demographic and clinically relevant variables. Comparing the ramp-up versus post-QI phases, patients reaching JH-HLM's ambulation status increased from 43% to 70% (P < 0.001), and patients with improved JH-HLM mobility scores between admission and discharge increased from 32% to 45% (P < 0.001). For all patients, the QI project was associated with an adjusted median LOS reduction of 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.57 to -0.21, P < 0.001) days compared to 12 months prior. A subgroup of patients expected to have a longer LOS (expected LOS >7 days), were associated with a significantly greater adjusted median reduction in LOS of 1.11 (95% CI: -1.53 to -0.65, P < 0.001) days. Increased mobility was not associated with an increase in injurious falls compared to 12 months prior on the QI units (P = 0.73). Active prevention of a decline in physical function that commonly occurs during hospitalization may be achieved with a structured QI approach. In an adult medicine population, our QI project was associated with improved mobility, and this may have contributed to a reduction in LOS, particularly for more complex patients with longer expected hospital stay. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

The Importance of Scaffolding the Transition: Unpacking the Null Effects of Relocating Poor Children into Nonpoor Neighborhoods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keels, Micere

2013-01-01

I examine several potential explanations for recent evidence showing a lack of improvement in the academic achievement of children participating in several poverty reduction residential mobility programs. Detailed interviews and field notes about the relocation and school experiences of 80 children in the Gautreaux II residential mobility program…

Reduction of soluble nitrogen and mobilization of plant nutrients in soils from U.S. northern Great Plains agroecosystems by phenolic compounds

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phenolic plant secondary metabolites actively participate in a broad range of important reactions that affect livestock, plants and soil. In soil, phenolic compounds can affect nutrient dynamics and mobility of metals but their role in northern Great Plains agroecosystems is largely unknown. We eval...

Heterogeneous redox conditions, arsenic mobility, and groundwater flow in a fractured-rock aquifer near a waste repository site in New Hampshire, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Anthropogenic sources of carbon from landfill or waste leachate can promote reductive dissolution of in situ arsenic (As) and enhance the mobility of As in groundwater. Groundwater from residential-supply wells in a fractured crystalline-rock aquifer adjacent to a Superfund site ...

Comparison of surgical conditions in 2 different anesthesia techniques of esmolol-induced controlled hypotension in breast reduction surgery

PubMed Central

Besir, Ahmet; Cekic, Bahanur; Kutanis, Dilek; Akdogan, Ali; Livaoglu, Murat

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Breast reduction surgery is a common cosmetic surgery with a high incidence of blood loss and transfusion. In this surgery, the reduction of blood loss related to surgical manipulation and the volume of resected tissue is a target. In the present study, we compared the effects of esmolol-induced controlled hypotension on surgical visibility, surgical bleeding, and the duration of surgery in patients anesthetized with propofol/remifentanil (PR) or sevoflurane/remifentanil (SR). Methods: Patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II risk group undergoing breast reduction surgery were prospectively randomized into PR (n = 25) and SR (n = 25) groups. Controlled hypotension was induced with esmolol in both groups. During the intraoperative period, the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), operation duration, volume of intraoperative blood loss, volume of blood received through postoperative drains, volume of resected tissues, and surgical area bleeding score were recorded. Results: The duration of operation in the incisional period was shorter in group PR compared to group SR (P = 0.04). The change in HR was lower in incision and hemostasis periods in the group PR compared to the group SR (P < 0.001). Total intraoperative intraoperative bleeding volume and volume of blood received through drains on postoperative postoperative day 1, day 2, and in total were found to be significantly lower in group PR compared to group SR. Surgical visibility scoring was more effective in group PR compared to SR. Conclusion: In the breast reduction surgery performed under esmolol-induced controlled hypotension, the effect of propofol + remifentanil anesthesia on the duration of incisional surgery, surgical visibility, and volume of surgical blood loss was more reliable and effective compared to that of sevoflurane + remifentanil, which seems to be an advantage. PMID:28272228

Bone volume-to-total volume ratio measured in trabecular bone by single-sided NMR devices.

PubMed

Brizi, Leonardo; Barbieri, Marco; Baruffaldi, Fabio; Bortolotti, Villiam; Fersini, Chiara; Liu, Huabing; Nogueira d'Eurydice, Marcel; Obruchkov, Sergei; Zong, Fangrong; Galvosas, Petrik; Fantazzini, Paola

2018-01-01

Reduced bone strength is associated with a loss of bone mass, usually evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, although it is known that the bone microstructure also affects the bone strength. Here, a method is proposed to measure (in laboratory) the bone volume-to-total volume ratio by single-sided NMR scanners, which is related to the microstructure of the trabecular bone. Three single-sided scanners were used on animal bone samples. These low-field, mobile, low-cost devices are able to detect the NMR signal, regardless of the sample sizes, without the use of ionizing radiations, with the further advantage of signal localization offered by their intrinsic magnetic field gradients. The performance of the different single-sided scanners have been discussed. The results have been compared with bone volume-to-total volume ratio by micro CT and MRI, obtaining consistent values. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the method for laboratory analyses, which are useful for measurements like porosity on bone specimens. This can be considered as the first step to develop an NMR method based on the use of a mobile single-sided device, for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, through the acquisition of the signal from the appendicular skeleton, allowing for low-cost, wide screening campaigns. Magn Reson Med 79:501-510, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Reduction of Microbial and Chemical Contaminants in Water Using POU/POE & Mobile Treatment Technologies

EPA Science Inventory

POU/POE may be a cost-effective option for reductions of a particular chemical to achieve water quality compliance under certain situations and given restrictions. Proactive consumers seeking to reduce exposure to potential pathogens, trace chemicals, and nanoparticles not curre...

Decreased subcortical volumes in alcohol dependent individuals: effect of polysubstance use disorder.

PubMed

Grodin, Erica N; Momenan, Reza

2017-09-01

Chronic alcohol use has widespread effects on brain morphometry. Alcohol dependent individuals are often diagnosed with comorbid substance use disorders. Alterations in brain morphometry may be different in individuals that are dependent on alcohol alone and individuals dependent on alcohol and other substances. We examined subcortical brain volumes in 37 individuals with alcohol dependence only (ADO), 37 individuals with polysubstance use disorder (PS) and 37 healthy control participants (HC). Participants underwent a structural MR scan and a model-based segmentation tool was used to measure the volume of 14 subcortical regions (bilateral thalamus, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus, amygdala and nucleus accumbens). Compared to HC, ADO had smaller volume in the bilateral hippocampus, right nucleus accumbens and right thalamus. PS only had volume reductions in the bilateral thalamus compared to HC. PS had a larger right caudate compared to ADO. Subcortical volume was negatively associated with drinking measures only in the ADO group. This study confirms the association between alcohol dependence and reductions in subcortical brain volume. It also suggests that polysubstance use interacts with alcohol use to produce limited subcortical volume reduction and at least one region of subcortical volume increase. These findings indicate that additional substance use may mask damage through inflammation or may function in a protective manner, shielding subcortical regions from alcohol-induced damage. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Cloud-based mobility management in heterogeneous wireless networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravchuk, Serhii; Minochkin, Dmytro; Omiotek, Zbigniew; Bainazarov, Ulan; Weryńska-Bieniasz, RóŻa; Iskakova, Aigul

2017-08-01

Mobility management is the key feature that supports the roaming of users between different systems. Handover is the essential aspect in the development of solutions supporting mobility scenarios. The handover process becomes more complex in a heterogeneous environment compared to the homogeneous one. Seamlessness and reduction of delay in servicing the handover calls, which can reduce the handover dropping probability, also require complex algorithms to provide a desired QoS for mobile users. A challenging problem to increase the scalability and availability of handover decision mechanisms is discussed. The aim of the paper is to propose cloud based handover as a service concept to cope with the challenges that arise.

Co(III)EDTA- Reduction by Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Propagation of Reactions Involving Dissolved Sulfide and Polysulfides.

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

Blessing, T.C.; B.W. Wielinga; M.J. Morra

2001-04-15

The migration of 60Co is driven by Co(III)EDTA- complexes. Here we document the bacterial mediated reduction of Co(III) to Co(II)EDTA2- complexes, which are far less mobile within the environment. Additionally, we demonstrate that sulfate promotes reduction via production of reactive polysulfides rather than acting as a competitive electron acceptor.

An application specific integrated circuit based multi-anode microchannel array readout system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smeins, Larry G.; Stechman, John M.; Cole, Edward H.

1991-01-01

Size reduction of two new multi-anode microchannel array (MAMA) readout systems is described. The systems are based on two analog and one digital application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The new readout systems reduce volume over previous discrete designs by 80 percent while improving electrical performance on virtually every significant parameter. Emphasis is made on the packaging used to achieve the volume reduction. Surface mount technology (SMT) is combined with modular construction for the analog portion of the readout. SMT reliability concerns and the board area impact of MIL SPEC SMT components is addressed. Package selection for the analog ASIC is discussed. Future sytems will require even denser packaging and the volume reduction progression is shown.

Incidental lung volume reduction following fulminant pulmonary hemorrhage in a patient with severe emphysema.

PubMed

Hetzel, Juergen; Spengler, Werner; Horger, Marius; Boeckeler, Michael

2015-06-01

Endoscopic lung volume reduction is an emerging technique meant to improve lung function parameters, quality of life, and exercise tolerance in patients with severe lung emphysema. This is the first report of lung volume reduction by autologous blood in a patient with non-bullous lung emphysema. A 74-year-old woman with heterogeneous lung emphysema developed accidentally diffuse lobar bleeding immediately after valve placement. Due to persistent hemorrhage, the valves had to be removed shortly thereafter. Despite extraction of the valves, respiratory function of the patient improved rapidly indicated also by a drop in the COPD assessment test questionnaire, 3 months later. This was consistent with both improvement of lung function tests and six-minute walking test.

Impact of gray matter reductions on theory of mind abilities in patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Koelkebeck, Katja; Hirao, Kazuyuki; Miyata, Jun; Kawada, Ryosaku; Saze, Teruyasu; Dannlowski, Udo; Ubukata, Shiho; Ohrmann, Patricia; Bauer, Jochen; Pedersen, Anya; Fukuyama, Hidenao; Sawamoto, Nobukatsu; Takahashi, Hidehiko; Murai, Toshiya

2013-01-01

To identify the brain regions involved in the interpretation of intentional movement by patients with schizophrenia, we investigated the association between cerebral gray matter (GM) volumes and performance on a theory of mind (ToM) task using voxel-based morphometry. Eighteen patients with schizophrenia and thirty healthy controls participated in the study. Participants were given a moving shapes task that employs the interpretation of intentional movement. Verbal descriptions were rated according to intentionality. ToM performance deficits in patients were found to be positively correlated with GM volume reductions in the superior temporal sulcus and medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings confirm that divergent brain regions contribute to mentalizing abilities and that GM volume reductions impact behavioral deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Volume Overload: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Functional Outcome in Survivors of Septic Shock

PubMed Central

Carlbom, David; Caldwell, Ellen; Himmelfarb, Jonathan; Hough, Catherine L.

2015-01-01

Rationale: Survivors of septic shock have impaired functional status. Volume overload is associated with poor outcomes in patients with septic shock, but the impact of volume overload on functional outcome and discharge destination of survivors is unknown. Objectives: This study describes patterns of fluid management both during and after septic shock. We examined factors associated with volume overload upon intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. We then examined associations between volume overload upon ICU discharge, mobility limitation, and discharge to a healthcare facility in septic shock survivors, with the hypothesis that volume overload is associated with increased odds of these outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 247 patients admitted with septic shock to an academic county hospital between June 2009 and April 2012 who survived to ICU discharge. We defined volume overload as a fluid balance expected to increase the subject’s admission weight by 10%. Statistical methods included unadjusted analyses and multivariable logistic regression. Measurements and Main Results: Eighty-six percent of patients had a positive fluid balance, and 35% had volume overload upon ICU discharge. Factors associated with volume overload in unadjusted analyses included more severe illness, cirrhosis, blood transfusion during shock, and higher volumes of fluid administration both during and after shock. Blood transfusion during shock was independently associated with increased odds of volume overload (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–5.27; P = 0.01) after adjusting for preexisting conditions and severity of illness. Only 42% of patients received at least one dose of a diuretic during their hospitalization. Volume overload upon ICU discharge was independently associated with inability to ambulate upon hospital discharge (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.24–4.25; P = 0.01) and, in patients admitted from home, upon discharge to a healthcare facility (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.1–4.98; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Volume overload is independently associated with impaired mobility and discharge to a healthcare facility in survivors of septic shock. Prevention and treatment of volume overload in patients with septic shock warrants further investigation. PMID:26394090

Hierarchical Bayesian modelling of mobility metrics for hazard model input calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calder, Eliza; Ogburn, Sarah; Spiller, Elaine; Rutarindwa, Regis; Berger, Jim

2015-04-01

In this work we present a method to constrain flow mobility input parameters for pyroclastic flow models using hierarchical Bayes modeling of standard mobility metrics such as H/L and flow volume etc. The advantage of hierarchical modeling is that it can leverage the information in global dataset for a particular mobility metric in order to reduce the uncertainty in modeling of an individual volcano, especially important where individual volcanoes have only sparse datasets. We use compiled pyroclastic flow runout data from Colima, Merapi, Soufriere Hills, Unzen and Semeru volcanoes, presented in an open-source database FlowDat (https://vhub.org/groups/massflowdatabase). While the exact relationship between flow volume and friction varies somewhat between volcanoes, dome collapse flows originating from the same volcano exhibit similar mobility relationships. Instead of fitting separate regression models for each volcano dataset, we use a variation of the hierarchical linear model (Kass and Steffey, 1989). The model presents a hierarchical structure with two levels; all dome collapse flows and dome collapse flows at specific volcanoes. The hierarchical model allows us to assume that the flows at specific volcanoes share a common distribution of regression slopes, then solves for that distribution. We present comparisons of the 95% confidence intervals on the individual regression lines for the data set from each volcano as well as those obtained from the hierarchical model. The results clearly demonstrate the advantage of considering global datasets using this technique. The technique developed is demonstrated here for mobility metrics, but can be applied to many other global datasets of volcanic parameters. In particular, such methods can provide a means to better contain parameters for volcanoes for which we only have sparse data, a ubiquitous problem in volcanology.

Specific absorption rate variation in a brain phantom due to exposure by a 3G mobile phone: problems in dosimetry.

PubMed

Behari, J; Nirala, Jay Prakash

2013-12-01

A specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements system has been developed for compliance testing of personal mobile phone in a brain phantom material contained in a Perspex box. The volume of the box has been chosen corresponding to the volume of a small rat and illuminated by a 3G mobile phone frequency (1718.5 MHz), and the emitted radiation directed toward brain phantom .The induced fields in the phantom material are measured. Set up to lift the plane carrying the mobile phone is run by a pulley whose motion is controlled by a stepper motor. The platform is made to move at a pre-determined rate of 2 degrees per min limited up to 20 degrees. The measured data for induced fields in various locations are used to compute corresponding SAR values and inter comparison obtained. These data are also compared with those when the mobile phone is placed horizontally with respect to the position of the animal. The SAR data is also experimentally obtained by measuring a rise in temperature due to this mobile exposures and data compared with those obtained in the previous set. To seek a comparison with the safety criteria same set of measurements are performed in 10 g phantom material contained in a cubical box. These results are higher than those obtained with the knowledge of induced field measurements. It is concluded that SAR values are sensitive to the angular position of the moving platform and are well below the safety criteria prescribed for human exposure. The data are suggestive of having a fresh look to understand the mode of electromagnetic field -bio interaction.

Experimental Exploration on Rainfall-induced Mass Re-mobilization after Giant Earthquake: A case study in Wenchuan earthquake hit region, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zongji; Bogaard, Thom. A.; Qiao, Jianping; Jiang, Yuanjun

2015-04-01

Prevention and mitigation of rainfall induced geological hazards after the Ms=8 Wenchuan earthquake on May 12th, 2008 were gained more significance for the rebuild of earthquake hit regions in China. After the Wenchuan earthquake, there were thousands of slopes failure, which were much more susceptible to subsequent heavy rainfall and many even transformed into potential debris flows. An typical example can be found in the catastrophic disaster occurred in Zhongxing County, Chengdu City on 10th July, 2013 in which the unknown fractured slope up the mountain was triggered by a downpour and transformed into subsequent debris flow which wiped the community downstream, about 200 victims were reported in that tragic event. The transform patterns of rainfall-induced mass re-mobilization was categorized into three major type as the erosion of fractured slopes, initiate on loosen deposit and outbreak of landslide (debris flow) dams according to vast field investigation in the earthquake hit region. Despite the widespread and hidden characters,the complexity of the process also demonstrated in the transforms of the mass re-mobilized by the erosion of both gravity and streams in the small watersheds which have never been reported before the giant Wenchuan Earthquake in many regions. As a result, an increasing number of questions for disaster relief and mitigation were proposed including the threshold of early warning and measurement of the volume for the design of mitigation measures on rainfall-induced mass re-mobilization in debris flow gullies. This study is aimed for answer the essential questions about the threshold and amount of mass initiation triggered by the subsequent rainfall in post earthquake time. In this study, experimental tests were carried out for simulating the failure of the rainfall-induced mass re-mobilization in respectively in a natural co-seismic fractured slope outside and the debris flow simulation platform inside the laboratory. A natural fractured slope was selected to conduct the field experimental test,after the field experimental test, the correlation of rainfall parameters, deformation criterion and water content as well as the failure volume of gravity erosion was investigated. In addition, the loosen mass re-mobilized by the stream was also simulated by the model experiment by which the correlation of rainfall thresholds, and the initial volume of mass triggered by the flow was analyzed. Thus, the threshold and volume measurement model for the initiation of mass re-mobilization were proposed by means of this experimental research. Despite of the fact that the simplicity of the model derived from experimental and empirical method and some drawbacks connected with the uncertainty and complexity of the geological phenomenon, the proposed method have contributed a lot in application for the early warning and prevention of mass transformed debris flows in earthquake hit region, China.

Changes in peak oxygen uptake and plasma volume in fit and unfit subjects following exposure to a simulation of microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Convertino, V. A.

1998-01-01

To test the hypothesis that the magnitude of reduction in plasma volume and work capacity following exposure to simulated microgravity is dependent on the initial level of aerobic fitness, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in a group of physically fit subjects and compared with VO2peak in a group of relatively unfit subjects before and after 10 days of continuous 6 degrees head-down tilt (HDT). Ten fit subjects (40 +/- 2 year) with mean +/- SE VO2peak = 48.9 +/- 1.7 mL kg-1 min-1 were matched for age, height, and lean body weight with 10 unfit subjects (VO2peak = 37.7 +/- 1.6 mL kg-1 min-1). Before and after HDT, plasma, blood, and red cell volumes and body composition were measured and all subjects underwent a graded supine cycle ergometer test to determine VO2peak period needed. Reduced VO2peak in fit subjects (-16.2%) was greater than that of unfit subjects (-6.1%). Similarly, reductions in plasma (-18.3%) and blood volumes (-16.0%) in fit subjects were larger than those of unfit subjects (blood volume = -5.6%; plasma volume = -6.6%). Reduced plasma volume was associated with greater negative body fluid balance during the initial 24 h of HDT in the fit group (912 +/- 154 mL) compared with unfit subjects (453 +/- 200 mL). The percentage change for VO2peak correlated with percentage change in plasma volume (r = +0.79). Following exposure to simulated microgravity, fit subjects demonstrated larger reductions in VO2peak than unfit subjects which was associated with larger reductions in plasma and blood volume. These data suggest that the magnitude of physical deconditioning induced by exposure to microgravity without intervention of countermeasures was influenced by the initial fitness of the subjects.

