Sample records for modified llp variational

  1. Learning from label proportions in brain-computer interfaces: Online unsupervised learning with guarantees.

    PubMed

    Hübner, David; Verhoeven, Thibault; Schmid, Konstantin; Müller, Klaus-Robert; Tangermann, Michael; Kindermans, Pieter-Jan

    2017-01-01

    Using traditional approaches, a brain-computer interface (BCI) requires the collection of calibration data for new subjects prior to online use. Calibration time can be reduced or eliminated e.g., by subject-to-subject transfer of a pre-trained classifier or unsupervised adaptive classification methods which learn from scratch and adapt over time. While such heuristics work well in practice, none of them can provide theoretical guarantees. Our objective is to modify an event-related potential (ERP) paradigm to work in unison with the machine learning decoder, and thus to achieve a reliable unsupervised calibrationless decoding with a guarantee to recover the true class means. We introduce learning from label proportions (LLP) to the BCI community as a new unsupervised, and easy-to-implement classification approach for ERP-based BCIs. The LLP estimates the mean target and non-target responses based on known proportions of these two classes in different groups of the data. We present a visual ERP speller to meet the requirements of LLP. For evaluation, we ran simulations on artificially created data sets and conducted an online BCI study with 13 subjects performing a copy-spelling task. Theoretical considerations show that LLP is guaranteed to minimize the loss function similar to a corresponding supervised classifier. LLP performed well in simulations and in the online application, where 84.5% of characters were spelled correctly on average without prior calibration. The continuously adapting LLP classifier is the first unsupervised decoder for ERP BCIs guaranteed to find the optimal decoder. This makes it an ideal solution to avoid tedious calibration sessions. Additionally, LLP works on complementary principles compared to existing unsupervised methods, opening the door for their further enhancement when combined with LLP.

  2. Learning from label proportions in brain-computer interfaces: Online unsupervised learning with guarantees

    PubMed Central

    Verhoeven, Thibault; Schmid, Konstantin; Müller, Klaus-Robert; Tangermann, Michael; Kindermans, Pieter-Jan

    2017-01-01

    Objective Using traditional approaches, a brain-computer interface (BCI) requires the collection of calibration data for new subjects prior to online use. Calibration time can be reduced or eliminated e.g., by subject-to-subject transfer of a pre-trained classifier or unsupervised adaptive classification methods which learn from scratch and adapt over time. While such heuristics work well in practice, none of them can provide theoretical guarantees. Our objective is to modify an event-related potential (ERP) paradigm to work in unison with the machine learning decoder, and thus to achieve a reliable unsupervised calibrationless decoding with a guarantee to recover the true class means. Method We introduce learning from label proportions (LLP) to the BCI community as a new unsupervised, and easy-to-implement classification approach for ERP-based BCIs. The LLP estimates the mean target and non-target responses based on known proportions of these two classes in different groups of the data. We present a visual ERP speller to meet the requirements of LLP. For evaluation, we ran simulations on artificially created data sets and conducted an online BCI study with 13 subjects performing a copy-spelling task. Results Theoretical considerations show that LLP is guaranteed to minimize the loss function similar to a corresponding supervised classifier. LLP performed well in simulations and in the online application, where 84.5% of characters were spelled correctly on average without prior calibration. Significance The continuously adapting LLP classifier is the first unsupervised decoder for ERP BCIs guaranteed to find the optimal decoder. This makes it an ideal solution to avoid tedious calibration sessions. Additionally, LLP works on complementary principles compared to existing unsupervised methods, opening the door for their further enhancement when combined with LLP. PMID:28407016

  3. Rational site-directed mutations of the LLP-1 and LLP-2 lentivirus lytic peptide domains in the intracytoplasmic tail of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41 indicate common functions in cell-cell fusion but distinct roles in virion envelope incorporation.

    PubMed

    Kalia, Vandana; Sarkar, Surojit; Gupta, Phalguni; Montelaro, Ronald C

    2003-03-01

    Two highly conserved cationic amphipathic alpha-helical motifs, designated lentivirus lytic peptides 1 and 2 (LLP-1 and LLP-2), have been characterized in the carboxyl terminus of the transmembrane (TM) envelope glycoprotein (Env) of lentiviruses. Although various properties have been attributed to these domains, their structural and functional significance is not clearly understood. To determine the specific contributions of the Env LLP domains to Env expression, processing, and incorporation and to viral replication and syncytium induction, site-directed LLP mutants of a primary dualtropic infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolate (ME46) were examined. Substitutions were made for highly conserved arginine residues in either the LLP-1 or LLP-2 domain (MX1 or MX2, respectively) or in both domains (MX4). The HIV-1 mutants with altered LLP domains demonstrated distinct phenotypes. The LLP-1 mutants (MX1 and MX4) were replication defective and showed an average of 85% decrease in infectivity, which was associated with an evident decrease in gp41 incorporation into virions without a significant decrease in Env expression or processing in transfected 293T cells. In contrast, MX2 virus was replication competent and incorporated a full complement of Env into its virions, indicating a differential role for the LLP-1 domain in Env incorporation. Interestingly, the replication-competent MX2 virus was impaired in its ability to induce syncytia in T-cell lines. This defect in cell-cell fusion did not correlate with apparent defects in the levels of cell surface Env expression, oligomerization, or conformation. The lack of syncytium formation, however, correlated with a decrease of about 90% in MX2 Env fusogenicity compared to that of wild-type Env in quantitative luciferase-based cell-cell fusion assays. The LLP-1 mutant MX1 and MX4 Envs also exhibited an average of 80% decrease in fusogenicity. Altogether, these results demonstrate for the first time that the highly conserved LLP domains perform critical but distinct functions in Env incorporation and fusogenicity.

  4. UV exposure modulates hemidesmosome plasticity, contributing to long-term pigmentation in human skin

    PubMed Central

    Coelho, Sergio G.; Valencia, Julio C.; Yin, Lanlan; Smuda, Christoph; Mahns, Andre; Kolbe, Ludger; Miller, Sharon A.; Beer, Janusz Z.; Zhang, Guofeng; Tuma, Pamela L.; Hearing, Vincent J.

    2014-01-01

    Human skin color, i.e. pigmentation, differs widely among individuals as do their responses to various types of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and their risks of skin cancer. In some individuals UV-induced pigmentation persists for months to years in a phenomenon termed long-lasting pigmentation (LLP). It is unclear whether LLP is an indicator of potential risk for skin cancer. LLP seems to have similar features to other forms of hyperpigmentation, e.g. solar lentigines or age spots, which are clinical markers of photodamage and risk factors for precancerous lesions. To investigate what UV-induced molecular changes may persist in individuals with LLP, clinical specimens from non-sunburn-inducing repeated UV exposures (UVA, UVB or UVA+UVB) at 4 months post-exposure (short-term LLP) were evaluated by microarray analysis and dataset mining. Validated targets were further evaluated in clinical specimens from 6 healthy individuals (3 LLP+ and 3 LLP-) followed for more than 9 months (long-term LLP) who initially received a single sunburn-inducing UVA+UVB exposure. The results support a UV-induced hyperpigmentation model in which basal keratinocytes have an impaired ability to remove melanin that leads to a compensatory mechanism by neighboring keratinocytes with increased proliferative capacity to maintain skin homeostasis. The attenuated expression of SOX7 and other hemidesmosomal components (integrin α6β4 and plectin) leads to increased melanosome uptake by keratinocytes and points to a spatial regulation within the epidermis. The reduced density of hemidesmosomes provides supporting evidence for plasticity at the epidermal-dermal junction. Altered hemidesmosome plasticity, and the sustained nature of LLP, may be mediated by the role of SOX7 in basal keratinocytes. The long-term sustained subtle changes detected are modest, but sufficient to create dramatic visual differences in skin color. These results suggest that the hyperpigmentation phenomenon leading to increased interdigitation develops in order to maintain normal skin homeostasis in individuals with LLP. PMID:25488118

  5. UV exposure modulates hemidesmosome plasticity, contributing to long-term pigmentation in human skin.

    PubMed

    Coelho, Sergio G; Valencia, Julio C; Yin, Lanlan; Smuda, Christoph; Mahns, Andre; Kolbe, Ludger; Miller, Sharon A; Beer, Janusz Z; Zhang, Guofeng; Tuma, Pamela L; Hearing, Vincent J

    2015-05-01

    Human skin colour, ie pigmentation, differs widely among individuals, as do their responses to various types of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and their risks of skin cancer. In some individuals, UV-induced pigmentation persists for months to years in a phenomenon termed long-lasting pigmentation (LLP). It is unclear whether LLP is an indicator of potential risk for skin cancer. LLP seems to have similar features to other forms of hyperpigmentation, eg solar lentigines or age spots, which are clinical markers of photodamage and risk factors for precancerous lesions. To investigate what UV-induced molecular changes may persist in individuals with LLP, clinical specimens from non-sunburn-inducing repeated UV exposures (UVA, UVB or UVA + UVB) at 4 months post-exposure (short-term LLP) were evaluated by microarray analysis and dataset mining. Validated targets were further evaluated in clinical specimens from six healthy individuals (three LLP+ and three LLP-) followed for more than 9 months (long-term LLP) who initially received a single sunburn-inducing UVA + UVB exposure. The results support a UV-induced hyperpigmentation model in which basal keratinocytes have an impaired ability to remove melanin that leads to a compensatory mechanism by neighbouring keratinocytes with increased proliferative capacity to maintain skin homeostasis. The attenuated expression of SOX7 and other hemidesmosomal components (integrin α6β4 and plectin) leads to increased melanosome uptake by keratinocytes and points to a spatial regulation within the epidermis. The reduced density of hemidesmosomes provides supporting evidence for plasticity at the epidermal-dermal junction. Altered hemidesmosome plasticity, and the sustained nature of LLP, may be mediated by the role of SOX7 in basal keratinocytes. The long-term sustained subtle changes detected are modest, but sufficient to create dramatic visual differences in skin colour. These results suggest that the hyperpigmentation phenomenon leading to increased interdigitation develops in order to maintain normal skin homeostasis in individuals with LLP. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Quality Control Review of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP FY 2014 Single Audit of Carnegie Mellon University

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-17

    No. DODIG-2016-034 D E C E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 Quality Control Review of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP FY 2014 Single Audit of Carnegie ...ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22350-1500 December 17, 2015 Audit Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Board of Trustees Carnegie Mellon University Director, Sponsored...Projects Accounting Carnegie Mellon University SUBJECT: Quality Control Review of the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP FY 2014 Single Audit of Carnegie

  7. 17 CFR 230.437a - Written consents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...) Are filing a registration statement containing financial statements in which Arthur Andersen LLP (or a foreign affiliate of Arthur Andersen LLP) had been acting as the independent public accountant. (b... dispense with the requirement for the registrant to file the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (or a...

  8. PET Imaging of Very Late Antigen-4 in Melanoma: Comparison of 68Ga- and 64Cu-Labeled NODAGA and CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A Conjugates

    PubMed Central

    Beaino, Wissam; Anderson, Carolyn J.

    2014-01-01

    Melanoma is a malignant tumor derived from epidermal melanocytes, and it is known for its aggressiveness, therapeutic resistance, and predisposition for late metastasis. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4; also called integrin α4β1) is a transmembrane noncovalent heterodimer overexpressed in melanoma tumors that plays an important role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by promoting adhesion and migration of cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated 2 conjugates of a high-affinity VLA-4 peptidomimetic ligand, LLP2A, for PET/CT imaging in a subcutaneous and metastatic melanoma tumor. Methods LLP2A was conjugated to 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1-(methane phosphonic acid)-8-(methane carboxylic acid) (CB-TE1A1P) and 2-(4,7-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazonan-1-yl)pentanedioic acid (NODAGA) chelators for 68Ga and 64Cu labeling. The conjugates were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis, purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and verified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Saturation and competitive binding assays with B16F10 melanoma cells determined the affinity of the compounds for VLA-4. The biodistributions of the LLP2A conjugates were evaluated in murine B16F10 subcutaneous tumor–bearing C57BL/6 mice. Melanoma metastasis was induced by intracardiac injection of B16F10 cells. PET/CT imaging was performed at 2, 4, and 24 h after injection for the 64Cu tracers and 1 h after injection for the 68Ga tracer. Results 64Cu-labeled CB-TE1A1P-PEG4-LLP2A and NODAGA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high affinity to VLA-4, with a comparable dissociation constant (0.28 vs. 0.23 nM) and receptor concentration (296 vs. 243 fmol/mg). The tumor uptake at 2 h after injection was comparable for the 2 probes, but 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-PEG4-LLP2A trended toward higher uptake than 64Cu-NODAGA-PEG4-LLP2A (16.9 ± 2.2 vs. 13.4 ± 1.7 percentage injected dose per gram, P = 0.07). Tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood ratios from biodistribution and PET/CT images were significantly higher for 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-PEG4-LLP2A than 64Cu-NODAGA-PEG4-LLP2A (all P values < 0.05). PET/CT imaging of metastatic melanoma with 68Ga-NODAGA-PEG4-LLP2A and 64Cu-NODAGA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high uptake of the probes at the site of metastasis, correlating with the bioluminescence imaging of the tumor. Conclusion These data demonstrate that 64Cu-labeled CB-TE1A1P/NODAGA LLP2A conjugates and 68Ga-labeled NODAGA-LLP2A are excellent imaging agents for melanoma and potentially other VLA-4–positive tumors. 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-PEG4-LLP2A had the most optimal tumor–to–nontarget tissue ratios for translation into humans as a PET imaging agent for melanoma. PMID:25256059

  9. Hartree-Fock treatment of Fermi polarons using the Lee-Low-Pine transformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kain, Ben; Ling, Hong Y.

    2017-09-01

    We consider the Fermi polaron problem at zero temperature, where a single impurity interacts with noninteracting host fermions. We approach the problem starting with a Fröhlich-like Hamiltonian where the impurity is described with canonical position and momentum operators. We apply the Lee-Low-Pine (LLP) transformation to change the fermionic Fröhlich Hamiltonian into the fermionic LLP Hamiltonian, which describes a many-body system containing host fermions only. We adapt the self-consistent Hartree-Fock (HF) approach, first proposed by Edwards, to the fermionic LLP Hamiltonian in which a pair of host fermions with momenta k and k' interact with a potential proportional to k .k' . We apply the HF theory, which has the advantage of not restricting the number of particle-hole pairs, to repulsive Fermi polarons in one dimension. When the impurity and host fermion masses are equal our variational ansatz, where HF orbitals are expanded in terms of free-particle states, produces results in excellent agreement with McGuire's exact analytical results based on the Bethe ansatz. This work raises the prospect of using the HF ansatz and its time-dependent generalization as building blocks for developing all-coupling theories for both equilibrium and nonequilibrium Fermi polarons in higher dimensions.

  10. 76 FR 15826 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska License Limitation Program

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-22

    ... or non-trawl gear designations); and (4) designate the type of vessel operation permitted (i.e., LLP... catcher/processor). The endorsements for specific regulatory areas, gear designations, and vessel operational types are non-severable from the LLP license (i.e., once an LLP license is issued, the components...

  11. Improved Mobilization of Exogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Bone for Fracture Healing and Sex Difference

    PubMed Central

    Yao, Wei; Evan Lay, Yu-An; Kot, Alexander; Liu, Ruiwu; Zhang, Hongliang; Chen, Haiyan; Lam, Kit; Lane, Nancy E.

    2017-01-01

    Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been tested in animal and clinical fracture studies. We have developed a bone-seeking compound, LLP2A-Alendronate (LLP2A-Ale) that augments MSC homing to bone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with LLP2A-Ale or a combination of LLP2A-Ale and MSCs would accelerate bone healing in a mouse closed fracture model and if the effects are sex dependent. A right mid-femur fracture was induced in two-month-old osterix-mCherry (Osx-mCherry) male and female reporter mice. The mice were subsequently treated with placebo, LLP2A-Ale (500 µg/kg, IV), MSCs derived from wild-type female Osx-mCherry adipose tissue (ADSC, 3 × 105, IV) or ADSC + LLP2A-Ale. In phosphate buffered saline-treated mice, females had higher systemic and surface-based bone formation than males. However, male mice formed a larger callus and had higher volumetric bone mineral density and bone strength than females. LLP2A-Ale treatment increased exogenous MSC homing to the fracture gaps, enhanced incorporation of these cells into callus formation, and stimulated endochondral bone formation. Additionally, higher engraftment of exogenous MSCs in fracture gaps seemed to contribute to overall fracture healing and improved bone strength. These effects were sex-independent. There was a sex-difference in the rate of fracture healing. ADSC and LLP2A-Ale combination treatment was superior to on callus formation, which was independent of sex. Increased mobilization of exogenous MSCs to fracture sites accelerated endochondral bone formation and enhanced bone tissue regeneration. PMID:27334693

  12. Evaluation of (68)Ga- and (177)Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A for VLA-4-Targeted PET Imaging and Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma.

    PubMed

    Beaino, Wissam; Nedrow, Jessie R; Anderson, Carolyn J

    2015-06-01

    Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer, and the incidence of this disease is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. Despite advances in the treatment of melanoma, patients with metastatic disease still have a poor prognosis and low survival rate. New strategies, including targeted radiotherapy, would provide options for patients who become resistant to therapies such as BRAF inhibitors. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) is expressed on melanoma tumor cells in higher levels in more aggressive and metastatic disease and may provide an ideal target for drug delivery and targeted radiotherapy. In this study, we evaluated (177)Lu- and (68)Ga-labeled DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A as a VLA-4-targeted radiotherapeutic with a companion PET agent for diagnosis and monitoring metastatic melanoma treatment. DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis. The affinity of (177)Lu- and (68)Ga-labeled DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A to VLA-4 was determined in B16F10 melanoma cells by saturation binding and competitive binding assays, respectively. Biodistribution of the LLP2A conjugates was determined in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F10 subcutaneous tumors, while PET/CT imaging was performed in subcutaneous and metastatic models. (177)Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high affinity to VLA-4 with a Kd of 4.1 ± 1.5 nM and demonstrated significant accumulation in the B16F10 melanoma tumor after 4 h (31.5 ± 7.8%ID/g). The tumor/blood ratio of (177)Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A was highest at 24 h (185 ± 26). PET imaging of metastatic melanoma with (68)Ga-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A showed high uptake in sites of metastases and correlated with bioluminescence imaging of the tumors. These data demonstrate that (177)Lu-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A has potential as a targeted therapeutic for treating melanoma as well as other VLA-4-expressing tumors. In addition, (68)Ga-DOTA-PEG4-LLP2A is a readily translatable companion PET tracer for imaging of metastatic melanoma.

  13. Synthesis of Lectin-Like Protein in Developing Cotyledons of Normal and Phytohemagglutinin-Deficient Phaseolus vulgaris.

    PubMed

    Vitale, A; Zoppè, M; Fabbrini, M S; Genga, A; Rivas, L; Bollini, R

    1989-07-01

    The genome of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris contains a small gene family that encodes lectin and lectin-like proteins (phytohemagglutinin, arcelin, and others). One of these phytohemagglutinin-like genes was cloned by L. M. Hoffman et al. ([1982] Nucleic Acids Res 10: 7819-7828), but its product in bean cells has never been identified. We identified the product of this gene, referred to as lectin-like protein (LLP), as an abundant polypeptide synthesized on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of developing bean cotyledons. The gene product was first identified in extracts of Xenopus oocytes injected with either cotyledonary bean RNA or LLP-mRNA obtained by hybrid-selection with an LLP cDNA clone. A tryptic map of this protein was identical with a tryptic map of a polypeptide with the same SDS-PAGE mobility detectable in the ER of bean cotyledons pulse-labeled with either [(3)H]glucosamine or [(3)H]amino acids, both in a normal and in a phytohemagglutinin-deficient cultivar (cultivars Greensleeves and Pinto UI 111). Greensleeves LLP has M(r) 40,000 and most probably has four asparagine-linked glycans. Pinto UI 111 LLP has M(r) 38,500. Unlike phytohemagglutinin which is a tetramer, LLP appears to be a monomer by gel filtration analysis. Incorporation of [(3)H]amino acids indicates that synthesis of LLP accounts for about 3% of the proteins synthesized on the ER, a level similar to that of phytohemagglutinin.

  14. Space station automation of common module power management and distribution, volume 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ashworth, B.; Riedesel, J.; Myers, C.; Jakstas, L.; Smith, D.

    1990-01-01

    The new Space Station Module Power Management and Distribution System (SSM/PMAD) testbed automation system is described. The subjects discussed include testbed 120 volt dc star bus configuration and operation, SSM/PMAD automation system architecture, fault recovery and management expert system (FRAMES) rules english representation, the SSM/PMAD user interface, and the SSM/PMAD future direction. Several appendices are presented and include the following: SSM/PMAD interface user manual version 1.0, SSM/PMAD lowest level processor (LLP) reference, SSM/PMAD technical reference version 1.0, SSM/PMAD LLP visual control logic representation's (VCLR's), SSM/PMAD LLP/FRAMES interface control document (ICD) , and SSM/PMAD LLP switchgear interface controller (SIC) ICD.

  15. "The Help I Didn't Know I Needed": How a Living-Learning Program "FITS" into the First-Year Experience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mach, Kane P.; Gordon, Sarah R.; Tearney, Katie; McClinton, Leon, Jr.

    2018-01-01

    Living-learning programs (LLPs) can have a positive influence on student success. The purpose of this study is to provide an example of an LLP that effectively involves faculty and college academic staff as well as to understand student experiences in the LLP related to personal, professional, and academic growth. The LLP at the focus of this…

  16. Evidence that long-lasting potentiation in limbic circuits mediating defensive behaviour in the right hemisphere underlies pharmacological stressor (FG-7142) induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behaviour: role of benzodiazepine receptors.

    PubMed

    Adamec, R E

    2000-01-01

    The hypothesis that benzodiazepine receptors mediate initiation of lasting behavioural changes induced by FG-7142 was supported in this study. Behavioural changes normally induced by FG-7142 were blocked by prior administration of the competitive benzodiazepine receptor blocker, Flumazenil. When cats were subsequently given FG-7142 alone, the drug produced lasting behavioural changes in species characteristic defensive responses to rodent and cat vocal threat. FG-7142 also induced long-lasting potentiation (LLP) of evoked potentials in a number of efferent pathways from the amygdala in both hemispheres. Flumazenil given prior to FG-7142 blocked LLP in all but one of the amygdala efferent pathways, suggesting benzodiazepine receptor dependence of initiation of LLP. Three physiological changes were most closely correlated with behavioural changes. LLP in the right amygdalo-ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) and amygdalo-periacqueductal gray (PAG) pathways coincided closely with behavioural changes, as did a reduced threshold for the right amygdalo-VMH evoked potential. Administration of Flumazenil after FG-7142 returned defensive behaviour to pre FG-7142 baseline levels in a drug-dependent manner. At the same time LLP only in the right amygdalo-PAG pathway was reduced by Flumazenil. LLP in other pathways and amygdalo-VMH threshold were unaltered by Flumazenil. Moreover, covariance analyses indicated that increased defensiveness depended solely on LLP in the right amygdalo-PAG. These findings support the view that maintenance of lasting increases in defensive behaviour depend upon LLP of excitatory neural transmission between amygdala and lateral column of the PAG in the right hemisphere. Moreover, FG-7142 may be a useful model of the effects of traumatic stressors on limbic system function in anxiety, especially in view of the recent data in humans implicating right hemispheric function in persisting negative affective states in post-traumatic stress disorder.

  17. Comparison of two cross-bridged macrocyclicchelators for the evaluation of 64Cu-labeled-LLP2A, a peptidomimetic ligand targeting VLA-4-positive tumors

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Majiong; Ferdani, Riccardo; Shokeen, Monica; Anderson, Carolyn J.

    2013-01-01

    Integrin α4β1 (also called very late antigen-4 or VLA-4) plays an important role in tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis, and there has been increasing interest in targeting this receptor for cancer imaging and therapy. In this study, we conjugated a peptidomimetic ligand known to have good binding affinity for α4β1 integrin to a cross-bridged macrocyclicchelator with a methane phosphonic acid pendant arm, CB-TE1A1P. CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A was labeled with 64Cu under mild conditions in high specific activity, in contrast to conjugates based on the “gold standard” di-acid cross-bridged chelator, CB-TE2A, which require high temperatures for efficient radiolabeling. Saturation binding assays demonstrated that 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A had comparable binding affinity(1.2 nM vs 1.6 nM) but more binding sites(Bmax = 471 fmol/mg) in B16F10 melanoma tumor cells than 64Cu-CB-TE2A-LLP2A (Bmax = 304 fmol/mg, p < 0.03). In biodistribution studies, 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A had less renal retention but higher uptake in tumor(11.4 ± 2.3 %ID/g versus 3.1± 0.6 %ID/g, p<0.001)and other receptor-rich tissues compared to 64Cu-CB-TE2A-LLP2A. At 2 h post-injection, 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A also had significantly higher tumor: blood and tumor: muscle ratios than 64Cu-CB-TE2A-LLP2A(CB-TE1A1P = 19.5 ± 3.0 and 13.0 ± 1.4, respectively, CB-TE2A = 4.2 ± 1.4 and 5.5 ± 0.9, respectively, p< 0.001). These data demonstrate that 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A is an excellent PET radiopharmaceutical for the imaging of α4β1 positive tumors and also has potential for imaging other α4β1 positive cells such as those of the pre-metastatic niche. PMID:23265977

  18. Army’s Audit Readiness at Risk Because of Unreliable Data in the Appropriation Status Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-26

    for data reviewed from the December 2012 report. Material differences existed between reported data from the General Fund Enterprise Business System...GFEBS. An independent public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, performed examinations of SBR business processes at Army activities using GFEBS.   KPMG LLP...to its processes. A second report from KPMG LLP, issued April 9, 2013, reported that the Army did not meet the FIAR guidance requirements for

  19. Data-driven model-independent searches for long-lived particles at the LHC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coccaro, Andrea; Curtin, David; Lubatti, H. J.; Russell, Heather; Shelton, Jessie

    2016-12-01

    Neutral long-lived particles (LLPs) are highly motivated by many beyond the Standard Model scenarios, such as theories of supersymmetry, baryogenesis, and neutral naturalness, and present both tremendous discovery opportunities and experimental challenges for the LHC. A major bottleneck for current LLP searches is the prediction of Standard Model backgrounds, which are often impossible to simulate accurately. In this paper, we propose a general strategy for obtaining differential, data-driven background estimates in LLP searches, thereby notably extending the range of LLP masses and lifetimes that can be discovered at the LHC. We focus on LLPs decaying in the ATLAS muon system, where triggers providing both signal and control samples are available at LHC run 2. While many existing searches require two displaced decays, a detailed knowledge of backgrounds will allow for very inclusive searches that require just one detected LLP decay. As we demonstrate for the h →X X signal model of LLP pair production in exotic Higgs decays, this results in dramatic sensitivity improvements for proper lifetimes ≳10 m . In theories of neutral naturalness, this extends reach to glueball masses far below the b ¯b threshold. Our strategy readily generalizes to other signal models and other detector subsystems. This framework therefore lends itself to the development of a systematic, model-independent LLP search program, in analogy to the highly successful simplified-model framework of prompt searches.

  20. 75 FR 41179 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-15

    .... Laham, Esq., and D. Mark Renaud, Esq., of Wiley Rein LLP. Draft Advisory Opinion 2010-10: National Right... Ten, by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq., and Ezra Reese, Esq., of Perkins Coie LLP. Management and...

  1. Targeted delivery of mesenchymal stem cells to the bone.

    PubMed

    Yao, Wei; Lane, Nancy E

    2015-01-01

    Osteoporosis is a disease of excess skeletal fragility that results from estrogen loss and aging. Age related bone loss has been attributed to both elevated bone resorption and insufficient bone formation. We developed a hybrid compound, LLP2A-Ale in which LLP2A has high affinity for the α4β1 integrin on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and alendronate has high affinity for bone. When LLP2A-Ale was injected into mice, the compound directed MSCs to both trabecular and cortical bone surfaces and increased bone mass and bone strength. Additional studies are underway to further characterize this hybrid compound, LLP2A-Ale, and how it can be utilized for the treatment of bone loss resulting from hormone deficiency, aging, and inflammation and to augment bone fracture healing. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Stem Cells and Bone". Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Nanoparticle targeted therapy against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Satake, Noriko; Lee, Joyce; Xiao, Kai; Luo, Juntao; Sarangi, Susmita; Chang, Astra; McLaughlin, Bridget; Zhou, Ping; Kenney, Elaina; Kraynov, Liliya; Arnott, Sarah; McGee, Jeannine; Nolta, Jan; Lam, Kit

    2011-06-01

    The goal of our project is to develop a unique ligand-conjugated nanoparticle (NP) therapy against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). LLP2A, discovered by Dr. Kit Lam, is a high-affinity and high-specificity peptidomimetic ligand against an activated α4β1 integrin. Our study using 11 fresh primary ALL samples (10 precursor B ALL and 1 T ALL) showed that childhood ALL cells expressed activated α4β1 integrin and bound to LLP2A. Normal hematopoietic cells such as activated lymphocytes and monocytes expressed activated α4β1 integrin; however, normal hematopoietic stem cells showed low expression of α4β1 integrin. Therefore, we believe that LLP2A can be used as a targeted therapy for childhood ALL. The Lam lab has developed novel telodendrimer-based nanoparticles (NPs) which can carry drugs efficiently. We have also developed a human leukemia mouse model using immunodeficient NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ null mice engrafted with primary childhood ALL cells from our patients. LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using primary leukemia cells and this mouse model. NPs will be loaded first with DiD near infra-red dye, and then with the chemotherapeutic agents daunorubicin or vincristine. Both drugs are mainstays of current chemotherapy for childhood ALL. Targeting properties of LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be evaluated by fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, MTS assay, and mouse survival after treatment. We expect that LLP2A-conjugated NPs will be preferentially delivered and endocytosed to leukemia cells as an effective targeted therapy.

  3. Hydro-thermal processes and thermal offsets of peat soils in the active layer in an alpine permafrost region, NE Qinghai-Tibet plateau

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Qingfeng; Jin, Huijun; Zhang, Tingjun; Cao, Bin; Peng, Xiaoqing; Wang, Kang; Xiao, Xiongxin; Guo, Hong; Mu, Cuicui; Li, Lili

    2017-09-01

    Observation data of the hydrothermal processes in the active layer are vital for the verification of permafrost formation and evolution, eco-hydrology, ground-atmosphere interactions, and climate models at various time and spatial scales. Based on measurements of ground temperatures in boreholes, of temperatures and moisture contents of soils in the active layer, and of the mean annual air temperatures at the Qilian, Yeniugou and Tuole meteorological stations in the upper Heihe River Basin (UHRB) and the adjacent areas, a series of observations were made concerning changes in the lower limit of permafrost (LLP) and the related hydrothermal dynamics of soils in the active layer. Because of the thermal diode effect of peat soils, the LLP (at 3600 m) was lower on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains at the eastern branch of the UHRB than that (at 3650-3700 m) on the alluvial plain at the western branch of the UHRB. The mean temperature of soils at depths of 5 to 77 cm in the active layer on peatlands was higher during periods with subzero temperatures and lower during periods with above-zero temperatures in the vicinity of the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains than those at the LLP at the western branch of the UHRB. The thawing and downward freezing rates of soils in the active layer near the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains were 0.2 and 1.6 times those found at the LLP at the western branch of the UHRB. From early May to late August, the soil water contents at the depths of 20 to 60 cm in the active layer near the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains were significantly lower than those found at the LLP at the western branch of the UHRB. The annual ranges of soil temperatures (ARSTs), mean annual soil temperatures (MASTs) in the active layer on peatlands, and the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) at a depth of 14 m of the underlying permafrost were all significantly lower near the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains. Moreover, the thermophysical properties of peat soils and high moisture contents in the active layer on peatlands resulted in the lower soil temperatures in the active layer close to the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains than those found at the LLP at the western branch of the UHRB in the warm season, especially at the deeper depths (20-77 cm). They also resulted in the smaller freezing index (FI) and thawing index (TI) and larger FI/TI ratios of soils at the depths of 5 to 77 cm in the active layer near the LLP on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains. In short, peatlands have unique thermophysical properties for reducing heat absorption in the warm season and for limiting heat release in the cold season as well. However, the permafrost zone has shrunk by 10-20 km along the major highways at the western branch of the UHRB since 1985, and a medium-scale retrogressive slump has occurred on the peatlands on the northern slope of the Eboling Mountains in recent decades. The results can provide basic data for further studies of the hydrological functions of different landscapes in alpine permafrost regions. Such studies can also enable evaluations and forecasts the hydrological impacts of changing frozen ground in the UHRB and of other alpine mountain regions in West China.

  4. Predictive Accuracy of the Liverpool Lung Project Risk Model for Stratifying Patients for Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Raji, Olaide Y.; Duffy, Stephen W.; Agbaje, Olorunshola F.; Baker, Stuart G.; Christiani, David C.; Cassidy, Adrian; Field, John K.

    2013-01-01

    Background External validation of existing lung cancer risk prediction models is limited. Using such models in clinical practice to guide the referral of patients for computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer depends on external validation and evidence of predicted clinical benefit. Objective To evaluate the discrimination of the Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) risk model and demonstrate its predicted benefit for stratifying patients for CT screening by using data from 3 independent studies from Europe and North America. Design Case–control and prospective cohort study. Setting Europe and North America. Patients Participants in the European Early Lung Cancer (EUELC) and Harvard case–control studies and the LLP population-based prospective cohort (LLPC) study. Measurements 5-year absolute risks for lung cancer predicted by the LLP model. Results The LLP risk model had good discrimination in both the Harvard (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.75 to 0.78]) and the LLPC (AUC, 0.82 [CI, 0.80 to 0.85]) studies and modest discrimination in the EUELC (AUC, 0.67 [CI, 0.64 to 0.69]) study. The decision utility analysis, which incorporates the harms and benefit of using a risk model to make clinical decisions, indicates that the LLP risk model performed better than smoking duration or family history alone in stratifying high-risk patients for lung cancer CT screening. Limitations The model cannot assess whether including other risk factors, such as lung function or genetic markers, would improve accuracy. Lack of information on asbestos exposure in the LLPC limited the ability to validate the complete LLP risk model. Conclusion Validation of the LLP risk model in 3 independent external data sets demonstrated good discrimination and evidence of predicted benefits for stratifying patients for lung cancer CT screening. Further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate model performance and evaluate the optimal population risk thresholds for initiating lung cancer screening. Primary Funding Source Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. PMID:22910935

  5. 75 FR 66797 - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) Internal Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-29

    ... LLP (``PwC'') Internal Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group, Charlotte, NC; Amended... Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group. Accordingly, the Department is amending this... Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group. The amended notice applicable to TA-W-73,608 is...

  6. 75 FR 66796 - Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP (“PwC”), Internal Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-29

    ... LLP (``PwC''), Internal Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group Atlanta, GA; Amended...''), Internal Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group. Accordingly, the Department is amending this... Firm Services Client Account Administrators Group. The amended notice applicable to TA-W-73,630 is...

  7. GATEWAY Demonstrations: OLED Lighting in the Offices of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP

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

    Miller, Naomi J.

    At the offices of the accounting firm of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP in Rochester, NY, the GATEWAY program evaluated a new lighting system that incorporates a number of different OLED luminaires. Evaluation of the OLED products included efficacy performance, field measurements of panel color, flicker measurements, and staff feedback.

  8. 78 FR 52426 - Retail Commodity Transactions Under Commodity Exchange Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-23

    ... enacted to reduce risk, increase transparency, and promote market integrity within the financial system by... typical commercial practice in cash or spot markets for the commodity involved.\\11\\ \\10\\ 7 U.S.C. 2(c)(2..., LLP (GBT), and Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP (RJL). \\17\\ National Energy Markets Association (NEM...

  9. 78 FR 19149 - Small Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures; Supplemental Notice of Workshop

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-29

    ..., National Grid (Edison Electric Institute) [rtarr8] Michael Sheehan, P.E., Keyes, Fox & Wiedman L.L.P... Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners [rtarr8] Sky Stanfield, Attorney, Keyes, Fox & Wiedman L.L.P... Policy, National Grid (Edison Electric Institute) [rtarr8] Michael Sheehan, P.E., Keyes, Fox & Wiedman L...

  10. 78 FR 79363 - Petitions for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-30

    ...In this document, Petitions for Reconsideration (Petitions) have been filed in the Commission's Rulemaking proceeding, one by Gerard J. Duffy of Blooston, Modkofsky, Dickens, Duffy & Prendergrast, LLP, on behalf of Blooston Private Microwave Licenses and a second by David L. Nace, of Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, on behalf of Small Purchasers Coalition.

  11. GATEWAY Report Brief: Evaluating OLED Lighting in the Accounting Office of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP

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

    None

    Summary of GATEWAY report evaluating a new lighting system, at the offices of the accounting firm of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP in Rochester, NY, that incorporates a number of different OLED luminaires. Evaluation of the OLED products included efficacy performance, field measurements of panel color, flicker measurements, and staff feedback.

  12. Developing Educational Leaders: A Partnership between Two Universities to Bring about System-Wide Change

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Naicker, Suraiya R.; Mestry, Raj

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated a system-wide change strategy in a South African school district, which sought to build the leadership capacity of principals and district officials to improve instruction. The three-year venture was called the Leadership for Learning Programme (LLP). A distinctive feature of the LLP was that it was based on a partnership…

  13. Lifelong Learning Programs of Education Faculty in Sinop: Evaluation of Participants' Problems and Worries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Usakli, Hakan

    2009-01-01

    In this paper Lifelong Learning Program of Education Faculty in Sinop was evaluated in terms of interrelations between LLP and cultural shock. The barriers of LLP in Education Faculty in Sinop can be examined in two main parts: difficulties of finding suitable partner and students' difficulty in deciding whether to apply or not. These two main…

  14. Lightning studies using LDAR and LLP data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Forbes, Gregory S.

    1993-01-01

    This study intercompared lightning data from LDAR and LLP systems in order to learn more about the spatial relationships between thunderstorm electrical discharges aloft and lightning strikes to the surface. The ultimate goal of the study is to provide information that can be used to improve the process of real-time detection and warning of lightning by weather forecasters who issue lightning advisories. The Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) System provides data on electrical discharges from thunderstorms that includes cloud-ground flashes as well as lightning aloft (within cloud, cloud-to-cloud, and sometimes emanating from cloud to clear air outside or above cloud). The Lightning Location and Protection (LLP) system detects primarily ground strikes from lightning. Thunderstorms typically produce LDAR signals aloft prior to the first ground strike, so that knowledge of preferred positions of ground strikes relative to the LDAR data pattern from a thunderstorm could allow advance estimates of enhanced ground strike threat. Studies described in the report examine the position of LLP-detected ground strikes relative to the LDAR data pattern from the thunderstorms. The report also describes other potential approaches to the use of LDAR data in the detection and forecasting of lightning ground strikes.

  15. Enhanced photoluminescence and phosphorescence properties of green phosphor Zn2GeO4:Mn(2+)via composition modification with GeO2 and MgF2.

    PubMed

    Pan, Yuexiao; Li, Li; Lu, Jing; Pang, Ran; Wan, Li; Huang, Shaoming

    2016-06-21

    A green long-lasting phosphorescence (LLP) phosphor Zn2GeO4:Mn(2+) (ZGOM) has been synthesized by a solid-state method at 1100 °C in air. The luminescence intensity has been improved up to 9 and 6 times through mixing GeO2 and MgF2 into the composition, respectively. The phosphorescence duration of the sample has been prolonged to 5 h. The phosphor, composed of a mixture of Zn2GeO4 (ZGO), GeO2, and MgGeO3 phases, emits enhanced green luminescence with a broad excitation band between 250 nm to 400 nm. Under identical measurement conditions, the optimized phosphor ZGOM has a higher emission intensity and shows longer wavelength emission than those of the commercial green LLP phosphor SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy (SAOED) under an excitation at 336 nm. The quantum yield of the sample modified by GeO2 and MgF2 is as high as 95.0%. Understanding of the formation mechanism for enhancement of emission intensity and prolonging of phosphorescence duration of ZGOM is fundamentally important, which might be extended to other identified solid-state inorganic phosphor materials for advanced properties.

  16. 78 FR 59908 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-30

    ... authorizing a designated vessel to catch and process Pacific cod in the BSAI hook-and-line fisheries to use... (MLOA) to 220 feet (67 m) on LLP licenses authorizing vessels to catch and process Pacific cod with hook... cod with hook-and-line and pot gear in the BSAI to increase the MLOA on the LLP license to 220 feet...

  17. Clinical performance of an objective methodology to categorize tear film lipid layer patterns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garcia-Resua, Carlos; Pena-Verdeal, Hugo; Giraldez, Maria J.; Yebra-Pimentel, Eva

    2017-08-01

    Purpose: To validate the performance of a new objective application designated iDEAS (Dry Eye Assessment System) to categorize different zones of lipid layer patterns (LLPs) in one image. Material and methods: Using the Tearscopeplus and a digital camera attached to a slit-lamp, 50 images were captured and analyzed by 4 experienced optometrists. In each image the observers outlined tear film zones that they clearly identified as a specific LLP. Further, the categorization made by the 4 optometrists (called observer 1, 2, 3 and 4) was compared with the automatic system included in iDEAS (5th observer). Results: In general, observer 3 classified worse than all observers (observers 1, 2, 4 and automatic application, Wilcoxon test, <0.05). The automatic system behaved similar to the remaining three observers (observer 1, 2 and 4) showing differences only for Open meshwork LLP when comparing with observer 4 (Wilcoxon test, p=0.02). For the remaining two observers (observer 1 and 2) there was not found statistical differences (Wilcoxon test, >0.05). Furthermore, we obtained a set of photographs per LLP category for which all optometrists showed agreement by using the new tool. After examining them, we detected the more characteristic features for each LLP to enhance the description of the patterns implemented by Guillon. Conclusions: The automatic application included in the iDEAS framework is able to provide zones similar to the annotations made by experienced optometrists. Thus, the manual process done by experts can be automated with the benefits of being unaffected by subjective factors.

  18. Design and application of a fish-shaped lateral line probe for flow measurement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tuhtan, J. A.; Fuentes-Pérez, J. F.; Strokina, N.; Toming, G.; Musall, M.; Noack, M.; Kämäräinen, J. K.; Kruusmaa, M.

    2016-04-01

    We introduce the lateral line probe (LLP) as a measurement device for natural flows. Hydraulic surveys in rivers and hydraulic structures are currently based on time-averaged velocity measurements using propellers or acoustic Doppler devices. The long-term goal is thus to develop a sensor system, which includes spatial gradients of the flow field along a fish-shaped sensor body. Interpreting the biological relevance of a collection of point velocity measurements is complicated by the fact that fish and other aquatic vertebrates experience the flow field through highly dynamic fluid-body interactions. To collect body-centric flow data, a bioinspired fish-shaped probe is equipped with a lateral line pressure sensing array, which can be applied both in the laboratory and in the field. Our objective is to introduce a new type of measurement device for body-centric data and compare its output to estimates of conventional point-based technologies. We first provide the calibration workflow for laboratory investigations. We then provide a review of two velocity estimation workflows, independent of calibration. Such workflows are required as existing field investigations consist of measurements in environments where calibration is not feasible. The mean difference for uncalibrated LLP velocity estimates from 0 to 50 cm/s under in a closed flow tunnel and open channel flume was within 4 cm/s when compared to conventional measurement techniques. Finally, spatial flow maps in a scale vertical slot fishway are compared for the LLP, direct measurements, and 3D numerical models where it was found that the LLP provided a slight overestimation of the current velocity in the jet and underestimated the velocity in the recirculation zone.

  19. Pig lumbar spine anatomy and imaging-guided lateral lumbar puncture: a new large animal model for intrathecal drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Pleticha, Josef; Maus, Timothy P; Jeng-Singh, Christian; Marsh, Michael P; Al-Saiegh, Fadi; Christner, Jodie A; Lee, Kendall H; Beutler, Andreas S

    2013-05-30

    Intrathecal (IT) administration is an important route of drug delivery, and its modelling in a large animal species is of critical value. Although domestic swine is the preferred species for preclinical pharmacology, no minimally invasive method has been established to deliver agents into the IT space. While a "blind" lumbar puncture (LP) can sample cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it is unreliable for drug delivery in pigs. Using computed tomography (CT), we determined the underlying anatomical reasons for this irregularity. The pig spinal cord was visualised terminating at the S2-S3 level. The lumbar region contained only small amounts of CSF found in the lateral recess. Additional anatomical constraints included ossification of the midline ligaments, overlapping lamina with small interlaminar spaces, and a large bulk of epidural adipose tissue. Accommodating the the pig CT anatomy, we developed a lateral LP (LLP) injection technique that employs advanced planning of the needle path and monitoring of the IT injection progress. The key features of the LLP procedure involved choosing a vertebral level without overlapping lamina or spinal ligament ossification, a needle trajectory crossing the midline, and entering the IT space in its lateral recess. Effective IT delivery was validated by the injection of contrast media to obtain a CT myelogram. LLP represents a safe and reliable method to deliver agents to the lumbar pig IT space, which can be implemented in a straightforward way by any laboratory with access to CT equipment. Therefore, LLP is an attractive large animal model for preclinical studies of IT therapies. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Hyper-heuristics with low level parameter adaptation.

    PubMed

    Ren, Zhilei; Jiang, He; Xuan, Jifeng; Luo, Zhongxuan

    2012-01-01

    Recent years have witnessed the great success of hyper-heuristics applying to numerous real-world applications. Hyper-heuristics raise the generality of search methodologies by manipulating a set of low level heuristics (LLHs) to solve problems, and aim to automate the algorithm design process. However, those LLHs are usually parameterized, which may contradict the domain independent motivation of hyper-heuristics. In this paper, we show how to automatically maintain low level parameters (LLPs) using a hyper-heuristic with LLP adaptation (AD-HH), and exemplify the feasibility of AD-HH by adaptively maintaining the LLPs for two hyper-heuristic models. Furthermore, aiming at tackling the search space expansion due to the LLP adaptation, we apply a heuristic space reduction (SAR) mechanism to improve the AD-HH framework. The integration of the LLP adaptation and the SAR mechanism is able to explore the heuristic space more effectively and efficiently. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms, we choose the p-median problem as a case study. The empirical results show that with the adaptation of the LLPs and the SAR mechanism, the proposed algorithms are able to achieve competitive results over the three heterogeneous classes of benchmark instances.

  1. Automation in the Space Station module power management and distribution Breadboard

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walls, Bryan; Lollar, Louis F.

    1990-01-01

    The Space Station Module Power Management and Distribution (SSM/PMAD) Breadboard, located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, models the power distribution within a Space Station Freedom Habitation or Laboratory module. Originally designed for 20 kHz ac power, the system is now being converted to high voltage dc power with power levels on a par with those expected for a space station module. In addition to the power distribution hardware, the system includes computer control through a hierarchy of processes. The lowest level process consists of fast, simple (from a computing standpoint) switchgear, capable of quickly safing the system. The next level consists of local load center processors called Lowest Level Processors (LLP's). These LLP's execute load scheduling, perform redundant switching, and shed loads which use more than scheduled power. The level above the LLP's contains a Communication and Algorithmic Controller (CAC) which coordinates communications with the highest level. Finally, at this highest level, three cooperating Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems manage load prioritization, load scheduling, load shedding, and fault recovery and management. The system provides an excellent venue for developing and examining advanced automation techniques. The current system and the plans for its future are examined.

  2. Augmentation of the space station module power management and distribution breadboard

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walls, Bryan; Hall, David K.; Lollar, Louis F.

    1991-01-01

    The space station module power management and distribution (SSM/PMAD) breadboard models power distribution and management, including scheduling, load prioritization, and a fault detection, identification, and recovery (FDIR) system within a Space Station Freedom habitation or laboratory module. This 120 VDC system is capable of distributing up to 30 kW of power among more than 25 loads. In addition to the power distribution hardware, the system includes computer control through a hierarchy of processes. The lowest level consists of fast, simple (from a computing standpoint) switchgear that is capable of quickly safing the system. At the next level are local load center processors, (LLP's) which execute load scheduling, perform redundant switching, and shed loads which use more than scheduled power. Above the LLP's are three cooperating artificial intelligence (AI) systems which manage load prioritizations, load scheduling, load shedding, and fault recovery and management. Recent upgrades to hardware and modifications to software at both the LLP and AI system levels promise a drastic increase in speed, a significant increase in functionality and reliability, and potential for further examination of advanced automation techniques. The background, SSM/PMAD, interface to the Lewis Research Center test bed, the large autonomous spacecraft electrical power system, and future plans are discussed.

  3. Broadband 0.25-um Gallium Nitride (GaN) Power Amplifier Designs

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-08-14

    CP pF RES ID=R1 R=RP Ohm PORT P=1 Z=50 Ohm RP=87.5ohm/mm... CP =-0.31pF/mm For 1.75mm, RP=50ohms, CP =0.54pf CP = 0.31 * size size=1.75 RP = 87.5 / size CAP ID=C1 C=CP1 pF RES ID=R1 R=RP Ohm IND ID=L1 L=LP1 nH CAP...ID=C2 C=Cser2 pF IND ID=L2 L=Lser2 nH IND ID=L3 L=LP1 nH CAP ID=C3 C=CP1 pF PORT P=1 Z=50 Ohm PORT P=2 Z=50 Ohm size=1.75 RP = 87.5 / size CP =

  4. 75 FR 52944 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-30

    ... be closed to the public. Items To Be Discussed: Compliance matters pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 437g. Audits...., of Perkins Coie, LLP. Explanation and Justification and Final Rules on Coordinated Communications...

  5. 78 FR 28205 - Notice of Second Prehearing Conference

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-14

    ....m. Eastern. ADDRESSES: Members of the public are welcome to attend the prehearing conference to be..., LLP, Counsel for BABY MATTERS LLC; and, Larry W. Bennett, Esq. and Geoffrey S. Wagner, Esq., of...

  6. 75 FR 22595 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-29

    ... (NDRT), by Marc E. Elias and Kate S. Keane of Perkins Coie LLP, counsel. Report of the Audit Division on the Tennessee Democratic Party (TDP). Report of the Audit Division on Friends for Menor Committee...

  7. 75 FR 2141 - Notice of Agreements Filed

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-14

    ...; Seabourn Cruise Line; SeaDream Yacht Club; Silversea Cruises, Ltd.; Uniworld River Cruises, Inc.; and... Services Ltd. Filing Party: John Longstreth, Esq.; K & L Gates LLP; 1601 K Street NW.; Washington, DC 20006...

  8. 77 FR 26759 - Sunshine Act Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-07

    ... Minutes for the Meeting of April 26, 2012. Draft Advisory Opinion 2012-07: Feinstein for Senate. Draft Advisory Opinion 2012-16: Angus King for U.S. Senate Campaign and Pierce Atwood LLP. Audit Division...

  9. POLARIZED LINE FORMATION WITH LOWER-LEVEL POLARIZATION AND PARTIAL FREQUENCY REDISTRIBUTION

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

    Supriya, H. D.; Sampoorna, M.; Nagendra, K. N.

    2016-09-10

    In the well-established theories of polarized line formation with partial frequency redistribution (PRD) for a two-level and two-term atom, it is generally assumed that the lower level of the scattering transition is unpolarized. However, the existence of unexplained spectral features in some lines of the Second Solar Spectrum points toward a need to relax this assumption. There exists a density matrix theory that accounts for the polarization of all the atomic levels, but it is based on the flat-spectrum approximation (corresponding to complete frequency redistribution). In the present paper we propose a numerical algorithm to solve the problem of polarizedmore » line formation in magnetized media, which includes both the effects of PRD and the lower level polarization (LLP) for a two-level atom. First we derive a collisionless redistribution matrix that includes the combined effects of the PRD and the LLP. We then solve the relevant transfer equation using a two-stage approach. For illustration purposes, we consider two case studies in the non-magnetic regime, namely, the J {sub a} = 1, J {sub b} = 0 and J {sub a} = J {sub b} = 1, where J {sub a} and J {sub b} represent the total angular momentum quantum numbers of the lower and upper states, respectively. Our studies show that the effects of LLP are significant only in the line core. This leads us to propose a simplified numerical approach to solve the concerned radiative transfer problem.« less

  10. Introduction to patent strategies for medical device inventions.

    PubMed

    Gutman, Siegmond Y; Capraro, Joe; Chen, Tom

    2016-11-01

    Siegmund Gutman is the Chair of the Life Sciences Patent practice and a partner at the global law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP. Siegmund's practice focuses on developing and executing business-oriented patent strategies for medical device, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical clients, including early-stage and mature companies, as well as academic and other research organizations. His background combines a graduate degree in biophysical chemistry and molecular and cell biology with more than 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry, including serving as senior counsel at Amgen. Joe Capraro is a partner and the Boston Office Head at the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP. Joe has more than 25 years of experience advising start-ups and established companies on intellectual property issues. Joe has amassed broad intellectual property and transactional experience over the years and provides clients with practical, business-oriented advice. Tom Chen is a senior associate in the Los Angeles office of Proskauer Rose LLP, where his practice focuses on patent litigation and counseling in the life sciences sector. Tom holds an A.B. in chemistry and pharmacology from Duke University, and an M.S. in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining Proskauer, Tom previously served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Alvin A. Schall of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the Honorable Leonard P. Stark of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. 78 FR 20106 - Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board; Regular Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-03

    ... Institutions Presentation of 2012 Audit Results by External Auditor Clifton Larson Allen L.L.P. Executive Session Executive Session of the FCSIC Board Audit Committee with the External Auditor Dated: March 29...

  12. 77 FR 24709 - Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board; Regular Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-25

    ... Presentation of 2011 Audit Results by External Auditor Clifton Larson Allen LLP Executive Session Executive Session of the FCSIC Board Audit Committee with the External Auditor Dated: April 19, 2012. Dale L...

  13. 76 FR 34972 - USG Pipeline Company; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-15

    .... Forshay or Sandra E. Safro, Sutherland Ashbill & Brennan LLP, 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington [email protected]sutherland.com , [email protected]sutherland.com or [email protected]sutherland.com . There are two ways...

  14. 75 FR 44792 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-29

    ...: Club for Growth, by its counsel, Carol A. Laham, Esq., and D. Mark Renaud, Esq., of Wiley Rein LLP. Draft Advisory Opinion 2010-11: Commonsense Ten, by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq., and Ezra Reese...

  15. 75 FR 42444 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-21

    ... Opinion 2010-09: Club for Growth, by its counsel, Carol A. Laham, Esq., and D. Mark Renaud, Esq., of Wiley Rein LLP. Draft Advisory Opinion 2010-11: Commonsense Ten, by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq., and...

  16. 75 FR 43983 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-27

    ...: Club for Growth, by its counsel, Carol A. Laham, Esq., and D. Mark Renaud, Esq., of Wiley Rein LLP. Draft Advisory Opinion 2010-11: Commonsense Ten, by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq., and Ezra Reese...

  17. 77 FR 77122 - Pyxis Capital, L.P., et al.;

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-31

    ... 20549. Applicants, c/o W. John McGuire, Esq. and Michael Berenson, Esq., Bingham McCutchen LLP, 2020 K... (202) 551-6878 or Mary Kay Frech, Branch Chief, at (202) 551-6821 (Division of Investment Management...

  18. 78 FR 56684 - Woonsocket Falls Project, City of Woonsocket; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-13

    ... Coffey, Burns & Levinson LLP, One Citizens Plaza, Suite 1100, Providence, RI 02903, (401) 831-8173. i... dam; (2) two 8-foot diameter concrete penstocks; (3) a powerhouse located about 240 feet downstream...

  19. 76 FR 62498 - Finger Lakes Railway Corp.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-CSX Transportation, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-07

    ... filed no later than October 17, 2011 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An... served on Eric M. Hocky, Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 1000...

  20. House Hearing Independent Audit

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-12-03

    Daniel Murrin, Partner, Assurance and Advisory Business Services, Ernst & Young LLP, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  1. House Hearing Independent Audit

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-12-03

    Daniel Murrin, Partner, Assurance and Advisory Business Service, Ernst & Young LLP, testifies during a Joint Hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  2. 77 FR 45656 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Pistoia Alliance...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-01

    ..., PORTUGAL; Deloitte Consulting LLP, New York, NY; Mary Chitty (individual member), Needham, MA; and Hewlett- Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA, have been added as parties to this venture. No other changes have been...

  3. 50 CFR Table 31 to Part 679 - List of Amendment 80 Vessels and LLP Licenses Originally Assigned to an Amendment 80 Vessel

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (CONTINUED) FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA Pt. 679, Table 31 Table 31 to Part...

  4. 75 FR 20392 - Investigations Regarding Certifications of Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-19

    .../08/10 03/05/10 73656 JK Products and Services, Jonesboro, AR......... 03/08/10 03/05/10 Inc. (Wkrs... LLP (State)... Houston, TX 03/11/10 05/27/09 73697 Federal Coach (Wkrs)....... Fort Smith, AR...

  5. 78 FR 67146 - Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-08

    .... Cummings, III; Nanette Weaver Cummings; George W. Cummings, Jr.; Dewey F. Weaver Jr.; Colby Weaver, all of Monroe, Louisiana; Twist Family, LLP; Randall Twist, both of Dallas, Texas; and Dewey Weaver, III, West...

