Digital Moiré based transient interferometry and its application in optical surface measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Qun; Tan, Yifeng; Wang, Shaopu; Hu, Yao

2017-10-01

Digital Moiré based transient interferometry (DMTI) is an effective non-contact testing methods for optical surfaces. In DMTI system, only one frame of real interferogram is experimentally captured for the transient measurement of the surface under test (SUT). When combined with partial compensation interferometry (PCI), DMTI is especially appropriate for the measurement of aspheres with large apertures, large asphericity or different surface parameters. Residual wavefront is allowed in PCI, so the same partial compensator can be applied to the detection of multiple SUTs. Excessive residual wavefront aberration results in spectrum aliasing, and the dynamic range of DMTI is limited. In order to solve this problem, a method based on wavelet transform is proposed to extract phase from the fringe pattern with spectrum aliasing. Results of simulation demonstrate the validity of this method. The dynamic range of Digital Moiré technology is effectively expanded, which makes DMTI prospective in surface figure error measurement for intelligent fabrication of aspheric surfaces.

Advances in Moire interferometry for thermal response of composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, E. W., Jr.; Herakovich, C. T.; Post, D.; Hyer, M. W.

1982-01-01

An experimental technique for the precise measurement of the thermal response of both sides of a laminated composite coupon specimen uses Moire interferometry with fringe multiplication which yields a sensitivity of 833 nm (32.8 micro in.) per fringe. The reference gratings used are virtual gratings and are formed by partially mirrorized glass prisms in close proximity to the specimen. Results are compared with both results obtained from tests which used Moire interferometry on one side of composite laminates, and with those predicted by classical lamination theory. The technique is shown to be capable of producing the sensitivity and accuracy necessary to measure a wide range of thermal responses and to detect small side to side variations in the measured response. Tests were conducted on four laminate configurations of T300/5208 graphite epoxy over a temperature range of 297 K (75 F) to 422 K (300 F). The technique presented allows for the generation of reference gratings for temperature regimes well outside that used in these tests.

Measurement of non-uniform residual stresses by combined Moiré interferometry and hole-drilling method: Theory, experimental method and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ya, Min; Dai, Fulong; Xie, Huimin; Lü, Jian

2003-12-01

Hole-drilling method is one of the most convenient methods for engineering residual stress measurement. Combined with moiré interferometry to obtain the relaxed whole-field displacement data, hole-drilling technique can be used to solve non-uniform residual stress problems, both in-depth and in-plane. In this paper, the theory of moiré interferometry and incremental hole-drilling (MIIHD) for non-uniform residual stress measurement is introduced. Three dimensional finite element model is constructed by ABAQUS to obtain the coefficients for the residual stress calculation. An experimental system including real-time measurement, automatic data processing and residual stresses calculation is established. Two applications for non-uniform in-depth residual stress of surface nanocrystalline material and non-uniform in-plane residual stress of friction stir welding are presented. Experimental results show that MIIHD is effective for both non-uniform in-depth and in-plane residual stress measurements.

Experimental determination of release fields in cut railroad car wheels

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-02-01

A new approach to the measurement of residual stresses in railroad wheels is investigated using a saw cut method of releasing stresses in the structure. High-sensitivity moire interferometry combined with Michelson interferometry provides full-field ...

Holographic Moire, An Optical Tool For The Determination Of Displacements, Strains, Contours, And Slopes Of Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.

1982-06-01

In conventional holographic interferometry, the observed fringe patterns are determined by the object displacement and deformation, and by the illumination and observation configurations. The obtained information may not be in the most convenient form for further data processing. To overcome this problem, and to create new possibilities, holographic fringe patterns can be changed by modifying the optical setup. As a result of these modifications, well-known procedures of the moire method can be applied to holographic interferometry. Components of displacement and components of the strain tensor can be isolated and measured separately. Surface contours and slopes can also be determined.

Moire interferometry patterns for rotational alignment of structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidari, Esmaeil; Harding, Kevin

2016-08-01

In some manufacturing applications the alignment of fine structures formed on the surface of a part such as micro-scribed patterns on solar panels can be critical to the panel performance. Variations in pattern uniformity may degrade the efficiency of the solar panel if the pattern deviates significantly from designed parameters. This paper will explore the use of moire patterns to interpret the angular alignment of such structures on 3 dimensional non-planar shapes. The moire interferometry pattern creates a beat between the scribed pattern and a reference pattern that is a function of both the shape of the part as well as the shape of the scribed pattern. Both the part shape variations and the patterns of interest are typically much smaller than can be seen visually. Similar challenges exist when inspecting specular models or testing low quality optics. The moire effect allows small displacements to be measured from patterns that are well below the resolution of the camera systems that are used to view the patterns. Issues such as the separation of the shape of the part from the alignment of the fine structure as well as resolution and robustness of the technique will be explored in this paper.

Precision improving of double beam shadow moiré interferometer by phase shifting interferometry for the stress of flexible substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Kuo-Ting; Chen, Hsi-Chao; Lin, Ssu-Fan; Lin, Ke-Ming; Syue, Hong-Ye

2012-09-01

While tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) has been extensively applied in flexible electronics, the problem of the residual stress has many obstacles to overcome. This study investigated the residual stress of flexible electronics by the double beam shadow moiré interferometer, and focused on the precision improvement with phase shifting interferometry (PSI). According to the out-of-plane displacement equation, the theoretical error depends on the grating pitch and the angle between incident light and CCD. The angle error could be reduced to 0.03% by the angle shift of 10° as a result of the double beam interferometer was a symmetrical system. But the experimental error of the double beam moiré interferometer still reached to 2.2% by the noise of the vibration and interferograms. In order to improve the measurement precision, PSI was introduced to the double shadow moiré interferometer. Wavefront phase was reconstructed by the five interferograms with the Hariharan algorithm. The measurement results of standard cylinder indicating the error could be reduced from 2.2% to less than 1% with PSI. The deformation of flexible electronic could be reconstructed fast and calculated the residual stress with the Stoney correction formula. This shadow moiré interferometer with PSI could improve the precision of residual stress for flexible electronics.

A curved surface micro-moiré method and its application in evaluating curved surface residual stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongye; Wu, Chenlong; Liu, Zhanwei; Xie, Huimin

2014-09-01

The moiré method is typically applied to the measurement of deformations of a flat surface while, for a curved surface, this method is rarely used other than for projection moiré or moiré interferometry. Here, a novel colour charge-coupled device (CCD) micro-moiré method has been developed, based on which a curved surface micro-moiré (CSMM) method is proposed with a colour CCD and optical microscope (OM). In the CSMM method, no additional reference grating is needed as a Bayer colour filter array (CFA) installed on the OM in front of the colour CCD image sensor performs this role. Micro-moiré fringes with high contrast are directly observed with the OM through the Bayer CFA under the special condition of observing a curved specimen grating. The principle of the CSMM method based on a colour CCD micro-moiré method and its application range and error analysis are all described in detail. In an experiment, the curved surface residual stress near a welded seam on a stainless steel tube was investigated using the CSMM method.

Electro optical system to measure strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Bhat, G.

With the advent of the so called speckle interferometry, interferograms of objects can be obtained in real time by using a TV camera as the recording medium. The basic idea of this instrument is to couple the photoelectric registration by a TV camera with the subsequent electronic processing, to develop an efficient device for the measurement of deformations. This paper presents a new and improved instrument, which has a very important feature, portability, that can be operated in different modes and is capable of producing interferograms using holography, speckle, and moire methods. The basic features of the instrument are presented and some of the theoretical points at the foundation of operation of the instrument are analyzed. Examples are given of the application to moire, speckle, and holographic interferometry.

Measuring the arterial-induced skin vibration by geometrical moiré fringe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Shih-Yung; Wang, Chun-Hsiung; Lee, Shu-Sheng; Wu, Wen-Jong; Hsu, Yu-Hsiang; Lee, Chih-Kung

2018-02-01

The demand for self-measured blood pressure self-monitoring device has much increased due to cardiovascular diseases have become leading causes of death for aging population. Currently, the primary non-invasive blood pressure monitoring method is cuff-based. It is well developed and accurate. However, the measuring process is not comfortable, and it cannot provide a continuous measurement. To overcome this problem, methods such as tonometry, volume clamp method, photoplethysmography, pulse wave velocity, and pulse transit time are reported. However, the limited accuracy hindered its application for diagnostics. To perform sequential blood pressure measurement with a high accuracy and long-term examination, we apply moiré interferometry to measure wrist skin vibration induced by radial artery. To achieve this goal, we developed a miniaturized device that can perform moiré interferometry around the wrist region. The 0.4-mm-pitched binary grating and tattoo sticker with 0.46 mm-pitched stripe pattern are used to perform geometric moiré. We demonstrated that the sensitivity and accuracy of this integrated system were sufficient to monitor arterialinduced skin vibration non-invasively. Our developed system was validated with ECG signals collected by a commercial system. According to our studies from measurement, the repeatability of wrist pulsation measurement was achieved with an accuracy of 99.1% in heart rate. A good repeatability of wrist pulse measurement was achieved. Simulations and experiments are both conducted in this paper and prove of geometrical moiré method a suitable technique for arterial-induced skin vibration monitoring.

Introduction to Holographic Interferometry Applied to Strain Determination.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

pp 555-567. 27. Sciammarella , C.A. and Gilbert, J.A. A holographic-moire technique to obtain separate patterns for components of displacement. Exp...Mech 16 1976, pp 215-220. 28. Gilbert, J.A., Sciammarella , C.A. and Chawla, S.K. Extension to three dimensions of a holographic-moire technique to...separate patterns corresponding to components of displacement. Exp. Mechi. 18 1978, PP 321- 27. 29. Sciammarella , C.A. and Cnawla, S.K.- A lens

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of SMA Enabled Adaptive Chevrons for Jet Noise Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, Travis L.; Buehrle, Ralph D.; Cano, Roberto J.; Fleming, Gary A.

2004-01-01

This study presents the status and results from an effort to design, fabricate, and test an adaptive jet engine chevron concept based upon embedding shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in a composite laminate, termed a SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC). The approach for fabricating the adaptive SMAHC chevrons involves embedding prestrained Nitinol actuators on one side of the mid-plane of the composite laminate such that thermal excitation generates a thermal moment and deflects the structure. A glass-epoxy pre-preg/Nitinol ribbon material system and a vacuum hot press consolidation approach are employed. A versatile test system for control and measurement of the chevron deflection performance is described. Projection moire interferometry (PMI) is used for global deformation measurement and infrared (IR) thermography is used for 2-D temperature measurement and feedback control. A recently commercialized constitutive model for SMA and SMAHC materials is used in the finite element code ABAQUS to perform nonlinear static analysis of the chevron prototypes. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured chevron deflection performance, thereby validating the design tool. Although the performance results presented in this paper fall short of the requirement, the concept is proven and an approach for achieving the performance objectives is evident.

Synchronous Stroboscopic Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soares, Oliverio D. D.

1986-10-01

Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (E.S.P.I) oftenly called Electronic Holography is a practical powerful technique in non-destructive testing. Practical capabilities of the technique have been improved by fringe betterment and the control of analysis in the time domain, in particular, the scanning of the vibration cycle, with introduction of: synchronized amplitude and phase modulated pulse illumination, microcomputer control, fibre optics design, and moire evaluation techniques.

Crack displacement sensing and measurement in concrete using circular grating moire fringes and pattern matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, H. M.; Yen, K. S.; Ratnam, M. M.

2008-09-01

The moire method has been extensively studied in the past and applied in various engineering applications. Several techniques are available for generating the moire fringes in these applications, which include moire interferometry, projection moire, shadow moire, moire deflectometry etc. Most of these methods use the superposition of linear gratings to generate the moire patterns. The use of non-linear gratings, such as circular, radial and elongated gratings has received less attention from the research community. The potential of non-linear gratings in engineering measurement has been realized in a limited number of applications, such as rotation measurement, measurement of linear displacement, measurement of expansion coefficients of materials and measurement of strain distribution. In this work, circular gratings of different pitch were applied to the sensing and measurement of crack displacement in concrete structures. Gratings of pitch 0.50 mm and 0.55 mm were generated using computer software and attached to two overlapping acrylic plates that were bonded to either side of the crack. The resulting moire patterns were captured using a standard digital camera and compared with a set of reference patterns generated using a precision positioning stage. Using several image pre-processing stages, such as filtering and morphological operations, and pattern matching the magnitude displacements along two orthogonal axes can be detected with a resolution of 0.05 mm.

Optics in engineering measurement; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cannes, France, December 3-6, 1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fagan, William F. (Editor)

1986-01-01

The present conference on optical measurement systems considers topics in the fields of holographic interferometry, speckle techniques, moire fringe and grating methods, optical surface gaging, laser- and fiber-optics-based measurement systems, and optics for engineering data evaluation. Specific attention is given to holographic NDE for aerospace composites, holographic interferometry of rotating components, new developments in computer-aided holography, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, mass transfer measurements using projected fringes, nuclear reactor photogrammetric inspection, a laser Doppler vibrometer, and optoelectronic measurements of the yaw angle of projectiles.

Thermal expansion of composites using Moire interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, D. E.; Post, D.; Herakovich, C. T.; Tenny, D. R.

1980-01-01

An experimental technique for precise measurement of the thermal response of fiber-reinforced composite materials uses moire interferometry with fringe multiplication which yield a sensitivity of 833 nm (32.8 mu in.) per fringe. Results from the technique are compared with those obtained from electrical resistance strain gages, and also those predicted from classical lamination theory. Temperature dependent coefficients of thermal expansion for composite materials subjected to thermal cycling in the temperature range of 297 K (75 F) to 422 K (300 F) were determined for four laminate configurations (0, 90, 0/ + or - 45/90 sub s and 0/90/ + or - 45 sub s) of T300/5208 graphite epoxy, and ranged from -0.107 mu epsilon K/1 (-0.059 mu epsilon deg F/-) for the 0 laminate to 32.18 mu epsilon K/1 (17.88 mu epsilon F/1) for the 90 laminate. Moisture was found to greatly influence the thermal response of a quasi-isotropic laminate, resulting in hysteresis and residual compressive strain as the moisture content was reduced. Comparisons between moire and strain gage measurements were inconclusive with both techniques giving consistent but systematically different results. Differences of as much as 29% were observed.

Deformation analysis of boron/aluminum specimens by moire interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Post, Daniel; Guo, Yifan; Czarnek, Robert

1989-01-01

Whole-field surface deformations were measured for two slotted tension specimens from multiply laminates, one with 0 deg fiber orientation in the surface ply and the other with 45 deg orientation. Macromechanical and micromechanical details were revealed using high-sensitivity moire interferometry. Although global deformations of all plies were essentially equal, numerous random or anomalous features were observed. Local deformations of adjacent 0 deg and 45 deg plies were very different, both near the slot and remote from it, requiring large interlaminar shear strains for continuity. Shear strains were concentrated in the aluminum matrix. For 45 deg plies, a major portion of the deformation was by shear; large plastic slip of matrix occurred at random locations in 45 deg plies, wherein groups of fibers slipped relative to other groups. Shear strains in the interior, between adjacent fibers, were larger than the measured surface strains.

Measuring Joule heating and strain induced by electrical current with Moire interferometry

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

Chen Bicheng; Basaran, Cemal

2011-04-01

This study proposes a new method to locate and measure the temperature of the hot spots caused by Joule Heating by measuring the free thermal expansion in-plane strain. It is demonstrated that the hotspot caused by the Joule heating in a thin metal film/plate structure can be measured by Phase shifting Moire interferometry with continuous wavelet transform (PSMI/CWT) at the microscopic scale. A demonstration on a copper film is conducted to verify the theory under different current densities. A correlation between the current density and strain in two orthogonal directions (one in the direction of the current flow) is proposed.more » The method can also be used for the measurement of the Joule heating in the microscopic solid structures in the electronic packaging devices. It is shown that a linear relationship exists between current density squared and normal strains.« less

Electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry: A method for transient and three dimensional density fields measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stricker, Josef

1987-01-01

Effects of diffraction and nonlinear photographic emulsion characteristics on the performance of deferred electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry are investigated. The deferred deflectometry is used for measurements of nonsteady phase objects where it is difficult to complete the analysis of the field in real time. The sensitivity, accuracy and resolution of the system are calculated and it is shown that they are weakly affected by diffraction and by nonlinear recording. The feactures of the system are significantly improved compared with the conventional deferred intensity moire technique, and are comparable with the online heterodyne moire. The system was evaluated experimentally by deferred measurements of the refractive index gradients of a weak phase object consisting of a large KD*P crystal. This was done by photographing the phase object through a Ronchi grating and analyzing the tranparency with the electronic heterodyne readout system. The results are compared with the measurements performed on the same phase object with online heterodyne moire deflectometry and with heterodyne holographic interferometry methods. Some practical considerations for system improvement are discussed.

A Micromachined Geometric Moire Interferometric Floating-Element Shear Stress Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horowitz, S.; Chen, T.; Chandrasekaran, V.; Tedjojuwono, K.; Nishida, T.; Cattafesta, L.; Sheplak, M.

2004-01-01

This paper presents the development of a floating-element shear stress sensor that permits the direct measurement of skin friction based on geometric Moir interferometry. The sensor was fabricated using an aligned wafer-bond/thin-back process producing optical gratings on the backside of a floating element and on the top surface of the support wafer. Experimental characterization indicates a static sensitivity of 0.26 microns/Pa, a resonant frequency of 1.7 kHz, and a noise floor of 6.2 mPa/(square root)Hz.

Four-quadrant gratings moiré fringe alignment measurement in proximity lithography.

PubMed

Zhu, Jiangping; Hu, Song; Yu, Junsheng; Zhou, Shaolin; Tang, Yan; Zhong, Min; Zhao, Lixin; Chen, Minyong; Li, Lanlan; He, Yu; Jiang, Wei

2013-02-11

This paper aims to deal with a four-quadrant gratings alignment method benefiting from phase demodulation for proximity lithography, which combines the advantages of interferometry with image processing. Both the mask alignment mark and the wafer alignment mark consist of four sets of gratings, which bring the convenience and simplification of realization for coarse alignment and fine alignment. Four sets of moiré fringes created by superposing the mask alignment mark and the wafer alignment mark are highly sensitive to the misalignment between them. And the misalignment can be easily determined through demodulating the phase of moiré fringe without any external reference. Especially, the period and phase distribution of moiré fringes are unaffected by the gap between the mask and the wafer, not excepting the wavelength of alignment illumination. Disturbance from the illumination can also be negligible, which enhances the technological adaptability. The experimental results bear out the feasibility and rationality of our designed approach.

Residual Microstrain in Root Dentin after Canal Instrumentation Measured with Digital Moiré Interferometry.

PubMed

Lim, Helena; Li, Fang-Chi; Friedman, Shimon; Kishen, Anil

2016-09-01

Residual microstrain influences the resistance to crack propagation in a biomaterial. This study evaluated the residual microstrain and microdefects formed in dentin after canal instrumentation in teeth maintained in hydrated and nonhydrated environments. Canals of 18 extracted human premolars with single-root canals were instrumented in accordance with 3 groups: the ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) group: ProTaper Universal (S1, S2, F1, and F2) used in rotation, the WaveOne Primary (Dentsply Maillefer) group: the WaveOne (Primary) used in reciprocal motion, and the control group: hand files. Half the specimens (3/group) were maintained in deionized water (hydrated) and half in ambient relative humidity conditions (22°C, 55% RH) for 72 hours (nonhydrated). Customized high-sensitivity digital moiré interferometry was used to qualitatively evaluate pre- and postinstrumentation dentinal microstrain. Subsequently, specimens were examined for dentinal microdefects with micro-computed tomographic imaging and polarized light microscopy. Digital moiré interferometry showed only minor changes in postinstrumentation microstrain in hydrated dentin in all groups, suggestive of a stress relaxation behavior. Nonhydrated dentin in all groups showed localized concentration of postinstrumentation microstrain, which appeared higher in the WaveOne group than in the other groups. No dentinal microdefects were detected by micro-computed tomographic imaging and polarized light microscopy in hydrated and nonhydrated specimens in all groups. This study suggested that the biomechanical response of root dentin to instrumentation was influenced by hydration. Reciprocating, rotary, and hand instrumentation of well-hydrated roots did not cause an increase in residual microstrain or the formation of microdefects in root dentin. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A study of model deflection measurement techniques applicable within the national transonic facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hildebrand, B. P.; Doty, J. L.

1982-01-01

Moire contouring, scanning interferometry, and holographic contouring were examined to determine their practicality and potential to meet performance requirements for a model deflection sensor. The system envisioned is to be nonintrusive, and is to be capable of mapping or contouring the surface of a 1-meter by 1-meter model with a resolution of 50 to 100 points. The available literature was surveyed, and computations and analyses were performed to establish specific performance requirements, as well as the capabilities and limitations of such a sensor within the geometry of the NTF section test section. Of the three systems examined, holographic contouring offers the most promise. Unlike Moire, it is not hampered by limited contour spacing and extraneous fringes. Its transverse resolution can far exceed the limited point sampling resolution of scanning heterodyne interferometry. The availability of the ruby laser as a high power, pulsed, multiple wavelength source makes such a system feasible within the NTF.

Optical Distortion Evaluation in Large Area Windows using Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngquist, Robert C.; Skow, Miles; Nurge, Mark A.

2015-01-01

It is important that imagery seen through large area windows, such as those used on space vehicles, not be substantially distorted. Many approaches are described in the literature for measuring the distortion of an optical window, but most suffer from either poor resolution or processing difficulties. In this paper a new definition of distortion is presented, allowing accurate measurement using an optical interferometer. This new definition is shown to be equivalent to the definitions provided by the military and the standards organizations. In order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach the distortion of an acrylic window is measured using three different methods; image comparison, Moiré interferometry, and phase-shifting interferometry.

Measuring the residual stress of transparent conductive oxide films on PET by the double-beam shadow Moiré interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsi-Chao; Huang, Kuo-Ting; Lo, Yen-Ming; Chiu, Hsuan-Yi; Chen, Guan-Jhen

2011-09-01

The purpose of this research was to construct a measurement system which can fast and accurately analyze the residual stress of the flexible electronics. The transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), were deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering using corresponding oxide targets on PET substrate. As we know that the shadow Moiré interferometry is a useable way to measure the large deformation. So we set up a double beam shadow Moiré interferometer to measure and analyze the residual stress of TCO films on PET. The feature was to develop a mathematical model and combine the image processing software. By the LabVIEW graphical software, we could measure the distance which is between the left and right fringe on the pattern to solve the curvature of deformed surface. Hence, the residual stress could calculate by the Stoney correction formula for the flexible electronics. By combining phase shifting method with shadow Moiré, the measurement resolution and accuracy have been greatly improved. We also had done the error analysis for the system whose relative error could be about 2%. Therefore, shadow Moiré interferometer is a non-destructive, fast, and simple system for the residual stress on TCO/PET films.

Deformation measurements of composite multi-span beam shear specimens by Moire interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Post, D.; Czarnek, R.; Joh, D.; Wood, J.

1984-01-01

Experimental analyses were performed for determination of in plane deformations and shear strains in unidirectional and quasi-isotropic graphite-epoxy beams. Forty-eight ply beams were subjected to 5 point and 3 point flexure. Whole field measurements were recorded at load levels from about 20% to more than 90% of failure loads. Contour maps of U and W displacement fields were obtained by moire interferometry, using reference gratings of 2400 lines/mm. Clearly defined fringes with fringe orders exceeding 1000 were obtained. Whole field contour maps of shear strains were obtained by a method developed for these tests. Various anomalous effects were detected in the displacement fields. Their analysis indicated excess shear strains in resin rich zones in regions of shear tractions; free edge shear strains in quasi-isotropic specimens in regions of normal stresses; and shear stresses associated with cyclic shear compliances of quasi-isotropic plies in regions of shear tractions. Their contributions could occur independently or in superposition. Qualitative analyses addressed questions of relaxation; influence of contact stress distribution; specimen failure; effect of specimen overhang; nonlinearity; and qualities of 5 and 3 point flexure tests.