"Pulmonary valve replacement diminishes the presence of restrictive physiology and reduces atrial volumes": a prospective study in Tetralogy of Fallot patients.

PubMed

Pijuan-Domenech, Antonia; Pineda, Victor; Castro, Miguel Angel; Sureda-Barbosa, Carlos; Ribera, Aida; Cruz, Luz M; Ferreira-Gonzalez, Ignacio; Dos-Subirà, Laura; Subirana-Domènech, Teresa; Garcia-Dorado, David; Casaldàliga-Ferrer, Jaume

2014-11-15

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) reduces right ventricular (RV) volumes in the setting of long-term pulmonary regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) repair; however, little is known of its effect on RV diastolic function. Right atrial volumes may reflect the burden of RV diastolic dysfunction. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the clinical, echocardiographic, biochemical and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) variables, focusing particularly on right atrial response and right ventricular diastolic function prior to and after elective PVR in adult patients with ToF. This prospective study was conducted from January 2009 to April 2013 in consecutive patients > 18 years of age who had undergone ToF repair in childhood and were accepted for elective PVR. Twenty patients (mean age: 35 years; 70% men) agreed to enter the study. PVR was performed with a bioporcine prosthesis. Concomitant RV reduction was performed in all cases when technically possible. Pulmonary end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) decreased significantly from 5.4 ml/m(2) to 0.3 ml/m(2) (p < 0.00001), and right atrial four-chamber echocardiographic measurements and volumes by 25% (p = 0.0024): mean indexed diastolic/systolic atrial volumes prior to surgery were 43 ml/m(2) (SD+/-4.6)/63 ml/m(2) (SD+/-5.5), and dropped to 33 ml/m(2) (SD+/-3)/46 ml/m(2) (SD+/-2.55) post-surgery. All patients presented right ventricular diastolic and systolic volume reductions, with a mean volume reduction of 35% (p < 0.00001). Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction was common in a population of severely dilated RV patients long term after ToF repair. Right ventricular diastolic parameters improved as did right atrial volumes in keeping with the known reduction in RV volumes, after PVR. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of charged quantum dots on the mobility of a two-dimensional electron gas: How important is the Coulomb scattering?

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

Kurzmann, A., E-mail: annika.kurzmann@uni-due.de; Beckel, A.; Lorke, A.

2015-02-07

We have investigated the influence of a layer of charged self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) on the mobility of a nearby two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). Time-resolved transconductance spectroscopy was used to separate the two contributions of the change in mobility, which are: (i) The electrons in the QDs act as Coulomb scatterers for the electrons in the 2DEG. (ii) The screening ability and, hence, the mobility of the 2DEG decreases when the charge carrier density is reduced by the charged QDs, i.e., the mobility itself depends on the charge carrier concentration. Surprisingly, we find a negligible influence of the Coulomb scatteringmore » on the mobility for a 2DEG, separated by a 30 nm tunneling barrier to the layer of QDs. This means that the mobility change is completely caused by depletion, i.e., reduction of the charge carrier density in the 2DEG, which indirectly influences the mobility.« less

Three-dimensional CT might be a potential evaluation modality in correction of asymmetrical masseter muscle hypertrophy by botulinum toxin injection.

PubMed

No, Yeon A; Ahn, Byeong Heon; Kim, Beom Joon; Kim, Myeung Nam; Hong, Chang Kwon

2016-01-01

For correction of this asymmetrical hypertrophy, botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) injection is one of convenient treatment modalities. Unfortunately, physical examination of masseter muscle is not enough to estimate the exact volume of muscle hypertrophy difference. Two Koreans, male and female, of bilateral masseter hypertrophy with asymmetricity were evaluated. BTxA (NABOTA(®), Daewoong, Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea) was injected at master muscle site with total 50 U (25 U at each side) and volume change was evaluated with three-dimensional (3D) CT image analysis. Maximum reduction of masseter hypertrophy was recognized at 2-month follow-up and reduced muscle size started to restore after 3 months. Mean reduction of masseter muscle volume was 36% compared with baseline. More hypertrophied side of masseter muscle presented 42% of volume reduction at 2-month follow-up but less hypertrophied side of masseter muscle showed 30% of volume shrinkage. In conclusion, 3D CT image analysis might be the exact evaluation tool for correction of asymmetrical masseter hypertrophy by botulinum toxin injection.

The Reliability of a Novel Mobile 3-dimensional Wound Measurement Device.

PubMed

Anghel, Ersilia L; Kumar, Anagha; Bigham, Thomas E; Maselli, Kathryn M; Steinberg, John S; Evans, Karen K; Kim, Paul J; Attinger, Christopher E

2016-11-01

Objective assessment of wound dimensions is essential for tracking progression and determining treatment effectiveness. A reliability study was designed to establish intrarater and interrater reliability of a novel mobile 3-dimensional wound measurement (3DWM) device. Forty-five wounds were assessed by 2 raters using a 3DWM device to obtain length, width, area, depth, and volume measurements. Wounds were also measured manually, using a disposable ruler and digital planimetry. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to establish intrarater and interrater reliability. High levels of intrarater and interrater agreement were observed for area, length, and width; ICC = 0.998, 0.977, 0.955 and 0.999, 0.997, 0.995, respectively. Moderate levels of intrarater (ICC = 0.888) and interrater (ICC = 0.696) agreement were observed for volume. Lastly, depth yielded an intrarater ICC of 0.360 and an interrater ICC of 0.649. Measures from the 3DWM device were highly correlated with those obtained from scaled photography for length, width, and area (ρ = 0.997, 0.988, 0.997, P < 0.001). The 3DWM device yielded correlations of ρ = 0.990, 0.987, 0.996 with P < 0.001 for length, width, and area when compared to manual measurements. The 3DWM device was found to be highly reliable for measuring wound areas for a range of wound sizes and types as compared to manual measurement and digital planimetry. The depth and therefore volume measurement using the 3DWM device was found to have a lower ICC, but volume ICC alone was moderate. Overall, this device offers a mobile option for objective wound measurement in the clinical setting.

Callosal hyperintensities and gait speed gain from two types of mobility interventions in older adults.

PubMed

Nadkarni, Neelesh K; Perera, Subashan; Studenski, Stephanie A; Rosano, Caterina; Aizenstein, Howard J; VanSwearingen, Jessie M

2015-06-01

To assess whether the volume of callosal hyperintensities in the genu and splenium of older adults with mobility impairment is differentially associated with the degree of gain in gait speed after 2 types of gait interventions. Single-blind randomized controlled trial of 2 types of gait exercises in older adults. Research center in an academic institution. Ambulatory adults (N=44) aged ≥65 years with a slow and variable gait. Twelve-week physical therapist-guided trial of a conventional walking, endurance, balance, and strength (WEBS) intervention (n=20) versus a timing and coordination of gait (TC) intervention (n=22). Gain in gait speed after the intervention and its relation to callosal hyperintensities in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum. Gait speed improved in both the WEBS group (mean change, 0.16m/s) and the TC group (mean change, 0.21m/s; both P<.05). The volume of white matter hypertintensities (WMHs) in the genu was differentially associated with gait speed gain (group × genual WMH interaction, P=.05). Greater genual WMH volume was related to a smaller gait speed gain in the WEBS group (P=.01) but not in the TC (P=.10) group. Splenial WMH volume was not differentially associated with gait speed gain (interaction, P=.90). Callosal hyperintensities differentially influence gait speed gain by the type of gait rehabilitation. Mobility impaired older adults with genual hyperintensities may benefit from a rehabilitation program focused on motor skill learning rather than on strength and endurance training. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Forced expirations and maximum expiratory flow-volume curves during sustained microgravity on SLS-1.

PubMed

Elliott, A R; Prisk, G K; Guy, H J; Kosonen, J M; West, J B

1996-07-01

Gravity is known to influence the mechanical behavior of the lung and chest wall. However, the effect of sustained microgravity (microG) on forced expirations has not previously been reported. Tests were carried out by four subjects in both the standing and supine postures during each of seven preflight and four postflight data-collection sessions and four times during the 9 days of microG exposure on Spacelab Life Sciences-1. Compared with preflight standing values, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was significantly reduced by 12.5% on flight day 2 (FD2), 11.6% on FD4, and 5.0% on FD5 but returned to standing values by FD9. The supine posture caused a 9% reduction in PEFR. Forced vital capacity and forced expired volume in 1 s were slightly reduced (approximately 3-4%) on FD2 but returned to preflight standing values on FD4 and FD5, and by FD9 both values were slightly but significantly greater than standing values. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were both reduced in the supine posture (approximately 8-10%). Forced expiratory flows at 50% and between 25 and 75% of vital capacity did not change during microG but were reduced in the supine posture. Analysis of the maximum expiratory flow-volume curve showed that microG caused no consistent change in the curve configuration when individual in-flight days were compared with preflight standing curves, although two subjects did show a slight reduction in flows at low lung volumes from FD2 to FD9. The interpretation of the lack of change in curve configuration must be made cautiously because the lung volumes varied from day to day in flight. Therefore, the flows at absolute lung volumes in microG and preflight standing are not being compared. The supine curves showed a subtle but consistent reduction in flows at low lung volumes. The mechanism responsible for the reduction in PEFR is not clear. It could be due to a lack of physical stabilization when performing the maneuver in the absence of gravity or a transient reduction in respiratory muscle strength.

Army Personnel Management System Study (PMS2). Volume II. Appendices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-06

demonstrated desirability, some functions would be facilitated, costs need further study, and mobilization capabilities should be emphasized. PMS2 is basis for current reorganization planning within ODCSPER.

Mobilization of arsenite by dissimilatory reduction of adsorbed arsenate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zobrist, J.; Dowdle, P.R.; Davis, J.A.; Oremland, R.S.

2000-01-01

Sulfurospirillum barnesii is capable of anaerobic growth using ferric iron or arsenate as electron acceptors. Cell suspensions of S. barnesii were able to reduce arsenate to arsenite when the former oxyanion was dissolved in solution, or when it was adsorbed onto the surface of ferrihydrite, a common soil mineral, by a variety of mechanisms (e.g., coprecipitation, presorption). Reduction of Fe(III) in ferrihydrite to soluble Fe(II) also occurred, but dissolution of ferrihydrite was not required in order for adsorbed arsenate reduction to be achieved. This was illustrated by bacterial reduction of arsenate coprecipitated with aluminum hydroxide, a mineral that does not undergo reductive dissolution. The rate of arsenate reduction was influenced by the method in which arsenate became associated with the mineral phases and may have been strongly coupled with arsenate desorption rates. The extent of release of arsenite into solution was governed by adsorption of arsenite onto the ferrihydrite or alumina phases. The results of these experiments have interpretive significance to the mobilization of arsenic in large alluvial aquifers, such as those of the Ganges in India and Bangladesh, and in the hyporheic zones of contaminated streams.Sulfurospirillum barnesii is capable of anaerobic growth using ferric iron or arsenate as electron acceptors. Cell suspensions of S. barnesii were able to reduce arsenate to arsenite when the former oxyanion was dissolved in solution, or when it was adsorbed onto the surface of ferrihydrite a common soil mineral, by a variety of mechanisms (e.g., coprecipitation, presorption). Reduction of Fe(III) in ferrihydrite to soluble Fe(II) also occurred, but dissolution of ferrihydrite was not required in order for adsorbed arsenate reduction to be achieved. This was illustrated by bacterial reduction of arsenate coprecipitated with aluminum hydroxide, a mineral that does not undergo reductive dissolution. The rate of arsenate reduction was influenced by the method in which arsenate became associated with the mineral phases and may have been strongly coupled with arsenate desorption rates. The extent of release of arsenite into solution was governed by adsorption of arsenite onto the ferrihydrite or alumina phases. The results of these experiments have interpretive significance to the mobilization of arsenic in large alluvial aquifers, such as those of the Ganges in India and Bangladesh, and in the hyporheic zones of contaminated streams.

Architecture and Concept of Operations for a Warfighter’s Internet. Volume 2: Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-28

National Technical Information Service , where it will be available to the general public, including foreign nationals. This technical report has been...SUPPORT INTEGRATED SERVICES IN A MOBILE CELLULAR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (FOR ARCHITECTURE OPT. 2) B-1 1. Introduction B-l 2. Warfighter’s...Internet Architecture and Concept of Operation B-2 3. Subnet Provider Interface (SNPI) B-5 4. Integrated Services Cell Multiplexing (ISCM) B-9 5. Mobile

Quantifying the net social benefits of vehicle trip reductions : guidance for customizing the TRIMMS model, final draft report, June 2009.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

This study details the development of a series of enhancements to the Trip Reduction Impacts of : Mobility Management Strategies (TRIMMS) model. TRIMMS allows quantifying the net social : benefits of a wide range of transportation demand management...

TRANSFORMATION AND MOBILIZATION OF ARSENIC ADSORBED ON GRANULAR FERRIC HYDROXIDE UNDER BIO-REDUCTIVE CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Biotic and abiotic reduction of arsenic (V) and iron (III) influences the partioning of arsenic (As) between the solid and aqueous phases in soils, sediments and wastes. In this study, laboratory experiments on arsenic adsorbed on granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) was performed to ...

Control of arsenic mobilization in paddy soils by manganese and iron oxides.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaowei; Chen, Chuan; Wang, Peng; Kretzschmar, Ruben; Zhao, Fang-Jie

2017-12-01

Reductive mobilization of arsenic (As) in paddy soils under flooded conditions is an important reason for the relatively high accumulation of As in rice, posing a risk to food safety and human health. The extent of As mobilization varies widely among paddy soils, but the reasons are not well understood. In this study, we investigated As mobilization in six As-contaminated paddy soils (total As ranging from 73 to 122 mg kg -1 ) in flooded incubation and pot experiments. Arsenic speciation in the solution and solid phases were determined. The magnitude of As mobilization into the porewater varied by > 100 times among the six soils. Porewater As concentration correlated closely with the concentration of oxalate-extractable As, suggesting that As associated with amorphous iron (oxyhydr)oxides represents the potentially mobilizable pool of As under flooded conditions. Soil containing a high level of manganese oxides showed the lowest As mobilization, likely because Mn oxides retard As mobilization by slowing down the drop of redox potential upon soil flooding and maintaining a higher arsenate to arsenite ratio in the solid and solution phases. Additions of a synthetic Mn oxide (hausmannite) to two paddy soils increased arsenite oxidation, decreased As mobilization into the porewater and decreased As concentrations in rice grain and straw. Consistent with previous studies using simplified model systems or pure mineral phases, the present study shows that Mn oxides and amorphous Fe (oxyhydr)oxides are important factors controlling reductive As mobilization in As-contaminated paddy soils. In addition, this study also suggests a potential mitigation strategy using exogenous Mn oxides to decrease As uptake by rice in paddy soils containing low levels of indigenous Mn oxides, although further work is needed to verify its efficacy and possible secondary effects under field conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Where Am I? Location Archetype Keyword Extraction from Urban Mobility Patterns

PubMed Central

Kostakos, Vassilis; Juntunen, Tomi; Goncalves, Jorge; Hosio, Simo; Ojala, Timo

2013-01-01

Can online behaviour be used as a proxy for studying urban mobility? The increasing availability of digital mobility traces has provided new insights into collective human behaviour. Mobility datasets have been shown to be an accurate proxy for daily behaviour and social patterns, and behavioural data from Twitter has been used to predict real world phenomena such as cinema ticket sale volumes, stock prices, and disease outbreaks. In this paper we correlate city-scale urban traffic patterns with online search trends to uncover keywords describing the pedestrian traffic location. By analysing a 3-year mobility dataset we show that our approach, called Location Archetype Keyword Extraction (LAKE), is capable of uncovering semantically relevant keywords for describing a location. Our findings demonstrate an overarching relationship between online and offline collective behaviour, and allow for advancing analysis of community-level behaviour by using online search keywords as a practical behaviour proxy. PMID:23704964

Where am I? Location archetype keyword extraction from urban mobility patterns.

PubMed

Kostakos, Vassilis; Juntunen, Tomi; Goncalves, Jorge; Hosio, Simo; Ojala, Timo

2013-01-01

Can online behaviour be used as a proxy for studying urban mobility? The increasing availability of digital mobility traces has provided new insights into collective human behaviour. Mobility datasets have been shown to be an accurate proxy for daily behaviour and social patterns, and behavioural data from Twitter has been used to predict real world phenomena such as cinema ticket sale volumes, stock prices, and disease outbreaks. In this paper we correlate city-scale urban traffic patterns with online search trends to uncover keywords describing the pedestrian traffic location. By analysing a 3-year mobility dataset we show that our approach, called Location Archetype Keyword Extraction (LAKE), is capable of uncovering semantically relevant keywords for describing a location. Our findings demonstrate an overarching relationship between online and offline collective behaviour, and allow for advancing analysis of community-level behaviour by using online search keywords as a practical behaviour proxy.

The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility, and grain boundary sink efficiency

PubMed Central

Uberuaga, Blas Pedro; Vernon, Louis J.; Martinez, Enrique; Voter, Arthur F.

2015-01-01

Nanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility, and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus, sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary. PMID:25766999

The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility, and grain boundary sink efficiency

DOE PAGES

Uberuaga, Blas Pedro; Vernon, Louis J.; Martinez, Enrique; ...

2015-03-13

Nanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility, and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus,more » sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary.« less

[Lung volume reduction surgery in advanced emphysema--results of the Washington University, St. Louis].

PubMed

Cooper, J D; Gaissert, H A; Patterson, G A; Pohl, M S; Yusen, R D; Trulock, E P

1996-01-01

The aim of lung volume reduction surgery is to alleviate the symptoms of severe emphysema and to improve the life quality of the patient. The appropriate candidates (approximately 20% of all emphysematic patients examined in our clinic) had considerable dyspnea, an increased lung capacity, and a heterogenous dissemination of the emphysema with regional destruction of the parenchyma, hyperinflation and poor perfusion. After preoperative physiotherapie with a specified rehabilitation aim, a resection of 20 to 30% of the total lung volume was performed via sternotomy. From January 1993 to February 1996, 150 patients underwent bilateral lung volume reduction (age range = 36 to 77 years). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was preoperatively 25% of the predicted value, the total lung capacity (TLC) 142% and the residual volume (RV) 283%, 94% of these patients necessitated oxygen supply at rest or during exercise. The 90-day mortality was 4%. All patients except 1 were extubated immediately after operation. The median hospital stay was 10 days in the first 100 patients and 7 days in the last 50. An increase of the FEV1 by 51% and a decrease of the RV by 28% was observed 6 months after operation. The mean PaO2 was improved by 8 mm Hg while the percentage of oxygen dependent patients went down from 50 to 16%. In addition a raise of the perseverance capacity, a clear decrease of dyspnea and an improvement of the life quality were achieved. These results persist after 1 (n = 56) and 2 (n = 20) years after operation. Lung volume reduction leads to an improvement of the lung function, symptoms and the quality of life, which is superior to that achieved by maximal clinical intervention.

Army Personnel Management System Study (PMS2). Volume I. Main Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-06

demonstrated desirability, some functions would be facilitated, costs need further study, and mobilization capabilities should be emphasized. PMS2 is basis for current reorganization planning within ODCSPER.

[A study of proximal humerus fractures using close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation].