  6. The bi-directional leader observation in positive cloud-to-ground lightning flashes during summer thunderstorm season

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakamura, Y.; Manabu, A.; Morimoto, T.; Ushio, T.; Kawasaki, Z.; Miki, M.; Shimizu, M.

    2009-12-01

    In this paper, we present observations of positive cloud-to-ground (+CG) lightning flashes obtained with the VHF BDITF (VHF Broadband Digital InTerFerometer) and the ALPS (Automatic Lightning Discharge Progressing Feature Observation System). The VHF BDITF observed two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) developments of lightning flashes with high time resolution. The ALPS observed the luminous propagation of the local process at low altitudes within its observational range. At 2028:59 JST on 8 August, 2008, we observed the 3D spatiotemporal development channels of +CG lightning flash with the VHF BDITF and the RS with the lightning location and protection (LLP) system. This flash is divided before and after the RS. In the former stage, the in-cloud negative breakdown (NB) progress about 15 km horizontally between 6 and 10 km high. The LLP system detects the RS near the initiation point of that negative breakdown (NB) at the end of the former stage. In the latter stage, the new NB runs through the same path as the first NB before the RS. The luminous intensity of the RS near the ground obtained with the ALPS is synchronized with the development of the new NB. The time variation of luminous intensity by the ALPS has two peaks. The time difference of these peaks is corresponding to the blank of the VHF radiation. Since the new NB following the RS runs through the path of the first NB, the positive breakdown (PB), which is not visualized by the VHF BDITF, could be considered to progress from the starting point of the first NB and touches to the ground. The RS current propagates and penetrates in the opposite direction as visualized subsequent NB. This suggests the first NB and the PB progress together. This +CG lightning flash has the bi-directional leader. To assume the path of the PB is straight line, the velocity of the PB is about 4 × 104 m/s.

  7. Lightning forecasting studies using LDAR, LLP, field mill, surface mesonet, and Doppler radar data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Forbes, Gregory S.; Hoffert, Steven G.

    1995-01-01

    The ultimate goal of this research is to develop rules, algorithms, display software, and training materials that can be used by the operational forecasters who issue weather advisories for daily ground operations and launches by NASA and the United States Air Force to improve real-time forecasts of lightning. Doppler radar, Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR), Lightning Location and Protection (LLP), field mill (Launch Pad Lightning Warning System -- LPLWS), wind tower (surface mesonet) and additional data sets have been utilized in 10 case studies of thunderstorms in the vicinity of KSC during the summers of 1994 and 1995. These case studies reveal many intriguing aspects of cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, in-cloud, and cloud-to-air lightning discharges in relation to radar thunderstorm structure and evolution. They also enable the formulation of some preliminary working rules of potential use in the forecasting of initial and final ground strike threat. In addition, LDAR and LLP data sets from 1993 have been used to quantify the lightning threat relative to the center and edges of LDAR discharge patterns. Software has been written to overlay and display the various data sets as color imagery. However, human intervention is required to configure the data sets for proper intercomparison. Future efforts will involve additional software development to automate the data set intercomparisons, to display multiple overlay combinations in a windows format, and to allow for animation of the imagery. The software package will then be used as a tool to examine more fully the current cases and to explore additional cases in a timely manner. This will enable the formulation of more general and reliable forecasting guidelines and rules.

  8. Best Practices & Outstanding Initiatives

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Training, 2012

    2012-01-01

    In this article, "Training" editors recognize innovative and successful learning and development programs and practices submitted in the 2012 Training Top 125 application. Best practices: (1) Edward Jones: Practice Makes Perfect (sales training); (2) Grant Thornton LLP: Senior Manager Development Program (SMDP); (3) MetLife, Inc.: Top Advisor…

  9. Rand Project AIR FORCE Annual Report 2010

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    LLC Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Pictures Entertainment Ronald L. Olson, Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP Paul H...management, and his Air Force career centered on research. Even a shared love of music finds them in different parts of the orchestra, with Ray as a

  10. Inspector General, DOD, Oversight of the Audit of the Military Retirement Trust Fund Financial Statements for FY 1998

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-03-05

    Our objective was to determine the accuracy and completeness of the Deloitte & Touche LLP audit of the Military Retirement Trust Fund Financial Statements for FY 1998 See Appendix A for a discussion of the audit process.

  11. 77 FR 60343 - Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-03

    ... Murray, Petersen & Shuster LLP, on behalf of Professional Association for Customer Engagement, and Anthony S. Mendoza, Esq. on behalf of SatCom Marketing, LLC. DATES: Oppositions to the Petitions must be... Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, Professional Association for Customer Engagement's...

  12. Report: McGladrey & Pullen, LLP Single Audit of Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc., for Year Ended December 31, 2003

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Report #2005-S-00006, June 28, 2005. McGladrey & Pullen’s audit work met generally accepted government auditing standards and the requirements in Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 and its related supplements.

  13. ICT Security Curriculum or How to Respond to Current Global Challenges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Poboroniuc, Marian Silviu; Naaji, Antoanela; Ligusova, Jana; Grout, Ian; Popescu, Dorin; Ward, Tony; Grindei, Laura; Ruseva, Yoana; Bencheva, Nina; Jackson, Noel

    2017-01-01

    The paper presents some results obtained through the implementation of the Erasmus LLP "SALEIE" (Strategic Alignment of Electrical and Information Engineering in European Higher Education Institutions). The aim of the project was to bring together experts from European universities to enhance the competitiveness of Electrical and…

  14. FY 2004 Performance and Accountability Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    US Department of Education, 2004

    2004-01-01

    The Department?s financial statements, which appear on pp. 115?119, received an unqualified audit opinion issued by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP for the third consecutive year. Preparing these statements is part of the Department?s continuing efforts to achieve financial management excellence and to provide accurate and…

  15. 46 CFR 402.320 - Working rules.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Vincent, N.Y., dated May 1, 1980, amended to March 24, 1999. (2) The Working Rules and Dispatch Procedures... March 30, 1999. (4) The Working Rules for District No. 3, adopted by the Western Great Lakes Pilots Association, LLP, Superior, WI., dated February 24, 2001 amended to February 28, 2007. (b) [Reserved] [USCG...

  16. Report: PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Single Audit of Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., for Year Ended June 30, 2003

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Report #2006-S-00002, May 25, 2006. We did not adequately test and document the auditee’s compliance with Federal procurement regulations, and did not properly report the auditee’s lack of compliance with indirect cost proposal requirements.

  17. 78 FR 19758 - Stetson Capital Fund LP and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-02

    ... investments in operating businesses, separate accounts with registered or unregistered investment advisers... Partner will register as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the ``Advisers Act''), if such registration is required under the Advisers Act and the rules thereunder. 6...

  18. 50 CFR 679.80 - Allocation and transfer of rockfish QS.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... from which that LLP license was derived during the calendar years 2000 and 2001, unless clear and...) Determine the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish QS pool for each rockfish primary species... Rockfish QS pools. (v) Multiply the Percentage of the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish...

  19. 50 CFR 679.80 - Allocation and transfer of rockfish QS.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... from which that LLP license was derived during the calendar years 2000 and 2001, unless clear and...) Determine the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish QS pool for each rockfish primary species... Rockfish QS pools. (v) Multiply the Percentage of the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish...

  20. 50 CFR 679.80 - Allocation and transfer of rockfish QS.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... from which that LLP license was derived during the calendar years 2000 and 2001, unless clear and...) Determine the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish QS pool for each rockfish primary species... Rockfish QS pools. (v) Multiply the Percentage of the Total Entry Level Trawl Fishery Transition Rockfish...

  1. 2011 Women in Defense (WID) National Fall Conference

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-19

    UCLA. She is also a graduate of the UCLA Executive Management Course and the University of Chicago Business Leadership Program. A member of the Air...Supercircuits Ms. Beth A. Shepard -Savery Cox Communications Hampton Roads, LLC Ms. Erin B. Sheppard McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP Ms. Heidi L Shyu

  2. lcmodels

    Cancer.gov

    The R package provides individual risks of lung cancer and lung cancer death based on various published papers: Bach et al., 2003; Spitz et al., 2007; Cassidy et al., 2008 (LLP); Hoggart et al., 2012; Tammemagi et al., 2013; Marcus et al., 2015 (LLPi); Wilson and Weissfeld, 2015 (Pittsburgh); Katki et al., 2016 (LCRAT and LCDRAT)

  3. 75 FR 75091 - Mortgage Assistance Relief Services

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-01

    ... ; Stephanie Armour, Home Foreclosure Rates Posts First Annual Decline in Five Years, USA Today (May 13, 2010... (ANX), Mem. Supp. Pls. Ex Parte App. at 3 (Aug. 3, 2009) (alleging that defendants engaged in... companies. \\67\\ See FTC v. Fed. Loan Modification Law Ctr., LLP, No. SACV09-401 CJC (MLGx), Mem. Supp. Ex...

  4. 78 FR 75413 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-11

    ..., Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, on behalf of Investment Technology Group, Inc. (``ITG''), dated April 25, 2013... (``Citadel Letter IV''); and Mark Solomon, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel, ITG, dated August 5... well as one industry trade group, SIFMA.\\23\\ NSCC also submitted two responses to comment letters...

  5. Counting on a More Diverse Workforce

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chew, Cassie M.

    2007-01-01

    Big Four auditing firm Deloitte & Touche LLP USA may have found a way to address two of the top challenges for public accounting firms of the decade: finding and retaining qualified staff and recruiting new leadership. Deloitte is going to campuses across the United States in search of its next generation of talented accounting professionals…

  6. 50 CFR 679.82 - Rockfish Program use caps and sideboard limits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA (or in waters adjacent to the GOA when arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole... authority of all eligible LLP licenses in the catcher/processor sector. (ii) For the deep-water halibut PSC...

  7. 50 CFR 679.82 - Rockfish Program use caps and sideboard limits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA (or in waters adjacent to the GOA when arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole... authority of all eligible LLP licenses in the catcher/processor sector. (ii) For the deep-water halibut PSC...

  8. The Manager's Role in Financial Reporting: A Risk Consultant's Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bell, Reginald L.

    2007-01-01

    This article presents an interview with Ray Gonzalez, a risk consultant at Deloitte & Touche LLP, in Houston, Texas, about the financial reporting responsibilities of top, middle, and frontline managers in large and medium-size firms. This interview spotlights the necessity for timely and accurate reporting of financial information relating to…

  9. 76 FR 18265 - Fairholme VP Series Fund, Inc. and Fairholme Capital Management LLC

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-01

    ... VLI Accounts, the Plans and the participants in participant- directed Plans can make decisions quickly.... Miller, Esq., Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION... INFORMATION: The following is a summary of the application. The complete application may be obtained for a fee...

  10. Luigi Osmieri | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    , characterizing, and testing innovative non-precious-metal electrocatalysts (mainly based on Fe-N-C and Co-N-C . Student to Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain), Department of Applied Physical-Chemistry, Sept Union Mobility Program scholarship (LLP - ERASMUS) at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Barcelona

  11. 75 FR 60459 - Sunshine Act Notices

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-30

    ...: Thursday, September 23, 2010, at 10 a.m. PLACE: 999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC (Ninth Floor). STATUS... Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq. and Jonathan S. Berkon, Esq. of Perkins Coie, LLP. Draft Advisory Opinion 2010-19: Google by its counsel, Marc E. Elias, Esq. and Jonathan S...

  12. Benchmarking for maximum value.

    PubMed

    Baldwin, Ed

    2009-03-01

    Speaking at the most recent Healthcare Estates conference, Ed Baldwin, of international built asset consultancy EC Harris LLP, examined the role of benchmarking and market-testing--two of the key methods used to evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of hard and soft FM services provided under PFI healthcare schemes to ensure they are offering maximum value for money.

  13. 76 FR 81925 - Freeport LNG Development, L.P.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-29

    ... Development, L.P.; Notice of Application Take notice that on December 9, 2011, Freeport LNG Development, L.P... questions regarding this application should be directed to Lisa M. Tonery, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., 666...-Filing'' link. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time...

  14. Contrasting Roles of the Apoplastic Aspartyl Protease APOPLASTIC, ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1-DEPENDENT1 and LEGUME LECTIN-LIKE PROTEIN1 in Arabidopsis Systemic Acquired Resistance1,2[W

    PubMed Central

    Breitenbach, Heiko H.; Wenig, Marion; Wittek, Finni; Jordá, Lucia; Maldonado-Alconada, Ana M.; Sarioglu, Hakan; Colby, Thomas; Knappe, Claudia; Bichlmeier, Marlies; Pabst, Elisabeth; Mackey, David; Parker, Jane E.; Vlot, A. Corina

    2014-01-01

    Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible immune response that depends on ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1). Here, we show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) EDS1 is required for both SAR signal generation in primary infected leaves and SAR signal perception in systemic uninfected tissues. In contrast to SAR signal generation, local resistance remains intact in eds1 mutant plants in response to Pseudomonas syringae delivering the effector protein AvrRpm1. We utilized the SAR-specific phenotype of the eds1 mutant to identify new SAR regulatory proteins in plants conditionally expressing AvrRpm1. Comparative proteomic analysis of apoplast-enriched extracts from AvrRpm1-expressing wild-type and eds1 mutant plants led to the identification of 12 APOPLASTIC, EDS1-DEPENDENT (AED) proteins. The genes encoding AED1, a predicted aspartyl protease, and another AED, LEGUME LECTIN-LIKE PROTEIN1 (LLP1), were induced locally and systemically during SAR signaling and locally by salicylic acid (SA) or its functional analog, benzo 1,2,3-thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester. Because conditional overaccumulation of AED1-hemagglutinin inhibited SA-induced resistance and SAR but not local resistance, the data suggest that AED1 is part of a homeostatic feedback mechanism regulating systemic immunity. In llp1 mutant plants, SAR was compromised, whereas the local resistance that is normally associated with EDS1 and SA as well as responses to exogenous SA appeared largely unaffected. Together, these data indicate that LLP1 promotes systemic rather than local immunity, possibly in parallel with SA. Our analysis reveals new positive and negative components of SAR and reinforces the notion that SAR represents a distinct phase of plant immunity beyond local resistance. PMID:24755512

  15. [Diagnostic approach of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy and clinical importance of gene MYD88 L265P mutation].

    PubMed

    Cilla, N; Vercruyssen, M; Ameye, L; Paesmans, M; de Wind, A; Heimann, P; Meuleman, N; Bron, D

    2018-05-30

    An IgM monoclonal gammopathy points to a diagnosis of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. Other B lymphoproliferatives disorders should be ruled out but the limits are sometimes difficult to define. The discovery of the L265P mutation of the MYD88 gene simplified potentially the situation. 383 patients of the Jules Bordet Institute with an IgM level above 2 g/L were reviewed. For the 49 who had a monoclonal peak, we analysed the underlying pathology in termes of general, clinical and biological characteristics. We checked if the MYD88 mutation had been detected. The overall survival rate was studied. 5 histological groups were identified: Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (MW, N = 27), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LLP, N = 10), marginal zone lymphoma (LMZ, N = 7), monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and multiple myeloma (MGUS/MM, N = 5). The MW group was compared to the other groups. Regarding biological characteristics, the IgM level upon diagnosis was statistically higher in the MW group with a median level at 19.5 g/L (2.3-101 g/L) (p-value = 0,0001). Concerning the clinical characteristics, a splenomegaly was more frequent in the LMZ group (p-value = 0,04). The L265P mutation of the MYD88 gene was found in 77 % of patients in the MW group, 60 % of patients in the LLP group and 67 % in the LMZ group (p-value = 0,38). For the 49 patients, the 10-yearoverall survival was 85 % (CI 95 %, 67 % to 94 %) and the 15-year-overall survival was 65 % (CI 95 %, 41 % to 81 %). A monoclonal IgM peak suggests a MW but other B lymphoproliferatives disorders should be excluded. Even if the L265P mutation is frequent in the LLP/MW, it is not specific. A precise diagnosis requires collating clinical, histological, immunophenotypical and genetical data.

  16. Overview of progesterone profiles in dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Blavy, P; Derks, M; Martin, O; Höglund, J K; Friggens, N C

    2016-09-01

    The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the variability in shape and features of all progesterone profiles during estrus cycles in cows and to create templates for cycle shapes and features as a base for further research. Milk progesterone data from 1418 estrus cycles, coming from 1009 lactations, was obtained from the Danish Cattle Research Centre in Foulum, Denmark. Milk samples were analyzed daily using a Ridgeway ELISA-kit. Estrus cycles with less than 10 data points or shorter than 4 days were discarded, after which 1006 cycles remained in the analysis. A median kernel of three data points was used to smooth the progesterone time series. The time between start of progesterone rise and end of progesterone decline was identified by fitting a simple model consisting of base length and a quadratic curve to progesterone data, and this luteal-like phase (LLP) was used for further analysis. The data set of 1006 LLP's was divided into five quantiles based on length. Within quantiles, a cluster analysis was performed on the basis of shape distance. Height, upward and downward slope, and progesterone level on Day 5 were compared between quantiles. Also, the ratio of typical versus atypical shapes was described, using a reference curve on the basis of data in Q1-Q4. The main results of this article were that (1) most of the progesterone profiles showed a typical profile, including the ones that exceeded the optimum cycle length of 24 days; (2) cycles in Q2 and Q3 had steeper slopes and higher peak progesterone levels than cycles in Q1 and Q4 but, when normalized, had a similar shape. Results were used to define differences between quantiles that can be used as templates. Compared to Q1, LLP's in Q2 had a shape that is 1.068 times steeper and 1.048 times higher. Luteal-like phases in Q3 were 1.053 times steeper and 1.018 times higher. Luteal-like phases in Q4 were 0.977 times steeper and 0.973 times higher than LLP's in Q1. This article adds to our knowledge about the variability of progesterone profiles and their shape differences. The profile clustering procedure described in this article can be used as a means to classify progesterone profiles without recourse to an a priori set of rules, which arbitrarily segment the natural variability in these profiles. Using data-derived profile shapes may allow a more accurate assessment of the effects of, e.g., nutritional management or breeding system on progesterone profiles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. 75 FR 82420 - Self-Regulatory Organizations, The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-30

    .... Chamberlain, Bingham McCutchen LLP, dated November 22, 2010 (``Bingham Letter''); David Alan Miller, Managing..., the SPAC must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregative fair market value of at..., investor base, and trading interest to provide the depth and liquidity necessary to promote fair and...

  18. 76 FR 30396 - Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Real Estate Consulting, Houston, TX; Amended...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-25

    ... Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as... Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance on November 19, 2010, applicable to workers of Deloitte... Notice was published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2010 (75 FR 75700). The subject worker group...

  19. U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, PROKIL DIURON 80W, 05/26/1971

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    2011-04-21

    ... itt' \\H'!.\\.h ,.1''':' dr,}livrJ intll t!;;· 'flttill~; pC'l'l,d hy \\,:l1ltlll,li pr.I\\.'ti\\.:I..: ,l}lp. ... U";,' ~ 11,::, P'.'! .tl.'l't'. 1'\\ \\;1· ly 1'1;1;'" .• In.1,. lit I,l:l:-r, Itt Ihv ;'.1' ... , ...

  20. 76 FR 32258 - Access to Aircraft Situation Display (ASDI) and National Airspace System Status Information (NASSI)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-03

    ..., Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), McAfee & Taft P.C. (a law firm), and Patton Boggs LLP (a law... complete information, due primarily to concerns of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to... business according to a published listing of service and schedule, general aviation operators do not. It is...

  1. 75 FR 11958 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Order Granting Approval of Proposed...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-12

    ... the application, entry and annual fees currently charged to issuers listed on the Nasdaq Global and Nasdaq Global Select Markets, as well as the fee for written interpretations of Nasdaq listing rules. The.... Markham, Jr., Roger Myers, and Stephen Ryerson, Holme Roberts & Owen LLP (writing on behalf of Business...

  2. 77 FR 17530 - Order Granting an Application of Edward Jones & Co. LLP Exemption From Exchange Act Section 11(d...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-26

    ... margin on newly-purchased shares of mutual funds not managed or sponsored by Edward Jones or any affiliate of Edward Jones (``non-proprietary mutual funds'') in instances in which the customer makes a dollar-for-dollar substitution by selling an already- margined non-proprietary mutual fund and buying...

  3. Look Ahead: Long-Range Learning Plans

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weinstein, Margery

    2010-01-01

    Faced with an unsteady economy and fluctuating learning needs, planning a learning strategy designed to last longer than the next six months can be a tall order. But a long-range learning plan can provide a road map for success. In this article, four companies (KPMG LLP, CarMax, DPR Construction, and EMC Corp.) describe their learning plans, and…

  4. Academies: A Model for School Improvement? Key Findings from a Five-Year Longitudinal Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Armstrong, David; Bunting, Valerie; Larsen, Judy

    2009-01-01

    Academies were launched by David Blunkett, the then Secretary of State for Education, in March 2000 in a speech on transforming secondary education. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) was commissioned by the predecessor of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) in February 2003 to conduct an independent longitudinal evaluation of…

  5. 50 CFR 679.82 - Rockfish Program use caps and sideboard limits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... with that LLP licence that is subsequently approved by NMFS may not fish for that fishing year in any... of Alaska for which it adopts the applicable Federal fishing season for that species with any vessel... sideboard restrictions apply to fishing activities during July 1 through July 31 of each year in each...

  6. 76 FR 77728 - Process for a Designated Contract Market or Swap Execution Facility To Make a Swap Available To...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-14

    ..., 2011 at 9; Letter from Robert Pickel and Kenneth Bentsen, International Swaps and Derivatives..., dated Apr. 5, 2011 at 19; Letter from Robert Pickel and Kenneth Bentsen, International Swaps and... LLP, on behalf of certain dealers, dated Apr. 5, 2011 at 19; Letter from Robert Pickel and Kenneth...

  7. 77 FR 10775 - United States v. SG Interests I LTD., et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-23

    ... a related qui tam case also filed in United States District Court for the District of Colorado... ENERGY CORPORATION, 1801 Broadway, Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80202, Defendants. COMPLAINT The United States... & Jaworksi, LLP, Republic Plaza, 370 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2150, Denver, CO 80202. Telephone: (303) 801...

  8. Induction of cervical dilation for transcervical embryo transfer in ewes

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background A major limitation in the application of assisted reproductive technologies in sheep arises from the inability to easily traverse the uterine cervix. The cervix of the non-pregnant ewe is a narrow and rigid structure, with 5–7 spiral folds and crypts that block its lumen. The first two folds closest to the vagina appear to be the greatest obstacle for the instrument insertion into the sheep cervix. Therefore, the dilation of the distal part of the cervix could provide the conformational change necessary to perform non-invasive transcervical procedures. The present study set out to assess the efficacy of Cervidil®, a patented dinoprostone (PgE2)-containing vaginal insert with a controlled-release mechanism, to safely induce sufficient cervical dilation for the purpose of transcervical embryo transfer (TCET) in cyclic ewes. Methods The transfer of frozen-thawed ovine embryos was attempted in 22 cross-bred Rideau Arcott x Polled Dorset ewes, with or without the pre-treatment with Cervidil® for 12 or 24 h prior to TCET. Results Cervical penetration rate was significantly improved after Cervidil® pre-treatment, with 55% (6/11) of treated versus 9% (1/11) of control animals successfully penetrated (χ2-test, p < 0.05). Within the treated ewes that were penetrated, 67% (4/6) had been exposed to Cervidil(R) for 24 h and 33% (2/6) had had a 12-h exposure (p > 0.05). Variations in the age, weight, genotype, parity, lifetime lamb production (LLP) and post-partum interval (PPI) between penetrated and non-penetrated ewes were not significant (p > 0.05). The time taken to traverse the uterine cervix was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the age, parity, LLP and PPI. Progesterone assays and ultrasonographic examinations performed 25 days after ET confirmed pregnancy in 2 of 7 penetrated ewes, but no fetuses were detected ultrasonographically 55 days post-TCET. Conclusions The present results indicate a significant benefit of using Cervidil® for inducing cervical dilation during the mid-luteal phase in ewes but the reason(s) for impaired fertility after the transfer of frozen-thawed ovine embryos remains to be elucidated. PMID:24467737

  9. Quality Control Review of the Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP FY 2014 Single Audit of Logistics Management Institute

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-29

    independent, relevant, and timely oversight of the Department of Defense that supports the warfighter; promotes accountability , integrity, and...compliance testing for the allowable costs/cost principles compliance requirement to ensure the review of indirect costs is adequately performed...consulting services in logistics, acquisition and financial management, infrastructure management, information management, organizational improvement, and

  10. 75 FR 62421 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-08

    ... States of America v. Dakota Ethanol, LLC, Civil Action No. 4:10-CV-04144-LLP, was lodged with the United... by the United States against Dakota Ethanol, LLC pursuant to Sections 111 and 502(a) of the Clean Air... penalties for Defendant's alleged violations of the Act. Dakota Ethanol, LLC owns and operates an ethanol...

  11. 76 FR 63953 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-14

    ... & Co., Civil Action No. 4:11-cv-04143-LLP, D.J. Ref. 90-5-1-1-3973/1, was lodged with the United States... and injunctive relief in connection with Defendant John Morrell & Co.'s (``JMC'') violations of... has agreed to institute a new nameplate and label creation procedure to fix the remaining deficiency...

  12. A Downtown Denver Law Firm Leverages Tenant Improvement Funds to Cut Operating Expenses

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

    None

    Bryan Cave HRO (formerly Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, headquartered in Denver, Colorado), an international law firm, partnered with the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) to develop and implement solutions to retrofit existing buildings to reduce annual energy consumption by at least 30% versus pre-retrofit energy use as part of DOE’s Commercial Building Partnership (CBP) program.

  13. It Takes an Eco-System: A Review of the Research Administration Technology Landscape

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saas, Tyler; Kemp, James

    2017-01-01

    Deloitte Consulting LLP conducted a review of publicly available data sources with the goal of identifying the pre- and post-award systems used in higher education. The number and type of pre- and post-award systems identified not only show that higher education institutions (HEIs) use a variety of methods to facilitate research activities, but…

  14. 78 FR 66909 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC; Sabine Pass LNG, L.P.; Notice of Application to Amend...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-07

    ..., or call (713) 375-5000, or by email [email protected] . Or contact Lisa M. Tonery, Partner, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10103, or call (212)318-3009, or by email lisa...) and place it into the Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a Notice of...

  15. 78 FR 38703 - LNG Development Company (d/b/a Oregon LNG); Oregon Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-27

    ...://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in..., Vancouver, WA 98662, (503) 298-4967, [email protected] or Lisa M. Tonery, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10103, (212) 318-3009, lisa[email protected] . On July 16, 2012...

  16. The Nunn-McCurdy Act: Background, Analysis, and Issues for Congress

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-12

    December 2001, the Navy Area Defense ( NAD ) program was cancelled. 49 According to DOD, “the cancellation came, in part, as a result of a Nunn...Consulting LLP, Can We Afford Our Own Future? Why A&D Programs are Late and Over-budget—and What Can Be Done to Fix the Problem, 2008, p. 2. 49 NAD was

  17. 76 FR 13010 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Designation of Longer Period for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-09

    ..., dated September 28, 2010; Michael R. Trocchio, Bingham McCutchen LLP, on behalf of Pink OTC Markets Inc... Listing Market on the Exchange March 3, 2011. On August 20, 2010, NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc. (the ``Exchange... change to create a listing market on the Exchange. The proposed rule change was published for comment in...

  18. 75 FR 38452 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Central Gulf of Alaska License Limitation...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-02

    ... gear'' which includes hook-and-line, pot, and jig gear. A vessel owner received an LLP license endorsed... operations. Specifically, fixed gear participants were concerned about the potential effects of additional... designated for (1) pot, hook-and-line, and jig gear; (2) specific GOA regulatory areas (i.e., CG and WG); (3...

  19. 77 FR 37941 - Order Granting a Limited Exemption From Exchange Act Rule 10b-17 to Certain Actively Managed...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-25

    .... John McGuire, Esq., Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP regarding AdvisorShares Trust (December 16, 2011... or rights or other subscription offering, of the amount in cash to be paid or distributed per share... or distribution and the rate of the dividend or distribution. \\2\\ If the exact per share cash...

  20. Preparing Elementary and Secondary Pre-Service Teachers for Everyday Science

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Evagorou, Maria; Guven, Devrim; Mugaloglu, Ebru

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of the paper is to present the framework and design of modules aiming to teach socio-scientific issues and the related pedagogy to pre-service teachers. Specifically, the work presented in this paper is part of the PreSEES project, a Comenius/LLP project with the main aim of engaging elementary and secondary pre-service teachers in…

  1. 75 FR 1118 - BNSF Railway Company-Temporary Trackage Rights Exemption-Union Pacific Railroad Company

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-08

    ... trackage rights are temporary in nature and are for a period from January 22, 2010 through December 10... effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35340, must be..., a copy of each pleading must be served on Adrian L. Steel, Jr., Mayer Brown LLP, 1999 K Street, NW...

  2. Learning to Become an Intercultural Practitioner: The Case of Lifelong Learning Intensive Programme Interdisciplinary Course of Intercultural Competences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Onorati, Maria Giovanna; Bednarz, Furio

    2010-01-01

    This paper dates back to 2009 (it was first presented at the CRLL Conference at Stirling University) and deals with the advances in lifelong learning introduced by an ERASMUS LLP-IP named Interdisciplinary Course of Intercultural Competences (ICIC). The programme, that involves academic and non-academic institutions concerned with higher education…

  3. 75 FR 37878 - Soo Line Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption-in Wayne, Washtenaw...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-30

    ..., LaPorte, Porter, and Lake Counties, IN, and Cook County, IL Soo Line Railroad Company (Soo Line) \\1\\ has... must be filed by July 20, 2010, with: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC... with the Board should be sent to Soo Line's representative: Terence M. Hynes, Sidley Austin LLP, 1501 K...

  4. Study of Large Data Resources for Multilingual Training and System Porting (Pub Version, Open Access)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-03

    extraction trained on a large database corpus – English Fisher. Although the performance of ported monolingual system would be worse in comparison...Language TE LI HA LA ZU LLP hours 8.6 9.6 7.9 8.1 8.4 LM sentences 11935 10743 9861 11577 10644 LM words 68175 83157 93131 93328 60832 dictionary 14505

  5. Affirmative Action Redux: Who Is behind the Latest Effort to End the Consideration of Race in College Admissions?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Susan

    2012-01-01

    The homepage of the Project on Fair Representation (POFR) features a smiling photo of Abigail Fisher, the young White woman at the center of "Fisher v. the University of Texas," which could end race as a criterion in university admissions. Edward Blum, founder of POFR, a conservative advocacy group, connected Fisher with Wiley Rein LLP,…

  6. Seizing Opportunities: Genie Tyburski--Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, Philadelphia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Library Journal, 2004

    2004-01-01

    Genie Tyburski did not set out to be a law librarian. When asked at Drexel's library school what kind of librarian she wanted to be, she was surprised that "a good one" was not one of the options. But six weeks into the semester, she landed a part-time cataloging job at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia; six months later she was…

  7. Improving Air Force Enterprise Resource Planning-Enabled Business Transformation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    of the time of the research. - xviii - At RAND, we thank Mr. Jerry Sollinger for helping us to organize our material and Dr. Laura Baldwin for...complex technology effort most public-sector organizations will ever attempt” ( KPMG , 2011). While many of the challenges listed above may manifest... KPMG LLP, 2011). 1 Multi-echelon means one person is in charge and has responsibility for

  8. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General FY 2013 Audit Plan

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    oversight procedures to review KPMG LLPs work; and if applicable disclose instances where KPMG LLP does not comply, in all material respects, with U.S...decisions. Pervasive material internal control weaknesses impact the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of budgetary and accounting data and...reported the same 13 material internal control weaknesses as in the previous year. These pervasive and longstanding financial management challenges

  9. 77 FR 68722 - Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-16

    ... Manager of Navtech Radar Ltd., on behalf of Navtech Radar Ltd. and Bruce A. Olcott, for Squire Sanders LLP... 15.35 and 15.253 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Operation of Radar Systems in the 76-77 GHz Band; Amendment of Section 15.253 of the Commission's Rules to Permit Fixed Use of Radar in the 76-77 GHz Band (ET...

  10. 75 FR 64772 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Designation of a Longer Period for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-20

    ..., Secretary, Commission, from Michael R. Trocchio, Bingham McCutchen LLP, on behalf of Pink OTC Markets Inc... Rule Change To Create a Listing Market on the Exchange October 14, 2010. On August 20, 2010, NASDAQ OMX... thereunder,\\3\\ a proposed rule change to create a listing market, which will be called ``BX.'' The proposed...

  11. Influence of the Oil Phase and Topical Formulation on the Wound Healing Ability of a Birch Bark Dry Extract

    PubMed Central

    Steinbrenner, Isabel; Houdek, Pia; Pollok, Simone; Brandner, Johanna M.; Daniels, Rolf

    2016-01-01

    Triterpenes from the outer bark of birch are known for various pharmacological effects including enhanced wound healing (WH). A birch bark dry extract (TE) obtained by accelerated solvent extraction showed the ability to form oleogels when it is suspended in oils. Consistency of the oleogels and the dissolved amount of triterpenes varies largely with the used oil. Here we wanted to know to what extent different oils and formulations (oleogel versus o/w emulsion) influence WH. Looking at the plain oils, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) enhanced WH (ca. 1.4-fold), while e.g. castor oil (ca.0.3-fold) or light liquid paraffin (LLP; ca. 0.5-fold) significantly decreased WH. Concerning the respective oleogels, TE-MCT showed no improvement although the solubility of the TE was high. In contrast, the oleogel of sunflower oil which alone showed a slight tendency to impair WH, enhanced WH significantly (ca. 1.6-fold). These results can be explained by release experiments where the release rate of betulin, the main component of TE, from MCT oleogels was significantly lower than from sunflower oil oleogels. LLP impaired WH as plain oil and even though it released betulin comparable to sunflower oil it still results in an overall negative effect of the oleogel on WH. As a further formulation option also surfactant free o/w emulsions were prepared using MCT, sunflower oil and LLP as a nonpolar oil phase. Depending on the preparation method (suspension or oleogel method) the distribution of the TE varied markedly and affected also release kinetics. However, the released betulin was clearly below the values measured with the respective oleogels. Consequently, none of the emulsions showed a significantly positive effect on WH. In conclusion, our data show that the oil used as a vehicle influences wound healing not only by affecting the release of the extract, but also by having its own vehicle effect on wound healing. This is also of importance for other applications where drugs have to be applied in non-polar vehicles because these solvents likely influence the outcome of the experiment substantially. PMID:27219110

  12. Space Station module Power Management And Distribution (PMAD) system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walls, Bryan

    1990-01-01

    This project consists of several tasks which are unified toward experimentally demonstrating the operation of a highly autonomous, user-supportive power management and distribution system for Space Station Freedom (SSF) habitation/laboratory modules. This goal will be extended to a demonstration of autonomous, cooperative power system operation for the whole SSF power system through a joint effort with NASA's Lewis Research Center, using their Autonomous Power System. Short term goals for the space station module power management and distribution include having an operational breadboard reflecting current plans for SSF, improving performance of the system communications, and improving the organization and mutability of the artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In the middle term, intermediate levels of autonomy will be added, user interfaces will be modified, and enhanced modeling capabilities will be integrated in the system. Long term goals involve conversion of all software into Ada, vigorous verification and validation efforts and, finally, seeing an impact of this research on the operation of SSF. Conversion of the system to a DC Star configuration is now in progress, and should be completed by the end of October, 1989. This configuration reflects the latest SSF module architecture. Hardware is now being procured which will improve system communications significantly. The Knowledge-Based Management System (KBMS) is initially developed and the rules from FRAMES have been implemented in the KBMS. Rules in the other two AI systems are also being grouped modularly, making them more tractable, and easier to eventually move into the KBMS. Adding an intermediate level of autonomy will require development of a planning utility, which will also be built using the KBMS. These changes will require having the user interface for the whole system available from one interface. An Enhanced Model will be developed, which will allow exercise of the system through the interface without requiring all of the power hardware to be operational. The functionality of the AI systems will continue to be advanced, including incipient failure detection. Ada conversion will begin with the lowest level processor (LLP) code. Then selected pieces of the higher level functionality will be recorded in Ada and, where possible, moved to the LLP level. Validation and verification will be done on the Ada code, and will complete sometimes after completion of the Ada conversion.

  13. Fostered Learning: Exploring Effects of Faculty and Student Affairs Staff Roles within Living-Learning Programs on Undergraduate Student Perceptions of Growth in Cognitive Dimensions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Long, Nicole Natasha

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore effects of faculty and student affairs staff roles within living-learning programs (LLPs) on perceptions of growth in critical thinking/analysis abilities, cognitive complexity, and liberal learning among LLP participants. This study used two data sources from the National Study of Living-Learning Programs…

  14. Tobacco plants transformed with the bean. alpha. ai gene express an inhibitor of insect. alpha. -amylase in their seeds. [Nicotiana tabacum; Tenebrio molitor

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

    Altabella, T.; Chrispeels, M.J.

    Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds contain a putative plant defense protein that inhibits insect and mammalian but not plant {alpha}-amylases. We recently presented strong circumstantial evidence that this {alpha}-amylase inhibitor ({alpha}Al) is encoded by an already-identified lectin gene whose product is referred to as lectin-like-protein (LLP). We have now made a chimeric gene consisting of the coding sequence of the lectin gene that encodes LLP and the 5{prime} and 3{prime} flanking sequences of the lectin gene that encodes phytohemagglutinin-L. When this chimeric gene was expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), we observed in the seeds a series of polypeptides (M{submore » r} 10,000-18,000) that cross-react with antibodies to the bean {alpha}-amylase inhibitor. Most of these polypeptides bind to a pig pancreas {alpha}-amylase affinity column. An extract of the seeds of the transformed tobacco plants inhibits pig pancreas {alpha}-amylase activity as well as the {alpha}-amylase present in the midgut of Tenebrio molitor. We suggest that introduction of this lectin gene (to be called {alpha}ai) into other leguminous plants may be a strategy to protect the seeds from the seed-eating larvae of Coleoptera.« less

  15. Ernst and Young LLP South Carolina Research Authority Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1995.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-06-30

    The objective of a quality control review is to ensure that the audit was conducted in accordance with applicable standards and meets the auditing...requirements of OMB Circular A-133. As the Federal oversight agency for SCRA, we conducted a quality control review of the audit working papers. We...focused our review on the following qualitative aspects of the audit : due professional care, planning, supervision, independence, quality control

  16. The Effect of Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) on Performance During Acquisition Based Testing at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    profile .............................................................. 11 Table 5. Eastman Kodak company profile...schedules. Company profiles for KPMG LLP, Eastman Kodak and Texas Instruments (TI) are presented in Tables 4–6. Following each profile is a summary of the...and business continuity (Giglio n.d.-a). 2. Case Two A company profile (see Table 5) and case study summary on Eastman Kodak are presented in the

  17. A Management Case Analysis of the Department of Defense Contractor Risk Assessment Guide Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-12-01

    ORGANIZATION ......... 17 1. Past Government Organization Problems... 17 2. Current Government Organization ......... 17 3. The Contractor’s Organizatin ...Program and urged CODSIA to take a leadership role in encouraging its members to participate. The DCAA [Ref ll:p. 45] informed defense contractors in...conferences, and through the leadership of officials including the Under Secretary of the Navy for Acquisition, DOD Comptroller General, DOD Inspector General

  18. 50 CFR Table 9 to Part 679 - Groundfish LLP Licenses Eligible for Use in the BSAI Longline Catcher/Processor Subsector, Column...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... in the BSAI Longline Catcher/Processor Subsector, Column A. X Indicates Whether Column B or Column C... the BSAI Longline Catcher/Processor Subsector, Column A. X Indicates Whether Column B or Column C...)(D)(2) LLG 4508 X LLG 1785 X LLG 3681 X LLG 3676 X LLG 3609 X LLG 1400 X LLG 1401 X LLG 3617 X LLG...

  19. SERDP and ESTCP Workshop on Long Term Management of Contaminated Groundwater Sites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-01

    Yasmin Shafiq HydroGeoLogic, Inc. Allen Shapiro, Ph.D. U.S. Geological Survey Thomas Simpkin, Ph.D. CH2M HILL Mike Singletary NAVFAC...Buffalo ALLEN SHAPIRO, U.S. Geological Survey LENNY SIEGEL, Center for Public Environmental Oversight WILLIAM WALSH, Pepper Hamilton LLP Presenters...MNA Challenges Not appropriate for many CVOC sites (McGuire et al., Historical and Retrospective Survey of MNA... WSRC-TR-2003-00333) MNA Challenges

  20. Quality Control Review of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. Polytechnic University. Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1996

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-05-18

    The objective of a quality control review is to assure that the audit was conducted in accordance with applicable standards and meets the auditing...requirements of the OMB Circular A-I 33. As the cognizant Federal agency for the University, we conducted a quality control review of the audit working...papers. We focused our review on the following qualitative aspects of the audit : due professional care, planning, supervision, independence, quality

  1. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP GreatLakes Composites Consortium, Inc. Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-06-25

    The objective of a quality control review is to assure that the audit was conducted in accordance with applicable standards and meets the auditing...requirements of the OMB Circular A-133. As the cognizant agency for the Institute, we conducted a quality control review of the audit working papers. We...focused our review on the qualitative aspects of the audit : due professional care, planning, supervision, independence, quality control, internal

  2. Cytotoxic and Antifungal Constituents Isolated from the Metabolites of Endophytic Fungus DO14 from Dendrobium officinale.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ling-Shang; Jia, Min; Chen, Ling; Zhu, Bo; Dong, Hong-Xiu; Si, Jin-Ping; Peng, Wei; Han, Ting

    2015-12-22

    Two novel cytotoxic and antifungal constituents, (4S,6S)-6-[(1S,2R)-1, 2-dihydroxybutyl]-4-hydroxy-4-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one (1), (6S,2E)-6-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-oxodec-2-enoic acid (2), together with three known compounds, LL-P880γ (3), LL-P880α (4), and Ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3b-ol (5) were isolated from the metabolites of endophytic fungi from Dendrobium officinale. The chemical structures were determined based on spectroscopic methods. All the isolated compounds 1-5 were evaluated by cytotoxicity and antifungal effects. Our present results indicated that compounds 1-4 showed notable anti-fungal activities (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 50 μg/mL) for all the tested pathogens including Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus fumigatus. In addition, compounds 1-4 possessed notable cytotoxcities against human cancer cell lines of HL-60 cells with the IC50 values of below 100 μM. Besides, compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 showed strong cytotoxities on the LOVO cell line with the IC50 values were lower than 100 μM. In conclusion, our study suggested that endophytic fungi of D. officinale are great potential resources to discover novel agents for preventing or treating pathogens and tumors.

  3. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Corporation of Mercer University Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1995

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-06-11

    The objective of a quality control review is to ensure that the audit was conducted in accordance with applicable standards and meets the auditing...requirements of the OMB Circular A-133. We conducted a quality control review of the audit working papers. We focused our review on the following...qualitative aspects of the audit : due professional care, planning, supervision, independence, quality control, internal controls, substantive testing, general and specific compliance testing, and the Schedule of Federal Awards.

  4. Report on Quality Control Review of the Raich Ende Malter & Co. LLP FY 2009 Single Audit of the Riverside Research Institute

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-07

    compliance was based on a determination that 10 of the 14 compliance requirements were applicable to the Institute. However, the audit working papers...for all 14 of the compliance requirements were not adequate to support conclusions on applicability, internal control, and the audit opinion on...compliance with laws, regulations, and award provisions applicable to the R&D cluster program. In addition, the audit firm did not appropriately report an

  5. "Best-in-class": an interview with John T. Bigalke.

    PubMed

    Bigalke, J T

    2000-07-01

    John T. Bigalke, FHFMA, MBA, CPA, is national director, healthcare assurance & advisory services, Deloitte & Touche LLP. Bigalke began his career in health care in 1977 as a staff auditor and consultant with a Big Five accounting firm. In 1983, he moved to another Big Five firm, where he spent 15 years in leadership positions, including vice chairman of the healthcare practice, before moving to Deloitte & Touche in 1998. A member of HFMA since 1980, he served on HFMA's National Board of Directors from 1997 to 2000.

  6. 106-17 Telemetry Standards Chapter 7 Packet Telemetry Downlink

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-07-31

    Acronyms IP Internet Protocol IPv4 Internet Protocol, Version 4 IPv6 Internet Protocol, Version 6 LLP low-latency PTDP MAC media access control...o 4’b0101: PT Internet Protocol (IP) Packet o 4’b0110: PT Chapter 24 TmNSMessage Packet o 4’b0111 – 4’b1111: Reserved • Fragment (bits 17 – 16...packet is defined as a free -running 12-bit counter. The PT test counter packet shall consist of one 12-bit word and shall be encoded as one 24-bit

  7. Estimation and Detection with Chaotic Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-02-01

    125 For each nonsingular transformation f: X - X on (X, /3, I), there is a unique operator Pf: Ll(/) Ll(p) known as the Frobenius - Perron operator which...satisfies lB Pf (p(x)) d.(x) = J (B) p(x) dl(x) (6.10) for each B E and p E L(u) [50, 55]. This rather abstract definition of the Frobenius - Perron ... Frobenius - Perron operator for the n-fold composition of the transformation f is the same as the n-fold composition of the Frobenius - Perron operator for f. As

  8. The Exponentially Embedded Family of Distributions for Effective Data Representation, Information Extraction, and Decision Making

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-03-01

    information ex- traction and learning from data. First of all, it admits sufficient statistics and therefore, provides the means for selecting good models...readily found since the Kullback -Liebler divergence can be used to ascertain distances between PDFs for various hypothesis testing scenarios. We...t1, t2) Information content of T2 (x) is D(pryj,IJ2(tl, t2)11Pryj,!J2=0(tl, t2)) = reduction in distance to true PDF where D(p1llp2) is Kullback

  9. Report on Quality Control Review of the Deloitte & Touche, LLP and Defense Contract Audit Agency FY 2008 Single Audit of The Aerospace Corporation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-10-29

    Auounlants’ lI<:<:ounl~ LS’ Slal.-mt31 . enLS nts on ~’" Audiling i[i !! St3nd:IrIJ. ’a , bnls S~cllon CI] 316. t , MCons~Co sitliJ"<’,."lion...8217e Bnl /lch Mal/ager. Suulh /lay .Bmnch OjJia .. Def~".~e C(Jn/roc, Audll Agfncy, prOl"idi! $Ioffper/m·mfng Circular .... ] JJ o!l</ir /o’lno/lraini

  10. Damage Models for Delamination and Transverse Fracture.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-08-01

    is metals mas be Aritten in this form (Leek ic and lls.\\ en tm ’r [ hus . except for consideration of hurst 19-f4 .I In analop. as th elasicits t her... exponent % . that theisirrir- must sols e siniultaneousls for f, g and 11 using the J, (but not past %alues) determines, the irrst:irtar ie dlinienionless...in this last case does r’hc’r pirrmeersl so that a J, is not necessaril% the nonlinearit% exponent appear in the equatioin for I’llp. I hc. results

  11. Current Capabilities, Requirements and a Proposed Strategy for Interdependency Analysis in the UK

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bloomfield, Robin; Chozos, Nick; Salako, Kizito

    The UK government recently commissioned a research study to identify the state-of-the-art in Critical Infrastructure modelling and analysis, and the government/industry requirements for such tools and services. This study (Cetifs) concluded with a strategy aiming to bridge the gaps between the capabilities and requirements, which would establish interdependency analysis as a commercially viable service in the near future. This paper presents the findings of this study that was carried out by CSR, City University London, Adelard LLP, a safety/security consultancy and Cranfield University, defense academy of the UK.

  12. Modelling income distribution impacts of water sector projects in Bangladesh.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, C S; Jones, S

    1991-09-01

    Dynamic analysis was conducted to assess the long-term impacts of water sector projects on agricultural income distribution, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to check the robustness of the 5 assumptions in this study of income distribution and water sector projects in Bangladesh. 7 transitions are analyzed for mutually exclusive irrigation and flooding projects: Nonirrigation to 1) LLP irrigation, 2) STW irrigation, 3) DTW irrigation, 4) major gravity irrigation, and manually operated shallow tubewell irrigation (MOSTI) and Flood Control Projects (FCD) of 6) medium flooded to shallow flooded, and 7) deeply flooded to shallow flooded. 5 analytical stages are involved: 1) farm budgets are derived with and without project cropping patterns for each transition. 2) Estimates are generated for value added/hectare from each transition. 3) Assumptions are made about the number of social classes, distribution of land ownership between classes, extent of tenancy for each social class, term of tenancy contracts, and extent of hiring of labor for each social class. 4) Annual value added/hectare is distributed among social classes. 5) Using Gini coefficients and simple ratios, the distribution of income between classes is estimated for with and without transition. Assumption I is that there are 4 social classes defined by land acreage: large farmers (5 acres), medium farmers (1.5-5.0), small farmers, (.01-1.49), and landless. Assumption II is that land distribution follows the 1978 Land Occupancy Survey (LOS). Biases, if any, are indicated. Assumption III is that large farmers sharecrop out 15% of land to small farmers. Assumption IV is that landlords provide nonirrigated crop land and take 50% of the crop, and, under irrigation, provide 50% of the fertilizer, pesticide, and irrigation costs and take 50% of the crop. Assumption V is that hired and family labor is assumed to be 40% for small farmers, 60% for medium farmers, and 80% for large farmers. It is understood that the analysis is partially complete, since there if no Assessment of the impact on nonagricultural income and employment, or secondary impacts such as demand for irrigation equipment, services for processing, manufacture and transport services, or investment of new agricultural surpluses. Few empirical studies have been done and the estimates apply only to individual project areas. The results show that inequality is greatest with major (gravity) irrigation, followed by STW, DTW and LLP, FCD (medium to shallow), FCD (deep to shallow), and the most equitable MOSTI. Changes in the absolute income accruing to the rural poor would lead to the rank of major gravity irrigation as raising more above the poverty line, followed by MOSTI, minor irritation (STW, DTW, and LLP), and FCD schemes.

  13. Modifiers: Increasing Richness and Nuance of Design Pattern Languages

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolfschoten, Gwendolyn L.; Briggs, Robert O.; Lukosch, Stephan

    One of the challenges when establishing and maintaining a pattern language is to balance richness with simplicity. On the one hand, designers need a variety of useful design patterns to increase the speed of their design efforts and to reduce design risk. On the other hand, the greater the variety of design patterns in a language, the higher the cognitive load to remember and select among them. One solution to this problem is the concept of a modifier design pattern, a design pattern for pattern languages. A modifier pattern is a named, documented variation that can be applied to some set of other design patterns. They create similar, useful changes and refinements to the solutions derived from any pattern to which they are applied. The modifier concept, described in this paper emerged in a relatively new design pattern language for collaborative work practices in which the design patterns are called thinkLets. When analyzing the thinkLet pattern language, we found that many of the patterns we knew were variations and refinements of other patterns. However, we also found patterns in these variations; we found variations that could be applied to different patterns, with similar effects. We document these variations as modifiers. In this paper, we introduce the concept of modifier design patterns and illustrate the use of modifiers with two case studies.

  14. Applying a machine learning model using a locally preserving projection based feature regeneration algorithm to predict breast cancer risk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heidari, Morteza; Zargari Khuzani, Abolfazl; Danala, Gopichandh; Mirniaharikandehei, Seyedehnafiseh; Qian, Wei; Zheng, Bin

    2018-03-01

    Both conventional and deep machine learning has been used to develop decision-support tools applied in medical imaging informatics. In order to take advantages of both conventional and deep learning approach, this study aims to investigate feasibility of applying a locally preserving projection (LPP) based feature regeneration algorithm to build a new machine learning classifier model to predict short-term breast cancer risk. First, a computer-aided image processing scheme was used to segment and quantify breast fibro-glandular tissue volume. Next, initially computed 44 image features related to the bilateral mammographic tissue density asymmetry were extracted. Then, an LLP-based feature combination method was applied to regenerate a new operational feature vector using a maximal variance approach. Last, a k-nearest neighborhood (KNN) algorithm based machine learning classifier using the LPP-generated new feature vectors was developed to predict breast cancer risk. A testing dataset involving negative mammograms acquired from 500 women was used. Among them, 250 were positive and 250 remained negative in the next subsequent mammography screening. Applying to this dataset, LLP-generated feature vector reduced the number of features from 44 to 4. Using a leave-onecase-out validation method, area under ROC curve produced by the KNN classifier significantly increased from 0.62 to 0.68 (p < 0.05) and odds ratio was 4.60 with a 95% confidence interval of [3.16, 6.70]. Study demonstrated that this new LPP-based feature regeneration approach enabled to produce an optimal feature vector and yield improved performance in assisting to predict risk of women having breast cancer detected in the next subsequent mammography screening.

  15. Improving zero-training brain-computer interfaces by mixing model estimators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verhoeven, T.; Hübner, D.; Tangermann, M.; Müller, K. R.; Dambre, J.; Kindermans, P. J.

    2017-06-01

    Objective. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based on event-related potentials (ERP) incorporate a decoder to classify recorded brain signals and subsequently select a control signal that drives a computer application. Standard supervised BCI decoders require a tedious calibration procedure prior to every session. Several unsupervised classification methods have been proposed that tune the decoder during actual use and as such omit this calibration. Each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses. Our aim is to improve overall accuracy of ERP-based BCIs without calibration. Approach. We consider two approaches for unsupervised classification of ERP signals. Learning from label proportions (LLP) was recently shown to be guaranteed to converge to a supervised decoder when enough data is available. In contrast, the formerly proposed expectation maximization (EM) based decoding for ERP-BCI does not have this guarantee. However, while this decoder has high variance due to random initialization of its parameters, it obtains a higher accuracy faster than LLP when the initialization is good. We introduce a method to optimally combine these two unsupervised decoding methods, letting one method’s strengths compensate for the weaknesses of the other and vice versa. The new method is compared to the aforementioned methods in a resimulation of an experiment with a visual speller. Main results. Analysis of the experimental results shows that the new method exceeds the performance of the previous unsupervised classification approaches in terms of ERP classification accuracy and symbol selection accuracy during the spelling experiment. Furthermore, the method shows less dependency on random initialization of model parameters and is consequently more reliable. Significance. Improving the accuracy and subsequent reliability of calibrationless BCIs makes these systems more appealing for frequent use.

  16. Additive manufacturing integrated energy—enabling innovative solutions for buildings of the future

    DOE PAGES

    Biswas, Kaushik; Rose, James; Eikevik, Leif; ...

    2016-11-10

    Here, the AMIE (Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy) demonstration utilized 3D printing as an enabling technology in the pursuit of construction methods that use less material, create less waste, and require less energy to build and operate. It was developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with the Governor's Chair for Energy and Urbanism, a research partnership of the University of Tennessee (UT) and ORNL led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), AMIE embodies a suite of innovations demonstrating a transformative future for designing, constructing and operating buildings. Subsequent, blind UT College of Architecture and Design studios taughtmore » in collaboration with SOM professionals also explored forms and shapes based on biological systems that naturally integrate structure and enclosure. AMIE, a compact micro-dwelling developed by ORNL research scientists and SOM designers, incorporates next-generation modified atmosphere insulation, self-shading windows, and the ability to produce, store and share solar power with a paired hybrid vehicle. It establishes for the first time, a platform for investigating solutions integrating the energy systems in buildings, vehicles, and the power grid. The project was built with broad-based support from local industry and national material suppliers. Designed and constructed in a span of only nine months, AMIE 1.0 serves as an example of the rapid innovation that can be accomplished when research, design, academic and industrial partners work in collaboration toward the common goal of a more sustainable and resilient built environment.« less

  17. Photovoltaic systems sizing for Algeria

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

    Arab, A.H.; Driss, B.A.; Amimeur, R.

    1995-02-01

    The purpose of this work is to develop an optimization method applicable to stand-alone photovoltaic systems as a function of its reliability. For a given loss-of-load probability (LLP), there are many combinations of battery capacity and photovoltaic array peak power. The problem consists in determining the couple which corresponds to a minimum total system cost. The method has been applied to various areas all over Algeria taking into account various climatic zones. The parameter used to define the different climatic zones is the clearness index KT for all the considered sites. The period of the simulation system is 10 years.more » 5 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.« less

  18. Remote direct memory access over datagrams

    DOEpatents

    Grant, Ryan Eric; Rashti, Mohammad Javad; Balaji, Pavan; Afsahi, Ahmad

    2014-12-02

    A communication stack for providing remote direct memory access (RDMA) over a datagram network is disclosed. The communication stack has a user level interface configured to accept datagram related input and communicate with an RDMA enabled network interface card (NIC) via an NIC driver. The communication stack also has an RDMA protocol layer configured to supply one or more data transfer primitives for the datagram related input of the user level. The communication stack further has a direct data placement (DDP) layer configured to transfer the datagram related input from a user storage to a transport layer based on the one or more data transfer primitives by way of a lower layer protocol (LLP) over the datagram network.