Residual stresses of thin, short rectangular plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andonian, A. T.; Danyluk, S.

1985-01-01

The analysis of the residual stresses in thin, short rectangular plates is presented. The analysis is used in conjunction with a shadow moire interferometry technique by which residual stresses are obtained over a large spatial area from a strain measurement. The technique and analysis are applied to a residual stress measurement of polycrystalline silicon sheet grown by the edge-defined film growth technique.

Contributions of the NASA Langley Research Center to the DARPA/AFRL/NASA/ Northrop Grumman Smart Wing Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Florance, Jennifer P.; Burner, Alpheus W.; Fleming, Gary A.; Martin, Christopher A.

2003-01-01

An overview of the contributions of the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to the DARPA/AFRL/NASA/ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) Smart Wing program is presented. The overall objective of the Smart Wing program was to develop smart** technologies and demonstrate near-flight-scale actuation systems to improve the aerodynamic performance of military aircraft. NASA LaRC s roles were to provide technical guidance, wind-tunnel testing time and support, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. The program was divided into two phases, with each phase having two wind-tunnel entries in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). This paper focuses on the fourth and final wind-tunnel test: Phase 2, Test 2. During this test, a model based on the NGC Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) concept was tested at Mach numbers up to 0.8 and dynamic pressures up to 150 psf to determine the aerodynamic performance benefits that could be achieved using hingeless, smoothly-contoured control surfaces actuated with smart materials technologies. The UCAV-based model was a 30% geometric scale, full-span, sting-mounted model with the smart control surfaces on the starboard wing and conventional, hinged control surfaces on the port wing. Two LaRC-developed instrumentation systems were used during the test to externally measure the shapes of the smart control surface and quantify the effects of aerodynamic loading on the deflections: Videogrammetric Model Deformation (VMD) and Projection Moire Interferometry (PMI). VMD is an optical technique that uses single-camera photogrammetric tracking of discrete targets to determine deflections at specific points. PMI provides spatially continuous measurements of model deformation by computationally analyzing images of a grid projected onto the model surface. Both the VMD and PMI measurements served well to validate the use of on-board (internal) rotary potentiometers to measure the smart control surface deflection angles. Prior to the final entry, NASA LaRC also performed three-dimensional unstructured Navier Stokes CFD analyses in an attempt to predict the potential aerodynamic impact of the smart control surface on overall model forces and moments. Eight different control surface shapes were selected for study at Mach = 0.6, Reynolds number = 3.25 x 10(exp 6), and + 2 deg., 3 deg., 8 deg., and 10 deg.model angles-of-attack. For the baseline, undeflected control surface geometry, the CFD predictions and wind-tunnel results matched well. The agreement was not as good for the more complex aero-loaded control surface shapes, though, because of the inability to accurately predict those shapes. Despite these results, the NASA CFD study served as an important step in studying advanced control effectors.

Local Displacements and Load Transfer of Shape Memory Alloys in Polymeric Matrices

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

plane displacements of room temperature cured SMA ribbon composites were obtained using moiré interferometry. Displacements due to thermal expansion ...141 Figure 6.10 Displacement profiles along SMA ribbon or different values of the coefficient of thermal expansion ...greater importance in polymer composites, which can have large coefficients of thermal expansion . Further, there is also a lack of experimental data

A Comparison of Three Methods for Measuring Distortion in Optical Windows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngquist, Robert C.; Nurge, Mark A.; Skow, Miles

2015-01-01

It's important that imagery seen through large-area windows, such as those used on space vehicles, not be substantially distorted. Many approaches are described in the literature for measuring the distortion of an optical window, but most suffer from either poor resolution or processing difficulties. In this paper a new definition of distortion is presented, allowing accurate measurement using an optical interferometer. This new definition is shown to be equivalent to the definitions provided by the military and the standards organizations. In order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach, the distortion of an acrylic window is measured using three different methods: image comparison, moiré interferometry, and phase-shifting interferometry.

Higher-dimensional phase imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huntley, Jonathan M.

2010-04-01

Traditional full-field interferometric techniques (speckle, moiré, holography etc) provide 2-D phase images, which encode the surface deformation state of the object under test. Over the past 15 years, the use of additional spatial or temporal dimensions has been investigated by a number of research groups. Early examples include the measurement of 3-D surface profiles by temporally-varying projected fringe patterns, and dynamic speckle interferometry. More recently (the past 5 years) a family of related techniques (Wavelength Scanning Interferometry, Phase Contrast Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and Tilt Scanning Interferometry) has emerged that provides the volume deformation state of the object. The techniques can be thought of as a marriage between the phase sensing capabilities of Phase Shifting Interferometry and the depth-sensing capabilities of OCT. Finally, in the past 12 months a technique called Hyperspectral Interferometry has been proposed in which absolute optical path distributions are obtained in a single shot through the spectral decomposition of a white light interferogram, and for which the additional dimension therefore corresponds to the illumination wavenumber. An overview of these developments, and the related issue of robust phase unwrapping of noisy 3-D wrapped phase volumes, is presented in this paper.

J-Resistance Curves of Aluminum Specimens Using Moire Interferometry

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

elastic-plastic fracture mechanics ( EPFM ) methodologies are based on the J-integral or the crack opening displacement (COD) approach. The J-resistance curve...in the HRR field [13,141. In this paper, we present further application of the approximate J-evaluation procedure in large 2024-0 and 5052-H32 aluminum...Davis, J. A. Joyce, and R. A. Hays, " Application of the J-Integral and the Modified J-Integral to Cases of Large Crack Extension and High Toughness

Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of electro-optics holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Bhat, G.; Vaitekunas, Jeffrey

Electro-optics holographic-moire interferometry is used to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A description of the instrumentation developed to carry out the measurements is given. The data processing technique is also explained. Main problems encountered in recording patterns at high temperatures are analyzed and possible solutions are outlined. Optical results are compared with strain gage values obtained with instrumented specimens and with theoretical results. Very good agreement is found between optical, strain gage and theoretical results.

Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of electro-optics holography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Bhat, G.; Vaitekunas, Jeffrey

1991-01-01

Electro-optics holographic-moire interferometry is used to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A description of the instrumentation developed to carry out the measurements is given. The data processing technique is also explained. Main problems encountered in recording patterns at high temperatures are analyzed and possible solutions are outlined. Optical results are compared with strain gage values obtained with instrumented specimens and with theoretical results. Very good agreement is found between optical, strain gage and theoretical results.

Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometry phase-retrieval methods for electron density diagnostics in high-energy density experiments.

PubMed

Valdivia, Maria Pia; Stutman, Dan; Stoeckl, Christian; Mileham, Chad; Begishev, Ildar A; Bromage, Jake; Regan, Sean P

2018-01-10

Talbot-Lau x-ray interferometry uses incoherent x-ray sources to measure refraction index changes in matter. These measurements can provide accurate electron density mapping through phase retrieval. An adaptation of the interferometer has been developed in order to meet the specific requirements of high-energy density experiments. This adaptation is known as a moiré deflectometer, which allows for single-shot capabilities in the form of interferometric fringe patterns. The moiré x-ray deflectometry technique requires a set of object and reference images in order to provide electron density maps, which can be costly in the high-energy density environment. In particular, synthetic reference phase images obtained ex situ through a phase-scan procedure, can provide a feasible solution. To test this procedure, an object phase map was retrieved from a single-shot moiré image obtained from a plasma-produced x-ray source. A reference phase map was then obtained from phase-stepping measurements using a continuous x-ray tube source in a small laboratory setting. The two phase maps were used to retrieve an electron density map. A comparison of the moiré and phase-stepping phase-retrieval methods was performed to evaluate single-exposure plasma electron density mapping for high-energy density and other transient plasma experiments. It was found that a combination of phase-retrieval methods can deliver accurate refraction angle mapping. Once x-ray backlighter quality is optimized, the ex situ method is expected to deliver electron density mapping with improved resolution. The steps necessary for improved diagnostic performance are discussed.

A comparative evaluation of in-plane shear test methods for laminated graphite-epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morton, John; Ho, Henjen

1992-01-01

The objectives were to evaluate popular shear test methods for various forms of graphite-epoxy composite materials and to determine the shear response of graphite-epoxy composites with various forms of fiber architecture. Numerical and full-field experimental stress analyses were performed on four shear test configurations for unidirectional and bidirectional graphite-epoxy laminates to assess the uniformity and purity of the shear stress (strain) fields produced in the specimen test section and to determine the material in-plane shear modulus and shear response. The test methods were the 10 deg off-axis, the +/- 45 deg tension, the Iosipescu V-notch, and a compact U-notch specimen. Specimens were prepared from AS4/3501-6 graphite-epoxy panels, instrumented with conventional strain gage rosettes and with a cross-line moire grating, and loaded in a convenient testing machine. The shear responses obtained for each test method and the two methods of specimen instrumentation were compared. In a second phase of the program the shear responses obtained from Iosipescu V-notch beam specimens were determined for woven fabric geometries of different weave and fiber architectures. Again the responses of specimens obtained from strain gage rosettes and moire interferometry were compared. Additional experiments were performed on a bidirectional cruciform specimen which was also instrumented with strain gages and a moire grating.

High speed photography, videography, and photonics III; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, August 22, 23, 1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ponseggi, B. G. (Editor); Johnson, H. C. (Editor)

1985-01-01

Papers are presented on the picosecond electronic framing camera, photogrammetric techniques using high-speed cineradiography, picosecond semiconductor lasers for characterizing high-speed image shutters, the measurement of dynamic strain by high-speed moire photography, the fast framing camera with independent frame adjustments, design considerations for a data recording system, and nanosecond optical shutters. Consideration is given to boundary-layer transition detectors, holographic imaging, laser holographic interferometry in wind tunnels, heterodyne holographic interferometry, a multispectral video imaging and analysis system, a gated intensified camera, a charge-injection-device profile camera, a gated silicon-intensified-target streak tube and nanosecond-gated photoemissive shutter tubes. Topics discussed include high time-space resolved photography of lasers, time-resolved X-ray spectrographic instrumentation for laser studies, a time-resolving X-ray spectrometer, a femtosecond streak camera, streak tubes and cameras, and a short pulse X-ray diagnostic development facility.

Comparison of Three Optical Methods for Measuring Model Deformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burner, A. W.; Fleming, G. A.; Hoppe, J. C.

2000-01-01

The objective of this paper is to compare the current state-of-the-art of the following three optical techniques under study by NASA for measuring model deformation in wind tunnels: (1) video photogrammetry, (2) projection moire interferometry, and (3) the commercially available Optotrak system. An objective comparison of these three techniques should enable the selection of the best technique for a particular test undertaken at various NASA facilities. As might be expected, no one technique is best for all applications. The techniques are also not necessarily mutually exclusive and in some cases can be complementary to one another.

Optics for Processes, Products and Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mather, George

1999-04-01

Optical physics has a variety of applications in industry, including process inspection, coatings development, vision instrumentation, spectroscopy, and many others. Optics has been used extensively in the design of solar energy collection systems and coatings, for example. Also, with the availability of good CCD cameras and fast computers, it has become possible to develop real-time inspection and metrology devices that can accommodate the high throughputs encountered in modern production processes. More recently, developments in moiré interferometry show great promise for applications in the basic metals and electronics industries. The talk will illustrate applications of optics by discussing process inspection techniques for defect detection, part dimensioning, birefringence measurement, and the analysis of optical coatings in the automotive, glass, and optical disc industries. In particular, examples of optical techniques for the quality control of CD-R, MO, and CD-RW discs will be presented. In addition, the application of optical concepts to solar energy collector design and to metrology by moiré techniques will be discussed. Finally, some of the modern techniques and instruments used for qualitative and quantitative material analysis will be presented.

Large radius of curvature measurement based on the evaluation of interferogram-quality metric in non-null interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhongming; Dou, Jiantai; Du, Jinyu; Gao, Zhishan

2018-03-01

Non-null interferometry could use to measure the radius of curvature (ROC), we have presented a virtual quadratic Newton rings phase-shifting moiré-fringes measurement method for large ROC measurement (Yang et al., 2016). In this paper, we propose a large ROC measurement method based on the evaluation of the interferogram-quality metric by the non-null interferometer. With the multi-configuration model of the non-null interferometric system in ZEMAX, the retrace errors and the phase introduced by the test surface are reconstructed. The interferogram-quality metric is obtained by the normalized phase-shifted testing Newton rings with the spherical surface model in the non-null interferometric system. The radius curvature of the test spherical surface can be obtained until the minimum of the interferogram-quality metric is found. Simulations and experimental results are verified the feasibility of our proposed method. For a spherical mirror with a ROC of 41,400 mm, the measurement accuracy is better than 0.13%.

Metal matrix composites: Testing, analysis, and failure modes; Proceedings of the Symposium, Sparks, NV, Apr. 25, 26, 1988

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S. (Editor)

1989-01-01

The present conference discusses the tension and compression testing of MMCs, the measurement of advanced composites' thermal expansion, plasticity theory for fiber-reinforced composites, a deformation analysis of boron/aluminum specimens by moire interferometry, strength prediction methods for MMCs, and the analysis of notched MMCs under tensile loading. Also discussed are techniques for the mechanical and thermal testing of Ti3Al/SCS-6 MMCs, damage initiation and growth in fiber-reinforced MMCs, the shear testing of MMCs, the crack growth and fracture of continuous fiber-reinforced MMCs in view of analytical and experimental results, and MMC fiber-matrix interface failures.

Study of optical techniques for the Ames unitary wind tunnels. Part 4: Model deformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, George

1992-01-01

A survey of systems capable of model deformation measurements was conducted. The survey included stereo-cameras, scanners, and digitizers. Moire, holographic, and heterodyne interferometry techniques were also looked at. Stereo-cameras with passive or active targets are currently being deployed for model deformation measurements at NASA Ames and LaRC, Boeing, and ONERA. Scanners and digitizers are widely used in robotics, motion analysis, medicine, etc., and some of the scanner and digitizers can meet the model deformation requirements. Commercial stereo-cameras, scanners, and digitizers are being improved in accuracy, reliability, and ease of operation. A number of new systems are coming onto the market.

Precision topographic inspection of MOEMS by moiré interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meguellati, S.

2016-04-01

The manufacturing of micro components is useful and necessary for eventual use in the field of MOEMS micro technologies, but, micro fabrication process inspection quality is required. The accuracy of components geometry is parameter which influences the precision of the function. Moiré topography is full-field optical technique in which the contour and shape of object surfaces is measured by means of geometric interference between two identical line gratings. The technique has found various applications in diverse fields, from biomedical to industrial, scientific applications, and miniaturized instrumentation for space applications. This method of optical scanning presented in this paper is used for precision measurement deformation or absolute forms in comparison with a reference component form, of optical or mechanical micro components, on surfaces that are of the order of mm2 and more. The optical device used allows high magnification dimensional surface inspected which allows easy processing and reaches an exceptional nanometric imprecision of measurements. This measurement technique can be used advantageously to measure the deformations generated by constraints on functional parts and the influence of these variations on the function. It can also be used for dimensional control when, for example, to quantify the error as to whether a piece is good or rubbish. It then suffices to compare a figure of moiré fringes with another previously recorded from a piece considered standard, which saves time, money and accuracy. This method of control and measurement allows real time control; speed control and the detection resolution may vary depending on the importance of defects to be measured.

Stress studies in EFG

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Electrical characterization of defects induced in FZ and CZ silicon stress in four-point bending above 1200 C was started. Techniques to study electrical activity that will permit correlation of defect activity with diffusion length and with room and low temperature EBIC are being developed. Preliminary characterization of defects in ribbon grown at very low speeds of less than 1 cm/min shows that the dislocation density is very low over significant regions of cross section, while regions of high dislocation density (approx. 5 x 10(6)/cm(2)) occur in bands in a number of places. Addition measurements of stress distributions in EFG material were obtained at the University of Illinois using shadow-Moire interferometry.

Risk stratification of periprocedural myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: Analysis based on the SCAI definition.

PubMed

Zhang, Dong; Li, Yiping; Yin, Dong; He, Yuan; Chen, Changzhe; Song, Chenxi; Yan, Ruohua; Zhu, Chen'gang; Xu, Bo; Dou, Kefei

2017-03-01

To investigate the predictors of and generate a risk prediction method for periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the new PMI definition proposed by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). The SCAI-defined PMI was found to be associated with worse prognosis than the PMI diagnosed by other definitions. However, few large-sample studies have attempted to predict the risk of SCAI-defined PMI. A total of 3,371 patients (3,516 selective PCIs) were included in this single-center retrospective analysis. The diagnostic criteria for PMI were set according to the SCAI definition. All clinical characteristics, coronary angiography findings and PCI procedural factors were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PMI. To evaluate the risk of PMI, a multivariable risk score (PMI score) was constructed with incremental weights attributed to each component variable according to their estimated coefficients. PMI occurred in 108 (3.1%) of all patients. Age, multivessel treatment, at least one bifurcation treatment and total treated lesion length were independent predictors of SCAI-defined PMI. PMI scores ranged from 0 to 20. The C-statistic of PMI score was 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.76). PMI rates increased significantly from 1.96% in the non-high-risk group (PMI score < 10) to 6.26% in the high-risk group (PMI score ≥ 10) (P < 0.001). Age, multivessel treatment, at least one bifurcation treatment, and total treated lesion length are predictive of PMI. The PMI score could help identify patients at high risk of PMI after PCI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A temporal phase unwrapping algorithm for photoelastic stress analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldi, Antonio; Bertolino, Filippo; Ginesu, Francesco

2007-05-01

Photoelastic stress analysis is a full-field optical technique for experimental stress analysis whose automation has received considerable research attention over the last 15 years. The latest developments have been made possible largely due to the availability of powerful calculators with large memory capacity and colour, high resolution, cameras. A further stimulus is provided by the photoelastic resins now used for rapid prototyping. However, one critical aspect which still deserves attention is phase unwrapping. The algorithms most commonly used for this purpose have been developed in other scientific areas (classical interferometry, profilometry, moiré, etc.) for solving different problems. In this article a new algorithm is proposed for temporal phase unwrapping, which offers several advantages over those used today.

Micro/nano moire methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asundi, Anand K.; Shang, Haixia; Xie, Huimin; Li, Biao

2003-10-01

Two novel micro/nano moire method, SEM scanning moiré and AFM scanning moire techniques are discussed in this paper. The principle and applications of two scanning moire methods are described in detail. The residual deformation in a polysilicon MEMS cantilever structure with a 5000 lines/mm grating after removing the SiO2 sacrificial layer is accurately measured by SEM scanning moire method. While AFM scanning moire method is used to detect thermal deformation of electronic package components, and formation of nano-moire on a freshly cleaved mica crystal. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of these two moire methods, and also show they are effective methods to measure the deformation from micron to nano-scales.

The design of a low-cost Thomson Scattering system for use on the ORNL PhIX device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biewer, T. M.; Lore, J.; Goulding, R. H.; Hillis, D. L.; Owen, L.; Rapp, J.

2012-10-01

Study of the plasma-material interface (PMI) under high power and particle flux on linear plasma devices is an active area of research that is relevant to fusion-grade toroidal devices such as ITER and DEMO. ORNL is assembling a 15 cm diameter, ˜3 m long linear machine, called the Physics Integration eXperiment (PhIX), which incorporates a helicon plasma source, electron heating, and a material target. The helicon source has demonstrated coupling of up to 100 kW of rf power, and produced ne >= 4 x 10^19 m-3 in D, and He fueled plasmas, measured with interferometry and Langmuir probes (LP). Optical emission spectroscopy was used to confirm LP measurements that Te is about 10 eV in helicon heated plasmas, which will presumably increase when electron heating is applied. Plasma parameters (ne, Te, n0) of the PhIX device will be measured with a novel, low-cost Thomson Scattering (TS) system. The data will be used to characterize the PMI regime with multiple profile measurements in front of the target. Profiles near the source and target will be used to determine the parallel transport regime via comparison to 2D fluid plasma simulations. This work was supported by the US. D.O.E. contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Varying Definitions for Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction Alter Event Rates and Prognostic Implications

PubMed Central

Idris, Hanan; Lo, Sidney; Shugman, Ibrahim M.; Saad, Yousef; Hopkins, Andrew P.; Mussap, Christian; Leung, Dominic; Thomas, Liza; Juergens, Craig P.; French, John K.

2014-01-01

Background Periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) has had several definitions in the last decade, including the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) definition, that requires marked biomarker elevations congruent with surgical PMI criteria. Methods and Results The aim of this study was to examine the definition‐based frequencies of PMI and whether they influenced the reported association between PMI and increased rates of late death/ myocardial infarction (MI). We studied 742 patients; 492 (66%) had normal troponin T (TnT) levels and 250 (34%) had elevated, but stable or falling, TnT levels. PMI, using the 2007 and the 2012 universal definition, occurred in 172 (23.2%) and in 99 (13.3%) patients, respectively, whereas 19 (2.6%) met the SCAI PMI definition (P<0.0001). Among patients with PMI using the 2012 definition, occlusion of a side branch ≤1 mm occurred in 48 patients (48.5%) and was the most common angiographic finding for PMI. The rates of death/MI at 2 years in patients with, compared to those without, PMI was 14.7% versus 10.1% (P=0.087) based on the 2007 definition, 16.9% versus 10.3% (P=0.059) based on the 2012 definition, and 29.4% versus 10.7% (P=0.015) based on the SCAI definition. Conclusion In this study, PMI, according to the SCAI definition, was associated with more‐frequent late death/MI, with ≈20% of all patients, who had PMI using the 2007 universal MI definition, not having SCAI‐defined PMI. Categorizing these latter patients as SCAI‐defined no PMI did not alter the rate of death/MI among no‐PMI patients. PMID:25359403

Theoretical study of the properties of X-ray diffraction moiré fringes. I

PubMed Central

Yoshimura, Jun-ichi

2015-01-01

A detailed and comprehensive theoretical description of X-ray diffraction moiré fringes for a bicrystal specimen is given on the basis of a calculation by plane-wave dynamical diffraction theory. Firstly, prior to discussing the main subject of the paper, a previous article [Yoshimura (1997 ▸). Acta Cryst. A53, 810–812] on the two-dimensionality of diffraction moiré patterns is restated on a thorough calculation of the moiré interference phase. Then, the properties of moiré fringes derived from the above theory are explained for the case of a plane-wave diffraction image, where the significant effect of Pendellösung intensity oscillation on the moiré pattern when the crystal is strained is described in detail with theoretically simulated moiré images. Although such plane-wave moiré images are not widely observed in a nearly pure form, knowledge of their properties is essential for the understanding of diffraction moiré fringes in general. PMID:25970298

Directed-assembled multi-band moiré plasmonic metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagavalli Yogeesh, Maruthi; Wu, Zilong; Li, Wei; Akinwande, Deji; Zheng, Yuebing

With the large number of component sets and high rotational symmetry, plasmonic metamaterials with moiré patterns can support multiple plasmonic modes for multi-functional applications. Herein, we introduce moiré plasmonic metasurfaces using both gold and graphene, by a recently developed directed-assembled method known as moiré nanosphere lithography (MNSL). The graphene moiré metasurfaces show multiple and tunable resonance modes in the mid-infrared wavelength regime. The number and wavelength of the resonance modes can be tuned by controlling the moiré patterns, which can be easily achieved by changing the relative in-plane rotation angle during MNSL. Furthermore, we have designed a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) patch structure with a thin Au moiré metasurface layer and an optically thick Au layer separated by a dielectric spacer layer. Benefiting from the combination of moiré patterns and field enhancement from the MIM configuration, the moiré metasurface patch exhibits strong broadband absorption in the NIR ( 1.3 μm) and MIR ( 5 μm) range. The dual-band optical responses make moiré metasurface patch a multi-functional platform for surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy, optical capture and patterning of bacteria, and photothermal denaturation of proteins.