PubMed

Liu, Yin-wen; Kuang, Yong; Gu, Xin-feng; Zheng, Yu-xin; Li, Zhi-qiang; Wei, Xiao-en; Lu, Wei-da; Zhan, Hong-sheng; Shi, Yin-yu

2011-11-01

To investigate the clinical effects of close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. From April 2008 to March 2010, 28 patients with proximal humerus fracture were treated with close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation. There were 21 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 22 to 78 years,with an average of 42.6 years. The mean time from suffering injuries to the operation was 1.7 d. Nineteen cases caused by falling down, 9 cases by traffic accident. The main clinical manifestation was swelling, pain and limited mobility of shoulders. According to Neer classification, two part fractures were in 17 cases and three part fractures in 11 cases. The locking proximal humerus plate was used to minimally fixation through deltoid muscle under acromion. The operating time,volume of blood loss, the length of incision and Constant-Murley assessment were applied to evaluate the therapeutic effects. The mean operating time was 40 min, the mean blood loss was 110 ml, and the mean length of incision was about 5.6 cm. The postoperative X-ray showed excellent reduction and the plate and screws were successfully place. Twenty-eight patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months (averaged 14.2 months). The healing time ranged from 6 to 8 weeks and all incision was primarily healed. There were no cases with necrosis head humerus, 24 cases without omalgia, and 4 cases with o-malgia occasionally. All the patients can complete the daily life. The mean score of Constant-Murley assessment was 91.0 +/- 5.8, 24 cases got an excellent result, 3 good and 1 fair. Close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation, not only can reduce surgical invasive, but also guarantee the early function activities. It has the advantages of less invasive, fixed well and less damage of blood circulation.

Evolution of power sources for implantable cardioverter defibrillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespi, Ann M.; Somdahl, Sonja K.; Schmidt, Craig L.; Skarstad, Paul M.

The evolution of seven generations of power sources for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is presented. The packaging efficiency of the power sources has steadily increased, resulting in smaller, lighter batteries while maintaining the required electrical characteristics. The main areas for improvement were reduction of headspace volume, reduction of separator volume, and a change from a two-cell battery to a single cell.

Comparative Evaluation of Cutting Methods of Activated Concrete from Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning - 13548

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

Kim, HakSoo; Chung, SungHwan; Maeng, SungJun

2013-07-01

The amount of radioactive wastes from decommissioning of a nuclear power plant varies greatly depending on factors such as type and size of the plant, operation history, decommissioning options, and waste treatment and volume reduction methods. There are many methods to decrease the amount of decommissioning radioactive wastes including minimization of waste generation, waste reclassification through decontamination and cutting methods to remove the contaminated areas. According to OECD/NEA, it is known that the radioactive waste treatment and disposal cost accounts for about 40 percentage of the total decommissioning cost. In Korea, it is needed to reduce amount of decommissioning radioactivemore » waste due to high disposal cost, about $7,000 (as of 2010) per a 200 liter drum for the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW). In this paper, cutting methods to minimize the radioactive waste of activated concrete were investigated and associated decommissioning cost impact was assessed. The cutting methods considered are cylindrical and volume reductive cuttings. The study showed that the volume reductive cutting is more cost-effective than the cylindrical cutting. Therefore, the volume reductive cutting method can be effectively applied to the activated bio-shield concrete. (authors)« less

Lung volume reduction for emphysema.

PubMed

Shah, Pallav L; Herth, Felix J; van Geffen, Wouter H; Deslee, Gaetan; Slebos, Dirk-Jan

2017-02-01

Advanced emphysema is a lung disease in which alveolar capillary units are destroyed and supporting tissue is lost. The combined effect of reduced gas exchange and changes in airway dynamics impairs expiratory airflow and leads to progressive air trapping. Pharmacological therapies have limited effects. Surgical resection of the most destroyed sections of the lung can improve pulmonary function and exercise capacity but its benefit is tempered by significant morbidity. This issue stimulated a search for novel approaches to lung volume reduction. Alternative minimally invasive approaches using bronchoscopic techniques including valves, coils, vapour thermal ablation, and sclerosant agents have been at the forefront of these developments. Insertion of endobronchial valves in selected patients could have benefits that are comparable with lung volume reduction surgery. Endobronchial coils might have a role in the treatment of patients with emphysema with severe hyperinflation and less parenchymal destruction. Use of vapour thermal energy or a sclerosant might allow focal treatment but the unpredictability of the inflammatory response limits their current use. In this Review, we aim to summarise clinical trial evidence on lung volume reduction and provide guidance on patient selection for available therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heterogeneous Mobile Phone Ownership and Usage Patterns in Kenya

PubMed Central

Wesolowski, Amy; Eagle, Nathan; Noor, Abdisalan M.; Snow, Robert W.; Buckee, Caroline O.

2012-01-01

The rapid adoption of mobile phone technologies in Africa is offering exciting opportunities for engaging with high-risk populations through mHealth programs, and the vast volumes of behavioral data being generated as people use their phones provide valuable data about human behavioral dynamics in these regions. Taking advantage of these opportunities requires an understanding of the penetration of mobile phones and phone usage patterns across the continent, but very little is known about the social and geographical heterogeneities in mobile phone ownership among African populations. Here, we analyze a survey of mobile phone ownership and usage across Kenya in 2009 and show that distinct regional, gender-related, and socioeconomic variations exist, with particularly low ownership among rural communities and poor people. We also examine patterns of phone sharing and highlight the contrasting relationships between ownership and sharing in different parts of the country. This heterogeneous penetration of mobile phones has important implications for the use of mobile technologies as a source of population data and as a public health tool in sub-Saharan Africa. PMID:22558140

Heterogeneous mobile phone ownership and usage patterns in Kenya.

PubMed

Wesolowski, Amy; Eagle, Nathan; Noor, Abdisalan M; Snow, Robert W; Buckee, Caroline O

2012-01-01

The rapid adoption of mobile phone technologies in Africa is offering exciting opportunities for engaging with high-risk populations through mHealth programs, and the vast volumes of behavioral data being generated as people use their phones provide valuable data about human behavioral dynamics in these regions. Taking advantage of these opportunities requires an understanding of the penetration of mobile phones and phone usage patterns across the continent, but very little is known about the social and geographical heterogeneities in mobile phone ownership among African populations. Here, we analyze a survey of mobile phone ownership and usage across Kenya in 2009 and show that distinct regional, gender-related, and socioeconomic variations exist, with particularly low ownership among rural communities and poor people. We also examine patterns of phone sharing and highlight the contrasting relationships between ownership and sharing in different parts of the country. This heterogeneous penetration of mobile phones has important implications for the use of mobile technologies as a source of population data and as a public health tool in sub-Saharan Africa.

Moving Matters: The Causal Effect of Moving Schools on Student Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwartz, Amy Ellen; Stiefel, Leanna; Cordes, Sarah A.

2017-01-01

Policy makers and analysts often view the reduction of student mobility across schools as a way to improve academic performance. Prior work indicates that children do worse in the year of a school move, but has been largely unsuccessful in isolating the causal effects of mobility. We use longitudinal data on students in New York City public…

Satellite Telemetry and Command using Big LEO Mobile Telecommunications Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huegel, Fred

1998-01-01

Various issues associated with satellite telemetry and command using Big LEO mobile telecommunications systems are presented in viewgraph form. Specific topics include: 1) Commercial Satellite system overviews: Globalstar, ICO, and Iridium; 2) System capabilities and cost reduction; 3) Satellite constellations and contact limitations; 4) Capabilities of Globalstar, ICO and Iridium with emphasis on Globalstar; and 5) Flight transceiver issues and security.

Anti-Exposure Technology Identification for Mission Specific Operational Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-08

APPENDIX A- ANTHROPOMETRY MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES A-1 APPENDIX B - MOBILITY AND REACH MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES B-1 APPENDIX C - MOBILITY REDUCTION DATA...Anti-Exposure Configurations Studied 12 IV Garments/Flight Gear Worn With Each Configuration and Donning Sequence 18 V Subject Anthropometry (% ILE...body anthropometry . The following measurements were made according to the procedures described in Appendix A. Weight Stature (Height) Crotch Height

Pilot scale nanofiltration treatment of olive mill wastewater: a technical and economical evaluation.

PubMed

Sanches, S; Fraga, M C; Silva, N A; Nunes, P; Crespo, J G; Pereira, V J

2017-02-01

The treatment of large volumes of olive mill wastewater is presently a challenge. This study reports the technical and economical feasibility of a sequential treatment of olive mill wastewater comprising a dissolved air flotation pre-treatment and nanofiltration. Different pilot nanofiltration assays were conducted in a concentration mode up to different volume reduction factors (29, 45, 58, and 81). Data attained demonstrated that nanofiltration can be operated at considerably high volume reduction factors and still be effective towards the removal of several components. A flux decline of approximately 50% was observed at the highest volume reduction factor, mainly due to increase of the osmotic pressure. Considerably high rejections were obtained across all experiments for total suspended solids (83 to >99%), total organic carbon (64 to 99%), chemical oxygen demand (53 to 77%), and oil and grease (67 to >82%). Treated water was in compliance with European legal limits for discharge regarding total suspended solids and oil and grease. The potential recovery of phenolic compounds was evaluated and found not relevant. It was demonstrated that nanofiltration is economically feasible, involving operation costs of approximately 2.56-3.08 €/m 3 , depending on the working plan schedule and volume reduction factor, and requiring a footprint of approximately 52 m 2 to treat 1000 m 3 of olive mill wastewater.

Installation Restoration Program. Remedial Investigation Report. Minnesota Air National Guard Base Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

Migration 5-7 5.2.3 Contaminant Persistence 5-8 5.2.4 Contaminant Mobility and Migration 5-9 5.2.4.1 Contaminant Migration in Surface Water 5-9...of Contaminant 5-11 5.3.2 Potential Routes of Migration 5-11 5.3.3 Contaminant Persistence 5-12 5.3.4 Contaminant Mobility and Migration 5-13 5.3.4.1...Contaminant Mobility and Migration in Soil 5-18 5.6 CONTAMINANT FATE AND TRANSPORT 5-18 AT SITE 10 5.6.1 Summary of Contaminants 5-18 5.6.2 Potential Routes

Experimental ion mobility measurements in Xe-CH4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perdigoto, J. M. C.; Cortez, A. F. V.; Veenhof, R.; Neves, P. N. B.; Santos, F. P.; Borges, F. I. G. M.; Conde, C. A. N.

2017-09-01

Data on ion mobility is important to improve the performance of large volume gaseous detectors. In the present work, the method, experimental setup and results for the ion mobility measurements in Xe-CH4 mixtures are presented. The results for this mixture show the presence of two distinct groups of ions. The nature of the ions depend on the mixture ratio since they are originated by both Xe and CH4. The results here presented were obtained for low reduced electric fields, E/N, 10-25 Td (2.4-6.1 kV ṡ cm-1 ṡ bar-1), at low pressure (8 Torr) (10.6 mbar), and at room temperature.

Analytical Modeling of Acoustic Phonon-Limited Mobility in Strained Graphene Nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefvand, Ali; Ahmadi, Mohammad T.; Meshginqalam, Bahar

2017-11-01

Recent advances in graphene nanoribbon-based electronic devices encourage researchers to develop modeling and simulation methods to explore device physics. On the other hand, increasing the operating speed of nanoelectronic devices has recently attracted significant attention, and the modification of acoustic phonon interactions because of their important effect on carrier mobility can be considered as a method for carrier mobility optimization which subsequently enhances the device speed. Moreover, strain has an important influence on the electronic properties of the nanoelectronic devices. In this paper, the acoustic phonons mobility of armchair graphene nanoribbons ( n-AGNRs) under uniaxial strain is modeled analytically. In addition, strain, width and temperature effects on the acoustic phonon mobility of strained n-AGNRs are investigated. An increment in the strained AGNR acoustic phonon mobility by increasing the ribbon width is reported. Additionally, two different behaviors for the acoustic phonon mobility are verified by increasing the applied strain in 3 m, 3 m + 2 and 3 m + 1 AGNRs. Finally, the temperature effect on the modeled AGNR phonon mobility is explored, and mobility reduction by raising the temperature is reported.

Crowding Induces Complex Ergodic Diffusion and Dynamic Elongation of Large DNA Molecules

PubMed Central

Chapman, Cole D.; Gorczyca, Stephanie; Robertson-Anderson, Rae M.

2015-01-01

Despite the ubiquity of molecular crowding in living cells, the effects of crowding on the dynamics of genome-sized DNA are poorly understood. Here, we track single, fluorescent-labeled large DNA molecules (11, 115 kbp) diffusing in dextran solutions that mimic intracellular crowding conditions (0–40%), and determine the effects of crowding on both DNA mobility and conformation. Both DNAs exhibit ergodic Brownian motion and comparable mobility reduction in all conditions; however, crowder size (10 vs. 500 kDa) plays a critical role in the underlying diffusive mechanisms and dependence on crowder concentration. Surprisingly, in 10-kDa dextran, crowder influence saturates at ∼20% with an ∼5× drop in DNA diffusion, in stark contrast to exponentially retarded mobility, coupled to weak anomalous subdiffusion, with increasing concentration of 500-kDa dextran. Both DNAs elongate into lower-entropy states (compared to random coil conformations) when crowded, with elongation states that are gamma distributed and fluctuate in time. However, the broadness of the distribution of states and the time-dependence and length scale of elongation length fluctuations depend on both DNA and crowder size with concentration having surprisingly little impact. Results collectively show that mobility reduction and coil elongation of large crowded DNAs are due to a complex interplay between entropic effects and crowder mobility. Although elongation and initial mobility retardation are driven by depletion interactions, subdiffusive dynamics, and the drastic exponential slowing of DNA, up to ∼300×, arise from the reduced mobility of larger crowders. Our results elucidate the highly important and widely debated effects of cellular crowding on genome-sized DNA. PMID:25762333

Lung cancer following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for severe emphysema: a case and its management.

PubMed

Tummino, Celine; Maldonado, Fabien; Laroumagne, Sophie; Astoul, Philippe; Dutau, Hervé

2012-01-01

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using endobronchial valves has been suggested as a potentially safer alternative to surgery in selected cases. Complications of this technique include pneumothoraces, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, hemoptysis, and valve migrations. We report the case of a male patient who developed a parenchymal mass in the treated lobe after valve insertion. Due to severe emphysema, transthoracic needle aspiration was not feasible. Removal of the valves was mandatory to perform transbronchialbiopsies which revealed a non-small cell primary lung cancer. This first description illustrates the potential risk of lung cancer development following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction and highlights the different approach to diagnosis and management of indeterminate peripheral lung lesions needed in this context. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Novel technologies for assessing dietary intake: evaluating the usability of a mobile telephone food record among adults and adolescents.

PubMed

Daugherty, Bethany L; Schap, TusaRebecca E; Ettienne-Gittens, Reynolette; Zhu, Fengqing M; Bosch, Marc; Delp, Edward J; Ebert, David S; Kerr, Deborah A; Boushey, Carol J

2012-04-13

The development of a mobile telephone food record has the potential to ameliorate much of the burden associated with current methods of dietary assessment. When using the mobile telephone food record, respondents capture an image of their foods and beverages before and after eating. Methods of image analysis and volume estimation allow for automatic identification and volume estimation of foods. To obtain a suitable image, all foods and beverages and a fiducial marker must be included in the image. To evaluate a defined set of skills among adolescents and adults when using the mobile telephone food record to capture images and to compare the perceptions and preferences between adults and adolescents regarding their use of the mobile telephone food record. We recruited 135 volunteers (78 adolescents, 57 adults) to use the mobile telephone food record for one or two meals under controlled conditions. Volunteers received instruction for using the mobile telephone food record prior to their first meal, captured images of foods and beverages before and after eating, and participated in a feedback session. We used chi-square for comparisons of the set of skills, preferences, and perceptions between the adults and adolescents, and McNemar test for comparisons within the adolescents and adults. Adults were more likely than adolescents to include all foods and beverages in the before and after images, but both age groups had difficulty including the entire fiducial marker. Compared with adolescents, significantly more adults had to capture more than one image before (38% vs 58%, P = .03) and after (25% vs 50%, P = .008) meal session 1 to obtain a suitable image. Despite being less efficient when using the mobile telephone food record, adults were more likely than adolescents to perceive remembering to capture images as easy (P < .001). A majority of both age groups were able to follow the defined set of skills; however, adults were less efficient when using the mobile telephone food record. Additional interactive training will likely be necessary for all users to provide extra practice in capturing images before entering a free-living situation. These results will inform age-specific development of the mobile telephone food record that may translate to a more accurate method of dietary assessment.

US development and commercialization of a North American mobile satellite service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnold, Ray J.; Gray, Valerie; Freibaum, Jerry

1990-01-01

U.S. policies promoting applications and commercialization of space technology for the 'benefit of mankind,' and emphasis on international competitiveness, formed the basis of NASA's Mobile Satellite (MSAT) R&D and user experiments program to develop a commercial U.S. Mobile Satellite Service. Exemplifying this philosophy, the MSAT program targets the reduction of technical, regulatory, market, and financial risks that inhibit commercialization. The program strategy includes industry and user involvement in developing and demonstrating advanced technologies, regulatory advocacy, and financial incentives to industry. Approximately two decades of NASA's satellite communications development and demonstrations have contributed to the emergence of a new multi-billion dollar industry for land, aeronautical, and maritime mobile communications via satellite. NASA's R&D efforts are now evolving from the development of 'enabling' ground technologies for VHF, UHF, and L-Band mobile terminals, to Ka-Band terminals offering additional mobility and user convenience.

Theoretical study of the two-dimensional electron mobility in strained III-nitride heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Tsung-Hsing; Brennan, Kevin F.

2001-04-01

We present calculations of the two-dimensional (2D) electron mobility in III-nitride heterojunction structures in the presence of spontaneous and piezoelectrically induced polarization effects. The calculations are made using a self-consistent solution of the Schrödinger, Poisson, charge and potential balance equations. It is found that the polarization fields act to significantly increase the 2D sheet charge concentration while reducing the mobility. The mobility reduction results from the enhanced band bending and subsequent attraction of the electrons to the heterointerface where they experience increased surface roughness scattering. Good agreement is obtained between the theoretical calculations and experimental measurements over the full temperature range examined. Comparison of the mobility in InGaN/GaN to AlGaN/GaN heterostructures is made. It is found that the mobility is significantly higher in the InGaN/GaN structure than in the AlGaN/GaN structure.

Maintenance of parenteral nutrition volume reduction, without weight loss, after stopping teduglutide in a subset of patients with short bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Compher, Charlene; Gilroy, Richard; Pertkiewicz, Marek; Ziegler, Thomas R; Ratcliffe, Sarah J; Joly, Francisca; Rochling, Fedja; Messing, Bernard

2011-09-01

Teduglutide was discontinued after being tested for ≥ 24 weeks in patients with parenteral nutrition (PN) -dependent short bowel syndrome in a clinical trial for efficacy to reduce PN volume. This study was describes change in body mass index (BMI) and PN volume over 12 months in patients who stopped drug after the clinical trial. Prescribed PN volume, weight, and complications were reported. Patients with stable (NEUT, n = 15) or decreased (DEC, n = 7) PN volume by 12 months after stopping drug (NEUT/DEC, n = 22) were compared to those who had increased PN volume (INC, n = 15). With drug response defined by ≥ 20% reduction from pre-drug PN volume to end of drug therapy, 12 INC and 13 NEUT/DEC patients were drug responders. Eleven of 20 eligible sites reported data for 39 of 53 eligible study participants, with follow-up data for 37. INC patients had shorter colon and less frequently had colon in continuity than NEUT/DEC. BMI was decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months relative to the first off-drug visit in INC patients (P = .001), but not in NEUT/DEC patients. Change in BMI off-drug was predicted by colon and small bowel length, baseline BMI, and on-drug change in PN volume (adjusted R2 = 0.708). Gastrointestinal anatomy, baseline BMI, and PN volume reduction on-drug predicted change in BMI off-drug. Whether this response would be maintained for a longer time or in the context of a challenging clinical situation has not been evaluated.