  19. A Revision of the Argyritarsis Section of the Subgenus Nyssorhynchus of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-01-01

    specimens: lM, 1M gen). Cayo: Cayo, BHL 40, lM, 1M gen. BOLIVIA (37 specimens: 21M, 1M gen, 15F). La Paz: Apolo, 15 Jan 1946, S. Blatman, 3M, 3F. Chulumani... La 152 Dorada, 25 Jun 1943, KO 112-6, lM, 1F. Meta: Cumaral, COB 45, IlpF, llpM, 1M gen. Pt. Lopez, COM 547, 1F. Restrepo, 21 Aug 1935, W. H. Kemp...and collector, 16 Feb 1927, La Ese, CR 32, 41pF, lpF, 21p, 2F. Orotina, 20 Dee 1920, A. Alfaro, 3F. Rio Tiribi, 1921, A. Alfaro, 2M, 1F. San Isidro

  20. The Proteome of Seed Development in the Model Legume Lotus japonicus1[C][W

    PubMed Central

    Dam, Svend; Laursen, Brian S.; Ørnfelt, Jane H.; Jochimsen, Bjarne; Stærfeldt, Hans Henrik; Friis, Carsten; Nielsen, Kasper; Goffard, Nicolas; Besenbacher, Søren; Krusell, Lene; Sato, Shusei; Tabata, Satoshi; Thøgersen, Ida B.; Enghild, Jan J.; Stougaard, Jens

    2009-01-01

    We have characterized the development of seeds in the model legume Lotus japonicus. Like soybean (Glycine max) and pea (Pisum sativum), Lotus develops straight seed pods and each pod contains approximately 20 seeds that reach maturity within 40 days. Histological sections show the characteristic three developmental phases of legume seeds and the presence of embryo, endosperm, and seed coat in desiccated seeds. Furthermore, protein, oil, starch, phytic acid, and ash contents were determined, and this indicates that the composition of mature Lotus seed is more similar to soybean than to pea. In a first attempt to determine the seed proteome, both a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis approach and a gel-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach were used. Globulins were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and five legumins, LLP1 to LLP5, and two convicilins, LCP1 and LCP2, were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. For two distinct developmental phases, seed filling and desiccation, a gel-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach was used, and 665 and 181 unique proteins corresponding to gene accession numbers were identified for the two phases, respectively. All of the proteome data, including the experimental data and mass spectrometry spectra peaks, were collected in a database that is available to the scientific community via a Web interface (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/cgi-bin/lotus/db.cgi). This database establishes the basis for relating physiology, biochemistry, and regulation of seed development in Lotus. Together with a new Web interface (http://bioinfoserver.rsbs.anu.edu.au/utils/PathExpress4legumes/) collecting all protein identifications for Lotus, Medicago, and soybean seed proteomes, this database is a valuable resource for comparative seed proteomics and pathway analysis within and beyond the legume family. PMID:19129418

  1. A flamelet model for supersonic non-premixed combustion with pressure variation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Guo-Yan; Sun, Ming-Bo; Wu, Jin-Shui; Wang, Hong-Bo

    2015-08-01

    A modified flamelet model is proposed for studying supersonic combustion with pressure variation considering that pressure is far from homogenous in a supersonic combustor. In this model, the flamelet database are tabulated at a reference pressure, while quantities at other pressure are obtained using a sixth-order polynomial in pressure. Attributed to merit of the modified model which compute coefficients for the expansion only. And they brought less requirements for memory and table lookup time, expensive cost is avoided. The performance of modified model is much better than the approach of using a flamelet model-based method with tabulation at different pressure values. Two types of hydrogen fueled scramjet combustors were introduced to validate the modified flamelet model. It was observed that the temperature is sensitive to the choice of model in combustion area, which in return will significantly affect the pressure. It was found that the results of modified model were in good agreement with the experimental data compared with the isobaric flamelet model, especially for temperature, whose value is more accurately predicted. It is concluded that the modified flamelet model was more effective for cases with a wide range of pressure variation.

  2. 77 FR 76770 - Proposed Exemptions From Certain Prohibited Transaction Restrictions

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-28

    ...This document contains notices of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of proposed exemptions from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code). This notice includes the following proposed exemptions: D-11664, Atlas Energy, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the Plan); D-11718, Notice of Proposed Amendment to Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 2007-05, Involving Prudential Securities Incorporated; L-11720, The Mo-Kan Teamsters Apprenticeship and Training Fund (the Fund); L-11738, The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) and Red Re, Inc. (Red Re) (together, the Applicants); and D-11671, Silchester International Investors LLP (Silchester or the Applicant).

  3. Wild worm embryogenesis harbors ubiquitous polygenic modifier variation.

    PubMed

    Paaby, Annalise B; White, Amelia G; Riccardi, David D; Gunsalus, Kristin C; Piano, Fabio; Rockman, Matthew V

    2015-08-22

    Embryogenesis is an essential and stereotypic process that nevertheless evolves among species. Its essentiality may favor the accumulation of cryptic genetic variation (CGV) that has no effect in the wild-type but that enhances or suppresses the effects of rare disruptions to gene function. Here, we adapted a classical modifier screen to interrogate the alleles segregating in natural populations of Caenorhabditis elegans: we induced gene knockdowns and used quantitative genetic methodology to examine how segregating variants modify the penetrance of embryonic lethality. Each perturbation revealed CGV, indicating that wild-type genomes harbor myriad genetic modifiers that may have little effect individually but which in aggregate can dramatically influence penetrance. Phenotypes were mediated by many modifiers, indicating high polygenicity, but the alleles tend to act very specifically, indicating low pleiotropy. Our findings demonstrate the extent of conditional functionality in complex trait architecture.

  4. Chemical and Conformational Diversity of Modified Nucleosides Affects tRNA Structure and Function.

    PubMed

    Väre, Ville Y P; Eruysal, Emily R; Narendran, Amithi; Sarachan, Kathryn L; Agris, Paul F

    2017-03-16

    RNAs are central to all gene expression through the control of protein synthesis. Four major nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and uridine, compose RNAs and provide sequence variation, but are limited in contributions to structural variation as well as distinct chemical properties. The ability of RNAs to play multiple roles in cellular metabolism is made possible by extensive variation in length, conformational dynamics, and the over 100 post-transcriptional modifications. There are several reviews of the biochemical pathways leading to RNA modification, but the physicochemical nature of modified nucleosides and how they facilitate RNA function is of keen interest, particularly with regard to the contributions of modified nucleosides. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most extensively modified RNAs. The diversity of modifications provide versatility to the chemical and structural environments. The added chemistry, conformation and dynamics of modified nucleosides occurring at the termini of stems in tRNA's cloverleaf secondary structure affect the global three-dimensional conformation, produce unique recognition determinants for macromolecules to recognize tRNAs, and affect the accurate and efficient decoding ability of tRNAs. This review will discuss the impact of specific chemical moieties on the structure, stability, electrochemical properties, and function of tRNAs.

  5. Wild worm embryogenesis harbors ubiquitous polygenic modifier variation

    PubMed Central

    Paaby, Annalise B; White, Amelia G; Riccardi, David D; Gunsalus, Kristin C; Piano, Fabio; Rockman, Matthew V

    2015-01-01

    Embryogenesis is an essential and stereotypic process that nevertheless evolves among species. Its essentiality may favor the accumulation of cryptic genetic variation (CGV) that has no effect in the wild-type but that enhances or suppresses the effects of rare disruptions to gene function. Here, we adapted a classical modifier screen to interrogate the alleles segregating in natural populations of Caenorhabditis elegans: we induced gene knockdowns and used quantitative genetic methodology to examine how segregating variants modify the penetrance of embryonic lethality. Each perturbation revealed CGV, indicating that wild-type genomes harbor myriad genetic modifiers that may have little effect individually but which in aggregate can dramatically influence penetrance. Phenotypes were mediated by many modifiers, indicating high polygenicity, but the alleles tend to act very specifically, indicating low pleiotropy. Our findings demonstrate the extent of conditional functionality in complex trait architecture. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09178.001 PMID:26297805

  6. World pharmaceuticals--Financial Times tenth annual conference. 22-23 April 1999, London, UK.

    PubMed

    Muhsin, M

    1999-07-01

    This two-day conference was organized by The Financial Times, in association with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP. The general theme of the event was the state of the healthcare industry, past, present and future. The main areas covered included addressing the challenges of the 1990s, anticipating the challenges of the next decade, the changing shape of global marketing, IT in healthcare, consolidation challenges, shareholder expectations, and new strategies and technologies for growth sustenance within the industry. Key speakers within the industry addressed these issues to an audience of approximately 200 healthcare business executives. The first day was chaired by Mr Robert Cawthorn (Chairman Emeritus, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc) and the second by Professor Trevor Jones (Director General, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry).

  7. Universal aspects of conformations and transverse fluctuations of a two-dimensional semi-flexible chain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hsu, Hsiao-Ping; Huang, Aiqun; Bhattacharya, Aniket; Binder, Kurt

    2015-03-01

    In this talk we compare the results obtained from Monte Carlo (MC) and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulation for the universal properties of a semi-flexible chain. Specifically we compare MC results obtained using pruned-enriched Rosenbluth method (PERM) with those obtained from BD simulation. We find that the scaled plot of root-mean-square (RMS) end-to-end distance / 2 Llp and RMS transverse transverse fluctuations √{ } /lp as a function of L /lp (where L and lp are the contour length, and the persistence length respectively) are universal and independent of the definition of the persistence length used in MC and BD schemes. We further investigate to what extent these results agree for a semi-flexible polymer confined in a quasi one dimensional channel.

  8. Intellectual Property Is No Game: An Interview with James G. Gatto, JD.

    PubMed

    2012-12-01

    Copying within the games industry is reportedly widespread. Some people attribute this to the belief that this is just the way it is and has always been based on the notion that the "idea" for a game is not protectable. But as the game market grows, so too do the losses from copying suffered by game innovators. A contributing factor is that many game developers do not develop comprehensive strategies for protecting the valuable intellectual property that they create. In the following interview, Bill Ferguson, PhD, Editor of Games for Health Journal, discusses the hazards and ways to protect health game assets with intellectual property expert Jim Gatto, Leader of the Social Media, Entertainment & Technology Team at the respected law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

  9. Study of crystallinity and thermal behavior of gamma irradiated luffa fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patra, Subhashree; Mohanta, Kamal Lochan; Parida, Chhatrapati

    2018-04-01

    The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of high energy 6 MV X-ray photon beams on fiber of luffa cylindrica (LC), an agricultural waste of India. Techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM and TGA are used to study the structural changes and thermal behavior of fiber after physical modification by X-ray photon. Results illustrated that the crystallinity of cellulose in modified fibers was destroyed. High reactivity of modified LC fiber was ascertained from the presence of carboxylic group in the FT-IR spectrum. TGA study revealed increase in hydrophobicity of the modified fiber. The variation of these properties was analyzed with variation in dose of irradiation. Before treatment, the LC fibers are modified with Ca salts in order to explore their applications in biomedical terrain.

  10. Assessing Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in Fire-Affected Pinus Palustris Forests

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Butnor, J. R.; Johnsen, K. H.; Jackson, J. A.; Anderson, P. H.; Samuelson, L. J.; Lorenz, K.

    2014-12-01

    This study aimed to quantify the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its biochemically resistant fraction (SOCR; defined as residual SOC following H2O2 treatment and dilute HNO3 digestion) in managed longleaf pine (LLP) stands located at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA (32.38 N., 84.88 W.). Although it is unclear how to increase SOCR via land management, it is a relatively stable carbon (C) pool that is important for terrestrial C sequestration. SOC concentration declines with soil depth on upland soils without a spodic horizon; however, the portion that is SOCR and the residence time of this fraction on LLP stands is unknown. Soils were collected by depth at five sites with common land use history, present use for active military training and a three-year prescribed fire return cycle. Soils were treated with H2O2 and dilute HNO3 to isolate SOCR. In the upper 1-m of soil SOC stocks averaged 72.1 ± 6.6 Mg C ha-1 and SOCR averaged 25.8 ± 3.2 Mg C ha-1. Depending on the site, the ratio of SOCR:SOC ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 in the upper 1-m of soil. On clayey soils the ratio of SOCR:SOC increased with soil depth. One site containing 33% clay at 50 to 100 cm depth had a SOCR:SOC ratio of 0.68. The radiocarbon age of SOCR increased with soil depth, ranging from approximately 2,000 years before present (YBP) at 0 to 10 cm to over 5,500 YBP at 50 to 100 cm depth. Across all sites, SOCR makes up a considerable portion of SOC. What isn't clear is the proportion of SOCR that is of pyrogenic origin (black carbon), versus SOCR that is stabilized by association with the mineral phase. Ongoing analysis with 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will provide data on the degree of aromaticity of the SOCR and some indication of the nature of its biochemical stability.

  11. Expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in Bombyx mori gut modulated by oral bacterial infection and development.

    PubMed

    Wu, Shan; Zhang, Xiaofeng; He, Yongqiang; Shuai, Jiangbing; Chen, Xiaomei; Ling, Erjun

    2010-11-01

    Although Bombyx mori systematic immunity is extensively studied, little is known about the silkworm's intestine-specific responses to bacterial infection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) gene expression analysis of B. mori intestinal tissue to oral infection with the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and -negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria revealed that there is specificity in the interaction between host immune responses and parasite types. Neither Att1 nor Leb could be stimulated by S. aureus and E. coli. However, CecA1, Glo1, Glo2, Glo3, Glo4 and Lys, could only be trigged by S. aureus. On the contrary, E. coli stimulation caused the decrease in the expression of CecA1, Glo3 and Glo4 in some time points. Interestingly, there is regional specificity in the silkworm local gut immunity. During the immune response, the increase in Def, Hem and LLP3 was only detected in the foregut and midgut. For CecB1, CecD, LLP2 and Mor, after orally administered with E. coli, the up-regulation was only limited in the midgut and hindgut. CecE was the only AMP that positively responses to the both bacteria in all the testing situations. With development, the expression levels of the AMPs were also changed dramatically. That is, at spinning and prepupa stages, a large increase in the expression of CecA1, CecB1, CecD, CecE, Glo1, Glo2, Glo3, Glo4, Leb, Def, Hem, Mor and Lys was detected in the gut. Unexpectedly, in addition to the IMD pathway genes, the Toll and JAK/STAT pathway genes in the silkworm gut can also be activated by microbial oral infection. But in the developmental course, corresponding to the increase in expression of AMPs at spinning and prepupa stages, only the Toll pathway genes in the gut exhibit the similar increasing trend. Our results imply that the immune responses in the silkworm gut are synergistically regulated by the Toll, JAK/STAT and IMD pathways. However, as the time for approaching pupation, the Toll pathway may play a role in the AMPs expression. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Evaluation of Modified Risk Claim Advertising Formats for Camel Snus

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fix, Brian V.; Adkison, Sarah E.; O'Connor, Richard J.; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; Cummings, K. Michael; Rees, Vaughan W.; Hatsukami, Dorothy K.

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory authority for modified risk tobacco product advertising claims. To guide future regulatory efforts, we investigated how variations in modified risk claim advertisements influence consumer perceptions of product risk claims for Camel Snus. Methods: Young people and adults (15-65),…

  13. Talar anchor placement for modified Brostrom lateral ankle stabilization procedure.

    PubMed

    Angirasa, Arush K; Barrett, Michael J

    2008-01-01

    The modified Brostrom procedure has been a proven procedure with excellent utility in the treatment of lateral ankle instability within limitation. Multiple variations of the original technique have been described in the literature to date. Included in these variations are differences in anchor placement, suture technique, or both. In this research study, we propose placing a bone screw anchor into the lateral shoulder of the talus rather than the typical placement at the lateral malleolus for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments.

  14. Comments on the variational modified-hypernetted-chain theory for simple fluids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosenfeld, Yaakov

    1986-02-01

    The variational modified-hypernetted-chain (VMHNC) theory, based on the approximation of universality of the bridge functions, is reformulated. The new formulation includes recent calculations by Lado and by Lado, Foiles, and Ashcroft, as two stages in a systematic approach which is analyzed. A variational iterative procedure for solving the exact (diagrammatic) equations for the fluid structure which is formally identical to the VMHNC is described, featuring the theory of simple classical fluids as a one-iteration theory. An accurate method for calculating the pair structure for a given potential and for inverting structure factor data in order to obtain the potential and the thermodynamic functions, follows from our analysis.

  15. Sources of Variation in Sweat Chloride Measurements in Cystic Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Collaco, Joseph M; Blackman, Scott M; Raraigh, Karen S; Corvol, Harriet; Rommens, Johanna M; Pace, Rhonda G; Boelle, Pierre-Yves; McGready, John; Sosnay, Patrick R; Strug, Lisa J; Knowles, Michael R; Cutting, Garry R

    2016-12-01

    Expanding the use of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators and correctors for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) requires precise and accurate biomarkers. Sweat chloride concentration provides an in vivo assessment of CFTR function, but it is unknown the degree to which CFTR mutations account for sweat chloride variation. To estimate potential sources of variation for sweat chloride measurements, including demographic factors, testing variability, recording biases, and CFTR genotype itself. A total of 2,639 sweat chloride measurements were obtained in 1,761 twins/siblings from the CF Twin-Sibling Study, French CF Modifier Gene Study, and Canadian Consortium for Genetic Studies. Variance component estimation was performed by nested mixed modeling. Across the tested CF population as a whole, CFTR gene mutations were found to be the primary determinant of sweat chloride variability (56.1% of variation) with contributions from variation over time (e.g., factors related to testing on different days; 13.8%), environmental factors (e.g., climate, family diet; 13.5%), other residual factors (e.g., test variability; 9.9%), and unique individual factors (e.g., modifier genes, unique exposures; 6.8%) (likelihood ratio test, P < 0.001). Twin analysis suggested that modifier genes did not play a significant role because the heritability estimate was negligible (H 2  = 0; 95% confidence interval, 0.0-0.35). For an individual with CF, variation in sweat chloride was primarily caused by variation over time (58.1%) with the remainder attributable to residual/random factors (41.9%). Variation in the CFTR gene is the predominant cause of sweat chloride variation; most of the non-CFTR variation is caused by testing variability and unique environmental factors. If test precision and accuracy can be improved, sweat chloride measurement could be a valuable biomarker for assessing response to therapies directed at mutant CFTR.

  16. Sources of Variation in Sweat Chloride Measurements in Cystic Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Blackman, Scott M.; Raraigh, Karen S.; Corvol, Harriet; Rommens, Johanna M.; Pace, Rhonda G.; Boelle, Pierre-Yves; McGready, John; Sosnay, Patrick R.; Strug, Lisa J.; Knowles, Michael R.; Cutting, Garry R.

    2016-01-01

    Rationale: Expanding the use of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators and correctors for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) requires precise and accurate biomarkers. Sweat chloride concentration provides an in vivo assessment of CFTR function, but it is unknown the degree to which CFTR mutations account for sweat chloride variation. Objectives: To estimate potential sources of variation for sweat chloride measurements, including demographic factors, testing variability, recording biases, and CFTR genotype itself. Methods: A total of 2,639 sweat chloride measurements were obtained in 1,761 twins/siblings from the CF Twin-Sibling Study, French CF Modifier Gene Study, and Canadian Consortium for Genetic Studies. Variance component estimation was performed by nested mixed modeling. Measurements and Main Results: Across the tested CF population as a whole, CFTR gene mutations were found to be the primary determinant of sweat chloride variability (56.1% of variation) with contributions from variation over time (e.g., factors related to testing on different days; 13.8%), environmental factors (e.g., climate, family diet; 13.5%), other residual factors (e.g., test variability; 9.9%), and unique individual factors (e.g., modifier genes, unique exposures; 6.8%) (likelihood ratio test, P < 0.001). Twin analysis suggested that modifier genes did not play a significant role because the heritability estimate was negligible (H2 = 0; 95% confidence interval, 0.0–0.35). For an individual with CF, variation in sweat chloride was primarily caused by variation over time (58.1%) with the remainder attributable to residual/random factors (41.9%). Conclusions: Variation in the CFTR gene is the predominant cause of sweat chloride variation; most of the non-CFTR variation is caused by testing variability and unique environmental factors. If test precision and accuracy can be improved, sweat chloride measurement could be a valuable biomarker for assessing response to therapies directed at mutant CFTR. PMID:27258095

  17. Magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide via chemically and mechanically modified fluids.

    PubMed

    Salzman, Sivan; Romanofsky, Henry J; Giannechini, Lucca J; Jacobs, Stephen D; Lambropoulos, John C

    2016-02-20

    We describe the anisotropy in the material removal rate (MRR) of the polycrystalline, chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide (ZnS). We define the polycrystalline anisotropy via microhardness and chemical erosion tests for four crystallographic orientations of ZnS: (100), (110), (111), and (311). Anisotropy in the MRR was studied under magnetorheological finishing (MRF) conditions. Three chemically and mechanically modified magnetorheological (MR) fluids at pH values of 4, 5, and 6 were used to test the MRR variations among the four single-crystal planes. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with pH 5 and pH 6 MR fluids, variations were found in the MRR among the four single-crystal planes and surface artifacts were observed on the polycrystalline material. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with the modified MR fluid at pH 4, however, minimal variation was observed in the MRR among the four orientations and a reduction in surface artifacts was achieved on the polycrystalline material.

  18. A simple temperature-based method to estimate heterogeneous frozen ground within a distributed watershed model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Follum, Michael L.; Niemann, Jeffrey D.; Parno, Julie T.; Downer, Charles W.

    2018-05-01

    Frozen ground can be important to flood production and is often heterogeneous within a watershed due to spatial variations in the available energy, insulation by snowpack and ground cover, and the thermal and moisture properties of the soil. The widely used continuous frozen ground index (CFGI) model is a degree-day approach and identifies frozen ground using a simple frost index, which varies mainly with elevation through an elevation-temperature relationship. Similarly, snow depth and its insulating effect are also estimated based on elevation. The objective of this paper is to develop a model for frozen ground that (1) captures the spatial variations of frozen ground within a watershed, (2) allows the frozen ground model to be incorporated into a variety of watershed models, and (3) allows application in data sparse environments. To do this, we modify the existing CFGI method within the gridded surface subsurface hydrologic analysis watershed model. Among the modifications, the snowpack and frost indices are simulated by replacing air temperature (a surrogate for the available energy) with a radiation-derived temperature that aims to better represent spatial variations in available energy. Ground cover is also included as an additional insulator of the soil. Furthermore, the modified Berggren equation, which accounts for soil thermal conductivity and soil moisture, is used to convert the frost index into frost depth. The modified CFGI model is tested by application at six test sites within the Sleepers River experimental watershed in Vermont. Compared to the CFGI model, the modified CFGI model more accurately captures the variations in frozen ground between the sites, inter-annual variations in frozen ground depths at a given site, and the occurrence of frozen ground.

  19. Modified screening and ranking algorithm for copy number variation detection.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Feifei; Min, Xiaoyi; Zhang, Heping

    2015-05-01

    Copy number variation (CNV) is a type of structural variation, usually defined as genomic segments that are 1 kb or larger, which present variable copy numbers when compared with a reference genome. The screening and ranking algorithm (SaRa) was recently proposed as an efficient approach for multiple change-points detection, which can be applied to CNV detection. However, some practical issues arise from application of SaRa to single nucleotide polymorphism data. In this study, we propose a modified SaRa on CNV detection to address these issues. First, we use the quantile normalization on the original intensities to guarantee that the normal mean model-based SaRa is a robust method. Second, a novel normal mixture model coupled with a modified Bayesian information criterion is proposed for candidate change-point selection and further clustering the potential CNV segments to copy number states. Simulations revealed that the modified SaRa became a robust method for identifying change-points and achieved better performance than the circular binary segmentation (CBS) method. By applying the modified SaRa to real data from the HapMap project, we illustrated its performance on detecting CNV segments. In conclusion, our modified SaRa method improves SaRa theoretically and numerically, for identifying CNVs with high-throughput genotyping data. The modSaRa package is implemented in R program and freely available at http://c2s2.yale.edu/software/modSaRa. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Individual epigenetic variation: When, why, and so what?

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Epigenetics provides a potential explanation for how environmental factors modify the risk for common diseases among individuals. Interindividual variation in DNA methylation and epigenetic regulation has been reported at specific genomic regions including transposable elements, genomically imprinte...

  1. Artificial mismatch hybridization

    DOEpatents

    Guo, Zhen; Smith, Lloyd M.

    1998-01-01

    An improved nucleic acid hybridization process is provided which employs a modified oligonucleotide and improves the ability to discriminate a control nucleic acid target from a variant nucleic acid target containing a sequence variation. The modified probe contains at least one artificial mismatch relative to the control nucleic acid target in addition to any mismatch(es) arising from the sequence variation. The invention has direct and advantageous application to numerous existing hybridization methods, including, applications that employ, for example, the Polymerase Chain Reaction, allele-specific nucleic acid sequencing methods, and diagnostic hybridization methods.

  2. Severe storm electricity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arnold, R. T.; Rust, W. D.

    1984-01-01

    Successful ground truth support of U-2 overflights was been accomplished. Data have been reduced for 4 June 1984 and some of the results have been integrated into some of MSFC's efforts. Staccato lightning (multiply branched, single stroke flash with no continuing current) is prevalent within the rainfree region around the main storm updraft and this is believed to be important, i.e., staccato flashes might be an important indicator of severe storm electrification. Results from data analysis from two stations appear to indicate that charge center heights can be estimated from a combination of intercept data with data from the fixed laboratory at NSSL. An excellent data base has been provided for determining the sight errors and efficiency of NSSL's LLP system. Cloud structures, observable in a low radar reflectivity region and on a scale smaller than is currently resolved by radar, which appear to be related to electrical activity are studied.

  3. Report on Quality Control Review of Grant Thornton, LLP FY 2009 Single Audit of Concurrent Technologies Corporation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-12-05

    F t:deral Aw:uds IJ󈧏it. Jl~r fllllfifM> /Jltfoi7J/I’Ii ,md/1 pwmfttt’!J Jr/.tf••tf Jo / ht tul’lliTitf otlll/ tVJIIJj>/eknW nf //Ito rtft•du/t 1/J(J...1111/. f ht ll lld/111!’> IWI~<II’Cd !4 .t l/bt/1/~Jirb I~ •~>tfrlllll ( fi/11’(1/7>/d I rrllwnlt~gitJ’ omtrl/011 lf•.JIIII~fi!IIJI/1 ciiMI’il )iotJ...fiJI> tt’l’l<ll’ C1\\IHI T/JqmMIIti»Y/’fttl (i,mllrmti ’l’t~lllml.>~m · •ll•rtfilltl "’"’ "" mb,mwTit we;r ;Udtln 111 tvu, 6m ’,,m/ tl,tlrjlllr

  4. New detectors to explore the lifetime frontier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chou, John Paul; Curtin, David; Lubatti, H. J.

    2017-04-01

    Long-lived particles (LLPs) are a common feature in many beyond the Standard Model theories, including supersymmetry, and are generically produced in exotic Higgs decays. Unfortunately, no existing or proposed search strategy will be able to observe the decay of non-hadronic electrically neutral LLPs with masses above ∼ GeV and lifetimes near the limit set by Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN), cτ ≲107-108 m. We propose the MATHUSLA surface detector concept (MAssive Timing Hodoscope for Ultra Stable neutraL pArticles), which can be implemented with existing technology and in time for the high luminosity LHC upgrade to find such ultra-long-lived particles (ULLPs), whether produced in exotic Higgs decays or more general production modes. We also advocate a dedicated LLP detector at a future 100 TeV collider, where a modestly sized underground design can discover ULLPs with lifetimes at the BBN limit produced in sub-percent level exotic Higgs decays.

  5. Time-Resolved Detection of Fingermarks on Non-Porous and Semi-Porous Substrates Using Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ Phosphors.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Xiaobo; Yuan, Ximing; Song, Jiangqi; Yin, Guoxiang

    2016-06-01

    Eu(2+), Dy(3+) co-doped strontium-magnesium silicate phosphors, Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu(2+), Dy(3+) (SMSEDs), have shown great potential in optoelectronic device due to their unique luminescent property. However, their potential applications in forensic science, latent fingermark detection in particular, are still being investigated. In this contribution, SMSEDs were successfully employed to latent fingermarks on a variety of non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, including aluminum foil, porcelain, glass, painted wood, colored paper, and leather. All the results illustrated that this luminescent powder, as a long-lasting phosphorescence material (LLP), was an ideal time-resolved detection reagent of fingermark for elimination of background interferences from various difficult substrates, and offered a good contrast to allow their identification without the need to enhance the results compared to nanosized organic fluorescent powder. © The Author(s) 2016.

  6. Magnetorheological finishing of chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide via chemically and mechanically modified fluids

    DOE PAGES

    Salzman, Sivan; Romanofsky, Henry J.; Giannechini, Lucca J.; ...

    2016-02-19

    In this study, we describe the anisotropy in the material removal rate (MRR) of the polycrystalline, chemical-vapor deposited zinc sulfide (ZnS).We define the polycrystalline anisotropy via microhardness and chemical erosion tests for four crystallographic orientations of ZnS: (100), (110), (111), and (311). Anisotropy in the MRR was studied under magnetorheological finishing (MRF) conditions. Three chemically and mechanically modified magnetorheological (MR) fluids at pH values of 4, 5, and 6 were used to test the MRR variations among the four single-crystal planes. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with pH 5 and pH 6MR fluids, variations were found inmore » the MRR among the four single-crystal planes and surface artifacts were observed on the polycrystalline material. When polishing the single-crystal planes and the polycrystalline with the modified MR fluid at pH 4, however, minimal variation was observed in the MRR among the four orientations and a reduction in surface artifacts was achieved on the polycrystalline material.« less

  7. Regulatory polymorphisms modulate the expression of HLA class II molecules and promote autoimmunity

    PubMed Central

    Raj, Prithvi; Rai, Ekta; Song, Ran; Khan, Shaheen; Wakeland, Benjamin E; Viswanathan, Kasthuribai; Arana, Carlos; Liang, Chaoying; Zhang, Bo; Dozmorov, Igor; Carr-Johnson, Ferdicia; Mitrovic, Mitja; Wiley, Graham B; Kelly, Jennifer A; Lauwerys, Bernard R; Olsen, Nancy J; Cotsapas, Chris; Garcia, Christine K; Wise, Carol A; Harley, John B; Nath, Swapan K; James, Judith A; Jacob, Chaim O; Tsao, Betty P; Pasare, Chandrashekhar; Karp, David R; Li, Quan Zhen; Gaffney, Patrick M; Wakeland, Edward K

    2016-01-01

    Targeted sequencing of sixteen SLE risk loci among 1349 Caucasian cases and controls produced a comprehensive dataset of the variations causing susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two independent disease association signals in the HLA-D region identified two regulatory regions containing 3562 polymorphisms that modified thirty-seven transcription factor binding sites. These extensive functional variations are a new and potent facet of HLA polymorphism. Variations modifying the consensus binding motifs of IRF4 and CTCF in the XL9 regulatory complex modified the transcription of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 in a chromosome-specific manner, resulting in a 2.5-fold increase in the surface expression of HLA-DR and DQ molecules on dendritic cells with SLE risk genotypes, which increases to over 4-fold after stimulation. Similar analyses of fifteen other SLE risk loci identified 1206 functional variants tightly linked with disease-associated SNPs and demonstrated that common disease alleles contain multiple causal variants modulating multiple immune system genes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12089.001 PMID:26880555

  8. Consideration of regional variations in climatic and soil conditions in the modified triaxial design method.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-11-01

    The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) uses the modified triaxial design procedure to check : pavement designs from the flexible pavement system program. Since its original development more than : 50 years ago, little modification has been ma...

  9. Effect of accuracy of wind power prediction on power system operator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schlueter, R. A.; Sigari, G.; Costi, T.

    1985-01-01

    This research project proposed a modified unit commitment that schedules connection and disconnection of generating units in response to load. A modified generation control is also proposed that controls steam units under automatic generation control, fast responding diesels, gas turbines and hydro units under a feedforward control, and wind turbine array output under a closed loop array control. This modified generation control and unit commitment require prediction of trend wind power variation one hour ahead and the prediction of error in this trend wind power prediction one half hour ahead. An improved meter for predicting trend wind speed variation is developed. Methods for accurately simulating the wind array power from a limited number of wind speed prediction records was developed. Finally, two methods for predicting the error in the trend wind power prediction were developed. This research provides a foundation for testing and evaluating the modified unit commitment and generation control that was developed to maintain operating reliability at a greatly reduced overall production cost for utilities with wind generation capacity.

  10. Generalized Procrustes analysis of an ontogenetic series of modified crania: Evaluating the technique of modification in the Migration Period of Europe (4th-7th century AD).

    PubMed

    Mayall, Peter; Pilbrow, Varsha

    2018-05-01

    The arrival of the Huns into Europe in the fourth century AD increased the occurrence of intentional cranial modification among European nomads. It has been postulated that the Huns used a two-bandage cranial binding technique to differentiate themselves from surrounding nomadic groups, including those from Georgia. This study examines this hypothesis by comparing Migration Period (4th to 7th century AD) juvenile crania, which retain strong impressions of bindings, with adult modified crania from Hungary and Georgia. Twelve surface landmarks and 251 semi-landmarks were used to study ontogenetic trajectories in 9 juvenile and 16 adult modified skulls from 8 Hungarian sites and 21 adult skulls from two Georgian sites. Generalized Procrustes analysis, linear regression of Procrutes distance on dental age and log centroid size, and warping the principal components (PCs) in shape space helped to identify cranial shape changes. The PCs provide significant separation of the juvenile and adult groups from Georgia and Hungary. Variation in modified cranial shape was limited in Hungary compared to Georgia. There was stronger correlation between juvenile and adult modified cranial shape in Hungary than in Georgia. Warping along the first axis reveals the trajectory from marked flattening of the frontal and occipital regions in juveniles to diminished flattening in the same regions in adult crania, corresponding with one binding. Another depression extending from the post-bregmatic region to the temporal region, similarly strong in juveniles but diminishing in adults, marks the second binding. Hungarian crania were modified with two bindings with limited shape variation, whereas the Georgian crania had greater variation in shape being also modified with antero-posterior bindings. The findings from this study alongside contemporary historical sources help to understand the role of intentional cranial modification as a mark of social identity among nomads in the Migration Period of Europe. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. A modified two-layer iteration via a boundary point approach to generalized multivalued pseudomonotone mixed variational inequalities.

    PubMed

    Saddeek, Ali Mohamed

    2017-01-01

    Most mathematical models arising in stationary filtration processes as well as in the theory of soft shells can be described by single-valued or generalized multivalued pseudomonotone mixed variational inequalities with proper convex nondifferentiable functionals. Therefore, for finding the minimum norm solution of such inequalities, the current paper attempts to introduce a modified two-layer iteration via a boundary point approach and to prove its strong convergence. The results here improve and extend the corresponding recent results announced by Badriev, Zadvornov and Saddeek (Differ. Equ. 37:934-942, 2001).

  12. Variations in the Degree of d-Alanylation of Teichoic Acids in Lactococcus lactis Alter Resistance to Cationic Antimicrobials but Have No Effect on Bacterial Surface Hydrophobicity and Charge▿

    PubMed Central

    Giaouris, Efstathios; Briandet, Romain; Meyrand, Mickael; Courtin, Pascal; Chapot-Chartier, Marie-Pierre

    2008-01-01

    An increase of the degree of d-alanylation of teichoic acids in Lactococcus lactis resulted in a significant increase of bacterial resistance toward the cationic antimicrobials nisin and lysozyme, whereas the absence of d-alanylation led to a decreased resistance toward the same compounds. In contrast, the same variations of the d-alanylation degree did not modify bacterial cell surface charge and hydrophobicity. Bacterial adhesion to polystyrene and glass surfaces was not modified either. PMID:18539809

  13. Characterizing Strength of Chaotic Dynamics and Numerical Simulation Relevant to Modified Taylor-Couette Flow with Hourglass Geometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hou, Yu; Kowalski, Adam; Schroder, Kjell; Halmstad, Andrew; Olsen, Thomas; Wiener, Richard

    2006-05-01

    We characterize the strength of chaos in two different regimes of Modified Taylor-Couette flow with Hourglass Geometry: the formation of Taylor Vortices with laminar flow and with turbulent flow. We measure the strength of chaos by calculating the correlation dimension and the Kaplan-Yorke dimension based upon the Lyapunov Exponents of each system. We determine the reliability of our calculations by considering data from a chaotic electronic circuit. In order to predict the behavior of the Modified Taylor-Couette flow system, we employ simulations based upon an idealized Reaction-Diffusion model with a third order non-linearity in the reaction rate. Variation of reaction rate with length corresponds to variation of the effective Reynolds Number along the Taylor-Couette apparatus. We present preliminary results and compare to experimental data.

  14. SU-F-BRB-01: How Effective Is Abdominal Compression at Reducing Lung Motion? An Analysis Using Deformable Image Registration Within Different Sub-Regions of the Lung

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

    Paradiso, D; Pearce, A; Leszczynski, K

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of employing abdominal compression (AC) in reducing motion for the target region and sub-regions of the lung as part of the planning process for radiation therapy. Methods: Fourteen patients with early lung cancer were scanned with 4DCT and it was determined that target motion exceeded our institutional limit of > 8 mm motion and received a repeat 4DCT with AC. For each 4DCT, deformable image registration (DIR) was used to map the max inhale to the max exhale phase to determine the deformation vector fields (DVF). DIR was performed with Morphons and Demons algorithms. Themore » mean DVF was used to represent that sub-region for each patient. The magnitudes of the mean DVF were quantified for the target and 12 sub-regions in the AP, LR SI directions. The sub-regions were contoured on each lung as (add prefix R or L for lung): Upper-Anterior (UA), Upper-Posterior (UP), Mid-Anterior (MA), Mid-Posterior (MP), Lower-Anterior (LA) and Lower-Posterior (LP). Results: The min/max SI motion for the target on the uncompressed 4DCT was 8mm/24.5 mm. The magnitude of decrease in SI was greatest in the RLP region (3.7±4.0mm) followed by target region (3.3±2.2mm) and finally the LLP region (3.0±3.5mm). The magnitude of decrease in 3D vector followed the same trend; RLP (3.5±2.2mm) then GTV (3.5±2.6mm) then LLP (2.7±3.8mm). 79% of the cases had a SI decrease of >12.5%, 43% had a SI decrease of >25% and 21% had a SI decrease of >50% as compared to the motion on the uncompressed 4DCT. Conclusion: AC is useful in reducing motion with the largest decreases observed in the lower posterior regions of the lungs. However, it should be noted that AC will not greatly decrease motion for all cases as 21% of cases did not reduce SI motion more than 12.5% of initial motion.« less

  15. Distinguishing modified gravity models

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

    Brax, Philippe; Davis, Anne-Christine, E-mail: philippe.brax@cea.fr, E-mail: A.C.Davis@damtp.cam.ac.uk

    2015-10-01

    Modified gravity models with screening in local environments appear in three different guises: chameleon, K-mouflage and Vainshtein mechanisms. We propose to look for differences between these classes of models by considering cosmological observations at low redshift. In particular, we analyse the redshift dependence of the fine structure constant and the proton to electron mass ratio in each of these scenarios. When the absorption lines belong to unscreened regions of space such as dwarf galaxies, a time variation would be present for chameleons. For both K-mouflage and Vainshtein mechanisms, the cosmological time variation of the scalar field is not suppressed inmore » both unscreened and screened environments, therefore enhancing the variation of constants and their detection prospect. We also consider the time variation of the redshift of distant objects using their spectrocopic velocities. We find that models of the K-mouflage and Vainshtein types have very different spectroscopic velocities as a function of redshift and that their differences with the Λ-CDM template should be within reach of the future ELT-HIRES observations.« less

  16. Stochastic modeling of stock price process induced from the conjugate heat equation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paeng, Seong-Hun

    2015-02-01

    Currency can be considered as a ruler for values of commodities. Then the price is the measured value by the ruler. We can suppose that inflation and variation of exchange rate are caused by variation of the scale of the ruler. In geometry, variation of the scale means that the metric is time-dependent. The conjugate heat equation is the modified heat equation which satisfies the heat conservation law for the time-dependent metric space. We propose a new model of stock prices by using the stochastic process whose transition probability is determined by the kernel of the conjugate heat equation. Our model of stock prices shows how the volatility term is affected by inflation and exchange rate. This model modifies the Black-Scholes equation in light of inflation and exchange rate.

  17. A formalism for the calculus of variations with spinors

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

    Bäckdahl, Thomas, E-mail: thobac@chalmers.se; Valiente Kroon, Juan A., E-mail: j.a.valiente-kroon@qmul.ac.uk

    2016-02-15

    We develop a frame and dyad gauge-independent formalism for the calculus of variations of functionals involving spinorial objects. As a part of this formalism, we define a modified variation operator which absorbs frame and spin dyad gauge terms. This formalism is applicable to both the standard spacetime (i.e., SL(2, ℂ)) 2-spinors as well as to space (i.e., SU(2, ℂ)) 2-spinors. We compute expressions for the variations of the connection and the curvature spinors.

  18. Genetic Variation as a Modifier of Association between Therapeutic Exposure and Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Cancer Survivors

    PubMed Central

    Bhatia, Smita

    2014-01-01

    Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are associated with significant morbidity and are a major cause of premature mortality among cancer survivors. Several large studies have demonstrated a strong association between the radiation and/or chemotherapy used to treat the primary cancer and the risk of developing SMNs. However, for any given therapeutic exposure, the risk of developing an SMN varies between individuals. Genomic variation can potentially modify the association between therapeutic exposures and SMN risk, and can possibly explain the observed inter-individual variability. This article provides a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of genomic variation in the development of therapy-related SMNs. This article also discusses the methodological challenges in undertaking an endeavor to develop a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of therapy-related SMNs, such as, an appropriate study design, identification of an adequately sized study population together with a reliable plan for collecting and maintaining high quality DNA, clinical validation of the phenotype, and selection of an appropriate approach or platform for genotyping. Understanding the modifiers of risk of treatment-related SMNs is critical to developing targeted intervention strategies and optimizing risk-based health care of cancer survivors. PMID:25355167

  19. Use of the single-breath method of estimating cardiac output during exercise-stress testing.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buderer, M. C.; Rummel, J. A.; Sawin, C. F.; Mauldin, D. G.

    1973-01-01

    The single-breath cardiac output measurement technique of Kim et al. (1966) has been modified for use in obtaining cardiac output measurements during exercise-stress tests on Apollo astronauts. The modifications involve the use of a respiratory mass spectrometer for data acquisition and a digital computer program for data analysis. The variation of the modified method for triplicate steady-state cardiac output measurements was plus or minus 1 liter/min. The combined physiological and methodological variation seen during a set of three exercise tests on a series of subjects was 1 to 2.5 liter/min. Comparison of the modified method with the direct Fick technique showed that although the single-breath values were consistently low, the scatter of data was small and the correlation between the two methods was high. Possible reasons for the low single-breath cardiac output values are discussed.

  20. Migrating Huns and modified heads: Eigenshape analysis comparing intentionally modified crania from Hungary and Georgia in the Migration Period of Europe

    PubMed Central

    Mayall, Peter; Bitadze, Liana

    2017-01-01

    An intentionally modified head is a visually distinctive sign of group identity. In the Migration Period of Europe (4th– 7th century AD) the practice of intentional cranial modification was common among several nomadic groups, but was strongly associated with the Huns from the Carpathian Basin in Hungary, where modified crania are abundant in archaeological sites. The frequency of modified crania increased substantially in the Mtskheta region of Georgia in this time period, but there are no records that Huns settled here. We compare the Migration Period modified skulls from Georgia with those from Hungary to test the hypothesis that the Huns were responsible for cranial modification in Georgia. We use extended eigenshape analysis to quantify cranial outlines, enabling a discriminant analysis to assess group separation and identify morphological differences. Twenty-one intentionally modified skulls from Georgia are compared with sixteen from Hungary, using nineteen unmodified crania from a modern population as a comparative baseline. Results indicate that modified crania can be differentiated from modern unmodified crania with 100% accuracy. The Hungarian and Georgian crania show some overlap in shape, but can be classified with 81% accuracy. Shape gradations along the main eigenvectors indicate that the Hungarian crania show little variation in cranial shape, in accordance with a two-bandage binding technique, whereas the Georgian crania had a wider range of variation, fitting with a diversity of binding styles. As modification style is a strong signifier of social identity, our results indicate weak Hunnic influence on cranial modification in Georgia and are equivocal about the presence of Huns in Georgia. We suggest instead that other nomadic groups such as Alans and Sarmatians living in this region were responsible for modified crania in Georgia. PMID:28152046

  1. Effects of source and seasonal variations of natural organic matters on the fate and transport of CeO2 nanoparticles in the environment

    EPA Science Inventory

    Natural organic matter (NOM) affects the stability and transport of nanoparticles (NPs) in natural waters by modifying their physiochemical properties. Source location, and seasonal variations, influence their molecular, physical and electrical charge properties. To understand th...

  2. Spatio-temporal variation in foodscapes modifies deer browsing impact on vegetation

    Treesearch

    Alejandro A. Royo; David W. Kramer; Karl V. Miller; Nathan P. Nibbelink; Susan L. Stout

    2017-01-01

    Context. Ungulate browsers often alter plant composition and reduce diversity in forests worldwide, yet our ability to predict browse impact on vegetation remains equivocal. Theory suggests, however, that ungulate distribution and foraging impacts are shaped by scale-dependent decisions based on variation in habitat composition and structure...

  3. Change in Action: How Infants Learn to Walk down Slopes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gill, Simone V.; Adolph, Karen E.; Vereijken, Beatrix

    2009-01-01

    A critical aspect of perception-action coupling is the ability to modify ongoing actions in accordance with variations in the environment. Infants' ability to modify their gait patterns to walk down shallow and steep slopes was examined at three nested time scales. Across sessions, a microgenetic training design showed rapid improvements after the…

  4. Modified Kneser-Ney Smoothing of n-Gram Models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    James, Frankie

    2000-01-01

    This report examines a series of tests that were performed on variations of the modified Kneser Ney smoothing model outlined in a study by Chen and Goodman. We explore several different ways of choosing and setting the discounting parameters, as well as the exclusion of singleton contexts at various levels of the model.

  5. Structure and thermodynamics of liquid alkali metals in variational modified hypernetted-chain theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, H. C.; Lai, S. K.

    1992-03-01

    The role of the Percus-Yevick hard-sphere bridge function in the modified hypernetted-chain integral equation is examined within the context of Lado's criterion [F. Lado, S. M. Foiles, and N. W. Ashcroft, Phys. Rev. A 28, 2374 (1983)]. It is found that the commonly used Lado's criterion, which takes advantage of the analytical simplicity of the Percus-Yevick hard-sphere bridge function, is inadequate for determining an accurate static pair-correlation function. Following Rosenfeld [Y. Rosenfeld, Phys. Rev. A 29, 2877 (1984)], we reconsider Lado's criterion in the so-called variational modified hypernetted-chain theory. The main idea is to construct a free-energy functional satisfying the virial-energy thermodynamic self-consistency. It turns out that the widely used Gibbs-Bogoliubov inequality is equivalent to this integral approach of Lado's criterion. Detailed comparison between the presently obtained structural and thermodynamic quantities for liquid alkali metals and those calculated also in the modified hypernetted-chain theory but with the one-component-plasma reference system leads us to a better understanding of the universality property of the bridge function.

  6. Insights into bioassessment of marine pollution using body-size distinctness of planktonic ciliates based on a modified trait hierarchy.

    PubMed

    Xu, Henglong; Jiang, Yong; Xu, Guangjian

    2016-06-15

    Based on a modified trait hierarchy of body-size units, the feasibility for bioassessment of water pollution using body-size distinctness of planktonic ciliates was studied in a semi-enclosed bay, northern China. An annual dataset was collected at five sampling stations within a gradient of heavy metal contaminants. Results showed that: (1) in terms of probability density, the body-size spectra of the ciliates represented significant differences among the five stations; (2) bootstrap average analysis demonstrated a spatial variation in body-size rank patterns in response to pollution stress due to heavy metals; and (3) the average body-size distinctness (Δz(+)) and variation in body-size distinctness (Λz(+)), based on the modified trait hierarchy, revealed a clear departure pattern from the expected body-size spectra in areas with pollutants. These results suggest that the body-size diversity measures based on the modified trait hierarchy of the ciliates may be used as a potential indicator of marine pollution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Environmental and spatial drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic characteristics of bat communities in human-modified landscapes.

    PubMed

    Cisneros, Laura M; Fagan, Matthew E; Willig, Michael R

    2016-01-01

    Assembly of species into communities following human disturbance (e.g., deforestation, fragmentation) may be governed by spatial (e.g., dispersal) or environmental (e.g., niche partitioning) mechanisms. Variation partitioning has been used to broadly disentangle spatial and environmental mechanisms, and approaches utilizing functional and phylogenetic characteristics of communities have been implemented to determine the relative importance of particular environmental (or niche-based) mechanisms. Nonetheless, few studies have integrated these quantitative approaches to comprehensively assess the relative importance of particular structuring processes. We employed a novel variation partitioning approach to evaluate the relative importance of particular spatial and environmental drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic aspects of bat communities in a human-modified landscape in Costa Rica. Specifically, we estimated the amount of variation in species composition (taxonomic structure) and in two aspects of functional and phylogenetic structure (i.e., composition and dispersion) along a forest loss and fragmentation gradient that are uniquely explained by landscape characteristics (i.e., environment) or space to assess the importance of competing mechanisms. The unique effects of space on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic structure were consistently small. In contrast, landscape characteristics (i.e., environment) played an appreciable role in structuring bat communities. Spatially-structured landscape characteristics explained 84% of the variation in functional or phylogenetic dispersion, and the unique effects of landscape characteristics significantly explained 14% of the variation in species composition. Furthermore, variation in bat community structure was primarily due to differences in dispersion of species within functional or phylogenetic space along the gradient, rather than due to differences in functional or phylogenetic composition. Variation among bat communities was related to environmental mechanisms, especially niche-based (i.e., environmental) processes, rather than spatial mechanisms. High variation in functional or phylogenetic dispersion, as opposed to functional or phylogenetic composition, suggests that loss or gain of niche space is driving the progressive loss or gain of species with particular traits from communities along the human-modified gradient. Thus, environmental characteristics associated with landscape structure influence functional or phylogenetic aspects of bat communities by effectively altering the ways in which species partition niche space.

  8. Environmental and spatial drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic characteristics of bat communities in human-modified landscapes

    PubMed Central

    Fagan, Matthew E.; Willig, Michael R.

    2016-01-01

    Background Assembly of species into communities following human disturbance (e.g., deforestation, fragmentation) may be governed by spatial (e.g., dispersal) or environmental (e.g., niche partitioning) mechanisms. Variation partitioning has been used to broadly disentangle spatial and environmental mechanisms, and approaches utilizing functional and phylogenetic characteristics of communities have been implemented to determine the relative importance of particular environmental (or niche-based) mechanisms. Nonetheless, few studies have integrated these quantitative approaches to comprehensively assess the relative importance of particular structuring processes. Methods We employed a novel variation partitioning approach to evaluate the relative importance of particular spatial and environmental drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic aspects of bat communities in a human-modified landscape in Costa Rica. Specifically, we estimated the amount of variation in species composition (taxonomic structure) and in two aspects of functional and phylogenetic structure (i.e., composition and dispersion) along a forest loss and fragmentation gradient that are uniquely explained by landscape characteristics (i.e., environment) or space to assess the importance of competing mechanisms. Results The unique effects of space on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic structure were consistently small. In contrast, landscape characteristics (i.e., environment) played an appreciable role in structuring bat communities. Spatially-structured landscape characteristics explained 84% of the variation in functional or phylogenetic dispersion, and the unique effects of landscape characteristics significantly explained 14% of the variation in species composition. Furthermore, variation in bat community structure was primarily due to differences in dispersion of species within functional or phylogenetic space along the gradient, rather than due to differences in functional or phylogenetic composition. Discussion Variation among bat communities was related to environmental mechanisms, especially niche-based (i.e., environmental) processes, rather than spatial mechanisms. High variation in functional or phylogenetic dispersion, as opposed to functional or phylogenetic composition, suggests that loss or gain of niche space is driving the progressive loss or gain of species with particular traits from communities along the human-modified gradient. Thus, environmental characteristics associated with landscape structure influence functional or phylogenetic aspects of bat communities by effectively altering the ways in which species partition niche space. PMID:27761338

  9. [Effect of a surgical mask on six minute walking distance].

    PubMed

    Person, E; Lemercier, C; Royer, A; Reychler, G

    2018-03-01

    Six minutes walking test (6MWT) is regularly used in pulmonology. To minimize the risk of cross-infection, some patients must wear surgical mask at rest and sometimes during exercise. To evaluate the effect of wearing a surgical mask during 6MWT in healthy subjects. It is a prospective study on 44 healthy subjects. After a first 6MWT for training, they performed randomly two 6MWT: with or without a surgical mask. Distance and dyspnea, heart rate and saturation variations were recorded. Distance was not modified by the mask (P=0.99). Dyspnea variation was significantly higher with surgical mask (+5.6 vs. +4.6; P<0.001) and the difference was clinically relevant. No difference was found for the variation of other parameters. Wearing a surgical mask modifies significantly and clinically dyspnea without influencing walked distance. Copyright © 2017 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Effects of equivalence ratio variation on lean, stratified methane-air laminar counterflow flames

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richardson, E. S.; Granet, V. E.; Eyssartier, A.; Chen, J. H.

    2010-11-01

    The effects of equivalence ratio variations on flame structure and propagation have been studied computationally. Equivalence ratio stratification is a key technology for advanced low emission combustors. Laminar counterflow simulations of lean methane-air combustion have been presented which show the effect of strain variations on flames stabilized in an equivalence ratio gradient, and the response of flames propagating into a mixture with a time-varying equivalence ratio. 'Back supported' lean flames, whose products are closer to stoichiometry than their reactants, display increased propagation velocities and reduced thickness compared with flames where the reactants are richer than the products. The radical concentrations in the vicinity of the flame are modified by the effect of an equivalence ratio gradient on the temperature profile and thermal dissociation. Analysis of steady flames stabilized in an equivalence ratio gradient demonstrates that the radical flux through the flame, and the modified radical concentrations in the reaction zone, contribute to the modified propagation speed and thickness of stratified flames. The modified concentrations of radical species in stratified flames mean that, in general, the reaction rate is not accurately parametrized by progress variable and equivalence ratio alone. A definition of stratified flame propagation based upon the displacement speed of a mixture fraction dependent progress variable was seen to be suitable for stratified combustion. The response times of the reaction, diffusion, and cross-dissipation components which contribute to this displacement speed have been used to explain flame response to stratification and unsteady fluid dynamic strain.

  11. A Decision-Based Modified Total Variation Diffusion Method for Impulse Noise Removal

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Qingxin; Song, Xiuli; Tao, Jinsong

    2017-01-01

    Impulsive noise removal usually employs median filtering, switching median filtering, the total variation L1 method, and variants. These approaches however often introduce excessive smoothing and can result in extensive visual feature blurring and thus are suitable only for images with low density noise. A new method to remove noise is proposed in this paper to overcome this limitation, which divides pixels into different categories based on different noise characteristics. If an image is corrupted by salt-and-pepper noise, the pixels are divided into corrupted and noise-free; if the image is corrupted by random valued impulses, the pixels are divided into corrupted, noise-free, and possibly corrupted. Pixels falling into different categories are processed differently. If a pixel is corrupted, modified total variation diffusion is applied; if the pixel is possibly corrupted, weighted total variation diffusion is applied; otherwise, the pixel is left unchanged. Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust to different noise strengths and suitable for different images, with strong noise removal capability as shown by PSNR/SSIM results as well as the visual quality of restored images. PMID:28536602

  12. Measurement of net nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in wetland soils using a modification of the resin-core technique

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Noe, Gregory B.

    2011-01-01

    A modification of the resin-core method was developed and tested for measuring in situ soil N and P net mineralization rates in wetland soils where temporal variation in bidirectional vertical water movement and saturation can complicate measurement. The modified design includes three mixed-bed ion-exchange resin bags located above and three resin bags located below soil incubating inside a core tube. The two inner resin bags adjacent to the soil capture NH4+, NO3-, and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) transported out of the soil during incubation; the two outer resin bags remove inorganic nutrients transported into the modified resin core; and the two middle resin bags serve as quality-control checks on the function of the inner and outer resin bags. Modified resin cores were incubated monthly for a year along the hydrogeomorphic gradient through a floodplain wetland. Only small amounts of NH4+, NO3-, and SRP were found in the two middle resin bags, indicating that the modified resin-core design was effective. Soil moisture and pH inside the modified resin cores typically tracked changes in the surrounding soil abiotic environment. In contrast, use of the closed polyethylene bag method provided substantially different net P and N mineralization rates than modified resin cores and did not track changes in soil moisture or pH. Net ammonification, nitrifi cation, N mineralization, and P mineralization rates measured using modified resin cores varied through space and time associated with hydrologic, geomorphic, and climatic gradients in the floodplain wetland. The modified resin-core technique successfully characterized spatiotemporal variation of net mineralization fluxes in situ and is a viable technique for assessing soil nutrient availability and developing ecosystem budgets.

  13. Variational theorems for superimposed motions in elasticity, with application to beams

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Doekmeci, M. C.