Advanced optical measuring systems for measuring the properties of fluids and structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, A. J.

1986-01-01

Four advanced optical models are reviewed for the measurement of visualization of flow and structural properties. Double-exposure, diffuse-illumination, holographic interferometry can be used for three-dimensional flow visualization. When this method is combined with optical heterodyning, precise measurements of structural displacements or fluid density are possible. Time-average holography is well known as a method for displaying vibrational mode shapes, but it also can be used for flow visualization and flow measurements. Deflectometry is used to measure or visualize the deflection of light rays from collimation. Said deflection occurs because of refraction in a fluid or because of reflection from a tilted surface. The moire technique for deflectometry, when combined with optical heterodyning, permits very precise measurements of these quantities. The rainbow schlieren method of deflectometry allows varying deflection angles to be encoded with colors for visualization.

A study of the stress wave factor technique for the characterization of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henneke, E. G., II; Duke, J. C., Jr.; Stinchcomb, W. W.; Govada, A.; Lemascon, A.

1983-01-01

A testing program was undertaken to provide an independent investigation and evaluation of the stress wave factor for characterizing the mechanical behavior of composite laminates. Some of the data which was obtained after performing a very large number of tests to determine the reproducibility of the SWF measurement is presented. It was determined that, with some optimizing of experimental parameters, the SWF value can be reproduced to within + or - 10%. Results are also given which show that, after careful calibration procedures, the lowest SWF value along the length of a specimen will correlate very closely to the site of final failure when the specimen is loaded in tension. Finally, using a moire interferometry technique, it was found that local regions having the highest in plane strains under tensile loading also had the lowest SWF values.

A study of the stress wave factor technique for the characterization of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Govada, A. K.; Duke, J. C., Jr.; Henneke, E. G., II; Stinchcomb, W. W.

1985-01-01

This study has investigated the potential of the Stress Wave Factor as an NDT technique for thin composite laminates. The conventional SWF and an alternate method for quantifying the SWF were investigated. Agreement between the initial SWF number, ultrasonic C-scan, inplane displacements as obtained by full field moire interferometry, and the failure location have been observed. The SWF number was observed to be the highest when measured along the fiber direction and the lowest when measured across the fibers. The alternate method for quantifying the SWF used square root of the zeroth moment (square root of M sub o) of the frequency spectrum of the received signal as a quantitative parameter. From this study it therefore appears that the stress wave factor has an excellent potential to monitor damage development in thin composite laminates.

Practical method for evaluating the visibility of moire patterns for CRT design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiramatsu, Naoki; Tanigawa, Masashi; Iwata, Shuji

1995-04-01

The high resolution CRT displays used for computer monitor and high performance TV often produce a pattern of bright and dark stripes on the screen called a moire pattern. The elimination of the moire is an important consideration in the CRT design. The objective of this study is to provide a practical method for estimating and evaluating a moire pattern considering the visibility by the human vision. On the basis of the mathematical model of a moire generation, precise value of the period and the intensity of a moire are calculated from the actual data of the electron beam profile and the transmittance distribution of apertures of the shadow mask. The visibility of the moire is evaluated by plotting the calculation results on the contrast-period plane, which consists of visible and invisible moire pattern regions based on experimental results of the psychological tests. Not only fundamental design parameters such as a shadow mask pitch and a scanning line pitch but also details of an electron beam profile such as a distortion or an asymmetry can be examined. In addition to the analysis, the image simulation of a moire using the image memory is also available.

Overview of innovative PMI research on NSTX-U and associated PMI facilities at PPPL

DOE PAGES

M. Ono; Jaworski, M.; Kaita, R.; ...

2013-05-01

Developing a reactor compatible divertor and managing the associated plasma material interaction (PMI) has been identified as a high priority research area for magnetic confinement fusion. Accordingly on NSTX-U, the PMI research has received a strong emphasis. Moreover, with ˜15 MW of auxiliary heating power, NSTX-U will be able to test the PMI physics with the peak divertor plasma facing component (PFC) heat loads of up to 40-60 MW/m 2.

Periprocedural myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary intervention in an academic tertiary centre in Johannesburg.

PubMed

Tsabedze, Nqoba; McCutcheon, Keir; Mkhwanazi, Lancelot; Garda, Riaz; Vachiat, Ahmed; Ramjee, Rohan; Moosa, Jameel; Maluleke, Themba; Mukeshimana, Gloria; Karolia, Saffiyyah; Mpanya, Dineo; Manga, Pravin

2017-03-01

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is effective therapy for significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Despite medical and technological advances in PCI, periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) remains a common complication. The frequency and factors associated with PMI have been well investigated in the developed world, yet there is a paucity of data from the developing world, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. We prospectively enrolled 153 adult patients undergoing PCI at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital from the 1st of February 2014 to 31st October 2014. Periprocedural Creatinine Kinase-MB and hs-Troponin I were routinely measured before PCI and at 16-24h post-procedure. The third universal definition of myocardial infarction was used to define a PMI event. 152 participants met the inclusion criteria and were analysed for PMI. 70.4% participants were male. The mean age was 58.8 (SD 10.9) years old. Sixteen (10.5%) participants fulfilled the criteria for PMI. Side branch pinching with preserved TIMI III flow was noted in 62.5% of PMI cases. Duration of procedure (P=0.007), right coronary artery intervention (p=0.042) and total stent length (p=0.045) were independently associated with PMI. PMI occurred in 10.5% of cases undergoing PCI. This is consistent with the prevalence of PMI internationally. Larger multicentre studies are required in our demographic region to further define relevant predictors and outcomes associated with PMI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Myocardial Injury after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for In-Stent Restenosis Versus de novo Stenosis.

PubMed

Shimonaga, Takashi; Kurisu, Satoshi; Watanabe, Noriaki; Ikenaga, Hiroki; Higaki, Tadanao; Iwasaki, Toshitaka; Ishibashi, Ken; Dohi, Yoshihiro; Fukuda, Yukihiro; Kihara, Yasuki

2015-01-01

Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) remains a relatively common complication even after successful procedures. In-stent restenosis (ISR) may be involved in lesion-related factors for PMI. We compared the incidence of PMI between patients with ISR and those with de novo stenosis. The study population consisted of 121 patients with coronary artery disease who had been treated with statins and subsequently underwent angiographically successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Blood samples for troponin I were collected 18 to 24 hours after PCI. PMI was defined as an increase in the troponin I levels greater than 0.15 ng/mL. Major PMI was defined as an increase in the troponin I levels greater than 0.75 ng/mL. There were 34 patients with ISR and 87 patients with de novo stenosis. The incidence of PMI was similar between the two groups (47.1 % vs. 55.2 %, p=0.42). Among the patients with ISR, the incidences of PMI were 33.3 %, 60.0 % and 66.7 % in patients with focal ISR, diffuse ISR and diffuse proliferative ISR, respectively, although these differences were not statistically significant. The incidence of major PMI was significantly less frequent in patients with ISR than those with de novo stenosis (5.9 % vs. 25.3 %, p=0.03). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ISR [odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.90; p=0.03] and the maximum inflation pressure (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.30; p=0.009) were independent predictors of major PMI. Our results suggest that while PMI occurs in patients with ISR as commonly as those with de novo stenosis, major PMI occurs less frequently in patients with ISR.

Global control of colored moiré pattern in layered optical structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kunyang; Zhou, Yangui; Pan, Di; Ma, Xueyan; Ma, Hongqin; Liang, Haowen; Zhou, Jianying

2018-05-01

Accurate description of visual effect of colored moiré pattern caused by layered optical structures consisting of gratings and Fresnel lens is proposed in this work. The colored moiré arising from the periodic and quasi-periodic structures is numerically simulated and experimentally verified. It is found that the visibility of moiré pattern generated by refractive optical elements is related to not only the spatial structures of gratings but also the viewing angles. To effectively control the moiré visibility, two constituting gratings are slightly separated. Such scheme is proved to be effective to globally eliminate moiré pattern for displays containing refractive optical films with quasi-periodic structures.

Improved grid-noise removal in single-frame digital moiré 3D shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Fatemeh; Kofman, Jonathan

2016-11-01

A single-frame grid-noise removal technique was developed for application in single-frame digital-moiré 3D shape measurement. The ability of the stationary wavelet transform (SWT) to prevent oscillation artifacts near discontinuities, and the ability of the Fourier transform (FFT) applied to wavelet coefficients to separate grid-noise from useful image information, were combined in a new technique, SWT-FFT, to remove grid-noise from moiré-pattern images generated by digital moiré. In comparison to previous grid-noise removal techniques in moiré, SWT-FFT avoids the requirement for mechanical translation of optical components and capture of multiple frames, to enable single-frame moiré-based measurement. Experiments using FFT, Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), DWT-FFT, and SWT-FFT were performed on moiré-pattern images containing grid noise, generated by digital moiré, for several test objects. SWT-FFT had the best performance in removing high-frequency grid-noise, both straight and curved lines, minimizing artifacts, and preserving the moiré pattern without blurring and degradation. SWT-FFT also had the lowest noise amplitude in the reconstructed height and lowest roughness index for all test objects, indicating best grid-noise removal in comparison to the other techniques.

Creep-fatigue interaction at high temperature; Proceedings of the Symposium, 112th ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, Dec. 1-6, 1991

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haritos, George K.; Ochoa, O. O.

Various papers on creep-fatigue interaction at high temperature are presented. Individual topics addressed include: analysis of elevated temperature fatigue crack growth mechanisms in Alloy 718, physically based microcrack propagation laws for creep-fatigue-environment interaction, in situ SEM observation of short fatigue crack growth in Waspaloy at 700 C under cyclic and dwell conditions, evolution of creep-fatigue life prediction models, TMF design considerations in turbine airfoils of advanced turbine engines. Also discussed are: high temperature fatigue life prediction computer code based on the total strain version of strainrange partitioning, atomic theory of thermodynamics of internal variables, geometrically nonlinear analysis of interlaminar stresses in unsymmetrically laminated plates subjected to uniform thermal loading, experimental investigation of creep crack tip deformation using moire interferometry. (For individual items see A93-31336 to A93-31344)

Optical Signal Processing: Poisson Image Restoration and Shearing Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, Yie-Ming

1973-01-01

Optical signal processing can be performed in either digital or analog systems. Digital computers and coherent optical systems are discussed as they are used in optical signal processing. Topics include: image restoration; phase-object visualization; image contrast reversal; optical computation; image multiplexing; and fabrication of spatial filters. Digital optical data processing deals with restoration of images degraded by signal-dependent noise. When the input data of an image restoration system are the numbers of photoelectrons received from various areas of a photosensitive surface, the data are Poisson distributed with mean values proportional to the illuminance of the incoherently radiating object and background light. Optical signal processing using coherent optical systems is also discussed. Following a brief review of the pertinent details of Ronchi's diffraction grating interferometer, moire effect, carrier-frequency photography, and achromatic holography, two new shearing interferometers based on them are presented. Both interferometers can produce variable shear.

Strain measurement in the wavy-ply region of an externally pressurized cross-ply composite ring

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

Gascoigne, H.E.; Abdallah, M.G.

1996-07-01

Ply-level strains are determined in the cross-section of an externally pressurized cross-ply (3:1 circumferential to axial fiber ratio) graphite-epoxy ring containing an isolated circumferential wavy region. A special test fixture was used which permitted measuring orthogonal displacement components in the wavy area using moire interferometry as the pressure was increased. Strain components were determined at selected locations in the wavy area up to approximately90% of failure pressure. The study shows: (1) large interlaminar shear strains, which are non-existent in the perfect ring, are present near the wave inflection points; (2) the wavy plies generate increased interlaminar normal compressive strains inmore » both circumferential and axial plies along a radial line coinciding with maximum wave amplitude; and (3) nonlinear strain response begins at approximately 60% of failure pressure.« less

Prostate Mechanical Imaging: A New Method For Prostate Assessment

PubMed Central

Weiss, Robert E; Egorov, Vladimir; Ayrapetyan, Suren; Sarvazyan, Noune; Sarvazyan, Armen

2008-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the ability of Prostate Mechanical Imaging (PMI) technology to provide an objective and reproducible image and to assess the prostate nodularity. Methods The PMI device developed by Artann Laboratories was evaluated in a pilot clinical study. For the 168 patients (ages 44 to 94) presented to an urologist for prostate evaluation, PMI-produced images and assessment of prostate size, shape, consistency/hardness, mobility, nodularity, and was compared with digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. The PMI and DRE results were further tested for correlation against a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (TRUS) guided biopsy for a sub-group of 21 patients with an elevated PSA level. Results In 84% of the cases the PMI device was able to reconstruct 3-D and 2-D cross-sectional images of the prostate. The PMI System and DRE pre-tests were able to determine malignant nodules in 10 and 6 patients, respectively, of the 13 patients with biopsy-confirmed malignant inclusions. The PMI System findings were consistent with all 8 biopsy negative cases, while the DRE had 1 abnormal reading for this group. The correlation between PMI and DRE detection of palpable nodularity was 81%, as indicated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Estimates of the prostate size provided by PMI and DRE were found to be statistically significantly correlated. Conclusions The PMI has the potential to enable a physician to obtain, examine and store a three dimensional image of the prostate based on mechanical and geometrical characteristics of the gland and its internal structures. PMID:18342178

[Experimental Study of PMI Foam Composite Properties in Terahertz].

PubMed

Xing, Li-yun; Cui, Hong-liang; Shi, Chang-cheng; Han, Xiao-hui; Zhang, Zi-yin; Li, Wei; Ma, Yu-ting; Zheng, Yan; Zhang, Song-nian

2015-12-01

Polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam composite has many excellent properties. Currently, PMI is heat-resistant foam, with the highest strength and stiffness. It is suitable as a high-performance sandwich structure core material. It can replace the honeycomb structure. It is widely used in aerospace, aviation, military, marine, automotive and high-speed trains, etc. But as new sandwich materials, PMI performance testing in the THz band is not yet visible. Based on the Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy technique, we conducted the transmission and reflection experiments, got the time domain waveforms and power density spectrum. And then we analyzed and compared the signals. The MATALB and Origin 8. 0 was used to calculate and obtain the transmittance (transfer function), absorptivity Coefficient, reflectance and the refractive index of the different thickness Degussa PMI (Model: Rohacell WF71), which were based on the application of the time-domain and frequency-domain analysis methods. We used the data to compared with the THz refractive index and absorption spectra of a domestic PMI, Baoding Meiwo Technology Development Co. , Ltd. (Model: SP1D80-P-30). The result shows that the impact of humidity on the measurement results is obvious. The refractive index of PMI is about 1. 05. The attenuation of power spectrum is due to the signal of the test platform is weak, the sample is thick and the internal scattering of PMI foam microstructure. This conclusion provides a theoretical basis for the THz band applications in the composite PMI. It also made a good groundwork for THz NDT (Non-Destructive Testing, NDT) technology in terms of PMI foam composites.

Dating human skeletal remains using 90Sr and 210Pb: case studies.

PubMed

Schrag, Bettina; Uldin, Tanya; Mangin, Patrice; Bochud, François; Froidevaux, Pascal

2014-01-01

In legal medicine, the post mortem interval (PMI) of interest covers the last 50 years. When only human skeletal remains are found, determining the PMI currently relies mostly on the experience of the forensic anthropologist, with few techniques available to help. Recently, several radiometric methods have been proposed to reveal PMI. For instance, (14)C and (90)Sr bomb pulse dating covers the last 60 years and give reliable PMI when teeth or bones are available. (232)Th series dating has also been proposed but requires a large amount of bones. In addition, (210)Pb dating is promising but is submitted to diagenesis and individual habits like smoking that must be handled carefully. Here we determine PMI on 29 cases of forensic interest using (90)Sr bomb pulse. In 12 cases, (210)Pb dating was added to narrow the PMI interval. In addition, anthropological investigations were carried out on 15 cases to confront anthropological expertise to the radiometric method. Results show that 10 of the 29 cases can be discarded as having no forensic interest (PMI>50 years) based only on the (90)Sr bomb pulse dating. For 10 other cases, the additional (210)Pb dating restricts the PMI uncertainty to a few years. In 15 cases, anthropological investigations corroborate the radiometric PMI. This study also shows that diagenesis and inter-individual difference in radionuclide uptake represent the main sources of uncertainty in the PMI determination using radiometric methods. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Micro/Nano-scale Strain Distribution Measurement from Sampling Moiré Fringes.

PubMed

Wang, Qinghua; Ri, Shien; Tsuda, Hiroshi

2017-05-23

This work describes the measurement procedure and principles of a sampling moiré technique for full-field micro/nano-scale deformation measurements. The developed technique can be performed in two ways: using the reconstructed multiplication moiré method or the spatial phase-shifting sampling moiré method. When the specimen grid pitch is around 2 pixels, 2-pixel sampling moiré fringes are generated to reconstruct a multiplication moiré pattern for a deformation measurement. Both the displacement and strain sensitivities are twice as high as in the traditional scanning moiré method in the same wide field of view. When the specimen grid pitch is around or greater than 3 pixels, multi-pixel sampling moiré fringes are generated, and a spatial phase-shifting technique is combined for a full-field deformation measurement. The strain measurement accuracy is significantly improved, and automatic batch measurement is easily achievable. Both methods can measure the two-dimensional (2D) strain distributions from a single-shot grid image without rotating the specimen or scanning lines, as in traditional moiré techniques. As examples, the 2D displacement and strain distributions, including the shear strains of two carbon fiber-reinforced plastic specimens, were measured in three-point bending tests. The proposed technique is expected to play an important role in the non-destructive quantitative evaluations of mechanical properties, crack occurrences, and residual stresses of a variety of materials.

Dirac electrons in Moiré superlattice: From two to three dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chen; Michaud-Rioux, Vincent; Kong, Xianghua; Guo, Hong

2017-11-01

Moiré patterns in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures bring novel physical effects to the materials. We report theoretical investigations of the Moiré pattern formed by graphene (Gr) on hexagonal boron nitride (h BN). For both the two-dimensional (2D) flat-sheet and the freestanding three-dimensional (3D) wavelike film geometries, the behaviors of Dirac electrons are strongly modulated by the local high-symmetry stacking configurations of the Moiré pattern. In the 2D flat sheet, the secondary Dirac cone (SDC) dispersion emerges due to the stacking-selected localization of SDC wave functions, while the original Dirac cone (ODC) gap is suppressed due to an overall effect of ODC wave functions. In the freestanding 3D wavelike Moiré structure, we predict that a specific local stacking in the Moiré superlattice is promoted at the expense of other local stackings, leading to an electronic structure more similar to that of the perfectly matching flat Gr/h BN than that of the flat-sheet 2D Moiré pattern. To capture the overall picture of the Moiré superlattice, supercells containing 12 322 atoms are simulated by first principles.

The ratio of serum n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with diabetes mellitus in patients with prior myocardial infarction: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Takahashi, Masao; Ando, Jiro; Shimada, Kazunori; Nishizaki, Yuji; Tani, Shigemasa; Ogawa, Takayuki; Yamamoto, Masato; Nagao, Ken; Hirayama, Atsushi; Yoshimura, Michihiro; Daida, Hiroyuki; Nagai, Ryozo; Komuro, Issei

2017-01-26

In prior myocardial infarction (PMI) patients, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and hypertension increase the risk of secondary cardiovascular events. Although a decreased ratio of serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (AA; EPA/AA) has been shown to significantly correlate with the onset of acute coronary syndrome, the associations between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and coronary risk factors in PMI patients have not been evaluated thoroughly. This study aimed to assess the associations between PUFAs levels and the risk factors in PMI patients. We enrolled 1733 patients with known PUFA levels who were treated in five divisions of cardiology in a metropolitan area of Japan, including 303 patients with PMI. EPA/AA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to AA level ratio (DHA/AA) in patients with and without PMI were analyzed according to presence of coronary risk factors. Diabetes patients with PMI had significantly lower EPA/AA and DHA/AA than diabetes patients without PMI (EPA/AA: P <0.01; DHA/AA: P =0.003), with no such differences in dyslipidemia and hypertension patients. In DM patients with high high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (>0.1 mg/dL), EPA/AA was low in individuals who also had PMI, whereas DHA/AA was not (EPA/AA, with PMI: 0.43 ± 0.24; without PMI: 0.53 ± 0.30, P < 0.05). Moreover, patients on statins had significantly lower DHA/AA ratios, whereas the EPA/AA ratio did not depend on statin use. Multiple regression analysis revealed that statin use in DM patients was associated with low DHA/AA but not EPA/AA. PMI patients with DM have low EPA/AA and DHA/AA. EPA/AA and DHA/AA are differently related to hs-CRP level in DM patients with PMI. Statin use can potentially affect DHA/AA but not EPA/AA, and therefore EPA/AA ratio is a better marker of assessment for cardiovascular events.

Towards a greater understanding of the illicit tobacco trade in Europe: a review of the PMI funded ‘Project Star’ report

PubMed Central

Gilmore, Anna B; Rowell, Andy; Gallus, Silvano; Lugo, Alessandra; Joossens, Luk; Sims, Michelle

2014-01-01

Background Following a legal agreement with the European Union (EU), Philip Morris International (PMI) commissions a yearly report (‘Project Star’, PS) on the European illicit cigarette trade from KPMG, the global accountancy firm. Methods Review of PS 2010 report. Comparison with data from independent sources including a 2010 pan-European survey (N=18 056). Findings Within PS, data covering all 27 EU countries are entered into a model. While the model itself seems appropriate, concerns are identified with the methodologies underlying the data inputs and thus their quality: there is little transparency over methodologies; interview data underestimate legal non-domestic product partly by failing to account for legal cross-border sales; illicit cigarette estimates rely on tobacco industry empty pack surveys which may overestimate illicit; and there is an over-reliance on data supplied by PMI with inadequate external validation. Thus, PMI sales data are validated using PMI smoking prevalence estimates, yet PMI is unable to provide sales (shipment) data for the Greek islands and its prevalence estimates differ grossly from independent data. Consequently, comparisons with independent data suggest PS will tend to overestimate illicit cigarette levels particularly where cross-border shopping is frequent (Austria, Finland, France) and in Western compared with Eastern European countries. The model also provides data on the nature of the illicit cigarette market independent of seizure data suggesting that almost a quarter of the illicit cigarette market in 2010 comprised PMI's own brands compared with just 5% counterfeited PMI brands; a finding hidden in PMI's public representation of the data. Conclusions PS overestimates illicit cigarette levels in some European countries and suggests PMI's supply chain control is inadequate. Its publication serves the interests of PMI over those of the EU and its member states. PS requires greater transparency, external scrutiny and use of independent data. PMID:24335339

Proposal of a production and management index (PMI) for tilapia farms.

PubMed

Muniesa, A; Rey-Castaño, A L; Ruiz-Zarzuela, I; Guarín, M; Iregui, C; de Blas, I

2016-11-01

Tilapia is one of the most important species in aquaculture; however, there is no available index to show the performance of a production unit. It is desirable to assess the productivity using indexes, such as the production and management index for shrimps and the European production efficacy factor for broilers. These indexes are based on data production: growth, survival, and feed conversion of a full production cycle. Taking into account these parameters, we propose a production and management index (PMI) for tilapia that is applicable for a specific period of the production cycle. For the construction and validation of the PMI we have used production data from 8,614 monthly records of 2 tilapia farms in Huila Department (Colombia), and because of the complexity of tilapia management, different anomalous situations have been detected and then defined as exceptions. As a result, 419 records were considered extreme values because 1 or more exceptions were met. The value of the PMI varies from 0 (the worst situation) to 3.55, which reflects high variability. We have constructed a PMI for tilapia as the product of 3 elements to obtain a positive value index. Instead of classic parameters, we had to calculate an adapted version of them: the relative average daily growth, the survival (as a complementary value of the estimated monthly mortality), and a feed conversion ratio index. To assess the utility of the PMI, some comparisons were performed using records from black and red tilapia. We observed significant differences depending on tilapia strain (PMI = 1.0248 vs. PMI = 1.1661; < 0.001), age (better values for small fish), and season (PMI = 1.0847 vs. PMI = 1.1011; = 0.026). According to these results, we can conclude that the PMI could be a useful tool for tilapia farmers, despite the complexity of the calculation.