Hippocampal subfield volume changes in subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Al-Amin, Mamun; Zinchenko, Artyom; Geyer, Thomas

2018-04-15

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is accompanied by reduction of total hippocampal volume. However, disorder-related fine-grained structural alterations of hippocampal subfields remain unclear. Here we compared hippocampal subfield volumes in a large sample of patients with ADHD and healthy controls. We used T1-weighted structural 3-Tesla MRI images of 880 individuals (7-21 years old) from the ADHD-200 database. The images were acquired from 553 healthy individuals and 327 children and adolescents with combined (N = 196) and inattentive (N = 131) ADHD subtypes. Hippocampal subfields were segmented into the cornu amonis regions (CA1, CA2/3, CA4), fimbria, hippocampal fissure, presubiculum, subiculum, hippocampal tail, parasubiculum, granule cell layers of the dentate gyrus, molecular layer within the subiculum and the CA fields, and the hippocampal-amygdala transition area using an automatic algorithm available in Freesurfer 6.0. We found a significant reduction of total hippocampal volume in the combined ADHD group compared to healthy controls. This reduction was due to the atrophy of CA1, CA4, molecular layer, granule cell layers of the dentate gyrus, presubiculum, subiculum, and hippocampal tail. These differences were exclusively driven by the corresponding brain volume reduction in the combined ADHD-subtype, while hippocampal volumes in inattentive ADHD showed no reliable differences relative to controls. Finally, there were negative correlations between the reduced hippocampal subfields and behavioral ADHD indices. The present results point to a clear dissociation between inattentive and combined subtypes of ADHD. Therefore, hippocampal subfields may contribute towards understanding the pathophysiology of ADHD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple White Matter Volume Reductions in Patients with Panic Disorder: Relationships between Orbitofrontal Gyrus Volume and Symptom Severity and Social Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Konishi, Jun; Asami, Takeshi; Hayano, Fumi; Yoshimi, Asuka; Hayasaka, Shunsuke; Fukushima, Hiroshi; Whitford, Thomas J.; Inoue, Tomio; Hirayasu, Yoshio

2014-01-01

Numerous brain regions are believed to be involved in the neuropathology of panic disorder (PD) including fronto-limbic regions, thalamus, brain stem, and cerebellum. However, while several previous studies have demonstrated volumetric gray matter reductions in these brain regions, there have been no studies evaluating volumetric white matter changes in the fiber bundles connecting these regions. In addition, although patients with PD typically exhibit social, interpersonal and occupational dysfunction, the neuropathologies underlying these dysfunctions remain unclear. A voxel-based morphometry study was conducted to evaluate differences in regional white matter volume between 40 patients with PD and 40 healthy control subjects (HC). Correlation analyses were performed between the regional white matter volumes and patients' scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Patients with PD demonstrated significant volumetric reductions in widespread white matter regions including fronto-limbic, thalamo-cortical and cerebellar pathways (p<0.05, FDR corrected). Furthermore, there was a significant negative relationship between right orbitofrontal gyrus (OFG) white matter volume and the severity of patients' clinical symptoms, as assessed with the PDSS. A significant positive relationship was also observed between patients' right OFG volumes and their scores on the GAF. Our results suggest that volumetric reductions in widespread white matter regions may play an important role in the pathology of PD. In particular, our results suggest that structural white matter abnormalities in the right OFG may contribute to the social, personal and occupational dysfunction typically experienced by patients with PD. PMID:24663245

Specific absorption rate analysis of broadband mobile antenna with negative index metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam, Touhidul; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2016-03-01

This paper presents a negative index metamaterial-inspired printed mobile wireless antenna that can support most mobile applications such as GSM, UMTS, Bluetooth and WLAN frequency bands. The antenna consists of a semi-circular patch, a 50Ω microstrip feed line and metamaterial ground plane. The antenna occupies a very small space of 37 × 47 × 0.508 mm3, making it suitable for mobile wireless application. The perceptible novelty shown in this proposed antenna is that reduction of specific absorption rate using the negative index metamaterial ground plane. The proposed antenna reduced 72.11 and 75.53 % of specific absorption rate at 1.8 and 2.4 GHz, respectively.

Long-Term Occupational Stress Is Associated with Regional Reductions in Brain Tissue Volumes

PubMed Central

Blix, Eva; Perski, Aleksander; Berglund, Hans; Savic, Ivanka

2013-01-01

There are increasing reports of cognitive and psychological declines related to occupational stress in subjects without psychiatric premorbidity or major life trauma. The underlying neurobiology is unknown, and many question the notion that the described disabilities represent a medical condition. Using PET we recently found that persons suffering from chronic occupational stress had limbic reductions in the 5-HT1A receptor binding potential. Here we examine whether chronic work-related stress is also associated with changes in brain structure. We performed MRI-based voxel-based morphometry and structural volumetry in stressed subjects and unstressed controls focusing on gray (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes, and the volumes of hippocampus, caudate, and putamen – structures known to be susceptible to neurotoxic changes. Stressed subjects exhibited significant reductions in the GM volumes of the anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, their caudate and putamen volumes were reduced, and the volumes correlated inversely to the degree of perceived stress. Our results add to previous data on chronic psychosocial stress, and indicate a morphological involvement of the frontostriatal circuits. The present findings of morphological changes in these regions confirm our previous conclusion that symptoms from occupational stress merit careful investigations and targeted treatment. PMID:23776438

A Novel Technique for Endovascular Removal of Large Volume Right Atrial Tumor Thrombus

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

Nickel, Barbara, E-mail: nickel.ba@gmail.com; McClure, Timothy, E-mail: tmcclure@gmail.com; Moriarty, John, E-mail: jmoriarty@mednet.ucla.edu

Venous thromboembolic disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the setting of large volume pulmonary embolism. Thrombolytic therapy has been shown to be a successful treatment modality; however, its use somewhat limited due to the risk of hemorrhage and potential for distal embolization in the setting of large mobile thrombi. In patients where either thrombolysis is contraindicated or unsuccessful, and conventional therapies prove inadequate, surgical thrombectomy may be considered. We present a case of percutaneous endovascular extraction of a large mobile mass extending from the inferior vena cava into the right atrium using the Angiovac device,more » a venovenous bypass system designed for high-volume aspiration of undesired endovascular material. Standard endovascular methods for removal of cancer-associated thrombus, such as catheter-directed lysis, maceration, and exclusion, may prove inadequate in the setting of underlying tumor thrombus. Where conventional endovascular methods either fail or are unsuitable, endovascular thrombectomy with the Angiovac device may be a useful and safe minimally invasive alternative to open resection.« less

Quantifying the eroded volume of mercury-contaminated sediment using terrestrial laser scanning at Stocking Flat, Deer Creek, Nevada County, California, 2010–13

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howle, James F.; Alpers, Charles N.; Bawden, Gerald W.; Bond, Sandra

2016-07-28

High-resolution ground-based light detection and ranging (lidar), also known as terrestrial laser scanning, was used to quantify the volume of mercury-contaminated sediment eroded from a stream cutbank at Stocking Flat along Deer Creek in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 3 kilometers west of Nevada City, California. Terrestrial laser scanning was used to collect sub-centimeter, three-dimensional images of the complex cutbank surface, which could not be mapped non-destructively or in sufficient detail with traditional surveying techniques.The stream cutbank, which is approximately 50 meters long and 8 meters high, was surveyed on four occasions: December 1, 2010; January 20, 2011; May 12, 2011; and February 4, 2013. Volumetric changes were determined between the sequential, three-dimensional lidar surveys. Volume was calculated by two methods, and the average value is reported. Between the first and second surveys (December 1, 2010, to January 20, 2011), a volume of 143 plus or minus 15 cubic meters of sediment was eroded from the cutbank and mobilized by Deer Creek. Between the second and third surveys (January 20, 2011, to May 12, 2011), a volume of 207 plus or minus 24 cubic meters of sediment was eroded from the cutbank and mobilized by the stream. Total volumetric change during the winter and spring of 2010–11 was 350 plus or minus 28 cubic meters. Between the third and fourth surveys (May 12, 2011, to February 4, 2013), the differencing of the three-dimensional lidar data indicated that a volume of 18 plus or minus 10 cubic meters of sediment was eroded from the cutbank. The total volume of sediment eroded from the cutbank between the first and fourth surveys was 368 plus or minus 30 cubic meters.

CrossTalk. The Journal of Defense Software Engineering. Volume 25, Number 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

attacks is expanding to engulf the compact world of smartphones . by Aditya K. Sood and Richard J. Enbody A Practical Approach to Securing and Managing...provide a vulnerable entry point to our mobile device informa- tion systems. As a result, hackers are able to quickly exploit software on smartphones ...MOBILE WORLD 4 CrossTalk—March/April 2012 Abstract. The sphere of malware attacks is expanding to engulf the compact world of smartphones . This paper

EDMS - Microcomputer Pollution Model for civilian Airports and Air Force Bases: (User’s Guide),

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for content or use thereof. The United States Government does not endorse products or...overwritten. As new issues of Mobile 4 are released, they will be incorporated into ElIS. The user shald check with the model issuer to determine what...Triangle Park, N.C.; June 1982 - May 1983 EPA 1985; Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors - Volume II: Mobile Sources; Environental Protection

A mobile phone Faraday cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, M. M. J.

2011-05-01

A Faraday cage is an interesting physical phenomenon where an electromagnetic wave can be excluded from a volume of space by enclosure with an electrically conducting material. The practical application of this in the classroom is to block the signal to a mobile phone by enclosing it in a metal can. The background of the physics behind this is described in some detail, and this is followed by a explanation of some demonstrations and experiments which I have used.

Proceedings of the 1985 Antenna Applications Symposium. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

in reflector antenna systems. In the first, -. suppression of a high power mobile S-band source was accomplished while maintaining a continuous link...substrates. Ph.D. thesis . University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. [71 Harrington. R+F. (1961) Tinze-farmo~ntc Electromnagn~etic Fields, McGraw-Hill. New...to be adequate for the 102’ range spacing. From this analysis, and the weight limitation of the mobile tower, a non-backplaned array with non-resonant

The Short-Term Effect of Weight Loss Surgery on Volumetric Breast Density and Fibroglandular Volume.

PubMed

Vohra, Nasreen A; Kachare, Swapnil D; Vos, Paul; Schroeder, Bruce F; Schuth, Olga; Suttle, Dylan; Fitzgerald, Timothy L; Wong, Jan H; Verbanac, Kathryn M

2017-04-01

Obesity and breast density are both associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and are potentially modifiable. Weight loss surgery (WLS) causes a significant reduction in the amount of body fat and a decrease in breast cancer risk. The effect of WLS on breast density and its components has not been documented. Here, we analyze the impact of WLS on volumetric breast density (VBD) and on each of its components (fibroglandular volume and breast volume) by using three-dimensional methods. Fibroglandular volume, breast volume, and their ratio, the VBD, were calculated from mammograms before and after WLS by using Volpara™ automated software. For the 80 women included, average body mass index decreased from 46.0 ± 7.22 to 33.7 ± 7.06 kg/m 2 . Mammograms were performed on average 11.6 ± 9.4 months before and 10.1 ± 7 months after WLS. There was a significant reduction in average breast volume (39.4 % decrease) and average fibroglandular volume (15.5 % decrease), and thus, the average VBD increased from 5.15 to 7.87 % (p < 1 × 10 -9 ) after WLS. When stratified by menopausal status and diabetic status, VBD increased significantly in all groups but only perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and non-diabetics experienced a significant reduction in fibroglandular volume. Breast volume and fibroglandular volume decreased, and VBD increased following WLS, with the most significant change observed in postmenopausal women and non-diabetics. Further studies are warranted to determine how physical and biological alterations in breast density components after WLS may impact breast cancer risk.

A Double-Negative Metamaterial-Inspired Mobile Wireless Antenna for Electromagnetic Absorption Reduction

PubMed Central

Alam, Touhidul; Faruque, Mohammad Rashed Iqbal; Islam, Mohammad Tariqul

2015-01-01

A double-negative metamaterial-inspired antenna is presented for mobile wireless applications. The antenna consists of a semi-circular radiating patch and a 3 × 4 hexagonal shaped metamaterial unit cell array in the ground plane. The antenna is fed with a 50 Ω microstrip feed line. The electric dimensions of the proposed antenna are 0.20λ × 0.26λ × 0.004λ, at the low-end frequency. The proposed antenna achieves a −10 dB impedance with a bandwidth of 2.29 GHz at the lower band and 1.28 GHz at the upper band and can operate for most of the mobile applications such as upper GSM bands, WiMAX, Bluetooth, and wireless local area network (WLAN) frequency bands. The focused novelties of the proposed antenna are its small size, multi-standard operating bands, and electromagnetic absorption reduction at all the operating frequencies using the double-negative metamaterial ground plane. PMID:28793474

The influence of nitrogen implantation on the electrical properties of amorphous IGZO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, S. L.; Zhao, M.; Zhuang, D. M.; Fu, E. G.; Cao, M. J.; Guo, L.; Ouyang, L. Q.

2017-09-01

In this study, nitrogen (N) implantation was adopted to regulate the carrier concentration and the Hall mobility of amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) films. The Hall Effect measurement demonstrates that the increase of implantation fluence can decrease the carrier concentration of a-IGZO by three orders to 1016 cm-3, which attributes to the reduction of oxygen defects. The addition of nitrogen atoms can result in the increase of Hall mobility to 9.93 cm2/V s with the subsequent decrease to 6.49 cm2/V s, which reflects the reduction of the average potential barrier height (φ0) to be 22.0 meV with subsequent increase to 74.8 meV in the modified percolation model. The results indicate that nitrogen can serve as an effective p-type dopants and oxygen defect suppressors. N-implantation with an appropriate fluence can effectively improve the Hall mobility and reduce the carrier concentration simultaneously.

Controlled method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of macromolecules, particles, or cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanalstine, James M. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of macromolecules, particles, cells, and other substances is provided which comprises interacting in a conventional electrophoretic separating procedure, the substances with a polymer-linked affinity compound comprised of a hydrophilic neutral polymer such as polyethylene glycol bound to a second component such as a hydrophobic compound, an immunocompound such as an antibody or antibody active fragment, or a ligand such as a hormone, drug, antigen, or a hapten. The reduction of electrophoretic mobility achieved is directly proportional to the concentration of the polymer-linked affinity compound employed, and such reduction can comprise up to 100 percent for particular particles and cells. The present invention is advantageous in that electrophoretic separation can now be achieved for substances whose native surface charge structure had prevented them from being separated by normal electrophoretic means. Depending on the affinity component utilized, separation can be achieved on the basis of the specific/irreversible, specific/reversible, semi-specific/reversible, relatively nonspecific/reversible, or relatively nonspecific/irreversible ligand-substance interactions.

Trip generation at special sites.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-01-01

Seven-day volume counts were made at fast-food restaurants with drive-thru service, convenience markets, condominiums, drive-in banks, high-rise apartments, planned unit developments, mobile home parks, day-care centers, churches, suburban motels, an...

Ten Studies Pertaining to Residence, Mobility, and School Attendance Patterns of Discrete Black and Mexican American Populations in Tucson, Arizona, Between 1918 and 1976. Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bockman, John F.

Volume I contains the substance of five studies originally filed with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona in the cases of "Fisher v. Lohr" and "Mendoza v. Tucson School District No. 1." Study I determines patterns of attendance at several elementary schools by non-Mexican American and Mexican American…

Startup of electrophoresis in a suspension of colloidal spheres.

PubMed

Chiang, Chia C; Keh, Huan J

2015-12-01

The transient electrophoretic response of a homogeneous suspension of spherical particles to the step application of an electric field is analyzed. The electric double layer encompassing each particle is assumed to be thin but finite, and the effect of dynamic electroosmosis within it is incorporated. The momentum equation for the fluid outside the double layers is solved through the use of a unit cell model. Closed-form formulas for the time-evolving electrophoretic and settling velocities of the particles in the Laplace transform are obtained in terms of the electrokinetic radius, relative mass density, and volume fraction of the particles. The time scale for the development of electrophoresis and sedimentation is significantly smaller for a suspension with a higher particle volume fraction or a smaller particle-to-fluid density ratio, and the electrophoretic mobility at any instant increases with an increase in the electrokinetic particle radius. The transient electrophoretic mobility is a decreasing function of the particle volume fraction if the particle-to-fluid density ratio is relatively small, but it may increase with an increase in the particle volume fraction if this density ratio is relatively large. The particle interaction effect in a suspension on the transient electrophoresis is much weaker than that on the transient sedimentation of the particles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the extravehicular mobility unit, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raffaelli, Gary G.

1988-01-01

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA effort performed an independent analysis of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) hardware and system, generating draft failure modes criticalities and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the most recent proposed Post 51-L NASA FMEA/CIL baseline. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison was provided through additional analysis as required. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter EMU hardware. Volume 2 continues the presentation of IOA analysis worksheets and contains the potential critical items list and NASA FMEA to IOA worksheet cross references and recommendations.

Blood volume reduction counteracts fluid shifts in water immersion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simanonok, Karl E.; Bernauer, Edmund

1993-01-01

Six healthy men were bled by 15 percent of their total blood volume (TBV) before 7 h of seated water immersion, to test the hypothesis that some of the major physiological responses to an expansion of central blood volume can be counteracted by prior reduction of TBV. Subjects were their own controls under two conditions: seated dry in air and seated immersed to the suprasternal notch in water. Immersion without prior reduction of TBV Wet Control (WC) caused a statistically significant 22-percent increase in cardiac output (CO), 368-percent increase in urine production, and 200-percent increase in sodium excretion relative to dry control (DC) sessions. When TBV was reduced before immersion, CO was the same as during DC sessions; however there were significant increases above DC in urine flow (+73 percent) and sodium excretion (+120 percent), although they were significantly reduced from WC values. Potassium excretion was similar during DC and WC sessions, but was significantly increased (+75 percent) when subjects were immersed after 15-percent reduction of TBV.

46 CFR 107.05 - OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 107.05 Section 107.05 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.05 OMB control numbers assigned...

46 CFR 107.05 - OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 107.05 Section 107.05 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.05 OMB control numbers assigned...

46 CFR 107.05 - OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 107.05 Section 107.05 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.05 OMB control numbers assigned...

46 CFR 107.05 - OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 107.05 Section 107.05 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.05 OMB control numbers assigned...

46 CFR 107.05 - OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 107.05 Section 107.05 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.05 OMB control numbers assigned...

The reductive aromatization of naphthalene diimide: a versatile platform for 2,7-diazapyrenes.

PubMed

Nakazato, Takumi; Kamatsuka, Takuto; Inoue, Junichi; Sakurai, Tsuneaki; Seki, Shu; Shinokubo, Hiroshi; Miyake, Yoshihiro

2018-05-17

The reductive aromatization of naphthalene diimide provides tetrapivaloxy-2,7-diazapyrene, which serves as a versatile platform toward peripherally substituted 2,7-diazapyrenes. Time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements demonstrated that the intrinsic electron mobility of 2,7-diazapyrene is significantly higher than that of the corresponding pyrene.

Drag reduction using slippery liquid infused surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hultmark, Marcus; Stone, Howard; Smits, Alexander; Jacobi, Ian; Samaha, Mohamed; Wexler, Jason; Shang, Jessica; Rosenberg, Brian; Hellström, Leo; Fan, Yuyang

2013-11-01

A new method for passive drag reduction is introduced. A surface treatment inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, previously developed by Wong et al. (2011), is utilized and its design parameters are studied for increased drag reduction and durability. Nano- and micro-structured surfaces infused with a lubricant allow for mobility within the lubricant itself when the surface is exposed to flow. The mobility causes slip at the fluid-fluid interface, which drastically reduces the viscous friction. These new surfaces are fundamentally different from the more conventional superhydrophobic surfaces previously used in drag reduction studies, which rely on a gas-liquid interface. The main advantage of the liquid infused surfaces over the conventional surfaces is that the lubricant adheres more strongly to the surface, decreasing the risk of failure when exposed to turbulence and other high-shear flows. We have shown that these surfaces can reduce viscous drag up to 20% in both Taylor-Couette flow and in a parallel plate rheometer. Supported under ONR Grants N00014-12-1-0875 and N00014-12-1-0962 (program manager Ki-Han Kim).