    1976-01-01

    Variational theorems are presented for a theory of small motions superimposed on large static deformations and governing equations for prestressed beams on the basis of 3-D theory of elastodynamics. First, the principle of virtual work is modified through Friedrichs's transformation so as to describe the initial stress problem of elastodynamics. Next, the modified principle together with a chosen displacement field is used to derive a set of 1-D macroscopic governing equations of prestressed beams. The resulting equations describe all the types of superimposed motions in elastic beams, and they include all the effects of transverse shear and normal strains, and the rotatory inertia. The instability of the governing equations is discussed briefly.

  14. Unified reduction principle for the evolution of mutation, migration, and recombination

    PubMed Central

    Altenberg, Lee; Liberman, Uri; Feldman, Marcus W.

    2017-01-01

    Modifier-gene models for the evolution of genetic information transmission between generations of organisms exhibit the reduction principle: Selection favors reduction in the rate of variation production in populations near equilibrium under a balance of constant viability selection and variation production. Whereas this outcome has been proven for a variety of genetic models, it has not been proven in general for multiallelic genetic models of mutation, migration, and recombination modification with arbitrary linkage between the modifier and major genes under viability selection. We show that the reduction principle holds for all of these cases by developing a unifying mathematical framework that characterizes all of these evolutionary models. PMID:28265103

  15. Topographically driven crustal flow and its implication to the development of pinned oroclines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hsui, Albert T.; Wilkerson, M. Scott; Marshak, Stephen

    1990-01-01

    Pinned oroclines, a type of curved orogen which results from lateral pinning of a growing fold-thrust belt, tend to resemble parabolic Newtonian curvature modified by different degrees of flattening at the flow front. It is proposed that such curves can be generated by Newtonian crustal flow driven by topographic variations. In this model, regional topographic differences create a regional flow which produces a parabolic flow front on interaction with lateral bounding obstacles. Local topographic variations modify the parabolic curves and yield more flat-crested, non-Newtonian-type curvatures. A finite-difference thin-skin tectonic simulation demonstrates that both Newtonian and non-Newtonian curved orogens can be produced within a Newtonian crust.

  16. An Assessment of Regional Variations in Martian Modified Impact Crater Morphology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Craddock, Robert A.; Bandeira, Lourenço.; Howard, Alan D.

    2018-03-01

    Impact craters on Mars have been extensively modified by ancient geologic processes that may have included rainfall and surface runoff, snow and ice, denudation by lava flows, burial by eolian material, or others. Many of these processes can leave distinct signatures on the morphometry of the modified impact crater as well as the surrounding landscape. To look for signs of potential regional differences in crater modification processes, we conducted an analysis of different morphometric parameters related to modified impact craters located in the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Sabaeus, Iapygia, Mare Tyrrhenum, Aeolis, and Eridania quadrangles, including depth, crater wall slope, crater floor slope, the curvature between the interior wall and the crater floor slope, and the curvature between the interior wall and surrounding landscape. A Welch's t test analysis comparing these parameters shows that fresh impact craters (Type 4) have consistent morphologies regardless of their geographic location examined in this study, which is not unexpected. Modified impact craters both in the initial (Type 3) and terminal stages (Type 1) of modification also have statistically consistent morphologies. This would suggest that the processes that operated in the late Noachian were globally ubiquitous, and that modified craters eventually reached a stable crater morphology. However, craters preserved in advanced (but not terminal) stages of modification (Type 2) have morphologies that vary across the quadrangles. It is possible that these variations reflect spatial differences in the types and intensity of geologic processes that operated during the Noachian, implying that the ancient climate also varied across regions.

  17. Genetic variation as a modifier of association between therapeutic exposure and subsequent malignant neoplasms in cancer survivors.

    PubMed

    Bhatia, Smita

    2015-03-01

    Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are associated with significant morbidity and are a major cause of premature mortality among cancer survivors. Several large studies have demonstrated a strong association between the radiation and/or chemotherapy used to treat primary cancer and the risk of developing SMNs. However, for any given therapeutic exposure, the risk of developing an SMN varies between individuals. Genomic variation can potentially modify the association between therapeutic exposures and SMN risk and may explain the observed interindividual variability. In this review, the author provides a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of genomic variation in the development of therapy-related SMNs and discusses the methodological challenges in undertaking an endeavor to develop a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of therapy-related SMNs, such as an appropriate study design, the identification of an adequately sized study population together with a reliable plan for collecting and maintaining high-quality DNA, clinical validation of the phenotype, and the selection of an appropriate approach or platform for genotyping. Understanding the factors that can modify the risk of treatment-related SMNs is critical to developing targeted intervention strategies and optimizing risk-based health care for cancer survivors. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

  18. Solar cycle variation of interstellar neutral He, Ne, O density and pick-up ions along the Earth's orbit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sokół, Justyna M.; Bzowski, Maciej; Kubiak, Marzena A.; Möbius, Eberhard

    2016-06-01

    We simulated the modulation of the interstellar neutral (ISN) He, Ne, and O density and pick-up ion (PUI) production rate and count rate along the Earth's orbit over the solar cycle (SC) from 2002 to 2013 to verify if SC-related effects may modify the inferred ecliptic longitude of the ISN inflow direction. We adopted the classical PUI model with isotropic distribution function and adiabatic cooling, modified by time- and heliolatitude-dependent ionization rates and non-zero injection speed of PUIs. We found that the ionization losses have a noticeable effect on the derivation of the ISN inflow longitude based on the Gaussian fit to the crescent and cone peak locations. We conclude that the non-zero radial velocity of the ISN flow and the energy range of the PUI distribution function that is accumulated are of importance for a precise reproduction of the PUI count rate along the Earth orbit. However, the temporal and latitudinal variations of the ionization in the heliosphere, and particularly their variation on the SC time-scale, may significantly modify the shape of PUI cone and crescent and also their peak positions from year to year and thus bias by a few degrees the derived longitude of the ISN gas inflow direction.

  19. Identification of Metabolic Modifiers That Underlie Phenotypic Variations in Energy-Balance Regulation

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Chia Lin; Cai, James J.; Cheng, Po Jen; Chueh, Ho Yen; Hsu, Sheau Yu Teddy

    2011-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Although recent studies have shown that human genomes contain hundreds of loci that exhibit signatures of positive selection, variants that are associated with adaptation in energy-balance regulation remain elusive. We reasoned that the difficulty in identifying such variants could be due to heterogeneity in selection pressure and that an integrative approach that incorporated experiment-based evidence and population genetics-based statistical judgments would be needed to reveal important metabolic modifiers in humans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS To identify common metabolic modifiers that underlie phenotypic variation in diabetes-associated or obesity-associated traits in humans, or both, we screened 207 candidate loci for regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that exhibited evidence of gene–environmental interactions. RESULTS Three SNPs (rs3895874, rs3848460, and rs937301) at the 5′ gene region of human GIP were identified as prime metabolic-modifier candidates at the enteroinsular axis. Functional studies have shown that GIP promoter reporters carrying derived alleles of these three SNPs (haplotype GIP−1920A) have significantly lower transcriptional activities than those with ancestral alleles at corresponding positions (haplotype GIP−1920G). Consistently, studies of pregnant women who have undergone a screening test for gestational diabetes have shown that patients with a homozygous GIP−1920A/A genotype have significantly lower serum concentrations of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) than those carrying an ancestral GIP−1920G haplotype. After controlling for a GIPR variation, we showed that serum glucose concentrations of patients carrying GIP−1920A/A homozygotes are significantly higher than that of those carrying an ancestral GIP−1920G haplotype (odds ratio 3.53). CONCLUSIONS Our proof-of-concept study indicates that common regulatory GIP variants impart a difference in GIP and glucose metabolism. The study also provides a rare example that identified the common variant-common phenotypic variation pattern based on evidence of moderate gene–environmental interactions. PMID:21300845

  20. Factor Retention in Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Comparison of Alternative Methods.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mumford, Karen R.; Ferron, John M.; Hines, Constance V.; Hogarty, Kristine Y.; Kromrey, Jeffery D.

    This study compared the effectiveness of 10 methods of determining the number of factors to retain in exploratory common factor analysis. The 10 methods included the Kaiser rule and a modified Kaiser criterion, 3 variations of parallel analysis, 4 regression-based variations of the scree procedure, and the minimum average partial procedure. The…

  1. Influence of altitude and aspect on daily variations in factors of forest fire danger

    Treesearch

    G. Lloyd. Hayes

    1941-01-01

    Altitude, in broad subdivisions, exerts recognized and well-understood effects on climate. Aspect further modifies the altitudinal influence. Many publications have dealt with the interrelations of these geographic factors with climate and life zones or have discussed variations of individual weather elements as influenced by local altitude and aspect differences and...

  2. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 3DL1 variation modifies HLA-B*57 protection against HIV-1.

    PubMed

    Martin, Maureen P; Naranbhai, Vivek; Shea, Patrick R; Qi, Ying; Ramsuran, Veron; Vince, Nicolas; Gao, Xiaojiang; Thomas, Rasmi; Brumme, Zabrina L; Carlson, Jonathan M; Wolinsky, Steven M; Goedert, James J; Walker, Bruce D; Segal, Florencia P; Deeks, Steven G; Haas, David W; Migueles, Stephen A; Connors, Mark; Michael, Nelson; Fellay, Jacques; Gostick, Emma; Llewellyn-Lacey, Sian; Price, David A; Lafont, Bernard A; Pymm, Phillip; Saunders, Philippa M; Widjaja, Jacqueline; Wong, Shu Cheng; Vivian, Julian P; Rossjohn, Jamie; Brooks, Andrew G; Carrington, Mary

    2018-05-01

    HLA-B*57 control of HIV involves enhanced CD8+ T cell responses against infected cells, but extensive heterogeneity exists in the level of HIV control among B*57+ individuals. Using whole-genome sequencing of untreated B*57+ HIV-1-infected controllers and noncontrollers, we identified a single variant (rs643347A/G) encoding an isoleucine-to-valine substitution at position 47 (I47V) of the inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR3DL1 as the only significant modifier of B*57 protection. The association was replicated in an independent cohort and across multiple outcomes. The modifying effect of I47V was confined to B*57:01 and was not observed for the closely related B*57:03. Positions 2, 47, and 54 tracked one another nearly perfectly, and 2 KIR3DL1 allotypes differing only at these 3 positions showed significant differences in binding B*57:01 tetramers, whereas the protective allotype showed lower binding. Thus, variation in an immune NK cell receptor that binds B*57:01 modifies its protection. These data highlight the exquisite specificity of KIR-HLA interactions in human health and disease.

  3. Modified electrical survey for effective leakage detection at concrete hydraulic facilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Bomi; Oh, Seokhoon

    2018-02-01

    Three original electrode arrays for the effective leakage detection of concrete hydraulic facilities through electrical resistivity surveys are proposed: 'cross-potential', 'direct-potential' and modified tomography-like arrays. The main differences with respect to the commonly used arrays are that the current line-sources are separated from potential pole lines and floated upon the water. The potential pole lines are located directly next to the facility in order to obtain intuitive data and useful interpretations of the internal conditions of the hydraulic facility. This modified configuration of the array clearly displays the horizontal variation of the electrical field around the damaged zones of the concrete hydraulic facility, and any anomalous regions that might be found between potential poles placed across the facilities. In order to facilitate the interpretation of these modified electrical surveys, a new and creative way of presenting the measurements is also proposed and an inversion approach is provided for the modified tomography-like array. A numerical modeling and two field tests were performed to verify these new arrays and interpretation methods. The cross and direct potential array implied an ability to detect small variations of the potential field near the measurement poles. The proposed array showed the overall potential distribution across the hydraulic facility which may be used to assist in the search of trouble zones within the structure, in combination with the traditional electrical resistivity array.

  4. Removal of Cr(VI) by surfactant modified Auricularia auricula spent substrate: biosorption condition and mechanism.

    PubMed

    Dong, Liying; Jin, Yu; Song, Tao; Liang, Jinsong; Bai, Xin; Yu, Sumei; Teng, Chunying; Wang, Xin; Qu, Juanjuan; Huang, Xiaomei

    2017-07-01

    Auricularia auricula spent substrate (AASS) modified by didodecyldimethylammonium bromide(DDAB) was used as adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Based on a single-factor experiment and response surface methodology, the optimal conditions were adsorbent dosage of 1.5 g/L, pH value of 4.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 19 mg/L, temperature of 25 °C, biosorption time of 120 min, rotational speed of 150 r/min, respectively, under which biosorption capacity could reach 12.16 mg/g compared with unmodified AASS (6.058 mg/g). DDAB modification could enlarge the specific surface area and porous diameter of the adsorbents, and supply hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups capable of adsorbing at the interfaces. In addition, DDAB increased ionic exchange and complex formation demonstrated by variations of elemental contents, shifts of carboxyl, amine groups, hydroxyl, alkyl chains, and phosphate groups as well as the crystal structure of the Cr-O compounds. Variations of peaks and energy in XPS analysis also testified the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).The biosorption behavior of modified AASS was in line with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equation. The final regeneration efficiency was 62.33% after three biosorption-desorption cycles. Apparently, DDBA is a eximious modifier and DDBA-modified AASS was very efficient for Cr(VI) removal.

  5. Acoustic power balance in lined ducts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eversman, W.

    1979-01-01

    It is shown that the two common definitions of acoustic energy density and intensity in uniform unlined ducts carrying uniform flow are compatible to the extent that both energy densities can be used in an appropriate variational principle to derive the convected wave equation. When the duct walls are lined both energy densities must be modified to account for the wall energy density. This results in a new energy conservation equation which utilizes a modified definition of axial power and accounts for wall dissipation. Computations in specific cases demonstrate the validity of the modified acoustic energy relation.

  6. Could age modify the effect of genetic variants in IL6 and TNF-α genes in multiple myeloma?

    PubMed

    Martino, Alessandro; Buda, Gabriele; Maggini, Valentina; Lapi, Francesco; Lupia, Antonella; Di Bello, Domenica; Orciuolo, Enrico; Galimberti, Sara; Barale, Roberto; Petrini, Mario; Rossi, Anna Maria

    2012-05-01

    Cytokines play a central role in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis thus genetic variations within cytokines coding genes could influence MM susceptibility and therapy outcome. We investigated the impact of 8 SNPs in these genes in 202 MM cases and 235 controls also evaluating their impact on therapy outcome in a subset of 91 patients. Despite the overall negative findings, we found a significant age-modified effect of IL6 and TNF-α SNPs, on MM risk and therapy outcome, respectively. Therefore, this observation suggests that genetic variation in inflammation-related genes could be an important mediator of the complex interplay between ageing and cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Implications of Nine Risk Prediction Models for Selecting Ever-Smokers for Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening.

    PubMed

    Katki, Hormuzd A; Kovalchik, Stephanie A; Petito, Lucia C; Cheung, Li C; Jacobs, Eric; Jemal, Ahmedin; Berg, Christine D; Chaturvedi, Anil K

    2018-05-15

    Lung cancer screening guidelines recommend using individualized risk models to refer ever-smokers for screening. However, different models select different screening populations. The performance of each model in selecting ever-smokers for screening is unknown. To compare the U.S. screening populations selected by 9 lung cancer risk models (the Bach model; the Spitz model; the Liverpool Lung Project [LLP] model; the LLP Incidence Risk Model [LLPi]; the Hoggart model; the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial Model 2012 [PLCOM2012]; the Pittsburgh Predictor; the Lung Cancer Risk Assessment Tool [LCRAT]; and the Lung Cancer Death Risk Assessment Tool [LCDRAT]) and to examine their predictive performance in 2 cohorts. Population-based prospective studies. United States. Models selected U.S. screening populations by using data from the National Health Interview Survey from 2010 to 2012. Model performance was evaluated using data from 337 388 ever-smokers in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study and 72 338 ever-smokers in the CPS-II (Cancer Prevention Study II) Nutrition Survey cohort. Model calibration (ratio of model-predicted to observed cases [expected-observed ratio]) and discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]). At a 5-year risk threshold of 2.0%, the models chose U.S. screening populations ranging from 7.6 million to 26 million ever-smokers. These disagreements occurred because, in both validation cohorts, 4 models (the Bach model, PLCOM2012, LCRAT, and LCDRAT) were well-calibrated (expected-observed ratio range, 0.92 to 1.12) and had higher AUCs (range, 0.75 to 0.79) than 5 models that generally overestimated risk (expected-observed ratio range, 0.83 to 3.69) and had lower AUCs (range, 0.62 to 0.75). The 4 best-performing models also had the highest sensitivity at a fixed specificity (and vice versa) and similar discrimination at a fixed risk threshold. These models showed better agreement on size of the screening population (7.6 million to 10.9 million) and achieved consensus on 73% of persons chosen. No consensus on risk thresholds for screening. The 9 lung cancer risk models chose widely differing U.S. screening populations. However, 4 models (the Bach model, PLCOM2012, LCRAT, and LCDRAT) most accurately predicted risk and performed best in selecting ever-smokers for screening. Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute.

  8. Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean in Relation to Natural Variation in the Soybean Seed Metabolome

    PubMed Central

    Clarke, Joseph D.; Alexander, Danny C.; Ward, Dennis P.; Ryals, John A.; Mitchell, Matthew W.; Wulff, Jacob E.; Guo, Lining

    2013-01-01

    Genetically modified (GM) crops currently constitute a significant and growing part of agriculture. An important aspect of GM crop adoption is to demonstrate safety and equivalence with respect to conventional crops. Untargeted metabolomics has the ability to profile diverse classes of metabolites and thus could be an adjunct for GM crop substantial equivalence assessment. To account for environmental effects and introgression of GM traits into diverse genetic backgrounds, we propose that the assessment for GM crop metabolic composition should be understood within the context of the natural variation for the crop. Using a non-targeted metabolomics platform, we profiled 169 metabolites and established their dynamic ranges from the seeds of 49 conventional soybean lines representing the current commercial genetic diversity. We further demonstrated that the metabolome of a GM line had no significant deviation from natural variation within the soybean metabolome, with the exception of changes in the targeted engineered pathway. PMID:24170158

  9. Anomalous effects on radiation detectors and capacitance measurements inside a modified Faraday cage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Milián-Sánchez, V.; Mocholí-Salcedo, A.; Milián, C.; Kolombet, V. A.; Verdú, G.

    2016-08-01

    We present experimental results showing certain anomalies in the measurements performed inside a modified Faraday cage of decay rates of Ra-226, Tl-204 and Sr-90/I-90, of the gamma spectrum of a Cs-137 preparation, and of the capacitance of both a class-I multilayer ceramic capacitor and of the interconnection cable between the radiation detector and the scaler. Decay rates fluctuate significantly up to 5% around the initial value and differently depending on the type of nuclide, and the spectrum photopeak increases in 4.4%. In the case of the capacitor, direct capacitance measurements at 100 Hz, 10 kHz and 100 kHz show variations up to 0.7%, the most significant taking place at 100 Hz. In the case of the interconnection cable, the capacitance varies up to 1%. Dispersion also tends to increase inside the enclosure. However, the measured capacitance variations do not explain the variations observed in decay rates.

  10. Farmers prevailing perception profiles regarding GM crops: A classification proposal.

    PubMed

    Almeida, Carla; Massarani, Luisa

    2018-04-01

    Genetically modified organisms have been at the centre of a major public controversy, involving different interests and actors. While much attention has been devoted to consumer views on genetically modified food, there have been few attempts to understand the perceptions of genetically modified technology among farmers. By investigating perceptions of genetically modified organisms among Brazilian farmers, we intend to contribute towards filling this gap and thereby add the views of this stakeholder group to the genetically modified debate. A comparative analysis of our data and data from other studies indicate there is a complex variety of views on genetically modified organisms among farmers. Despite this diversity, we found variations in such views occur within limited parameters, concerned principally with expectations or concrete experiences regarding the advantages of genetically modified crops, perceptions of risks associated with them, and ethical questions they raise. We then propose a classification of prevailing profiles to represent the spectrum of perceptions of genetically modified organisms among farmers.

  11. Ethnic variation in environmental belief and behavior: An examination of the new ecological paradigm in a social psychological context

    Treesearch

    Cassandra Y. Johnson; J. Michael Bowker; H. Ken Cordell

    2004-01-01

    We use national-level data to test a modified version of Stern, Dietz, & Guagnano's causal model of environmental belief and behavior. We focus on ethnic variation for four environmental behaviors: environmental reading, household recycling, environmental group joining, and participation in nature-based outdoor recreation. Blacks and foreign-born Latinos were...

  12. Comparisons of modified Vasco X-2 and AISI 9310 gear steels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Townsend, D. P.; Zaretsky, E. V.

    1980-01-01

    Endurance tests were conducted with four groups of spur gears manufactured from three heats of consumable electrode vacuum melted (CVM) modified Vasco X-2. Endurance tests were also conducted with gears manufactured from CVM AISI 9310. Bench type rolling element fatigue tests were conducted with both materials. Hardness measurements were made to 811 K. There was no statistically significant life difference between the two materials. Life differences between the different heats of modified Vasco X-2 can be attributed to heat treat variation and resultant hardness. Carburization of gear flanks only can eliminate tooth fracture as a primary failure mode for modified Vasco X-2. However, a tooth surface fatigue spall can act as a nucleus of a tooth fracture failure for the modified Vasco X-2.

  13. Language Assessment With Children Who Speak Nonmainstream Dialects: Examining the Effects of Scoring Modifications in Norm-Referenced Assessment.

    PubMed

    Hendricks, Alison Eisel; Adlof, Suzanne M

    2017-07-26

    We compared outcomes from 2 measures of language ability in children who displayed a range of dialect variation: 1 using features that do not contrast between mainstream American English (MAE) and nonmainstream dialects (NMAE), and 1 using contrastive features. We investigated how modified scoring procedures affected the diagnostic accuracy of the measure with contrastive features. Second-grade students (N = 299; 167 White, 106 African American, 26 other) completed measures of language variation and ability (the Diagnostic Evaluation of Language Variation-Screening Test and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fourth Edition [CELF-4]). The CELF-4 was scored with and without the recommended scoring modifications for children who spoke African American English. Partial correlations controlling for socioeconomic status revealed small to moderate correlations between measures of language ability and the use of NMAE features. Modified scoring yielded higher scores for children who spoke African American English and a reduced association between the use of NMAE features and CELF-4 scores. Modified scoring also affected the diagnostic accuracy of the CELF-4, resulting in a lower positive likelihood ratio and a higher negative likelihood ratio. The decision to apply scoring modifications affects both the false positive and false negative rates. Implications for language assessment for children who speak NMAE dialects are discussed, including the need for further investigation.

  14. Artificial neural network based gynaecological image-guided adaptive brachytherapy treatment planning correction of intra-fractional organs at risk dose variation.

    PubMed

    Jaberi, Ramin; Siavashpour, Zahra; Aghamiri, Mahmoud Reza; Kirisits, Christian; Ghaderi, Reza

    2017-12-01

    Intra-fractional organs at risk (OARs) deformations can lead to dose variation during image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). The aim of this study was to modify the final accepted brachytherapy treatment plan to dosimetrically compensate for these intra-fractional organs-applicators position variations and, at the same time, fulfilling the dosimetric criteria. Thirty patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) of 45-50 Gy over five to six weeks with concomitant weekly chemotherapy, and qualified for intracavitary high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy with tandem-ovoid applicators were selected for this study. Second computed tomography scan was done for each patient after finishing brachytherapy treatment with applicators in situ. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) based models were used to predict intra-fractional OARs dose-volume histogram parameters variations and propose a new final plan. A model was developed to estimate the intra-fractional organs dose variations during gynaecological intracavitary brachytherapy. Also, ANNs were used to modify the final brachytherapy treatment plan to compensate dosimetrically for changes in 'organs-applicators', while maintaining target dose at the original level. There are semi-automatic and fast responding models that can be used in the routine clinical workflow to reduce individually IGABT uncertainties. These models can be more validated by more patients' plans to be able to serve as a clinical tool.

  15. Genetic variations in taste perception modify alcohol drinking behavior in Koreans.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jeong-Hwa; Lee, Jeonghee; Yang, Sarah; Kim, Jeongseon

    2017-06-01

    The sensory components of alcohol affect the onset of individual's drinking. Therefore, variations in taste receptor genes may lead to differential sensitivity for alcohol taste, which may modify an individual's drinking behavior. This study examined the influence of genetic variants in the taste-sensing mechanism on alcohol drinking behavior and the choice of alcoholic beverages. A total of 1829 Koreans were analyzed for their alcohol drinking status (drinker/non-drinker), total alcohol consumption (g/day), heavy drinking (≥30 g/day) and type of regularly consumed alcoholic beverages. Twenty-one genetic variations in bitterness, sweetness, umami and fatty acid sensing were also genotyped. Our findings suggested that multiple genetic variants modified individuals' alcohol drinking behavior. Genetic variations in the T2R bitterness receptor family were associated with overall drinking behavior. Subjects with the TAS2R38 AVI haplotype were less likely to be a drinker [odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.95], and TAS2R5 rs2227264 predicted the level of total alcohol consumption (p = 0.01). In contrast, the T1R sweet and umami receptor family was associated with heavy drinking. TAS1R3 rs307355 CT carriers were more likely to be heavy drinkers (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.06-2.19). The genetic variants were also associated with the choice of alcoholic beverages. The homo-recessive type of TAS2R4 rs2233998 (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11-2.37) and TAS2R5 rs2227264 (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.14-2.58) were associated with consumption of rice wine. However, TAS1R2 rs35874116 was associated with wine drinking (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.98) and the consumption level (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that multiple genetic variations in taste receptors influence drinking behavior in Koreans. Genetic variations are also responsible for the preference of particular alcoholic beverages, which may contribute to an individual's alcohol drinking behavior. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. A novel iterative scheme and its application to differential equations.

    PubMed

    Khan, Yasir; Naeem, F; Šmarda, Zdeněk

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to employ an alternative approach to reconstruct the standard variational iteration algorithm II proposed by He, including Lagrange multiplier, and to give a simpler formulation of Adomian decomposition and modified Adomian decomposition method in terms of newly proposed variational iteration method-II (VIM). Through careful investigation of the earlier variational iteration algorithm and Adomian decomposition method, we find unnecessary calculations for Lagrange multiplier and also repeated calculations involved in each iteration, respectively. Several examples are given to verify the reliability and efficiency of the method.

  17. Reducing variation in a rabbit vaccine safety study with particular emphasis on housing conditions and handling.

    PubMed

    Verwer, Cynthia M; van der Ark, Arno; van Amerongen, Geert; van den Bos, Ruud; Hendriksen, Coenraad F M

    2009-04-01

    This paper describes the results of a study of the effects of modified housing conditions, conditioning and habituation on humans using a rabbit model for monitoring whole-cell pertussis vaccine (pWCV)-induced adverse effects. The study has been performed with reference to previous vaccine safety studies of pWCV in rabbits in which results were difficult to interpret due to the large variation in experimental outcome, especially in the key parameter deep-body temperature (T(b)). Certain stressful laboratory conditions, as well as procedures involving humans, e.g. blood sampling, inoculation and cage-cleaning, were hypothesized to cause this large variation. The results of this study show that under modified housing conditions rabbits have normal circadian body temperatures. This allowed discrimination of pWCV-induced adverse effects in which handled rabbits tended to show a dose-related increase in temperature after inoculation with little variance, whereas non-handled rabbits did not. Effects of experimental and routine procedures on body temperature were significantly reduced under modified conditions and were within the normal T(b) range. Handled animals reacted less strongly and with less variance to experimental procedures, such as blood sampling, injection and cage-cleaning, than non-handled rabbits. Overall, handling had a positive effect on the behaviour of the animals. Data show that the housing modifications have provided a more robust model for monitoring pWCV adverse effects. Furthermore, conditioning and habituation of rabbits to humans reduce the variation in experimental outcome, which might allow for a reduction in the number of animals used. In addition, this also reduces distress and thus contributes to refining this animal model.

  18. Changes in the Relative Abundance and Movement of Insect Pollinators During the Flowering Cycle of Brassica rapa Crops: Implications for Gene Flow

    PubMed Central

    Mesa, Laura A.; Howlett, Bradley G.; Grant, Jan E.; Didham, Raphael K.

    2013-01-01

    The potential movement of transgenes from genetically modified crops to non-genetically modified crops via insect-mediated pollen dispersal has been highlighted as one of the areas of greatest concern in regards to genetically modified crops. Pollen movement depends sensitively on spatial and temporal variation in the movement of insect pollinators between crop fields. This study tested the degree of variation in the diversity and relative abundance of flower-visiting insects entering versus leaving pak choi, Brassica rapa var. chinensis L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae), crops throughout different stages of the flowering cycle. The relative abundance of flower-visiting insects varied significantly with Brassica crop phenology. Greater numbers of flower-visiting insects were captured inside rather than outside the crop fields, with the highest capture rates of flower-visitors coinciding with the peak of flowering in both spring-flowering and summer-flowering crops. Moreover, the ratio of flower-visiting insects entering versus leaving crop fields also varied considerably with changing crop phenology. Despite high variation in relative capture rates, the data strongly indicate non-random patterns of variation in insect movement in relation to crop phenology, with early-season aggregation of flower-visiting insects entering and remaining in the crop, and then mass emigration of flower-visiting insects leaving the crop late in the flowering season. Although pollen movement late in the flowering cycle might contribute relatively little to total seed set (and hence crop production), the findings here suggest that extensive late-season pollinator redistribution in the landscape could contribute disproportionately to long-distance gene movement between crops. PMID:23937538

  19. Study of p-4He total reaction cross-section using Glauber and Coulomb-modified Glauber models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tag El-Din, Ibrahim M. A.; Taha, M. M.; Hassan, Samia S. A.

    2014-02-01

    The total nuclear reaction cross-section σR for p-4He in the energy range from 25 MeV to 1000 MeV is calculated within Glauber and Coulomb-modified Glauber models. The Coulomb-modified Glauber model (CMGM) is introduced via modification of the Coulomb trajectory of the projectile from a straight line, and calculation of the effective radius of interaction. The effects of in-medium nucleon-nucleon (NN) total cross-section, phase variation, high order momentum transfer component of nucleon-nucleon elastic scattering amplitude and Pauli blocking are studied. It is pointed out that the phase variation of the nucleon-nucleon amplitude plays a significant role in describing σR with γ = -1.6 fm2 at in-medium nuclear density ϱ = 0 and γ = -2 fm2 at ϱ = 0.17 fm-3 in the whole energy range. A remarkable fit to the available experimental data is obtained by invoking Pauli blocking and high order momentum transfer of nucleon-nucleon (NN) elastic scattering amplitude for Ep < 100 MeV.

  20. Subsonic and Supersonic Flutter Analysis of a Highly Tapered Swept-Wing Planform, Including Effects of Density Variation and Finite Wing Thickness, and Comparison with Experiments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yates, Carson, Jr.

    1967-01-01

    The flutter characteristics of several wings with an aspect-ratio of 4.0, a taper ratio of 0.2, and a quarter-chord sweepback of 45 deg. have been investigated analytically for Mach numbers up to 2.0. The calculations were based on the modified-strip-analysis method, the subsonic-kernel-function method, piston theory, and quasi-steady second-order theory. Results of t h e analysis and comparisons with experiment indicated that: (1) Flutter speeds were accurately predicted by the modified strip analysis, although accuracy at t h e highest Mach numbers required the use of nonlinear aerodynamic theory (which accounts for effects of wing thickness) for the calculation of the aerodynamic parameters. (2) An abrupt increase of flutter-speed coefficient with increasing Mach number, observed experimentally in the transonic range, was also indicated by the modified strip analysis. (3) In the low supersonic range for some densities, a discontinuous variation of flutter frequency with Mach number was indicated by the modified strip analysis. An abrupt change of frequency appeared experimentally in the transonic range. (4) Differences in flutter-speed-coefficient levels obtained from tests at low supersonic Mach numbers in two wind tunnels were also predicted by the modified strip analysis and were shown to be caused primarily by differences in mass ratio. (5) Flutter speeds calculated by the subsonic-kernel-function method were in good agreement with experiment and with the results of the modified strip analysis. (6) Flutter speed obtained from piston theory and from quasi-steady second-order theory were higher than experimental values by at least 38 percent.

  1. Modified Cheeger and Ratio Cut Methods Using the Ginzburg-Landau Functional for Classification of High-Dimensional Data

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-01

    Modified Cheeger and Ratio Cut Methods Using the Ginzburg-Landau Functional for Classification of High-Dimensional Data Ekaterina Merkurjev*, Andrea...bertozzi@math.ucla.edu, xiaoran@isi.edu, lerman@isi.edu. Abstract Recent advances in clustering have included continuous relaxations of the Cheeger cut ...fully nonlinear Cheeger cut problem, as well as the ratio cut optimization task. Both problems are connected to total variation minimization, and the

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

    Meisner, Ludmila, E-mail: llm@ispms.tsc.ru; Meisner, Stanislav, E-mail: msn@ispms.tsc.ru; Mironov, Yurii, E-mail: myp@ispms.tsc.ru

    The paper considers the effects arising on X-ray diffraction patterns taken in different diffraction geometries and how these effects can be interpreted to judge structural states in NiTi near-surface regions after electron and ion beam treatment. It is shown that qualitative and quantitative analysis of phase composition, lattice parameters of main phases, elastic stress states, and their in-depth variation requires X-ray diffraction patterns in both symmetric Bragg–Brentano and asymmetric Lambot–Vassamilleta geometries with variation in X-ray wavelengths and imaging conditions (with and with no β-filter). These techniques of structural phase analysis are more efficient when the thickness of modified NiTi surfacemore » layers is 1–10 μm (after electron beam treatment) and requires special imaging conditions when the thickness of modified NiTi surface layers is no greater than 1 μm (after ion beam treatment)« less

  3. A variational approach to niche construction.

    PubMed

    Constant, Axel; Ramstead, Maxwell J D; Veissière, Samuel P L; Campbell, John O; Friston, Karl J

    2018-04-01

    In evolutionary biology, niche construction is sometimes described as a genuine evolutionary process whereby organisms, through their activities and regulatory mechanisms, modify their environment such as to steer their own evolutionary trajectory, and that of other species. There is ongoing debate, however, on the extent to which niche construction ought to be considered a bona fide evolutionary force, on a par with natural selection. Recent formulations of the variational free-energy principle as applied to the life sciences describe the properties of living systems, and their selection in evolution, in terms of variational inference. We argue that niche construction can be described using a variational approach. We propose new arguments to support the niche construction perspective, and to extend the variational approach to niche construction to current perspectives in various scientific fields. © 2018 The Authors.

  4. A variational approach to niche construction

    PubMed Central

    Ramstead, Maxwell J. D.; Veissière, Samuel P. L.; Campbell, John O.; Friston, Karl J.

    2018-01-01

    In evolutionary biology, niche construction is sometimes described as a genuine evolutionary process whereby organisms, through their activities and regulatory mechanisms, modify their environment such as to steer their own evolutionary trajectory, and that of other species. There is ongoing debate, however, on the extent to which niche construction ought to be considered a bona fide evolutionary force, on a par with natural selection. Recent formulations of the variational free-energy principle as applied to the life sciences describe the properties of living systems, and their selection in evolution, in terms of variational inference. We argue that niche construction can be described using a variational approach. We propose new arguments to support the niche construction perspective, and to extend the variational approach to niche construction to current perspectives in various scientific fields. PMID:29643221

  5. Seasonal rationalization of river water quality sampling locations: a comparative study of the modified Sanders and multivariate statistical approaches.

    PubMed

    Varekar, Vikas; Karmakar, Subhankar; Jha, Ramakar

    2016-02-01

    The design of surface water quality sampling location is a crucial decision-making process for rationalization of monitoring network. The quantity, quality, and types of available dataset (watershed characteristics and water quality data) may affect the selection of appropriate design methodology. The modified Sanders approach and multivariate statistical techniques [particularly factor analysis (FA)/principal component analysis (PCA)] are well-accepted and widely used techniques for design of sampling locations. However, their performance may vary significantly with quantity, quality, and types of available dataset. In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate performance of these techniques by accounting the effect of seasonal variation, under a situation of limited water quality data but extensive watershed characteristics information, as continuous and consistent river water quality data is usually difficult to obtain, whereas watershed information may be made available through application of geospatial techniques. A case study of Kali River, Western Uttar Pradesh, India, is selected for the analysis. The monitoring was carried out at 16 sampling locations. The discrete and diffuse pollution loads at different sampling sites were estimated and accounted using modified Sanders approach, whereas the monitored physical and chemical water quality parameters were utilized as inputs for FA/PCA. The designed optimum number of sampling locations for monsoon and non-monsoon seasons by modified Sanders approach are eight and seven while that for FA/PCA are eleven and nine, respectively. Less variation in the number and locations of designed sampling sites were obtained by both techniques, which shows stability of results. A geospatial analysis has also been carried out to check the significance of designed sampling location with respect to river basin characteristics and land use of the study area. Both methods are equally efficient; however, modified Sanders approach outperforms FA/PCA when limited water quality and extensive watershed information is available. The available water quality dataset is limited and FA/PCA-based approach fails to identify monitoring locations with higher variation, as these multivariate statistical approaches are data-driven. The priority/hierarchy and number of sampling sites designed by modified Sanders approach are well justified by the land use practices and observed river basin characteristics of the study area.

  6. Artificial neural network based gynaecological image-guided adaptive brachytherapy treatment planning correction of intra-fractional organs at risk dose variation

    PubMed Central

    Jaberi, Ramin; Aghamiri, Mahmoud Reza; Kirisits, Christian; Ghaderi, Reza

    2017-01-01

    Purpose Intra-fractional organs at risk (OARs) deformations can lead to dose variation during image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). The aim of this study was to modify the final accepted brachytherapy treatment plan to dosimetrically compensate for these intra-fractional organs-applicators position variations and, at the same time, fulfilling the dosimetric criteria. Material and methods Thirty patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) of 45-50 Gy over five to six weeks with concomitant weekly chemotherapy, and qualified for intracavitary high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy with tandem-ovoid applicators were selected for this study. Second computed tomography scan was done for each patient after finishing brachytherapy treatment with applicators in situ. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) based models were used to predict intra-fractional OARs dose-volume histogram parameters variations and propose a new final plan. Results A model was developed to estimate the intra-fractional organs dose variations during gynaecological intracavitary brachytherapy. Also, ANNs were used to modify the final brachytherapy treatment plan to compensate dosimetrically for changes in ‘organs-applicators’, while maintaining target dose at the original level. Conclusions There are semi-automatic and fast responding models that can be used in the routine clinical workflow to reduce individually IGABT uncertainties. These models can be more validated by more patients’ plans to be able to serve as a clinical tool. PMID:29441094

  7. Use of spent mushroom substrate for production of Bacillus thuringiensis by solid-state fermentation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Songqing; Lan, Yanjiao; Huang, Dongmei; Peng, Yan; Huang, Zhipeng; Xu, Lei; Gelbic, Ivan; Carballar-Lejarazu, Rebeca; Guan, Xiong; Zhang, Lingling; Zou, Shuangquan

    2014-02-01

    The aim of this study was to explore a cost-effective method for the mass production of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) by solid-state fermentation. As a locally available agroindustrial byproduct, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was used as raw material for Bt cultivation, and four combinations of SMS-based media were designed. Fermentation conditions were optimized on the best medium and the optimal conditions were determined as follows: temperature 32 degrees C, initial pH value 6, moisture content 50%, the ratio of sieved material to initial material 1:3, and inoculum volume 0.5 ml. Large scale production of B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) LLP29 was conducted on the optimal medium at optimal conditions. High toxicity (1,487 international toxic units/milligram) and long larvicidal persistence of the product were observed in the study, which illustrated that SMS-based solid-state fermentation medium was efficient and economical for large scale industrial production of Bt-based biopesticides. The cost of production of 1 kg of Bt was approximately US$0.075.

  8. Gravity and the membrane-solution interface: theoretical investigations.

    PubMed

    Schatz, A; Linke-Hommes, A

    1989-01-01

    The theory of concentration and potential variations at interfaces is applied to the membrane-solution interface to calculate density variations. The theory is modified to take care of the finite ion volumes in electrolytes. Our model is a phospholipid membrane with a surface charge density of -4.824*10(-6)(As/cm2) in contact with solutions of KCl, NaCl, CaCl2, and mixtures. Maximal density variations of about 4*10(-2)(G/cm3) were found in surface layers between the membrane and the solutions. The extension of the layers is in the range of 1 to 6 nm.

  9. Couple of the Variational Iteration Method and Fractional-Order Legendre Functions Method for Fractional Differential Equations

    PubMed Central

    Song, Junqiang; Leng, Hongze; Lu, Fengshun

    2014-01-01

    We present a new numerical method to get the approximate solutions of fractional differential equations. A new operational matrix of integration for fractional-order Legendre functions (FLFs) is first derived. Then a modified variational iteration formula which can avoid “noise terms” is constructed. Finally a numerical method based on variational iteration method (VIM) and FLFs is developed for fractional differential equations (FDEs). Block-pulse functions (BPFs) are used to calculate the FLFs coefficient matrices of the nonlinear terms. Five examples are discussed to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique. PMID:24511303

  10. Integrating a Gravity Simulation and Groundwater Modeling on the Calibration of Specific Yield for Choshui Alluvial Fan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Liang Cheng; Tsai, Jui pin; Chen, Yu Wen; Way Hwang, Chein; Chung Cheng, Ching; Chiang, Chung Jung

    2014-05-01

    For sustainable management, accurate estimation of recharge can provide critical information. The accuracy of estimation is highly related to uncertainty of specific yield (Sy). Because Sy value is traditionally obtained by a multi-well pumping test, the available Sy values are usually limited due to high installation cost. Therefore, this information insufficiency of Sy may cause high uncertainty for recharge estimation. Because gravity is a function of a material mass and the inverse square of the distance, gravity measurement can assist to obtain the mass variation of a shallow groundwater system. Thus, the groundwater level observation data and gravity measurements are used for the calibration of Sy for a groundwater model. The calibration procedure includes four steps. First, gravity variations of three groundwater-monitoring wells, Si-jhou, Tu-ku and Ke-cuo, are observed in May, August and November 2012. To obtain the gravity caused by groundwater variation, this study filters the noises from other sources, such as ocean tide and land subsidence, in the collected data The refined data, which are data without noises, are named gravity residual. Second, this study develops a groundwater model using MODFLOW 2005 to simulate the water mass variation of the groundwater system. Third, we use Newton gravity integral to simulate the gravity variation caused by the simulated water mass variation during each of the observation periods. Fourth, comparing the ratio of the gravity variation between the two data sets, which are observed gravity residuals and simulated gravities. The values of Sy is continuously modified until the gravity variation ratios of the two data sets are the same. The Sy value of Si-jhou is 0.216, which is obtained by the multi-well pumping test. This Sy value is assigned to the simulation model. The simulation results show that the simulated gravity can well fit the observed gravity residual without parameter calibration. This result indicates that the proposed approach is correct and reasonable. In Tu-ku and Ke-cuo, the ratios of the gravity variation between observed gravity residuals and simulated gravities are approximate 1.8 and 50, respectively. The Sy values of these two stations are modified 1.8 and 50 times the original values. These modified Sy values are assigned to the groundwater morel. After the parameter re-assignment, the simulated gravities meet the gravity residuals in these two stations. In conclusion, the study results show that the proposed approach has the potential to identify Sy without installing wells. Therefore, the proposed approach can be used to increase the spatial density of Sy and can conduct the recharge estimation with low uncertainty.

  11. Free energy and internal energy of electron-screened plasmas in a modified hypernetted-chain approximation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perrot, F.

    1991-12-01

    We report results of Helmholtz-free-energy and internal-energy calculations using the modified hypernetted-chain (MHNC) equation method, in the formulation of Lado, Foiles, and Ashcroft [Phys. Rev. A 28, 2374 (1983)], for a model plasma of ions linearly screened by electrons. The results are compared with HNC calculations (no Bridge term), with variational calculations using a hard-spheres reference system, and with a numerical fit of Monte Carlo simulations.

  12. Role of Cigarette Sensory Cues in Modifying Puffing Topography

    PubMed Central

    Rees, Vaughan W.; Kreslake, Jennifer M.; Wayne, Geoffrey Ferris; O Connor, Richard J.; Cummings, K. Michael; Connolly, Gregory N.

    2012-01-01

    Background Human puffing topography promotes tobacco dependence by ensuring nicotine delivery, but the factors that determine puffing behavior are not well explained by existing models. Chemosensory cues generated by variations in cigarette product design features may serve as conditioned cues to allow the smoker to optimize nicotine delivery by adjusting puffing topography. Internal tobacco industry research documents were reviewed to understand the influence of sensory cues on puffing topography, and to examine how the tobacco industry has designed cigarettes, including modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs), to enhance puffing behavior to optimize nicotine delivery and product acceptability. Methods Relevant internal tobacco industry documents were identified using systematic searching with key search terms and phrases, and then snowball sampling method was applied to establish further search terms. Results Modern cigarettes are designed by cigarette manufacturers to provide sensory characteristics that not only maintain appeal, but provide cues which inform puffing intensity. Alterations in the chemosensory cues provided in tobacco smoke play an important role in modifying smoking behavior independently of the central effects of nicotine. Conclusions An associative learning model is proposed to explain the influence of chemosensory cues on variation in puffing topography. These cues are delivered via tobacco smoke and are moderated by design features and additives used in cigarettes. The implications for regulation of design features of modified risk tobacco products, which may act to promote intensive puffing while lowering risk perceptions, are discussed. PMID:22365895

  13. Thermodynamics of organic molecule adsorption on sorbents modified with 5-hydroxy-6-methyluracil by inverse gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Gus'kov, Vladimir Yu; Gainullina, Yulia Yu; Ivanov, Sergey P; Kudasheva, Florida Kh

    2014-08-22

    The thermodynamic features of organic molecule adsorption from the gaseous phase of sorbents modified with 5-hydroxy-6-methyluracil (HMU) were studied. Molar internal energy and entropy of adsorption variation analyses showed that with every type surface, except for silica gel, layers of supramolecular structure have cavities equal in size with the ones revealed in HMU crystals by X-ray diffraction. Adsorption thermodynamics on HMU-modified sorbents depended on the amount of impregnated HMU and on the polarity, but not the porosity, of the initial sorbent. Polarity of the modified surface increased as a function of HMU quantity and initial sorbent mean pore size, but become appreciably lower if the initial surface is capable of hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Unraveling Genetic Modifiers in the Gria4 Mouse Model of Absence Epilepsy

    PubMed Central

    Frankel, Wayne N.; Mahaffey, Connie L.; McGarr, Tracy C.; Beyer, Barbara J.; Letts, Verity A.

    2014-01-01

    Absence epilepsy (AE) is a common type of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), particularly in children. AE and GGE are complex genetic diseases with few causal variants identified to date. Gria4 deficient mice provide a model of AE, one for which the common laboratory inbred strain C3H/HeJ (HeJ) harbors a natural IAP retrotransposon insertion in Gria4 that reduces its expression 8-fold. Between C3H and non-seizing strains such as C57BL/6, genetic modifiers alter disease severity. Even C3H substrains have surprising variation in the duration and incidence of spike-wave discharges (SWD), the characteristic electroencephalographic feature of absence seizures. Here we discovered extensive IAP retrotransposition in the C3H substrain, and identified a HeJ-private IAP in the Pcnxl2 gene, which encodes a putative multi-transmembrane protein of unknown function, resulting in decreased expression. By creating new Pcnxl2 frameshift alleles using TALEN mutagenesis, we show that Pcnxl2 deficiency is responsible for mitigating the seizure phenotype – making Pcnxl2 the first known modifier gene for absence seizures in any species. This finding gave us a handle on genetic complexity between strains, directing us to use another C3H substrain to map additional modifiers including validation of a Chr 15 locus that profoundly affects the severity of SWD episodes. Together these new findings expand our knowledge of how natural variation modulates seizures, and highlights the feasibility of characterizing and validating modifiers in mouse strains and substrains in the post-genome sequence era. PMID:25010494

  15. Statistics and Dynamics of Aircraft Encounters of Turbulence over Greenland

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-08-01

    America and Europe , and turbulence above Greenland is the fo- cus of this study. Turbulence derived from interactions with terrain and mountain waves can...Seasonal variations in the large- scale circulation (viz., storm tracks) will modify the frequency of occurrence of cyclones. Such variations coupled with...Greenland’s southern tip is from the southeast quadrant. The passage of extratropical cyclones to the south of the turbulent regions is one source of low

  16. Influence of Addition of Carboxyl Functionalized MWCNTs on Performance of Neat and Carbon Fiber Reinforced EPON 862

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-05-01

    control system (without CNTs). In addition, storage modulus, glass transition temperature, thermal stability were all improved in MWCNTs modified carbon...curve obtained from Flexural response of different composites (b) variation in flexural properties with the concentration of MWCNTs ...tensile test (b) variation in tensile strength and Young’s modulus with the percentage of MWCNT .... 65 7.4 Fracture morphology of (a) Neat, (b

  17. A Diversity-Oriented Library of Fluorophore-Modified Receptors Constructed from a Chemical Library of Synthetic Fluorophores.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Shun; Tamura, Tomoki; Das, Raj Kumar; Nakata, Eiji; Chang, Young-Tae; Morii, Takashi

    2017-11-16

    The practical application of biosensors can be determined by evaluating the sensing ability of fluorophore-modified derivatives of a receptor with appropriate recognition characteristics for target molecules. One of the key determinants for successfully obtaining a useful biosensor is wide variation in the fluorophores attached to a given receptor. Thus, using a larger fluorophore-modified receptor library provides a higher probability of obtaining a practically useful biosensor. However, no effective method has yet been developed for constructing such a diverse library of fluorophore-modified receptors. Herein, we report a method for constructing fluorophore-modified receptors by using a chemical library of synthetic fluorophores with a thiol-reactive group. This library was converted into a library of fluorophore-modified adenosine-binding ribonucleopeptide (RNP) receptors by introducing the fluorophores to the Rev peptide of the RNP complex by alkylation of the thiol group. This method enabled the construction of 263 fluorophore-modified ATP-binding RNP receptors and allowed the selection of suitable receptor-based fluorescent sensors that target ATP. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Earthquake Macro-zonation Based Peak Ground Acceleration, Modified Mercalli Intensity, And Type of Rocks around Matano Fault

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karnaen, Muh; Suriamihardja, D. A.; Maulana, A.; Jaya, A.

    2018-03-01

    This study aims to determine earthquake vulnerable zones. We conducted research on earthquake macro-zonation based on PGA, Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI), and type of rocks around Matano Fault in the area of 1.60 S to 2.990 S and 120.50 E to 122.470 E. We have acquired Maximum PGA and Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) for each observation point on the ground from the four major earthquake events. The empirical model is used due to lack of acceleration data recorded. We tried some empirical methods, but the McGuire method is found to be acceptable for this area. The result gives the maximum variation of PGA which is ranged between 18.40 - 363.54 gals. While the variation of MMI using empirical Wald attenuation gives values ranging from 2.9 - 7.7 MMI. The most vulnerable zone is located around Sorowako city with PGA value of 326.55 gals and MMI value of 7.5 MMI. This area is between ultra-basic rock and metamorphic rock formation. The vulnerable zone is near largest earthquake 6.2 M on 15-02-2011.

  19. Tensile properties and flow behavior analysis of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel clad tube material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Kanwarjeet; Latha, S.; Nandagopal, M.; Mathew, M. D.; Laha, K.; Jayakumar, T.

    2014-11-01

    The tensile properties and flow behavior of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel clad tube have been investigated in the framework of various constitutive equations for a wide range of temperatures (300-923 K) and strain rates (3 × 10-3 s-1, 3 × 10-4 s-1 and 3 × 10-5 s-1). The tensile flow behavior of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel clad tube was most accurately described by Voce equation. The variation of instantaneous work hardening rate (θ = dσ/dε) and σθ with stress (σ) indicated two stage behavior characterized by rapid decrease at low stresses (transient stage) followed by a gradual decrease in high stresses (Stage III). The variation of work hardening parameters and work hardening rate in terms of θ vs. σ and σθ vs. σ with temperature exhibited three distinct regimes. Rapid decrease in flow stress and work hardening parameters and rapid shift of θ vs. σ and σθ vs. σ towards low stresses with increase in temperature indicated dynamic recovery at high temperatures. Tensile properties of the material have been best predicted from Voce equation.

  20. Homotopy decomposition method for solving one-dimensional time-fractional diffusion equation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abuasad, Salah; Hashim, Ishak

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, we present the homotopy decomposition method with a modified definition of beta fractional derivative for the first time to find exact solution of one-dimensional time-fractional diffusion equation. In this method, the solution takes the form of a convergent series with easily computable terms. The exact solution obtained by the proposed method is compared with the exact solution obtained by using fractional variational homotopy perturbation iteration method via a modified Riemann-Liouville derivative.

  1. Study on aging of single pile in soft soil foundation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Tiejun; Cao, Haiying

    2017-04-01

    In this paper, the single pile under load is analyzed by using the Biot consolidation equation and the modified method of the coupling of the Komala - Huang model. The consolidation of soil is simulated by Biot consolidation theory, and the whole process of the deformation of single pile is presented in the paper by means of the modified Komala - Huang model. Some useful conclusions are obtained by analyzing the variation of the pore pressure and the settlement of the soil under the action of load.

  2. Mechanical analysis of non-uniform bi-directional functionally graded intelligent micro-beams using modified couple stress theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bakhshi Khaniki, Hossein; Rajasekaran, Sundaramoorthy

    2018-05-01

    This study develops a comprehensive investigation on mechanical behavior of non-uniform bi-directional functionally graded beam sensors in the framework of modified couple stress theory. Material variation is modelled through both length and thickness directions using power-law, sigmoid and exponential functions. Moreover, beam is assumed with linear, exponential and parabolic cross-section variation through the length using power-law and sigmoid varying functions. Using these assumptions, a general model for microbeams is presented and formulated by employing Hamilton’s principle. Governing equations are solved using a mixed finite element method with Lagrangian interpolation technique, Gaussian quadrature method and Wilson’s Lagrangian multiplier method. It is shown that by using bi-directional functionally graded materials in nonuniform microbeams, mechanical behavior of such structures could be affected noticeably and scale parameter has a significant effect in changing the rigidity of nonuniform bi-directional functionally graded beams.

  3. Late Pleistocene variations in Antarctica sea ice. I - Effect of orbital isolation changes. II - Effect of interhemispheric deep-ocean heat exchange

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crowley, Thomas J.; Parkinson, Claire L.

    1988-01-01

    A dynamic-thermodynamic sea-ice model is presently used to ascertain the effects of orbitally-induced insolation changes on Antarctic sea-ice cover; the results thus obtained are compared with modified CLIMAP reconstructions of sea-ice 18,000 years ago. The minor influence exerted by insolation on Pleistocene sea-ice distributions is attributable to a number of factors. In the second part of this investigation, variations in the production of warm North Atlantic Deep Water are proposed as a mechanism constituting the linkage between climate fluctuations in the Northern and Southern hemispheres during the Pleistocene; this hypothesis is tested by examining the sensitivity of the dynamic-thermodynamic model for Antarctic sea-ice changes in vertical ocean heat flux, and comparing the simulations with modified CLIMAP sea-ice maps for 18,000 years ago.

  4. Evolutionary Connectionism: Algorithmic Principles Underlying the Evolution of Biological Organisation in Evo-Devo, Evo-Eco and Evolutionary Transitions.

    PubMed

    Watson, Richard A; Mills, Rob; Buckley, C L; Kouvaris, Kostas; Jackson, Adam; Powers, Simon T; Cox, Chris; Tudge, Simon; Davies, Adam; Kounios, Loizos; Power, Daniel

    2016-01-01

    The mechanisms of variation, selection and inheritance, on which evolution by natural selection depends, are not fixed over evolutionary time. Current evolutionary biology is increasingly focussed on understanding how the evolution of developmental organisations modifies the distribution of phenotypic variation, the evolution of ecological relationships modifies the selective environment, and the evolution of reproductive relationships modifies the heritability of the evolutionary unit. The major transitions in evolution, in particular, involve radical changes in developmental, ecological and reproductive organisations that instantiate variation, selection and inheritance at a higher level of biological organisation. However, current evolutionary theory is poorly equipped to describe how these organisations change over evolutionary time and especially how that results in adaptive complexes at successive scales of organisation (the key problem is that evolution is self-referential, i.e. the products of evolution change the parameters of the evolutionary process). Here we first reinterpret the central open questions in these domains from a perspective that emphasises the common underlying themes. We then synthesise the findings from a developing body of work that is building a new theoretical approach to these questions by converting well-understood theory and results from models of cognitive learning. Specifically, connectionist models of memory and learning demonstrate how simple incremental mechanisms, adjusting the relationships between individually-simple components, can produce organisations that exhibit complex system-level behaviours and improve the adaptive capabilities of the system. We use the term "evolutionary connectionism" to recognise that, by functionally equivalent processes, natural selection acting on the relationships within and between evolutionary entities can result in organisations that produce complex system-level behaviours in evolutionary systems and modify the adaptive capabilities of natural selection over time. We review the evidence supporting the functional equivalences between the domains of learning and of evolution, and discuss the potential for this to resolve conceptual problems in our understanding of the evolution of developmental, ecological and reproductive organisations and, in particular, the major evolutionary transitions.

  5. Influence of Γ-X band mixing on the excited donor in a parabolic quantum well

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raghuvaran, T.; Shanthi, R. Vijaya; D'Reuben, A. Merwyn Jasper; Nithiananthi, P.