Postoperative myocardial infarction documented by technetium pyrophosphate scan using single-photon emission computed tomography: Significance of intraoperative myocardial ischemia and hemodynamic control

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

Cheng, D.C.; Chung, F.; Burns, R.J.

The aim of this prospective study was to document postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) by technetium pyrophosphate scan using single-photon emission computed tomography (TcPPi-SPECT) in 28 patients undergoing elective coronary bypass grafting (CABG). The relationships of intraoperative electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia, hemodynamic responses, and pharmacological requirements to this incidence of PMI were correlated. Radionuclide cardioangiography and TcPPi-SPECT were performed 24 h preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively. A standard high-dose fentanyl anesthetic protocol was used. Twenty-five percent of elective CABG patients were complicated with PMI, as documented by TcPPi-SPECT with an infarcted mass of 38.0 +/- 5.5 g. No significant difference in demographic,more » preoperative right and left ventricular function, number of coronary vessels grafted, or aortic cross-clamp time was observed between the PMI and non-PMI groups. The distribution of patients using preoperative beta-adrenergic blocking drugs or calcium channel blocking drugs was found to have no correlation with the outcome of PMI. As well, no significant differences in hemodynamic changes or pharmacological requirements were observed in the PMI and non-PMI groups during prebypass or postbypass periods, indicating careful intraoperative control of hemodynamic indices did not prevent the outcome of PMI in these patients. However, the incidence of prebypass ischemia was 39.3% and significantly correlated with the outcome of positive TcPPi-SPECT, denoting a 3.9-fold increased risk of developing PMI. Prebypass ischemic changes in leads II and V5 were shown to correlate with increased CPK-MB release (P less than 0.05) and tends to occur more frequently with lateral myocardial infarction.« less

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

M. Ono, M. Jaworski, R. Kaita, C. N. Skinner, J.P. Allain, R. Maingi, F. Scotti, V.A. Soukhanovskii, and the NSTX-U Team

Developing a reactor compatible divertor and managing the associated plasma material interaction (PMI) has been identified as a high priority research area for magnetic confinement fusion. Accordingly on NSTXU, the PMI research has received a strong emphasis. With ~ 15 MW of auxiliary heating power, NSTX-U will be able to test the PMI physics with the peak divertor plasma facing component (PFC) heat loads of up to 40-60 MW/m2 . To support the PMI research, a comprehensive set of PMI diagnostic tools are being implemented. The snow-flake configuration can produce exceptionally high divertor flux expansion of up to ~ 50.more » Combined with the radiative divertor concept, the snow-flake configuration has reduced the divertor heat flux by an order of magnitude in NSTX. Another area of active PMI investigation is the effect of divertor lithium coating (both in solid and liquid phases). The overall NSTX lithium PFC coating results suggest exciting opportunities for future magnetic confinement research including significant electron energy confinement improvements, Hmode power threshold reduction, the control of Edge Localized Modes (ELMs), and high heat flux handling. To support the NSTX-U/PPPL PMI research, there are also a number of associated PMI facilities implemented at PPPL/Princeton University including the Liquid Lithium R&D facility, Lithium Tokamak Experiment, and Laboratories for Materials Characterization and Surface Chemistry.« less

Reduction of a grid moiré pattern by integrating a carbon-interspaced high precision x-ray grid with a digital radiographic detector.

PubMed

Yoon, Jai-Woong; Park, Young-Guk; Park, Chun-Joo; Kim, Do-Il; Lee, Jin-Ho; Chung, Nag-Kun; Choe, Bo-Young; Suh, Tae-Suk; Lee, Hyoung-Koo

2007-11-01

The stationary grid commonly used with a digital x-ray detector causes a moiré interference pattern due to the inadequate sampling of the grid shadows by the detector pixels. There are limitations with the previous methods used to remove the moiré such as imperfect electromagnetic interference shielding and the loss of image information. A new method is proposed for removing the moiré pattern by integrating a carbon-interspaced high precision x-ray grid with high grid line uniformity with the detector for frequency matching. The grid was aligned to the detector by translating and rotating the x-ray grid with respect to the detector using microcontrolled alignment mechanism. The gap between the grid and the detector surface was adjusted with micrometer precision to precisely match the projected grid line pitch to the detector pixel pitch. Considering the magnification of the grid shadows on the detector plane, the grids were manufactured such that the grid line frequency was slightly higher than the detector sampling frequency. This study examined the factors that affect the moiré pattern, particularly the line frequency and displacement. The frequency of the moiré pattern was found to be sensitive to the angular displacement of the grid with respect to the detector while the horizontal translation alters the phase but not the moiré frequency. The frequency of the moiré pattern also decreased with decreasing difference in frequency between the grid and the detector, and a moiré-free image was produced after complete matching for a given source to detector distance. The image quality factors including the contrast, signal-to-noise ratio and uniformity in the images with and without the moiré pattern were investigated.

High-accuracy contouring using projection moiré

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Lamberti, Luciano; Sciammarella, Federico M.

2005-09-01

Shadow and projection moiré are the oldest forms of moiré to be used in actual technical applications. In spite of this fact and the extensive number of papers that have been published on this topic, the use of shadow moiré as an accurate tool that can compete with alternative devices poses very many problems that go to the very essence of the mathematical models used to obtain contour information from fringe pattern data. In this paper some recent developments on the projection moiré method are presented. Comparisons between the results obtained with the projection method and the results obtained by mechanical devices that operate with contact probes are presented. These results show that the use of projection moiré makes it possible to achieve the same accuracy that current mechanical touch probe devices can provide.

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

Liao, Yubo; School of Physics and Electronic Information Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000; Lei, Yunfei

An image converter tube with a magnetic lens was used to obtain static images of moiré fringes formed by electron beam. These moiré fringes are formed due to the interference between the anode mesh and the photocathode containing slits of various spatial frequencies. Moiré fringes are observed at an accelerating voltage of 3.5 kV requiring the magnetic excitation condition of ∼550 ampere-turns. Not only the features of the fringes are analyzed but also the change of fringe spacing as a function of the rotation angle is investigated. The experimental results are found well in agreement with the theoretical analysis. By changingmore » the rotation angle or adjusting the excitation condition of the magnetic lens, we were able to record parallel moiré and secondary moiré fringes too. The secondary moiré fringes can be observed in the rotation angle range of −39.5° to −50.6°. The theoretical analysis indicates that the secondary moiré is formed by the interference between the photocathode slits and the 2-D periodic structure of the anode mesh. Combining our proposed moiré method with the pulse-dilation technique may potentially open the door for future applications, in various fields including, but not limited to, ultrafast electrical pulse diagnostics.« less

Detecting Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Trials.

PubMed

Spitzer, Ernest; de Vries, Ton; Cavalcante, Rafael; Tuinman, Marieke; Rademaker-Havinga, Tessa; Alkema, Maaike; Morel, Marie-Angele; Soliman, Osama I; Onuma, Yoshinobu; van Es, Gerrit-Anne; Tijssen, Jan G P; McFadden, Eugene; Serruys, Patrick W

2017-04-10

This study sought to investigate the differences in detecting (e.g., triggering) periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) among 3 current definitions. PMI is a frequent component of primary endpoints in coronary device trials. Identification of all potential suspected events is critical for accurate event ascertainment. Automatic triggers based on study databases prevent underreporting of events. We generated automated algorithms to trigger PMI based on each definition and compared results using data from the RESOLUTE all comers trial. The operationalization of current PMI definitions was achieved by defining programmable algorithms used to interrogate the study database. From a total of 636 PMI triggers, we identified 234 for the World Health Organization extended definition, 382 for the Third Universal definition, and 216 for the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions definition. Differences among the biomarkers used, different cutoff values, and in the hierarchy among biomarkers within definitions, yielded a different number of triggers, and identified unique triggers for each definition. Only 38 triggers were consistently identified by all definitions. Availability of ECG data, eCRF data on clinical presentation, and the reporting of >2 post-procedural values of the same biomarker influenced considerably the number of PMI triggers identified. PMI definitions are not interchangeable. The number of triggers identified and consequently the potential number of events varies significantly, highlighting the importance of rigorous methodology when PMI is a component of a powered endpoint. Emphasis on collection of biomarkers, ECG data, and clinical status at baseline may improve the correct identification of PMI triggers. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deformation analysis of MEMS structures by modified digital moiré methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhanwei; Lou, Xinhao; Gao, Jianxin

2010-11-01

Quantitative deformation analysis of micro-fabricated electromechanical systems is of importance for the design and functional control of microsystems. In this paper, two modified digital moiré processing methods, Gaussian blurring algorithm combined with digital phase shifting and geometrical phase analysis (GPA) technique based on digital moiré method, are developed to quantitatively analyse the deformation behaviour of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) structures. Measuring principles and experimental procedures of the two methods are described in detail. A digital moiré fringe pattern is generated by superimposing a specimen grating etched directly on a microstructure surface with a digital reference grating (DRG). Most of the grating noise is removed from the digital moiré fringes, which enables the phase distribution of the moiré fringes to be obtained directly. Strain measurement result of a MEMS structure demonstrates the feasibility of the two methods.

Citrate Content of Bone as a Measure of Postmortem Interval: An External Validation Study.

PubMed

Brown, Michael A; Bunch, Ann W; Froome, Charles; Gerling, Rebecca; Hennessy, Shawn; Ellison, Jeffrey

2017-12-26

The postmortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is a crucial piece of information that can help establish the time dimension in criminal cases. Unfortunately, the accurate and reliable determination of PMI from bone continues to evade forensic investigators despite concerted efforts over the past decades to develop suitable qualitative and quantitative methods. A relatively new PMI method based on the analysis of citrate content of bone was developed by Schwarcz et al. The main objective of our research was to determine whether this work could be externally validated. Thirty-one bone samples were obtained from the Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office. Results from analyzing samples with PMI greater than 2 years suggest that the hypothetical relationship between the citrate content of bone and PMI is much weaker than reported. It was also observed that the average absolute error between the PMI value estimated using the equation proposed by Schwarcz et al. and the actual ("true") PMI of the sample was negative indicating an underestimation in PMI. These findings are identical to those reported by Kanz et al. Despite these results this method may still serve as a technique to sort ancient from more recent skeletal cases, after further, similar validation studies have been conducted. © 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Value of the SYNTAX score for periprocedural myocardial infarction according to WHO and the third universal definition of myocardial infarction: insights from the TWENTE trial.

PubMed

Tandjung, Kenneth; Lam, Ming Kai; Sen, Hanim; de Man, Frits H A F; Louwerenburg, J Hans W; Stoel, Martin G; van Houwelingen, K Gert; Linssen, Gerard C M; van der Palen, Job; Doggen, Carine J M; von Birgelen, Clemens

2016-07-20

The SYNTAX score is a tool to quantify the complexity of coronary artery disease. We investigated the relation between the SYNTAX score and the occurrence of a periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) according to the historical definition of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the recently updated universal definition of MI. The SYNTAX score was calculated in 1,243 patients enrolled in TWENTE, a randomised trial which assessed second-generation drug-eluting stents. PMI was defined by the WHO definition and the third universal definition of MI. Patients were divided into tertiles of the SYNTAX score: ≤7 (n=430); >7 and <15 (n=390); ≥15 (n=423). PMI according to the WHO definition occurred more frequently in patients in the highest SYNTAX score tertile (7.3% vs. 3.1% vs. 1.6%, p<0.001) compared to the mid and lowest tertile. Similar findings were seen for universal PMI (9.9% vs. 7.7% vs. 3.7%, p<0.01). After multivariate analysis, SYNTAX score was a significant independent correlate of PMI for both definitions: the highest SYNTAX score tertile had an almost five times higher risk for WHO PMI, and a three times higher risk for universal PMI. In a broad patient population treated with second-generation DES, the SYNTAX score was able to stratify the risk of PMI.

Identification and Characterization of Paramyosin from Cyst Wall of Metacercariae Implicated Protective Efficacy against Clonorchis sinensis Infection

PubMed Central

Lv, Xiaoli; Tian, Yanli; Men, Jingtao; Zhang, Xifeng; Lei, Huali; Zhou, Chenhui; Lu, Fangli; Liang, Chi; Hu, Xuchu; Xu, Jin; Wu, Zhongdao; Li, Xuerong; Yu, Xinbing

2012-01-01

Human clonorchiasis has been increasingly prevalent in recent years and results in a threat to the public health in epidemic regions, motivating current strategies of vaccines to combat Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis). In this study, we identified C. sinensis paramyosin (CsPmy) from the cyst wall proteins of metacercariae by proteomic approaches and characterized the expressed recombinant pET-26b-CsPmy protein (101 kDa). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that full-length sequences of paramyosin are conserved in helminthes and numerous B-cell/T-cell epitopes were predicted in amino acid sequence of CsPmy. Western blot analysis showed that CsPmy was expressed at four life stages of C. sinensis, both cyst wall proteins and soluble tegumental components could be probed by anti-CsPmy serum. Moreover, immunolocalization results revealed that CsPmy was specifically localized at cyst wall and excretory bladder of metacercaria, as well as the tegument, oral sucker and vitellarium of adult worm. Both immunoblot and immunolocalization results demonstrated that CsPmy was highly expressed at the stage of adult worm, metacercariae and cercaria, which could be supported by real-time PCR analysis. Both recombinant protein and nucleic acid of CsPmy showed strong immunogenicity in rats and induced combined Th1/Th2 immune responses, which were reflected by continuous high level of antibody titers and increased level of IgG1/IgG2a subtypes in serum. In vaccine trials, comparing with control groups, both CsPmy protein and DNA vaccine exhibited protective effect with significant worm reduction rate of 54.3% (p<0.05) and 36.1% (p<0.05), respectively. In consistence with immune responses in sera, elevated level of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 in splenocytes suggested that CsPmy could induce combined cellular immunity and humoral immunity in host. Taken together, CsPmy could be a promising vaccine candidate in the prevention of C. sinensis regarding its high immunogenicity and surface localization. PMID:22470461

The Thai anesthesia incident monitoring study (Thai AIMS): an analysis of perioperative myocardial ischemia/infarction.

PubMed

Ngamprasertwong, Pornswan; Kositanurit, Inthiporn; Yokanit, Preechayuth; Wattanavinit, Rhuthai; Atichat, Sunida; Lapisatepun, Worawut

2008-11-01

To analyze the clinical course, outcome, contributing factors and factors minimizing the incidents of perioperative myocardial ischemia or infarction (PMI) from Thai AIMS study. The present study was a prospective multicenter study. Data was collected from 51 hospitals in Thailand during a six-month period. The participating anesthesia provider completed the standardized incident report form of the Thai AIMS as soon as they found the PMI incident. Each incident was reviewed by three peer reviewers for clinical courses, contributing factors, outcome and minimizing factors of PMI. From the Thai AIMS incident report, the authors found 25 suspected PMI cases which was 0.9% of the 2,669 incidents reported in the present study. Most of the PMI occurred in elective cases (84%) and orthopedic procedures (56%). The majority of PMI was reported from the patients undergoing general anesthesia (72%). Suspected PMI occurred mostly during operations (56%). New ST-T segment change was detected in 92% of these patients. The most common immediate outcome of PMI was major physiological change (88%). The most common management effect of PMI was unplanned ICU admission (64%); the others were prolonged ventilatory support (12%) and prolonged hospital stay (16%). Four patients (16%) died after the suspected PMI. Most of the events occurred spontaneously and were unpreventable (80%). Patient factors (100%), anesthesia factors (72%), surgical factors (32%) and system factors (8%) were all judged as a precipitating factor for PMI. Human factors were the most common contributing factors which included poor preoperative evaluation, inexperience and improper decision. The three most common factors minimizing the adverse incidents included prior experienced, high awareness and experienced assistance. The recommended corrective strategies were guideline practice, quality assurance activity, improvement of supervision and additional training. Perioperative myocardial ischemia/infarction was infrequent but may be lethal. Patient factors were the most common precipitating cause. The morbidity and mortality could be reduced by high quality preoperative evaluation and preparation, early detection and appropriate treatment. Guideline practice, quality assurance activity, improvement of supervision and additional training were suggested corrective strategies.

Towards a greater understanding of the illicit tobacco trade in Europe: a review of the PMI funded 'Project Star' report.

PubMed

Gilmore, Anna B; Rowell, Andy; Gallus, Silvano; Lugo, Alessandra; Joossens, Luk; Sims, Michelle

2014-05-01

Following a legal agreement with the European Union (EU), Philip Morris International (PMI) commissions a yearly report ('Project Star', PS) on the European illicit cigarette trade from KPMG, the global accountancy firm. Review of PS 2010 report. Comparison with data from independent sources including a 2010 pan-European survey (N=18,056). Within PS, data covering all 27 EU countries are entered into a model. While the model itself seems appropriate, concerns are identified with the methodologies underlying the data inputs and thus their quality: there is little transparency over methodologies; interview data underestimate legal non-domestic product partly by failing to account for legal cross-border sales; illicit cigarette estimates rely on tobacco industry empty pack surveys which may overestimate illicit; and there is an over-reliance on data supplied by PMI with inadequate external validation. Thus, PMI sales data are validated using PMI smoking prevalence estimates, yet PMI is unable to provide sales (shipment) data for the Greek islands and its prevalence estimates differ grossly from independent data. Consequently, comparisons with independent data suggest PS will tend to overestimate illicit cigarette levels particularly where cross-border shopping is frequent (Austria, Finland, France) and in Western compared with Eastern European countries. The model also provides data on the nature of the illicit cigarette market independent of seizure data suggesting that almost a quarter of the illicit cigarette market in 2010 comprised PMI's own brands compared with just 5% counterfeited PMI brands; a finding hidden in PMI's public representation of the data. PS overestimates illicit cigarette levels in some European countries and suggests PMI's supply chain control is inadequate. Its publication serves the interests of PMI over those of the EU and its member states. PS requires greater transparency, external scrutiny and use of independent data. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

How often parametrial involvement leads to post-operative adjuvant treatment in locally advanced cervical cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and type C radical hysterectomy?

PubMed

Martinelli, F; Bogani, G; Ditto, A; Carcangiu, M; Papadia, A; Lecce, F; Chiappa, V; Lorusso, D; Raspagliesi, F

2015-08-01

Parametrial involvement (PMI) is one of the most important factors influencing prognosis in locally advanced stage cervical cancer (LACC) patients. We aimed to evaluate PMI rate among LACC patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), thus evaluating the utility of parametrectomy in tailor adjuvant treatments. Retrospective evaluation of consecutive 275 patients affected by LACC (IB2-IIB), undergoing NACT followed by type C/class III radical hysterectomy. Basic descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses were applied in order to identify factors predicting PMI. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models. PMI was detected in 37 (13%) patients: it was associated with vaginal involvement, lymph node positivity and both in 10 (4%), 5 (2%) and 12 (4%) patients, respectively; while PMI alone was observed in only 10 (4%) patients. Among this latter group, adjuvant treatment was delivered in 3 (1%) patients on the basis of pure PMI; while the remaining patients had other characteristics driving adjuvant treatment. Considering factors predicting PMI we observed that only suboptimal pathological responses (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.22) and vaginal involvement (OR: 1.29 (95%) CI: 1.17, 1.44) were independently associated with PMI. PMI did not correlate with survival (HR: 2.0; 95% CI: 0.82, 4.89); while clinical response to NACT (HR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.59, 7.04), vaginal involvement (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.02) and lymph nodes positivity (HR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.62, 7.41), independently correlated with worse survival outcomes. Our data suggest that PMI had a limited role on the choice to administer adjuvant treatment, thus supporting the potential embrace of less radical surgery in LACC patients undergoing NACT. Further prospective studies are warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plant phosphomannose isomerase as a selectable marker for rice transformation

PubMed Central

Hu, Lei; Li, Hao; Qin, Ruiying; Xu, Rongfang; Li, Juan; Li, Li; Wei, Pengcheng; Yang, Jianbo

2016-01-01

The E. coli phosphomannose isomerase (EcPMI) gene is widely used as a selectable marker gene (SMG) in mannose (Man) selection-based plant transformation. Although some plant species exhibit significant PMI activity and active PMIs were even identified in Man-sensitive plants, whether plant PMIs can be used as SMGs remains unclear. In this study, we isolated four novel PMI genes from Chlorella variabilis and Oryza sativa. Their isoenzymatic activities were examined in vitro and compared with that of EcPMI. The active plant PMIs were separately constructed into binary vectors as SMGs and then transformed into rice via Agrobacterium. In both Indica and Japonica subspecies, our results indicated that the plant PMIs could select and produce transgenic plants in a pattern similar to that of EcPMI. The transgenic plants exhibited an accumulation of plant PMI transcripts and enhancement of the in vivo PMI activity. Furthermore, a gene of interest was successfully transformed into rice using the plant PMIs as SMGs. Thus, novel SMGs for Man selection were isolated from plants, and our analysis suggested that PMIs encoding active enzymes might be common in plants and could potentially be used as appropriate genetic elements in cisgenesis engineering. PMID:27174847

Color moiré simulations in contact-type 3-D displays.

PubMed

Lee, B-R; Son, J-Y; Chernyshov, O O; Lee, H; Jeong, I-K

2015-06-01

A new method of color moiré fringe simulation in the contact-type 3-D displays is introduced. The method allows simulating color moirés appearing in the displays, which cannot be approximated by conventional cosine approximation of a line grating. The color moirés are mainly introduced by the line width of the boundary lines between the elemental optics in and plate thickness of viewing zone forming optics. This is because the lines are hiding some parts of pixels under the viewing zone forming optics, and the plate thickness induces a virtual contraction of the pixels. The simulated color moiré fringes are closely matched with those appearing at the displays.

Moire-Fringe Images of Twin Boundaries in Chemical Vapor Deposited Diamond

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-10

Moire-Fringe Images of Twin Boundaries in Chemical Vapor Deposited Diamond IJ PERSONAL AUITHOR(S) - D. Shechtman. A. Fldman, M.D. Vaudin, and J.L...micrographs of chemical vapor deposited diamond can be interprete as Moire fringes that occur when viewing twin boundaries that are inclined to the electron...Dist J Special TECHNICAL REPORT No. 14 eca MOIRE-FRINGE IMAGES OF TWIN BOUNDARIES IN CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITED DIAMOND D. Shechtman, A. Feldman, M.D

Charge transport through one-dimensional Moiré crystals

PubMed Central

Bonnet, Roméo; Lherbier, Aurélien; Barraud, Clément; Rocca, Maria Luisa Della; Lafarge, Philippe; Charlier, Jean-Christophe

2016-01-01

Moiré superlattices were generated in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures and have revealed intriguing electronic structures. The appearance of mini-Dirac cones within the conduction and valence bands of graphene is one of the most striking among the new quantum features. A Moiré superstructure emerges when at least two periodic sub-structures superimpose. 2D Moiré patterns have been particularly investigated in stacked hexagonal 2D atomic lattices like twisted graphene layers and graphene deposited on hexagonal boron-nitride. In this letter, we report both experimentally and theoretically evidence of superlattices physics in transport properties of one-dimensional (1D) Moiré crystals. Rolling-up few layers of graphene to form a multiwall carbon nanotube adds boundaries conditions that can be translated into interference fringes-like Moiré patterns along the circumference of the cylinder. Such a 1D Moiré crystal exhibits a complex 1D multiple bands structure with clear and robust interband quantum transitions due to the presence of mini-Dirac points and pseudo-gaps. Our devices consist in a very large diameter (>80 nm) multiwall carbon nanotubes of high quality, electrically connected by metallic electrodes acting as charge reservoirs. Conductance measurements reveal the presence of van Hove singularities assigned to 1D Moiré superlattice effect and illustrated by electronic structure calculations. PMID:26786067

Trichinella spiralis Paramyosin Binds to C8 and C9 and Protects the Tissue-Dwelling Nematode from Being Attacked by Host Complement

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhifei; Yang, Jing; Wei, Junfei; Yang, Yaping; Chen, Xiaoqin; Zhao, Xi; Gu, Yuan; Cui, Shijuan; Zhu, Xinping

2011-01-01

Background Paramyosin is a thick myofibrillar protein found exclusively in invertebrates. Evidence suggested that paramyosin from helminths serves not only as a structural protein but also as an immunomodulatory agent. We previously reported that recombinant Trichinella spiralis paramyosin (Ts-Pmy) elicited a partial protective immunity in mice. In this study, the ability of Ts-Pmy to bind host complement components and protect against host complement attack was investigated. Methods and Findings In this study, the transcriptional and protein expression levels of Ts-Pmy were determined in T. spiralis newborn larva (NBL), muscle larva (ML) and adult worm developmental stages by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Expression of Ts-Pmy at the outer membrane was observed in NBL and adult worms using immunogold electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. Functional analysis revealed that recombinant Ts-Pmy(rTs-Pmy) strongly bound to complement components C8 and C9 and inhibited the polymerization of C9 during the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). rTs-Pmy also inhibited the lysis of rabbit erythrocytes (ER) elicited by an alternative pathway-activated complement from guinea pig serum. Inhibition of native Ts-Pmy on the surface of NBL with a specific antiserum reduced larvae viability when under the attack of complement in vitro. In vivo passive transfer of anti-Ts-Pmy antiserum and complement-treated larvae into mice also significantly reduced the number of larvae that developed to ML. Conclusion These studies suggest that the outer membrane form of T. spiralis paramyosin plays an important role in the evasion of the host complement attack. PMID:21750743

A computational approach to estimate postmortem interval using opacity development of eye for human subjects.