Microbial arsenic reduction in polluted and unpolluted soils from Attica, Greece.

PubMed

Vaxevanidou, K; Giannikou, S; Papassiopi, N

2012-11-30

Indigenous soil microorganisms often affect the mobility of heavy metals and metalloids by altering their oxidation state. Under anaerobic conditions, the microbial transformation is usually reduction and may cause the mobilization of contaminants, as happens in the case of arsenic, which is much more stable in the pentavalent state compared to the reduced trivalent form. The aim of this work was to investigate the occurrence of such a microbial activity in representative Greek soils. Five soil samples, with As levels varying between 14 and 259 mg/kg, were examined. The samples were artificially contaminated, by adding 750 mg of As(V) per kg of soil. Initial sorption of As(V) ranged between 70 and 85%. Microbial reduction of arsenic was observed in three of the examined soils, without any obvious correlation with pre-existing levels of contamination. Reduction reached high percentages, i.e. up to 99%, and was accompanied by the corresponding release of reduced As in the aqueous solution. A simultaneous iron reducing activity was also observed in four of the five soil samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduction of Cr(6+) to Cr(3+) in a packed-bed bioreactor

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

Turick, C.E.; Apel, W.A.; Camp, C.E.

1997-12-31

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(6{sup +}), is a common and toxic pollutant in soils and waters. Reduction of the mobile Cr(6{sup +}) to the less mobile and less toxic trivalent chromium, Cr(3{sup +}), can be achieved with conventional chemical reduction technologies. Alternatively, Cr(6{sup +}) can be biochemically reduced to Cr(3{sup +}) by anaerobic microbial consortia which appear to use Cr(6{sup +}) as a terminal electron acceptor. A bioprocess for Cr(6{sup +}) reduction has been demonstrated using a packed-bed bioreactor containing ceramic packing, and then compared to a similar bioreactor containing DuPont Bio-Sep beads. An increase in volumetric productivity from 4 mg Cr(6{supmore » +})/L/h to 260 mg Cr(6{sup +})/L/h, probably due to an increase in biomass density, was obtained using Bio-Sep beads. The beads contain internal macropores which were shown by scanning electron microscopy to house dense concentrations of bacteria. Comparisons to conventional Cr(6{sup +}) treatment technologies indicate that a bioprocess has several economic and operational advantages. 7 refs., 4 figs.« less

Quantifying the total cost of infrastructure to enable environmentally preferable decisions: the case of urban roadway design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gosse, Conrad A.; Clarens, Andres F.

2013-03-01

Efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure have generally overlooked many of the efficiencies that can be obtained by considering the relevant engineering and economic aspects as a system. Here, we present a framework for quantifying the burdens of ground transportation in urban settings that incorporates travel time, vehicle fuel and pavement maintenance costs. A Pareto set of bi-directional lane configurations for two-lane roadways yields non-dominated combinations of lane width, bicycle lanes and curb parking. Probabilistic analysis and microsimulation both show dramatic mobility reductions on road segments of insufficient width for heavy vehicles to pass bicycles without encroaching on oncoming traffic. This delay is positively correlated with uphill grades and increasing traffic volumes and inversely proportional to total pavement width. The response is nonlinear with grade and yields mixed uphill/downhill optimal lane configurations. Increasing bicycle mode share is negatively correlated with total costs and emissions for lane configurations allowing motor vehicles to safely pass bicycles, while the opposite is true for configurations that fail to facilitate passing. Spatial impacts on mobility also dictate that curb parking exhibits significant spatial opportunity costs related to the total cost Pareto curve. The proposed framework provides a means to evaluate relatively inexpensive lane reconfiguration options in response to changing modal share and priorities. These results provide quantitative evidence that efforts to reallocate limited pavement space to bicycles, like those being adopted in several US cities, could appreciably reduce costs for all users.

The relationship of dynamical heterogeneity to the Adam-Gibbs and random first-order transition theories of glass formation.

PubMed

Starr, Francis W; Douglas, Jack F; Sastry, Srikanth

2013-03-28

We carefully examine common measures of dynamical heterogeneity for a model polymer melt and test how these scales compare with those hypothesized by the Adam and Gibbs (AG) and random first-order transition (RFOT) theories of relaxation in glass-forming liquids. To this end, we first analyze clusters of highly mobile particles, the string-like collective motion of these mobile particles, and clusters of relative low mobility. We show that the time scale of the high-mobility clusters and strings is associated with a diffusive time scale, while the low-mobility particles' time scale relates to a structural relaxation time. The difference of the characteristic times for the high- and low-mobility particles naturally explains the well-known decoupling of diffusion and structural relaxation time scales. Despite the inherent difference of dynamics between high- and low-mobility particles, we find a high degree of similarity in the geometrical structure of these particle clusters. In particular, we show that the fractal dimensions of these clusters are consistent with those of swollen branched polymers or branched polymers with screened excluded-volume interactions, corresponding to lattice animals and percolation clusters, respectively. In contrast, the fractal dimension of the strings crosses over from that of self-avoiding walks for small strings, to simple random walks for longer, more strongly interacting, strings, corresponding to flexible polymers with screened excluded-volume interactions. We examine the appropriateness of identifying the size scales of either mobile particle clusters or strings with the size of cooperatively rearranging regions (CRR) in the AG and RFOT theories. We find that the string size appears to be the most consistent measure of CRR for both the AG and RFOT models. Identifying strings or clusters with the "mosaic" length of the RFOT model relaxes the conventional assumption that the "entropic droplets" are compact. We also confirm the validity of the entropy formulation of the AG theory, constraining the exponent values of the RFOT theory. This constraint, together with the analysis of size scales, enables us to estimate the characteristic exponents of RFOT.

Greening academia: use and disposal of mobile phones among university students.

PubMed

Ongondo, F O; Williams, I D

2011-07-01

Mobile phones have relatively short lifecycles and are rapidly seen as obsolete by many users within little over a year. However, the reusability of these devices as well as their material composition means that in terms of mass and volume, mobile phones represent the most valuable electronic products that are currently found in large numbers in waste streams. End-of-life mobile phones are a high value (from a reuse and resource perspective), high volume (quantity), low cost (residual monetary value) and transient (short lifecycle) electronic product. There are very large numbers of higher education (mainly university) students in the world--there are>2.4 million in the UK alone, 19 million in Europe and 18.2 million in the USA--and they often replace their mobile phones several times before graduation. Thus, because of the potentially significant environmental and economic impacts, a large scale survey of students at 5 UK universities was conducted to assess the behaviour of students with regard to their use and disposal of mobile phones. Additionally, a small scale trial mobile phone takeback service at one of the universities was carried out. The findings indicate that many students replace their phones at least once a year; replacing broken phones, getting upgrades from network operators, remaining "fashionable" and a desire to have a handset with a longer battery life are the main reasons for such rapid replacement. Almost 60% of replaced phones are not sent to reuse or recycling operations but are stockpiled by students mainly as spare/backup phones. Approximately 61% of students own an extra mobile phone with male students replacing their phones more often than females. In particular, the results highlight the potentially huge stockpile of mobile phones--and consequently valuable supplies of rare metals--being held by the public; we estimate that there are 3.7 million phones stockpiled by students in UK higher education alone (29.3 and 28.1 million stockpiled, respectively, for Europe and USA). Although many students are aware of UK mobile phone takeback services, only a moderate number have previously used the services. Students' recycling of other waste materials such as paper and glass did not have a significant impact on their disposal actions for their unwanted mobile phones, although students who often recycled these waste materials were also the most willing to participate in mobile phone takeback services. Monetary incentives such as cash payments and vouchers have the greatest influence over students' willingness to utilise takeback services, followed by convenience and ease of use of the services. The paper discusses these findings as well as the outcome of the trial mobile phone takeback. It is suggested that universities should partner with established takeback operators to conduct event-based mobile phone takeback services primarily targeting students. Lessons from mobile phone takeback applicable to takeback services for end-of-life gadgets similar to mobile phones are also discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Swaminath, Anand; Knox, Jennifer J.; Brierley, James D.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify unexpected liver volume reductions in patients treated with sorafenib prior to and during liver radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients were treated in a phase 1 study of sorafenib for 1 week, followed by concurrent sorafenib-RT (in 6 fractions). Patients had either focal cancer (treated with stereotactic body RT [SBRT]) or diffuse disease (treated with whole-liver RT). Liver volumes were contoured and recorded at planning (day 0) from the exhale CT. After 1 week of sorafenib (day 8), RT image guidance at each fraction was performed using cone beam CT (CBCT).more » Planning liver contours were propagated and modified on the reconstructed exhale CBCT. This was repeated in 12 patients treated with SBRT alone without sorafenib. Three subsequent patients (2 sorafenib-RT and 1 non-sorafenib) were also assessed with multiphasic helical breath-hold CTs. Results: Liver volume reductions on CBCT were observed in the 15 sorafenib-RT patients (median decrease of 68 cc, P=.02) between day 0 and 8; greater in the focal (P=.025) versus diffuse (P=.52) cancer stratum. Seven patients (47%) had reductions larger than the 95% intraobserver contouring error. Liver reductions were also observed from multiphasic CTs in the 2 additional sorafenib-RT patients between days 0 and 8 (decreases of 232.5 cc and 331.7 cc, respectively) and not in the non-sorafenib patient (increase of 92 cc). There were no significant changes in liver volume between planning and first RT in 12 patients with focal cancer treated with SBRT alone (median increase, 4.8 cc, P=.86). Conclusions: Liver volume reductions were observed after 7 days of sorafenib, prior to RT, most marked in patients with focal liver tumors, suggesting an effect of sorafenib on normal liver. Careful assessment of potential liver volume changes immediately prior to SBRT may be necessary in patients in sorafenib or other targeted therapies.« less

Coupling ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry: constraints and possible applications.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Aller, Marta; Gurny, Robert; Veuthey, Jean-Luc; Guillarme, Davy

2013-05-31

The introduction of columns packed with porous sub-2μm particles and the extension of the upper pressure limit of HPLC instrumentation to 1300bar (ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography, UHPLC) has opened new frontiers in resolution and speed of analysis. However, certain constraints appear when coupling UHPLC technology with mass spectrometry (MS). First, the most significant limitation is related to the narrow peaks that are produced by UHPLC that require a fast duty cycle, which is only available on the latest generations of MS devices. Thus, certain analyzers are more readily compatible with UHPLC (e.g., QqQ or TOF/MS) than others (e.g., ion trap or FT-MS). Second, due to the reduction of the column volume, extra-column band broadening can become significant, leading to a reduction in the kinetic performance of the UHPLC-MS configuration. Third, as the mobile phase linear velocity is higher in UHPLC, the electrospray ionization source must also be able to provide high sensitivity at flow rates of up to 1mL/min. Despite these limitations, the UHPLC-MS/MS platform has successfully been employed over the last decade for various types of applications, including those related to bioanalysis, drug metabolism, multi-residue screening, metabolomics, biopharmaceuticals and polar compounds. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Translations and Transversal Dialogues: An Examination of Mobilities Associated with Gender, Education and Global Poverty Reduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Unterhalter, Elaine

2009-01-01

Commentary on gender equality in education as a global issue often assesses what makes policy work or why certain emphases in policy are selected. The article recasts this division by looking not so much at the separation between policy and its enactment, but at the forms of mobility entailed in the movement between these different poles. It…

E-Mobility and the Energy Transition.

PubMed

Schlögl, Robert

2017-09-04

Since the reduction of greenhouse gases is the top priority of the Energy Transition, primary electricity should be converted to material energy carriers. In this way electricity can be "stored" and made accessible for other applications. This Essay focuses on the integration of mobility in the Energy Transition and the development of sustainable alternatives to electricity-based transportation. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of nitroglycerin and nitroprusside on vascular capacitance of anesthetized ganglion-blocked dogs.

PubMed

Ogilvie, R I; Zborowska-Sluis, D

1991-10-01

To determine whether changes in vascular capacitance induced by nitroglycerin (NTG) and nitroprusside were due to changes in compliance or unstressed vascular volume, doses producing similar reductions in arterial pressure (Psa) were studied on separate days in six dogs anesthetized and ventilated with pentobarbital after splenectomy during ganglion blockade with hexamethonium. Mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) was determined during transient circulatory arrest induced by acetylcholine at baseline blood volumes and after increases of 5 and 10 ml/kg. Central blood volumes (CBVs, pulmonary artery to aortic root) were determined from transit times, and separately measured cardiac output (CO) was estimated by thermodilution (right atrium to pulmonary artery). NTG and nitroprusside produced similar reductions in Psa and Pmcf without significantly altering right atrial pressure (Pra), pressure gradient for venous return, or CO. Total vascular compliance was not altered, but total vascular capacitance was increased on an average of 4.0 +/- 1.4 ml/kg after NTG and 3.0 +/- 1.3 ml/kg after nitroprusside by increases in unstressed volume. Both drugs caused a variable reduction in CBV, averaging 2 ml/kg. Thus, both drugs produced a large increase in peripheral venous capacitance by increasing unstressed vascular volume without altering total vascular compliance.

Stress predicts brain changes in children: a pilot longitudinal study on youth stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and the hippocampus.

PubMed

Carrion, Victor G; Weems, Carl F; Reiss, Allan L

2007-03-01

Does stress damage the brain? Studies of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder have demonstrated smaller hippocampal volumes when compared with the volumes of adults with no posttraumatic stress disorder. Studies of children with posttraumatic stress disorder have not replicated the smaller hippocampal findings in adults, which suggests that smaller hippocampal volume may be caused by neurodevelopmental experiences with stress. Animal research has demonstrated that the glucocorticoids secreted during stress can be neurotoxic to the hippocampus, but this has not been empirically demonstrated in human samples. We hypothesized that cortisol volumes would predict hippocampal volume reduction in patients with posttraumatic symptoms. We report data from a pilot longitudinal study of children (n = 15) with history of maltreatment who underwent clinical evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder, cortisol, and neuroimaging. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and cortisol at baseline predicted hippocampal reduction over an ensuing 12- to 18-month interval. Results from this pilot study suggest that stress is associated with hippocampal reduction in children with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and provide preliminary human evidence that stress may indeed damage the hippocampus. Additional studies seem to be warranted.

Advantages and disadvantages of graduated and inverse graduated compression hosiery in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and healthy volunteers: A prospective, mono-centric, blinded, open randomised, controlled and cross-over trial.

PubMed

Riebe, Helene; Konschake, Wolfgang; Haase, Hermann; Jünger, Michael

2018-02-01

Background The therapeutic effectiveness of compression therapy depends on the selection of compression hosiery. Objectives To assess efficacy and tolerability of graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) and inverse graduated elastic compression stockings (PECS). Methods Thirty-two healthy volunteers and thirty-two patients with chronic venous insufficiency were analysed; wear period: one week for each stocking type (randomised, blinded). volume reduction of 'Lower leg' (Image3D®) and 'Distal leg and foot' (water plethysmography). clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency assessed by the Venous Clinical Severity Score, side effects and wear comfort in both groups. Results Volume of 'Lower leg': significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: -37.5 mL, mean PECS: -37.2 mL) and in patients (mean GECS: -55.6 mL, mean PECS: -41.6 mL). Volume of 'Distal lower leg and foot': significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: -27 mL, mean PECS: -16.7 mL), significant reduction in patients by GECS (mean: -43.4 mL), but non-significant reduction by PECS (mean: -22.6 mL). Clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were improved significantly better with GECS than with PECS, p < 0.001. GECS led to more painful constrictions, p = 0.047, PECS slipped down more often, p < 0.001. Conclusion GECS and PECS reduce volume of the segment 'Lower leg' in patients and healthy volunteers. Patients' volume of the 'Distal lower leg and foot', however, were diminished significantly only by GECS ( p = 0.0001). Patients' complaints were improved by both GECS and PECS, and GECS were superior to PECS.

Dehydration reduces left ventricular filling at rest and during exercise independent of twist mechanics.

PubMed

Stöhr, Eric J; González-Alonso, José; Pearson, James; Low, David A; Ali, Leena; Barker, Horace; Shave, Rob

2011-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the reduction in stroke volume (SV), previously shown to occur with dehydration and increases in internal body temperatures during prolonged exercise, is caused by a reduction in left ventricular (LV) function, as indicated by LV volumes, strain, and twist ("LV mechanics"). Eight healthy men [age: 20 ± 2, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max): 58 ± 7 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹] completed two, 1-h bouts of cycling in the heat (35°C, 50% peak power) without fluid replacement, resulting in 2% and 3.5% dehydration, respectively. Conventional and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to determine LV volumes, strain, and twist at rest and during one-legged knee-extensor exercise at baseline, both levels of dehydration, and following rehydration. Progressive dehydration caused a significant reduction in end-diastolic volume (EDV) and SV at rest and during one-legged knee-extensor exercise (rest: Δ-33 ± 14 and Δ-21 ± 14 ml, respectively; exercise: Δ-30 ± 10 and Δ-22 ± 9 ml, respectively, during 3.5% dehydration). In contrast to the marked decline in EDV and SV, systolic and diastolic LV mechanics were either maintained or even enhanced with dehydration at rest and during knee-extensor exercise. We conclude that dehydration-induced reductions in SV at rest and during exercise are the result of reduced LV filling, as reflected by the decline in EDV. The concomitant maintenance of LV mechanics suggests that the decrease in LV filling, and consequently ejection, is likely caused by the reduction in blood volume and/or diminished filling time rather than impaired LV function.

Cost effectiveness of lung-volume-reduction surgery for patients with severe emphysema.

PubMed

Ramsey, Scott D; Berry, Kristin; Etzioni, Ruth; Kaplan, Robert M; Sullivan, Sean D; Wood, Douglas E

2003-05-22

The National Emphysema Treatment Trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing lung-volume-reduction surgery with medical therapy for severe emphysema, included a prospective economic analysis. After pulmonary rehabilitation, 1218 patients at 17 medical centers were randomly assigned to lung-volume-reduction surgery or continued medical treatment. Costs for the use of medical care, medications, transportation, and time spent receiving treatment were derived from Medicare claims and data from the trial. Cost effectiveness was calculated over the duration of the trial and was estimated for 10 years of follow-up with the use of modeling based on observed trends in survival, cost, and quality of life. Interim analyses identified a group of patients with excess mortality and little chance of improved functional status after surgery. When these patients were excluded, the cost-effectiveness ratio for lung-volume-reduction surgery as compared with medical therapy was 190,000 dollars per quality-adjusted life-year gained at 3 years and 53,000 dollars per quality-adjusted life-year gained at 10 years. Subgroup analyses identified patients with predominantly upper-lobe emphysema and low exercise capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation who had lower mortality and better functional status than patients who received medical therapy. The cost-effectiveness ratio in this subgroup was 98,000 dollars per quality-adjusted life-year gained at 3 years and 21,000 dollars at 10 years. Bootstrap analysis revealed substantial uncertainty for the subgroup and 10-year estimates. Given its cost and benefits over three years of follow-up, lung-volume-reduction surgery is costly relative to medical therapy. Although the predictions are subject to substantial uncertainty, the procedure may be cost effective if benefits can be maintained over time. Copyright 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society

Learning curve in transradial cardiac catheterization: procedure-related parameters stratified by operators' transradial volume.