    2013-06-01

    Equally spaced energy levels of Parabolic Quantum Well are perturbed due to the application of hydrostatic pressure. It will modify the electronic and optical behavior of high Potential devices. The variation of excited state donor binding energy due to Γ-X band mixing at critical cross over pressures in a Parabolic GaAs/AlxGa1-x As quantum well has been investigated in the effective mass approximation using variational method.

  6. Climatic change by cloudiness linked to the spatial variability of sea surface temperatures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Otterman, J.

    1975-01-01

    An active role in modifying the earth's climate is suggested for low cloudiness over the circumarctic oceans. Such cloudiness, linked to the spatial differences in ocean surface temperatures, was studied. The temporal variations from year to year of ocean temperature patterns can be pronounced and therefore, the low cloudiness over this region should also show strong temporal variations, affecting the albedo of the earth and therefore the climate. Photographs are included.

  7. A modified transcondylar screw to accommodate anatomical skull base variations.

    PubMed

    Ghaly, R F; Lissounov, A

    2017-01-01

    Occipitocervical instability may be attributed to congenital, bony/ligamentous abnormalities, trauma, neoplasm, degenerative bone disease, and failed atlantoaxial fixation. Indications for occipitocervical fixation include the prevention of disabling pain, cranial nerve dysfunction, paralysis, or even sudden death. The screw trajectory for the modified transcondylar screw (mTCS) is optimally planned utilizing a three-dimensional skull reconstructed image. The modified mTCS technique is helpful where there is a loss of bone, such as after prior suboccipital craniotomy and/or an inadequate occipital condyle. The new proposed technique is similar to the classical transcondylar screw placement but follows a deeper course along the bony lip of foramen magnum toward clivus from a dorsolateral approach. The modified mTCS technique allows for direct visualization and, therefore, helps to avoid damage to the hypoglossal nerve and lateral aspect of brain stem.

  8. Common genetic variation at BARD1 is not associated with Breast cancer risk in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers

    PubMed Central

    Spurdle, Amanda B.; Marquart, Louise; McGuffog, Lesley; Healey, Sue; Sinilnikova, Olga; Wan, Fei; Chen, Xiaoqing; Beesley, Jonathan; Singer, Christian F; Dressler, Anne-Catharine; Gschwantler-Kaulich, Daphne; Blum, Joanne L.; Tung, Nadine; Weitzel, Jeff; Lynch, Henry; Garber, Judy; Easton, Douglas F.; Peock, Susan; Cook, Margaret; Oliver, Clare T.; Frost, Debra; Conroy, Don; Evans, D. Gareth; Lalloo, Fiona; Eeles, Ros; Izatt, Louise; Davidson, Rosemarie; Chu, Carol; Eccles, Diana; Selkirk, Christina G.; Daly, Mary; Isaacs, Claudine; Stoppa-Lyonnet, Dominique; Sinilnikova, Olga M.; Buecher, Bruno; Belotti, Muriel; Mazoyer, Sylvie; Barjhoux, Laure; Verny-Pierre, Carole; Lasset, Christine; Dreyfus, Hélène; Pujol, Pascal; Collonge-Rame, Marie-Agnès; Rookus, Matti A.; Verhoef, Senno; Kriege, Mieke; Hoogerbrugge, Nicoline; Ausems, Margreet G.E.M.; van Os, Theo A.; Wijnen, Juul; Devilee, Peter; Meijers-Heijboer, Hanne E.J.; Blok, Marinus J.; Heikkinen, Tuomas; Nevanlinna, Heli; Jakubowska, Anna; Lubiński, Jan; Huzarski, Tomasz; Byrski, Tomasz; Durocher, Francine; Couch, Fergus J.; Lindor, Noralane M.; Wang, Xianshu; Thomassen, Mads; Domchek, Susan; Nathanson, Kate; Caligo, MA; Jernström, Helena; Liljegren, Annelie; Ehrencrona, Hans; Karlsson, Per; Ganz, Patricia A.; Olopade, Olufunmilayo I.; Tomlinson, Gail; Neuhausen, Susan; Antoniou, Antonis C.; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Rebbeck, Timothy R.

    2011-01-01

    Background Inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations confer elevated breast cancer risk. Knowledge of factors that can improve breast cancer risk assessment in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers may improve personalized cancer prevention strategies. Methods A cohort of 5,546 BRCA1 and 2,865 BRCA2 mutation carriers was used to evaluate risk of breast cancer associated with BARD1 Cys557Ser. In a second non-independent cohort of 1,537 of BRCA1 and 839 BRCA2 mutation carriers, BARD1 haplotypes were also evaluated. Results The BARD1 Cys557Ser variant was not significantly associated with risk of breast cancer from single SNP analysis, with a pooled effect estimate of 0.90 (95%CI: 0.71-1.15) in BRCA1 carriers and 0.87 (95%CI: 0.59-1.29) in BRCA2 carriers. Further analysis of haplotypes at BARD1 also revealed no evidence that additional common genetic variation not captured by Cys557Ser was associated with breast cancer risk. Conclusion Evidence to date does not support a role for BARD1 variation, including the Cy557Ser variant, as a modifier of risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Impact Interactors of BRCA1/2 have been implicated as modifiers of BRCA1/2-associated cancer risk. Our finding that BARD1 does not contribute to this risk modification may focus research on other genes that do modify BRCA1/2-associated cancer risk. PMID:21393566

  9. Asynchronous variational integration using continuous assumed gradient elements.

    PubMed

    Wolff, Sebastian; Bucher, Christian

    2013-03-01

    Asynchronous variational integration (AVI) is a tool which improves the numerical efficiency of explicit time stepping schemes when applied to finite element meshes with local spatial refinement. This is achieved by associating an individual time step length to each spatial domain. Furthermore, long-term stability is ensured by its variational structure. This article presents AVI in the context of finite elements based on a weakened weak form (W2) Liu (2009) [1], exemplified by continuous assumed gradient elements Wolff and Bucher (2011) [2]. The article presents the main ideas of the modified AVI, gives implementation notes and a recipe for estimating the critical time step.

  10. Model of an axially strained weakly guiding optical fiber modal pattern

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

    1992-01-01

    Axial strain can be determined by monitoring the modal pattern variation of an optical fiber. The results of a numerical model developed to calculate the modal pattern variation at the end of a weakly guiding optical fiber under axial strain is presented. Whenever an optical fiber is under stress, the optical path length, the index of refraction, and the propagation constants of each fiber mode change. In consequence, the modal phase term for the fields and the fiber output pattern are also modified. For multimode fibers, very complicated patterns result. The predicted patterns are presented, and an expression for the phase variation with strain is derived.

  11. Genetical Analysis of Chromosomal Interaction Effects on the Activities of the Glucose 6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenases in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

    PubMed Central

    Miyashita, Naohiko; Laurie-Ahlberg, C. C.

    1984-01-01

    By combining ten second and ten third chromosomes, we investigated chromosomal interaction with respect to the action of the modifier factors on G6PD and 6PGD activities in Drosophila melanogaster. Analysis of variance revealed that highly significant chromosomal interaction exists for both enzyme activities. From the estimated variance components, it was concluded that the variation in enzyme activity attributed to the interaction is as great as the variation attributed to the second chromosome but less than attributed to the third chromosome. The interaction is not explained by the variation of body size (live weight). The interaction is generated from both the lack of correlation of second chromosomes for third chromosome backgrounds and the heterogeneous variance of second chromosomes for different third chromosome backgrounds. Large and constant correlation between G6PD and 6PGD activities were found for third chromosomes with any second chromosome background, whereas the correlations for second chromosomes were much smaller and varied considerably with the third chromosome background. This result suggests that the activity modifiers on the second chromosome are under the influence of third chromosome factors. PMID:6425115

  12. 3D first-arrival traveltime tomography with modified total variation regularization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Wenbin; Zhang, Jie

    2018-02-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys have become a major tool in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons. 3D seismic first-arrival traveltime tomography is a robust method for near-surface velocity estimation. A common approach for stabilizing the ill-posed inverse problem is to apply Tikhonov regularization to the inversion. However, the Tikhonov regularization method recovers smooth local structures while blurring the sharp features in the model solution. We present a 3D first-arrival traveltime tomography method with modified total variation (MTV) regularization to preserve sharp velocity contrasts and improve the accuracy of velocity inversion. To solve the minimization problem of the new traveltime tomography method, we decouple the original optimization problem into two following subproblems: a standard traveltime tomography problem with the traditional Tikhonov regularization and a L2 total variation problem. We apply the conjugate gradient method and split-Bregman iterative method to solve these two subproblems, respectively. Our synthetic examples show that the new method produces higher resolution models than the conventional traveltime tomography with Tikhonov regularization. We apply the technique to field data. The stacking section shows significant improvements with static corrections from the MTV traveltime tomography.

  13. Laser-Induced Modification Of Energy Bands Of Transparent Solids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gruzdev, Vitaly

    2010-10-01

    Laser-induced variations of electron energy bands of transparent solids significantly affect the initial stages of laser-induced ablation (LIA) influencing rates of ionization and light absorption by conduction-band electrons. We analyze fast variations with characteristic duration in femto-second time domain that include: 1) switching electron functions from bonding to anti-bonding configuration due to laser-induced ionization; 2) laser-driven oscillations of electrons in quasi-momentum space; and 3) direct distortion of the inter-atomic potential by electric field of laser radiation. Among those effects, the latter two have zero delay and reversibly modify band structure taking place from the beginning of laser action. They are of special interest due to their strong influence on the initial stage and threshold of laser ablation. The oscillations modify the electron-energy bands by adding pondermotive potential. The direct action of radiation's electric field leads to high-frequency Franz-Keldysh effect (FKE) spreading the allowed electron states into the forbidden-energy bands. FKE provides decrease of the effective band gap while the electron oscillations lead either to monotonous increase or oscillatory variations of the gap. We analyze the competition between those two opposite trends and their role in initiating LIA.

  14. Socioeconomic Status Modifies the Seasonal Effect on Blood Pressure

    PubMed Central

    Cois, Annibale; Ehrlich, Rodney

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Seasonal variations in blood pressure have been consistently reported. However, uncertainty remains about the size of the seasonal effect in different regions, and about factors that explain the differences observed across and within populations. Using data from a national panel study, we investigated seasonal variations in blood pressure in the South African adult population, and whether these variations differed across socioeconomic strata. We estimated age-specific seasonal effects on blood pressure using a multilevel structural equation model, with repeated measurements nested within subjects. Effect modification by socioeconomic status was assessed by repeating the analyses in the subpopulations defined by levels of education, household income per capita, and type of housing. In men and women, season had a statistically significant effect on blood pressure, with higher levels in winter and lower levels in summer. For systolic blood pressure, the magnitude of the seasonal effect was 4.25/4.21 mmHg (women/men) and was higher in the older age groups. For diastolic blood pressure, the effect size was 4.00/4.01 mmHg, with no evident age trend. Seasonal effects were higher among subjects in the lowest socioeconomic classes than in the highest, with differences between 2.4 and 7.7 mmHg, depending on gender, whether systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and socioeconomic status indicator. In the South African adult population, blood pressure shows seasonal variation modified by age and socioeconomic status. These variations have epidemiological, clinical, and public health implications, including the prospect of population level intervention to reduce elevated risk of cold weather cardiovascular morbidity. PMID:26334893

  15. Reliability Coupled Sensitivity Based Design Approach for Gravity Retaining Walls

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guha Ray, A.; Baidya, D. K.

    2012-09-01

    Sensitivity analysis involving different random variables and different potential failure modes of a gravity retaining wall focuses on the fact that high sensitivity of a particular variable on a particular mode of failure does not necessarily imply a remarkable contribution to the overall failure probability. The present paper aims at identifying a probabilistic risk factor ( R f ) for each random variable based on the combined effects of failure probability ( P f ) of each mode of failure of a gravity retaining wall and sensitivity of each of the random variables on these failure modes. P f is calculated by Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis of each random variable is carried out by F-test analysis. The structure, redesigned by modifying the original random variables with the risk factors, is safe against all the variations of random variables. It is observed that R f for friction angle of backfill soil ( φ 1 ) increases and cohesion of foundation soil ( c 2 ) decreases with an increase of variation of φ 1 , while R f for unit weights ( γ 1 and γ 2 ) for both soil and friction angle of foundation soil ( φ 2 ) remains almost constant for variation of soil properties. The results compared well with some of the existing deterministic and probabilistic methods and found to be cost-effective. It is seen that if variation of φ 1 remains within 5 %, significant reduction in cross-sectional area can be achieved. But if the variation is more than 7-8 %, the structure needs to be modified. Finally design guidelines for different wall dimensions, based on the present approach, are proposed.

  16. Influence of variation in mobile phase pH and solute pK(a) with the change of organic modifier fraction on QSRRs of hydrophobicity and RP-HPLC retention of weakly acidic compounds.

    PubMed

    Han, Shu-ying; Liang, Chao; Zou, Kuan; Qiao, Jun-qin; Lian, Hong-zhen; Ge, Xin

    2012-11-15

    The variation in mobile phase pH and ionizable solute dissociation constant (pK(a)) with the change of organic modifier fraction in hydroorganic mobile phase has seemingly been a troublesome problem in studies and applications of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Most of the early studies regarding the RP-HPLC of acid-base compounds have to measure the actual pH of the mixed mobile phase rigorously, sometimes bringing difficulties in the practices of liquid chromatographic separation. In this paper, the effect of this variation on the apparent n-octanol/water partition coefficient (K(ow)″) and the related quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) of logK(ow)″ vs. logk(w), the logarithm of retention factor of analytes in neat aqueous mobile phases, was investigated for weakly acidic compounds. This QSRR is commonly used as a classical method for K(ow) measurement by RP-HPLC. The theoretical and experimental derivation revealed that the variation in mobile phase pH and solute pK(a) will not affect the QSRRs of acidic compounds. This conclusion is proved to be suitable for various types of ion-suppressors, i.e., strong acid (perchloric acid), weak acid (acetic acid) and buffer salt (potassium dihydrogen phosphate/phosphoric acid, PBS). The QSRRs of logK(ow)″ vs. logk(w) were modeled by 11 substituted benzoic acids using different types of ion-suppressors in a binary methanol-water mobile phase to confirm our deduction. Although different types of ion-suppressor all can be used as mobile phase pH modifiers, the QSRR model obtained by using perchloric acid as the ion-suppressor was found to have the best result, and the slightly inferior QSRRs were obtained by using acetic acid or PBS as the ion-suppressor. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Study of the variation of thermal conductivity with water saturation using nuclear magnetic resonance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jorand, Rachel; Fehr, Annick; Koch, Andreas; Clauser, Christoph

    2011-08-01

    In this paper, we present a method that allows one to correct thermal conductivity measurements for the effect of water loss when extrapolating laboratory data to in situ conditions. The water loss in shales and unconsolidated rocks is a serious problem that can introduce errors in the characterization of reservoirs. For this study, we measure the thermal conductivity of four sandstones with and without clay minerals according to different water saturation levels using an optical scanner. Thermal conductivity does not decrease linearly with water saturation. At high saturation and very low saturation, thermal conductivity decreases more quickly because of spontaneous liquid displacement and capillarity effects. Apart from these two effects, thermal conductivity decreases quasi-linearly. We also notice that the samples containing clay minerals are not completely drained, and thermal conductivity reaches a minimum value. In order to fit the variation of thermal conductivity with the water saturation as a whole, we used modified models commonly presented in thermal conductivity studies: harmonic and arithmetic mean and geometric models. These models take into account different types of porosity, especially those attributable to the abundance of clay, using measurements obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). For argillaceous sandstones, a modified arithmetic-harmonic model fits the data best. For clean quartz sandstones under low water saturation, the closest fit to the data is obtained with the modified arithmetic-harmonic model, while for high water saturation, a modified geometric mean model proves to be the best.

  18. Stabilized soliton self-frequency shift and 0.1- PHz sideband generation in a photonic-crystal fiber with an air-hole-modified core.

    PubMed

    Liu, Bo-Wen; Hu, Ming-Lie; Fang, Xiao-Hui; Li, Yan-Feng; Chai, Lu; Wang, Ching-Yue; Tong, Weijun; Luo, Jie; Voronin, Aleksandr A; Zheltikov, Aleksei M

    2008-09-15

    Fiber dispersion and nonlinearity management strategy based on a modification of a photonic-crystal fiber (PCF) core with an air hole is shown to facilitate optimization of PCF components for a stable soliton frequency shift and subpetahertz sideband generation through four-wave mixing. Spectral recoil of an optical soliton by a red-shifted dispersive wave, generated through a soliton instability induced by high-order fiber dispersion, is shown to stabilize the soliton self-frequency shift in a highly nonlinear PCF with an air-hole-modified core relative to pump power variations. A fiber with a 2.3-microm-diameter core modified with a 0.9-microm-diameter air hole is used to demonstrate a robust soliton self-frequency shift of unamplified 50-fs Ti: sapphire laser pulses to a central wavelength of about 960 nm, which remains insensitive to variations in the pump pulse energy within the range from 60 to at least 100 pJ. In this regime of frequency shifting, intense high- and low-frequency branches of dispersive wave radiation are simultaneously observed in the spectrum of PCF output. An air-hole-modified-core PCF with appropriate dispersion and nonlinearity parameters is shown to provide efficient four-wave mixing, giving rise to Stokes and anti-Stokes sidebands whose frequency shift relative to the pump wavelength falls within the subpetahertz range, thus offering an attractive source for nonlinear Raman microspectroscopy.

  19. The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Caenorhabditis elegans Telomere Length

    PubMed Central

    Cook, Daniel E.; Zdraljevic, Stefan; Tanny, Robyn E.; Seo, Beomseok; Riccardi, David D.; Noble, Luke M.; Rockman, Matthew V.; Alkema, Mark J.; Braendle, Christian; Kammenga, Jan E.; Wang, John; Kruglyak, Leonid; Félix, Marie-Anne; Lee, Junho; Andersen, Erik C.

    2016-01-01

    Telomeres are involved in the maintenance of chromosomes and the prevention of genome instability. Despite this central importance, significant variation in telomere length has been observed in a variety of organisms. The genetic determinants of telomere-length variation and their effects on organismal fitness are largely unexplored. Here, we describe natural variation in telomere length across the Caenorhabditis elegans species. We identify a large-effect variant that contributes to differences in telomere length. The variant alters the conserved oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold of protection of telomeres 2 (POT-2), a homolog of a human telomere-capping shelterin complex subunit. Mutations within this domain likely reduce the ability of POT-2 to bind telomeric DNA, thereby increasing telomere length. We find that telomere-length variation does not correlate with offspring production or longevity in C. elegans wild isolates, suggesting that naturally long telomeres play a limited role in modifying fitness phenotypes in C. elegans. PMID:27449056

  20. A generalized model on the effects of nanoparticles on fluorophore fluorescence in solution

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Nanoparticles (NP) can modify fluorophore fluorescence in solution through multiple pathways that include fluorescence inner filter effect (IFE), dynamic and static quenching, surface enhancement, and fluorophore quantum yield variation associated with structural and conformational modifications ind...

  1. Interplanetary Trajectories, Encke Method (ITEM)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Whitlock, F. H.; Wolfe, H.; Lefton, L.; Levine, N.

    1972-01-01

    Modified program has been developed using improved variation of Encke method which avoids accumulation of round-off errors and avoids numerical ambiguities arising from near-circular orbits of low inclination. Variety of interplanetary trajectory problems can be computed with maximum accuracy and efficiency.

  2. Detection and measurement of the intracellular calcium variation in follicular cells.

    PubMed

    Herrera-Navarro, Ana M; Terol-Villalobos, Iván R; Jiménez-Hernández, Hugo; Peregrina-Barreto, Hayde; Gonzalez-Barboza, José-Joel

    2014-01-01

    This work presents a new method for measuring the variation of intracellular calcium in follicular cells. The proposal consists in two stages: (i) the detection of the cell's nuclei and (ii) the analysis of the fluorescence variations. The first stage is performed via watershed modified transformation, where the process of labeling is controlled. The detection process uses the contours of the cells as descriptors, where they are enhanced with a morphological filter that homogenizes the luminance variation of the image. In the second stage, the fluorescence variations are modeled as an exponential decreasing function, where the fluorescence variations are highly correlated with the changes of intracellular free Ca(2+). Additionally, it is introduced a new morphological called medium reconstruction process, which helps to enhance the data for the modeling process. This filter exploits the undermodeling and overmodeling properties of reconstruction operators, such that it preserves the structure of the original signal. Finally, an experimental process shows evidence of the capabilities of the proposal.

  3. Detection and Measurement of the Intracellular Calcium Variation in Follicular Cells

    PubMed Central

    Herrera-Navarro, Ana M.; Terol-Villalobos, Iván R.; Jiménez-Hernández, Hugo; Peregrina-Barreto, Hayde; Gonzalez-Barboza, José-Joel

    2014-01-01

    This work presents a new method for measuring the variation of intracellular calcium in follicular cells. The proposal consists in two stages: (i) the detection of the cell's nuclei and (ii) the analysis of the fluorescence variations. The first stage is performed via watershed modified transformation, where the process of labeling is controlled. The detection process uses the contours of the cells as descriptors, where they are enhanced with a morphological filter that homogenizes the luminance variation of the image. In the second stage, the fluorescence variations are modeled as an exponential decreasing function, where the fluorescence variations are highly correlated with the changes of intracellular free Ca2+. Additionally, it is introduced a new morphological called medium reconstruction process, which helps to enhance the data for the modeling process. This filter exploits the undermodeling and overmodeling properties of reconstruction operators, such that it preserves the structure of the original signal. Finally, an experimental process shows evidence of the capabilities of the proposal. PMID:25342958

  4. Searching for modified growth patterns with tomographic surveys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Gong-Bo; Pogosian, Levon; Silvestri, Alessandra; Zylberberg, Joel

    2009-04-01

    In alternative theories of gravity, designed to produce cosmic acceleration at the current epoch, the growth of large scale structure can be modified. We study the potential of upcoming and future tomographic surveys such as Dark Energy Survey (DES) and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), with the aid of cosmic microwave background (CMB) and supernovae data, to detect departures from the growth of cosmic structure expected within general relativity. We employ parametric forms to quantify the potential time- and scale-dependent variation of the effective gravitational constant and the differences between the two Newtonian potentials. We then apply the Fisher matrix technique to forecast the errors on the modified growth parameters from galaxy clustering, weak lensing, CMB, and their cross correlations across multiple photometric redshift bins. We find that even with conservative assumptions about the data, DES will produce nontrivial constraints on modified growth and that LSST will do significantly better.

  5. A Silver Nanoparticle-Modified Evanescent Field Optical Fiber Sensor for Methylene Blue Detection

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Ji; Yao, Jun; Lu, Yonggang; Ma, Wenying; Zhuang, Xuye

    2013-01-01

    A silver nanoparticle-modified evanescent field optical fiber sensor based on a MEMS microchannel chip has been successfully fabricated. Experimental results show that the sensor response decreases linearly with increasing concentration of analyte. Over a range of methylene blue concentrations from 0 to 0.4 μmol/mL, the sensor response is linear (R = 0.9496). A concentration variation of 0.1 μmol/mL can cause an absorbance change of 0.402 dB. Moreover, the optical responses of the same sensing fiber without decoration and modified with silver nanoparticles have also been compared. It can be observed that the output intensity of the Ag nanoparticle-modified sensor is enhanced and the sensitivity is higher. Meanwhile, the absorbance spectra are found to be more sensitive to concentration changes compared to the spectra of the peak wavelength. PMID:23519353

  6. An improved automotive brake lining using fibrous potassium titanate

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mansfield, J. A.; Halberstadt, M. L.; Riccitiello, S. R.; Rhee, S. K.

    1976-01-01

    Simultaneous fade reduction and wear improvement of a commercial automotive brake lining were achieved by adding fibrous potassium titanate. The dependence of friction and wear characteristics on quantitative variations in potassium titanate, asbestos, phenolic binder, and organic and inorganic modifiers was evaluated.

  7. Challenges in testing genetically modified crops for potential increases in endogenous allergen expression for safety.

    PubMed

    Panda, R; Ariyarathna, H; Amnuaycheewa, P; Tetteh, A; Pramod, S N; Taylor, S L; Ballmer-Weber, B K; Goodman, R E

    2013-02-01

    Premarket, genetically modified (GM) plants are assessed for potential risks of food allergy. The major risk would be transfer of a gene encoding an allergen or protein nearly identical to an allergen into a different food source, which can be assessed by specific serum testing. The potential that a newly expressed protein might become an allergen is evaluated based on resistance to digestion in pepsin and abundance in food fractions. If the modified plant is a common allergenic source (e.g. soybean), regulatory guidelines suggest testing for increases in the expression of endogenous allergens. Some regulators request evaluating endogenous allergens for rarely allergenic plants (e.g. maize and rice). Since allergic individuals must avoid foods containing their allergen (e.g. peanut, soybean, maize, or rice), the relevance of the tests is unclear. Furthermore, no acceptance criteria are established and little is known about the natural variation in allergen concentrations in these crops. Our results demonstrate a 15-fold difference in the major maize allergen, lipid transfer protein between nine varieties, and complex variation in IgE binding to various soybean varieties. We question the value of evaluating endogenous allergens in GM plants unless the intent of the modification was production of a hypoallergenic crop. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  8. The Common HNF1A Variant I27L is a Modifier of Age at Diabetes Diagnosis in HNF1A-MODY Individuals.

    PubMed

    Locke, Jonathan M; Saint-Martin, Cécile; Laver, Thomas W; Patel, Kashyap A; Wood, Andrew R; Sharp, Seth A; Ellard, Sian; Bellanné-Chantelot, Christine; Hattersley, Andrew T; Harries, Lorna W; Weedon, Michael N

    2018-06-12

    There is wide variation in the age at diagnosis of diabetes in individuals with Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) due to a mutation in the HNF1A gene. We hypothesised that common variants at the HNF1A locus (rs1169288, I27L; rs1800574, A98V), which are associated with type 2 diabetes susceptibility, may modify age at diabetes diagnosis in HNF1A-MODY individuals. Meta-analysis of two independent cohorts, comprising 781 HNF1A-MODY individuals, found no significant associations between genotype and age at diagnosis. However after stratifying according to type of mutation (protein-truncating variant (PTV) or missense), we found each 27L allele to be associated with a 1.6 year decrease (95% CI -2.6, -0.7) in age at diagnosis, specifically in the subset (n=444) of HNF1A-MODY individuals with a PTV. The effect size was similar and significant across the two independent cohorts of HNF1A-MODY individuals. We report a robust genetic modifier of HNF1A-MODY age at diagnosis that further illustrates the strong effect of genetic variation within HNF1A upon diabetes phenotype. © 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.

  9. Effects of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid on Propidium Iodide Accessibility to DNA: Consequences on Genome Size Evaluation in Coffee Tree

    PubMed Central

    NOIROT, M.; BARRE, P.; DUPERRAY, C.; LOUARN, J.; HAMON, S.

    2003-01-01

    Estimates of genome size using flow cytometry can be biased by the presence of cytosolic compounds, leading to pseudo‐intraspecific variation in genome size. Two important compounds present in coffee trees—caffeine and chlorogenic acid—modify accessibility of the dye propidium iodide to Petunia DNA, a species used as internal standard in our genome size evaluation. These compounds could be responsible for intraspecific variation in genome size since their contents vary between trees. They could also be implicated in environmental variations in genome size, such as those revealed when comparing the results of evaluations carried out on different dates on several genotypes. PMID:12876189

  10. Model of an axially strained weakly guiding optical fiber modal pattern

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

    1991-01-01

    Axial strain may be determined by monitoring the modal pattern variation of an optical fiber. In this paper we present the results of a numerical model that has been developed to calculate the modal pattern variation at the end of a weakly guiding optical fiber under axial strain. Whenever an optical fiber is under stress, the optical path length, the index of refraction and the propagation constants of each fiber mode change. In consequence, the modal phase term of the fields and the fiber output pattern are also modified. For multimode fibers, very complicated patterns result. The predicted patterns are presented, and an expression for the phase variation with strain is derived.

  11. Quantification of Regional Aortic Stiffness Using MR Elastography: A Phantom and Ex-vivo Porcine Aorta Study

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Nan; Chen, Jun; Yin, Meng; Glaser, Kevin J.; Xu, Lei; Ehman, Richard L.

    2015-01-01

    MR Elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive technique for measuring tissue stiffness that has been used to assess the average stiffness of the abdominal aorta. The utility of aortic MRE would be improved if it could provide information about local variations in aortic stiffness. We hypothesize that regional variations in aortic stiffness can also be measured with MRE and the purpose of this work was to demonstrate that MRE can measure regional stiffness variations in a vascular phantom and in ex vivo porcine aortas. A vascular phantom was fabricated, containing two silicone tubes embedded in gel. A segment of one of the tubes was modified to increase its stiffness. MRE was performed on the phantom with a continuous flow of water through the tubes. The stiffness distribution along the modified tube was measured and compared to the reference tube. MRE was also performed in porcine aortas embedded in gel with segments treated with saline or formalin for 4 days. The stiffness difference between saline- and formalin-treated aortic segments was measured by MRE and mechanical tests. A positive correlation was found between the regional stiffnesses measured by MRE and mechanical tests. The results indicate that MRE can be used to evaluate the local stiffness distribution in silicone tubes and ex vivo porcine aortas. It may therefore be possible to apply MRE to measure regional stiffness variations of the aorta in vivo. PMID:26597836

  12. Air-mediated pollen flow from genetically modified to conventional crops.

    PubMed

    Kuparinen, Anna; Schurr, Frank; Tackenberg, Oliver; O'Hara, Robert B

    2007-03-01

    Tools for estimating pollen dispersal and the resulting gene flow are necessary to assess the risk of gene flow from genetically modified (GM) to conventional fields, and to quantify the effectiveness of measures that may prevent such gene flow. A mechanistic simulation model is presented and used to simulate pollen dispersal by wind in different agricultural scenarios over realistic pollination periods. The relative importance of landscape-related variables such as isolation distance, topography, spatial configuration of the fields, GM field size and barrier, and environmental variation are examined in order to find ways to minimize gene flow and to detect possible risk factors. The simulations demonstrated a large variation in pollen dispersal and in the predicted amount of contamination between different pollination periods. This was largely due to variation in vertical wind. As this variation in wind conditions is difficult to control through management measures, it should be carefully considered when estimating the risk of gene flow from GM crops. On average, the predicted level of gene flow decreased with increasing isolation distance and with increasing depth of the conventional field, and increased with increasing GM field size. Therefore, at a national scale and over the long term these landscape properties should be accounted for when setting regulations for controlling gene flow. However, at the level of an individual field the level of gene flow may be dominated by uncontrollable variation. Due to the sensitivity of pollen dispersal to the wind, we conclude that gene flow cannot be summarized only by the mean contamination; information about the frequency of extreme events should also be considered. The modeling approach described in this paper offers a way to predict and compare pollen dispersal and gene flow in varying environmental conditions, and to assess the effectiveness of different management measures.

  13. Variation in perioperative care across centers for infants undergoing the Norwood procedure.

    PubMed

    Pasquali, Sara K; Ohye, Richard G; Lu, Minmin; Kaltman, Jonathan; Caldarone, Christopher A; Pizarro, Christian; Dunbar-Masterson, Carolyn; Gaynor, J William; Jacobs, Jeffrey P; Kaza, Aditya K; Newburger, Jane; Rhodes, John F; Scheurer, Mark; Silver, Eric; Sleeper, Lynn A; Tabbutt, Sarah; Tweddell, James; Uzark, Karen; Wells, Winfield; Mahle, William T; Pearson, Gail D

    2012-10-01

    In the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial, infants undergoing the Norwood procedure were randomly allocated to undergo a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt or a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. Apart from shunt type, subjects received the local standard of care. We evaluated variation in perioperative care during the Norwood hospitalization across 14 trial sites. Data on preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables for 546 enrolled subjects who underwent the Norwood procedure were collected prospectively on standardized case report forms, and variation across the centers was described. Gestational age, birth weight, and proportion with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were similar across sites. In contrast, all recorded variables related to preoperative care varied across centers, including fetal diagnosis (range, 55%-85%), preoperative intubation (range, 29%-91%), and enteral feeding. Perioperative and operative factors were also variable across sites, including median total support time (range, 74-189 minutes) and other perfusion variables, arch reconstruction technique, intraoperative medication use, and use of modified ultrafiltration (range, 48%-100%). Additional variation across centers was seen in variables related to postoperative care, including proportion with an open sternum (range, 35%-100%), median intensive care unit stay (range, 9-44 days), type of feeding at discharge, and enrollment in a home monitoring program (range, 1%-100%; 5 sites did not have a program). Overall, in-hospital death or transplant occurred in 18% (range across sites, 7%-39%). Perioperative care during the Norwood hospitalization varies across centers. Further analysis evaluating the underlying causes and relationship of this variation to outcome is needed to inform future studies and quality improvement efforts. Copyright © 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

  14. A DWARF MUTATION IN THE RABBIT

    PubMed Central

    Greene, Harry S. N.

    1940-01-01

    An hereditary type of dwarfism in the rabbit has been described. In contrast to the dwarfs described in other animals, this type is evident at birth and conforms to the classification, nannosomia primordialis, as used in human pathology. In homozygous form the variation is lethal and produces a miniature individual approximately one-third the size of its normal sibs. Heterozygous animals are approximately two-thirds the size of normal sibs at birth and never attain an equal stature. The expression of the variation is modified by genetic factors carried by a line of cretinoid animals and, rarely, dwarfs derived from crosses with this line survive for 1 to 2 months. The striking changes in such survivors are hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the acidophilic cells of the pituitary and atrophy of the gonads. Such changes are not present in ordinary dwarfs and it is concluded that the acidophilic hyperplasia represents the influence of the modifying factors of the cretinoid line and supplies the growth hormone responsible for survival. The gonadotropic hormone is not supplied by the secretory activity of these cells and as a result the gonads atrophy. The evidence at hand indicates that the primary effect of the dwarfing gene is an inhibition of the secretory functions of the pituitary. In homozygous individuals, the inhibition is complete and the variation is expressed as a lethal dwarf. In heterozygous animals, the function of the organ is altered, producing an undersized individual. The modifying factors of the cretinoid line act either to partially remove the inhibition or to alter the constitution of the animal so that life is possible for a short period without the full complement of pituitary hormones. PMID:19871001

  15. Eggs and hatchlings variations in desert locusts: phase related characteristics and starvation tolerance

    PubMed Central

    Maeno, Koutaro O.; Piou, Cyril; Ould Babah, Mohamed A.; Nakamura, Satoshi

    2013-01-01

    Locusts are grasshopper species that express phase polyphenism: modifying their behavior, morphology, coloration, life history and physiology in response to crowding. Desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, epigenetically modify progeny quality and quantity in response to crowding. Gregarious (crowded) females produce larger but fewer progeny than do solitarious (isolated) ones. The variability of progeny quality within single egg pod and the reasons why gregarious progeny have a better survival rate than solitarious ones remains unclear. This study investigated 1) the effects of rearing density on the variation in egg size within single egg pods 2) the starvation tolerance of hatchlings from mothers with different phases and 3) the physiological differences in hatchling energy reserve. Isolated females produced smaller but more eggs than did crowded ones. The variation in egg size within egg pods was greater in the latter than in the former. A negative relationship between egg size and number of eggs per egg pod was observed for both groups. Under starvation conditions, gregarious hatchlings survived significantly longer than solitarious ones. Among the solitarious hatchlings, the survival time was longer with increased hatchling body size. However, small individuals survived as long as large ones among the gregarious hatchlings. The percentage of water content per fresh body weight was almost equal between the two phases, before and after starvation. In contrast, the percentage of lipid content per dry body weight was significantly higher in gregarious hatchlings than in solitarious ones before starvation, but became almost equal after starvation. These results demonstrate that female locusts not only trade-off to modify their progeny size and number, but also vary progenies' energy reserves. We hypothesize that gregarious females enhance their fitness by producing progeny differently adapted to high environmental variability and particularly to starvation conditions. PMID:24363645

  16. Structural diversity of domain superfamilies in the CATH database.

    PubMed

    Reeves, Gabrielle A; Dallman, Timothy J; Redfern, Oliver C; Akpor, Adrian; Orengo, Christine A

    2006-07-14

    The CATH database of domain structures has been used to explore the structural variation of homologous domains in 294 well populated domain structure superfamilies, each containing at least three sequence diverse relatives. Our analyses confirm some previously detected trends relating sequence divergence to structural variation but for a much larger dataset and in some superfamilies the new data reveal exceptional structural variation. Use of a new algorithm (2DSEC) to analyse variability in secondary structure compositions across a superfamily sheds new light on how structures evolve. 2DSEC detects inserted secondary structures that embellish the core of conserved secondary structures found throughout the superfamily. Analysis showed that for 56% of highly populated superfamilies (>9 sequence diverse relatives), there are twofold or more increases in the numbers of secondary structures in some relatives. In some families fivefold increases occur, sometimes modifying the fold of the domain. Manual inspection of secondary structure insertions or embellishments in 48 particularly variable superfamilies revealed that although these insertions were usually discontiguous in the sequence they were often co-located in 3D resulting in a larger structural motif that often modified the geometry of the active site or the surface conformation promoting diverse domain partnerships and protein interactions. These observations, supported by automatic analysis of all well populated CATH families, suggest that accretion of small secondary structure insertions may provide a simple mechanism for evolving new functions in diverse relatives. Some layered domain architectures (e.g. mainly-beta and alpha-beta sandwiches) that recur highly in the genomes more frequently exploit these types of embellishments to modify function. In these architectures, aggregation occurs most often at the edges, top or bottom of the beta-sheets. Information on structural variability across domain superfamilies has been made available through the CATH Dictionary of Homologous Structures (DHS).

  17. Severe storm electricity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rust, W. D.; Macgorman, D. R.; Taylor, W.; Arnold, R. T.

    1984-01-01

    Severe storms and lightning were measured with a NASA U2 and ground based facilities, both fixed base and mobile. Aspects of this program are reported. The following results are presented: (1) ground truth measurements of lightning for comparison with those obtained by the U2. These measurements include flash type identification, electric field changes, optical waveforms, and ground strike location; (2) simultaneous extremely low frequency (ELF) waveforms for cloud to ground (CG) flashes; (3) the CG strike location system (LLP) using a combination of mobile laboratory and television video data are assessed; (4) continued development of analog-to-digital conversion techniques for processing lightning data from the U2, mobile laboratory, and NSSL sensors; (5) completion of an all azimuth TV system for CG ground truth; (6) a preliminary analysis of both IC and CG lightning in a mesocyclone; and (7) the finding of a bimodal peak in altitude lightning activity in some storms in the Great Plains and on the east coast. In the forms on the Great Plains, there was a distinct class of flash what forms the upper mode of the distribution. These flashes are smaller horizontal extent, but occur more frequently than flashes in the lower mode of the distribution.

  18. Sizing procedures for sun-tracking PV system with batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nezih Gerek, Ömer; Başaran Filik, Ümmühan; Filik, Tansu

    2017-11-01

    Deciding optimum number of PV panels, wind turbines and batteries (i.e. a complete renewable energy system) for minimum cost and complete energy balance is a challenging and interesting problem. In the literature, some rough data models or limited recorded data together with low resolution hourly averaged meteorological values are used to test the sizing strategies. In this study, active sun tracking and fixed PV solar power generation values of ready-to-serve commercial products are recorded throughout 2015-2016. Simultaneously several outdoor parameters (solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction, pressure) are recorded with high resolution. The hourly energy consumption values of a standard 4-person household, which is constructed in our campus in Eskisehir, Turkey, are also recorded for the same period. During sizing, novel parametric random process models for wind speed, temperature, solar radiation, energy demand and electricity generation curves are achieved and it is observed that these models provide sizing results with lower LLP through Monte Carlo experiments that consider average and minimum performance cases. Furthermore, another novel cost optimization strategy is adopted to show that solar tracking PV panels provide lower costs by enabling reduced number of installed batteries. Results are verified over real recorded data.

  19. Zero tolerance for incorrect data: Best practices in SQL transaction programming

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laiho, M.; Skourlas, C.; Dervos, D. A.

    2015-02-01

    DBMS products differ in the way they support even the basic SQL transaction services. In this paper, a framework of best practices in SQL transaction programming is given and discussed. The SQL developers are advised to experiment with and verify the services supported by the DBMS product used. The framework has been developed by DBTechNet, a European network of teachers, trainers and ICT professionals. A course module on SQL transactions, offered by the LLP "DBTech VET Teachers" programme, is also presented and discussed. Aims and objectives of the programme include the introduction of the topics and content of SQL transactions and concurrency control to HE/VET curricula and addressing the need for initial and continuous training on these topics to in-company trainers, VET teachers, and Higher Education students. An overview of the course module, its learning outcomes, the education and training (E&T) content, virtual database labs with hands-on self-practicing exercises, plus instructions for the teacher/trainer on the pedagogy and the usage of the course modules' content are briefly described. The main principle adopted is to "Learn by verifying in practice" and the transactions course motto is: "Zero Tolerance for Incorrect Data".

  20. Conjugated linoleic acid-rich soy oil triacylglycerol identification.

    PubMed

    Lall, Rahul K; Proctor, Andrew; Jain, Vishal P; Lay, Jackson O

    2009-03-11

    Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-rich soy oil has been produced by soy oil linoleic acid (LA) photoisomerization, but CLA-rich oil triacylglycerol (TAG) characterization was not described. Therefore, the objectives were to identify and quantify new TAG fractions in CLA-rich oil by nonaqueous reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NARP-HPLC). Analytical NARP-HPLC with an acetonitrile/dichloromethane (ACN/DCM) gradient and an evaporating light scattering detector/ultraviolet (ELSD/UV) detector was used. New TAG peaks from LA-containing TAGs were observed. The LnLL, LLL, LLO, and LLP (Ln, linolenic; L, linoleic; O, oleic; and P, palmitic) peaks reduced after isomerization with an increase in adjacent peaks that coeluted with LnLnO, LnLO, LnOO, and LnPP. The newly formed peaks were wider than those of the original oil and absorbed at 233 nm, suggesting the possibility of various CLA containing TAGs. The HPLC profile showed five fractions of mixed TAGs, and fatty acid analysis showed that CLA isomers were found predominately in fractions 2 and 3, which originally contained most LA. The CLA isomers were 70-80% trans,trans and 20-30% cis,trans and trans,cis.

  1. Optical element for full spectral purity from IR-generated EUV light sources

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van den Boogaard, A. J. R.; Louis, E.; van Goor, F. A.; Bijkerk, F.

    2009-03-01

    Laser produced plasma (LLP) sources are generally considered attractive for high power EUV production in next generation lithography equipment. Such plasmas are most efficiently excited by the relatively long, infrared wavelengths of CO2-lasers, but a significant part of the rotational-vibrational excitation lines of the CO2 radiation will be backscattered by the plasma's critical density surface and consequently will be present as parasitic radiation in the spectrum of such sources. Since most optical elements in the EUV collecting and imaging train have a high reflection coefficient for IR radiation, undesirable heating phenomena at the resist level are likely to occur. In this study a completely new principle is employed to obtain full separation of EUV and IR radiation from the source by a single optical component. While the application of a transmission filter would come at the expense of EUV throughput, this technique potentially enables wavelength separation without loosing reflectance compared to a conventional Mo/Si multilayer coated element. As a result this method provides full spectral purity from the source without loss in EUV throughput. Detailed calculations on the principal of functioning are presented.

  2. Verification and application of the Iosipescu shear test method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Walrath, D. E.; Adams, D. F.

    1984-01-01

    Finite element models were used to study the effects of notch angle variations on the stress state within an Iosipescu shear test speciment. These analytical results were also studied to determine the feasibility of using strain gage rosettes and a modified extensometer to measure shear strains in this test specimen. Analytical results indicate that notch angle variations produced only small differences in simulated shear properties. Both strain gage rosettes and the modified extensometer were shown to be feasible shear strain transducers for the test method. The Iosipoescu shear test fixture was redesigned to incorporate several improvements. These improvements include accommodation of a 50 percent larger specimen for easier measurement of shear train, a clamping mechanism to relax strict tolerances on specimen width, and a self contained alignment tool for use during specimen installation. A set of in-plane and interlaminar shear properties were measured for three graphite fabric/epoxy composites of T300/934 composite material. The three weave patterns were Oxford, 5-harness satin, and 8-harness satin.

  3. Estimation of global radiation for Sri Lanka

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

    Samuel, T.D.M.A.

    1991-01-01

    There are several formulae that relate global radiation to other climatological parameters such as sunshine hours, relative humidity, maximum temperature, and average temperature. In this paper a generally accepted modified form of the formula first introduced by Angstrom is used. It relates global radiation to hours of sunshine that have been measured for several years in many of the meteorological stations in Sri Lanka. The annual average of the ratio of the hours of sunshine to the length of the day, i.e., annual average of (S/Z), is found to vary considerably and to lie in the range 0.42-0.66. Fre're etmore » al., have found, using data from many parts of the world, a general graphical representation for the variation of a and b with annual average (S/Z) lying in the range 0.28 to 0.75. This variation of a and b can be expressed as quadratic functions are modified and used to determine a and b values for stations in Sri Lanka.« less

  4. Influence of thermal annealing on the bulk scattering in giant-magnetoresistance spin-valve with nano-oxide layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nam, Chunghee; Jang, Youngman; Lee, Ki-Su; Shim, Jungjin; Cho, B. K.

    2006-04-01

    Based upon a bulk scattering model, we investigated the variation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) behavior after thermal annealing at Ta=250 °C as a function of the top free layer thickness of a GMR spin valve with nano-oxide layers (NOLs). It was found that the enhancement of GMR ratio after thermal annealing is explained qualitatively in terms of the increase of active GMR region in the free layer and, simultaneously, the increase of intrinsic spin-scattering ratio. These effects are likely due to the improved specular reflection at the well-formed interface of NOL. Furthermore, we developed a modified phenomenological model for sheet conductance change (ΔG) in terms of the top free layer thickness. This modified model was found to be useful in the quantitative analysis of the variation of the active GMR region and the intrinsic spin-scattering properties. The two physical parameters were found to change consistently with the effects of thermal annealing on NOL.

  5. Regulatory variation: an emerging vantage point for cancer biology.

    PubMed

    Li, Luolan; Lorzadeh, Alireza; Hirst, Martin

    2014-01-01

    Transcriptional regulation involves complex and interdependent interactions of noncoding and coding regions of the genome with proteins that interact and modify them. Genetic variation/mutation in coding and noncoding regions of the genome can drive aberrant transcription and disease. In spite of accounting for nearly 98% of the genome comparatively little is known about the contribution of noncoding DNA elements to disease. Genome-wide association studies of complex human diseases including cancer have revealed enrichment for variants in the noncoding genome. A striking finding of recent cancer genome re-sequencing efforts has been the previously underappreciated frequency of mutations in epigenetic modifiers across a wide range of cancer types. Taken together these results point to the importance of dysregulation in transcriptional regulatory control in genesis of cancer. Powered by recent technological advancements in functional genomic profiling, exploration of normal and transformed regulatory networks will provide novel insight into the initiation and progression of cancer and open new windows to future prognostic and diagnostic tools. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. The effect of water volume and mixing time on physical properties of bread made from modified cassava starch-wheat composite flour

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srirejeki, S.; Manuhara, G. J.; Amanto, B. S.; Atmaka, W.; Laksono, P. W.

    2018-03-01

    Modification of cassava starch with soaking in the whey (by product on cheese production) resulted in changes of the flour characteristics. Adjustments of processing condition are important to be studied in the making of bread from modified cassava starch and wheat composite flour (30:70). This research aims to determine the effect of water volume and mixing time on the physical properties of the bread. The experimental design of this research was Completely Randomized Factorial Design (CRFD) with two factors which were water volume and mixing time. The variation of water volume significantly affected on bread height, dough volume, dough specific volume, and crust thickness. The variation of mixing time had a significant effect on the increase of dough volume and dough specific volume. The combination of water volume and mixing time had a significant effect on dough height, bread volume, bread specific volume, baking expansion, and weight loss.

  7. Mechanistic basis of an epistatic interaction reducing age at onset in hereditary spastic paraplegia.

    PubMed

    Newton, Timothy; Allison, Rachel; Edgar, James R; Lumb, Jennifer H; Rodger, Catherine E; Manna, Paul T; Rizo, Tania; Kohl, Zacharias; Nygren, Anders O H; Arning, Larissa; Schüle, Rebecca; Depienne, Christel; Goldberg, Lisa; Frahm, Christiane; Stevanin, Giovanni; Durr, Alexandra; Schöls, Ludger; Winner, Beate; Beetz, Christian; Reid, Evan

    2018-05-01

    Many genetic neurological disorders exhibit variable expression within affected families, often exemplified by variations in disease age at onset. Epistatic effects (i.e. effects of modifier genes on the disease gene) may underlie this variation, but the mechanistic basis for such epistatic interactions is rarely understood. Here we report a novel epistatic interaction between SPAST and the contiguous gene DPY30, which modifies age at onset in hereditary spastic paraplegia, a genetic axonopathy. We found that patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia caused by genomic deletions of SPAST that extended into DPY30 had a significantly younger age at onset. We show that, like spastin, the protein encoded by SPAST, the DPY30 protein controls endosomal tubule fission, traffic of mannose 6-phosphate receptors from endosomes to the Golgi, and lysosomal ultrastructural morphology. We propose that additive effects on this pathway explain the reduced age at onset of hereditary spastic paraplegia in patients who are haploinsufficient for both genes.

  8. Long-term effects of warming and ocean acidification are modified by seasonal variation in species responses and environmental conditions

    PubMed Central

    Godbold, Jasmin A.; Solan, Martin

    2013-01-01

    Warming of sea surface temperatures and alteration of ocean chemistry associated with anthropogenic increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide will have profound consequences for a broad range of species, but the potential for seasonal variation to modify species and ecosystem responses to these stressors has received little attention. Here, using the longest experiment to date (542 days), we investigate how the interactive effects of warming and ocean acidification affect the growth, behaviour and associated levels of ecosystem functioning (nutrient release) for a functionally important non-calcifying intertidal polychaete (Alitta virens) under seasonally changing conditions. We find that the effects of warming, ocean acidification and their interactions are not detectable in the short term, but manifest over time through changes in growth, bioturbation and bioirrigation behaviour that, in turn, affect nutrient generation. These changes are intimately linked to species responses to seasonal variations in environmental conditions (temperature and photoperiod) that, depending upon timing, can either exacerbate or buffer the long-term directional effects of climatic forcing. Taken together, our observations caution against over emphasizing the conclusions from short-term experiments and highlight the necessity to consider the temporal expression of complex system dynamics established over appropriate timescales when forecasting the likely ecological consequences of climatic forcing. PMID:23980249

  9. Systematic Analysis of the Genetic Variability That Impacts SUMO Conjugation and Their Involvement in Human Diseases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Hao-Dong; Shi, Shao-Ping; Chen, Xiang; Qiu, Jian-Ding

    2015-07-01

    Protein function has been observed to rely on select essential sites instead of requiring all sites to be indispensable. Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) conjugation or sumoylation, which is a highly dynamic reversible process and its outcomes are extremely diverse, ranging from changes in localization to altered activity and, in some cases, stability of the modified, has shown to be especially valuable in cellular biology. Motivated by the significance of SUMO conjugation in biological processes, we report here on the first exploratory assessment whether sumoylation related genetic variability impacts protein functions as well as the occurrence of diseases related to SUMO. Here, we defined the SUMOAMVR as sumoylation related amino acid variations that affect sumoylation sites or enzymes involved in the process of connectivity, and categorized four types of potential SUMOAMVRs. We detected that 17.13% of amino acid variations are potential SUMOAMVRs and 4.83% of disease mutations could lead to SUMOAMVR with our system. More interestingly, the statistical analysis demonstrates that the amino acid variations that directly create new potential lysine sumoylation sites are more likely to cause diseases. It can be anticipated that our method can provide more instructive guidance to identify the mechanisms of genetic diseases.

  10. Interpreting the genomic landscape of speciation: a road map for finding barriers to gene flow.

    PubMed

    Ravinet, M; Faria, R; Butlin, R K; Galindo, J; Bierne, N; Rafajlović, M; Noor, M A F; Mehlig, B; Westram, A M

    2017-08-01

    Speciation, the evolution of reproductive isolation among populations, is continuous, complex, and involves multiple, interacting barriers. Until it is complete, the effects of this process vary along the genome and can lead to a heterogeneous genomic landscape with peaks and troughs of differentiation and divergence. When gene flow occurs during speciation, barriers restricting gene flow locally in the genome lead to patterns of heterogeneity. However, genomic heterogeneity can also be produced or modified by variation in factors such as background selection and selective sweeps, recombination and mutation rate variation, and heterogeneous gene density. Extracting the effects of gene flow, divergent selection and reproductive isolation from such modifying factors presents a major challenge to speciation genomics. We argue one of the principal aims of the field is to identify the barrier loci involved in limiting gene flow. We first summarize the expected signatures of selection at barrier loci, at the genomic regions linked to them and across the entire genome. We then discuss the modifying factors that complicate the interpretation of the observed genomic landscape. Finally, we end with a road map for future speciation research: a proposal for how to account for these modifying factors and to progress towards understanding the nature of barrier loci. Despite the difficulties of interpreting empirical data, we argue that the availability of promising technical and analytical methods will shed further light on the important roles that gene flow and divergent selection have in shaping the genomic landscape of speciation. © 2017 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2017 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

  11. Geographic variations in cervical cancer risk in San Luis Potosí state, Mexico: A spatial statistical approach.

    PubMed

    Terán-Hernández, Mónica; Ramis-Prieto, Rebeca; Calderón-Hernández, Jaqueline; Garrocho-Rangel, Carlos Félix; Campos-Alanís, Juan; Ávalos-Lozano, José Antonio; Aguilar-Robledo, Miguel

    2016-09-29

    Worldwide, Cervical Cancer (CC) is the fourth most common type of cancer and cause of death in women. It is a significant public health problem, especially in low and middle-income/Gross Domestic Product (GDP) countries. In the past decade, several studies of CC have been published, that identify the main modifiable and non-modifiable CC risk factors for Mexican women. However, there are no studies that attempt to explain the residual spatial variation in CC incidence In Mexico, i.e. spatial variation that cannot be ascribed to known, spatially varying risk factors. This paper uses a spatial statistical methodology that takes into account spatial variation in socio-economic factors and accessibility to health services, whilst allowing for residual, unexplained spatial variation in risk. To describe residual spatial variations in CC risk, we used generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) with both spatially structured and unstructured random effects, using a Bayesian approach to inference. The highest risk is concentrated in the southeast, where the Matlapa and Aquismón municipalities register excessive risk, with posterior probabilities greater than 0.8. The lack of coverage of Cervical Cancer-Screening Programme (CCSP) (RR 1.17, 95 % CI 1.12-1.22), Marginalisation Index (RR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.03-1.08), and lack of accessibility to health services (RR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.03) were significant covariates. There are substantial differences between municipalities, with high-risk areas mainly in low-resource areas lacking accessibility to health services for CC. Our results clearly indicate the presence of spatial patterns, and the relevance of the spatial analysis for public health intervention. Ignoring the spatial variability means to continue a public policy that does not tackle deficiencies in its national CCSP and to keep disadvantaging and disempowering Mexican women in regard to their health care.

  12. Effect of valence state and particle size on NO oxidation in fresh and aged Pt-based diesel oxidation catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Yanli; Ding, Xinmei; Zhao, Ming; Wang, Jianli; Chen, Yaoqiang

    2018-06-01

    To stabilize Pt, Magnesium-modified SiO2-Al2O3 materials was used to impregnate with Pt, which could strengthen the bonding effect between Pt and Mg. Before and after aging, both showed a higher dispersion. High valence state of Pt in fresh modified catalyst was unfavorable of NO oxidation, indicating that the valence state of Pt was the leader factor in fresh catalytic performance. While for the aged Mg-modified sample, its reaction temperature of 30% NO conversion lowered by around 30 °C. The Pt stabilization via interacting with Mg derives a relation that the variation of Pt valence state and its exposed sites played a significant role in fresh and aged catalytic NO activity, respectively.

  13. Climate modifies response of non-native and native species richness to nutrient enrichment

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ecosystem eutrophication often increases domination by non-natives and causes displacement of native taxa. However, variation in environmental conditions may affect the outcome of interactions between native and non-native taxa in environments where nutrient supply is elevated. We examined the int...

  14. The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Caenorhabditis elegans Telomere Length.

    PubMed

    Cook, Daniel E; Zdraljevic, Stefan; Tanny, Robyn E; Seo, Beomseok; Riccardi, David D; Noble, Luke M; Rockman, Matthew V; Alkema, Mark J; Braendle, Christian; Kammenga, Jan E; Wang, John; Kruglyak, Leonid; Félix, Marie-Anne; Lee, Junho; Andersen, Erik C

    2016-09-01

    Telomeres are involved in the maintenance of chromosomes and the prevention of genome instability. Despite this central importance, significant variation in telomere length has been observed in a variety of organisms. The genetic determinants of telomere-length variation and their effects on organismal fitness are largely unexplored. Here, we describe natural variation in telomere length across the Caenorhabditis elegans species. We identify a large-effect variant that contributes to differences in telomere length. The variant alters the conserved oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold of protection of telomeres 2 (POT-2), a homolog of a human telomere-capping shelterin complex subunit. Mutations within this domain likely reduce the ability of POT-2 to bind telomeric DNA, thereby increasing telomere length. We find that telomere-length variation does not correlate with offspring production or longevity in C. elegans wild isolates, suggesting that naturally long telomeres play a limited role in modifying fitness phenotypes in C. elegans. Copyright © 2016 by the Genetics Society of America.