PubMed

Cantürk, İsmail; Özyılmaz, Lale

2018-07-01

This paper presents an approach to postmortem interval (PMI) estimation, which is a very debated and complicated area of forensic science. Most of the reported methods to determine PMI in the literature are not practical because of the need for skilled persons and significant amounts of time, and give unsatisfactory results. Additionally, the error margin of PMI estimation increases proportionally with elapsed time after death. It is crucial to develop practical PMI estimation methods for forensic science. In this study, a computational system is developed to determine the PMI of human subjects by investigating postmortem opacity development of the eye. Relevant features from the eye images were extracted using image processing techniques to reflect gradual opacity development. The features were then investigated to predict the time after death using machine learning methods. The experimental results prove that the development of opacity can be utilized as a practical computational tool to determine PMI for human subjects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Administering truncated receive functions in a parallel messaging interface

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J; Blocksome, Michael A; Ratterman, Joseph D; Smith, Brian E

2014-12-09

Administering truncated receive functions in a parallel messaging interface (`PMI`) of a parallel computer comprising a plurality of compute nodes coupled for data communications through the PMI and through a data communications network, including: sending, through the PMI on a source compute node, a quantity of data from the source compute node to a destination compute node; specifying, by an application on the destination compute node, a portion of the quantity of data to be received by the application on the destination compute node and a portion of the quantity of data to be discarded; receiving, by the PMI on the destination compute node, all of the quantity of data; providing, by the PMI on the destination compute node to the application on the destination compute node, only the portion of the quantity of data to be received by the application; and discarding, by the PMI on the destination compute node, the portion of the quantity of data to be discarded.

Moiré assisted fractional quantum Hall state spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Wu, Fengcheng; MacDonald, A. H.

2016-12-14

Intra-Landau level excitations in the fractional quantum Hall regime are not accessible via optical absorption measurements. Here we point out that optical probes are enabled by the periodic potentials produced by a moire pattern. Our observation is motivated by the recent observations of fractional quantum Hall incompressible states in moire-patterned graphene on a hexagonal boron nitride substrate, and is theoretically based on f-sum rule considerations supplemented by a perturbative analysis of the influence of the moire potential on many-body states.

School scoliosis screening by Moiré topography - Overview for 33 years in Miyazaki Japan.

PubMed

Kuroki, Hiroshi; Nagai, Takuya; Chosa, Etsuo; Tajima, Naoya

2018-04-05

Since 1981, we have performed school scoliosis screening (SSS) using Moiré topography in Miyazaki, Japan and attained a certain result in detecting scoliosis. However, this screening system was discontinued due to cessation of repair and production of Moiré topographic equipment. The purpose of this study was to make clear both the results and the problems of SSS by Moiré topography on the basis of our past 33 years' experiences. The subjects were 689,293 students (5th grade boys in 200,329, 5th grade girls in 191,919, 8th grade boys in 151,351, and 8th grade girls in 145,694) who were screened by Moiré topography between 1981 and 2013. The number of students received SSS, the positive rate of Moiré topography, the discovery rate of scoliosis greater than 20°, the reference rate to the second screening, and the positive predictive value of Moiré topography to detect scoliosis greater than 20° were investigated. The number of students received SSS achieved a peak in 1992. The positive rate of Moiré topography and the discovery rate of scoliosis were highest in 8th grade girls. The reference rates to the second screening were 49.8% in 5th grade students and 41.4% in 8th grade students. The positive predictive values were 2.1% in 5th grade students and 7.6% in 8th grade students. SSS by Moiré topography seemed to be effective in detecting scoliosis although both the positive predictive value and the reference rate to the second screening were low. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The US President's Malaria Initiative and under-5 child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: A difference-in-differences analysis.

PubMed

Jakubowski, Aleksandra; Stearns, Sally C; Kruk, Margaret E; Angeles, Gustavo; Thirumurthy, Harsha

2017-06-01

Despite substantial financial contributions by the United States President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) since 2006, no studies have carefully assessed how this program may have affected important population-level health outcomes. We utilized multiple publicly available data sources to evaluate the association between introduction of PMI and child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We used difference-in-differences analyses to compare trends in the primary outcome of under-5 mortality rates and secondary outcomes reflecting population coverage of malaria interventions in 19 PMI-recipient and 13 non-recipient countries between 1995 and 2014. The analyses controlled for presence and intensity of other large funding sources, individual and household characteristics, and country and year fixed effects. PMI program implementation was associated with a significant reduction in the annual risk of under-5 child mortality (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96). Each dollar of per-capita PMI expenditures in a country, a measure of PMI intensity, was also associated with a reduction in child mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.93). We estimated that the under-5 mortality rate in PMI countries was reduced from 28.9 to 24.3 per 1,000 person-years. Population coverage of insecticide-treated nets increased by 8.34 percentage points (95% CI 0.86-15.83) and coverage of indoor residual spraying increased by 6.63 percentage points (95% CI 0.79-12.47) after PMI implementation. Per-capita PMI spending was also associated with a modest increase in artemisinin-based combination therapy coverage (3.56 percentage point increase, 95% CI -0.07-7.19), though this association was only marginally significant (p = 0.054). Our results were robust to several sensitivity analyses. Because our study design leaves open the possibility of unmeasured confounding, we cannot definitively interpret these results as causal. PMI may have significantly contributed to reducing the burden of malaria in SSA and reducing the number of child deaths in the region. Introduction of PMI was associated with increased coverage of malaria prevention technologies, which are important mechanisms through which child mortality can be reduced. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the association between PMI and all-cause child mortality in SSA with the use of appropriate comparison groups and adjustments for regional trends in child mortality.

The US President’s Malaria Initiative and under-5 child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: A difference-in-differences analysis

PubMed Central

Angeles, Gustavo; Thirumurthy, Harsha

2017-01-01

Background Despite substantial financial contributions by the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) since 2006, no studies have carefully assessed how this program may have affected important population-level health outcomes. We utilized multiple publicly available data sources to evaluate the association between introduction of PMI and child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods and findings We used difference-in-differences analyses to compare trends in the primary outcome of under-5 mortality rates and secondary outcomes reflecting population coverage of malaria interventions in 19 PMI-recipient and 13 non-recipient countries between 1995 and 2014. The analyses controlled for presence and intensity of other large funding sources, individual and household characteristics, and country and year fixed effects. PMI program implementation was associated with a significant reduction in the annual risk of under-5 child mortality (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.96). Each dollar of per-capita PMI expenditures in a country, a measure of PMI intensity, was also associated with a reduction in child mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.93). We estimated that the under-5 mortality rate in PMI countries was reduced from 28.9 to 24.3 per 1,000 person-years. Population coverage of insecticide-treated nets increased by 8.34 percentage points (95% CI 0.86–15.83) and coverage of indoor residual spraying increased by 6.63 percentage points (95% CI 0.79–12.47) after PMI implementation. Per-capita PMI spending was also associated with a modest increase in artemisinin-based combination therapy coverage (3.56 percentage point increase, 95% CI −0.07–7.19), though this association was only marginally significant (p = 0.054). Our results were robust to several sensitivity analyses. Because our study design leaves open the possibility of unmeasured confounding, we cannot definitively interpret these results as causal. Conclusions PMI may have significantly contributed to reducing the burden of malaria in SSA and reducing the number of child deaths in the region. Introduction of PMI was associated with increased coverage of malaria prevention technologies, which are important mechanisms through which child mortality can be reduced. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the association between PMI and all-cause child mortality in SSA with the use of appropriate comparison groups and adjustments for regional trends in child mortality. PMID:28609442

A Moire Fringing Spectrometer for Extra-Solar Planet Searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Eyken, J. C.; Ge, J.; Mahadevan, S.; De Witt, C.; Ramsey, L. W.; Berger, D.; Shaklan, S.; Pan, X.

2001-12-01

We have developed a prototype moire fringing spectrometer for high precision radial velocity measurements for the detection of extra-solar planets. This combination of Michelson interferometer and spectrograph overlays an interferometer comb on a medium resolution stellar spectrum, producing Moire patterns. Small changes in the doppler shift of the spectrum lead to corresponding large shifts in the Moire pattern (Moire magnification). The sinusoidal shape of the Moire fringes enables much simpler measurement of these shifts than in standard echelle spectrograph techniques, facilitating high precision measurements with a low cost instrument. Current data analysis software we have developed has produced short-term repeatability (over a few hours) to 5-10m/s, and future planned improvements based on previous experiments should reduce this significantly. We plan eventually to carry out large scale surveys for low mass companions around other stars. This poster will present new results obtained in the lab and at the HET and Palomar 5m telescopes, the theory of the instrument, and data analysis techniques.

The evaluation of MCI, MI, PMI and GT on both genders with different age and dental status.

PubMed

Bozdag, G; Sener, S

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to measure the mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI) and cortical bone thickness in the zone of the gonial angle (GT) in panoramic radiographies from a large sample of males and females and to determine how they relate to patients' age, gender and dental status. 910 panoramic radiographs were obtained and grouped into age, dental status and gender. The MCI, MI, PMI and GT were analysed. Remarkable differences were observed for MCI and GT regarding gender, age groups and dental status on both sides (p < 0.05). While age and dental status had an effect on the MI and PMI in females, dental status had an effect on the MI and PMI in males (p < 0.05). Also, gender had an effect on the MI and PMI (p < 0.05). The effects of age and tooth loss are different in females and males. In females, the harmful effects of tooth loss and age are more prominent according to the PMI and MI measurements. The effects of age and tooth loss in the GT and MCI measurements are similar, and these indices can be accepted as more reliable in studies including both genders.

The evaluation of MCI, MI, PMI and GT on both genders with different age and dental status

PubMed Central

Sener, S

2015-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI) and cortical bone thickness in the zone of the gonial angle (GT) in panoramic radiographies from a large sample of males and females and to determine how they relate to patients' age, gender and dental status. Methods: 910 panoramic radiographs were obtained and grouped into age, dental status and gender. The MCI, MI, PMI and GT were analysed. Results: Remarkable differences were observed for MCI and GT regarding gender, age groups and dental status on both sides (p < 0.05). While age and dental status had an effect on the MI and PMI in females, dental status had an effect on the MI and PMI in males (p < 0.05). Also, gender had an effect on the MI and PMI (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of age and tooth loss are different in females and males. In females, the harmful effects of tooth loss and age are more prominent according to the PMI and MI measurements. The effects of age and tooth loss in the GT and MCI measurements are similar, and these indices can be accepted as more reliable in studies including both genders. PMID:26133366

Bacillus subtilis spore with surface display of paramyosin from Clonorchis sinensis potentializes a promising oral vaccine candidate.

PubMed

Sun, Hengchang; Lin, Zhipeng; Zhao, Lu; Chen, Tingjin; Shang, Mei; Jiang, Hongye; Tang, Zeli; Zhou, Xinyi; Shi, Mengchen; Zhou, Lina; Ren, Pengli; Qu, Honglin; Lin, Jinsi; Li, Xuerong; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2018-03-07

Clonorchiasis caused by Clonorchis sinensis has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Effective prevention strategies are urgently needed to control this food-borne infectious disease. Previous studies indicated that paramyosin of C. sinensis (CsPmy) is a potential vaccine candidate. We constructed a recombinant plasmid of PEB03-CotC-CsPmy, transformed it into Bacillus subtilis WB600 strain (B.s-CotC-CsPmy), and confirmed CsPmy expression on the spore surface by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. The immune response and protective efficacy of the recombinant spore were investigated in BALB/c mice after intragastrical or intraperitoneal immunization. Additionally, biochemical enzyme activities in sera, the intestinal histopathology and gut microflora of spore-treated mice were investigated. CsPmy was successfully expressed on the spore surface and the fusion protein on the spore surface with thermostability. Specific IgG in sera and intestinal mucus were increased after intraperitoneal and intragastrical immunization. The sIgA level in intestinal mucus, feces and bile of B.s-CotC-CsPmy orally treated mice were also significantly raised. Furthermore, numerous IgA-secreting cells were detected in intestinal mucosa of intragastrically immunized mice. No inflammatory injury was observed in the intestinal tissues and there was no significant difference in levels of enzyme-indicated liver function among the groups. Additionally, the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota were not changed after oral immunization. Intragastric and intraperitoneal immunization of B.s-CotC-CsPmy spores in mice resulted in egg reduction rates of 48.3 and 51.2% after challenge infection, respectively. Liver fibrosis degree in B.s-CotC-CsPmy spores treated groups was also significantly reduced. CsPmy expressed on the spore surface maintained its immunogenicity. Both intragastrical and intraperitoneal immunization with B.s-CotC-CsPmy spores induced systemic and local mucosal immune response in mice. Although both intragastric and intraperitoneal immunization elicited a similar protective effect, intragastric immunization induced stronger mucosal immune response without side effects to the liver, intestine and gut microbiota, compared with intraperitoneal immunization. Oral immunization with B. subtilis spore expressing CsPmy on the surface was a promising, safe and needle-free vaccination strategy against clonorchiasis.

Probability of the moiré effect in barrier and lenticular autostereoscopic 3D displays.

PubMed

Saveljev, Vladimir; Kim, Sung-Kyu

2015-10-05

The probability of the moiré effect in LCD displays is estimated as a function of angle based on the experimental data; a theoretical function (node spacing) is proposed basing on the distance between nodes. Both functions are close to each other. The connection between the probability of the moiré effect and the Thomae's function is also found. The function proposed in this paper can be used in the minimization of the moiré effect in visual displays, especially in autostereoscopic 3D displays.

High-resolution computer-aided moire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Bhat, Gopalakrishna K.

1991-12-01

This paper presents a high resolution computer assisted moire technique for the measurement of displacements and strains at the microscopic level. The detection of micro-displacements using a moire grid and the problem associated with the recovery of displacement field from the sampled values of the grid intensity are discussed. A two dimensional Fourier transform method for the extraction of displacements from the image of the moire grid is outlined. An example of application of the technique to the measurement of strains and stresses in the vicinity of the crack tip in a compact tension specimen is given.

Topological Exciton Bands in Moire Heterojunctions.

DOE PAGES

Wu, Fengcheng; Lovorn, Timothy; MacDonald, A. H.

2017-04-05

Moire patterns are common in Van der Waals heterostructures and can be used to apply periodic potentials to elementary excitations. Here, we show that the optical absorption spectrum of transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers is profoundly altered by long period moire patterns that introduce twist-angle dependent satellite excitonic peaks. Topological exciton bands with non-zero Chern numbers that support chiral excitonic edge states can be engineered by combining three ingredients: i) the valley Berry phase induced by electron-hole exchange interactions, ii) the moire potential, and iii) the valley Zeeman field.

Volume moiré tomography based on projection extraction by spatial phase shifting of double crossed gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia; Guo, Zhenyan; Song, Yang; Han, Jun

2018-01-01

To realize volume moiré tomography (VMT) for the real three-dimensional (3D) diagnosis of combustion fields, according to 3D filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithm, the radial derivatives of the projected phase should be measured firstly. In this paper, a simple spatial phase-shifting moiré deflectometry with double cross gratings is presented to measure the radial first-order derivative of the projected phase. Based on scalar diffraction theory, the explicit analytical intensity distributions of moiré patterns on different diffracted orders are derived, and the spatial shifting characteristics are analyzed. The results indicate that the first-order derivatives of the projected phase in two mutually perpendicular directions are involved in moiré patterns, which can be combined to compute the radial first-order derivative. And multiple spatial phase-shifted moiré patterns can be simultaneously obtained; the phase-shifted values are determined by the parameters of the system. A four-step phase-shifting algorithm is proposed for phase extraction, and its accuracy is proved by numerical simulations. Finally, the moiré deflectometry is used to measure the radial first-order derivative of projected phase of a propane flame with plane incident wave, and the 3D temperature distribution is reconstructed.

The Precision Medicine Initiative's All of Us Research Program: an agenda for research on its ethical, legal, and social issues.

PubMed

Sankar, Pamela L; Parker, Lisa S

2017-07-01

The Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) is an innovative approach to developing a new model of health care that takes into account individual differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles. A cornerstone of the initiative is the PMI All of Us Research Program (formerly known as PMI-Cohort Program) which will create a cohort of 1 million volunteers who will contribute their health data and biospecimens to a centralized national database to support precision medicine research. The PMI All of US Research Program is the largest longitudinal study in the history of the United States. The designers of the Program anticipated and addressed some of the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with the initiative. To date, however, there is no plan to call for research regarding ELSI associated with the Program-PMI All of Us program. Based on analysis of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding announcements for the PMI All of Us program, we have identified three ELSI themes: cohort diversity and health disparities, participant engagement, and privacy and security. We review All of Us Research Program plans to address these issues and then identify additional ELSI within each domain that warrant ongoing investigation as the All of Us Research Program develops. We conclude that PMI's All of Us Research Program represents a significant opportunity and obligation to identify, analyze, and respond to ELSI, and we call on the PMI to initiate a research program capable of taking on these challenges.Genet Med advance online publication 01 December 2016.

Predictive Value of Aortic Valve Calcification for Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PubMed

Shibata, Yohei; Ishii, Hideki; Suzuki, Susumu; Tanaka, Akihito; Tatami, Yosuke; Harata, Shingo; Ota, Tomoyuki; Shimbo, Yusaku; Takayama, Yohei; Kunimura, Ayako; Hirayama, Kenshi; Harada, Kazuhiro; Osugi, Naohiro; Murohara, Toyoaki

2017-05-01

Previous studies have shown that aortic valve calcification (AVC) was associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. On the other hand, periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a well-known predictor of subsequent mortality and poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of the study was to assess the hypothesis that the presence of AVC could predict PMI in PCI. This study included 370 patients treated with PCI for stable angina pectoris. AVC was defined as bright echoes ＞1 mm on one or more cusps of the aortic valve on ultrasound cardiography (UCG). PMI was defined as an increase in high-sensitivity troponin T level of ＞5 times the upper normal limit (＞0.070 ng/ml) at 24 hours after PCI. AVC was detected in 45.9% of the patients (n=170). The incidence of PMI was significantly higher in the patients with AVC than in those without AVC (43.5% vs 21.0%, p＜0.001). The presence of AVC independently predicted PMI after adjusting for other significant variables (odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.37-3.74, p=0.002). Other predictors were male sex, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and total stent length. Furthermore to predict PMI, adding AVC to the established risk factors significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, from 0.68 to 0.72, of the PMI prediction model (p=0.025). The presence of AVC detected in UCG could predict the incidence of PMI.

Predictive Value of Aortic Valve Calcification for Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

PubMed Central

Shibata, Yohei; Suzuki, Susumu; Tanaka, Akihito; Tatami, Yosuke; Harata, Shingo; Ota, Tomoyuki; Shimbo, Yusaku; Takayama, Yohei; Kunimura, Ayako; Hirayama, Kenshi; Harada, Kazuhiro; Osugi, Naohiro; Murohara, Toyoaki

2017-01-01

Aims: Previous studies have shown that aortic valve calcification (AVC) was associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. On the other hand, periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a well-known predictor of subsequent mortality and poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of the study was to assess the hypothesis that the presence of AVC could predict PMI in PCI. Methods: This study included 370 patients treated with PCI for stable angina pectoris. AVC was defined as bright echoes > 1 mm on one or more cusps of the aortic valve on ultrasound cardiography (UCG). PMI was defined as an increase in high-sensitivity troponin T level of > 5 times the upper normal limit (> 0.070 ng/ml) at 24 hours after PCI. Results: AVC was detected in 45.9% of the patients (n = 170). The incidence of PMI was significantly higher in the patients with AVC than in those without AVC (43.5% vs 21.0%, p < 0.001). The presence of AVC independently predicted PMI after adjusting for other significant variables (odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.37–3.74, p = 0.002). Other predictors were male sex, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and total stent length. Furthermore to predict PMI, adding AVC to the established risk factors significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, from 0.68 to 0.72, of the PMI prediction model (p = 0.025). Conclusion: The presence of AVC detected in UCG could predict the incidence of PMI. PMID:27733732

Postmortem Cholesterol Levels in Peripheral Nerve Tissue: Preliminar Considerations on Interindividual and Intraindividual Variation.

PubMed

Vacchiano, Giuseppe; Luna Maldonado, Aurelio; Matas Ros, Maria; Fiorenza, Elisa; Silvestre, Angela; Simonetti, Biagio; Pieri, Maria

2018-06-01

The study reports the evolution of the demyelinization process based on cholesterol ([CHOL]) levels quantified in median nerve samples and collected at different times-from death from both right and left wrists. The statistical data show that the phenomenon evolves differently in the right and left nerves. Such a difference can reasonably be attributed to a different multicenter evolution of the demyelinization. For data analysis, the enrolled subjects were grouped by similar postmortem intervals (PMIs), considering 3 intervals: PMI < 48 hours, 48 hours < PMI < 78 hours, and PMI > 78 hours. Data obtained from tissue dissected within 48 hours of death allowed for a PMI estimation according to the following equations: PMI = 0.000 + 0.7623 [CHOL]right (R = 0.581) for the right wrist and PMI = 0.000 + 0.8911 [CHOL]left (R = 0.794) for the left wrist.At present, this correlation cannot be considered to be definitive because of the limitation of the small size of the samples analyzed, because the differences in the sampling time and the interindividual and intraindividual variation may influence the demyelinization process.

Multi-Wavelength Photomagnetic Imaging for Oral Cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Michael

In this study, a multi-wavelength Photomagnetic Imaging (PMI) system is developed and evaluated with experimental studies.. PMI measures temperature increases in samples illuminated by near-infrared light sources using magnetic resonance thermometry. A multiphysics solver combining light and heat transfer models the spatiotemporal distribution of the temperature change. The PMI system develop in this work uses three lasers of varying wavelength (785 nm, 808 nm, 860 nm) to heat the sample. By using multiple wavelengths, we enable the PMI system to quantify the relative concentrations of optical contrast in turbid media and monitor their distribution, at a higher resolution than conventional diffuse optical imaging. The data collected from agarose phantoms with multiple embedded contrast agents designed to simulate the optical properties of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin is presented. The reconstructed images demonstrate that multi-wavelength PMI can resolve this complex inclusion structure with high resolution and recover the concentration of each contrast agent with high quantitative accuracy. The modified multi-wavelength PMI system operates under the maximum skin exposure limits defined by the American National Standards Institute, to enable future clinical applications.