PubMed

Kasasbeh, Ehab S; Parvez, Babar; Huang, Robert L; Hasselblad, Michele Marie; Glazer, Mark D; Salloum, Joseph G; Cleator, John H; Zhao, David X

2012-11-01

To determine whether radial artery access is associated with a reduction in fluoroscopy time, procedure time, and other procedural variables over a 27-month period during which the radial artery approach was incorporated in a single academic Medical Center. Although previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between increased volume and decreased procedural time, no studies have looked at the integration of radial access over time. Data were collected from consecutive patients who presented to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center cardiac catheterization laboratory from January 1, 2009 to April 1, 2011. Patients who underwent radial access diagnostic catheterization with and without percutaneous coronary intervention were included in this study. A total of 1112 diagnostic cardiac catheterizations through the radial access site were analyzed. High-volume, intermediate-volume, and low-volume operators were grouped based on the percentage of procedures performed through a radial approach. From 2009 to 2011, there was a significant decrease in fluoroscopy time in all operator groups for diagnostic catheterization (P=.035). The high-volume operator group had 1.88 and 3.66 minute reductions in fluoroscopy time compared to the intermediate- and low-volume operator groups, respectively (both P<.001). Likewise, the intermediate-volume operator group had a 1.77 minute improvement compared to the low-volume operator group, but this did not reach statistical significance (P=.102). The improvement in fluoroscopy time and other procedure-related parameters was seen after approximately 25 cases with further improvement after 75 cases. The incorporation of the radial access approach in the cardiac catheterization laboratory led to a decrease in fluoroscopy time for each operator and operator group over the last 3 years. Our data demonstrated that higher-volume radial operators have better procedure, room, and fluoroscopy times when compared to intermediate- and low-volume operators. However, lower-volume operators have a reduction in procedure-related parameters with increased radial cases. Number of procedures needed to become sufficient was demonstrated in the current study.

Tissue ablation after 120W greenlight laser vaporization and bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate: a comparison using transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound volumetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kranzbühler, Benedikt; Gross, Oliver; Fankhauser, Christian D.; Hefermehl, Lukas J.; Poyet, Cédric; Largo, Remo; Müntener, Michael; Seifert, Hans-Helge; Zimmermann, Matthias; Sulser, Tullio; Müller, Alexander; Hermanns, Thomas

2012-02-01

Introduction and objectives: Greenlight laser vaporization (LV) of the prostate is characterized by simultaneous vaporization and coagulation of prostatic tissue resulting in tissue ablation together with excellent hemostasis during the procedure. It has been reported that bipolar plasma vaporization (BPV) of the prostate might be an alternative for LV. So far, it has not been shown that BPV is as effective as LV in terms of tissue ablation or hemostasis. We performed transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound investigations to compare the efficiency of tissue ablation between LV and BPV. Methods: Between 11.2009 and 5.2011, 50 patients underwent pure BPV in our institution. These patients were matched with regard to the pre-operative prostate volume to 50 LV patients from our existing 3D-volumetry-database. Transrectal 3D ultrasound and planimetric volumetry of the prostate were performed pre-operatively, after catheter removal, 6 weeks and 6 months. Results: Median pre-operative prostate volume was not significantly different between the two groups (45.3ml vs. 45.4ml; p=1.0). After catheter removal, median absolute volume reduction (BPV 12.4ml, LV 6.55ml) as well as relative volume reduction (27.8% vs. 16.4%) were significantly higher in the BPV group (p<0.001). After six weeks (42.9% vs. 33.3%) and six months (47.2% vs. 39.7%), relative volume reduction remained significantly higher in the BPV group (p<0.001). Absolute volume reduction was non-significantly higher in the BPV group after six weeks (18.4ml, 13.8ml; p=0.051) and six months (20.8ml, 18ml; p=0.3). Clinical outcome parameters improved significantly in both groups without relevant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Both vaporization techniques result in efficient tissue ablation with initial prostatic swelling. BPV seems to be superior due to a higher relative volume reduction. This difference had no clinical impact after a follow-up of 6M.

Mobile money, smallholder farmers, and household welfare in Kenya.

PubMed

Kikulwe, Enoch M; Fischer, Elisabeth; Qaim, Matin

2014-01-01

The use of mobile phones has increased rapidly in many developing countries, including in rural areas. Besides reducing the costs of communication and improving access to information, mobile phones are an enabling technology for other innovations. One important example are mobile phone based money transfers, which could be very relevant for the rural poor, who are often underserved by the formal banking system. We analyze impacts of mobile money technology on the welfare of smallholder farm households in Kenya. Using panel survey data and regression models we show that mobile money use has a positive impact on household income. One important pathway is through remittances received from relatives and friends. Such remittances contribute to income directly, but they also help to reduce risk and liquidity constraints, thus promoting agricultural commercialization. Mobile money users apply more purchased farm inputs, market a larger proportion of their output, and have higher profits than non-users of this technology. These results suggest that mobile money can help to overcome some of the important smallholder market access constraints that obstruct rural development and poverty reduction.

Mobile Money, Smallholder Farmers, and Household Welfare in Kenya

PubMed Central

Kikulwe, Enoch M.; Fischer, Elisabeth; Qaim, Matin

2014-01-01

The use of mobile phones has increased rapidly in many developing countries, including in rural areas. Besides reducing the costs of communication and improving access to information, mobile phones are an enabling technology for other innovations. One important example are mobile phone based money transfers, which could be very relevant for the rural poor, who are often underserved by the formal banking system. We analyze impacts of mobile money technology on the welfare of smallholder farm households in Kenya. Using panel survey data and regression models we show that mobile money use has a positive impact on household income. One important pathway is through remittances received from relatives and friends. Such remittances contribute to income directly, but they also help to reduce risk and liquidity constraints, thus promoting agricultural commercialization. Mobile money users apply more purchased farm inputs, market a larger proportion of their output, and have higher profits than non-users of this technology. These results suggest that mobile money can help to overcome some of the important smallholder market access constraints that obstruct rural development and poverty reduction. PMID:25286032

Beyond the Golden Hours: Caring for Septic Patients After the Initial Resuscitation.

PubMed

Gelinas, Jean P; Walley, Keith R

2016-06-01

Recognition and management of agitation, delirium, and pain are key areas. Reduced use of sedatives is an important measure that must be coupled with increased patient engagement, mobilization, and exercise. Use of low tidal volumes and low mean airway pressures during mechanical ventilation is helpful. A key hemodynamic principle following early aggressive volume resuscitation is subsequent careful assessment to avoid unnecessary additional volume administration and adverse consequences of frank volume overload. Substantial evidence now supports a lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL. A rush to initiate enteral or parenteral feeds is not clearly supported by the current evidence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduction of soil erosion and mercury losses in agroforestry systems compared to forests and cultivated fields in the Brazilian Amazon.

PubMed

Béliveau, Annie; Lucotte, Marc; Davidson, Robert; Paquet, Serge; Mertens, Frédéric; Passos, Carlos J; Romana, Christine A

2017-12-01

In addition to causing physical degradation and nutrient depletion, erosion of cultivated soils in the Amazon affects aquatic ecosystems through the release of natural soil mercury (Hg) towards lakes and rivers. While traditional agriculture is generally cited as being among the main causes of soil erosion, agroforestry practices are increasingly appreciated for soil conservation. This study was carried out in family farms of the rural Tapajós region (Brazil) and aimed at evaluating soil erosion and associated Hg release for three land uses. Soils, runoff water and eroded sediments were collected at three sites representing a land cover gradient: a recently burnt short-cycle cropping system (SCC), a 2-year-old agroforestry system (AFS) and a mature forest (F). At each site, two PVC soil erosion plots (each composed of three 2 × 5 m isolated subplots) were implemented on steep and moderate slopes respectively. Sampling was done after each of the 20 rain events that occurred during a 1-month study period, in the peak of the 2011 rain season. Runoff volume and rate, as well as eroded soil particles with their Hg and cation concentrations were determined. Total Hg and cation losses were then calculated for each subplot. Erosion processes were dominated by land use type over rainfall or soil slope. Eroded soil particles, as well as the amount of Hg and cations (CaMgK) mobilized at the AFS site were similar to those at the F site, but significantly lower than those at the SCC site (p < 0.0001). Erosion reduction at the AFS site was mainly attributed to the ground cover plants characterizing the recently established system. Moreover, edaphic change throughout AFS and F soil profiles differed from the SCC site. At the latter site, losses of fine particles and Hg were enhanced towards soil surface, while they were less pronounced at the other sites. This study shows that agroforestry systems, even in their early stages of implementation, are characterized by low erosion levels resembling those of local forest environments, thus contributing to the maintenance of soil integrity and to the reduction of Hg and nutrient mobility. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Premature deaths attributed to source-specific BC emissions in six urban US regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Matthew D.; Henze, Daven K.; Capps, Shannon L.; Hakami, Amir; Zhao, Shunliu; Resler, Jaroslav; Carmichael, Gregory R.; Stanier, Charles O.; Baek, Jaemeen; Sandu, Adrian; Russell, Armistead G.; Nenes, Athanasios; Pinder, Rob W.; Napelenok, Sergey L.; Bash, Jesse O.; Percell, Peter B.; Chai, Tianfeng

2015-11-01

Recent studies have shown that exposure to particulate black carbon (BC) has significant adverse health effects and may be more detrimental to human health than exposure to PM2.5 as a whole. Mobile source BC emission controls, mostly on diesel-burning vehicles, have successfully decreased mobile source BC emissions to less than half of what they were 30 years ago. Quantification of the benefits of previous emissions controls conveys the value of these regulatory actions and provides a method by which future control alternatives could be evaluated. In this study we use the adjoint of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to estimate highly-resolved spatial distributions of benefits related to emission reductions for six urban regions within the continental US. Emissions from outside each of the six chosen regions account for between 7% and 27% of the premature deaths attributed to exposure to BC within the region. While we estimate that nonroad mobile and onroad diesel emissions account for the largest number of premature deaths attributable to exposure to BC, onroad gasoline is shown to have more than double the benefit per unit emission relative to that of nonroad mobile and onroad diesel. Within the region encompassing New York City and Philadelphia, reductions in emissions from large industrial combustion sources that are not classified as EGUs (i.e., non-EGU) are estimated to have up to triple the benefits per unit emission relative to reductions to onroad diesel sectors, and provide similar benefits per unit emission to that of onroad gasoline emissions in the region. While onroad mobile emissions have been decreasing in the past 30 years and a majority of vehicle emission controls that regulate PM focus on diesel emissions, our analysis shows the most efficient target for stricter controls is actually onroad gasoline emissions.

Ablative efficiency of lithium triborate laser vaporization and conventional transurethral resection of the prostate: a comparison using transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound volumetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, Oliver; Sulser, Tullio; Hefermehl, Lukas J.; Strebel, Daniel D.; Largo, Remo; Mortezavi, Ashkan; Poyet, Cédric; Eberli, Daniel; Zimmermann, Matthias; Müller, Alexander; Michel, Maurice S.; Müntener, Michael; Seifert, Hans-Helge; Hermanns, Thomas

2011-03-01

Introduction and objectives: It is unknown if tissue ablation following 120W lithium triborate (LBO) laser vaporization (LV) of the prostate is comparable to that following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Therefore, transrectal 3D-ultrasound volumetry of the prostate was performed to compare the efficiency of tissue ablation between LBO-LV and TURP. Methods: Between 03/2008 and 03/2010 110 patients underwent routine LBO-LV (n=61) or TURP (n=49). Transrectal 3D-ultrasound with planimetric volumetry of the prostate was performed pre-operatively, after catheter removal, 6 weeks and 6 months. Results: Median prostate volume was 52.5ml in the LV group and 46.9ml in the TURP group. After catheter removal, median absolute volume reduction (LV: 7.05ml, TURP: 15.8ml) and relative volume reduction (15.9% vs. 34.2%) were significantly lower in the LV group (p<0.001). After 6 weeks/ 6 months, the relative volume reduction but not the absolute remained significantly lower in the LV group. Conclusions: LBO-LV is an efficient procedure evidenced by an absolute tissue ablation not significantly different to that after TURP. However, TURP seems to be superior due to a higher relative tissue ablation. The differences in tissue ablation had no impact on the early clinical outcome. Delayed volume reduction indicates that prostatic swelling occurs early after LV and then decreases subsequently.

DCE-MRI-Derived Volume Transfer Constant (Ktrans) and DWI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as Predictive Markers of Short- and Long-Term Efficacy of Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Esophageal Cancer.

PubMed

Ye, Zhi-Min; Dai, Shu-Jun; Yan, Feng-Qin; Wang, Lei; Fang, Jun; Fu, Zhen-Fu; Wang, Yue-Zhen

2018-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy in relation to the treatment of esophageal cancer . This was achieved through the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-derived volume transfer constant and diffusion weighted imaging-derived apparent diffusion coefficient . Patients with esophageal cancer were assigned into the sensitive and resistant groups based on respective efficacies in chemoradiotherapy. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging were used to measure volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while computed tomography was used to calculate tumor size reduction rate. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to analyze correlation between volume transfer constant, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the tumor size reduction rate. Receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to analyze the short-term efficacy of volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while Kaplan-Meier curve was employed for survival rate analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used for the risk factors for prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Our results indicated reduced levels of volume transfer constant, while increased levels were observed in ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max following chemoradiotherapy. A negative correlation was determined between ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max , as well as in the tumor size reduction rate prior to chemoradiotherapy, whereas a positive correlation was uncovered postchemoradiotherapy. Volume transfer constant was positively correlated with tumor size reduction rate both before and after chemoradiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer having high ADC min , ADC mean , and ADC max and volume transfer constant before chemoradiotherapy was greater than those with respectively lower values. According to the Cox proportional hazard model, ADC mean , clinical stage, degree of differentiation, and tumor stage were all confirmed as being independent risk factors in regard to the prognosis of patients with EC. The findings of this study provide evidence suggesting that volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient as being tools allowing for the evaluation of both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy esophageal cancer treatment.

Mobilization and Defense Management Technical Reports Series. Mobilization Studies Program Report: Coordinated Policy for the Aircraft Industry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

THE ARMED FORCES AREA 6 WORK UNIT NUMBERS -. FORT LESLEY J. MC NAIR WASHINGTON, DC 20319 11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE "Vt...yearly dollar volume and lead directly to cost- effective 𔃾.- national security. Such business generates research funding that can have important military...Mbreover, there is no central focus for these policies and no foru to discuss their effect on national security and international catetiiveness. The

Storage Reliability of Missile Materiel Program. Storage Reliability Analysis Summary Report. Volume 1. Electrical and Electronic Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-05-01

since the platinum silicide and titanium metals also offer very low mobility to the alkaline ions, the BLSJ . is inert to sodium . Inversion and...gettering agents for sodium ions, thus making the cont&-nination far less mobile. The stability of the structural and electrical properties of the oxide...to be an effective barrier to sodium migration. In Beam Lead Sealed ,unction (BLSJ) devices, the silicon nitride seals the devices from sodium and

Storage Reliability of Missile Materiel Program. Storage Reliability Analysis Summary Report. Volume 1. Electrical and Electronic Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

silicon nitride seals the devices from sodium and since the platinum silicide and titanium metals also offer very low mobility to the alkaline ions, the...of bipolar devices. These materials act as gettering agents for sodium ions, thus making the contamination far less mobile. The stability of the...parameter instability. Silicon nitride has been shown to be an effective barrier to sodium migration. In Beam Lead Sealed Junction (BLSJ) devices, the

Integration of Model-Based Estimation Theory With an Adaptive Finite Volume Method for the Detection of a Moving Gaseous Source via a Mobile Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-29

couples the estimation scheme with the computational scheme, using one to enhance the other. Numerically, this switching changes several of the matrices...2011. 11. M.A. Demetriou, Enforcing and enhancing consensus of spatially distributed filters utilizing mobile sensor networks, Proceedings of the 49th...expected May, 2012. References [1] J. H. Seinfeld and S. N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change. New York

Separation of VX, RVX and GB Enantiomers Using Liquid ChromatographyTime-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Torrance, CA). The mobile phase consisted of n - hexane (A) and isopropyl alcohol (B), and sample volume was 10 µL. Separation was achieved using...level for preparative separation. All reagents and solvents were high-performance LC grade. Hexane and isopropyl alcohol were purchased from Fisher...1 column and normal-phase LC were used with a mobile phase of 96/4 (v/v %) hexane /isopropyl alcohol at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The enantiomers

Bibliography on Cold Regions Science and Technology, Volume 45, Part 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

waters Aceysa-Saborlo, S.M. peat soils (1 99 0, p.88-97, eng1 45-3051 E1 988 , p.35-41, engj 45-3339 Evaporator analysis for aplication to.- water...uniaxial compression E1 99 0 , p.83-90, Effects of free water content of snow on mobility of rubber 45-2036 nix1 45-2894 tired vehicles: a preliminary...CREEL Environmental and Societal Consequences of a Possible Physical-chemical approach to the classification of frozen shallow snow mobility model t1

A Multi-institutional Clinical Trial of Rectal Dose Reduction via Injected Polyethylene-Glycol Hydrogel During Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Analysis of Dosimetric Outcomes

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

Song, Danny Y., E-mail: dsong2@jhmi.edu; Herfarth, Klaus K.; Uhl, Matthias

2013-09-01

Purpose: To characterize the effect of a prostate-rectum spacer on dose to rectum during external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer and to assess for factors correlated with rectal dose reduction. Methods and Materials: Fifty-two patients at 4 institutions were enrolled into a prospective pilot clinical trial. Patients underwent baseline scans and then were injected with perirectal spacing hydrogel and rescanned. Intensity modulated radiation therapy plans were created on both scans for comparison. The objectives were to establish rates of creation of ≥7.5 mm of prostate-rectal separation, and decrease in rectal V70 of ≥25%. Multiple regression analysis was performed tomore » evaluate the associations between preinjection and postinjection changes in rectal V70 and changes in plan conformity, rectal volume, bladder volume, bladder V70, planning target volume (PTV), and postinjection midgland separation, gel volume, gel thickness, length of PTV/gel contact, and gel left-to-right symmetry. Results: Hydrogel resulted in ≥7.5-mm prostate-rectal separation in 95.8% of patients; 95.7% had decreased rectal V70 of ≥25%, with a mean reduction of 8.0 Gy. There were no significant differences in preinjection and postinjection prostate, PTV, rectal, and bladder volumes. Plan conformities were significantly different before versus after injection (P=.02); plans with worse conformity indexes after injection compared with before injection (n=13) still had improvements in rectal V70. In multiple regression analysis, greater postinjection reduction in V70 was associated with decreased relative postinjection plan conformity (P=.01). Reductions in V70 did not significantly vary by institution, despite significant interinstitutional variations in plan conformity. There were no significant relationships between reduction in V70 and the other characteristics analyzed. Conclusions: Injection of hydrogel into the prostate-rectal interface resulted in dose reductions to rectum for >90% of patients treated. Rectal sparing was statistically significant across a range of 10 to 75 Gy and was demonstrated within the presence of significant interinstitutional variability in plan conformity, target definitions, and injection results.« less

Rationale for the development and the mechanism of action of endoscopic thermal vapor ablation (InterVapor) for the treatment of emphysema.

PubMed

Kesten, Steven; Anderson, Joseph C; Tuck, Stephanie A

2012-07-01

Emphysema remains a disabling disease despite current treatment. Novel approaches to the underlying physiological abnormalities responsible for symptom generation are warranted. A review of current hypotheses and preclinical and clinical data on the utility of endoscopic thermal vapor ablation (InterVapor) in the treatment of emphysema. In animal studies, thermal energy in the form of heated water vapor both in healthy and in papain-induced emphysema in dogs and sheep leads to an inflammatory response followed by healing with airway and parenchymal fibrosis. The fibrosis and associated distal atelectasis result in volume reduction. The amount of thermal energy delivered has been based on the amount of target tissue mass determined from a high-resolution computed tomogram. Early human studies indicated the feasibility of InterVapor with 5 cal/g tissue; however, the dose appeared insufficient to induce lobar volume reduction. A study using 10 cal/g to 1 upper lobe (n=44) induced a mean of 46% lobar volume reduction at 12 months along with significant improvements in the physiology and health outcomes. InterVapor induces lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema. The mechanism of action is through a thermally induced inflammatory response followed by healing with subsequent remodeling of tissue (fibrosis and distal atelectasis).