  15. Some problems in coupling solar activity to meteorological phenomena

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dessler, A. J.

    1975-01-01

    The development of a theory of coupling of solar activity to meteorological phenomena is hindered by the difficulties of devising a mechanism that can modify the behavior of the troposphere while employing only a negligible amount of energy compared with the energy necessary to drive the normal meteorological system, and determining how such a mechanism can effectively couple some relevant magnetospheric process into the troposphere in such a way as to influence the weather. A clue to the nature of the interaction between the weather and solar activity might be provided by the fact that most solar activity undergoes a definite 11-yr cycle, and meteorological phenomena undergo either no closely correlated variation, an 11-yr variation, or a 22-yr variation.

  16. Ethnic Variation in Depressive Symptoms in a Community Sample in Hawai‘i

    PubMed Central

    Kanazawa, Asako; White, Patricia M.; Hampson, Sarah E.

    2008-01-01

    A modified CES-D was administered to a community sample of 176 European Americans (EA), 209 Native Hawaiians (NH), and 357 Japanese Americans (JA), yielding measures of depression, positive affect, depressed affect, somatic disturbance and disturbed interpersonal relations. Positive affect was lower in JA relative to EA, consistent with findings among Native Japanese, a pattern attributed to cultural variation in emotion regulation. NH reported lower positive affect than EA, accompanied by elevated negative affect and somatic disturbance, suggesting generally higher levels of depressive symptoms. The three ethnic groups varied in mental healthcare usage with differing associations between depressive symptoms and experiences of stressful life events. Taken together, these results suggest ethnic variation in depressive symptoms may arise from differing cultural beliefs. PMID:17227175

  17. Impact of bowel gas and body outline variations on total accumulated dose with intensity-modulated proton therapy in locally advanced cervical cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Berger, Thomas; Petersen, Jørgen Breede Baltzer; Lindegaard, Jacob Christian; Fokdal, Lars Ulrik; Tanderup, Kari

    2017-11-01

    Density changes occurring during fractionated radiotherapy in the pelvic region may degrade proton dose distributions. The aim of the study was to quantify the dosimetric impact of gas cavities and body outline variations. Seven patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) were analyzed through a total of 175 daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Four-beams intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) dose plans were generated targeting the internal target volume (ITV) composed of: primary tumor, elective and pathological nodes. The planned dose was 45 Gy [Relative-Biological-Effectiveness-weighted (RBE)] in 25 fractions and simultaneously integrated boosts of pathologic lymph nodes were 55-57.5 Gy (RBE). In total, 475 modified CTs were generated to evaluate the effect of: 1/gas cavities, 2/outline variations and 3/the two combined. The anatomy of each fraction was simulated by propagating gas cavities contours and body outlines from each daily CBCT to the pCT. Hounsfield units corresponding to gas and fat were assigned to the propagated contours. D98 (least dose received by the hottest 98% of the volume) and D99.9 for targets and V43Gy(RBE) (volume receiving ≥43 Gy(RBE)) for organs at risk (OARs) were recalculated on each modified CT, and total dose was evaluated through dose volume histogram (DVH) addition across all fractions. Weight changes during radiotherapy were between -3.1% and 1.2%. Gas cavities and outline variations induced a median [range] dose degradation for ITV45 of 1.0% [0.5-3.5%] for D98 and 2.1% [0.8-6.4%] for D99.9. Outline variations had larger dosimetric impact than gas cavities. Worst nodal dose degradation was 2.0% for D98 and 2.3% for D99.9. The impact on bladder, bowel and rectum was limited with V43Gy(RBE) variations ≤3.5 cm 3 . Bowel gas cavities and outline variations had minor impact on accumulated dose in targets and OAR of four-field IMPT in a LACC population of moderate weight changes.

  18. Scintillation index of higher order mode laser beams in strong turbulence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baykal, Yahya

    2017-03-01

    The scintillation index of higher order laser modes is examined in strong atmospheric turbulence. In our formulation, modified Rytov theory is employed with the inclusion of existing modified turbulence spectrum which presents the atmospheric turbulence spectrum as a linear filter having refractive and diffractive spatial frequency cutoffs. Variations of the scintillation index in strong atmospheric turbulence are shown against the weak turbulence plane wave scintillation index for various higher order laser modes of different sizes. Use of higher order modes in optical wireless communication links operating in strongly turbulent atmosphere is found to be advantageous in reducing the scintillation noise.

  19. Hydrodynamical instabilities induced by atomic diffusion in F and A stars : Impact on the opacity profile and asteroseimic age determination

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deal, M.; Richard, O.; Vauclair, S.

    2017-12-01

    Atomic diffusion, including the effect of radiative accelerations on individual elements, leads to important variations of the chemical composition inside the stars. The accumulation in specific layers of the elements, which are the main contributors of the local opacity, leads to hydrodynamical instabilities that modify the internal stellar structure and surface abundances. The modification of the initial chemical composition has important effects on the internal stellar mixing and leads to different surface and internal abundances of the elements. These processes also modify the age determination by asteroseismology.

  20. Kepler unbound: Some elegant curiosities of classical mechanics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    MacKay, Niall J.; Salour, Sam

    2015-01-01

    We explain two exotic systems of classical mechanics: the McIntosh-Cisneros-Zwanziger ("MICZ") Kepler system, of motion of a charged particle in the presence of a modified dyon; and Gibbons and Manton's description of the slow motion of well-separated solitonic ("BPS") monopoles using Taub-NUT space. Each system is characterized by the conservation of a Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector, and we use elementary vector techniques to show that each obeys a subtly different variation on Kepler's three laws for the Newton-Coulomb two-body problem, including a new modified Kepler third law for BPS monopoles.

  1. On a modified form of navier-stokes equations for three-dimensional flows.

    PubMed

    Venetis, J

    2015-01-01

    A rephrased form of Navier-Stokes equations is performed for incompressible, three-dimensional, unsteady flows according to Eulerian formalism for the fluid motion. In particular, we propose a geometrical method for the elimination of the nonlinear terms of these fundamental equations, which are expressed in true vector form, and finally arrive at an equivalent system of three semilinear first order PDEs, which hold for a three-dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Next, we present the related variational formulation of these modified equations as well as a general type of weak solutions which mainly concern Sobolev spaces.

  2. On a Modified Form of Navier-Stokes Equations for Three-Dimensional Flows

    PubMed Central

    Venetis, J.

    2015-01-01

    A rephrased form of Navier-Stokes equations is performed for incompressible, three-dimensional, unsteady flows according to Eulerian formalism for the fluid motion. In particular, we propose a geometrical method for the elimination of the nonlinear terms of these fundamental equations, which are expressed in true vector form, and finally arrive at an equivalent system of three semilinear first order PDEs, which hold for a three-dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Next, we present the related variational formulation of these modified equations as well as a general type of weak solutions which mainly concern Sobolev spaces. PMID:25918743

  3. Long-Term Obliquity Variations of a Moonless Earth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barnes, Jason W.; Lissauer, J. J.; Chambers, J. E.

    2012-05-01

    Earth's present-day obliquity varies by +/-1.2 degrees over 100,000-year timescales. Without the Moon's gravity increasing the rotation axis precession rate, prior theory predicted that a moonless Earth's obliquity would be allowed to vary between 0 and 85 degrees -- moreso even than present-day Mars (0 - 60 degrees). We use a modified version of the symplectic orbital integrator `mercury' to numerically investigate the obliquity evolution of hypothetical moonless Earths. Contrary to the large theoretically allowed range, we find that moonless Earths more typically experience obliquity variations of just +/- 10 degrees over Gyr timescales. Some initial conditions for the moonless Earth's rotation rate and obliquity yield slightly greater variations, but the majority have smaller variations. In particular, retrograde rotators are quite stable and should constitute 50% of the population if initial terrestrial planet rotation is isotropic. Our results have important implications for the prospects of long-term habitability of moonless planets in extrasolar systems.

  4. Theoretical and experimental evaluation of effective stress-induced sorption capacity change and its influence on coal permeability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Chengwu; Dong, Lihui; Xu, Xiaomeng; Hu, Po; Tian, Jianwei; Zhang, Yihuai; Yang, Leilei

    2017-06-01

    The gas sorption effect is an important factor affecting the gas permeability of a coal seam, which has been proved in many previous experimental measurements and analytical permeability studies. However, the sorption capacity of coal is usually not static due to the complexity of external stress variation and internal gas media features. The stress-induced sorption capacity variation and its effect on the coal permeability change have not been fully identified yet. Thus, in this paper we present a preliminary evaluation of the stress-induced sorption capacity change by introducing the adsorption capacity modified term, and an experiment is carried out to verify the influence of the altered effective stress on coal permeability. Langmuir-like adsorption deformation constant parameters were combined into the modified coal permeability model and were given values to fully estimate the influence on permeability caused by the modification term. We found that different change modes of effective stress would yield different change effects on the permeability, that is, with the same effective stress change amount, the altered external stress-induced change had less influence than the altered-pore pressure-induced change; however, both modes demonstrated that the model taking sorption capacity change into consideration is more consistent with the experimental data. The effect of sorption capacity change on coal permeability variation was also found to be tightly connected with the physical and mechanical properties of the coal itself. It is proved that considering stress-induced sorption ability change has a critical role in characterizing the permeability variation of coal.

  5. The relationship of glutathione-S-transferases copy number variation and indoor air pollution to symptoms and markers of respiratory disease.

    PubMed

    Hersoug, Lars-Georg; Brasch-Andersen, Charlotte; Husemoen, Lise Lotte Nystrup; Sigsgaard, Torben; Linneberg, Allan

    2012-07-01

    Exposure to particulate matter (PM) may induce inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways. Carriers of null polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), which detoxify reactive oxygen species, may be particularly susceptible to the effects of PM. To investigate whether deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 modify the potential effects of exposure to indoor sources of PM on symptoms and objective markers of respiratory disease. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of 3471 persons aged 18-69 years. Information about exposure to indoor sources of PM and respiratory symptoms was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. In addition, measurements of lung function (spirometry) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide were performed. Copy number variation of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-based assays. We found that none of the symptoms and objective markers of respiratory disease were significantly associated with the GST null polymorphisms. An increasing number of positive alleles of the GSTM1 polymorphism tended to be associated lower prevalence of wheeze, cough, and high forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1) ), but these trends were not statistically significant. Furthermore, we did not observe any statistically significant interactions between GST copy number variation and exposure to indoor sources of PM in relation to respiratory symptoms and markers. In this adult population, GST copy number variations were not significantly associated with respiratory outcomes and did not modify the effects of self-reported exposure to indoor sources of PM on respiratory outcomes. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  6. Relative variations of gut microbiota in disordered cholesterol metabolism caused by high-cholesterol diet and host genetics.

    PubMed

    Bo, Tao; Shao, Shanshan; Wu, Dongming; Niu, Shaona; Zhao, Jiajun; Gao, Ling

    2017-08-01

    Recent studies performed provide mechanistic insight into effects of the microbiota on cholesterol metabolism, but less focus was given to how cholesterol impacts the gut microbiota. In this study, ApoE -/- Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and their wild-type counterparts (n = 12) were, respectively, allocated for two dietary condition groups (normal chow and high-cholesterol diet). Total 16S rDNA of fecal samples were extracted and sequenced by high-throughput sequencing to determine differences in microbiome composition. Data were collected and performed diversity analysis and phylogenetic analysis. The influence of cholesterol on gut microbiota was discussed by using cholesterol dietary treatment as exogenous cholesterol disorder factor and genetic modification as endogenous metabolic disorder factor. Relative microbial variations were compared to illustrate the causality and correlation of cholesterol and gut microbiota. It turned out comparing to genetically modified rats, exogenous cholesterol intake may play more effective role in changing gut microbiota profile, although the serum cholesterol level of genetically modified rats was even higher. Relative abundance of some representative species showed that the discrepancies due to dietary variation were more obvious, whereas some low abundance species changed because of genetic disorders. Our results partially demonstrated that gut microbiota are relatively more sensitive to dietary variation. Nevertheless, considering the important effect of bacteria in cholesterol metabolism, the influence to gut flora by "genetically caused cholesterol disorder" cannot be overlooked. Manipulation of gut microbiota might be an effective target for preventing cholesterol-related metabolic disorders. © 2017 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Modifiers of the healthy worker effect and expression of the internal healthy worker effect in a female nuclear worker cohort

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baillargeon, Jacques Guy

    Though well-documented among numerous cohorts of male workers, little is known about how the healthy worker effect (HWE) and the internal HWE is expressed among cohorts of female workers. This investigation examines characteristics of the HWE and the internal HWE in a cohort of 12,668 female nuclear workers. The HWE, which was estimated by assessing SMRs for all causes of death combined, was found to be modified by race, occupational class and length of follow-up. Smaller variations in the HWE were observed for age at hire, occupational class, length of employment, monitored status, and interruption of monitoring. Examination of SMRs for all cancers combined revealed that the HWE was modified by race, occupational class, monitored status, interruption of monitoring, and length of follow-up. Smaller variations were observed for age at hire and length of employment. Investigators often try to circumvent the HWE by employing internal comparisons; that is, by directly comparing the mortality of subgroups within a defined occupational cohort with one another. However, internal comparisons are not necessarily free from certain biases related to the HWE. If employees are selected on the basis of health into subgroups which serve as the basis for internal comparisons, then a form of internal comparison bias, called the internal healthy worker effect (Stewart et al, 1991; Wilkinson, 1992) may occur. In this investigation, the expression of the internal HWE was examined by estimating the extent to which survival time was modified by the variables under study. Using the Cox PH model, time to death from all causes was found to be modified by occupational class and length of employment but not by race, age at hire, monitored status, or interruption of monitoring. Time to death from all cancers was found to be modified by race and interruption of monitoring but not by age at hire, occupational class, length of employment, or monitored status. These results are important because they may provide leads for other investigators to determine whether the exposure-disease relationships are confounded by characteristics of the employed female populations under study.

  8. Active management of plant canopy temperature as a tool for modifying plant metabolic activity

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The relationship between a plant and its thermal environment is a major determiner of its growth and development. Since plants grow and develop within continuously variable thermal environments, they are subjected to continuous thermal variation over their life cycle. Transpiration serves to uncoupl...

  9. Growth and physiological plasticity among differentially adapted genotypes of a widespread C4 grass under altered precipitation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Background/Question/Methods Variation in precipitation expected with climate change may impact plant fitness and alter ecosystem dynamics by modifying species phenology, productivity, and physiology. Species responses to varied precipitation will depend in part on plastic responses of genotypes ad...

  10. REGION-WIDE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRAL STONEROLLER (CAMPOSTOMA ANOMALUM) AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF GENETIC DIVERSITY TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

    EPA Science Inventory

    Anthropogenic stressors that reduce population size, alter migration corridors or modify mutational and selective forces on populations are expected to leave a lasting genetic footprint on the distribution of intraspecific genetic variation. Thus, the pattern of intraspecific gen...

  11. Study of structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of BaFe12O19 and its modified systems with Ni and Ti

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nayak, Debabrata; Pattanayak, Ranjit; Raut, Subhajit; Panigrahi, Simanchalo

    2018-02-01

    In this work, BaFe12O19 (BaM) and its modified systems (by substitution of Ni and Ti) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method. From Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern, it is found that volume of unit cell increased slightly in case of modified systems. SEM images provided the information about the microstructure of BaM and its modified systems. The electric, magnetic and optical properties have been carried out with the help of complex impedance spectroscopy, VSM and UV spectrum, respectively. From electrical analysis, it is perceived that Ni-substitution system has shown co-contribution of grain and grain boundary effect due to increases of grain size. The M- H loops are explored that, with substitution of Ni and Ti both M s and H c are decreased. From the variation of band gap ( E g), it is observed that E g has been significantly decreased with substitution (least for Ni-substitution).

  12. Synthesis of laughter by modifying excitation characteristics.

    PubMed

    Thati, Sathya Adithya; Kumar K, Sudheer; Yegnanarayana, B

    2013-05-01

    In this paper, a method to synthesize laughter by modifying the excitation source information is presented. The excitation source information is derived by extracting epoch locations and instantaneous fundamental frequency using zero frequency filtering approach. The zero frequency filtering approach is modified to capture the rapidly varying instantaneous fundamental frequency in natural laugh signals. The nature of variation of excitation features in natural laughter is examined to determine the features to be incorporated in the synthesis of a laugh signal. Features such as pitch period and strength of excitation are modified in the utterance of vowel /a/ or /i/ to generate the laughter signal. Frication is also incorporated wherever appropriate. Laugh signal is generated by varying parameters at both call level and bout level. Experiments are conducted to determine the significance of different features in the perception of laughter. Subjective evaluation is performed to determine the level of acceptance and quality of synthesis of the synthesized laughter signal for different choices of parameter values and for different input types.

  13. An analysis of variation in expression of neurofibromatosis (NF) type I (NFI): Evidence for modifying genes

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

    Easton, D.F.; Ponder, B.A.J.; Huson, S.M.

    Neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 (NF1) is notable for its variable expression. To determine whether variation in expression has an inherited component, the authors examined 175 individuals in 48 NF families, including six MZ twin pairs. Three quantitative traits were scored - number of cafe-au-lait patches, number of cutaneous neurofibromas, and head circumference; and five binary traits were scored - the presence or absence of plexiform neurofibromas, optic gliomas, scoliosis, epilepsy, and referral for remedial education. For cafe-au-lait patches and neurofibromas, correlation was highest between MZ twins, less high between first-degree relatives, and lower still between more distant relatives. The highmore » correlation between distant relatives suggests that the type of mutation at the NF1 locus itself plays only a minor role. All of the five binary traits, with the exception of plexiformneurofibromas, also showed significant familial clustering. The familial effects for these traits were consistent with polygenic effects, but there were insufficient data to rule out other models, including a significant effect of different NF1 mutations. There was no evidence of any association between the different traits in affected individuals. The authors conclude that the phenotypic expression of NF1 is to a large extent determined by the genotype at other [open quotes]modifying[close quotes] loci and that these modifying genes are trait specific. 22 refs., 8 tabs.« less

  14. Intake levels of dietary long-chain PUFAs modify the association between genetic variation in FADS and LDL-C.

    PubMed

    Hellstrand, S; Sonestedt, E; Ericson, U; Gullberg, B; Wirfält, E; Hedblad, B; Orho-Melander, M

    2012-06-01

    Polymorphisms of the FA desaturase (FADS) gene cluster have been associated with LDL, HDL, and triglyceride concentrations. Because FADS converts α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid into PUFAs, we investigated the interaction between different PUFA intakes and the FADS polymorphism rs174547 (T>C) on fasting blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. We included 4,635 individuals (60% females, 45-68 years) from the Swedish population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Dietary intakes were assessed by a modified diet history method including 7-day registration of cooked meals. The C-allele of rs174547 was associated with lower LDL concentration (P = 0.03). We observed significant interaction between rs174547 and long-chain ω-3 PUFA intakes on LDL (P = 0.01); the C-allele was only associated with lower LDL among individuals in the lowest tertile of long-chain ω-3 PUFA intakes (P < 0.001). In addition, significant interaction was observed between rs174547 and the ratio of ALA and linoleic FA intakes on HDL (P = 0.03). However, no significant associations between the C-allele and HDL were detected within the intake tertiles of the ratio. Our findings suggest that dietary intake levels of different PUFAs modify the associated effect of genetic variation in FADS on LDL and HDL.

  15. Genome-wide association study to identify potential genetic modifiers in a canine model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Brinkmeyer-Langford, Candice; Balog-Alvarez, Cynthia; Cai, James J; Davis, Brian W; Kornegay, Joe N

    2016-08-22

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes progressive muscle degeneration, cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure in approximately 1/5,000 boys. Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) resembles DMD both clinically and pathologically. Like DMD, GRMD exhibits remarkable phenotypic variation among affected dogs, suggesting the influence of modifiers. Understanding the role(s) of genetic modifiers of GRMD may identify genes and pathways that also modify phenotypes in DMD and reveal novel therapies. Therefore, our objective in this study was to identify genetic modifiers that affect discrete GRMD phenotypes. We performed a linear mixed-model (LMM) analysis using 16 variably-affected dogs from our GRMD colony (8 dystrophic, 8 non-dystrophic). All of these dogs were either full or half-siblings, and phenotyped for 19 objective, quantitative biomarkers at ages 6 and 12 months. Each biomarker was individually assessed. Gene expression profiles of 59 possible candidate genes were generated for two muscle types: the cranial tibialis and medial head of the gastrocnemius. SNPs significantly associated with GRMD biomarkers were identified on multiple chromosomes (including the X chromosome). Gene expression levels for candidate genes located near these SNPs correlated with biomarker values, suggesting possible roles as GRMD modifiers. The results of this study enhance our understanding of GRMD pathology and represent a first step toward the characterization of GRMD modifiers that may be relevant to DMD pathology. Such modifiers are likely to be useful for DMD treatment development based on their relationships to GRMD phenotypes.

  16. Enhanced conductivity of tunnel junctions employing semimetallic nanoparticles through variation in growth temperature and deposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nair, Hari P.; Crook, Adam M.; Bank, Seth R.

    2010-05-01

    We report ErAs nanoparticle-enhanced tunnel junctions grown on GaAs with low specific resistances (<2×10-4 Ω cm-2), approximately tenfold lower than previous reports. A reduction in specific resistance was achieved by modifying the ErAs nanoparticle morphology through the molecular beam epitaxial growth conditions, particularly lower growth temperatures. A further investigation of the variation in tunnel junction resistance with the amount of ErAs deposited and growth temperature shows that nanoparticle surface coverage may not be the only factor determining tunnel junction resistance.

  17. A total variation diminishing finite difference algorithm for sonic boom propagation models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sparrow, Victor W.

    1993-01-01

    It is difficult to accurately model the rise phases of sonic boom waveforms with traditional finite difference algorithms because of finite difference phase dispersion. This paper introduces the concept of a total variation diminishing (TVD) finite difference method as a tool for accurately modeling the rise phases of sonic booms. A standard second order finite difference algorithm and its TVD modified counterpart are both applied to the one-way propagation of a square pulse. The TVD method clearly outperforms the non-TVD method, showing great potential as a new computational tool in the analysis of sonic boom propagation.

  18. The structural studies of vanadium substituted lithium-bismuth-boro-tellurite glass

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Madhu, A.; Eraiah, B.

    2018-05-01

    The structural studies of vanadium substituted lithium-bismuth-boro-tellurite glass is successfully prepared and certain analysis like XRD,FTIR,DTA/TGA with density, molar volume are done. The amorphous phase has been identified based on X-ray diffraction analysis. The vanadium oxide plays the role as a glass-modifier and influences on BO3 ↔ BO4 conversion. The observed nonlinear variation in Tg with vanadium oxide increase, it reflects structural changes. The nonlinear variation of density and molar volume can be attributed to vanadium oxide incorporation have increased the number of Non-bridging oxygen (NBO'S).

  19. Accommodating subject and instrument variations in spectroscopic determinations

    DOEpatents

    Haas, Michael J [Albuquerque, NM; Rowe, Robert K [Corrales, NM; Thomas, Edward V [Albuquerque, NM

    2006-08-29

    A method and apparatus for measuring a biological attribute, such as the concentration of an analyte, particularly a blood analyte in tissue such as glucose. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved instrument-tailored or subject-tailored calibration model. In a calibration phase, calibration model data is modified to reduce or eliminate instrument-specific attributes, resulting in a calibration data set modeling intra-instrument or intra-subject variation. In a prediction phase, the prediction process is tailored for each target instrument separately using a minimal number of spectral measurements from each instrument or subject.

  20. Origin and Evolution of Prebiotic Organic Matter as Inferred from the Tagish Lake Meteorite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Herd, Christopher D.; Blinova, Alexandra; Simkus, Danielle N.; Huang, Yongsong; Tarozo, Rafael; Alexander, Conel M.; Gyngard, Frank; Nittler, Larry R.; Cody, George D.; Fogel, Marilyn L.; hide

    2011-01-01

    The complex suite of organic materials in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites probably originally formed in the interstellar medium and/or the solar protoplanetary disk, but was subsequently modified in the meteorites' asteroidal parent bodies. The mechanisms of formation and modification are still very poorly understood. We carried out a systematic study of variations in the mineralogy, petrology, and soluble and insoluble organic matter in distinct fragments of the Tagish Lake meteorite. The variations correlate with indicators of parent body aqueous alteration and at least some molecules of pre-biotic importance formed during the alteration.

  1. Detecting in-field variation in photosynthetic capacity of trangenically modifed plants with hyperspectral imaging.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meacham, K.; Montes, C.; Pederson, T.; Wu, J.; Guan, K.; Bernacchi, C.

    2017-12-01

    Improved photosynthetic rates have been shown to increase crop biomass, making improved photosynthesis a focus for driving future grain yield increases. Improving the photosynthetic pathway offers opportunity to meet food demand, but requires high throughput measurement techniques to detect photosynthetic variation in natural accessions and transgenically modified plants. Gas exchange measurements are the most widely used method of measuring photosynthesis in field trials but this process is laborious and slow, and requires further modeling to estimate meaningful parameters and to upscale to the plot or canopy level. In field trials of tobacco with modifications made to the photosynthetic pathway, we infer the maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) and detect photosynthetic variation from hyperspectral imaging with a partial least squares regression technique. Ground-truth measurements from photosynthetic gas exchange, a full-range (400-2500nm) handheld spectroadiometer with leaf clip, hyperspectral indices, and extractions of leaf pigments support the model. The results from a range of wild-type cultivars and from genetically modified germplasm suggest that the opportunity for rapid selection of top performing genotypes from among thousands of plots. This research creates the opportunity to extend agroecosystem models from simplified "one-cultivar" generic parameterization to better represent a full suite of current and future crop cultivars for a wider range of environmental conditions.

  2. Evaluating standard airborne sound insulation measures in terms of annoyance, loudness, and audibility ratings.

    PubMed

    Park, H K; Bradley, J S

    2009-07-01

    This paper reports the results of an evaluation of the merits of standard airborne sound insulation measures with respect to subjective ratings of the annoyance and loudness of transmitted sounds. Subjects listened to speech and music sounds modified to represent transmission through 20 different walls with sound transmission class (STC) ratings from 34 to 58. A number of variations in the standard measures were also considered. These included variations in the 8-dB rule for the maximum allowed deficiency in the STC measure as well as variations in the standard 32-dB total allowed deficiency. Several spectrum adaptation terms were considered in combination with weighted sound reduction index (R(w)) values as well as modifications to the range of included frequencies in the standard rating contour. A STC measure without an 8-dB rule and an R(w) rating with a new spectrum adaptation term were better predictors of annoyance and loudness ratings of speech sounds. R(w) ratings with one of two modified C(tr) spectrum adaptation terms were better predictors of annoyance and loudness ratings of transmitted music sounds. Although some measures were much better predictors of responses to one type of sound than were the standard STC and R(w) values, no measure was remarkably improved for predicting annoyance and loudness ratings of both music and speech sounds.

  3. [Variation trends of natural vegetation net primary productivity in China under climate change scenario].

    PubMed

    Zhao, Dong-sheng; Wu, Shao-hong; Yin, Yun-he

    2011-04-01

    Based on the widely used Lund-Potsdam-Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ) for climate change study, and according to the features of natural environment in China, the operation mechanism of the model was adjusted, and the parameters were modified. With the modified LPJ model and taking 1961-1990 as baseline period, the responses of natural vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) in China to climate change in 1991-2080 were simulated under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) B2 scenario. In 1961-1990, the total NPP of natural vegetation in China was about 3.06 Pg C a(-1); in 1961-2080, the total NPP showed a fluctuant decreasing trend, with an accelerated decreasing rate. Under the condition of slight precipitation change, the increase of mean air temperature would have definite adverse impact on the NPP. Spatially, the NPP decreased from southeast coast to northwest inland, and this pattern would have less variation under climate change. In eastern China with higher NPP, especially in Northeast China, east of North China, and Loess Plateau, the NPP would mainly have a decreasing trend; while in western China with lower NPP, especially in the Tibetan Plateau and Tarim Basin, the NPP would be increased. With the intensive climate change, such a variation trend of NPP would be more obvious.

  4. Exploration of the effect of sequence variations located inside the binding pocket of HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases.

    PubMed

    Triki, Dhoha; Billot, Telli; Visseaux, Benoit; Descamps, Diane; Flatters, Delphine; Camproux, Anne-Claude; Regad, Leslie

    2018-04-10

    HIV-2 protease (PR2) is naturally resistant to most FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs), a major antiretroviral class. In this study, we compared the PR1 and PR2 binding pockets extracted from structures complexed with 12 ligands. The comparison of PR1 and PR2 pocket properties showed that bound PR2 pockets were more hydrophobic with more oxygen atoms and fewer nitrogen atoms than PR1 pockets. The structural comparison of PR1 and PR2 pockets highlighted structural changes induced by their sequence variations and that were consistent with these property changes. Specifically, substitutions at residues 31, 46, and 82 induced structural changes in their main-chain atoms that could affect PI binding in PR2. In addition, the modelling of PR1 mutant structures containing V32I and L76M substitutions revealed a cooperative mechanism leading to structural deformation of flap-residue 45 that could modify PR2 flexibility. Our results suggest that substitutions in the PR1 and PR2 pockets can modify PI binding and flap flexibility, which could underlie PR2 resistance against PIs. These results provide new insights concerning the structural changes induced by PR1 and PR2 pocket variation changes, improving the understanding of the atomic mechanism of PR2 resistance to PIs.

  5. Rain, prey and predators: climatically driven shifts in frog abundance modify reproductive allometry in a tropical snake.

    PubMed

    Brown, Gregory P; Shine, Richard

    2007-11-01

    To predict the impacts of climate change on animal populations, we need long-term data sets on the effects of annual climatic variation on the demographic traits (growth, survival, reproductive output) that determine population viability. One frequent complication is that fecundity also depends upon maternal body size, a trait that often spans a wide range within a single population. During an eight-year field study, we measured annual variation in weather conditions, frog abundance and snake reproduction on a floodplain in the Australian wet-dry tropics. Frog numbers varied considerably from year to year, and were highest in years with hotter wetter conditions during the monsoonal season ("wet season"). Mean maternal body sizes, egg sizes and post-partum maternal body conditions of frog-eating snakes (keelback, Tropidonophis mairii, Colubridae) showed no significant annual variation over this period, but mean clutch sizes were higher in years with higher prey abundance. Larger females were more sensitive to frog abundance in this respect than were smaller conspecifics, so that the rate at which fecundity increased with body size varied among years, and was highest when prey availability was greatest. Thus, the link between female body size and reproductive output varied among years, with climatic factors modifying the relative reproductive rates of larger (older) versus smaller (younger) animals within the keelback population.

  6. Some problems in coupling solar activity to meteorological phenomena

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dessler, A. J.

    1974-01-01

    The development of a theory of coupling of solar activity to meteorological phenomena has to date foundered on the two difficulties of (1) devising a mechanism that can modify the behavior of the troposphere while employing only a negligible amount of energy compared with the energy necessary to drive the normal meteorological system; and (2) determining how such a mechanism can effectively couple some relevant magnetospheric process into the troposphere in such a way as to influence the weather. A clue to the nature of the interaction between the weather and solar activity might be provided by the fact that most solar activity undergoes a definite 11-year cycle, while meteorological phenomena undergo either no closely correlated variation, or an 11-year variation, or a 22-year variation.

  7. EFPI sensor utilizing optical spectrum analyzer with tunable laser: detection of baseline oscillations faster than spectrum acquisition rate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ushakov, Nikolai; Liokumovich, Leonid

    2014-05-01

    A novel approach for extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer baseline measurement has been developed. The principles of frequency-scanning interferometry are utilized for registration of the interferometer spectral function, from which the baseline is demodulated. The proposed approach enables one to capture the absolute baseline variations at frequencies much higher than the spectral acquisition rate. Despite the conventional approaches, associating a single baseline indication to the registered spectrum, in the proposed method a modified frequency detection procedure is applied to the spectrum. This provides an ability to capture the baseline variations which took place during the spectrum acquisition. The limitations on the parameters of the possibly registered baseline variations are formulated. The experimental verification of the proposed approach for different perturbations has been performed.

  8. Bayesian Model Testing of Models for Ellipsoidal Variation on Stars Due to Hot Jupiters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gai, Anthony D.

    A massive planet closely orbiting its host star creates tidal forces that distort the typically spherical stellar surface. These distortions, known as ellipsoidal variations, result in variations in the photometric flux emitted by the star, which can be detected by the Kepler Space Telescope. Currently, there exist several models describing such variations and their effect on the photometric flux [1] [2] [3] [4]. By using Bayesian model testing in conjunction with the Bayesian-based exoplanet characterization software package EXONEST [4] [5] [6], the most probable representation for ellipsoidal variations was determined for synthetic data and two systems with confirmed hot Jupiter exoplanets: HAT-P-7 and Kepler-13. The models were indistinguishable for the HAT-P-7 system likely due to noise within the dataset washing out the differences between the models. The most preferred model for ellipsoidal variations was determined to be EVIL-MC. The Modified Kane & Gelino model [4] provided the best representation of ellipsoidal variations, of the trigonometric models, for the Kepler-13 system and may serve as a fast alternative to the more computationally intensive EVIL-MC [3]. The computational feasibility of directly modeling the ellipsoidal variations of a star are examined and future work is outlined. Providing a more accurate model of ellipsoidal variations is expected to result in better estimations of planetary properties.

  9. Lessons for Teaching Art Criticism.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barrett, Terry, Ed.; Clark, Gilbert, Ed.

    This collection of lessons is meant to be a practical guide to help teachers engage children in art criticism. The lessons generally follow a similar format. Most suggest an age group but may be modified for use with younger or older students. Several authors suggest variations and extensions for lessons that include studio activities. A broad…

  10. Ecology of southwestern ponderosa pine forests

    Treesearch

    William H. Moir; Brian W. Geils; Mary Ann Benoit; Dan Scurlock

    1997-01-01

    Ponderosa pine forests are important because of their wide distribution, commercial value, and because they provide habitat for many plants and animals. Ponderosa pine forests are noted for their variety of passerine birds resulting from variation in forest composition and structure modified by past and present human use. Subsequent chapters discuss how ponderosa pine...

  11. Vector potential methods

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hafez, M.

    1989-01-01

    Vector potential and related methods, for the simulation of both inviscid and viscous flows over aerodynamic configurations, are briefly reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of several formulations are discussed and alternate strategies are recommended. Scalar potential, modified potential, alternate formulations of Euler equations, least-squares formulation, variational principles, iterative techniques and related methods, and viscous flow simulation are discussed.

  12. Chemical Variations in a Granitic Pluton and Its Surrounding Rocks.

    PubMed

    Baird, A K; McIntyre, D B; Welday, E E; Madlem, K W

    1964-10-09

    New techniques of x-ray fluorescence spectrography have provided, for the first time, abundant data regarding chemical variability of granitic rocks on different scales. The results suggest that current designs of sampling plans for trend surface analysis should be modified; in particular several specimens, preferably drillcores, may be required at each locality.

  13. Factors Moderating Children's Adjustment to Parental Separation: Findings from a Community Study in England

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheng, Helen; Dunn, Judy; O'Connor, Thomas G.; Golding, Jean

    2006-01-01

    Research findings show that there is marked variability in children's response to parental separation, but few studies identify the sources of this variation. This prospective longitudinal study examines the factors modifying children's adjustment to parental separation in a community sample of 5,635 families in England. Children's…

  14. Release of 19 waxy winter wheat germplasm, with observations on their grain yield stability

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    “Waxy” wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) produce endosperm starch devoid, or nearly so, of amylose. Waxy starch consists only of amylopectin, imparts unique cooking properties, and serves as an efficient substrate for the production of modified food starches. To expand the genetic variation of waxy whea...

  15. A Simple Model System to Demonstrate Antibody Structure and Functions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Kennedy, Richard

    1991-01-01

    A model that can be used to show the arrangement of light and heavy chains, disulfide linkages, domains, and subclass variations in antibodies is given. It can be constructed and modified to illustrate Fab, F(ab')2, and Fc fragments, single domain and bifunctional antibodies, and labeling of antibodies. (Author)

  16. Neuroanatomically Separable Effects of Imageability and Grammatical Class during Single-Word Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bedny, Marina; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L.

    2006-01-01

    The present study characterizes the neural correlates of noun and verb imageability and addresses the question of whether components of the neural network supporting word recognition can be separately modified by variations in grammatical class and imageability. We examined the effect of imageability on BOLD signal during single-word comprehension…

  17. Annual baseflow variations as influenced by climate variability and agricultural land use change in the Missouri River basin

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Detection of changes (steady or abrupt) in long time series of hydrological data is important for effective planning and management of water resources. This study evaluated trends in baseflow and precipitation in the Missouri River Basin (MORB) using a modified Mann-Kendall (MK) test. Precipitation ...

  18. STELLAR STRUCTURE AND TESTS OF MODIFIED GRAVITY

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

    Chang, Philip; Hui, Lam, E-mail: pchang@cita.utoronto.ca, E-mail: lhui@astro.columbia.edu

    2011-05-01

    Theories that attempt to explain cosmic acceleration by modifying gravity typically introduces a long-range scalar force that needs to be screened on small scales. One common screening mechanism is the chameleon, where the scalar force is screened in environments with a sufficiently deep gravitational potential, but acts unimpeded in regions with a shallow gravitational potential. This leads to a variation in the overall gravitational G with environment. We show that such a variation can occur within a star itself, significantly affecting its evolution and structure, provided that the host galaxy is unscreened. The effect is most pronounced for red giants,more » which would be smaller by a factor of tens of percent and thus hotter by hundreds of Kelvin, depending on the parameters of the underlying scalar-tensor theory. Careful measurements of these stars in suitable environments (nearby dwarf galaxies not associated with groups or clusters) would provide constraints on the chameleon mechanism that are four orders of magnitude better than current large-scale structure limits and two orders of magnitude better than present solar system tests.« less

  19. A modified variational method for nonlinear vibration analysis of rotating beams including Coriolis effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Jiajin; Su, Jinpeng; Zhou, Kai; Hua, Hongxing

    2018-07-01

    This paper presents a general formulation for nonlinear vibration analysis of rotating beams. A modified variational method combined with a multi-segment partitioning technique is employed to derive the free and transient vibration behaviors of the rotating beams. The strain energy and kinetic energy functional are formulated based on the order truncation principle of the fully geometrically nonlinear beam theory. The Coriolis effects as well as nonlinear effects due to the coupling of bending-stretching, bending-twist and twist-stretching are taken into account. The present method relaxes the need to explicitly meet the requirements of the boundary conditions for the admissible functions, and allows the use of any linearly independent, complete basis functions as admissible functions for rotating beams. Moreover, the method is readily used to deal with the nonlinear transient vibration problems for rotating beams subjected to dynamic loads. The accuracy, convergence and efficiency of the proposed method are examined by numerical examples. The influences of Coriolis and centrifugal forces on the vibration behaviors of the beams with various hub radiuses and slenderness ratios and rotating at different angular velocities are also investigated.

  20. Natural convection in a parallel-plate vertical channel with discrete heating by two flush-mounted heaters: effect of the clearance between the heaters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sarper, Bugra; Saglam, Mehmet; Aydin, Orhan; Avci, Mete

    2018-04-01

    In this study, natural convection in a vertical channel is studied experimentally and numerically. One of the channel walls is heated discretely by two flush-mounted heaters while the other is insulated. The effects of the clearance between the heaters on heat transfer and hot spot temperature while total length of the heaters keeps constant are investigated. Four different settlements of two discrete heaters are comparatively examined. Air is used as the working fluid. The range of the modified Grashof number covers the values between 9.6 × 105 and 1.53 × 10.7 Surface to surface radiation is taken into account. Flow visualizations and temperature measurements are performed in the experimental study. Numerical computations are performed using the commercial CFD code ANSYS FLUENT. The results are represented as the variations of surface temperature, hot spot temperature and Nusselt number with the modified Grashof number and the clearance between the heaters as well as velocity and temperature variations of the fluid.

  1. Preparation of low strategic metal content superalloys

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sczerzenie, F. E.; Maurer, G. E.

    1982-01-01

    The properties of modified NIMONIC 115 and UDIMET 720 with reduced levels of cobalt were evaluated. Vacuum induction melted and vacuum arc remelted ingots were hot rolled to 3/4 inch diameter bar. Hot workability was evaluated in terms of the ingot rolling behavior and the hot ductility of the as-rolled bar. Variations in workability and bar ductility were correlated to variations in incipient melting temperature and gamma prime solvus, both of which varied with cobalt content. Heat treatments were defined to yield, as far as possible, similar structures from alloy to alloy. At the lowest cobalt levels N-115 workability was severely limited and the alloys could not be worked to bar. It is suggested that incipient melting in combination with heavy grain boundary carbide precipitation reduced ingot workability. Final heat treatment of modified alloys was difficult in the situation where the gamma prime solvus temperature was close to the incipient melting point, indicating that it may not be feasible to fully solution low cobalt alloys to obtain the large grain size required for optimum creep resistance.

  2. Bas-relief generation using adaptive histogram equalization.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xianfang; Rosin, Paul L; Martin, Ralph R; Langbein, Frank C

    2009-01-01

    An algorithm is presented to automatically generate bas-reliefs based on adaptive histogram equalization (AHE), starting from an input height field. A mesh model may alternatively be provided, in which case a height field is first created via orthogonal or perspective projection. The height field is regularly gridded and treated as an image, enabling a modified AHE method to be used to generate a bas-relief with a user-chosen height range. We modify the original image-contrast-enhancement AHE method to use gradient weights also to enhance the shape features of the bas-relief. To effectively compress the height field, we limit the height-dependent scaling factors used to compute relative height variations in the output from height variations in the input; this prevents any height differences from having too great effect. Results of AHE over different neighborhood sizes are averaged to preserve information at different scales in the resulting bas-relief. Compared to previous approaches, the proposed algorithm is simple and yet largely preserves original shape features. Experiments show that our results are, in general, comparable to and in some cases better than the best previously published methods.

  3. Hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis in α1-antitrypsin deficiency: a prototype for chronic tissue damage in gain-of-function disorders.

    PubMed

    Perlmutter, David H; Silverman, Gary A

    2011-03-01

    In α1-antitrypsin (AT) deficiency, a point mutation renders a hepatic secretory glycoprotein prone to misfolding and polymerization. The mutant protein accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum of liver cells and causes hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma by a gain-of-function mechanism. Genetic and/or environmental modifiers determine whether an affected homozygote is susceptible to hepatic fibrosis/carcinoma. Two types of proteostasis mechanisms for such modifiers have been postulated: variation in the function of intracellular degradative mechanisms and/or variation in the signal transduction pathways that are activated to protect the cell from protein mislocalization and/or aggregation. In recent studies we found that carbamazepine, a drug that has been used safely as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer, reduces the hepatic load of mutant AT and hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model by enhancing autophagic disposal of this mutant protein. These results provide evidence that pharmacological manipulation of endogenous proteostasis mechanisms is an appealing strategy for chemoprophylaxis in disorders involving gain-of-function mechanisms.

  4. High-Energy-Density Shear Flow and Instability Experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Doss, F. W.; Flippo, K. A.; Merritt, E. C.; di Stefano, C. A.; Devolder, B. G.; Kurien, S.; Kline, J. L.

    2017-10-01

    High-energy-density shear experiments have been performed by LANL at the OMEGA Laser Facility and National Ignition Facility (NIF). The experiments have been simulated using the LANL radiation-hydrocode RAGE and have been used to assess turbulence models ability to function in the high-energy-density, inertial- fusion-relevant regime. Beginning with the basic configuration of two counter-oriented shock-driven flows of >= 100 km/s, which initiate a strong shear instability across an initially solid-density, 20 μm thick Al plate, variations of the experiment to details of the initial conditions have been performed. These variations have included increasing the fluid densities (by modifying the plate material from Al to Ti and Cu), imposing sinusoidal seed perturbations on the plate, and directly modifying the plate's intrinsic surface roughness. Radiography of the unseeded layer has revealed the presence of emergent Kelvin-Helmholtz structures which may be analyzed to infer fluid-mechanical properties including turbulent energy density. This work is conducted by the US DOE by LANL under contract DE-0AC52-06NA25396. This abstract is LA-UR-16-24930.

  5. Modified PEHPS medium as an alternative for the in vitro culture of Giardia lamblia.

    PubMed

    Vargas-Villarreal, Javier; Mata-Cárdenas, Benito D; Hernández-García, Magda E; Garza-González, Jesús N; De La Garza-Salinas, Laura H; González-Salazar, Francisco

    2014-01-01

    Commercial culture media present interlot variations in biological activity. We have previously designed a homemade and economic culture medium, PEHPS medium, for the axenic cultivation of Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis. Trophozoites of amoebae and trichomonads grow well in this medium. Furthermore, the medium is stable for several months when stored frozen or refrigerated. The objective of this work was to modify PEHPS medium to support the in vitro growth of Giardia lamblia. Inocula of 5 × 10(3) trophozoites/mL of G. lamblia were incubated at 36.5°C in modified PEHPS or TYI-S-33 medium. Then, the growths of the three Giardia strains in both media were compared. The logarithmic growth phase lasted 72 h; the mean yield of the strains ranged from 10.06 to 11.43 × 10(5) Giardia trophozoites/mL, and the range of duplication time in the three strains was from 5.67 to 6.06 in modified PEHPS medium. These growth characteristics were not significantly different from those obtained with TYI-S-33 medium. We conclude that modified PEHPS medium might be used for the axenic cultivation of G. lamblia.

  6. Enhancement of temporal periodicity cues in cochlear implants: Effects on prosodic perception and vowel identification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Green, Tim; Faulkner, Andrew; Rosen, Stuart; Macherey, Olivier

    2005-07-01

    Standard continuous interleaved sampling processing, and a modified processing strategy designed to enhance temporal cues to voice pitch, were compared on tests of intonation perception, and vowel perception, both in implant users and in acoustic simulations. In standard processing, 400 Hz low-pass envelopes modulated either pulse trains (implant users) or noise carriers (simulations). In the modified strategy, slow-rate envelope modulations, which convey dynamic spectral variation crucial for speech understanding, were extracted by low-pass filtering (32 Hz). In addition, during voiced speech, higher-rate temporal modulation in each channel was provided by 100% amplitude-modulation by a sawtooth-like wave form whose periodicity followed the fundamental frequency (F0) of the input. Channel levels were determined by the product of the lower- and higher-rate modulation components. Both in acoustic simulations and in implant users, the ability to use intonation information to identify sentences as question or statement was significantly better with modified processing. However, while there was no difference in vowel recognition in the acoustic simulation, implant users performed worse with modified processing both in vowel recognition and in formant frequency discrimination. It appears that, while enhancing pitch perception, modified processing harmed the transmission of spectral information.

  7. [Preparation of chicken red blood cells for calibration of flow cytometry].

    PubMed

    Yin, Jian; Zhao, Shutao; Wu, Xiaodong; Wang, Ce; Wu, Yunliang

    2013-01-01

    To prepare stable chicken red blood cells for the calibration of flow cytometry. The traditional isolation method of chicken red blood cells was modified by incorporating gelatin technique, Ca2+-free HBSS treatment and low-speed centrifugation. The effect of fluorescence staining of the cells was improved by the addition of TritonX-100 to enhance the membrane permeability and Rnase enzymes to disintegrate RNA tiles. The modified method was compared with the traditional method for viability of the freshly isolated cells and the DNA content coefficient of variation (CV) of the fixed cells. Chicken red blood cells obtained by the modified method showed a significantly higher viability than those obtained by the traditional method [(98.5∓3.5)% vs (93.5∓2.7)%, P<0.05]. After glutaraldehyde fixation, the isolated cells with the modified method were stable during the 90-day preservation with a significantly lower CV than the cells obtained by the traditional method [(6.0∓0.3)% to 6.2∓0.4% vs (8.6∓0.5)% to (13.1∓1.4)%, P<0.01]. The chicken red blood cells isolated using the modified method can be applicable for calibration of flow cytometry.

  8. Alteration of methotrexate binding to human serum albumin induced by oxidative stress. Spectroscopic comparative study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maciążek-Jurczyk, M.; Sułkowska, A.; Równicka-Zubik, J.

    2016-01-01

    Changes of oxidative modified albumin conformation by comparison of non-modified (HSA) and modified (oHSA) human serum albumin absorption spectra, Red Edge Excitation Shift (REES) effect and fluorescence synchronous spectra were investigated. Studies of absorption spectra indicated that changes in the value of absorbance associated with spectral changes in the region from 200 to 250 nm involve structural alterations related to variations in peptide backbone conformation. Analysis of the REES effect allowed for the observation of changes caused by oxidation in the region of the hydrophobic pocket containing the tryptophanyl residue. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed changes of the position of the tryptophanyl and tyrosil residues fluorescent band. Effect of oxidative stress on binding of methotrexate (MTX) was investigated by spectrofluorescence, UV-VIS and 1HNMR spectroscopy. MTX caused the fluorescence quenching of non-modified (HSA) and modified (oHSA) human serum albumin molecule. The values of binding constants, Hill's coefficients and a number of binding sites in the protein molecule in the high affinity binding site were calculated for the binary MTX-HSA and MTX-oHSA systems. For these systems, qualitative analysis in the low affinity binding sites was performed with the use of the 1HNMR technique.

  9. Modifying physician behavior to improve cost-efficiency in safety-net ambulatory settings.

    PubMed

    Borkowski, Nancy; Gumus, Gulcin; Deckard, Gloria J

    2013-01-01

    Change interventions in one form or another are viewed as important tools to reduce variation in medical services, reduce costs, and improve quality of care. With the current focus on efficient resource use, the successful design and implementation of change strategies are of utmost importance for health care managers. We present a case study in which macro and micro level change strategies were used to modify primary care physicians' practice patterns of prescribing diagnostic services in a safety-net's ambulatory clinics. The findings suggest that health care managers using evidence-based strategies can create a practice environment that reduces barriers and facilitates change.

  10. Vent modification of large ribbon parachutes to enhance cluster performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kolega, D. J.; Woodis, W. R.; Reuter, J. D.

    1986-01-01

    Due to uneven load sharing and lagging inflation rates, the design of the Large Main Parachute (LMP) cluster, used to recover the Space Shuttle steel case Solid Rocket Boosters, had to be modified. The cause of the problem was excessive variation in effective porosity in the crown area of the LMP during first stage inflation. The design modification consisted of adding horizontal ribbons above the existing vent band to reduce the vent porosity and better control the position and attitude of the vent lines. Performance of modified LMP's since introduction indicates that the load sharing between the clustered chutes has been significantly improved.

  11. SWB-A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Westenbroek, S.M.; Kelson, V.A.; Dripps, W.R.; Hunt, R.J.; Bradbury, K.R.

    2010-01-01

    A Soil-Water-Balance (SWB) computer code has been developed to calculate spatial and temporal variations in groundwater recharge. The SWB model calculates recharge by use of commonly available geographic information system (GIS) data layers in combination with tabular climatological data. The code is based on a modified Thornthwaite-Mather soil-water-balance approach, with components of the soil-water balance calculated at a daily timestep. Recharge calculations are made on a rectangular grid of computational elements that may be easily imported into a regional groundwater-flow model. Recharge estimates calculated by the code may be output as daily, monthly, or annual values.

  12. Multi-band phase shifter design using modified slotline configuration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kulandhaisamy, Indhumathi; Rajendran, Dinesh Babu; Kanagasabai, Malathi; Gurusamy, Gunasekaran; Moorthy, Balaji; George, Jithila V.; Lawrance, Livya

    2017-01-01

    In this paper, an analog multiband phase shifter using slotline configuration is proposed. To implement the design, a pair of modified Split Ring Resonator (SRR) is employed. The periodic property of SRR provides multiband characteristics, whether the coupling slot gives the phase variations over the bands. The operation is well explained with an equivalent circuit model and its characteristics have been studied both in simulation and measurement. The prototype operates in 1.77-2.16, 3.5-3.97, 5.08-5.33, 6.43-6.93, and 8.01-8.59 GHz frequency bands which can be utilized for GSM, GPS, WLAN, C-band, and X-band applications, respectively.

  13. Validating a new device for measuring tear evaporation rates.

    PubMed

    Rohit, Athira; Ehrmann, Klaus; Naduvilath, Thomas; Willcox, Mark; Stapleton, Fiona

    2014-01-01

    To calibrate and validate a commercially available dermatology instrument to measure tear evaporation rate of contact lens wearers. A dermatology instrument was modified by attaching a swim goggle cup such that the cup sealed around the eye socket. Results for the unmodified instrument are dependent on probe area and enclosed volume. Calibration curves were established using a model eye, to account for individual variations in chamber volume and exposed area. Fifteen participants were recruited and the study included a contact lens wear and a no contact lens wear stage. Day and diurnal variation of the measurements were assessed by taking the measurement three times a day over 2 days. The coefficient of repeatability of the measurement was calculated and a linear mixed model assessed the influence of humidity, temperature, contact lens wear, day and diurnal variations on tear evaporation rate. The associations between variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Absolute evaporation rates with and without contact lens wear were calculated based on the new calibration. The measurements were most repeatable during the evening with no lens wear (COR = 49 g m⁻² h) and least repeatable during the evening with contact lens wear (COR = 93 g m⁻² h). Humidity (p = 0.007), and contact lens wear (p < 0.01), significantly affected the tear evaporation rate. However, temperature (p = 0.54) diurnal variation (p = 0.85) and different days (p = 0.65) had no significant effect after controlling for humidity. Tear evaporation rates can be measured using a modified dermatology instrument. Measurements were higher and more variable with lens wear consistent with previous literature. Control of environmental conditions is important as a higher humidity results in a reduced evaporation rate. © 2013 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2013 The College of Optometrists.

  14. Water diffusion in silicate glasses: the effect of glass structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuroda, M.; Tachibana, S.

    2016-12-01

    Water diffusion in silicate melts (glasses) is one of the main controlling factors of magmatism in a volcanic system. Water diffusivity in silicate glasses depends on its own concentration. However, the mechanism causing those dependences has not been fully understood yet. In order to construct a general model for water diffusion in various silicate glasses, we performed water diffusion experiments in silica glass and proposed a new water diffusion model [Kuroda et al., 2015]. In the model, water diffusivity is controlled by the concentration of both main diffusion species (i.e. molecular water) and diffusion pathways, which are determined by the concentrations of hydroxyl groups and network modifier cations. The model well explains the water diffusivity in various silicate glasses from silica glass to basalt glass. However, pre-exponential factors of water diffusivity in various glasses show five orders of magnitude variations although the pre-exponential factor should ideally represent the jump frequency and the jump distance of molecular water and show a much smaller variation. Here, we attribute the large variation of pre-exponential factors to a glass structure dependence of activation energy for molecular water diffusion. It has been known that the activation energy depends on the water concentration [Nowak and Behrens, 1997]. The concentration of hydroxyls, which cut Si-O-Si network in the glass structure, increases with water concentration, resulting in lowering the activation energy for water diffusion probably due to more fragmented structure. Network modifier cations are likely to play the same role as water. With taking the effect of glass structure into account, we found that the variation of pre-exponential factors of water diffusivity in silicate glasses can be much smaller than the five orders of magnitude, implying that the diffusion of molecular water in silicate glasses is controlled by the same atomic process.

  15. Pesticides that inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome system: effect measure modification by genetic variation in SKP1 in Parkinson׳s disease.

    PubMed

    Rhodes, Shannon L; Fitzmaurice, Arthur G; Cockburn, Myles; Bronstein, Jeff M; Sinsheimer, Janet S; Ritz, Beate

    2013-10-01

    Cytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy bodies, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, may protect against cytotoxic proteins. Since the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) degrades cytotoxic proteins, dysfunction in the UPS may contribute to PD etiology. Our goal in this study was to screen pesticides for proteasome inhibition and investigate (i) whether ambient exposures to pesticides that inhibit the UPS increase PD risk and (ii) whether genetic variation in candidate genes of the UPS pathway modify those increased risks. We assessed 26S UPS activity in SK-N-MC(u) cells by fluorescence. We recruited idiopathic PD cases (n=360) and population-based controls (n=816) from three counties in California with considerable commercial agriculture. We determined ambient pesticide exposure by our validated GIS-based model utilizing residential and workplace address histories. We limited effect measure modification assessment to Caucasians (287 cases, 453 controls). Eleven of 28 pesticides we screened inhibited 26S UPS activity at 10 µM. Benomyl, cyanazine, dieldrin, endosulfan, metam, propargite, triflumizole, and ziram were associated with increased PD risk. We estimated an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.42, 3.22) for subjects with ambient exposure to any UPS-inhibiting pesticide at both residential and workplace addresses; this association was modified by genetic variation in the s-phase kinase-associated protein 1 gene (SKP1; interaction p-value=0.005). Our results provide evidence that UPS-inhibiting pesticides play a role in the etiology of PD and suggest that genetic variation in candidate genes involved in the UPS pathway might exacerbate the toxic effects of pesticide exposures. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

  16. Population and allelic variation of A-to-I RNA editing in human transcriptomes.

    PubMed

    Park, Eddie; Guo, Jiguang; Shen, Shihao; Demirdjian, Levon; Wu, Ying Nian; Lin, Lan; Xing, Yi

    2017-07-28

    A-to-I RNA editing is an important step in RNA processing in which specific adenosines in some RNA molecules are post-transcriptionally modified to inosines. RNA editing has emerged as a widespread mechanism for generating transcriptome diversity. However, there remain significant knowledge gaps about the variation and function of RNA editing. In order to determine the influence of genetic variation on A-to-I RNA editing, we integrate genomic and transcriptomic data from 445 human lymphoblastoid cell lines by combining an RNA editing QTL (edQTL) analysis with an allele-specific RNA editing (ASED) analysis. We identify 1054 RNA editing events associated with cis genetic polymorphisms. Additionally, we find that a subset of these polymorphisms is linked to genome-wide association study signals of complex traits or diseases. Finally, compared to random cis polymorphisms, polymorphisms associated with RNA editing variation are located closer spatially to their respective editing sites and have a more pronounced impact on RNA secondary structure. Our study reveals widespread cis variation in RNA editing among genetically distinct individuals and sheds light on possible phenotypic consequences of such variation on complex traits and diseases.