Remote online monitoring and measuring system for civil engineering structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kujawińska, Malgorzata; Sitnik, Robert; Dymny, Grzegorz; Karaszewski, Maciej; Michoński, Kuba; Krzesłowski, Jakub; Mularczyk, Krzysztof; Bolewicki, Paweł

2009-06-01

In this paper a distributed intelligent system for civil engineering structures on-line measurement, remote monitoring, and data archiving is presented. The system consists of a set of optical, full-field displacement sensors connected to a controlling server. The server conducts measurements according to a list of scheduled tasks and stores the primary data or initial results in a remote centralized database. Simultaneously the server performs checks, ordered by the operator, which may in turn result with an alert or a specific action. The structure of whole system is analyzed along with the discussion on possible fields of application and the ways to provide a relevant security during data transport. Finally, a working implementation consisting of a fringe projection, geometrical moiré, digital image correlation and grating interferometry sensors and Oracle XE database is presented. The results from database utilized for on-line monitoring of a threshold value of strain for an exemplary area of interest at the engineering structure are presented and discussed.

Measure of displacement around holes in composite plates subjected to quasi-static compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duke, J. C., Jr.; Post, D.; Czarnek, R.; Asundi, A.

1986-01-01

Contour maps of thickness changes were obtained for three quasi-isotropic graphite-epoxy plates with central holes, loaded in compression. Thickness changes were determined for six load increments from nearly zero to within a few percent of the failure load. The largest change of thickness occurred near the hole but not at the boundary of the hole. Below 90 percent of the failure load, the thickness changes were nearly proportional to load. Irregularities of thickness changes occurred in zones of compressive stresses and they were attributed to localized fiber buckling. A new optical technique was developed to measure thickness changes with high sensitivity. It utilizes a comparatively simple means of holographic interferometry on both sides of the specimen, followed by additive moire to obtain thickness changes as the sum of the out-of-plane displacements. Sensitivity was 12.5 x 10 to the -6 power in. per fringe order. The fringe patterns represent thickness changes uniquely, even when specimen warpage and consequent out-of-plane displacements are very large.

Current developments in optical engineering and diffraction phenomena; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 21, 22, 1986

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Robert E.; Smith, Warren J.; Harvey, James

1986-01-01

Papers dealing with current materials for gradient-index optics, an intelligent data-base system for optical designers; tilted mirror systems; a null-lens design approach for centrally obscured components; the use of the vector aberration theory to optimize an unobscured optical system; multizone bifocal contact lens design; and the concentric meniscus element are presented. Topics discussed include optical manufacturing in the Far East; the optical performance of molded-glass lenses for optical memory applications; through-wafer optical interconnects for multiwafer wafer-scale integrated architecture; optical thin-flim monitoring using optical fibers; aerooptical testing; optical inspection; and a system analysis program for a 32K microcomputer. Consideration is given to various theories, algorithms, and applications of diffraction, a vector formulation of a ray-equivalent method for Gaussian beam propagation; Fourier optical analysis of aberrations in focused laser beams; holography and moire interferometry; and phase-conjugate optical correctors for diffraction-limited applications.

Fringe pattern information retrieval using wavelets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Patimo, Caterina; Manicone, Pasquale D.; Lamberti, Luciano

2005-08-01

Two-dimensional phase modulation is currently the basic model used in the interpretation of fringe patterns that contain displacement information, moire, holographic interferometry, speckle techniques. Another way to look to these two-dimensional signals is to consider them as frequency modulated signals. This alternative interpretation has practical implications similar to those that exist in radio engineering for handling frequency modulated signals. Utilizing this model it is possible to obtain frequency information by using the energy approach introduced by Ville in 1944. A natural complementary tool of this process is the wavelet methodology. The use of wavelet makes it possible to obtain the local values of the frequency in a one or two dimensional domain without the need of previous phase retrieval and differentiation. Furthermore from the properties of wavelets it is also possible to obtain at the same time the phase of the signal with the advantage of a better noise removal capabilities and the possibility of developing simpler algorithms for phase unwrapping due to the availability of the derivative of the phase.

Stress and efficiency studies in EFG

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The goals of this program were: (1) to define minimum stress configurations for silicon sheet growth at high speeds; (2) to quantify dislocation electrical activity and their limits on minority carrier diffusion length in deformed silicon; and (3) to study reasons for degradation of lifetime with increases in doping level in edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) materials. A finite element model was developed for calculating residual stress with plastic deformation. A finite element model was verified for EFG control variable relationships to temperature field of the sheet to permit prediction of profiles and stresses encountered in EFG systems. A residual stress measurement technique was developed for finite size EFG material blanks using shadow Moire interferometry. Transient creep response of silicon was investigated in the temperature range between 800 and 1400 C in strain and strain regimes of interest in stress analysis of sheet growth. Quantitative relationships were established between minority carrier diffusion length and dislocation densities using Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) measurement in FZ silicon deformed in four point bending tests.

Measurement and Prediction of the Thermomechanical Response of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite Beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Brian; Turner, Travis L.; Seelecke, Stefan

2008-01-01

An experimental and numerical investigation into the static and dynamic responses of shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) beams is performed to provide quantitative validation of a recently commercialized numerical analysis/design tool for SMAHC structures. The SMAHC beam specimens consist of a composite matrix with embedded pre-strained SMA actuators, which act against the mechanical boundaries of the structure when thermally activated to adaptively stiffen the structure. Numerical results are produced from the numerical model as implemented into the commercial finite element code ABAQUS. A rigorous experimental investigation is undertaken to acquire high fidelity measurements including infrared thermography and projection moire interferometry for full-field temperature and displacement measurements, respectively. High fidelity numerical results are also obtained from the numerical model and include measured parameters, such as geometric imperfection and thermal load. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured results of the static and dynamic thermomechanical response, thereby providing quantitative validation of the numerical tool.

The influence of aortic valve calcification on the risk of periprocedural myocardial injury after elective coronary intervention.

PubMed

Chen, Zhang-Wei; Yang, Hong-Bo; Chen, Ying-Hua; Qian, Ju-Ying; Shu, Xian-Hong; Ge, Jun-Bo

2015-10-01

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a common progressive condition that involves several inflammatory and atherosclerotic mediators. However, it is unclear whether the occurrence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after elective coronary intervention is associated with AVC in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. A total of 530 stable CAD patients who underwent elective coronary intervention were enrolled in this clinical study. High sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was detected before and after the procedure. PMI was defined as hs-cTnT after coronary intervention higher than 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL). All patients underwent echocardiography to detect the occurrence of AVC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to analyze risk factors of PMI. A total of 210 patients (39.6 %) were diagnosed with PMI after elective coronary intervention. Compared with non-AVC patients (n = 386), AVC patients (n = 144) had higher rate of PMI (64.6 vs. 30.3 %, P < 0.01). CAD patients with AVC had higher Gensini score (39.9 ± 26.6 vs. 34.2 ± 22.1, P < 0.05) and more number of implanted stents (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). After stratification by classic risk factors of CAD (such as age, male gender and diabetes) in subgroup analyses, we found that AVC patients had increased risk of PMI compared with non-AVC patients. Importantly, even after being adjusted by multivariate analysis, AVC still independently increased the risk of PMI (OR = 3.329, 95 % CI = 2.087-5.308, P < 0.01). AVC significantly increased the risk of PMI after elective coronary intervention. It could be one of the independent predictors for PMI in stable CAD patients.

Occupational moral injury and mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Williamson, Victoria; Stevelink, Sharon A M; Greenberg, Neil

2018-06-01

Many people confront potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) in the course of their work which can violate deeply held moral values or beliefs, putting them at risk for psychological difficulties (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, etc.).AimsWe aimed to assess the effect of moral injury on mental health outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between work-related PMIEs and mental health disorders. Studies were independently assessed for methodological quality and potential moderator variables, including participant age, gender and PMIE factors, were also examined. Thirteen studies were included, representing 6373 participants. PMIEs accounted for 9.4% of the variance in PTSD, 5.2% of the variance in depression and 2.0% of the variance in suicidality. PMIEs were associated with more symptoms of anxiety and behavioural problems (e.g. hostility), although this relationship was not consistently significant. Moderator analyses indicated that methodological factors (e.g. PMIE measurement tool), demographic characteristics and PMIE variables (e.g. military v. non-military context) did not affect the association between a PMIE and mental health outcomes. Most studies examined occupational PMIEs in military samples and additional studies investigating the effect of PMIEs on civilians are needed. Given the limited number of high-quality studies available, only tentative conclusions about the association between exposure to PMIEs and mental health disorders can be made.Declaration of interestNone.

SU-F-P-48: The Quantitative Evaluation and Comparison of Image Distortion and Loss of X-Ray Images Between Anti-Scattered Grid and Moire Compensation Processing in Digital Radiography

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

Chung, W; Jung, J; Kang, Y

Purpose: To quantitatively analyze the influence image processing for Moire elimination has in digital radiography by comparing the image acquired from optimized anti-scattered grid only and the image acquired from software processing paired with misaligned low-frequency grid. Methods: Special phantom, which does not create scattered radiation, was used to acquire non-grid reference images and they were acquired without any grids. A set of images was acquired with optimized grid, aligned to pixel of a detector and other set of images was acquired with misaligned low-frequency grid paired with Moire elimination processing algorithm. X-ray technique used was based on consideration tomore » Bucky factor derived from non-grid reference images. For evaluation, we analyze by comparing pixel intensity of acquired images with grids to that of reference images. Results: When compared to image acquired with optimized grid, images acquired with Moire elimination processing algorithm showed 10 to 50% lower mean contrast value of ROI. Severe distortion of images was found with when the object’s thickness was measured at 7 or less pixels. In this case, contrast value measured from images acquired with Moire elimination processing algorithm was under 30% of that taken from reference image. Conclusion: This study shows the potential risk of Moire compensation images in diagnosis. Images acquired with misaligned low-frequency grid results in Moire noise and Moire compensation processing algorithm used to remove this Moire noise actually caused an image distortion. As a result, fractures and/or calcifications which are presented in few pixels only may not be diagnosed properly. In future work, we plan to evaluate the images acquired without grid but based on 100% image processing and the potential risks it possesses.« less

Automatic Topography Using High Precision Digital Moire Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yatagai, T.; Idesawa, M.; Saito, S.

1983-07-01

Three types of moire topographic methods using digital techniques are proposed. Deformed gratings obtained by projecting a reference grating onto an object under test are subjected to digital analysis. The electronic analysis procedures of deformed gratings described here enable us to distinguish between depression and elevation of the object, so that automatic measurement of 3-D shapes and automatic moire fringe interpolation are performed. Based on the digital moire methods, we have developed a practical measurement system, with a linear photodiode array on a micro-stage as a scanning image sensor. Examples of fringe analysis in medical applications are presented.

An evaluation of soil chemistry in human cadaver decomposition islands: Potential for estimating postmortem interval (PMI).

PubMed

Fancher, J P; Aitkenhead-Peterson, J A; Farris, T; Mix, K; Schwab, A P; Wescott, D J; Hamilton, M D

2017-10-01

Soil samples from the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, were analyzed for multiple soil characteristics from cadaver decomposition islands to a depth of 5centimeters (cm) from 63 human decomposition sites, as well as depths up to 15cm in a subset of 11 of the cadaver decomposition islands plus control soils. Postmortem interval (PMI) of the cadaver decomposition islands ranged from 6 to 1752 days. Some soil chemistry, including nitrate-N (NO 3 -N), ammonium-N (NH 4 -N), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), peaked at early PMI values and their concentrations at 0-5cm returned to near control values over time likely due to translocation down the soil profile. Other soil chemistry, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), orthophosphate-P (PO 4 -P), sodium (Na + ), and potassium (K + ), remained higher than the control soil up to a PMI of 1752days postmortem. The body mass index (BMI) of the cadaver appeared to have some effect on the cadaver decomposition island chemistry. To estimate PMI using soil chemistry, backward, stepwise multiple regression analysis was used with PMI as the dependent variable and soil chemistry, body mass index (BMI) and physical soil characteristics such as saturated hydraulic conductivity as independent variables. Measures of soil parameters derived from predator and microbial mediated decomposition of human remains shows promise in estimating PMI to within 365days for a period up to nearly five years. This persistent change in soil chemistry extends the ability to estimate PMI beyond the traditionally utilized methods of entomology and taphonomy in support of medical-legal investigations, humanitarian recovery efforts, and criminal and civil cases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Forensic Entomology: Evaluating Uncertainty Associated With Postmortem Interval (PMI) Estimates With Ecological Models.

PubMed

Faris, A M; Wang, H-H; Tarone, A M; Grant, W E

2016-05-31

Estimates of insect age can be informative in death investigations and, when certain assumptions are met, can be useful for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). Currently, the accuracy and precision of PMI estimates is unknown, as error can arise from sources of variation such as measurement error, environmental variation, or genetic variation. Ecological models are an abstract, mathematical representation of an ecological system that can make predictions about the dynamics of the real system. To quantify the variation associated with the pre-appearance interval (PAI), we developed an ecological model that simulates the colonization of vertebrate remains by Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a primary colonizer in the southern United States. The model is based on a development data set derived from a local population and represents the uncertainty in local temperature variability to address PMI estimates at local sites. After a PMI estimate is calculated for each individual, the model calculates the maximum, minimum, and mean PMI, as well as the range and standard deviation for stadia collected. The model framework presented here is one manner by which errors in PMI estimates can be addressed in court when no empirical data are available for the parameter of interest. We show that PAI is a potential important source of error and that an ecological model is one way to evaluate its impact. Such models can be re-parameterized with any development data set, PAI function, temperature regime, assumption of interest, etc., to estimate PMI and quantify uncertainty that arises from specific prediction systems. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The radiodensity of cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humor as indicator of the time since death.

PubMed

Koopmanschap, Desirée H J L M; Bayat, Alireza R; Kubat, Bela; de Bakker, Henri M; Prokop, Mathias W M; Klein, Willemijn M

2016-09-01

After death, a series of changes occur naturally in the human body in a fairly regular pattern. These postmortem changes are detectable on postmortem CT scans (PMCT) and may be useful in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). The purpose of our study is to correlate the PMCT radiodensities of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humor (VH) to the PMI. Three patient groups were included: group A consisted of 5 donated cadavers, group B, 100 in-hospital deceased patients, and group C, 12 out-of-hospital forensic cadavers. Group A were scanned every hour for a maximum of 36 h postmortem, and the tympanic temperature was measured prior to each scan. Groups B and C were scanned once after death (PMI range 0.2-63.8 h). Radiodensities of the VH and CSF were measured in Hounsfield units. Correlation between density and PMI was determined using linear regression and the influence of temperature was assessed by a multivariate regression model. Results from group A were validated in groups B and C. Group A showed increasing radiodensity of the CSF and VH over time (r (2) CSF, 0.65). PMI overruled the influence of temperature (r = 0.99 and p = 0.000). Groups B and C showed more diversity, with CSF and VH radiodensities below the mean regression line of Group A. The formula of this upper limit indicated the maximum PMI and was correct for >95 % of the cadavers. The results of group A showed a significant correlation between CSF radiodensity and PMI. The radiodensities in groups B and C were higher than in group A, therefore the maximum PMI can be estimated with the upper 95 % confidence interval of the correlation line of group A.

Deferred electronic heterodyne moire deflectometry: A method for transient density fields measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stricker, Josef

1989-01-01

Effects of spherical aberrations of the mirror used in the moire system on the angular resolution of the system are investigated. It is shown that the spherical aberrations may reduce significantly the performance of the conventional moire deflectometer. However, due to the heterodyne procedure, this is not the case with the heterodyne moire system. A moire system with a constant speed moving grating is demonstrated. It is shown that the system readout is linear and the system does not need calibration. In addition, the repeatability of the measurements is improved in this system as compared to the sinusoidally moving grating setup. The problem of the photographic plates alignment is solved by using a mechanical system in which the plate is held firmly throughout the experiment and accurately replaced after removing for photographic processing. The effect of a circular detector's aperture size on readout was tested. It is shown that the spatial phase variations, observed when scanning along a straight moire fringe, may considerably be reduced. At present we may say that both the on-line and the deferred heterodyne moire techniques may reliably be used. The errors of phase readings are 1 deg and 5 deg for the on-line and deferred methods. The total error due to subtraction of two readings at each position is, therefore, 1.4 deg and 7 deg, respectively. Further research for improving the deferred system is suggested.

An Application of the PMI Model at the Project Level Evaluation of ESEA Title IV-C Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McBeath, Marcia

All of the papers presented as part of a symposium concerned the application of the Planning, Monitoring, and Implementation Model (PMI) to the evaluation of the District of Columbia Public Schools' programs supported by the Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title IV-C. PMI was developed to provide a model for systematic evaluation of…

Real-time photo-magnetic imaging.

PubMed

Nouizi, Farouk; Erkol, Hakan; Luk, Alex; Unlu, Mehmet B; Gulsen, Gultekin

2016-10-01

We previously introduced a new high resolution diffuse optical imaging modality termed, photo-magnetic imaging (PMI). PMI irradiates the object under investigation with near-infrared light and monitors the variations of temperature using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT). In this paper, we present a real-time PMI image reconstruction algorithm that uses analytic methods to solve the forward problem and assemble the Jacobian matrix much faster. The new algorithm is validated using real MRT measured temperature maps. In fact, it accelerates the reconstruction process by more than 250 times compared to a single iteration of the FEM-based algorithm, which opens the possibility for the real-time PMI.

Long-term medical consequences for child occupants 0 to 12 years injured in car crashes.

PubMed

Bohman, Katarina; Stigson, Helena; Krafft, Maria

2014-01-01

There is limited knowledge of the long-term medical consequences for children injured in car crashes. Thus, in the event of injury, the aim of the study was to specify patterns and risks of injuries resulting in permanent medical impairment of children (0-12 years) for different body regions and injury severity levels, according to Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). The aim was also to compare the impairment outcome with adults. Data were obtained from the Folksam insurance company, including reported car crashes from 1998 to 2010 with at least one injured child 0-12 years of age. In all, 2619 injured children with 3704 reported medical diagnoses were identified. All injuries were classified according to the AIS 2005 revision. If the child had not recovered within 1 year postinjury an assessment of permanent medical impairment (PMI) was made by one or several medical specialists. In all, 55 children sustained 59 injuries resulting in PMI of which 75 percent were at AIS 1 or AIS 2. The head and cervical spine were the body regions sustaining the most injuries resulting in PMI. Sixty-eight percent of all injuries resulting in PMI were AIS 1 injuries to the cervical spine, with the majority occurring in frontal or rear impacts. Given an injury to the cervical spine, the risk of injuries resulting in PMI was 3 percent, and older children (≥6 years) had a significantly higher risk (3% versus 1%) than younger children. The head was the second most commonly injured body region with injuries resulting in PMI (12/59), which were predominantly AIS 2+. In addition, mild traumatic brain injuries at AIS 1 were found to lead to PMI. Whereas for children the injuries leading to PMI were primarily limited to the head and cervical spine, adults sustained injuries that led to PMI from a more diverse distribution of body regions. The pattern of injuries resulting in permanent medical impairment is different for children and adults; therefore, safety priorities for children need to be based on child data. The majority of those injuries leading to PMI were at lower AIS levels. Furthermore, AIS 1 cervical spine and AIS 1+ head injuries should be given priority concerning mitigation of long-term consequences for children.

A preliminary study on postmortem interval estimation of suffocated rats by GC-MS/MS-based plasma metabolic profiling.

PubMed

Sato, Takako; Zaitsu, Kei; Tsuboi, Kento; Nomura, Masakatsu; Kusano, Maiko; Shima, Noriaki; Abe, Shuntaro; Ishii, Akira; Tsuchihashi, Hitoshi; Suzuki, Koichi

2015-05-01

Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is an important goal in judicial autopsy. Although many approaches can estimate PMI through physical findings and biochemical tests, accurate PMI calculation by these conventional methods remains difficult because PMI is readily affected by surrounding conditions, such as ambient temperature and humidity. In this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (10 weeks) were sacrificed by suffocation, and blood was collected by dissection at various time intervals (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h; n = 6) after death. A total of 70 endogenous metabolites were detected in plasma by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Each time group was separated from each other on the principal component analysis (PCA) score plot, suggesting that the various endogenous metabolites changed with time after death. To prepare a prediction model of a PMI, a partial least squares (or projection to latent structure, PLS) regression model was constructed using the levels of significantly different metabolites determined by variable importance in the projection (VIP) score and the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). Because the constructed PLS regression model could successfully predict each PMI, this model was validated with another validation set (n = 3). In conclusion, plasma metabolic profiling demonstrated its ability to successfully estimate PMI under a certain condition. This result can be considered to be the first step for using the metabolomics method in future forensic casework.

Calibration of an arbitrarily arranged projection moiré system for 3D shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Ying; Yao, Jun; Zhou, Yihao; Sun, Chen; Yang, Peng; Miao, Hong; Chen, Jubing

2018-05-01

An arbitrarily arranged projection moiré system is presented for three-dimensional shape measurement. We develop a model for projection moiré system and derive a universal formula expressing the relation between height and phase variation before and after we put the object on the reference plane. With so many system parameters involved, a system calibration technique is needed. In this work, we provide a robust and accurate calibration method for an arbitrarily arranged projection moiré system. The system no longer puts restrictions on the configuration of the optical setup. Real experiments have been conducted to verify the validity of this method.

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

M. Ono; Jaworski, M.; Kaita, R.

Developing a reactor compatible divertor and managing the associated plasma material interaction (PMI) has been identified as a high priority research area for magnetic confinement fusion. Accordingly on NSTX-U, the PMI research has received a strong emphasis. Moreover, with ˜15 MW of auxiliary heating power, NSTX-U will be able to test the PMI physics with the peak divertor plasma facing component (PFC) heat loads of up to 40-60 MW/m 2.

Ex vivo validation of photo-magnetic imaging.

PubMed

Luk, Alex; Nouizi, Farouk; Erkol, Hakan; Unlu, Mehmet B; Gulsen, Gultekin

2017-10-15

We recently introduced a new high-resolution diffuse optical imaging technique termed photo-magnetic imaging (PMI), which utilizes magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT) to monitor the 3D temperature distribution induced in a medium illuminated with a near-infrared light. The spatiotemporal temperature distribution due to light absorption can be accurately estimated using a combined photon propagation and heat diffusion model. High-resolution optical absorption images are then obtained by iteratively minimizing the error between the measured and modeled temperature distributions. We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of PMI with experimental studies using tissue simulating agarose phantoms. In this Letter, we present the preliminary ex vivo PMI results obtained with a chicken breast sample. Similarly to the results obtained on phantoms, the reconstructed images reveal that PMI can quantitatively resolve an inclusion with a 3 mm diameter embedded deep in a biological tissue sample with only 10% error. These encouraging results demonstrate the high performance of PMI in ex vivo biological tissue and its potential for in vivo imaging.

Three-dimensional effects in nonlinear fracture explored with interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfaff, Richard D.