Quantitative measurement of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction by multidetector CT in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

PubMed

Bahadir, Osman; Kosucu, Polat

2012-12-01

To objectively assess the efficacy of radiofrequency thermal ablation of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Thirty-five patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively enrolled. Radiofrequency energy was delivered to four sites in each inferior turbinate. Patients were evaluated before and 8 weeks after intervention. Subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and objective evaluation of the turbinate volume reduction was calculated using multidetector CT. Volumetric measurements of the preoperative inferior turbinate were compared with postoperative values on both sides. The great majority of patients (91.4%) exhibited subjective postoperative improvement. Mean obstruction (VAS) improved significantly from 7.45±1.48 to 3.54±1.96. Significant turbinate volume reduction was achieved by the surgery on both right and left sides [(preoperative vs. postoperative, right: 6.55±1.62cm(3) vs. 5.10±1.47cm(3), (P<0.01); left: 6.72±1.53cm(3) vs. 5.00±1.37cm(3), (P<0.01)] respectively. Radiofrequency is a safe and effective surgical procedure in reducing turbinate volume in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Multidetector CT is an objective method of assessment in detecting radiofrequency turbinate volume reduction. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Glomerular loss after arteriovenous and arterial clamping for renal warm ischemia in a swine model.

PubMed

Bechara, Gustavo Ruschi; Damasceno-Ferreira, José Aurelino; Abreu, Leonardo Albuquerque Dos Santos; Costa, Waldemar Silva; Sampaio, Francisco José Barcellos; Pereira-Sampaio, Marco Aurélio; Souza, Diogo Benchimol De

2016-11-01

To evaluate the glomerular loss after arteriovenous or arterial warm ischemia in a swine model. Twenty four pigs were divided into Group Sham (submitted to all surgical steps except the renal ischemia), Group AV (submitted to 30 minutes of warm ischemia by arteriovenous clamping of left kidney vessels), and Group A (submitted to 30 minutes of ischemia by arterial clamping). Right kidneys were used as controls. Weigh, volume, cortical volume, glomerular volumetric density (Vv[Glom]), volume-weighted glomerular volume (VWGV), and the total number of glomeruli were measured for each organ. Group AV showed a 24.5% reduction in its left kidney Vv[Glom] and a 25.4% reduction in the VWGV, when compared to the right kidney. Reductions were also observed when compared to kidneys of sham group. There was a reduction of 19.2% in the total number of glomeruli in AV kidneys. No difference was observed in any parameters analyzed on the left kidneys from group A. Renal warm ischemia of 30 minutes by arterial clamping did not caused significant glomerular damage, but arteriovenous clamping caused significant glomerular loss in a swine model. Clamping only the renal artery should be considered to minimize renal injury after partial nephrectomies.

ICT and mobile health to improve clinical process delivery. a research project for therapy management process innovation.

PubMed

Locatelli, Paolo; Montefusco, Vittorio; Sini, Elena; Restifo, Nicola; Facchini, Roberta; Torresani, Michele

2013-01-01

The volume and the complexity of clinical and administrative information make Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) essential for running and innovating healthcare. This paper tells about a project aimed to design, develop and implement a set of organizational models, acknowledged procedures and ICT tools (Mobile & Wireless solutions and Automatic Identification and Data Capture technologies) to improve actual support, safety, reliability and traceability of a specific therapy management (stem cells). The value of the project is to design a solution based on mobile and identification technology in tight collaboration with physicians and actors involved in the process to ensure usability and effectivenes in process management.

Trellis coding with Continuous Phase Modulation (CPM) for satellite-based land-mobile communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

This volume of the final report summarizes the results of our studies on the satellite-based mobile communications project. It includes: a detailed analysis, design, and simulations of trellis coded, full/partial response CPM signals with/without interleaving over various Rician fading channels; analysis and simulation of computational cutoff rates for coherent, noncoherent, and differential detection of CPM signals; optimization of the complete transmission system; analysis and simulation of power spectrum of the CPM signals; design and development of a class of Doppler frequency shift estimators; design and development of a symbol timing recovery circuit; and breadboard implementation of the transmission system. Studies prove the suitability of the CPM system for mobile communications.

Pediatric mandibular fractures treated by rigid internal fixation.

PubMed

Wong, G B

1993-09-01

Mandibular fractures in the pediatric patient population are relatively uncommon. These patients present with their own unique treatment requirements. Most fractures have been treated conservatively by dental splints. Closed reduction techniques with maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) in very young children can pose several concerns, including cooperation, compliance and adequate nutritional intake. Rigid internal fixation of unstable mandibular fractures using miniplates and screws circumvents the need for MMF and allows immediate jaw mobilization. At major pediatric trauma institutions, there has been an increasing trend toward the use of this treatment when open reduction is necessary. This article presents a report of a five-year-old child who presented with bilateral mandibular fractures and was treated by rigid internal fixation and immediate mandibular mobilization.

Third International Workshop on Ion Mobility Spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, John H. (Editor)

1995-01-01

Basic research in ion mobility spectrometry has given rise to rapid advancement in hardware development and applications. The Third International Workshop on Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) was held October 16-19, 1994, at Johnson Space Center to provide a forum for investigators to present the most recent results of both basic and applied IMS research. Presenters included manufacturers and various users, including military research organizations and drug enforcement agencies. Thirty papers were given in the following five sessions: Fundamental IMS Studies, Instrument Development, Hyphenated IMS Techniques, Applications, and Data Reduction and Signal Processing. Advances in hardware development, software development, and user applications are described.

Ten Studies Pertaining to Residence, Mobility, and School Attendance Patterns of Discrete Black and Mexican American Populations in Tucson, Arizona, Between 1918 and 1976. Volume II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bockman, John F.

Volume II contains the substance of five studies originally filed with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona in the cases of "Fisher v. Lohr" and "Mendoza v. Tucson School District No. 1." Study VI examines the migration of Spanish-surnamed households from Tucson's south and west sides to the east side…

Task Descriptions in Diagnostic Radiology. Research Report No. 7. Volume 3, Machine-Related, Patient Care and Administrative Tasks: What Radiologists, Technologists, Nurses and Physicists Do to Run Things and Look After Patients and Equipment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilpatrick, Eleanor

The third of four volumes in Research Report No. 7 of the Health Services Mobility Study (HSMS), this book contains 149 diagnostic radiologist task descriptions that cover activities in the area of nursing (patient care), film processing, quality assurance, radiation protection, machine maintenance, housekeeping, and administration at the…

A mass-balanced definition of corrected retention volume in gas chromatography.

PubMed

Kurganov, A

2007-05-25

The mass balance equation of a chromatographic system using a compressible moving phase has been compiled for mass flow of the mobile phase instead of traditional volumetric flow allowing solution of the equation in an analytical form. The relation obtained correlates retention volume measured under ambient conditions with the partition coefficient of the solute. Compared to the relation in the ideal chromatographic system the equation derived contains an additional correction term accounting for the compressibility of the moving phase. When the retention volume is measured under the mean column pressure and column temperature the correction term is reduced to unit and the relation is simplified to those known for the ideal system. This volume according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is called the corrected retention volume.

The Effect of Microstructure and Pre-strain on the Change in Apparent Young's Modulus of a Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kupke, A.; Hodgson, P. D.; Weiss, M.

2017-07-01

The elastic recovery in dual-phase (DP) steels is not a linear process and changes with plastic deformation. The level of change in the apparent Young's modulus has been reported to depend on material composition and microstructure, but most previous experimental studies were limited to industrial DP steels and led to contradicting results. This work represents a first fundamental study that investigates the separate and combined effect of phase volume fraction and hardness on the change in apparent Young's modulus in DP steel. A common automotive DP steel (DP780) is heat treated to obtain seven different combinations of martensite and ferrite volume fraction and hardness while keeping the chemical composition as well as the shape of the martensite and ferrite phases unchanged. Loading-unloading tests were performed to analyze the chord modulus at various levels of pre-strain. The results suggest that the point of saturation of the chord modulus with pre-strain depends on the morphology of the microstructure, occurring earlier for microstructures consisting of ferrite grains surrounded by martensite laths. It is further revealed that the reduction of the apparent Young's modulus, which is the difference between the material's initial Young's modulus and the chord modulus, increases with martensite hardness if the martensite volume fraction is kept constant. A higher martensite volume fraction initially elevates the reduction of the apparent Young's modulus. After a critical volume fraction of martensite phase of 35%, a decrease in apparent Young's modulus reduction was observed. A comparison of the plastic unloading strain suggests that the mechanisms leading to a reduction in apparent Young's modulus are strongest for the microstructure consisting of 35% martensite volume fraction.

Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation: Best Practice Recommendations from an Expert Panel on Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction.

PubMed

Gompelmann, Daniela; Shah, Pallav L; Valipour, Arschang; Herth, Felix J F

2018-06-12

Bronchoscopic thermal vapor ablation (BTVA) represents one of the endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) techniques that aims at hyperinflation reduction in patients with advanced emphysema to improve respiratory mechanics. By targeted segmental vapor ablation, an inflammatory response leads to tissue and volume reduction of the most diseased emphysematous segments. So far, BTVA has been demonstrated in several single-arm trials and 1 multinational randomized controlled trial to improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with upper lobe-predominant emphysema irrespective of the collateral ventilation. In this review, we emphasize the practical aspects of this ELVR method. Patients with upper lobe-predominant emphysema, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between 20 and 45% of predicted, residual volume (RV) > 175% of predicted, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) ≥20% of predicted can be considered for BTVA treatment. Prior to the procedure, a special software assists in identifying the target segments with the highest emphysema index, volume and the highest heterogeneity index to the untreated ipsilateral lung lobes. The procedure may be performed under deep sedation or preferably under general anesthesia. After positioning of the BTVA catheter and occlusion of the target segment by the occlusion balloon, heated water vapor is delivered in a predetermined specified time according to the vapor dose. After the procedure, patients should be strictly monitored to proactively detect symptoms of localized inflammatory reaction that may temporarily worsen the clinical status of the patient and to detect complications. As the data are still very limited, BTVA should be performed within clinical trials or comprehensive registries where the product is commercially available. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Willingness to use mobile application for smartphone for improving road safety.

PubMed

Cardamone, Angelo Stephen; Eboli, Laura; Forciniti, Carmen; Mazzulla, Gabriella

2016-01-01

In the last few years mobile devices have reached a large amount of consumers in both developed and high-growth world economies. In 2013, 97% of the Italian population owns a mobile phone, and 62% owns a smartphone. Application software for mobile devices is largely proposed to consumers, and several mobile applications were oriented toward the improvement of road safety and road accident risk reduction. In this paper, we describe the results of a survey oriented to preventively investigate on the willingness to receive and/or to give information about road condition by means of mobile devices. Road users were informed about the characteristics of a mobile application, and then they were invited to complete a questionnaire. Experimental data were used for capturing road user attitudes toward the use of the smartphone to improve road safety, and to establish the preferences for the different features of the proposed mobile application. To this end, we choose to use the ordered probit model methodology. We demonstrate that the adopted methodology accounts for the differential impacts of the willingness to receive and/or to give information about road conditions on the overall willingness to receive and/or to give information through an application software for mobile devices.

Environmental Technology Verification: Test Report of Mobile Source Selective Catalytic Reduction--Nett Technologies, Inc., BlueMAX 100 version A urea-based selective catalytic reduction technology

EPA Science Inventory

Nett Technologies’ BlueMAX 100 version A Urea-Based SCR System utilizes a zeolite catalyst coating on a cordierite honeycomb substrate for heavy-duty diesel nonroad engines for use with commercial ultra-low–sulfur diesel fuel. This environmental technology verification (ETV) repo...

Applicability of the Remote Mobile Emplacement Package (RMEP) design as a mobility aid for proposed post-84 Mars missions, phase O

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The results of study to determine the applicability of the Remote Mobile Emplacement Package (RMEP) design concept as a mobility aid for the proposed post-'84 Mars missions are presented. The RMEP wheel and mobility subsystem parameters: wheel tire size, weight, stowed volume, and environmental effects; obstacle negotiation; reliability and wear; motor and drive train; and electrical power demand were reviewed. Results indicated that: (1) the basic RMEP wheel design would be satisfactory, with additional attention to heating, side loading, tread wear and ultraviolet radiation protection; (2) motor and drive train power requirements on Mars would be less than on Earth; and (3) the mobility electrical power requirements would be small enough to offer the option of operating the Mars mini rover untethered. Payload power required for certain sampling functions would preclude the use of battery power for these missions. Hazard avoidance and reverse direction maneuvers are discussed. Limited examination of vehicle payload integration and thermal design was made, pending establishment of a baseline vehicle/payload design.

Absence of gender effect on amygdala volume in temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Silva, Ivaldo; Lin, Katia; Jackowski, Andrea P; Centeno, Ricardo da Silva; Pinto, Magali L; Carrete, Henrique; Yacubian, Elza M; Amado, Débora

2010-11-01

Sexual dimorphism has already been described in temporal lobe epilepsy with mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE-MTS). This study evaluated the effect of gender on amygdala volume in patients with TLE-MTS. One hundred twenty-four patients with refractory unilateral or bilateral TLE-MTS who were being considered for epilepsy surgery underwent a comprehensive presurgical evaluation and MRI. Amygdalas of 67 women (27 with right; 32 with left, and 8 with bilateral TLE) and 57 men (22 with right, 30 with left, and 5 with bilateral TLE) were manually segmented. Significant ipsilateral amygdala volume reduction was observed for patients with right and left TLE. No gender effect on amygdala volume was observed. Contralateral amygdalar asymmetry was observed for patients with right and left TLE. Although no gender effect was observed on amygdala volume, ipsilateral amygdala volume reductions in patients with TLE might be related to differential rates of cerebral maturation between hemispheres. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theoretical study of the partial molar volume change associated with the pressure-induced structural transition of ubiquitin

PubMed Central

Imai, Takashi; Ohyama, Shusaku; Kovalenko, Andriy; Hirata, Fumio

2007-01-01

The partial molar volume (PMV) change associated with the pressure-induced structural transition of ubiquitin is analyzed by the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) theory of molecular solvation. The theory predicts that the PMV decreases upon the structural transition, which is consistent with the experimental observation. The volume decomposition analysis demonstrates that the PMV reduction is primarily caused by the decrease in the volume of structural voids in the protein, which is partially canceled by the volume expansion due to the hydration effects. It is found from further analysis that the PMV reduction is ascribed substantially to the penetration of water molecules into a specific part of the protein. Based on the thermodynamic relation, this result implies that the water penetration causes the pressure-induced structural transition. It supports the water penetration model of pressure denaturation of proteins proposed earlier. PMID:17660257

Theoretical study of the partial molar volume change associated with the pressure-induced structural transition of ubiquitin.

PubMed

Imai, Takashi; Ohyama, Shusaku; Kovalenko, Andriy; Hirata, Fumio

2007-09-01

The partial molar volume (PMV) change associated with the pressure-induced structural transition of ubiquitin is analyzed by the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) theory of molecular solvation. The theory predicts that the PMV decreases upon the structural transition, which is consistent with the experimental observation. The volume decomposition analysis demonstrates that the PMV reduction is primarily caused by the decrease in the volume of structural voids in the protein, which is partially canceled by the volume expansion due to the hydration effects. It is found from further analysis that the PMV reduction is ascribed substantially to the penetration of water molecules into a specific part of the protein. Based on the thermodynamic relation, this result implies that the water penetration causes the pressure-induced structural transition. It supports the water penetration model of pressure denaturation of proteins proposed earlier.

Combined effects of mobile phase composition and temperature on the retention of phenolic antioxidants on an octylsilica polydentate column.

PubMed

Jandera, Pavel; Vyňuchalová, Kateřina; Nečilová, Kateřina

2013-11-22

Combined effects of temperature and mobile-phase composition on retention and separation selectivity of phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds were studied in liquid chromatography on a polydentate Blaze C8 silica based column. The temperature effects on the retention can be described by van't Hoff equation. Good linearity of lnk versus 1/T graphs indicates that the retention is controlled by a single mechanism in the mobile phase and temperature range studied. Enthalpic and entropic contributions to the retention were calculated from the regression lines. Generally, enthalpic contributions control the retention at lower temperatures and in mobile phases with lower concentrations of methanol in water. Semi-empirical retention models describe the simultaneous effects of temperature and the volume fraction of the organic solvent in the mobile phase. Using the linear free energy-retention model, selective dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen-bond donor, hydrogen-bond acceptor and molecular size contributions to retention were estimated at various mobile phase compositions and temperatures. In addition to mobile phase gradients, temperature programming can be used to reduce separation times. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coulombic interactions on the deposition and rotational mobility distributions of dyes in polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films.

PubMed

Li, Ye; Yip, Wai Tak

2004-12-07

We employed negatively charged fluorescein (FL), positively charged rhodamine 6G (R6G), and neutral Nile Red (NR) as molecular probes to investigate the influence of Coulombic interaction on their deposition into and rotational mobility inside polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films. The entrapment efficiency of the dyes reveals that while Coulombic repulsion has little effect on dye deposition, Coulombic attraction can dramatically enhance the loading efficiency of dyes into a PEM film. By monitoring the emission polarization of single dye molecules in polyethylenimine (PEI) films, the percentages of mobile R6G, NR, and FL were determined to be 87 +/- 4%, 76 +/- 5%, and 68 +/- 3%, respectively. These mobility distributions suggest that cationic R6G enjoys the highest degree of rotational freedom, whereas anionic FL shows the least mobility because of Coulombic attraction toward cationic PEI. Regardless of charges, this high percentage of mobile molecules is in stark contrast to the 5-40% probe mobility reported from spun-cast polymer films, indicating that our PEI films contain more free volume and display richer polymer dynamics. These observations demonstrate the potential of using isolated fluorescent probes to interrogate the internal structure of a PEM film at a microscopic level.

A survey study of the association between mobile phone use and daytime sleepiness in California high school students.

PubMed

Nathan, Nila; Zeitzer, Jamie

2013-09-12

Mobile phone use is near ubiquitous in teenagers. Paralleling the rise in mobile phone use is an equally rapid decline in the amount of time teenagers are spending asleep at night. Prior research indicates that there might be a relationship between daytime sleepiness and nocturnal mobile phone use in teenagers in a variety of countries. As such, the aim of this study was to see if there was an association between mobile phone use, especially at night, and sleepiness in a group of U.S. teenagers. A questionnaire containing an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) modified for use in teens and questions about qualitative and quantitative use of the mobile phone was completed by students attending Mountain View High School in Mountain View, California (n = 211). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that ESS score was significantly associated with being female, feeling a need to be accessible by mobile phone all of the time, and a past attempt to reduce mobile phone use. The number of daily texts or phone calls was not directly associated with ESS. Those individuals who felt they needed to be accessible and those who had attempted to reduce mobile phone use were also ones who stayed up later to use the mobile phone and were awakened more often at night by the mobile phone. The relationship between daytime sleepiness and mobile phone use was not directly related to the volume of texting but may be related to the temporal pattern of mobile phone use.