  17. Slope instability caused by small variations in hydraulic conductivity

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Reid, M.E.

    1997-01-01

    Variations in hydraulic conductivity can greatly modify hillslope ground-water flow fields, effective-stress fields, and slope stability. In materials with uniform texture, hydraulic conductivities can vary over one to two orders of magnitude, yet small variations can be difficult to determine. The destabilizing effects caused by small (one order of magnitude or less) hydraulic conductivity variations using ground-water flow modeling, finite-element deformation analysis, and limit-equilibrium analysis are examined here. Low hydraulic conductivity materials that impede downslope ground-water flow can create unstable areas with locally elevated pore-water pressures. The destabilizing effects of small hydraulic heterogeneities can be as great as those induced by typical variations in the frictional strength (approximately 4??-8??) of texturally similar materials. Common "worst-case" assumptions about ground-water flow, such as a completely saturated "hydrostatic" pore-pressure distribution, do not account for locally elevated pore-water pressures and may not provide a conservative slope stability analysis. In site characterization, special attention should be paid to any materials that might impede downslope ground-water flow and create unstable regions.

  18. Temporal variations in sirtuin expression under normal and ultraviolet B-induced conditions and their correlation to energy levels in normal human epidermal keratinocytes.

    PubMed

    Pelle, Edward; Dong, Kelly; Pernodet, Nadine

    2015-01-01

    Sirtuins are post-translational modifiers that affect transcriptional signaling, metabolism, and DNA repair. Although originally identified as gene silencers capable of extending cell lifespan, the involvement of sirtuins in many different areas of cell biology has now become widespread. Our approach has been to study the temporal variation and also the effect of environmental stressors, such as ultraviolet B (UVB) and ozone, on sirtuin expression in human epidermal keratinocytes. In this report, we measured the variation in expression of several sirtuins over time and also show how a low dose of UVB can affect this pattern of expression. Moreover, we correlated these changes to variations in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ATP levels. Our data show significant variations in normal sirtuin expression, which may indicate a generalized response by sirtuins to cell cycle kinetics. These results also demonstrate that sirtuins as a family of molecules are sensitive to UVB-induced disruption and may suggest a new paradigm for determining environmental stress on aging and provide direction for the development of new cosmetic products.

  19. Center variation in the delivery of indicated late preterm births

    PubMed Central

    Aliaga, Sofia; Zhang, Jun; Long, D. Leann; Herring, Amy H.; Laughon, Matthew; Boggess, Kim; Reddy, Uma M.; Grantz, Katherine Laughon

    2016-01-01

    Objective Evidence for optimal timing of delivery for some pregnancy complications at late preterm gestation is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify center variation of indicated late preterm births. Study design Analysis of singleton late preterm and term births from a large U.S. retrospective obstetrical cohort. Births associated with spontaneous preterm labor, major congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis, and emergency cesarean were excluded. We used modified Poisson fixed effects logistic regression with interaction terms to assess center variation of indicated late preterm births associated with four medical/obstetric comorbidities after adjusting for socio-demographics, co-morbidities, and hospital/provider characteristics. Results We identified 150,055 births from 16 hospitals; 9218 were indicated late preterm births. We found wide variation of indicated late preterm births across hospitals. The extent of center variation was greater for births associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (RR across sites: 0.45 – 3.05), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR across sites: 0.36 – 1.27), and placenta previa/abruption (RR across sites: 0.48 – 1.82). We found less center variation for births associated with diabetes (RR across sites: 0.65 – 1.39). Conclusion Practice variation in the management of indicated late preterm deliveries might be a source of preventable late preterm birth. PMID:27120474

  20. Mini-review: Strategies for Variation and Evolution of Bacterial Antigens

    PubMed Central

    Foley, Janet

    2015-01-01

    Across the eubacteria, antigenic variation has emerged as a strategy to evade host immunity. However, phenotypic variation in some of these antigens also allows the bacteria to exploit variable host niches as well. The specific mechanisms are not shared-derived characters although there is considerable convergent evolution and numerous commonalities reflecting considerations of natural selection and biochemical restraints. Unlike in viruses, mechanisms of antigenic variation in most bacteria involve larger DNA movement such as gene conversion or DNA rearrangement, although some antigens vary due to point mutations or modified transcriptional regulation. The convergent evolution that promotes antigenic variation integrates various evolutionary forces: these include mutations underlying variant production; drift which could remove alleles especially early in infection or during life history phases in arthropod vectors (when the bacterial population size goes through a bottleneck); selection not only for any particular variant but also for the mechanism for the production of variants (i.e., selection for mutability); and overcoming negative selection against variant production. This review highlights the complexities of drivers of antigenic variation, in particular extending evaluation beyond the commonly cited theory of immune evasion. A deeper understanding of the diversity of purpose and mechanisms of antigenic variation in bacteria will contribute to greater insight into bacterial pathogenesis, ecology and coevolution with hosts. PMID:26288700

  1. The association between modifiable well-being risks and productivity: a longitudinal study in pooled employer sample.

    PubMed

    Shi, Yuyan; Sears, Lindsay E; Coberley, Carter R; Pope, James E

    2013-04-01

    To examine the longitudinal relationship between modifiable well-being risks and productivity. A total of 19,121 employees from five employers participated in baseline and follow-up well-being assessment surveys. Multivariate regressions assessed whether changes in absenteeism, presenteeism, and job performance were associated with changes in 19 modifiable well-being risks. Over time, a 5% reduction in total count of well-being risks was significantly associated with 0.74% decrease in absenteeism, 2.38% decrease in presenteeism, and 0.24% increase in performance. High blood pressure, recurring pain, unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise, poor emotional health, poor supervisor relationship, not utilizing strengths doing job, and organization unsupportive of well-being had greater independent contributions in explaining productivity impairment. The often-ignored well-being risks such as work-related and financial health risks provided incremental explanation of longitudinal productivity variations beyond traditional measures of health-related risks.

  2. Barriers to oral health across selected European countries and the USA.

    PubMed

    Manski, Richard; Moeller, John

    2017-06-01

    In this review we consider oral-health access among older adults within and between the USA and various European countries with regard to possible primary financial and modifiable secondary non-financial factors. For older adults, the likelihood of using dental services has been associated, in the health literature, with a multiplicity of factors. These factors are traditionally classified into predisposing, enabling and need categories, and can be further classified into modifiable and non-modifiable subcategories. This raises the question of which single factor or group of factors has the most influence in keeping older adults from seeking care, and how these influences might differ between the USA and various other (European) countries. As it turns out, there is variation in the magnitude of effects across certain measurable potential barriers, but generally it takes a combination of characteristics associated with non-use to have a substantial impact. © 2017 FDI World Dental Federation.

  3. Barriers to Oral Health Across Selected European Countries and the United States

    PubMed Central

    Manski, Richard; Moeller, John

    2016-01-01

    In this review we consider oral health access among older adults within and between the United States and various European countries with regard to possible primary financial and modifiable secondary non-financial factors. For older adults, the likelihood of using dental services has been associated with a multiplicity of factors in the health literature. These factors are traditionally classified into predisposing, enabling, and need categories, and can be further classified into modifiable and non-modifiable sub-categories. This raises the question as to which single factor or group of factors has the most influence in keeping older adults from seeking care, and how might these influences differ between the USA and various other (European) countries. As it turns out, there is variation in the magnitude of effects across certain measurable potential barriers, but generally it takes a combination of characteristics associated with non-use to have a substantial impact. PMID:28083874

  4. Nonlinear analysis of 0-3 polarized PLZT microplate based on the new modified couple stress theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Liming; Zheng, Shijie

    2018-02-01

    In this study, based on the new modified couple stress theory, the size- dependent model for nonlinear bending analysis of a pure 0-3 polarized PLZT plate is developed for the first time. The equilibrium equations are derived from a variational formulation based on the potential energy principle and the new modified couple stress theory. The Galerkin method is adopted to derive the nonlinear algebraic equations from governing differential equations. And then the nonlinear algebraic equations are solved by using Newton-Raphson method. After simplification, the new model includes only a material length scale parameter. In addition, numerical examples are carried out to study the effect of material length scale parameter on the nonlinear bending of a simply supported pure 0-3 polarized PLZT plate subjected to light illumination and uniform distributed load. The results indicate the new model is able to capture the size effect and geometric nonlinearity.

  5. Extraction and the Fatty Acid Profile of Rosa acicularis Seed Oil.

    PubMed

    Du, Huanan; Zhang, Xu; Zhang, Ruchun; Zhang, Lu; Yu, Dianyu; Jiang, Lianzhou

    2017-12-01

    Rosa acicularis seed oil was extracted from Rosa acicularis seeds by the ultrasonic-assisted aqueous enzymatic method using cellulase and protease. Based on a single experiment, Plackett-Burman design was applied to ultrasonic-assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction of wild rose seed oil. The effects of enzyme amount, hydrolysis temperature and initial pH on total extraction rate of wild rose seed oil was studied by using Box-Behnken optimize methodology. Chemical characteristics of a sample of Rosa acicularis seeds and Rosa acicularis seed oil were characterized in this work. The tocopherol content was 200.6±0.3 mg/100 g oil. The Rosa acicularis seed oil was rich in linoleic acid (56.5%) and oleic acid (34.2%). The saturated fatty acids included palmitic acid (4%) and stearic acid (2.9%). The major fatty acids in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol in Rosa acicularis oil were linoleic acid (60.6%), oleic acid (33.6%) and linolenic acid (3.2%). According to the 1,3-random-2-random hypothesis, the dominant triacylglycerols were LLL (18%), LLnL (1%), LLP (2%), LOL (10%), LLSt (1.2%), PLP (0.2%), LLnP (0.1%), LLnO (0.6%) and LOP (1.1%). This work could be useful for developing applications for Rosa acicularis seed oil.

  6. Development of feeding systems and strategies of supplementation to enhance rumen fermentation and ruminant production in the tropics

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    The availability of local feed resources in various seasons can contribute as essential sources of carbohydrate and protein which significantly impact rumen fermentation and the subsequent productivity of the ruminant. Recent developments, based on enriching protein in cassava chips, have yielded yeast fermented cassava chip protein (YEFECAP) providing up to 47.5% crude protein (CP), which can be used to replace soybean meal. The use of fodder trees has been developed through the process of pelleting; Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets (LLP), mulberry leaf pellets (MUP) and mangosteen peel and/or garlic pellets, can be used as good sources of protein to supplement ruminant feeding. Apart from producing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins, greenhouse gases such as methane are also produced in the rumen. Several methods have been used to reduce rumen methane. However, among many approaches, nutritional manipulation using feed formulation and feeding management, especially the use of plant extracts or plants containing secondary compounds (condensed tannins and saponins) and plant oils, has been reported. This approach could help todecrease rumen protozoa and methanogens and thus mitigate the production of methane. At present, more research concerning this burning issue - the role of livestock in global warming - warrants undertaking further research with regard to economic viability and practical feasibility. PMID:23981662

  7. Sequence-sensitive exemplar and decision-bound accounts of speeded-classification performance in a modified Garner-tasks paradigm.

    PubMed

    Little, Daniel R; Wang, Tony; Nosofsky, Robert M

    2016-09-01

    Among the most fundamental results in the area of perceptual classification are the "correlated facilitation" and "filtering interference" effects observed in Garner's (1974) speeded categorization tasks: In the case of integral-dimension stimuli, relative to a control task, single-dimension classification is faster when there is correlated variation along a second dimension, but slower when there is orthogonal variation that cannot be filtered out (e.g., by attention). These fundamental effects may result from participants' use of a trial-by-trial bypass strategy in the control and correlated tasks: The observer changes the previous category response whenever the stimulus changes, and maintains responses if the stimulus repeats. Here we conduct modified versions of the Garner tasks that eliminate the availability of a pure bypass strategy. The fundamental facilitation and interference effects remain, but are still largely explainable in terms of pronounced sequential effects in all tasks. We develop sequence-sensitive versions of exemplar-retrieval and decision-bound models aimed at capturing the detailed, trial-by-trial response-time distribution data. The models combine assumptions involving: (i) strengthened perceptual/memory representations of stimuli that repeat across consecutive trials, and (ii) a bias to change category responses on trials in which the stimulus changes. These models can predict our observed effects and provide a more complete account of the underlying bases of performance in our modified Garner tasks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Dielectric Studies on Binary Mixtures of Diethyl Ether (DEE) in Polar Solvents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pradhan, S. K.; Dash, S. K.; Swain, M. D.; Swain, B. B.

    2011-11-01

    Dielectric constant (ɛ) of diethylether (DEE) in binary mixtures with four polar solvents such as n-butanl, i-butanol, t-butanol and tolune has been measured at 455 kHz and at a temperature 303.15 K. The refractive indices were measured at a regulated temperature by Pulfrich refractometer at sodium D-line. The data is used to evaluate mutual correlation factor gab, excess molar polarization and excess free energy of mixing ΔGab by using Winkelmann-Quitzsch equation for binary mixtures to asses the suitability of the polar solvents as modifiers. The trend of variation for these parameters exhibit marked dependence on the nature of alcohols. Diethylether is one of the solvent extractant used for the extraction and separation of zirconium and hafnium in reactor technology. The extractant is blended with appropriate polar modifiers for greater dispersal and more rapid phase disengagement. This facilitates in the elimination of the third organo-aqueous phase containing some of the metal ions. As such the study of molecular interaction among the component molecules has been undertaken in these binary mixtures using the dielectric route. The interaction parameters such as mutual correlation factor gab is found to be less than one in all alcohols, while it is negative in toluene upto 0.7 DEE molefraction and thereafter becoming positive. The nature of variation of the excess miolar polarization ΔP and excess free energy of mixing Gab tends to support the assessment of gab to choose a suitable polar modifier.

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

    Cook, David L.; Schönbächler, Maria, E-mail: david.cook@erdw.ethz.ch

    We report non-mass-dependent Fe isotopic data for troilite (FeS) inclusions from 10 iron meteorites, representing both non-magmatic (IAB) and magmatic groups (IIAB, IIIAB, IVA). No resolvable variations are present in the most neutron-rich isotope ({sup 58}Fe), but small deficits (≈−0.1 ε ) in {sup 56}Fe were observed in several inclusions. With the exception of several Ca–Al-rich inclusions in primitive meteorites, these are the first reported non-mass-dependent variations in Fe isotopes for material formed in the early solar system. Nucleosynthetic variations in Ni isotopes were previously reported in these same samples. The effects in Fe isotopes are not correlated with thosemore » in Ni, which suggests that the origins of the isotopic variations are decoupled from one another. The {sup 56}Fe deficits may represent incomplete mixing of the precursor dust in the protoplanetary disk. Alternatively, a parent body process (e.g., irradiation by galactic cosmic rays) may have modified the Fe isotopic compositions of some inclusions, which initially had homogeneous Fe isotopic compositions.« less

  10. Phase formation in selected surface-roughened plasma-nitrided 304 austenite stainless steel.

    PubMed

    Singh, Gajendra Prasad; Joseph, Alphonsa; Raole, Prakash Manohar; Barhai, Prema Kanta; Mukherjee, Subroto

    2008-04-01

    Direct current (DC) glow discharge plasma nitriding was carried out on three selected surface-roughened AISI 304 stainless steel samples at 833 K under 4 mbar pressures for 24 h in the presence of N 2 :H 2 gas mixtures of 50 : 50 ratios. After plasma nitriding, the phase formation, case depth, surface roughness, and microhardness of a plasma-nitrided layer were evaluated by glancing angle x-ray diffractogram, optical microscope, stylus profilometer, and Vickers microhardness tester techniques. The case depth, surface hardness, and phase formation variations were observed with a variation in initial surface roughness. The diffraction patterns of the plasma-nitrided samples showed the modified intensities of the α and γ phases along with those of the CrN, Fe 4 N, and Fe 3 N phases. Hardness and case depth variations were observed with a variation in surface roughness. A maximum hardness of 1058 Hv and a case depth of 95 μm were achieved in least surface-roughened samples.

  11. Thermal biology mediates responses of amphibians and reptiles to habitat modification.

    PubMed

    Nowakowski, A Justin; Watling, James I; Thompson, Michelle E; Brusch, George A; Catenazzi, Alessandro; Whitfield, Steven M; Kurz, David J; Suárez-Mayorga, Ángela; Aponte-Gutiérrez, Andrés; Donnelly, Maureen A; Todd, Brian D

    2018-03-01

    Human activities often replace native forests with warmer, modified habitats that represent novel thermal environments for biodiversity. Reducing biodiversity loss hinges upon identifying which species are most sensitive to the environmental conditions that result from habitat modification. Drawing on case studies and a meta-analysis, we examined whether observed and modelled thermal traits, including heat tolerances, variation in body temperatures, and evaporative water loss, explained variation in sensitivity of ectotherms to habitat modification. Low heat tolerances of lizards and amphibians and high evaporative water loss of amphibians were associated with increased sensitivity to habitat modification, often explaining more variation than non-thermal traits. Heat tolerances alone explained 24-66% (mean = 38%) of the variation in species responses, and these trends were largely consistent across geographic locations and spatial scales. As habitat modification alters local microclimates, the thermal biology of species will likely play a key role in the reassembly of terrestrial communities. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

  12. Pu239 Cross-Section Variations Based on Experimental Uncertainties and Covariances

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

    Sigeti, David Edward; Williams, Brian J.; Parsons, D. Kent

    2016-10-18

    Algorithms and software have been developed for producing variations in plutonium-239 neutron cross sections based on experimental uncertainties and covariances. The varied cross-section sets may be produced as random samples from the multi-variate normal distribution defined by an experimental mean vector and covariance matrix, or they may be produced as Latin-Hypercube/Orthogonal-Array samples (based on the same means and covariances) for use in parametrized studies. The variations obey two classes of constraints that are obligatory for cross-section sets and which put related constraints on the mean vector and covariance matrix that detemine the sampling. Because the experimental means and covariances domore » not obey some of these constraints to sufficient precision, imposing the constraints requires modifying the experimental mean vector and covariance matrix. Modification is done with an algorithm based on linear algebra that minimizes changes to the means and covariances while insuring that the operations that impose the different constraints do not conflict with each other.« less

  13. A modifier of Huntington's disease onset at the MLH1 locus.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong-Min; Chao, Michael J; Harold, Denise; Abu Elneel, Kawther; Gillis, Tammy; Holmans, Peter; Jones, Lesley; Orth, Michael; Myers, Richard H; Kwak, Seung; Wheeler, Vanessa C; MacDonald, Marcy E; Gusella, James F

    2017-10-01

    Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG repeat in HTT. Many clinical characteristics of HD such as age at motor onset are determined largely by the size of HTT CAG repeat. However, emerging evidence strongly supports a role for other genetic factors in modifying the disease pathogenesis driven by mutant huntingtin. A recent genome-wide association analysis to discover genetic modifiers of HD onset age provided initial evidence for modifier loci on chromosomes 8 and 15 and suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 3. Here, genotyping of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms in a cohort of 3,314 additional HD subjects yields independent confirmation of the former two loci and moves the third to genome-wide significance at MLH1, a locus whose mouse orthologue modifies CAG length-dependent phenotypes in a Htt-knock-in mouse model of HD. Both quantitative and dichotomous association analyses implicate a functional variant on ∼32% of chromosomes with the beneficial modifier effect that delays HD motor onset by 0.7 years/allele. Genomic DNA capture and sequencing of a modifier haplotype localize the functional variation to a 78 kb region spanning the 3'end of MLH1 and the 5'end of the neighboring LRRFIP2, and marked by an isoleucine-valine missense variant in MLH1. Analysis of expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) provides modest support for altered regulation of MLH1 and LRRFIP2, raising the possibility that the modifier affects regulation of both genes. Finally, polygenic modification score and heritability analyses suggest the existence of additional genetic modifiers, supporting expanded, comprehensive genetic analysis of larger HD datasets. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Rheological properties of styrene-butadiene rubber filled with electron beam modified surface treated dual phase fillers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shanmugharaj, A. M.; Bhowmick, Anil K.

    2004-01-01

    The rheological properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) loaded with dual phase filler were measured using Monsanto Processability Tester (MPT) at three different temperatures (100°C, 110°C and 130°C) and four different shear rates (61.3, 306.3, 613, and 1004.5 s -1). The effect of electron beam modification of dual phase filler in absence and presence of trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) or triethoxysilylpropyltetrasulphide (Si-69) on melt flow properties of SBR was also studied. The viscosity of all the systems decreases with shear rate indicating their pseudoplastic or shear thinning nature. The higher shear viscosity for the SBR loaded with the electron beam modified filler is explained in terms of variation in structure of the filler upon electron beam irradiation. Die swell of the modified filler loaded SBR is slightly higher than that of the unmodified filler loaded rubber, which is explained by calculating normal stress difference for the systems. Activation energy of the modified filler loaded SBR systems is also slightly higher than that of the control filler loaded SBR system.

  15. Band gap engineering of hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin films for solar cell application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dwivedi, Neeraj; Kumar, Sushil; Dayal, Saurabh; Rauthan, C. M. S.; Panwar, O. S.; Malik, Hitendra K.

    2012-10-01

    In this work, self bias variation, nitrogen introduction and oxygen plasma (OP) treatment approaches have been used for tailoring the band gap of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) thin films. The band gap of a-C:H and modified a- C:H films is varied in the range from 1.25 eV to 3.45 eV, which is found to be nearly equal to the full solar spectrum (1 eV- 3.5 eV). Hence, such a-C:H and modified a-C:H films are found to be potential candidate for the development of full spectrum solar cells. Besides this, computer aided simulation with considering variable band gap a-C:H and modified a- C:H films as window layer for amorphous silicon p-i-n solar cells is also performed by AFORS-HET software and maximum efficiency as ~14 % is realized. Since a-C:H is hard material, hence a-C:H and modified a-C:H films as window layer may avoid the use of additional hard and protective coating particularly in n-i-p configuration.

  16. Processing Nonnative Consonant Clusters in the Classroom: Perception and Production of Phonetic Detail

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davidson, Lisa; Wilson, Colin

    2016-01-01

    Recent research has shown that speakers are sensitive to non-contrastive phonetic detail present in nonnative speech (e.g. Escudero et al. 2012; Wilson et al. 2014). Difficulties in interpreting and implementing unfamiliar phonetic variation can lead nonnative speakers to modify second language forms by vowel epenthesis and other changes. These…

  17. Intensive Evaluation of Head Start Implementation in the Tucson Early Education Model.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rentfrow, Robert K.

    As part of the national Head Start Planned Variation Study, this study used a relatively small sample in an intensive evaluation of program implementation in one field community using the Tucson Early Education Model (TEEM). A modified Solomon four-group research design formed the organization framework. Evaluation of six TEEM classrooms and two…

  18. A standardized method for preparation of potatoes and analysis of their resistant starch content: Variation by cooking method and service temperature

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Consumption of resistant starch (RS) may lead to reduced glycemia, improved satiety, and beneficial changes in gut microbiota due to its unique digestive and absorptive properties. We developed a standardized protocol for preparation of potatoes in order to assess their RS content and modified a com...

  19. Variations in T cell subsets during hyposensitization of grass-sensitive patients with formaldehyde modified extracts: allergoids.

    PubMed

    Anfosso, F; Alcaraz, G; Vervloet, D; Charpin, J

    1982-11-01

    In atopic patients with clinical symptoms of hay fever, changes in T gamma and T mu cells were evaluated during desensitization. A significant increase in T mu and overall in T gamma cells was noted. These results suggested that T cell defect could be restored by desensitization treatment.

  20. Demonstrating Circular Motion with a Model Satellite/Earth System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whittaker, Jeff

    2008-01-01

    A number of interesting demonstrations of circular and satellite motion have been described in this journal. This paper presents a variation of a centripetal force apparatus found in G.D. Freier and F.J. Anderson's "A Demonstration Handbook for Physics," which has been modified in order to demonstrate both centripetal force and satellite motion.…

  1. Arabic and English during Study Abroad in Cairo, Egypt: Issues of Access and Use

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trentman, Emma

    2013-01-01

    This article provides a snapshot of the experiences of 18 students studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt. Using a modified version of the language contact profile (Freed, Segalowitz, & Dewey, 2004), I investigate their language use and find that students use English more than they use Arabic and that there is considerable individual variation in…

  2. The Effect of Speaking Rate on Velopharyngeal Function in Healthy Speakers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gauster, Andrea; Yunusova, Yana; Zajac, David

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of speaking rate variation on aerodynamic and acoustic measures of velopharyngeal (VP) function. Twenty-seven healthy adult speakers (14 males, 13 females) participated in the study. The modified pressure-flow method was used to collect aerodynamic data of /m/ and /p/ segments in the word…

  3. Genetic Variation in Melatonin Pathway Enzymes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Sleep Onset Delay

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Veatch, Olivia J.; Pendergast, Julie S.; Allen, Melissa J.; Leu, Roberta M.; Johnson, Carl Hirschie; Elsea, Sarah H.; Malow, Beth A.

    2015-01-01

    Sleep disruption is common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Genes whose products regulate endogenous melatonin modify sleep patterns and have been implicated in ASD. Genetic factors likely contribute to comorbid expression of sleep disorders in ASD. We studied a clinically unique ASD subgroup, consisting solely of children with…

  4. Effect of contraceptive steroids on monoamine oxidase activity

    PubMed Central

    Southgate, Jennifer; Collins, G. G. S.; Pryse-Davies, J.; Sandler, M.

    1969-01-01

    Cyclical variations in monoamine oxidase activity during the human menstrual cycle, specific to the endometrium and modified in women undergoing contraceptive steroid treatment, may reflect changes in hormonal environment. Treatment of rats with individual constituents of the contraceptive pill causes analogous changes: oestrogens inhibit and progestogens potentiate uterine monoamine oxidase activity. ImagesFig. 2Fig. 3

  5. Language Assessment with Children Who Speak Nonmainstream Dialects: Examining the Effects of Scoring Modifications in Norm-Referenced Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hendricks, Alison Eisel; Adlof, Suzanne M.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose: We compared outcomes from 2 measures of language ability in children who displayed a range of dialect variation: 1 using features that do not contrast between mainstream American English (MAE) and nonmainstream dialects (NMAE), and 1 using contrastive features. We investigated how modified scoring procedures affected the diagnostic…

  6. Clock genes explain large proportion of phenotypic variance in systolic blood pressure and this control is not modified by environmental temperature

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    BACKGROUND: Diurnal variation in blood pressure (BP) is regulated, in part, by an endogenous circadian clock; however, few human studies have identified associations between clock genes and BP. Accounting for environmental temperature may be necessary to correct for seasonal bias. METHODS: We examin...

  7. Limiting Time Variations of Servomotor Torques Using the Modified Bang-Bang Controller

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-06-01

    LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT OP REPORT OF THIS PAGE OF ABSTRACT UNCl ID UNCIAM UNCLWSFIED UL ISNH 54-01-210-SS00 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89) Precribed by ANSI...WASHINGTON, D.C. 20375 DIRECTOR US ARMY BALLISTIC RESEARCH LABORATORY ATTN: SLCBR-IB-M (DR. BRUCE BURNS ) 1 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 21005-5066 NOTE

  8. Meta-analysis of interaction between dietary magnesium intake and genetic risk variants on diabetes phenotypes in the charge consortium

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Little is known about whether genetic variation modifies the effect of magnesium (Mg) intake on two important diabetes risk factors: fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI). We examined interactions between dietary Mg and genetic variants associated with glucose (16 SNPs), insulin (2 SNPs), or Mg home...

  9. Whole genome analysis using Bayesian models to identify candidate genes for immune response to vaccination

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study identified genome regions associated with variation in immune response to vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV 2) in American Angus calves. Calves were born in the spring or fall of 2006-2008 (n = 620). Two doses of modified live vaccine were administered three wee...

  10. Variations in Parenting and Adolescent Outcomes among African American and Latino Families Living in Low-Income, Urban Areas

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roche, Kathleen M.; Ensminger, Margaret E.; Cherlin, Andrew J.

    2007-01-01

    Drawing from social disorganization theory, this study examined how perceived neighborhood conditions modified associations between parenting and delinquency, depressive symptoms, and school problem behavior among more than 800 African American and Latino 10- to 14-year-olds participating in Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three-City Study.…

  11. Determination of average refractive index of spin coated DCG films for HOE fabrication

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kim, T. J.; Campbell, Eugene W.; Kostuk, Raymond K.

    1993-01-01

    The refractive index of holographic emulsions is an important parameter needed for designing holographic optical elements (HOE's). Theoretical calculations of the accuracy required for the refractive index and thickness of emulsions needed to meet predetermined Bragg angle conditions are presented. A modified interferometric method is used to find average refractive index of the unexposed and the developed dichromated gelatin holographic films. Slanted transmission HOE's are designed considering the index and thickness variations, and used to verify the index measurement results. The Brewster angle method is used to measure surface index of the unexposed and the developed films. The differences between average index and surface index are discussed. Theoretical calculation of the effects of index variation on diffraction efficiency, and experimental results for index modulation variation caused by process changes are also presented.

  12. SEGMENTING CT PROSTATE IMAGES USING POPULATION AND PATIENT-SPECIFIC STATISTICS FOR RADIOTHERAPY.

    PubMed

    Feng, Qianjin; Foskey, Mark; Tang, Songyuan; Chen, Wufan; Shen, Dinggang

    2009-08-07

    This paper presents a new deformable model using both population and patient-specific statistics to segment the prostate from CT images. There are two novelties in the proposed method. First, a modified scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) local descriptor, which is more distinctive than general intensity and gradient features, is used to characterize the image features. Second, an online training approach is used to build the shape statistics for accurately capturing intra-patient variation, which is more important than inter-patient variation for prostate segmentation in clinical radiotherapy. Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust and accurate, suitable for clinical application.

  13. SEGMENTING CT PROSTATE IMAGES USING POPULATION AND PATIENT-SPECIFIC STATISTICS FOR RADIOTHERAPY

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Qianjin; Foskey, Mark; Tang, Songyuan; Chen, Wufan; Shen, Dinggang

    2010-01-01

    This paper presents a new deformable model using both population and patient-specific statistics to segment the prostate from CT images. There are two novelties in the proposed method. First, a modified scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) local descriptor, which is more distinctive than general intensity and gradient features, is used to characterize the image features. Second, an online training approach is used to build the shape statistics for accurately capturing intra-patient variation, which is more important than inter-patient variation for prostate segmentation in clinical radiotherapy. Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust and accurate, suitable for clinical application. PMID:21197416

  14. The seasonal CO2 cycle on Mars - An application of an energy balance climate model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    James, P. B.; North, G. R.

    1982-01-01

    Energy balance climate models of the Budyko-Sellers variety are applied to the carbon-dioxide cycle on Mars. Recent data available from the Viking mission, in particular the seasonal pressure variations measured by Viking landers, are used to constrain the models. No set of parameters was found for which a one-dimensional model parameterized in terms of ground temperature gave an adequate fit to the observed pressure variations. A modified, two-dimensional model including the effects of dust storms and the polar hood reasonably reproduces the pressure curve, however. The implications of these results for Martian climate changes are discussed.

  15. Humans, Fish, and Whales: How Right Whales Modify Calling Behavior in Response to Shifting Background Noise Conditions.

    PubMed

    Parks, Susan E; Groch, Karina; Flores, Paulo; Sousa-Lima, Renata; Urazghildiiev, Ildar R

    2016-01-01

    This study investigates the role of behavioral plasticity in the variation of sound production of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in response to changes in the ambient background noise conditions. Data were collected from southern right whales in Brazilian waters in October and November 2011. The goal of this study was to quantify differences in right whale vocalizations recorded in low background noise as a control, fish chorus noise, and vessel noise. Variation in call parameters were detected among the three background noise conditions and have implications for future studies of noise effects on whale sound production.

  16. Low-loss deposition of solgel-derived silica films on tapered fibers.

    PubMed

    Kakarantzas, G; Leon-Saval, S G; Birks, T A; Russell, P St J

    2004-04-01

    Films of porous silica are deposited on the uniform waists of tapered fibers in minutes by a modified solgel dip coating method, inducing less than 0.2 dB of loss. The coated tapers are an ideal platform for realizing all-fiber devices that exploit evanescent-field interactions with the deposited porous film. As an example we demonstrate structural long-period gratings in which a periodic index variation in the film arises from the porosity variation produced by spatially varying exposure of the waist to a scanned CO2 laser beam. The long period grating is insensitive to temperature up to 800 degrees C.

  17. Geographical variation in dementia: examining the role of environmental factors in Sweden and Scotland

    PubMed Central

    Russ, Tom C.; Gatz, Margaret; Pedersen, Nancy L.; Hannah, Jean; Wyper, Grant; Batty, G. David; Deary, Ian J.; Starr, John M.

    2015-01-01

    Background This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of geographical variation in dementia rates and suggest explanations for this variation. Small-area studies are scarce, and none has adequately investigated the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the distribution of dementia. Methods We present two complementary small-area hierarchical Bayesian disease mapping studies using the comprehensive Swedish Twin Registry (n=27,680) and the 1932 Scottish Mental Survey cohort (n=37,597). The twin study allowed us to isolate the area in order to examine the effect of unshared environmental factors. The Scottish Mental Survey study allowed us to examine various epochs in the life course – approximately age 11 years and adulthood. Results We found a 2-to 3- fold geographical variation in dementia odds in Sweden, after twin random effects – likely to capture genetic and shared environmental variance – were removed. In Scotland we found no variation in dementia odds in childhood but substantial variation, following a broadly similar pattern to Sweden, by adulthood. Conclusions There is geographical variation in dementia rates. Most of this variation is likely to result from unshared environmental factors that have their effect in adolescence or later. Further work is required to confirm these findings and identify any potentially modifiable socio-environmental risk factors for dementia responsible for this geographical variation in risk. However, if these factors do exist and could be optimized in the whole population, our results suggest that dementia rates could be halved. PMID:25575031

  18. Permeability estimations and frictional flow features passing through porous media comprised of structured microbeads

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shin, C.

    2017-12-01

    Permeability estimation has been extensively researched in diverse fields; however, methods that suitably consider varying geometries and changes within the flow region, for example, hydraulic fracture closing for several years, are yet to be developed. Therefore, in the present study a new permeability estimation method is presented based on the generalized Darcy's friction flow relation, in particular, by examining frictional flow parameters and characteristics of their variations. For this examination, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of simple hydraulic fractures filled with five layers of structured microbeads and accompanied by geometry changes and flow transitions are performed. Consequently, it was checked whether the main structures and shapes of each flow path are preserved, even for geometry variations within porous media. However, the scarcity and discontinuity of streamlines increase dramatically in the transient- and turbulent-flow regions. The quantitative and analytic examinations of the frictional flow features were also performed. Accordingly, the modified frictional flow parameters were successfully presented as similarity parameters of porous flows. In conclusion, the generalized Darcy's friction flow relation and friction equivalent permeability (FEP) equation were both modified using the similarity parameters. For verification, the FEP values of the other aperture models were estimated and then it was checked whether they agreed well with the original permeability values. Ultimately, the proposed and verified method is expected to efficiently estimate permeability variations in porous media with changing geometric factors and flow regions, including such instances as hydraulic fracture closings.

  19. A Modified Formula of the First-order Approximation for Assessing the Contribution of Climate Change to Runoff Based on the Budyko Hypothesis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, W.; Ning, T.; Han, X.

    2015-12-01

    The climate elasticity based on the Budyko curves has been widely used to evaluate the hydrological responses to climate change. The Mezentsev-Choudhury-Yang formula is one of the representative analytical equations for Budyko curves. Previous researches mostly used the variation of runoff (R) caused by the changes of annual precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (ET0) as the hydrological response to climate change and evaluated it by a first-order approximation in a form of total differential, the major components of which include the partial derivatives of R to P and ET0, as well as climate elasticity on this basis. Based on analytic derivation and the characteristics of Budyko curves, this study proposed a modified formula of the first-order approximation to reduce the errors from the approximation. In the calculation of partial derivatives and climate elasticity, the values of P and ET0 were taken to the sum of their base values and half increments, respectively. The calculation was applied in 33 catchments of the Hai River basin in China and the results showed that the mean absolute value of relative error of approximated runoff change decreased from 8.4% to 0.4% and the maximum value, from 23.4% to 1.3%. Given the variation values of P, ET0 and the controlling parameter (n), the modified formula can exactly quantify the contributions of climate fluctuation and underlying surface change to runoff. Taking the Murray-Darling basin in Australia as an example of the contribution calculated by the modified formula, the reductions of mean annual runoff caused by changes of P, ET0 and n from 1895-1996 to 1997-2006 were 2.6, 0.6 and 2.9 mm, respectively, and the sum of them was 6.1 mm, which was completely consistent with the observed runoff. The modified formula of the first-order approximation proposed in this study can be not only used to assess the contributions of climate change to the runoff, but also widely used to analyze the effects of similar issues based on a certain functional relationship in hydrological and climate changes.

  20. Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult

    PubMed Central

    Gresky, Julia; Haelm, Juliane; Clare, Lee

    2017-01-01

    Archaeological excavations at Göbekli Tepe, a transitional Neolithic site in southeast Turkey, have revealed the earliest megalithic ritual architecture with characteristic T-shaped pillars. Although human burials are still absent from the site, a number of fragmented human bones have been recovered from fill deposits of buildings and from adjacent areas. We focus on three partially preserved human skulls, all of which carry artificial modifications of a type so far unknown from contemporaneous sites and the ethnographic record. As such, modified skull fragments from Göbekli Tepe could indicate a new, previously undocumented variation of skull cult in the Early Neolithic of Anatolia and the Levant. PMID:28782013

  1. A learning flight control system for the F8-DFBW aircraft. [Digital Fly-By-Wire

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Montgomery, R. C.; Mekel, R.; Nachmias, S.

    1978-01-01

    This report contains a complete description of a learning control system designed for the F8-DFBW aircraft. The system is parameter-adaptive with the additional feature that it 'learns' the variation of the control system gains needed over the flight envelope. It, thus, generates and modifies its gain schedule when suitable data are available. The report emphasizes the novel learning features of the system: the forms of representation of the flight envelope and the process by which identified parameters are used to modify the gain schedule. It contains data taken during piloted real-time 6 degree-of-freedom simulations that were used to develop and evaluate the system.

  2. Polyvinyl alcohol membranes as alkaline battery separators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sheibley, D. W.; Gonzalez-Sanabria, O.; Manzo, M. A.

    1982-01-01

    Polyvinly alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with aldehyde reagents yields membranes that demonstrate properties that make them suitable for use as alkaline battery separators. Film properties can be controlled by the choice of cross-linker, cross-link density and the method of cross-linking. Three methods of cross-linking and their effects on film properties are discussed. Film properties can also be modified by using a copolymer of vinyl alcohol and acrylic acid as the base for the separator and cross-linking it similarly to the PVA. Fillers can be incorporated into the films to further modify film properties. Results of separator screening tests and cell tests for several variations of PBA films are discussed.

  3. Long-term hydrological simulation based on the Soil Conservation Service curve number

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mishra, Surendra Kumar; Singh, Vijay P.

    2004-05-01

    Presenting a critical review of daily flow simulation models based on the Soil Conservation Service curve number (SCS-CN), this paper introduces a more versatile model based on the modified SCS-CN method, which specializes into seven cases. The proposed model was applied to the Hemavati watershed (area = 600 km2) in India and was found to yield satisfactory results in both calibration and validation. The model conserved monthly and annual runoff volumes satisfactorily. A sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was performed, including the effect of variation in storm duration. Finally, to investigate the model components, all seven variants of the modified version were tested for their suitability.

  4. Grid adaption based on modified anisotropic diffusion equations formulated in the parametic domain

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

    Hagmeijer, R.

    1994-11-01

    A new grid-adaption algorithm for problems in computational fluid dynamics is presented. The basic equations are derived from a variational problem formulated in the parametric domain of the mapping that defines the existing grid. Modification of the basic equations provides desirable properties in boundary layers. The resulting modified anisotropic diffusion equations are solved for the computational coordinates as functions of the parametric coordinates and these functions are numerically inverted. Numerical examples show that the algorithm is robust, that shocks and boundary layers are well-resolved on the adapted grid, and that the flow solution becomes a globally smooth function of themore » computational coordinates.« less

  5. Responses of Lithium-Modified Bath to a Shift in Heat Input/Output Balance and Observation of Freeze-Lining Formation During the Heat Balance Shift

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jingjing; Taylor, Mark; Dorreen, Mark

    2018-02-01

    In the aluminum electrolysis process, new industrial aluminum/electricity power markets demand a new cell technology to extend the cell heat balance and amperage operating window of smelters by shifting the steady states. The current work investigates the responses of lithium-modified bath system when the input/output balance is shifted in a laboratory analogue to the industrial heat balance shift. Li2CO3 is added to the cryolite-AlF3-CaF2-Al2O3 system as a bath modifier. A freeze deposit is formed on a `cold finger' dipped into the bath and investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The macro- and micro-structure of the freeze lining varies with the bath superheat (bath temperature minus bath liquidus temperature) and an open crystalline layer with entrapped liquid dominates the freeze thickness. Compared with the cryolite-AlF3-CaF2-Al2O3 bath system, the lithium-modified bath freeze is more sensitive to the heat balance shift. This freeze investigation provides primary information to understand the variation of the side ledge in an industrial cell when the lithium-modified bath system is used.

  6. Modifier genes in Mendelian disorders: the example of cystic fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Cutting, Garry R.

    2011-01-01

    In the past three decades, scientists have had immense success in identifying genes and their variants that contribute to an array of diseases. While the identification of such genetic variants has informed our knowledge of the etiologic bases of diseases, there continues to be a substantial gap in our understanding of the factors that modify disease severity. Monogenic diseases provide an opportunity to identify modifiers as they have uniform etiology, detailed phenotyping of affected individuals, and familial clustering. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is among the more common life-shortening recessive disorders that displays wide variability in clinical features and survival. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the contribution of genetic and nongenetic factors to CF. Allelic variation in CFTR, the gene responsible for CF, correlates with some aspects of the disease. However, lung function, neonatal intestinal obstruction, diabetes, and anthropometry display strong genetic control independent of CFTR, and candidate gene studies have revealed genetic modifiers underlying these traits. The application of genome-wide techniques holds great promise for the identification of novel genetic variants responsible for the heritable features and complications of CF. Since the genetic modifiers are known to alter the course of disease, their protein products become immediate targets for therapeutic intervention. PMID:21175684

  7. Diagnosis of seasonal variations of tropical cyclogenesis over the South China Sea using a genesis potential index

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Lei; Pan, Xiumei

    2012-09-01

    This study examines the seasonal variations of tropical cyclogenesis over the South China Sea (SCS) using a genesis potential (GP) index developed by Emanuel and Nolan. How different environmental factors (including low-level vorticity, mid-level relative humidity, vertical wind shear, and potential intensity) contribute to these variations is investigated. Composite anomalies of the GP index are produced for the summer and winter monsoons separately. These composites replicate the observed seasonal variations of the observed frequency and location of tropical cyclogenesis over the SCS. The degree of contribution by each factor in different regions is determined quantitatively by producing composites of modified indices in which only one of the contributing factors varies, with the others set to climatology. Over the northern SCS, potential intensity makes the largest contributions to the seasonal variations in tropical cyclogenesis. Over the southern SCS, the low-level relative vorticity plays the primary role in the seasonal modulation of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis frequency, and the vertical wind shear plays the secondary role. Thermodynamic factors play more important roles for the seasonal variations in tropical cyclogenesis over the northern SCS, while dynamic factors are more important in the seasonal modulation of TC genesis frequency over the southern SCS.

  8. Low-temperature Ignition-delay Characteristics of Several Rocket Fuels with Mixed Acid in Modified Open-cup-type Apparatus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, Riley O

    1950-01-01

    Summaries of low-temperature self-ignition data of various rocket fuels with mixed acid (nitric plus sulfuric) are presented. Several fuels are shown to have shorter ignition-delay intervals and less variation in delay intervals at moderate and sub-zero temperatures than crude N-ethylaniline (monoethylaniline),a rocket fuel in current use.

  9. DEVELOPMENT OF DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND USE OF TWO VARIATIONS OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED STREPTOCOCCUS GORDONIL AS LYSIS CONTROLS IN A QPCR ASSAY FOR ASSESSING SANITARY QUALITY OF WATER

    EPA Science Inventory

    Joseph B. James and Fred J. Genthner

    United States Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, FL

    Background: Methods using rapid cycle, real-time, quantitative (QPCR) are being developed for detecting and quantifying Enterococcus spp. as well as other aquatic b...

  10. Variation in logging debris cover influences competitor abundance, resource availability, and early growth of planted Douglas-fir

    Treesearch

    Timothy B. Harrington; Robert A. Slesak; Stephen H. Schoenholtz

    2013-01-01

    Logging debris remaining after timber harvest can modify the microclimate and growing conditions for forest regeneration. Debris also can influence tree seedlings indirectly through its effects on development of competing vegetation, although the mechanisms are poorly understood. At two sites in Washington and Oregon (USA) that differed in availability of soil water...

  11. GSTM1 AND GSTT1 GENOTYPES AND LUNG CANCER RISK ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO INDOOR COAL EMISSIONS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN XUAN WEI, CHINA

    EPA Science Inventory

    The lung cancer mortality rate in Xuan Wei County, China is among the highest in the country and has been associated with exposure to indoor smoky coal emissions that contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This risk may be modified by variation in metabolism gen...

  12. Food Avoidance and Food Modification Practices of Older Rural Adults: Association with Oral Health Status and Implications for Service Provision

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Quandt, Sara A.; Chen, Haiying; Bell, Ronny A.; Savoca, Margaret R.; Anderson, Andrea M.; Leng, Xiaoyan; Kohrman, Teresa; Gilbert, Gregg H.; Arcury, Thomas A.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: Dietary variation is important for health maintenance and disease prevention among older adults. However, oral health deficits impair ability to bite and chew foods. This study examines the association between oral health and foods avoided or modified in a multiethnic rural population of older adults. It considers implications for…

  13. Elementary Teachers' Ideas about, Planning for and Implementation of Learner-Directed and Teacher-Directed Inquiry: A Mixed Methods Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Biggers, Mandy Sue

    2013-01-01

    Using a framework for variations of classroom inquiry (National Research Council [NRC], 2000, p. 29), this study explored 40 inservice elementary teachers' planning, modification, and enactment of kit-based science curriculum materials. As part of the study, a new observation protocol was modified from an existing protocol (Practices of…

  14. One-dimensional simulation of temperature and moisture in atmospheric and soil boundary layers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bornstein, R. D.; Santhanam, K.

    1981-01-01

    Meteorologists are interested in modeling the vertical flow of heat and moisture through the soil in order to better simulate the vertical and temporal variations of the atmospheric boundary layer. The one dimensional planetary boundary layer model of is modified by the addition of transport equations to be solved by a finite difference technique to predict soil moisture.

  15. Analysis of half diallel mating designs I: a practical analysis procedure for ANOVA approximation.

    Treesearch

    G.R. Johnson; J.N. King

    1998-01-01

    Procedures to analyze half-diallel mating designs using the SAS statistical package are presented. The procedure requires two runs of PROC and VARCOMP and results in estimates of additive and non-additive genetic variation. The procedures described can be modified to work on most statistical software packages which can compute variance component estimates. The...

  16. A Bayesian estimation of a stochastic predator-prey model of economic fluctuations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dibeh, Ghassan; Luchinsky, Dmitry G.; Luchinskaya, Daria D.; Smelyanskiy, Vadim N.

    2007-06-01

    In this paper, we develop a Bayesian framework for the empirical estimation of the parameters of one of the best known nonlinear models of the business cycle: The Marx-inspired model of a growth cycle introduced by R. M. Goodwin. The model predicts a series of closed cycles representing the dynamics of labor's share and the employment rate in the capitalist economy. The Bayesian framework is used to empirically estimate a modified Goodwin model. The original model is extended in two ways. First, we allow for exogenous periodic variations of the otherwise steady growth rates of the labor force and productivity per worker. Second, we allow for stochastic variations of those parameters. The resultant modified Goodwin model is a stochastic predator-prey model with periodic forcing. The model is then estimated using a newly developed Bayesian estimation method on data sets representing growth cycles in France and Italy during the years 1960-2005. Results show that inference of the parameters of the stochastic Goodwin model can be achieved. The comparison of the dynamics of the Goodwin model with the inferred values of parameters demonstrates quantitative agreement with the growth cycle empirical data.

  17. Salt-and-pepper noise removal using modified mean filter and total variation minimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aghajarian, Mickael; McInroy, John E.; Wright, Cameron H. G.

    2018-01-01

    The search for effective noise removal algorithms is still a real challenge in the field of image processing. An efficient image denoising method is proposed for images that are corrupted by salt-and-pepper noise. Salt-and-pepper noise takes either the minimum or maximum intensity, so the proposed method restores the image by processing the pixels whose values are either 0 or 255 (assuming an 8-bit/pixel image). For low levels of noise corruption (less than or equal to 50% noise density), the method employs the modified mean filter (MMF), while for heavy noise corruption, noisy pixels values are replaced by the weighted average of the MMF and the total variation of corrupted pixels, which is minimized using convex optimization. Two fuzzy systems are used to determine the weights for taking average. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, several test images with different noise levels are restored, and the results are quantitatively measured by peak signal-to-noise ratio and mean absolute error. The results show that the proposed scheme gives considerable noise suppression up to a noise density of 90%, while almost completely maintaining edges and fine details of the original image.

  18. Analysis of grain characters in temperate grasses reveals distinctive patterns of endosperm organization associated with grain shape

    PubMed Central

    Drea, Sinéad

    2012-01-01

    Members of the core pooids represent the most important crops in temperate zones including wheat, barley, and oats. Their importance as crops is largely due to the grain, particularly the storage capabilities of the endosperm. In this study, a comprehensive survey of grain morphology and endosperm organization in representatives of wild and cultivated species throughout the core pooids was performed. As sister to the core pooid tribes Poeae, Aveneae, Triticeae, and Bromeae within the Pooideae subfamily, Brachypodium provides a taxonomically relevant reference point. Using macroscopic, histological, and molecular analyses distinct patterns of grain tissue organization in these species, focusing on the peripheral and modified aleurone, are described. The results indicate that aleurone organization is correlated with conventional grain quality characters such as grain shape and starch content. In addition to morphological and organizational variation, expression patterns of candidate gene markers underpinning this variation were examined. Features commonly associated with grains are largely defined by analyses on lineages within the Triticeae and knowledge of grain structure may be skewed as a result of the focus on wheat and barley. Specifically, the data suggest that the modified aleurone is largely restricted to species in the Triticeae tribe. PMID:23081982

  19. The limits of modifying migration speed to adjust to climate change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmaljohann, Heiko; Both, Christiaan

    2017-08-01

    Predicting the range of variation over which organisms can adjust to environmental change is a major challenge in ecology. This is exemplified in migratory birds which experience changes in different habitats throughout the annual cycle. Earlier studies showed European population trends declining strongest in migrant species with least adjustment in spring arrival time. Thus, the increasing mismatches with other trophic levels in seasonal breeding areas probably contribute to their large-scale decline. Here we quantify the potential range of adjusting spring arrival dates through modifying migration speeds by reviewing 49 tracking studies. Among-individual variation in migration speed was mainly determined by the relatively short stop-over duration. Assuming this population response reflects individual phenotypic plasticity, we calculated the potential for phenotypic plasticity to speed-up migration by reducing stop-over duration. Even a 50% reduction would lead to a mere two-day advance in arrival, considering adjustments on the final 2,000 km of the spring journey. Hence, in contrast to previous studies, flexibility in the major determinant of migration duration seems insufficient to adjust to ongoing climate change, and is unlikely to explain some of the observed arrival advancements in long-distance migrants.

  20. Unified treatment algorithm for the management of crotaline snakebite in the United States: results of an evidence-informed consensus workshop

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Envenomation by crotaline snakes (rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead) is a complex, potentially lethal condition affecting thousands of people in the United States each year. Treatment of crotaline envenomation is not standardized, and significant variation in practice exists. Methods A geographically diverse panel of experts was convened for the purpose of deriving an evidence-informed unified treatment algorithm. Research staff analyzed the extant medical literature and performed targeted analyses of existing databases to inform specific clinical decisions. A trained external facilitator used modified Delphi and structured consensus methodology to achieve consensus on the final treatment algorithm. Results A unified treatment algorithm was produced and endorsed by all nine expert panel members. This algorithm provides guidance about clinical and laboratory observations, indications for and dosing of antivenom, adjunctive therapies, post-stabilization care, and management of complications from envenomation and therapy. Conclusions Clinical manifestations and ideal treatment of crotaline snakebite differ greatly, and can result in severe complications. Using a modified Delphi method, we provide evidence-informed treatment guidelines in an attempt to reduce variation in care and possibly improve clinical outcomes. PMID:21291549

  1. Hospital and operator variations in drug-eluting stent use: a multi-level analysis of 5967 consecutive patients in Scotland.

    PubMed

    Austin, David; Oldroyd, Keith G; McConnachie, Alex; Slack, Rachel; Eteiba, Hany; Flapan, Andrew D; Jennings, Kevin P; Northcote, Robin J; Pell, Alistair C H; Starkey, Ian R; Pell, Jill P

    2008-06-01

    To determine whether drug-eluting stent (DES) use varies among Scottish hospitals, and the extent to which any variations are explained by differences between operators, patients and lesions. Multi-level analysis of consecutive patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between April 2005 and March 2006 in Scotland, using the Scottish Coronary Revascularization Registry. A total of 38 operators performed 5967 PCI procedures on 8489 lesions. Crude level of DES use was 47.6%, and the results varied among hospitals (range 30.6-61.8%, chi(2) = 341.6, P < 0.0001). There was significant between-operator variation in the null model. This was attenuated by the addition of hospital as a fixed effect. Nonetheless, the final model demonstrated significant between-operator variability [sigma(2) = 0.486 (0.249-0.971)] and between-hospital variation, after case-mix adjustment. Within Scotland, marked variation existed among hospitals in the use of DES. Operator was the most important factor at patient level, and hospital of treatment, rather than case-mix, was the most important modifier of between-operator variation. Patient selection for DES is complex and may contribute to much of the variations demonstrated. Consensus criteria would provide more detail than is included in current guidance, may aid decision-making for individual patients, reduce opportunity costs and ensure equity of access.

  2. Global atmospheric concentrations and source strength of ethane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blake, D. R.; Rowland, F. S.

    1986-01-01

    A study of the variation in ethane (C2H6) concentration between northern and southern latitudes over three years is presented together with a new estimate of its source strength. Ethane concentrations vary from 0.07 to 2 p.p.b.v. (parts per billion by volume) in air samples collected in remote surface locations in the Pacific (latitude 71 N-47 S) in all four seasons between September 1984 and June 1985. The variations are consistent with southerly transport from sources located chiefly in the Northern Hemisphere, further modified by seasonal variations in the strength of the reaction of C2H6 with OH radicals. These global data can be combined with concurrent data for CH4 and the laboratory reaction rates of each with OH to provide an estimate of three months as the average atmospheric lifetime for C2H6 and 13 + or - 3 Mtons for its annual atmospheric release.

  3. MUNSELL COLOR ANALYSIS OF LANDSAT COLOR-RATIO-COMPOSITE IMAGES OF LIMONITIC AREAS IN SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO.

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kruse, Fred A.

    1984-01-01

    Green areas on Landsat 4/5 - 4/6 - 6/7 (red - blue - green) color-ratio-composite (CRC) images represent limonite on the ground. Color variation on such images was analyzed to determine the causes of the color differences within and between the green areas. Digital transformation of the CRC data into the modified cylindrical Munsell color coordinates - hue, value, and saturation - was used to correlate image color characteristics with properties of surficial materials. The amount of limonite visible to the sensor is the primary cause of color differences in green areas on the CRCs. Vegetation density is a secondary cause of color variation of green areas on Landsat CRC images. Digital color analysis of Landsat CRC images can be used to map unknown areas. Color variations of green pixels allows discrimination among limonitic bedrock, nonlimonitic bedrock, nonlimonitic alluvium, and limonitic alluvium.