The prospects for understanding fracture mechanics in terms of a general material constitutive description are explored. The effort consists of three distinct components.First, optical interferometry, in its various forms (Twyman-Green, diffraction moire, etc.), can potentially be used under a wide range of conditions to very accurately measure the displacement and strain fields associated with the deformation surrounding a cracktip. To broaden the range of fracture problems to which interferometry may be applied, certain of the necessary experimental improvements have been developed:1. High speed camera designs capable of extremely high (> 10(9) frames/second) framing rates with large array sizes, (> 4000 x 4000 pixels per frame) so that the application of optical techniques to solid mechanics may be considered without limitation on the rate of deformation.2. An accurate and adaptable device for dynamic loading of fracture specimens to high load levels utilizing electromagnetic (Lorentz force) loading with ultrahigh (> 2,000,000 Amp/cm(2)) current flux densities.3. Implementation of high sensitivity (2 nm), large range (2 nm x 3,200,000) interferometry achieved with wide field array sizes of 50,000 x 50,000 and 8 bit gray scale (error restricted to 1 bit) for surface deformation measurements on fracture specimens.Second, functional descriptions for certain aspects of the displacement fields associated with fracture specimens are developed. It is found that the fully three-dimensional crack tip field surrounding a through-thickness crack in a plate of elastic-plastic material shows a hierarchical structure of organization and that the primary aspects of the deformation field would seem to have a relatively simple form of expression if the deformation is viewed in a properly normalized form.Third, a comparison is made between interferometrically measured surface displacements for a notched 3-point-bend speciemn of a ductile heat treatment of 4340 steel and a numerical simulation of the specimen based on a material constitutive description determined from uniaxial tests performed on the same material. The small but finite notch tip radius (0.15 mm) fabricated by a wire-cutting electrical discharge machine allows one to explore the limits of applicability of standard continuum plasticity theories without involving a process zone model for the very near tip region extent in a cracked specimen geometry.

The development of a post-mortem interval estimation for human remains found on land in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Gelderman, H T; Boer, L; Naujocks, T; IJzermans, A C M; Duijst, W L J M

2018-05-01

The decomposition process of human remains can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), but decomposition varies due to many factors. Temperature is believed to be the most important and can be connected to decomposition by using the accumulated degree days (ADD). The aim of this research was to develop a decomposition scoring method and to develop a formula to estimate the PMI by using the developed decomposition scoring method and ADD.A decomposition scoring method and a Book of Reference (visual resource) were made. Ninety-one cases were used to develop a method to estimate the PMI. The photographs were scored using the decomposition scoring method. The temperature data was provided by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. The PMI was estimated using the total decomposition score (TDS) and using the TDS and ADD. The latter required an additional step, namely to calculate the ADD from the finding date back until the predicted day of death.The developed decomposition scoring method had a high interrater reliability. The TDS significantly estimates the PMI (R 2  = 0.67 and 0.80 for indoor and outdoor bodies, respectively). When using the ADD, the R 2 decreased to 0.66 and 0.56.The developed decomposition scoring method is a practical method to measure decomposition for human remains found on land. The PMI can be estimated using this method, but caution is advised in cases with a long PMI. The ADD does not account for all the heat present in a decomposing remain and is therefore a possible bias.

A Computer Based Moire Technique To Measure Very Small Displacements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Amadshahi, Mansour A.; Subbaraman, B.

1987-02-01

The accuracy that can be achieved in the measurement of very small displacements in techniques such as moire, holography and speckle is limited by the noise inherent to the utilized optical devices. To reduce the noise to signal ratio, the moire method can be utilized. Two system of carrier fringes are introduced, an initial system before the load is applied and a final system when the load is applied. The moire pattern of these two systems contains the sought displacement information and the noise common to the two patterns is eliminated. The whole process is performed by a computer on digitized versions of the patterns. Examples of application are given.

Moire technique utilization for detection and measurement of scoliosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zawieska, Dorota; Podlasiak, Piotr

1993-02-01

Moire projection method enables non-contact measurement of the shape or deformation of different surfaces and constructions by fringe pattern analysis. The fringe map acquisition of the whole surface of the object under test is one of the main advantages compared with 'point by point' methods. The computer analyzes the shape of the whole surface and next user can selected different points or cross section of the object map. In this paper a few typical examples of an application of the moire technique in solving different medical problems will be presented. We will also present to you the equipment the moire pattern analysis is done in real time using the phase stepping method with CCD camera.

Détection homodyne pour mémoires holographiques à stockage bit à bit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maire, G.; Pauliat, G.; Roosen, G.

2006-10-01

Les mémoires holographiques à stockage bit à bit sont une alternative intéressante à l'approche holographique conventionnelle par pages de données du fait de leur architecture optique simplifiée. Nous proposons et validons ici une procédure de lecture adaptée à de telles mémoires et basée sur une détection homodyne de l'amplitude diffractée par les hologrammes. Ceci permet d'augmenter la quantité de signal utile détecté et s'avère donc prometteur pour accroître le taux de transfert de données de ces mémoires.

An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. regulates gene expression of ubiquitin-proteasome system enzymes in skeletal muscle: potential role in the treatment of sarcopenic obesity.

PubMed

Kirk-Ballard, Heather; Kilroy, Gail; Day, Britton C; Wang, Zhong Q; Ribnicky, David M; Cefalu, William T; Floyd, Z Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Obesity is linked to insulin resistance, a primary component of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The problem of obesity-related insulin resistance is compounded when age-related skeletal muscle loss, called sarcopenia, occurs with obesity. Skeletal muscle loss results from elevated levels of protein degradation and prevention of obesity-related sarcopenic muscle loss will depend on strategies that target pathways involved in protein degradation. An extract from Artemisia dracunculus, termed PMI 5011, improves insulin signaling and increases skeletal muscle myofiber size in a rodent model of obesity-related insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PMI 5011 on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, a central regulator of muscle protein degradation. Gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle was obtained from KK-A(y) obese diabetic mice fed a control or 1% (w/w) PMI 5011-supplemented diet. Regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the ubiquitin-proteasome system was determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Although MuRF-1 ubiquitin ligase gene expression is consistently down-regulated in skeletal muscle, atrogin-1, Fbxo40, and Traf6 expression is differentially regulated by PMI 5011. Genes encoding other enzymes of the ubiquitin-proteasome system ranging from ubiquitin to ubiquitin-specific proteases are also regulated by PMI 5011. Additionally, expression of the gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3 (LC3), a ubiquitin-like protein pivotal to autophagy-mediated protein degradation, is down-regulated by PMI 5011 in the vastus lateralis. PMI 5011 alters the gene expression of ubiquitin-proteasome system enzymes that are essential regulators of skeletal muscle mass. This suggests that PMI 5011 has therapeutic potential in the treatment of obesity-linked sarcopenia by regulating ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A computer vision system for diagnosing scoliosis using moiré images.

PubMed

Batouche, M; Benlamri, R; Kholladi, M K

1996-07-01

For young people, scoliosis deformities are an evolving process which must be detected and treated as early as possible. The moiré technique is simple, inexpensive, not aggressive and especially convenient for detecting spinal deformations. Doctors make their diagnosis by analysing the symmetry of fringes obtained by such techniques. In this paper, we present a computer vision system for help diagnosing spinal deformations using noisy moiré images of the human back. The approach adopted in this paper consists of extracting fringe contours from moiré images, then localizing some anatomical features (the spinal column, lumbar hollow and shoulder blades) which are crucial for 3D surface generation carried out using Mota's relaxation operator. Finally, rules furnished by doctors are used to derive the kind of spinal deformation and to yield the diagnosis. The proposed system has been tested on a set of noisy moiré images, and the experimental result have shown its robustness and reliability for the recognition of most scoliosis deformities.

Evaluation of crystallographic strain, rotation and defects in functional oxides by the moiré effect in scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Naden, A B; O'Shea, K J; MacLaren, D A

2018-04-20

Moiré patterns in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images of epitaxial perovskite oxides are used to assess strain and defect densities over fields of view extending over several hundred nanometers. The patterns arise from the geometric overlap of the rastered STEM electron beam and the samples' crystal periodicities and we explore the emergence and application of these moiré fringes for rapid strain analysis. Using the epitaxial functional oxide perovskites BiFeO 3 and Pr 1-x Ca x MnO 3 , we discuss the impact of large degrees of strain on the quantification of STEM moiré patterns, identify defects in the fringe patterns and quantify strain and lattice rotation. Such a wide-area analysis of crystallographic strain and defects is crucial for developing structure-function relations of functional oxides and we find the STEM moiré technique to be an attractive means of structural assessment that can be readily applied to low dose studies of damage sensitive crystalline materials.

Evaluation of crystallographic strain, rotation and defects in functional oxides by the moiré effect in scanning transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naden, A. B.; O'Shea, K. J.; MacLaren, D. A.

2018-04-01

Moiré patterns in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images of epitaxial perovskite oxides are used to assess strain and defect densities over fields of view extending over several hundred nanometers. The patterns arise from the geometric overlap of the rastered STEM electron beam and the samples’ crystal periodicities and we explore the emergence and application of these moiré fringes for rapid strain analysis. Using the epitaxial functional oxide perovskites BiFeO3 and Pr1-x Ca x MnO3, we discuss the impact of large degrees of strain on the quantification of STEM moiré patterns, identify defects in the fringe patterns and quantify strain and lattice rotation. Such a wide-area analysis of crystallographic strain and defects is crucial for developing structure-function relations of functional oxides and we find the STEM moiré technique to be an attractive means of structural assessment that can be readily applied to low dose studies of damage sensitive crystalline materials.

Full-Field Stress Determination Around Circular Discontinuity in a Tensile-Loaded Plate using x-displacements Only

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Tae Hyun; Chung, Tae Jin; Panganiban, Henry

The significant effects of stress raisers demand well-defined evaluation techniques to accurately determine the stress along the geometric boundary. A simple and accurate method for the determination of stress concentration around circular geometric discontinuity in a tensile-loaded plate is illustrated. The method is based on the least-squares technique, mapping functions, and a complex power series representation (Laurent series) of the stress functions for the calculation of tangential stress around the hole. Traction-free conditions were satisfied at the geometric discontinuity using conformal mapping and analytic continuation. In this study, we use only a relatively small amount of x-component displacement data of points away from the discontinuity of concern with their respective coordinates. Having this information we can easily obtain full-field stresses at the edge of the geometric discontinuity. Excellent results were obtained when the number of terms of the power series expansions, m=1. The maximum stress concentration calculation results using the present method and FEM using ANSYS agree well by less than one per cent difference. Experimental advantage of the method underscores the use of relatively small amount of data which are conveniently determined being away from the edge. Moreover, the small amount of measured input data needed affords the approach suitable for applications such as the multi-parameter concept used to obtain stress intensity factors from measured data. The use of laser speckle interferometry and moiré interferometry are also potential future related fields since the optical system for one-directional measurement is much simple.

The burden of childhood cancer in Mexico: Implications for low- and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Rivera-Luna, Roberto; Zapata-Tarres, Marta; Shalkow-Klincovstein, Jaime; Velasco-Hidalgo, Liliana; Olaya-Vargas, Alberto; Finkelstein-Mizrahi, Nicole; Cárdenas-Cardós, Rocío; Aguilar-Ortiz, Marco R

2017-06-01

In Mexico, childhood cancer incidence and mortality have increased in the last decade. Through government actions since 2005, the Popular Medical Insurance (PMI) program for childhood cancer was created. The objective of PMI was to offer early cancer diagnosis, standardized treatment regimens, and numerous pediatric oncology residency programs. It has also accredited 55 national hospitals for the care of these children. Current problems still present under the PMI include shortage of pediatric oncologists and nurses and high rate of abandonment of treatment. Our aim is to describe the current scenario of childhood cancer care in Mexico, especially from the perspective of the PMI and how it has impacted human resources, infrastructure, and medical education. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

PubMed

Feeney, Mistianne; Punja, Zamir K

2015-01-01

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) suspension culture cells were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 carrying the binary plasmid pNOV3635. The plasmid contains a phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) selectable marker gene. Cells transformed with PMI are capable of metabolizing the selective agent mannose, whereas cells not expressing the gene are incapable of using the carbon source and will stop growing. Callus masses proliferating on selection medium were screened for PMI expression using a chlorophenol red assay. Genomic DNA was extracted from putatively transformed callus lines, and the presence of the PMI gene was confirmed using PCR and Southern hybridization. Using this method, an average transformation frequency of 31.23% ± 0.14 was obtained for all transformation experiments, with a range of 15.1-55.3%.

Histological transformations of the dental pulp as possible indicator of post mortem interval: a pilot study.

PubMed

Carrasco, Patricio A; Brizuela, Claudia I; Rodriguez, Ismael A; Muñoz, Samuel; Godoy, Marianela E; Inostroza, Carolina

2017-10-01

The correct estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) can be crucial on the success of a forensic investigation. Diverse methods have been used to estimate PMI, considering physical changes that occur after death, such as mortis algor, livor mortis, among others. Degradation after death of dental pulp is a complex process that has not yet been studied thoroughly. It has been described that pulp RNA degradation could be an indicator of PMI, however this study is limited to 6 days. The tooth is the hardest organ of the human body, and within is confined dental pulp. The pulp morphology is defined as a lax conjunctive tissue with great sensory innervation, abundant microcirculation and great presence of groups of cell types. The aim of this study is to describe the potential use of pulp post mortem alterations to estimate PMI, using a new methodology that will allow obtainment of pulp tissue to be used for histomorphological analysis. The current study will identify potential histological indicators in dental pulp tissue to estimate PMI in time intervals of 24h, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. This study used 26 teeth from individuals with known PMI of 24h, 1 month, 3 months or 6 months. All samples were manipulated with the new methodology (Carrasco, P. and Inostroza C. inventors; Universidad de los Andes, assignee. Forensic identification, post mortem interval estimation and cause of death determination by recovery of dental tissue. United State patent US 61/826,558 23.05.2013) to extract pulp tissue without the destruction of the tooth. The dental pulp tissues obtained were fixed in formalin for the subsequent generation of histological sections, stained with Hematoxylin Eosin and Masson's Trichrome. All sections were observed under an optical microscope using magnifications of 10× and 40×. The microscopic analysis of the samples showed a progressive transformation of the cellular components and fibers of dental pulp along PMI. These results allowed creating a chart of qualitative and quantitative parameters to be used on the estimation on PMI based on microscopic degradation of dental pulp. The histological transformations of dental pulp as a function of time can be used as PMI indicators. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electronic-projecting Moire method applying CBR-technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzyakov, O. N.; Lapteva, U. V.; Andreeva, M. A.

2018-01-01

Electronic-projecting method based on Moire effect for examining surface topology is suggested. Conditions of forming Moire fringes and their parameters’ dependence on reference parameters of object and virtual grids are analyzed. Control system structure and decision-making subsystem are elaborated. Subsystem execution includes CBR-technology, based on applying case base. The approach related to analysing and forming decision for each separate local area with consequent formation of common topology map is applied.

An Experimental Study of Large Compressive Loads Upon Residual Strain Fields and the Interaction Between Surface Strain Fields Created by Coldworking Fastener Holes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

Strains" (J. of Basic Eng., Vol. 82, Series D, June 1960), pp, 426-434. 10. Morse, S., A.J. Durelli, and C.A. Sciammarella , "Geo- metry of Moire...grid Method, a Practical Moire Stress-analysis Tool" (Exp. Mech., Vol. 7, July 1967), pp. 19A-22A. 20. Sciammarella , C., "Moire-fringe Multiplication

Optical image hiding based on chaotic vibration of deformable moiré grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Guangqing; Saunoriene, Loreta; Aleksiene, Sandra; Ragulskis, Minvydas

2018-03-01

Image hiding technique based on chaotic vibration of deformable moiré grating is presented in this paper. The embedded secret digital image is leaked in a form of a pattern of time-averaged moiré fringes when the deformable cover grating vibrates according to a chaotic law of motion with a predefined set of parameters. Computational experiments are used to demonstrate the features and the applicability of the proposed scheme.

HIF1α protein and mRNA expression as a new marker for post mortem interval estimation in human gingival tissue.

PubMed

Fais, Paolo; Mazzotti, Maria Carla; Teti, Gabriella; Boscolo-Berto, Rafael; Pelotti, Susi; Falconi, Mirella

2018-06-01

Estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) is still a crucial step in Forensic Pathology. Although several methods are available for assessing the PMI, a precise estimation is still quite unreliable and can be inaccurate. The present study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical distribution and mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) in post mortem gingival tissues to establish a correlation between the presence of HIF-1α and the time since death, with the final goal of achieving a more accurate PMI estimation. Samples of gingival tissues were obtained from 10 cadavers at different PMIs (1-3 days, 4-5 days and 8-9 days), and were processed for immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed a time-dependent correlation of HIF-1α protein and its mRNA with different times since death, which suggests that HIF-1α is a potential marker for PMI estimation. The results showed a high HIF-1α protein signal that was mainly localized in the stratum basale of the oral mucosa in samples collected at a short PMI (1-3 days). It gradually decreased in samples collected at a medium PMI (4-5 days), but it was not detected in samples collected at a long PMI (8-9 days). These results are in agreement with the mRNA data. These data indicate an interesting potential utility of Forensic Anatomy-based techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, as important complementary tools to be used in forensic investigations. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society.

Study of chemiluminescence measured by luminometry and its application in the estimation of postmortem interval of bone remains.

PubMed

Sarabia, Jesús; Pérez-Martínez, Cristina; Hernández Del Rincón, Juan Pedro; Luna, Aurelio

2018-05-05

A substantial challenge faced by forensic medicine is determining the postmortem interval (PMI) of skeletonized remains. Currently, the luminol method is of limited forensic usefulness, since it uses qualitative and subjective methods to estimate PMI by the naked eye assessing the degree of chemiluminescence (CL) emitted by bone remains, a technique which is not sensitive enough to distinguish between historical or forensically significant time intervals. The aim of the present study was to use a direct and accurate measurement of the CL by luminol technique in relative light units (RLU) using a luminometer to establish this method as a possible complementary and low cost tool for the determination of the PMI for distinguishing between remains of medical-legal (<20 years) and historical (≥20 years) interest in 102 femur remains with a range of PMI between 15 and 64 years. The results suggest that, under favorable conditions, the luminol technique can detect haemoglobin in the bone in a PMI range of 0-65 years, finding significant differences in the CL intensity among samples with PMI < 20 years and PMI ≥ 20 years. In addition, the intensities of CL measured at 10 s, 15 s and 20 s after reaction with luminol show a statistically significant inverse relationship with PMI in the bone studied, following a decreasing logarithmic model. The conclusion is that this quantitative, objective and contrastable technique could be very useful for determining the PMI in bone remains, since it allows a good degree of precision and eliminates the subjectivity introduced by qualitative techniques. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pointwise mutual information quantifies intratumor heterogeneity in tissue sections labeled with multiple fluorescent biomarkers.

PubMed

Spagnolo, Daniel M; Gyanchandani, Rekha; Al-Kofahi, Yousef; Stern, Andrew M; Lezon, Timothy R; Gough, Albert; Meyer, Dan E; Ginty, Fiona; Sarachan, Brion; Fine, Jeffrey; Lee, Adrian V; Taylor, D Lansing; Chennubhotla, S Chakra

2016-01-01

Measures of spatial intratumor heterogeneity are potentially important diagnostic biomarkers for cancer progression, proliferation, and response to therapy. Spatial relationships among cells including cancer and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are key contributors to heterogeneity. We demonstrate how to quantify spatial heterogeneity from immunofluorescence pathology samples, using a set of 3 basic breast cancer biomarkers as a test case. We learn a set of dominant biomarker intensity patterns and map the spatial distribution of the biomarker patterns with a network. We then describe the pairwise association statistics for each pattern within the network using pointwise mutual information (PMI) and visually represent heterogeneity with a two-dimensional map. We found a salient set of 8 biomarker patterns to describe cellular phenotypes from a tissue microarray cohort containing 4 different breast cancer subtypes. After computing PMI for each pair of biomarker patterns in each patient and tumor replicate, we visualize the interactions that contribute to the resulting association statistics. Then, we demonstrate the potential for using PMI as a diagnostic biomarker, by comparing PMI maps and heterogeneity scores from patients across the 4 different cancer subtypes. Estrogen receptor positive invasive lobular carcinoma patient, AL13-6, exhibited the highest heterogeneity score among those tested, while estrogen receptor negative invasive ductal carcinoma patient, AL13-14, exhibited the lowest heterogeneity score. This paper presents an approach for describing intratumor heterogeneity, in a quantitative fashion (via PMI), which departs from the purely qualitative approaches currently used in the clinic. PMI is generalizable to highly multiplexed/hyperplexed immunofluorescence images, as well as spatial data from complementary in situ methods including FISSEQ and CyTOF, sampling many different components within the TME. We hypothesize that PMI will uncover key spatial interactions in the TME that contribute to disease proliferation and progression.

PEDIATRIC VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX ADAPTATION CORRELATES WITH HOMA-IR, MATSUDA, AND TRANSAMINASES.

PubMed

Hernández, María José Garcés; Klünder, Miguel; Nieto, Nayely Garibay; Alvarenga, Juan Carlos López; Gil, Jenny Vilchis; Huerta, Samuel Flores; Siccha, Rosa Quispe; Hernandez, Joselin

2018-03-01

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a mathematical model associated with cardiometabolic risk in adults, but studies on children failed to support this association. Our group has proposed a pediatric VAI model using pediatric ranges, but it has not yet been evaluated and needs further adjustments. The objective of this study was to further adjust the proposed pediatric VAI by age, creating a new pediatric metabolic index (PMI), and assess the correlation of the PMI with insulin resistance indexes and hepatic enzymes. A cross-sectional design with data from 396 children (age 5 to 17 years) was analyzed with a generalized linear model to find the coefficients for triglycerides, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist circumference-body mass index quotient. The model was constructed according to sex and age and designated PMI. A cross-validation analysis was performed and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine cut-off points. Significant moderate correlation was found between PMI and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ( r = 0.452; P = .003), Matsuda ( r = -0.366; P = .019), alanine aminotransferase ( r = 0.315, P = .045), and γ-glutamyltransferase ( r = 0.397; P = .010). A PMI score >1.7 was considered as risk. PMI correlates with HOMA-IR, Matsuda, and hepatic enzymes. It could be helpful for identifying children at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. ALT = alanine transaminase BMI = body mass index GGT = γ-glutamyltransferase HDL-C = high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol HOMA-IR = homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance hs-CRP = high sensitivity C-reactive protein ISI = insulin sensitivity index NAFLD = nonalcoholic fatty liver disease PMI = pediatric metabolic index QUICKI = quantitative insulin sensitivity check index ROC = receiver operating characteristic TG = triglyceride TNF-α = tumor necrosis factor-alpha VAI = visceral adiposity index VAT = visceral adipose tissue WC = waist circumference.

Effects of various physical stress factors on mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species in rat spermatozoa

PubMed Central

Kim, Suhee; Agca, Cansu; Agca, Yuksel

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of various physical interventions on the function of epididymal rat spermatozoa and determine whether there are correlations among these functional parameters. Epididymal rat spermatozoa were subjected to various mechanical (pipetting, centrifugation and Percoll gradient separation) and anisotonic conditions, and sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Repeated pipetting caused a loss in motility, PMI and MMP (P < 0.05). Minimal centrifugation force (200g) had no effect on motility, PMI and MMP, whereas an increase in the centrifugation force to 400g or 600g decreased sperm function (P < 0.005). Percoll gradient separation increased total motility, PMI and MMP (P < 0.05). However, the spermatozoa that were subjected to mechanical interventions showed high susceptibility to a ROS stimulant (P < 0.005). Anisotonic conditions decreased motility, PMI and MMP, and hypotonic conditions in particular increased basal ROS (P < 0.05). In correlation tests, there were strong positive correlations among total motility, PMI and MMP, whereas ROS showed no or negatively weak correlations with the other parameters. In conclusion, the physical interventions may act as important variables, affecting functional parameters of epididymal rat spermatozoa. Therefore, careful consideration and proper protocols for handling of rat spermatozoa and osmotic conditions are required to achieve reliable results and minimise damage. PMID:23140582

A stapled peptide antagonist of MDM2 carried by polymeric micelles sensitizes glioblastoma to temozolomide treatment through p53 activation

PubMed Central

Chen, Xishan; Tai, Lingyu; Gao, Jie; Qian, Jianchang; Zhang, Mingfei; Li, Beibei; Xie, Cao; Lu, Linwei; Lu, Wuyuan; Lu, Weiyue

2017-01-01

Antagonizing MDM2 and MDMX to activate the tumor suppressor protein p53 is an attractive therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, challenges remain with respect to the poor ability of p53 activators to efficiently cross the blood–brain barrier and/or blood–brain tumor barrier and to specifically target tumor cells. To circumvent these problems, we developed a cyclic RGD peptide-conjugated poly(-ethylene glycol)-co-poly(lactic acid) polymeric micelle (RGD-M) that carried a stapled peptide antagonist of both MDM2 and MDMX (sPMI). The peptide-carrying micelle RGD-M/sPMI was prepared via film-hydration method with high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity as well as ideal size distribution. Micelle encapsulation dramatically increased the solubility of sPMI, thus alleviating its serum sequestration. In vitro studies showed that RGD-M/sPMI efficiently inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in the presence of serum by activating the p53 signaling pathway. Further, RGD-M/sPMI exerted potent tumor growth inhibitory activity against human glioblastoma in nude mouse xenograft models. Importantly, the combination of RGD-M/sPMI and temozolomide — a standard chemotherapy drug for GBM increased antitumor efficacy against glioblastoma in experimental animals. Our results validate a combination therapy using p53 activators with temozolomide as a more effective treatment for GBM. PMID:26428461

Assessing the impact of a fistula after a pancreaticoduodenectomy using the Post-operative Morbidity Index.