A survey study of the association between mobile phone use and daytime sleepiness in California high school students

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Mobile phone use is near ubiquitous in teenagers. Paralleling the rise in mobile phone use is an equally rapid decline in the amount of time teenagers are spending asleep at night. Prior research indicates that there might be a relationship between daytime sleepiness and nocturnal mobile phone use in teenagers in a variety of countries. As such, the aim of this study was to see if there was an association between mobile phone use, especially at night, and sleepiness in a group of U.S. teenagers. Methods A questionnaire containing an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) modified for use in teens and questions about qualitative and quantitative use of the mobile phone was completed by students attending Mountain View High School in Mountain View, California (n = 211). Results Multivariate regression analysis indicated that ESS score was significantly associated with being female, feeling a need to be accessible by mobile phone all of the time, and a past attempt to reduce mobile phone use. The number of daily texts or phone calls was not directly associated with ESS. Those individuals who felt they needed to be accessible and those who had attempted to reduce mobile phone use were also ones who stayed up later to use the mobile phone and were awakened more often at night by the mobile phone. Conclusions The relationship between daytime sleepiness and mobile phone use was not directly related to the volume of texting but may be related to the temporal pattern of mobile phone use. PMID:24028604

Group differences in anterior hippocampal volume and in the retrieval of spatial and temporal context memory in healthy young versus older adults.

PubMed

Rajah, M Natasha; Kromas, Michelle; Han, Jung Eun; Pruessner, Jens C

2010-12-01

The ability to retrieve temporal and spatial context information from memory declines with healthy aging. The hippocampus (HC) has been shown to be associated with successful encoding and retrieval of spatio-temporal context, versus item recognition information (Davachi, Mitchell, & Wagner, 2003; Nadel, Samsonovich, Ryan, & Moscovitch, 2000; Ross & Slotnick, 2008). Aging has been linked to volume reduction in the HC (Bouchard, Malykhin, Martin, Hanstock, Emery, Fisher, & Camicioli, 2008; Malykhin, Bouchard, Camicioli, & Coupland, 2008; Raz et al., 2005). As such, age-associated reductions in anterior HC volume may contribute to the context memory deficits observed in older adults. In the current MRI study we investigated whether item recognition, spatial context and temporal context memory performance would be predicted by regional volumes in HC head (HH), body (HB) and tail (HT) volumes, using within group multiple regression analyses in a sample of 19 healthy young (mean age 24.3) and 20 older adults (mean age 67.7). We further examined between age-group differences in the volumes of the same HC sub-regions. Multiple regression analyses revealed that in younger adults both spatial and temporal context retrieval performance was predicted by anterior HC volume. Older age was associated with significant volume reductions in HH and HB, but not HT; and with reduced ability to retrieve spatial and temporal contextual details from episodic memory. However, HC volumes did not predict context retrieval performance in older adults. We conclude that individual differences in anterior, not posterior, HC volumes predict context memory performance in young adults. With age there may be a posterior-to-anterior shift from using HC-related processes, due to HC volume loss, to employing the prefrontal cortex to aid in the performance of cognitively demanding context memory tasks. However, due to concomitant changes in the prefrontal system with age, there are limits to compensation in the aging brain. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of laparotomy and external fixator stabilization on pelvic volume in an unstable pelvic injury.

PubMed

Ghanayem, A J; Wilber, J H; Lieberman, J M; Motta, A O

1995-03-01

Determine if laparotomy further destabilizes an unstable pelvic injury and increases pelvic volume, and if reduction and stabilization restores pelvic volume and prevents volume changes secondary to laparotomy. Cadaveric pelvic fracture model. Unilateral open-book pelvic ring injuries were created in five fresh cadaveric specimens by directly disrupting the pubic symphysis, left sacroliac joint, and sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments. Pelvic volume was determined using computerized axial tomography for the intact pelvis, disrupted pelvis with both a laparotomy incision opened and closed, and disrupted pelvis stabilized and reduced using an external fixator with the laparotomy incision opened. The average volume increase in the entire pelvis (from the top of the iliac crests to the bottom of the ischial tuberosities) between a nonstabilized injury with the abdomen closed and then subsequently opened was 15 +/- 5% (423 cc). The average increase in entire pelvic volume between a stabilized and reduced pelvis and nonstabilized pelvis, both with the abdomen open, was 26 +/- 5% (692 cc). The public diastasis increased from 3.9 to 9.3 cm in a nonstabilized pelvis with the abdomen closed and then subsequently opened. Application of a single-pin anterior-frame external fixator reduced the pubic diastasis anatomically and reduced the average entire and true (from the pelvic brim to the ischeal tuberosities) pelvic volumes to within 3 +/- 4 and 8 +/- 6% of the initial volume, respectively. We believe that the abdominal wall provides stability to an unstable pelvic ring injury via a tension band effect on the iliac wings. Our results demonstrate that a laparotomy further destabilized an open-book pelvic injury and subsequently increased pelvic volume and pubic diastasis. This could potentially increase blood loss from the pelvic injury and delay the tamponade effect of reduction and stabilization. A single-pin external fixator prevents the destabilizing effect of the laparotomy and effectively reduces pelvic volume. These data support reduction and temporary stabilization of unstable pelvic injuries before or concomitantly with laparotomy.

Stochastic Vehicle Mobility Forecasts Using the NATO Reference Mobility Model. Report 1. Basic Concepts and Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

operations and feports, III )"NeforDvis, Highway uteI24, Arigt’on VA r ?0.3 anto the Offfice of Management and Bludgeti. Paflerwork Reduction Project (0704.0...variables jaw*" 50P* (S/ M1 / ir5 (IMMw / M1 / a 0,06.-O 001 324 Table 4 Coniectured Statistical Attributes of Parameters Selected for the Error

PRIVACYGRID: Supporting Anonymous Location Queries in Mobile Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

continued price reduction of location tracking de- vices, location - based services (LBSs) are widely recognized as an important feature of the future computing... location - based services can operate completely anonymously, such as “when I pass a gas station, alert me with the unit price of the gas”. Others can...Anonymous Usage of Location - Based Services Through Spatial and Tempo- ral Cloaking. In Proceedings of the International Con- ference on Mobile

Damage buildup and edge dislocation mobility in equiatomic multicomponent alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granberg, F.; Djurabekova, F.; Levo, E.; Nordlund, K.

2017-02-01

A new class of single phase metal alloys of equal atomic concentrations has shown very promising mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. Moreover, a significant reduction in damage accumulation during prolonged irradiation has also been observed in these equiatomic multicomponent alloys. A comparison of elemental Ni with the two component NiFe- and the three component NiCoCr-alloy showed a substantial reduction in damage in both alloys, and an even larger difference was seen if only larger clusters were considered. One of the factors limiting the damage build-up in the alloys compared to the elemental material was seen to be dislocation mobility (Granberg et al., 2016). In this Article, we focus on a more thorough investigation of the mobility of edge dislocations in different cases of the Ni-, NiFe- and NiCoCr-samples. We find that even though the saturated amount of defects in the alloys is lower than in elemental Ni, the defect buildup in the early stages is faster in the alloys. We also find that the dislocation mobility in NiFe is lower than in Ni, at low stresses, and that the onset stress in NiFe is higher than in Ni. The same phenomenon was seen in comparison between NiFe and NiCoCr, since the three component alloy had lower dislocation mobility and higher onset stress. The dislocation velocity in elemental Ni plateaued out just under the forbidden velocity, whereas the alloys showed a more complex behaviour.

Interstate 64 traffic response assessment : staff summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

An evaluation was conducted of the implemented mobility strategy on the New I-64 : construction project. This construction project will improve more than 10 miles of an : urban Interstate that carries daily traffic volumes approaching 170,000 vehicle...

Height-related growth declines in ponderosa pine are not due to carbon limitation.

PubMed

Sala, Anna; Hoch, Günter

2009-01-01

Decreased gas exchange as trees grow tall has been proposed to explain age-related growth declines in trees. We examined changes of mobile carbon stores (starch, sugars and lipids) with tree height in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) at two sites differing in water availability, and tested the following hypotheses: (1) carbon supply does not become increasingly limited as trees grow tall; rather, the concentration of mobile carbon compounds increases with tree height reflecting greater reductions of carbon sink activities relative to carbon assimilation; and (2) increases of stored mobile carbon compounds with tree height are greater in drier sites. Height-related growth reductions were associated with significant increases of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and lipid concentrations in all tissues in the upper canopy and of NSC in the bole. Lipid concentrations in the bole decreased with tree height, but such decrease is not necessarily inconsistent with non-limiting carbon supply in tall trees. Furthermore, we found stronger increases of mobile carbon stores with tree height at the dry site relative to the moist site. Our results provide first direct evidence that carbon supply does not limit growth in tall trees and that decreases of water availability might negatively impact growth processes more than net-photosynthesis.

[Policies for the promotion of sustainable mobility and the reduction of traffic-related air pollution in the cities participating in the EpiAir2 project].

PubMed

Di Lonardo, Sara; Nuvolone, Daniela; Forastiere, Francesco; Cadum, Ennio; Barchielli, Alessandro

2013-01-01

to describe transport policies adopted in recent years (2006-2010) by some Italian municipalities and their effectiveness. survey data refer to fifteen cities participating in the EpiAir2 project: Torino, Milano, Venezia, Bologna, Firenze, Pisa, Roma, Taranto, Palermo, Cagliari, Trieste, Genova, Ancona, Napoli, and Bari. this survey revealed strengths and weaknesses of the way in which these Italian cities address the promotion of sustainable mobility. As a general rule, the vehicle fleets have been renewed with a reduction of old-emission-standard vehicles. Italian cities reported a considerable delay in the development of underground and tram systems, and suburban rail networks, compared to other European urban areas. Regarding other aspects of urban mobility (supply/demand for public transport, low traffic and pedestrian zones, bike paths, car and bike sharing), this survey highlighted a great heterogeneity among Italian cities. differences between Italian cities are partly explained by structural and cultural features and also by local governance, specifically the political capability to design and adopt effective policies concerning urban transportation systems and their environmental impact. Various and fragmented initiatives are signs that Italy has not formulated a comprehensive and integrated strategy about sustainable mobility in urban areas yet.

Effect of Oxalic Acid Treatment on Sediment Arsenic Concentrations and Lability under Reducing Conditions

PubMed Central

Sun, Jing; Bostick, Benjamin C.; Mailloux, Brian J.; Ross, James M.; Chillrud, Steven N.

2016-01-01

Oxalic acid enhances arsenic (As) mobilization by dissolving As host minerals and competing for sorption sites. Oxalic acid amendments thus could potentially improve the efficiency of widely used pump-and-treat (P&T) remediation. This study investigates the effectiveness of oxalic acid on As mobilization from contaminated sediments with different As input sources and redox conditions, and examines whether residual sediment As after oxalic acid treatment can still be reductively mobilized. Batch extraction, column, and microcosm experiments were performed in the laboratory using sediments from the Dover Municipal Landfill and the Vineland Chemical Company Superfund sites. Oxalic acid mobilized As from both Dover and Vineland sediments, although the efficiency rates were different. The residual As in both Dover and Vineland sediments after oxalic acid treatment was less vulnerable to microbial reduction than before the treatment. Oxalic acid could thus improve the efficiency of P&T. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis indicated that the Vineland sediment samples still contained reactive Fe(III) minerals after oxalic acid treatment, and thus released more As into solution under reducing conditions than the Dover samples. Therefore, the efficacy of P&T must consider sediment Fe mineralogy when evaluating its overall potential for remediating groundwater As. PMID:26970042

Potentiometric assessment of iron release during ferritin reduction by exogenous agents.

PubMed

Vladimirova, Lilia S; Kochev, Valery K

2010-09-01

This work studied the possibilities for quantitative determination of iron mobilization in connection with ferritin reduction by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and sodium dithionite in vitro. The iron storage protein was incubated with an excess of reductant in aerobic conditions in the absence of complexing agents in the medium. The release of Fe(2+) was let to go to completion, and the overall content of Fe(2+) in the solution was evaluated with the aid of potentiometric titration using Ce(4+) as an oxidizing titrant. Results suggest a moderate iron efflux under the influence of the chosen reducing agents. Although such a reduction of the protein mineral core by dihydroxyfumarate contributes greatly to the iron mobilization, ferritin behavior with vitamin C and dithionite seems to be different. Although redox properties of dihydroxyfumarate are determined by hydroxyl groups similar to those of ascorbic acid, the two compounds differ significantly in structure, and this could be the basis for an explanation of the specificities in their interaction with ferritin. As revealed by the study, potentiometric titration promises to be a reliable tool for evaluation of the amount of Fe(2+) present in the solution as a result of the reduction of the ferritin's mineral core. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of nifedipine and captopril on vascular capacitance of ganglion-blocked anesthetized dogs.

PubMed

Ogilvie, R I; Zborowska-Sluis, D

1990-03-01

The hemodynamic effects of nifedipine and captopril at doses producing similar reductions in arterial pressure were studied in pentobarbital-anesthetized ventilated dogs after splenectomy during ganglion blockade with hexamethonium. Mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) was determined during transient circulatory arrest induced by acetylcholine at baseline circulating blood volumes and after increases of 5 and 10 mL/kg. Central blood volumes (pulmonary artery to aortic root) were determined from transit times, and separately determined cardiac outputs (right atrium to pulmonary artery) were estimated by thermodilution. Nifedipine (n = 5) increased Pmcf at all circulating blood volumes and reduced total vascular capacitance without a change in total vascular compliance. Central blood volume, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output were increased with induced increases in circulating blood volume. In contrast, captopril (n = 5) did not alter total vascular capacitance, central blood volume, right atrial pressure, or cardiac output at baseline or with increased circulating volume. Thus, at doses producing similar reductions in arterial pressure, nifedipine but not captopril increased venous return and cardiac output in ganglion-blocked dogs.

Normal expiratory flow rate and lung volumes in patients with combined emphysema and interstitial lung disease: a case series and literature review.

PubMed

Heathcote, Karen L; Cockcroft, Donald W; Fladeland, Derek A; Fenton, Mark E

2011-01-01

Pulmonary function tests in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis characteristically show a restrictive pattern including small lung volumes and increased expiratory flow rates resulting from a reduction in pulmonary compliance due to diffuse fibrosis. Conversely, an obstructive pattern with hyperinflation results in emphysema by loss of elastic recoil, expiratory collapse of the peripheral airways and air trapping. When the diseases coexist, pulmonary volumes are compensated, and a smaller than expected reduction or even normal lung volumes can be found. The present report describes 10 patients with progressive breathlessness, three of whom experienced severe limitation in their quality of life. All patients showed lung interstitial involvement and emphysema on computed tomography scan of the chest. The 10 patients showed normal spirometry and lung volumes with severe compromise of gas exchange. Normal lung volumes do not exclude diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in patients with concomitant emphysema. The relatively preserved lung volumes may underestimate the severity of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and attenuate its effects on lung function parameters.

Physiologic mechanisms of circulatory and body fluid losses in weightlessness identified by mathematical modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simanonok, K. E.; Srinivasan, R. S.; Charles, J. B.

1993-01-01

Central volume expansion due to fluid shifts in weightlessness is believed to activate adaptive reflexes which ultimately result in a reduction of the total circulating blood volume. However, the flight data suggests that a central volume overdistention does not persist, in which case some other factor or factors must be responsible for body fluid losses. We used a computer simulation to test the hypothesis that factors other than central volume overdistention are involved in the loss of blood volume and other body fluid volumes observed in weightlessness and in weightless simulations. Additionally, the simulation was used to identify these factors. The results predict that atrial volumes and pressures return to their prebedrest baseline values within the first day of exposure to head down tilt (HDT) as the blood volume is reduced by an elevated urine formation. They indicate that the mechanisms for large and prolonged body fluid losses in weightlessness is red cell hemoconcentration that elevates blood viscosity and peripheral resistance, thereby lowering capillary pressure. This causes a prolonged alteration of the balance of Starling forces, depressing the extracellular fluid volume until the hematocrit is returned to normal through a reduction of the red cell mass, which also allows some restoration of the plasma volume. We conclude that the red cell mass becomes the physiologic driver for a large 'undershoot' of the body fluid volumes after the normalization of atrial volumes and pressures.

Alteration of functional loads after tongue volume reduction.

PubMed

Ye, W; Duan, Y Z; Liu, Z J

2013-11-01

An earlier study revealed that the patterns of biomechanical loads on bones around the tongue altered significantly right after tongue volume reduction surgery. The current study was to examine whether these alterations persist or vanish over time post-surgery. Five sibling pairs of 12-week-old Yucatan minipigs were used. For each pair, one had surgery reducing tongue volume by about 15% (reduction) while the other had same incisions without tissue removal (sham). All animals were raised for 4 weeks after surgery. Three rosette strain gauges were placed on the bone surfaces of pre-maxilla (PM), mandibular incisor (MI), and mandibular molar (MM); two single-element gauges were placed across the pre-maxilla-maxillar suture (PMS) and mandibular symphysis (MSP), and two pressure transducers were placed on the bone surfaces of hard palate (PAL) and mandibular body (MAN). These bone strains and pressures were recorded during natural mastication. Overall amount of all loads increased significantly as compared to those in previous study in all animals. Instead of decreased loads in reduction animals as seen in that study, shear strains at PM, MI, and MM, tensile strains at PMS, and pressure at MAN were significantly higher in reduction than sham animals. Compared to the sham, strain dominance shifted at PM, MI, and MM and orientation of tensile strain altered at MI in reduction animals. A healed volume-reduced tongue may change loading regime significantly by elevating loading and altering strain-dominant pattern and orientation on its surrounding structures, and these changes are more remarkable in mandibular than maxillary sites. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of mobile phone use on specific intensive care unit devices.

PubMed

Hans, Nidhi; Kapadia, Farhad N

2008-10-01

To observe the effects of mobile phone use in the vicinity of medical devices used in a critical care setting. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) was tested by using two types of mobile phones - GSM and CDMA. Mobile phones were placed at a distance of one foot from three medical devices - syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, and the bedside monitor - in switch off, standby, and talking modes of the phone. Medical devices were observed for any interference caused by the electromagnetic radiations (EMR) from the mobile phones. Out of the three medical devices that were tested, EMI occurred while using the mobile phone in the vicinity of the syringe pump, in the 'talk mode.' The mean variation observed in the calculated and delivered volume of the syringe pump was 2.66 ml. Mechanical ventilator did not show any specific adverse effects with mobile phone use in the one-foot vicinity. No other adverse effects or unexplained malfunctions or shutdown of the syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, or the bedside monitor was noted during the study period of 36 hours. EMI from mobile phones have an adverse effect on the medical devices used in critical care setup. They should be used at least one foot away from the diameter of the syringe pump.

Fibrinogen Reduction During Selective Plasma Exchange due to Membrane Fouling.

PubMed

Ohkubo, Atsushi; Okado, Tomokazu; Miyamoto, Satoko; Hashimoto, Yurie; Komori, Shigeto; Yamamoto, Motoki; Maeda, Takuma; Itagaki, Ayako; Yamamoto, Hiroko; Seshima, Hiroshi; Kurashima, Naoki; Iimori, Soichiro; Naito, Shotaro; Sohara, Eisei; Uchida, Shinichi; Rai, Tatemitsu

2017-06-01

Fibrinogen is substantially reduced by most plasmapheresis modalities but retained in selective plasma exchange using Evacure EC-4A10 (EC-4A). Although EC-4A's fibrinogen sieving coefficient is 0, a session of selective plasma exchange reduced fibrinogen by approximately 19%. Here, we investigated sieving coefficient in five patients. When the mean processed plasma volume was 1.15 × plasma volume, the mean reduction of fibrinogen during selective plasma exchange was approximately 15%. Fibrinogen sieving coefficient was 0 when the processed plasma volume was 1.0 L, increasing to 0.07 when the processed plasma volume was 3.0 L, with a mean of 0.03 during selective plasma exchange. When fibrinogen sieving coefficient was 0, selective plasma exchange reduced fibrinogen by approximately 10%. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed internal fouling of EC-4A's hollow fiber membrane by substances such as fibrinogen fibrils. Thus, fibrinogen reduction by selective plasma exchange may be predominantly caused by membrane fouling rather than filtration. © 2017 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.