  4. On the Possibilities of Predicting Geomagnetic Secular Variation with Geodynamo Modeling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kuang, Wei-Jia; Tangborn, Andrew; Sabaka, Terrance

    2004-01-01

    We use our MoSST core dynamics model and geomagnetic field at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) continued downward from surface observations to investigate possibilities of geomagnetic data assimilation, so that model results and current geomagnetic observations can be used to predict geomagnetic secular variation in future. As the first attempt, we apply data insertion technique to examine evolution of the model solution that is modified by geomagnetic input. Our study demonstrate that, with a single data insertion, large-scale poloidal magnetic field obtained from subsequent numerical simulation evolves similarly to the observed geomagnetic variation, regardless of the initial choice of the model solution (so long it is a well developed numerical solution). The model solution diverges on the time scales on the order of 60 years, similar to the time scales of the torsional oscillations in the Earth's core. Our numerical test shows that geomagnetic data assimilation is promising with our MoSST model.

  5. The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate.

    PubMed

    Jing, Xin; Sanders, Nathan J; Shi, Yu; Chu, Haiyan; Classen, Aimée T; Zhao, Ke; Chen, Litong; Shi, Yue; Jiang, Youxu; He, Jin-Sheng

    2015-09-02

    Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic variables account for up to 86% of the variation in EMF, with the combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity accounting for 45% of the variation in EMF. Our results have two important implications: first, including belowground biodiversity in models can improve the ability to explain and predict EMF. Second, regional-scale variation in climate, and perhaps climate change, can determine, or at least modify, the effects of biodiversity on EMF in natural ecosystems.

  6. Thermodynamics in variable speed of light theories

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

    Racker, Juan; Facultad de Ciencias Astronomicas y Geofisicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque S/N; Sisterna, Pablo

    2009-10-15

    The perfect fluid in the context of a covariant variable speed of light theory proposed by J. Magueijo is studied. On the one hand the modified first law of thermodynamics together with a recipe to obtain equations of state are obtained. On the other hand the Newtonian limit is performed to obtain the nonrelativistic hydrostatic equilibrium equation for the theory. The results obtained are used to determine the time variation of the radius of Mercury induced by the variability of the speed of light (c), and the scalar contribution to the luminosity of white dwarfs. Using a bound for themore » change of that radius and combining it with an upper limit for the variation of the fine structure constant, a bound on the time variation of c is set. An independent bound is obtained from luminosity estimates for Stein 2015B.« less

  7. [Comparative quality measurements part 3: funnel plots].

    PubMed

    Kottner, Jan; Lahmann, Nils

    2014-02-01

    Comparative quality measurements between organisations or institutions are common. Quality measures need to be standardised and risk adjusted. Random error must also be taken adequately into account. Rankings without consideration of the precision lead to flawed interpretations and enhances "gaming". Application of confidence intervals is one possibility to take chance variation into account. Funnel plots are modified control charts based on Statistical Process Control (SPC) theory. The quality measures are plotted against their sample size. Warning and control limits that are 2 or 3 standard deviations from the center line are added. With increasing group size the precision increases and so the control limits are forming a funnel. Data points within the control limits are considered to show common cause variation; data points outside special cause variation without the focus of spurious rankings. Funnel plots offer data based information about how to evaluate institutional performance within quality management contexts.

  8. [Changes in blood gases with temperature: implications for clinical practice].

    PubMed

    Tremey, B; Vigué, B

    2004-05-01

    To understand changes in blood gases results with core temperature. Analysis from two case reports. Hypothermia induces a decrease in PaCO(2) with a related increase in pH, thus a physiologic alkalosis. Decrease in PaCO(2) is due to an increase of gas solubility and a decrease of peripheral consumption that can be estimated from comparison between corrected and non-corrected for temperature blood gases. For O(2), variations of temperature induce variations of solubility but also of haemoglobin affinity for O(2). During hyperthermia, haemoglobin affinity for O(2) is decreased with a decreased SvO(2) for a same PvO(2). SvO(2) ischemic or therapeutic thresholds are thus modified with core temperature. Blood gases cannot be understood without patient core temperature. Physiologic variations of PaCO(2) and pH must probably be tolerated. Ischemic threshold should be estimated on PvO(2), not only on PvO(2).

  9. Decision tree rating scales for workload estimation: Theme and variations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wierwille, W. W.; Skipper, J. H.; Rieger, C. A.

    1984-01-01

    The Modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) scale which is a sensitive indicator of workload in several different types of aircrew tasks was examined. The study determined if variations of the scale might provide greater sensitivity and the reasons for the sensitivity of the scale. The MCH scale and five newly devised scales were examined in two different aircraft simulator experiments in which pilot loading was treated as an independent variable. It is indicated that while one of the new scales may be more sensitive in a given experiment, task dependency is a problem. The MCH scale exhibits consistent senstivity and remains the scale recommended for general use. The MCH scale results are consistent with earlier experiments. The rating scale experiments are reported and the questionnaire results which were directed to obtain a better understanding of the reasons for the relative sensitivity of the MCH scale and its variations are described.

  10. Decision Tree Rating Scales for Workload Estimation: Theme and Variations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wietwille, W. W.; Skipper, J. H.; Rieger, C. A.

    1984-01-01

    The modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) scale has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of workload in several different types of aircrew tasks. The MCH scale was examined to determine if certain variations of the scale might provide even greater sensitivity and to determine the reasons for the sensitivity of the scale. The MCH scale and five newly devised scales were studied in two different aircraft simulator experiments in which pilot loading was treated as an independent variable. Results indicate that while one of the new scales may be more sensitive in a given experiment, task dependency is a problem. The MCH scale exhibits consistent sensitivity and remains the scale recommended for general use. The results of the rating scale experiments are presented and the questionnaire results which were directed at obtaining a better understanding of the reasons for the relative sensitivity of the MCH scale and its variations are described.

  11. Mixed variational formulations of finite element analysis of elastoacoustic/slosh fluid-structure interaction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Felippa, Carlos A.; Ohayon, Roger

    1991-01-01

    A general three-field variational principle is obtained for the motion of an acoustic fluid enclosed in a rigid or flexible container by the method of canonical decomposition applied to a modified form of the wave equation in the displacement potential. The general principle is specialized to a mixed two-field principle that contains the fluid displacement potential and pressure as independent fields. This principle contains a free parameter alpha. Semidiscrete finite-element equations of motion based on this principle are displayed and applied to the transient response and free-vibrations of the coupled fluid-structure problem. It is shown that a particular setting of alpha yields a rich set of formulations that can be customized to fit physical and computational requirements. The variational principle is then extended to handle slosh motions in a uniform gravity field, and used to derive semidiscrete equations of motion that account for such effects.

  12. The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate

    DOE PAGES

    Jing, Xin; Sanders, Nathan J.; Shi, Yu; ...

    2015-09-02

    Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic variables account for up to 86% of the variation in EMF, with the combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity accounting for 45% of the variation inmore » EMF. Our results have two important implications: first, including belowground biodiversity in models can improve the ability to explain and predict EMF. Second, regional-scale variation in climate, and perhaps climate change, can determine, or at least modify, the effects of biodiversity on EMF in natural ecosystems.« less

  13. The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate

    PubMed Central

    Jing, Xin; Sanders, Nathan J.; Shi, Yu; Chu, Haiyan; Classen, Aimée T.; Zhao, Ke; Chen, Litong; Shi, Yue; Jiang, Youxu; He, Jin-Sheng

    2015-01-01

    Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic variables account for up to 86% of the variation in EMF, with the combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity accounting for 45% of the variation in EMF. Our results have two important implications: first, including belowground biodiversity in models can improve the ability to explain and predict EMF. Second, regional-scale variation in climate, and perhaps climate change, can determine, or at least modify, the effects of biodiversity on EMF in natural ecosystems. PMID:26328906

  14. The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate

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

    Jing, Xin; Sanders, Nathan J.; Shi, Yu

    Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic variables account for up to 86% of the variation in EMF, with the combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity accounting for 45% of the variation inmore » EMF. Our results have two important implications: first, including belowground biodiversity in models can improve the ability to explain and predict EMF. Second, regional-scale variation in climate, and perhaps climate change, can determine, or at least modify, the effects of biodiversity on EMF in natural ecosystems.« less

  15. [Copy number variation: markers and predictors for type 2 diabetes].

    PubMed

    Ramírez-Valverde, Alan Gilberto; Antúnez-Ortiz, Diana Lizzete; Méndez-Beleche, Alberto; Flores-Alfaro, Eugenia; Ascencio-Montiel, Iván Jesús; Cruz, Miguel

    2015-01-01

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease characterized by a deficiency in production or action of insulin. It is the result mainly of the interaction of the environment, lifestyle, as well as genetic factors. It is considered as one of the major health issues in the world because it affects severely the psychological well-being and overall life quality. Recently it has been shown that DNA copy number variations (CNVs) are associated with several diseases, including obesity and T2D. The CNVs are present from 9 to 18 % of the genome and can modify the expression levels of mRNA and proteins encoded by genes located near their localization. Less is known about their contribution to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, which is necessary to characterize so that these variations can be potentially used as biomarkers of genetic risk CNVs of T2D.

  16. Transgenerational Effects Alter Plant Defense and Resistance in Nature

    PubMed Central

    Colicchio, Jack

    2017-01-01

    Trichomes, or leaf hairs, are epidermal extensions that take a variety of forms and perform many functions in plants, including herbivore defense. In this study, I document genetically determined variation, within-generation plasticity, and a direct role of trichomes in herbivore defense for Mimulus guttatus. After establishing the relationship between trichomes and herbivory, I test for transgenerational effects of wounding on trichome density and herbivore resistance. Patterns of inter-annual variation in herbivore density and the high cost of plant defense makes plant-herbivore interactions a system in which transgenerational phenotypic plasticity (TPP) is apt to evolve. Here, I demonstrate that parental damage alters offspring trichome density and herbivore resistance in nature. Moreover, this response varies between populations. This is among the first studies to demonstrate that TPP contributes to variation in nature, and also suggests that selection can modify TPP in response to local conditions. PMID:28102915

  17. Mathematical modeling of ethanol production in solid-state fermentation based on solid medium' dry weight variation.

    PubMed

    Mazaheri, Davood; Shojaosadati, Seyed Abbas; Zamir, Seyed Morteza; Mousavi, Seyyed Mohammad

    2018-04-21

    In this work, mathematical modeling of ethanol production in solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been done based on the variation in the dry weight of solid medium. This method was previously used for mathematical modeling of enzyme production; however, the model should be modified to predict the production of a volatile compound like ethanol. The experimental results of bioethanol production from the mixture of carob pods and wheat bran by Zymomonas mobilis in SSF were used for the model validation. Exponential and logistic kinetic models were used for modeling the growth of microorganism. In both cases, the model predictions matched well with the experimental results during the exponential growth phase, indicating the good ability of solid medium weight variation method for modeling a volatile product formation in solid-state fermentation. In addition, using logistic model, better predictions were obtained.

  18. Wetland Feature Extraction in Poyang Lake from Muti-Sensor and Multi-Temporal Images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Li; Desnos, Yves-Louis; Wang, Yeqiao; Chen, Xiaoling; Zmuda, Andy; Yesou, Herve

    2016-08-01

    Under the high dynamic hydrological variations and impacts from human activities, the nature wetlands of Poyang Lake face major challenges in biodiversity decline and wetland degradation. Variations of Poyang Lake wetlands are difficult to map by a single source or one time remote sensing imagery because the landscape is dominated by herbaceous vegetation and aquatic macrophytes which are altered and controlled by the water level. This study selected and combined time series NDVI, Green Ratio Vegetation Index (GRVI) and Modified Normalized Different Water Index (MNDWI), Backscattering coefficients(σ0) (VV&VH mode), Shannon Entropy (SE) and H/α wishart classification value derived from Sentinel 1A and Sentinel 2A to investigate the spatial-temporal variation of wetlands in autumn and spring growing season with discussions about the possibility of monitoring the wetland vegetation by C-band dual-pol datasets.

  19. The comparison of SRs' variation affected by solar events observed in America and in China

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, H.; Williams, E.

    2017-12-01

    Schumann Resonances(SRs) are the electromagnetic resonance wave propagating in the earth-ionosphere cavity. Its characteristic of propagation are modified by the variation of ionosphere. So SRs can be the tools of monitoring the ionosphere which is often perturbed by solar events, x-ray emission and some other space-weather events (Roldugin et.al., 2004, De et al., 2010; Satori et.al., 2015). In present work, the amplitude and intrinsic frequencies of SRs observed at RID station in America and YSH station in China are compared. The variation of SRs during the solar flare on Feb. 15, 2011 are analyzed. Two-Dimensional Telegraph Equation(TDTE) method is used to simulate the perturbation of ionosphere by solar proton events. From the simulation and observation, the asymmetric construction of ionoshphere which is perturbed by the solar event will affect the amplitudes and frequencies of SRs. Due to the interfere influence of forward and backward propagation of electromagnetic field, the SR amplitude on different station will present different variation. The distance among the lightning source, observer and perturbed area will produce the different variation of amplitude and frequency for different station' SR.

  20. An Improved Variational Method for Hyperspectral Image Pansharpening with the Constraint of Spectral Difference Minimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Z.; Chen, Q.; Shen, Y.; Chen, Q.; Liu, X.

    2017-09-01

    Variational pansharpening can enhance the spatial resolution of a hyperspectral (HS) image using a high-resolution panchromatic (PAN) image. However, this technology may lead to spectral distortion that obviously affect the accuracy of data analysis. In this article, we propose an improved variational method for HS image pansharpening with the constraint of spectral difference minimization. We extend the energy function of the classic variational pansharpening method by adding a new spectral fidelity term. This fidelity term is designed following the definition of spectral angle mapper, which means that for every pixel, the spectral difference value of any two bands in the HS image is in equal proportion to that of the two corresponding bands in the pansharpened image. Gradient descent method is adopted to find the optimal solution of the modified energy function, and the pansharpened image can be reconstructed. Experimental results demonstrate that the constraint of spectral difference minimization is able to preserve the original spectral information well in HS images, and reduce the spectral distortion effectively. Compared to original variational method, our method performs better in both visual and quantitative evaluation, and achieves a good trade-off between spatial and spectral information.

  1. Solid-propellant rocket motor ballistic performance variation analyses

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sforzini, R. H.; Foster, W. A., Jr.

    1975-01-01

    Results are presented of research aimed at improving the assessment of off-nominal internal ballistic performance including tailoff and thrust imbalance of two large solid-rocket motors (SRMs) firing in parallel. Previous analyses using the Monte Carlo technique were refined to permit evaluation of the effects of radial and circumferential propellant temperature gradients. Sample evaluations of the effect of the temperature gradients are presented. A separate theoretical investigation of the effect of strain rate on the burning rate of propellant indicates that the thermoelastic coupling may cause substantial variations in burning rate during highly transient operating conditions. The Monte Carlo approach was also modified to permit the effects on performance of variation in the characteristics between lots of propellants and other materials to be evaluated. This permits the variabilities for the total SRM population to be determined. A sample case shows, however, that the effect of these between-lot variations on thrust imbalances within pairs of SRMs is minor in compariosn to the effect of the within-lot variations. The revised Monte Carlo and design analysis computer programs along with instructions including format requirements for preparation of input data and illustrative examples are presented.

  2. Social environment influences the relationship between genotype and gene expression in wild baboons

    PubMed Central

    Runcie, Daniel E.; Wiedmann, Ralph T.; Archie, Elizabeth A.; Altmann, Jeanne; Wray, Gregory A.; Alberts, Susan C.; Tung, Jenny

    2013-01-01

    Variation in the social environment can have profound effects on survival and reproduction in wild social mammals. However, we know little about the degree to which these effects are influenced by genetic differences among individuals, and conversely, the degree to which social environmental variation mediates genetic reaction norms. To better understand these relationships, we investigated the potential for dominance rank, social connectedness and group size to modify the effects of genetic variation on gene expression in the wild baboons of the Amboseli basin. We found evidence for a number of gene–environment interactions (GEIs) associated with variation in the social environment, encompassing social environments experienced in adulthood as well as persistent effects of early life social environment. Social connectedness, maternal dominance rank and group size all interacted with genotype to influence gene expression in at least one sex, and either in early life or in adulthood. These results suggest that social and behavioural variation, akin to other factors such as age and sex, can impact the genotype–phenotype relationship. We conclude that GEIs mediated by the social environment are important in the evolution and maintenance of individual differences in wild social mammals, including individual differences in responses to social stressors. PMID:23569293

  3. Role of iron modifier on boron atomization process using graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry based on speciation of iron using X-ray absorption fine structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamamoto, Yuhei; Tagami, Azusa; Shiarasaki, Toshihiro; Yonetani, Akira; Yamamoto, Takashi; Imai, Shoji

    2018-04-01

    The role of an Fe modifier on boron atomization process using graphite furnace-atomic absorbance spectrometry was investigated using a spectroscopic approach. The initial state of the Fe modifier in a pyrolytic graphite (PG) furnace was trivalent. With an increase in pyrolysis temperature, the Fe modifier was reduced in a stepwise manner. Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 were dominant at pyrolysis temperatures below 1300 K. From 1300 to 1500 K, FeO was dominant. At temperatures higher than 1700 K, Fe metal was dominant. After a drying step, 17.7% of the initial B remained in the PG furnace. After the pyrolysis step at 773 K, the residual fraction of B was similar to that after the drying step. After the pyrolysis step at a temperature of 1073 K, the residual fraction was 11.7%. At pyrolysis temperatures > 1738 K, the residual fraction was <3.3% (

  4. Arterial Pressure Variation in Elective Non-cardiac Surgery: Identifying Reference Distributions and Modifying Factors

    PubMed Central

    Mathis, Michael R.; Schechtman, Samuel A.; Engoren, Milo C.; Shanks, Amy M.; Thompson, Aleda; Kheterpal, Sachin; Tremper, Kevin K.

    2016-01-01

    Background Assessment of need for intravascular volume resuscitation remains challenging for anesthesiologists. Dynamic waveform indices, including systolic- and pulse-pressure variation (SPV/PPV), are demonstrated as reliable measures of fluid-responsiveness for mechanically ventilated patients. Despite widespread use, real-world reference distributions for SPV and PPV values have not been established for euvolemic intraoperative patients. The authors sought to establish SPV and PPV reference distributions and assess impact of modifying factors. Methods The authors evaluated adult patients undergoing general anesthetics for elective non-cardiac surgery. Median SPV and PPV over a 50-minute post-induction period were noted for each case. Modifying factors including body-mass index, age, ventilator settings, positioning, and hemodynamic management were studied via univariate and multivariable analyses. For SPV values, effects of data entry method (manually-entered versus automated recorded) were similarly studied. Results Among 1,791 cases, per-case median SPV and PPV values formed non-parametric distributions. For each distribution, median values, interquartile ranges, and reference intervals (2.5th-97.5th percentile) were respectively noted: these included manually-entered SPV (6.0, 5.0-7.0, 3.0-11.0 mmHg), automated SPV (4.7, 3.9-6.0, 2.2-10.4 mmHg), and automated PPV (7.0, 5.0-9.0, 2.0-16.0%). Non-supine positioning and preoperative beta blocker were independently associated with altered SPV and PPV, whereas ventilator tidal volume >8 mL/kg ideal body weight and peak inspiratory pressure >16 cm H2O demonstrated independent associations for SPV only. Conclusions This study establishes real-world SPV and PPV reference distributions absent in the current literature. Through a consideration of reference distributions and modifying factors, our study provides further evidence for assessing intraoperative volume status and fluid management therapies. PMID:27906705

  5. Genetic modifiers of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis1234

    PubMed Central

    Bradley, Gia M; Blackman, Scott M; Watson, Christopher P; Doshi, Vishal K; Cutting, Garry R

    2012-01-01

    Background: Improved nutrition early in life is associated with better pulmonary function for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, nutritional status is poorly correlated with the CFTR genotype. Objective: We investigated the extent to which modifier genes influence nutrition in children with CF. Design: BMI data were longitudinally collected from the CF Twin-Sibling Study and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry for twins and siblings from 2000 to 2010. A nutritional phenotype was derived for 1124 subjects by calculating the average BMI z score from 5–10 y of age (BMI-z5to10). The genetic contribution to the variation in BMI-z5to10 (ie, heritability) was estimated by comparing the similarity of the phenotype in monozygous twins to that in dizygous twins and siblings. Linkage analysis identified potential modifier-gene loci. Results: The median BMI-z5to10 was −0.07 (range: −3.89 to 2.30), which corresponded to the 47th CDC percentile. BMI-z5to10 was negatively correlated with pancreatic insufficiency, history of meconium ileus, and female sex but positively correlated with later birth cohorts and lung function. Monozygous twins showed greater concordance for BMI-z5to10 than did dizygous twins and siblings; heritability estimates from same-sex twin-only analyses ranged from 0.54 to 0.82. For 1010 subjects with pancreatic insufficiency, genome-wide significant linkage was identified on chromosomes 1p36.1 [log of odds (LOD): 5.3] and 5q14 (LOD: 5.1). These loci explained ≥16% and ≥15%, respectively, of the BMI variance. Conclusions: The analysis of twins and siblings with CF indicates a prominent role for genes other than CFTR to BMI variation. Specifically, regions on chromosomes 1 and 5 appear to harbor genetic modifiers of substantial effect. PMID:23134884

  6. Self-potential characteristics of the dormant period of Izu-Oshima volcano

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsushima, Nobuo; Nishi, Yuji; Onizawa, Shin'ya; Takakura, Shinichi; Hase, Hideaki; Ishido, Tsuneo

    2017-12-01

    Continuous self-potential (SP) monitoring has been conducted at Izu-Oshima volcano to detect signals resulting from volcanic activity since the installation of an SP monitoring network in March 2006. Since the installation, annual variations of up to 100 mV have been recorded. If we exclude these annual variations, temporal variations in SP do not show notable changes. This is consistent with the volcano being in a state of quiescence during the measurement period. The annual variations have the different amplitudes and mean levels between stations. To investigate the causes of these annual variations, we carried out numerical simulations of SP generation associated with downward meteoric water flow through electrokinetic coupling in a 550 m thick unsaturated layer. The results show that the vertical electric potential gradient varies with changes in liquid-phase saturation in the unsaturated layer. These changes are caused by variations in the rate of meteoric water percolation. This, in turn, correlates with fluctuations in daily precipitation, thus explaining the annual SP variation recorded at the ground surface. Differences in the amplitude and mean level of SP variation are shown to be associated with different rock properties, especially permeability, porosity, and electrical conductivity. Our results indicate that observable SP changes will appear at stations near the summit if the distributions of liquid-phase saturation and/or pertinent parameters controlling the electrokinetic coupling in the thick unsaturated layer are modified the upward flow of volcanic gas.

  7. In Silico Detection of Sequence Variations Modifying Transcriptional Regulation

    PubMed Central

    Andersen, Malin C; Engström, Pär G; Lithwick, Stuart; Arenillas, David; Eriksson, Per; Lenhard, Boris; Wasserman, Wyeth W; Odeberg, Jacob

    2008-01-01

    Identification of functional genetic variation associated with increased susceptibility to complex diseases can elucidate genes and underlying biochemical mechanisms linked to disease onset and progression. For genes linked to genetic diseases, most identified causal mutations alter an encoded protein sequence. Technological advances for measuring RNA abundance suggest that a significant number of undiscovered causal mutations may alter the regulation of gene transcription. However, it remains a challenge to separate causal genetic variations from linked neutral variations. Here we present an in silico driven approach to identify possible genetic variation in regulatory sequences. The approach combines phylogenetic footprinting and transcription factor binding site prediction to identify variation in candidate cis-regulatory elements. The bioinformatics approach has been tested on a set of SNPs that are reported to have a regulatory function, as well as background SNPs. In the absence of additional information about an analyzed gene, the poor specificity of binding site prediction is prohibitive to its application. However, when additional data is available that can give guidance on which transcription factor is involved in the regulation of the gene, the in silico binding site prediction improves the selection of candidate regulatory polymorphisms for further analyses. The bioinformatics software generated for the analysis has been implemented as a Web-based application system entitled RAVEN (regulatory analysis of variation in enhancers). The RAVEN system is available at http://www.cisreg.ca for all researchers interested in the detection and characterization of regulatory sequence variation. PMID:18208319

  8. Food effects on abiraterone pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Chi, Kim N; Spratlin, Jennifer; Kollmannsberger, Christian; North, Scott; Pankras, Catherine; Gonzalez, Martha; Bernard, Apexa; Stieltjes, Hans; Peng, Lixian; Jiao, James; Acharya, Milin; Kheoh, Thian; Griffin, Thomas W; Yu, Margaret K; Chien, Caly; Tran, Nam Phuong

    2015-12-01

    Food effect on abiraterone pharmacokinetics and safety on abiraterone acetate coadministration with low-fat or high-fat meals was examined in healthy subjects and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Healthy subjects (n = 36) were randomized to abiraterone acetate (single dose, 1000 mg) + low-fat meal, + high-fat meal, and fasted state. mCRPC patients received repeated doses (abiraterone acetate 1000 mg + 5 mg prednisone twice daily; days 1-7) in a modified fasting state followed by abiraterone acetate plus prednisone within 0.5 hours post-low-fat (n = 6) or high-fat meal (n = 18; days 8-14). In healthy subjects, geometric mean (GM) abiraterone area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) increased ∼5- and ∼10-fold, respectively, with low-fat and high-fat meals versus fasted state (GM [coefficient of variation], 1942 [48] and 4077 [37] ng · h/mL vs 421 [67] ng · h/mL, respectively). In mCRPC patients, abiraterone AUC was ∼2-fold higher with a high-fat meal and similar with a low-fat meal versus modified fasting state (GM [coefficient of variation]: 1992 [34] vs 973 [58] ng · h/mL and 1264 [65] vs 1185 [90] ng · h/mL, respectively). Adverse events (all grade ≤ 3) were similar, with high-fat/low-fat meals or fasted/modified fasting state. Short-term dosing with food did not alter abiraterone acetate safety. © 2015, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  9. Retention modeling under organic modifier gradient conditions in ion-pair reversed-phase chromatography. Application to the separation of a set of underivatized amino acids.

    PubMed

    Pappa-Louisi, A; Agrafiotou, P; Papachristos, K

    2010-07-01

    The combined effect of the ion-pairing reagent concentration, C(ipr), and organic modifier content, phi, on the retention under phi-gradient conditions at different constant C(ipr) was treated in this study by using two approaches. In the first approach, the prediction of the retention time of a sample solute is based on a direct fitting procedure of a proper retention model to 3-D phi-gradient retention data obtained under the same phi-linear variation but with different slope and time duration of the initial isocratic part and in the presence of various constant C(ipr) values in the eluent. The second approach is based on a retention model describing the combined effect of C(ipr) and phi on the retention of solutes in isocratic mode and consequently analyzes isocratic data obtained in mobile phases containing different C(ipr) values. The effectiveness of the above approaches was tested in the retention prediction of a mixture of 16 underivatized amino acids using mobile phases containing acetonitrile as organic modifier and sodium dodecyl sulfate as ion-pairing reagent. From these approaches, only the first one gives satisfactory predictions and can be successfully used in optimization of ion-pair chromatographic separations under gradient conditions. The failure of the second approach to predict the retention of solutes in the gradient elution mode in the presence of different C(ipr) values was attributed to slow changes in the distribution equilibrium of ion-pairing reagents caused by phi-variation.

  10. Interpolating precipitation and its relation to runoff and non-point source pollution.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chia-Ling; Lo, Shang-Lien; Yu, Shaw-L

    2005-01-01

    When rainfall spatially varies, complete rainfall data for each region with different rainfall characteristics are very important. Numerous interpolation methods have been developed for estimating unknown spatial characteristics. However, no interpolation method is suitable for all circumstances. In this study, several methods, including the arithmetic average method, the Thiessen Polygons method, the traditional inverse distance method, and the modified inverse distance method, were used to interpolate precipitation. The modified inverse distance method considers not only horizontal distances but also differences between the elevations of the region with no rainfall records and of its surrounding rainfall stations. The results show that when the spatial variation of rainfall is strong, choosing a suitable interpolation method is very important. If the rainfall is uniform, the precipitation estimated using any interpolation method would be quite close to the actual precipitation. When rainfall is heavy in locations with high elevation, the rainfall changes with the elevation. In this situation, the modified inverse distance method is much more effective than any other method discussed herein for estimating the rainfall input for WinVAST to estimate runoff and non-point source pollution (NPSP). When the spatial variation of rainfall is random, regardless of the interpolation method used to yield rainfall input, the estimation errors of runoff and NPSP are large. Moreover, the relationship between the relative error of the predicted runoff and predicted pollutant loading of SS is high. However, the pollutant concentration is affected by both runoff and pollutant export, so the relationship between the relative error of the predicted runoff and the predicted pollutant concentration of SS may be unstable.

  11. THE DISTURBANCE OF A MILLISECOND PULSAR MAGNETOSPHERE

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

    Shannon, R. M.; Kerr, M.; Dai, S.

    2016-09-01

    Pulsar timing has enabled some of the strongest tests of fundamental physics. Central to the technique is the assumption that the detected radio pulses can be used to accurately measure the rotation of the pulsar. Here, we report on a broadband variation in the pulse profile of the millisecond pulsar J1643−1224. A new component of emission suddenly appears in the pulse profile, decays over four months, and results in a permanently modified pulse shape. Profile variations such as these may be the origin of timing noise observed in other millisecond pulsars. The sensitivity of pulsar-timing observations to gravitational radiation canmore » be increased by accounting for this variability.« less

  12. Application of TVD schemes for the Euler equations of gas dynamics. [total variation diminishing for nonlinear hyperbolic systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yee, H. C.; Warming, R. F.; Harten, A.

    1985-01-01

    First-order, second-order, and implicit total variation diminishing (TVD) schemes are reviewed using the modified flux approach. Some transient and steady-state calculations are then carried out to illustrate the applicability of these schemes to the Euler equations. It is shown that the second-order explicit TVD schemes generate good shock resolution for both transient and steady-state one-dimensional and two-dimensional problems. Numerical experiments for a quasi-one-dimensional nozzle problem show that the second-order implicit TVD scheme produces a fairly rapid convergence rate and remains stable even when running with a Courant number of 10 to the 6th.

  13. Effects of spatial variations of soil moisture and vegetation on the evolution of a prestorm environment - A numerical case study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chang, Jy-Tai; Wetzel, Peter J.

    1991-01-01

    To examine the effects of spatial variations of soil moisture and vegetation coverage on the evolution of a prestorm environment, the Goddard mesoscale model is modified to incorporate a simple evapotranspiration model that requires these two parameters. The case study of 3-4 June 1980 is of special interest due to the development of a tornado producing convective complex near Grand Island, Nebraska during a period of comparatively weak synoptic-scale forcing. It is shown that the observed stationary front was strongly enhanced by differential heating created by observed gradients of soil moisture, as acted upon by the vegetation cover.

  14. Method of controlling cyclic variation in engine combustion

    DOEpatents

    Davis, L.I. Jr.; Daw, C.S.; Feldkamp, L.A.; Hoard, J.W.; Yuan, F.; Connolly, F.T.

    1999-07-13

    Cyclic variation in combustion of a lean burning engine is reduced by detecting an engine combustion event output such as torsional acceleration in a cylinder (i) at a combustion event (k), using the detected acceleration to predict a target acceleration for the cylinder at the next combustion event (k+1), modifying the target output by a correction term that is inversely proportional to the average phase of the combustion event output of cylinder (i) and calculating a control output such as fuel pulse width or spark timing necessary to achieve the target acceleration for cylinder (i) at combustion event (k+1) based on anti-correlation with the detected acceleration and spill-over effects from fueling. 27 figs.

  15. Method of controlling cyclic variation in engine combustion

    DOEpatents

    Davis, Jr., Leighton Ira; Daw, Charles Stuart; Feldkamp, Lee Albert; Hoard, John William; Yuan, Fumin; Connolly, Francis Thomas

    1999-01-01

    Cyclic variation in combustion of a lean burning engine is reduced by detecting an engine combustion event output such as torsional acceleration in a cylinder (i) at a combustion event (k), using the detected acceleration to predict a target acceleration for the cylinder at the next combustion event (k+1), modifying the target output by a correction term that is inversely proportional to the average phase of the combustion event output of cylinder (i) and calculating a control output such as fuel pulse width or spark timing necessary to achieve the target acceleration for cylinder (i) at combustion event (k+1) based on anti-correlation with the detected acceleration and spill-over effects from fueling.

  16. Pharmacogenetics: has the time come for pharmacists to embrace and implement the science?

    PubMed

    Beier, Manju T; Panchapagesan, Madhumitha; Carman, Ladd E

    2013-11-01

    Pharmacogenetics--the study of interindividual differences in medication response as a result of genetic variations--has emerged as a potentially useful tool for individualizing medication regimens for patients. Genetic variations can affect drug disposition inseveral ways, from modifying receptor sensitivities to impacting drug metabolism. Over the last several years, the Food and Drug Administration has been steadily including pharmacogenetic information in drug labeling for several commonly prescribed drugs. Several organizations are attempting to provide evidence-based guidelines for widespread implementation and interpretation. Pharmacists, armed with knowledge of drug metabolism pathways and drug-gene interactions, are uniquely positioned to play an active role in the education, provision, and clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics.

  17. Geographic Variation of Melanisation Patterns in a Hornet Species: Genetic Differences, Climatic Pressures or Aposematic Constraints?

    PubMed Central

    Perrard, Adrien; Arca, Mariangela; Rome, Quentin; Muller, Franck; Tan, Jiangli; Bista, Sanjaya; Nugroho, Hari; Baudoin, Raymond; Baylac, Michel; Silvain, Jean-François; Carpenter, James M.; Villemant, Claire

    2014-01-01

    Coloration of stinging insects is often based on contrasted patterns of light and black pigmentations as a warning signal to predators. However, in many social wasp species, geographic variation drastically modifies this signal through melanic polymorphism potentially driven by different selective pressures. To date, surprisingly little is known about the geographic variation of coloration of social wasps in relation to aposematism and melanism and to genetic and developmental constraints. The main objectives of this study are to improve the description of the colour variation within a social wasp species and to determine which factors are driving this variation. Therefore, we explored the evolutionary history of a polymorphic hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836, using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers, and we analysed its melanic variation using a colour space based on a description of body parts coloration. We found two main lineages within the species and confirmed the previous synonymy of V. auraria Smith, 1852, under V. velutina, differing only by the coloration. We also found that the melanic variation of most body parts was positively correlated, with some segments forming potential colour modules. Finally, we showed that the variation of coloration between populations was not related to their molecular, geographic or climatic differences. Our observations suggest that the coloration patterns of hornets and their geographic variations are determined by genes with an influence of developmental constraints. Our results also highlight that Vespa velutina populations have experienced several convergent evolutions of the coloration, more likely influenced by constraints on aposematism and Müllerian mimicry than by abiotic pressures on melanism. PMID:24740142

  18. Geographic variation of melanisation patterns in a hornet species: genetic differences, climatic pressures or aposematic constraints?

    PubMed

    Perrard, Adrien; Arca, Mariangela; Rome, Quentin; Muller, Franck; Tan, Jiangli; Bista, Sanjaya; Nugroho, Hari; Baudoin, Raymond; Baylac, Michel; Silvain, Jean-François; Carpenter, James M; Villemant, Claire

    2014-01-01

    Coloration of stinging insects is often based on contrasted patterns of light and black pigmentations as a warning signal to predators. However, in many social wasp species, geographic variation drastically modifies this signal through melanic polymorphism potentially driven by different selective pressures. To date, surprisingly little is known about the geographic variation of coloration of social wasps in relation to aposematism and melanism and to genetic and developmental constraints. The main objectives of this study are to improve the description of the colour variation within a social wasp species and to determine which factors are driving this variation. Therefore, we explored the evolutionary history of a polymorphic hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836, using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers, and we analysed its melanic variation using a colour space based on a description of body parts coloration. We found two main lineages within the species and confirmed the previous synonymy of V. auraria Smith, 1852, under V. velutina, differing only by the coloration. We also found that the melanic variation of most body parts was positively correlated, with some segments forming potential colour modules. Finally, we showed that the variation of coloration between populations was not related to their molecular, geographic or climatic differences. Our observations suggest that the coloration patterns of hornets and their geographic variations are determined by genes with an influence of developmental constraints. Our results also highlight that Vespa velutina populations have experienced several convergent evolutions of the coloration, more likely influenced by constraints on aposematism and Müllerian mimicry than by abiotic pressures on melanism.

  19. Bulk-modified modified screen-printing carbon electrodes with both lactate oxidase (LOD) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) for the determination of L-lactate in flow injection analysis mode.

    PubMed

    Ghamouss, Fouad; Ledru, Sophie; Ruillé, Nadine; Lantier, Françoise; Boujtita, Mohammed

    2006-06-16

    A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with both HRP and LOD (SPCE-HRP/LOD) has been developed for the determination of L-lactate concentration in real samples. The resulting SPCE-HRP/LOD was prepared in a one-step procedure, and was then optimised as an amperometric biosensor operating at [0, -100]mV versus Ag/AgCl for L-lactate determination in flow injection mode. A significant improvement in the reproducibility (coefficient variation of about 10%) of the preparation of the biosensors was obtained when graphite powder was modified with LOD in the presence of HRP previously oxidised by periodate ion (IO4-). Optimisation studies were performed by examining the effects of LOD loading, periodation step and rate of the binder on analytical performances of SPCE-HRP/LOD. The sensitivity of the optimised SPCE-HRP/LOD to L-lactate was 0.84 nAL micromol(-1) in a detection range between 10 and 180 microMol. The possibility of using the developed biosensor to determine L-lactate concentrations in various dairy products was also evaluated.

  20. Chemical characteristics and volatile profile of genetically modified peanut cultivars.

    PubMed

    Ng, Ee Chin; Dunford, Nurhan T; Chenault, Kelly

    2008-10-01

    Genetic engineering has been used to modify peanut cultivars for improving agronomic performance and pest resistance. Food products developed through genetic engineering have to be assessed for their safety before approval for human consumption. Preservation of desirable chemical, flavor and aroma attributes of the peanut cultivars during the genetic modifications is critical for acceptance of genetically modified peanuts (GMP) by the food industry. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine chemical characteristics and volatile profile of GMP. The genetically modified peanut cultivars, 188, 540 and 654 were obtained from the USDA-ARS in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The peanut variety Okrun was examined as a control. The volatile analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) equipped with an olfactory detector. The peanut samples were also analyzed for their moisture, ash, protein, sugar and oil compositions. Experimental results showed that the variations in nutritional composition of peanut lines examined in this study were within the values reported for existing cultivars. There were minor differences in volatile profile among the samples. The implication of this study is significant, since it shows that peanut cultivars with greater pest and fungal resistance were successfully developed without major changes in their chemical characteristics.

  1. Rapid determination of methylmercury in fish and shellfish: method development

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

    Hight, S.C.; Corcoran, M.T.

    The AOAC official first action method for methylmercury in fish and shellfish was modified to provide more rapid determination. Methylmercury is isolated from homogenized, acetone-washed tissue by addition of HCl and extraction by toluene of the methylmercuric chloride produced. The extract is analyzed by electron capture gas chromatography (GC) on 5% DEGS-PS treated with mercuric chloride solution. The quantitation limit of the method is 0.25 ..mu..g Hg/g. Swordfish, shark, tuna, shrimp, clams, oysters, and NBS Research Material-50 (tuna) were analyzed for methylmercury by the AOAC official first action method. All products also were analyzed by the modified method and themore » AOAC official method for total Hg. In addition, selected extracts obtained with the modified method were analyzed by GC with Hg-selective, microwave-induced helium plasma detection. There was no significant different between the results for the various methods. Essentially all the Hg present (determined as total Hg) was in the organic form. Coefficients of variation from analyses by the modified method ranged from 1 to 7% for fish and shellfish containing methylmercury at levels of 0.50-2.30 ..mu..g Hg/g. The overall average recovery was 100.5%.« less

  2. Covering Chemical Diversity of Genetically-Modified Tomatoes Using Metabolomics for Objective Substantial Equivalence Assessment

    PubMed Central

    Hirai, Tadayoshi; Oikawa, Akira; Matsuda, Fumio; Fukushima, Atsushi; Arita, Masanori; Watanabe, Shin; Yano, Megumu; Hiwasa-Tanase, Kyoko; Ezura, Hiroshi; Saito, Kazuki

    2011-01-01

    As metabolomics can provide a biochemical snapshot of an organism's phenotype it is a promising approach for charting the unintended effects of genetic modification. A critical obstacle for this application is the inherently limited metabolomic coverage of any single analytical platform. We propose using multiple analytical platforms for the direct acquisition of an interpretable data set of estimable chemical diversity. As an example, we report an application of our multi-platform approach that assesses the substantial equivalence of tomatoes over-expressing the taste-modifying protein miraculin. In combination, the chosen platforms detected compounds that represent 86% of the estimated chemical diversity of the metabolites listed in the LycoCyc database. Following a proof-of-safety approach, we show that % had an acceptable range of variation while simultaneously indicating a reproducible transformation-related metabolic signature. We conclude that multi-platform metabolomics is an approach that is both sensitive and robust and that it constitutes a good starting point for characterizing genetically modified organisms. PMID:21359231

  3. The identification and characterization of non-coding and coding RNAs and their modified nucleosides by mass spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Gaston, Kirk W; Limbach, Patrick A

    2014-01-01

    The analysis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) by mass spectrometry has been a valuable analytical approach for more than 25 years. In fact, mass spectrometry has become a method of choice for the analysis of modified nucleosides from RNA isolated out of biological samples. This review summarizes recent progress that has been made in both nucleoside and oligonucleotide mass spectral analysis. Applications of mass spectrometry in the identification, characterization and quantification of modified nucleosides are discussed. At the oligonucleotide level, advances in modern mass spectrometry approaches combined with the standard RNA modification mapping protocol enable the characterization of RNAs of varying lengths ranging from low molecular weight short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the extremely large 23 S rRNAs. New variations and improvements to this protocol are reviewed, including top-down strategies, as these developments now enable qualitative and quantitative measurements of RNA modification patterns in a variety of biological systems. PMID:25616408

  4. Incidence, prevalence and risk factors for post-surgical hypocalcaemia and hypoparathyroidism

    PubMed Central

    Edafe, Ovie

    2017-01-01

    Hypocalcaemia following thyroid surgery is common and is associated with significant short and long term morbidity. Damage to or devascularisation of parathyroid glands is the predominant underlying mechanism; although other factors such as hungry bone syndrome may occasionally contribute to it in the immediate post-operative period. The reported incidence of post-surgical hypocalcaemia and/or hypoparathyroidism (PoSH) varies significantly in the literature; the variation thought to be at least partly due to differences in the definitions used. Figures on the prevalence of chronic or long term post-surgical hypocalcaemia in the population are unclear. Risk factors for PoSH have been extensively studied in recent years and may be classified into patient, disease and surgery related factors. Some risk factors are modifiable; but both modifiable and non-modifiable factors help in generating a risk profile that may be used to select patients for preventative measures and/or changes in surgical strategy. This narrative review discusses recent literature on the incidence, prevalence and risk factors for PoSH. PMID:29322023

  5. Viscoelastic and Mechanical Properties of Thermoset PMR-type Polyimide-Clay Nanocomposites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abdalla, Mohamed O.; Dean, Derrick; Campbell, Sandi

    2002-01-01

    High temperature thermoset polyimide-clay nanocomposites were prepared by blending 2.5 and 5 wt% of an unmodified Na(+-) montmorillonite (PGV) and two organically modified FGV (PGVCl0COOH, PGVC12) with a methanol solution of PMR-15 precursor. The methanol facilitated the dispersal of the unmodified clay. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed a significant increase in the thermomechanical properties (E' and E") of 2.5 wt% clay loaded nanocomposites in comparison with the neat polyimide. Higher glass transition temperatures were observed for 2.5 wt% nanocomposites compared to the neat polyimide. Flexural properties measurements for the 2.5 wt% nanocomposites showed a significant improvement in the modulus and strength, with no loss in elongation. This trend was not observed for the 5 wt% nanocomposites. An improvement in the CTE was observed for the PGV/PMR-15 nanocomposites, while a decrease was observed for the organically modified samples. This was attributed to potential variations in the interface caused by modifier degradation.

  6. Activation energy associated with the electromigration of oligosaccharides through viscosity modifier and polymeric additive containing background electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Kerékgyártó, Márta; Járvás, Gábor; Novák, Levente; Guttman, András

    2016-02-01

    The activation energy related to the electromigration of oligosaccharides can be determined from their measured electrophoretic mobilities at different temperatures. The effects of a viscosity modifier (ethylene glycol) and a polymeric additive (linear polyacrylamide) on the electrophoretic mobility of linear sugar oligomers with α1-4 linked glucose units (maltooligosaccharides) were studied in CE using the activation energy concept. The electrophoretic separations of 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate-labeled maltooligosaccharides were monitored by LIF detection in the temperature range of 20-50°C, using either 0-60% ethylene glycol (viscosity modifier) or 0-3% linear polyacrylamide (polymeric additive) containing BGEs. Activation energy curves were constructed based on the slopes of the Arrhenius plots. With the use of linear polyacrylamide additive, solute size-dependent activation energy variations were found for the maltooligosaccharides with polymerization degrees below and above maltoheptaose (DP 7), probably due to molecular conformation changes and possible matrix interaction effects. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. The identification and characterization of non-coding and coding RNAs and their modified nucleosides by mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Gaston, Kirk W; Limbach, Patrick A

    2014-01-01

    The analysis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) by mass spectrometry has been a valuable analytical approach for more than 25 years. In fact, mass spectrometry has become a method of choice for the analysis of modified nucleosides from RNA isolated out of biological samples. This review summarizes recent progress that has been made in both nucleoside and oligonucleotide mass spectral analysis. Applications of mass spectrometry in the identification, characterization and quantification of modified nucleosides are discussed. At the oligonucleotide level, advances in modern mass spectrometry approaches combined with the standard RNA modification mapping protocol enable the characterization of RNAs of varying lengths ranging from low molecular weight short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the extremely large 23 S rRNAs. New variations and improvements to this protocol are reviewed, including top-down strategies, as these developments now enable qualitative and quantitative measurements of RNA modification patterns in a variety of biological systems.

  8. Lipid degradation and sensory characteristics of ripened sausages packed in modified atmosphere at different carbon dioxide concentrations.

    PubMed

    Summo, Carmine; Pasqualone, Antonella; Paradiso, Vito Michele; Centomani, Isabella; Centoducati, Gerardo; Caponio, Francesco

    2016-01-15

    Conflicting results about the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) rich in CO2 on the quality of different kinds of meat products are present in the literature. In this study, the degree of lipid degradation and the sensory characteristics of ripened sausages packed in modified atmosphere at three different carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were evaluated during 5 months of storage. The degree of hydrolytic degradation of the lipid fraction was found to decrease with increasing CO2 concentration. Similarly, oxidative phenomena occurred at a lower rate when the CO2 concentration increased. The variations in CO2 concentration influenced the perception of rancid flavor in the examined sausages. An increase in CO2 concentration in MAP slowed down the evolution of lipid oxidation owing to the minor extent of hydrolytic degradation, whose products have pro-oxidant activity. This effect was more evident in the first 2 months of storage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

  9. Study of the mechanism for electrodeposition of dendrite-free zinc in an alkaline electrolyte modified with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, M.; Ivey, D. G.; Qu, W.; Xie, Z.

    2015-01-01

    Electrodeposition of Zn was conducted in a new electrolyte system composed of an alkaline solution (9 M KOH + 5 wt% ZnO) modified with a small amount (0.5 wt%) of room temperature ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMI-DCA). At a high deposition current density of 80 mA cm-2, a porous, dendrite-free Zn film characterized by clusters of small Zn particles was obtained. The mechanism for the modified Zn morphology in the EMI-DCA containing electrolyte was studied by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the addition of EMI-DCA changed the Zn nucleation process and reduced the potential variation during electrodeposition, which suppressed the uneven growth of Zn deposits and the formation of Zn dendrites. EIS results indicated that there was adsorption of EMI+ cations at the Zn film/electrolyte interface, which may have contributed to suppressed dendritic Zn growth.

  10. Diurnal variations of the energy intensity and associated greenhouse gas emissions for activated sludge processes.

    PubMed

    Emami, Nasir; Sobhani, Reza; Rosso, Diego

    2018-04-01

    A model was developed for a water resources recovery facility (WRRF) activated sludge process (ASP) in Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configuration. Amplification of air requirements and its associated energy consumptions were observed as a result of concurrent circadian variations in ASP influent flow and carbonaceous/nitrogenous constituent concentrations. The indirect carbon emissions associated with the ASP aeration were further amplified due to the simultaneous variations in carbon emissions intensity (kgCO 2,eq (kWh) -1 ) and electricity consumption (kWh). The ratio of peak to minimum increased to 3.4 (for flow), 4.2 (for air flow and energy consumption), and 5.2 (for indirect CO 2,eq emission), which is indicative of strong amplification. Similarly, the energy costs for ASP aeration were further increased due to the concurrency of peak energy consumptions and power demands with time of use peak electricity rates. A comparison between the results of the equilibrium model and observed data from the benchmark WRRF demonstrated under- and over-aeration attributed to the circadian variation in air requirements and limitations associated with the aeration system specification and design.

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

    Preece, D.S.; Knudsen, S.D.

    The spherical element computer code DMC (Distinct Motion Code) used to model rock motion resulting from blasting has been enhanced to allow routine computer simulations of bench blasting. The enhancements required for bench blast simulation include: (1) modifying the gas flow portion of DMC, (2) adding a new explosive gas equation of state capability, (3) modifying the porosity calculation, and (4) accounting for blastwell spacing parallel to the face. A parametric study performed with DMC shows logical variation of the face velocity as burden, spacing, blastwell diameter and explosive type are varied. These additions represent a significant advance in themore » capability of DMC which will not only aid in understanding the physics involved in blasting but will also become a blast design tool. 8 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.« less

  12. Visual and light scattering spectrometric method for the detection of melamine using uracil 5‧-triphosphate sodium modified gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Lijiao; Zhen, Shujun; Huang, Chengzhi

    2017-02-01

    A highly selective method was presented for colorimetric determination of melamine using uracil 5‧-triphosphate sodium modified gold nanoparticles (UTP-Au NPs) in this paper. Specific hydrogen-bonding interaction between uracil base (U) and melamine resulted in the aggregation of AuNPs, displaying variations of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) features such as color change from red to blue and enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance light scattering (LSPR-LS) signals. Accordingly, the concentration of melamine could be quantified based on naked eye or a spectrometric method. This method was simple, inexpensive, environmental friendly and highly selective, which has been successfully used for the detection of melamine in pretreated liquid milk products with high recoveries.

  13. Modified radiotherapy technique in the treatment of medulloblastoma

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

    Dewit, L.; Van Dam, J.; Rijnders, A.

    1984-02-01

    Craniospinal irradiation is a standard treatment technique in patients who receive surgery for medulloblastoma. In most centers megavoltage photon irradiation is used, resulting in significant irradiation exposure to critical organs. In order to overcome this difficulty, the authors recently modified the technique applied in their center, by using high energy electrons (20 MeV) for irradiation of the spinal cord. The reliability of this technique was checked by performing dosimetry in a specially constructed wax phantom. Attention was focused upon dose variations at the junction of fields. Furthermore, the influence of vertebrae on the absorbed dose distribution of high energy electronsmore » is presented. This technique seems to be safe and reliable in selected patients (children and teenagers).« less

  14. Vertical detachment energy of hydrated electron based on a modified form of solvent reorganization energy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xing-Jian; Zhu, Quan; Li, Yun-Kui; Cheng, Xue-Min; Li, Xiang-Yuan; Fu, Ke-Xiang; He, Fu-Cheng

    2010-02-18

    In this work, the constrained equilibrium principle is introduced and applied to the derivations of the nonequilibrium solvation free energy and solvent reorganization energy in the process of removing the hydrated electron. Within the framework of the continuum model, a modified expression of the vertical detachment energy (VDE) of a hydrated electron in water is formulated. Making use of the approximation of spherical cavity and point charge, the variation tendency of VDE accompanying the size increase of the water cluster has been inspected. Discussions comparing the present form of the VDE and the traditional one and the influence of the cavity radius in either the fixed pattern or the varying pattern on the VDE have been made.

  15. Measurement of the Differential and Total Thrust and Torque of Six Full-Scale Adjustable-Pitch Propellers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stickle, George W

    1933-01-01

    Force measurements giving total thrust and torque, and propeller slip stream surveys giving differential thrust and torque were simultaneously made on each of six full-scale propellers in the 20-foot propeller-research tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. They were adjustable-pitch metal propellers 9.5 feet in diameter; three had modified Clark Y blade sections and three had modified RAF-6 blade sections. This report gives the differential thrust and torque and the variation caused by changing the propeller tip speed and the pitch setting. The total thrust and torque obtained from integration of the thrust and torque distribution curves are compared with those obtained by direct force measurements.

  16. NON-INVASIVE 3D FACIAL ANALYSIS AND SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY DURING FUNCTIONAL PRE-ORTHODONTIC THERAPY: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

    PubMed Central

    Tartaglia, Gianluca M.; Grandi, Gaia; Mian, Fabrizio; Sforza, Chiarella; Ferrario, Virgilio F.

    2009-01-01

    Objectives: Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. Material and Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. Results: The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. Conclusions: Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles. PMID:19936531

  17. Neighborhood walking among overweight and obese adults: age variations in barriers and motivators.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chanam; Ory, Marcia G; Yoon, Jeongjae; Forjuoh, Samuel N

    2013-02-01

    Walking is a popular form of physical activity that can bring many public health benefits. It can be even more beneficial to those who are currently obese or overweight. However, many barriers discourage people from walking, ranging from lack of motivation to unsafe neighborhood environments, and such barriers vary with age. This study addresses barriers and motivators to walking among overweight and obese adults, and examines their age variations. Particular emphasis was given to modifiable environmental factors as the priority intervention targets. A survey of 161 overweight and obese adults recruited from a large integrated healthcare system in central Texas provided data on walking, demographics, motivators and barriers. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were conducted. The respondents had a mean age of 48.4 (20-86), and were predominantly female (80.8%), non-Hispanic White (86.0%), and obese (mean BMI = 32.5). Popular environmental barriers to walking were: bad weather, inadequate lighting, no shade, unattended dogs, disconnected sidewalks, poor walking surfaces, no interesting places to walk nearby, and no benches (74.5-38.5%). Even and smooth walking surfaces and benches were more frequently reported by older adults as motivators. Proximity to recreational facilities was a stronger motivator for younger adults. Two safety related barriers, fear of injury (older adults) and traffic safety concerns (younger adults), also showed significant age differences. Overweight and obese adults experience substantial environmental barriers to walking, but many of them are modifiable. Observed age variations suggest that future interventions may be more effective if tailored to address age-specific barriers.

  18. Non-invasive 3D facial analysis and surface electromyography during functional pre-orthodontic therapy: a preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Tartaglia, Gianluca M; Grandi, Gaia; Mian, Fabrizio; Sforza, Chiarella; Ferrario, Virgilio F

    2009-01-01

    Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles.

  19. Production and Perception of Sex Differences in Vocalizations of Wied’s Black-Tufted-Ear Marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii)

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Adam S.; Birnie, Andrew K.; Lane, Kent R.; French, Jeffrey A.

    2010-01-01

    Males and females from many species produce distinct acoustic variations of functionally identical call types. Social behavior may be primed by sex-specific variation in acoustic features of calls. We present a series of acoustic analyses and playback experiments as methods for investigating this subject. Acoustic parameters of phee calls produced by Wied’s black-tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) were analyzed for sex differences. Discriminant function analyses showed that calls contained sufficient acoustic variation to predict the sex of the caller. Several frequency variables differed significantly between the sexes. Natural and synthesized calls were presented to male–female pairs. Calls elicited differential behavioral responses based on the sex of the caller. Marmosets became significantly more vigilant following the playback of male phee calls (both natural and synthetic) than following female phee calls. In a second playback experiment, synthesized calls were modified by independently manipulating three parameters that were known to differ between the sexes (low-, peak-, and end-frequency). When end-frequency-modified calls were presented, responsiveness was differentiable by sex of caller but did not differ from responses to natural calls. This suggests that marmosets did not use end-frequency to determine the sex of the caller. Manipulation of peak-and low-frequency parameters eliminated the discrete behavioral responses to male and female calls. Together, these parameters may be important features that encode for the sex-specific signal. Recognition of sex by acoustic cues seems to be a multivariate process that depends on the congruency of acoustic features. PMID:19090554

  20. National Plant Genome Initiative

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-01

    lines that do not require vernalization to fl ower. The capacity of temperate cereals like wheat and barley to generate spring forms through...the potential to modify fl owering time of different cereals for specifi c climates. 10 Progress Reported in 2004 • Bioinformatics The NPGI...developing an open source genome annotation pipeline as well as tools to present and manage information about natural variation in cereal varieties

Some links on this page may take you to non-federal websites. Their policies may differ from this site.
Top