PubMed

Miller, Benjamin C; Christein, John D; Behrman, Stephen W; Callery, Mark P; Drebin, Jeffrey A; Kent, Tara S; Pratt, Wande B; Lewis, Russell S; Vollmer, Charles M

2013-10-01

The Post-operative Morbidity Index (PMI) is a quantitative utility measure of a complication burden created by severity weighting. The Fistula Risk Score (FRS) is a validated model that predicts whether a patient will develop a post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). These novel tools might provide further discrimination of the ISGPF grading system. From 2001 to 2012, 1021 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed at four institutions. POPFs were categorized by ISGPF standards. PMI scores were calculated based on the Modified Accordion Severity Grading System. FRS scores were assigned according to the relative influence of four recognized factors for developing a clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF). In total, 231 patients (22.6%) developed a POPF, of which 54.1% were CR-POPFs. The PMI differed significantly between the ISGPF grades and patients with no or non-fistulous complications (P < 0.001). 64.9% of POPFs and 84.0% of CR-POPFs contributed the highest Accordion grade to the PMI. Overall, the FRS correlated well with PMI (R(2) = 0.81, P < 0.001). These data quantitatively reinforce the ISGPF grades that were developed qualitatively around the concept of clinical severity. CR-POPFs usually reflect the patient's highest Accordion score whereas biochemical POPFs are often superseded. The correlation between FRS and PMI indicates that risk factors for a fistula contribute to overall pancreaticoduodenectomy morbidity. © 2013 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Protection against Fasciola gigantica using paramyosin antigen as a candidate for vaccine production.

PubMed

Abou-Elhakam, H; Rabee, I; El Deeb, S; El Amir, A

2013-11-15

Yet no vaccine to protect ruminants against liver fluke infection has been commercialized. In an attempt to develop a suitable vaccine against Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) infection in rabbits, using 97 kDa Pmy antigen. It was found that, the mean worm burdens and bile egg count after challenge were reduced significantly by 58.40 and 61.40%, respectively. On the other hand, immunization of rabbits with Pmy induced a significant expression of humoral antibodies (IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4) and different cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, L-12 and TNF-alpha). Among Ig isotypes, IgG2 and IgG4 were most dominant Post-infection (PI) while, recording a low IgG1 level. The dominance of IgG2 and IgG4 suggested late T helper1 (Th1) involvement in rabbit's cellular response. While, the low IgG1 level suggested Th2 response to adult F. gigantica worm Pmy. Among all cytokines, IL-10 was the highest in rabbits immunized with Pmy PI suggesting also the enhancement of Th2 response. It was clear that the native F. gigantica Pmy is considered as a relevant candidate for vaccination against fascioliasis. Also, these data suggested the immunoprophylactic effect of the native F. gigantica Pmy which is mediated by a mixed Th1/Th2 response.

Passive millimeter-wave imaging for concealed article detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovberg, John A.; Galliano, Joseph A., Jr.; Clark, Stuart E.

1997-02-01

Passive-millimeter-wave imaging (PMI) provides a powerful sensing tool for law enforcement, allowing an unobtrusive means for detecting concealed weapons, explosives, or contraband on persons or in baggage. Natural thermal emissions at millimeter wavelengths from bodies, guns, explosives, and other articles pass easily through clothing or other concealment materials, where they can be detected and converted into conventional 2-dimensional images. A new implementation of PMI has demonstrated a large-area, near- real-time staring capability for personnel inspection at standoff ranges of greater than 10 meters. In this form, PMI does not require operator cuing based on subjective 'profiles' of suspicious appearance or behaviors, which may otherwise be construed as violations of civil rights. To the contrary, PMI detects and images heat generated by any object with no predisposition as to its nature or function (e.g. race or gender of humans). As a totally passive imaging tool, it generates no radio-frequency or other radiation which might raise public health concerns. Specifics of the new PMI architecture are presented along with a host of imaging data representing the current state- of-the-art.

Impact of albuminuria on the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing elective coronary stent implantation.

PubMed

Osugi, Naohiro; Suzuki, Susumu; Ishii, Hideki; Yasuda, Yoshinari; Shibata, Yohei; Tatami, Yosuke; Ota, Tomoyuki; Kawamura, Yoshihiro; Okumura, Satoshi; Tanaka, Akihito; Inoue, Yosuke; Matsuo, Seiichi; Murohara, Toyoaki

2014-07-01

Albuminuria has traditionally been associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. However, few studies have examined the potential relation between albuminuria and periprocedural risk in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of albuminuria on the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in patients who underwent PCI. The study included 252 consecutive patients who underwent PCI. The incidence of PMI was significantly higher in patients with albuminuria than in those with normoalbuminuria (31.9% vs 43.3%, respectively, p = 0.014). Even after adjustment for confounders, the presence of albuminuria predicted PMI (odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 3.97, p = 0.029). Furthermore, patients with albuminuria and preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate had a 4.2-fold higher risk for PMI than did patients with normoalbuminuria and preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, albuminuria was a strong predictor of PMI in patients who underwent PCI. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cell force mapping using a double-sided micropillar array based on the moiré fringe method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, F.; Anderson, S.; Zheng, X.; Roberts, E.; Qiu, Y.; Liao, R.; Zhang, X.

2014-07-01

The mapping of traction forces is crucial to understanding the means by which cells regulate their behavior and physiological function to adapt to and communicate with their local microenvironment. To this end, polymeric micropillar arrays have been used for measuring cell traction force. However, the small scale of the micropillar deflections induced by cell traction forces results in highly inefficient force analyses using conventional optical approaches; in many cases, cell forces may be below the limits of detection achieved using conventional microscopy. To address these limitations, the moiré phenomenon has been leveraged as a visualization tool for cell force mapping due to its inherent magnification effect and capacity for whole-field force measurements. This Letter reports an optomechanical cell force sensor, namely, a double-sided micropillar array (DMPA) made of poly(dimethylsiloxane), on which one side is employed to support cultured living cells while the opposing side serves as a reference pattern for generating moiré patterns. The distance between the two sides, which is a crucial parameter influencing moiré pattern contrast, is predetermined during fabrication using theoretical calculations based on the Talbot effect that aim to optimize contrast. Herein, double-sided micropillar arrays were validated by mapping mouse embryo fibroblast contraction forces and the resulting force maps compared to conventional microscopy image analyses as the reference standard. The DMPA-based approach precludes the requirement for aligning two independent periodic substrates, improves moiré contrast, and enables efficient moiré pattern generation. Furthermore, the double-sided structure readily allows for the integration of moiré-based cell force mapping into microfabricated cell culture environments or lab-on-a-chip devices.

Numerical evaluation of moiré pattern in touch sensor module with electrode mesh structure in oblique view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pournoury, M.; Zamiri, A.; Kim, T. Y.; Yurlov, V.; Oh, K.

2016-03-01

Capacitive touch sensor screen with the metal materials has recently become qualified for substitution of ITO; however several obstacles still have to be solved. One of the most important issues is moiré phenomenon. The visibility problem of the metal-mesh, in touch sensor module (TSM) is numerically considered in this paper. Based on human eye contract sensitivity function (CSF), moiré pattern of TSM electrode mesh structure is simulated with MATLAB software for 8 inch screen display in oblique view. Standard deviation of the generated moiré by the superposition of electrode mesh and screen image is calculated to find the optimal parameters which provide the minimum moiré visibility. To create the screen pixel array and mesh electrode, rectangular function is used. The filtered image, in frequency domain, is obtained by multiplication of Fourier transform of the finite mesh pattern (product of screen pixel and mesh electrode) with the calculated CSF function for three different observer distances (L=200, 300 and 400 mm). It is observed that the discrepancy between analytical and numerical results is less than 0.6% for 400 mm viewer distance. Moreover, in the case of oblique view due to considering the thickness of the finite film between mesh electrodes and screen, different points of minimum standard deviation of moiré pattern are predicted compared to normal view.

Far-field interference of a neutron white beam and the applications to noninvasive phase-contrast imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pushin, D. A.; Sarenac, D.; Hussey, D. S.; Miao, H.; Arif, M.; Cory, D. G.; Huber, M. G.; Jacobson, D. L.; LaManna, J. M.; Parker, J. D.; Shinohara, T.; Ueno, W.; Wen, H.

2017-04-01

The phenomenon of interference plays a crucial role in the field of precision measurement science. Wave-particle duality has expanded the well-known interference effects of electromagnetic waves to massive particles. The majority of the wave-particle interference experiments require a near monochromatic beam which limits its applications due to the resulting low intensity. Here we demonstrate white beam interference in the far-field regime using a two-phase-grating neutron interferometer and its application to phase-contrast imaging. The functionality of this interferometer is based on the universal moiré effect that allows us to improve upon the standard Lau setup. Interference fringes were observed with monochromatic and polychromatic neutron beams for both continuous and pulsed beams. Far-field neutron interferometry allows for the full utilization of intense neutron sources for precision measurements of gradient fields. It also overcomes the alignment, stability, and fabrication challenges associated with the more familiar perfect-crystal neutron interferometer, as well as avoids the loss of intensity due to the absorption analyzer grating requirement in Talbot-Lau interferometer.

Elastic-plastic deformation of a metal-matrix composite coupon with a center slot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Post, D.; Czarnek, R.; Joh, D.; Jo, J.; Guo, Y.

1985-01-01

A comprehensive experimental analysis of deformations of the surface of a metal-matrix specimen is reported. The specimen is a 6-ply 0 + or - 45 sub s boron-aluminum tensile coupon with a central slot. Moire interferometry is used for high-sensitivity whole-field measurements of in-plane displacements. Normal and shear strains are calculated from displacement gradients. Displacement fields are analyzed at various load levels from 15% to 95% of the failure load. Deformations of the boron fibers could be distinguished from those of the matrix. Highly localized plastic slip zones occur tangent to the ends of the slot. Shear strains and concurrent transverse compressive strains in the slip zones reach approximately 10% and 1%, respectively. Upon unloading, elastic recovery in surrounding regions causes a reverse plastic shear strain in the slip zone of about 4%. Longitudinal normal strains on the unslotted ligament peak at the slot boundary at about 1% strain. The strain concentration factor at the end of the slot decreases with load level and the advance of plasticity.

Trochoidal X-ray Vector Radiography: Directional dark-field without grating stepping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Y.; Bachche, S.; Kageyama, M.; Kuribayashi, M.; Pfeiffer, F.; Lasser, T.; Momose, A.

2018-03-01

X-ray Vector Radiography (XVR) is an imaging technique that reveals the orientations of sub-pixel sized structures within a sample. Several dark-field radiographs are acquired by rotating the sample around the beam propagation direction and stepping one of the gratings to several positions for every pose of the sample in an X-ray grating interferometry setup. In this letter, we present a method of performing XVR of a continuously moving sample without the need of any grating motion. We reconstruct the orientations within a sample by analyzing the change in the background moire fringes caused by the sample moving and simultaneously rotating in plane (trochoidal trajectory) across the detector field-of-view. Avoiding the motion of gratings provides significant advantages in terms of stability and repeatability, while the continuous motion of the sample makes this kind of system adaptable for industrial applications such as the scanning of samples on a conveyor belt. Being the first step in the direction of utilizing advanced sample trajectories to replace grating motion, this work also lays the foundations for a full three dimensional reconstruction of scattering function without grating motion.

Experimental and analytical characterization of triaxially braided textile composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masters, John E.; Fedro, Mark J.; Ifju, Peter G.

1993-01-01

There were two components, experimental and analytical, to this investigation of triaxially braided textile composite materials. The experimental portion of the study centered on measuring the materials' longitudinal and transverse tensile moduli, Poisson's ratio, and strengths. The identification of the damage mechanisms exhibited by these materials was also a prime objective of the experimental investigation. The analytical portion of the investigation utilized the Textile Composites Analysis (TECA) model to predict modulus and strength. The analytical and experimental results were compared to assess the effectiveness of the analysis. The figures contained in this paper reflect the presentation made at the conference. They may be divided into four sections: a definition of the material system tested; followed by a series of figures summarizing the experimental results (these figures contain results of a Moire interferometry study of the strain distribution in the material, examples and descriptions of the types of damage encountered in these materials, and a summary of the measured properties); a description of the TECA model follows the experimental results (this includes a series of predicted results and a comparison with measured values); and finally, a brief summary completes the paper.

Surface Curvatures Computation from Equidistance Contours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hiromi T.; Kling, Olivier; Lee, Daniel T. L.

1990-03-01

The subject of our research is on the 3D shape representation problem for a special class of range image, one where the natural mode of the acquired range data is in the form of equidistance contours, as exemplified by a moire interferometry range system. In this paper we present a novel surface curvature computation scheme that directly computes the surface curvatures (the principal curvatures, Gaussian curvature and mean curvature) from the equidistance contours without any explicit computations or implicit estimates of partial derivatives. We show how the special nature of the equidistance contours, specifically, the dense information of the surface curves in the 2D contour plane, turns into an advantage for the computation of the surface curvatures. The approach is based on using simple geometric construction to obtain the normal sections and the normal curvatures. This method is general and can be extended to any dense range image data. We show in details how this computation is formulated and give an analysis on the error bounds of the computation steps showing that the method is stable. Computation results on real equidistance range contours are also shown.

Elevated Serum AA/EPA Ratio as a Predictor of Skeletal Muscle Depletion in Cachexic Patients with Advanced Gastro-intestinal Cancers.

PubMed

Kitagawa, Moeko; Haji, Seiji; Amagai, Teruyoshi

2017-01-01

In recent years, the number of cancer patients has increased. Cancer patients are prone to sarcopenia as a result of the decrease in muscle mass and muscle weakness which occurs in cancer cachexia. Attention has been given on the effects of fatty acid administration on cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective chart-review study of consecutive patients with unresectable advanced GI cancer (stage IV) (n=46) receiving chemotherapy treatment in an outpatient or in-hospital setting between December 2012 and September 2015 at our Institution. The collected data were characteristics, psoas muscle area as measured by computed tomography (CT), and biochemical blood test and serum fatty acid profiles. Three methods of analysis were evaluated: (i) Comparison of biomarkers between two groups: psoas muscle index change rate (ΔPMI) decrease group vs. ΔPMI increase group. (ii) Correlation between ΔPMI and biomarkers. (iii) Multiple regression of ΔPMI and biomarkers Results: In the ΔPMI decrease group, n-6/n-3 ratio and AA/EPA ratio in the decrease group were significantly higher than those in the increase group. Among all parameters, serum EPA was positively and significantly related to ΔPMI (CC=0.443, p=0.039). In contrast, serum CRP, AA/EPA ratio and n-6/n-3 ratio were negatively related to ΔPMI (CC=-0.566, CC=-0.501, CC=-0.476, p=0.006, p=0.018, p=0.025, respectively). On multiple regression analysis, serum CRP value was strongly related to ΔPMI (r 2 =0.421, β=-0.670, p=0.001). Higher n-6/n-3 and AA/EPA ratios were associated with a decrease in psoas muscle area, that lead to diagnosis of sarcopenia. Higher CRP was also associated with a decrease in psoas muscle area, suggesting that this might be an indicator of cachexic skeletal muscle depletion in cachexic patients with advanced gastro-intestinal cancers. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Suicide death rates in patients with cardiovascular diseases - A 15-year nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.

PubMed

Wu, Victor Chien-Chia; Chang, Shang-Hung; Kuo, Chang-Fu; Liu, Jia-Rou; Chen, Shao-Wei; Yeh, Yung-Hsin; Luo, Shue-Fen; See, Lai-Chu

2018-06-01

The literature on suicide mortality rates in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is limited. Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and Taiwan Death Registry were retrieved for patients with the 5 CVDs: congestive heart failure (CHF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS), and pacemaker implantation (PMI) between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2015. We excluded patients younger than 15 years old. The primary outcome was suicidal death. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was used to compare the risk of suicidal death in the 5 CVDs to the general population. From 2001 to 2015, there were 212,206 patients with CHF, 178,894 patients with AMI, 475,359 patients with IS, 189,555 patients with HS, and 64,173 patients with PMI. The suicide death rate per 100,000 person-year, 95% CI was 59.6 (54.5-64.8) for those with CHF, 44.6 (40.1-49.1) for AMI, 57.6 (54.7-60.5) for IS, 44.6 (40.2-49.0) for HS, 54.0 (45.9-62.0) for PMI, and 20.3 (20.1-20.4) for the general population. Patients with CHF patients had the highest SMR (2.10), followed by IS (1.96), PMI (1.86), HS (1.65), and AMI (1.46). The SMRs for patients with CVDs peaked at year 2 after the diagnosis, declined for patients with AMI, IS, and HS, increased and decreased for PMI alternately, and reached very similar values all five CVDs after 10th year after the diagnosis. Patients with acute CVD with AMI, IS, and HS had suicide death rates peaked early after diagnosis, but patients with chronic CVD with CHF and PMI had suicide death rates that increased progressively. In addition, patients with PMI, CHF, IS had highest association with psychiatric illness and patients with PMI who were of young to middle age had highest suicide death rate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A microbial clock provides an accurate estimate of the postmortem interval in a mouse model system

PubMed Central

Metcalf, Jessica L; Wegener Parfrey, Laura; Gonzalez, Antonio; Lauber, Christian L; Knights, Dan; Ackermann, Gail; Humphrey, Gregory C; Gebert, Matthew J; Van Treuren, Will; Berg-Lyons, Donna; Keepers, Kyle; Guo, Yan; Bullard, James; Fierer, Noah; Carter, David O; Knight, Rob

2013-01-01

Establishing the time since death is critical in every death investigation, yet existing techniques are susceptible to a range of errors and biases. For example, forensic entomology is widely used to assess the postmortem interval (PMI), but errors can range from days to months. Microbes may provide a novel method for estimating PMI that avoids many of these limitations. Here we show that postmortem microbial community changes are dramatic, measurable, and repeatable in a mouse model system, allowing PMI to be estimated within approximately 3 days over 48 days. Our results provide a detailed understanding of bacterial and microbial eukaryotic ecology within a decomposing corpse system and suggest that microbial community data can be developed into a forensic tool for estimating PMI. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01104.001 PMID:24137541

[Contents of vitreous humor of dead body with different postmortem intervals].

PubMed

Tao, Tao; Xu, Jing; Luo, Tong-Xing; Liao, Zhi-Gang; Pan, Hong-Fu

2006-11-01

To establish regression correlations between postmortem interval (PMI) and contents of human vitreous humor of dead bodies for forensic purposes. The human vitreous humor were taken from 126 dead bodies between 0.5 to 216 hours after death, and 11 chemical elements were detected by the OLYMPUS AU400 auto-biochemistry instrument. (1) The glucose, natrium and chlorine in human vitreous humor decreased, while the urea, creatinine, uric acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and micro-protein increased after death. The change of glucose, potassium and phosphorus were well correlated with the PMI (r = 0.824, 0.967, 0.880). But the uric acid and micro-protein did not have a good correlation with the PMI(r = 0.350, 0.153). (2) The stepwise regression analysis established the following equations for the PMI (Y): Y = -35. 15+6.05X, R2 = 0.957 (X = potassium); Y = -27.83+ 5.49X(1) - 1.35X(2), R2 = 0.960 (X(1) = potassium, X(2) = glucose); Y = -6.37+3.93X(1) -2.29X(2) + 5.36X(3), R2 = 0.966 (X(1) = potassium, X(2) = glucose, X(3) = phosphorus). (1) Eleven chemical components in human vitreous humor change after death, among which postassium has the best linear correlation with the PMI within 72 hours after death. (2) The accuracy of the estimation of PMI could be improved by establishing a multi-variable equation through stepwise regression.

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

Xiang, Dao Feng; Patskovsky, Yury; Nemmara, Venkatesh V.

Pmi1525, an enzyme of unknown function from Proteus mirabilis HI4320 and the amidohydrolase superfamily, was cloned, purified to homogeneity, and functionally characterized. The three-dimensional structure of Pmi1525 was determined with zinc and cacodylate bound in the active site (PDB id: 3RHG). We also determined the structure with manganese and butyrate in the active site (PDB id: 4QSF). Pmi1525 folds as a distorted (β/α)8-barrel that is typical for members of the amidohydrolase superfamily and cog1735. Moreover, the substrate profile for Pmi1525 was determined via a strategy that marshaled the utilization of bioinformatics, structural characterization, and focused library screening. The protein wasmore » found to efficiently catalyze the hydrolysis of organophosphonate and carboxylate esters. The best substrates identified for Pmi1525 are ethyl 4-nitrophenylmethyl phosphonate (k cat and k cat /Km values of 580 s –1 and 1.2 × 10 5 M –1 s –1, respectively) and 4-nitrophenyl butyrate (k cat and k cat /K m values of 140 s –1 and 1.4 × 105 M –1 s –1, respectively). Pmi1525 is stereoselective for the hydrolysis of chiral methylphosphonate esters. The enzyme hydrolyzes the (S P)-enantiomer of isobutyl 4-nitrophenyl methylphosphonate 14 times faster than the corresponding (R P)-enantiomer. The catalytic properties of this enzyme make it an attractive template for the evolution of novel enzymes for the detection, destruction, and detoxification of organophosphonate nerve agents.« less

Polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids: Biomarkers for native and exotic mussels in the Laurentian Great Lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mezek, Tadej; Sverko, Ed; Ruddy, Martina D.; Zaruk, Donna; Capretta, Alfredo; Hebert, Craig E.; Fisk, Aaron T.; McGoldrick, Daryl J.; Newton, Teresa J.; Sutton, Trent M.; Koops, Marten A.; Muir, Andrew M.; Johnson, Timothy B.; Ebener, Mark P.; Arts, Michael T.

2011-01-01

Freshwater organisms synthesize a wide variety of fatty acids (FAs); however, the ability to synthesize and/or subsequently modify a particular FA is not universal, making it possible to use certain FAs as biomarkers. Herein we document the occurrence of unusual FAs (polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids; PMI-FAs) in select freshwater organisms in the Laurentian Great Lakes. We did not detect PMI-FAs in: (a) natural seston from Lake Erie and Hamilton Harbor (Lake Ontario), (b) various species of laboratory-cultured algae including a green alga (Scenedesmus obliquus), two cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Synechococystis sp.), two diatoms (Asterionella formosa, Diatoma elongatum) and a chrysophyte (Dinobryon cylindricum) or, (c) zooplankton (Daphnia spp., calanoid or cyclopoid copepods) from Lake Ontario, suggesting that PMI-FAs are not substantively incorporated into consumers at the phytoplankton–zooplankton interface. However, these unusual FAs comprised 4-6% of total fatty acids (on a dry tissue weight basis) of native fat mucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and plain pocketbook (L. cardium) mussels and in invasive zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (D. bugensis) mussels. We were able to clearly partition Great Lakes' mussels into three separate groups (zebra, quagga, and native mussels) based solely on their PMI-FA profiles. We also provide evidence for the trophic transfer of PMI-FAs from mussels to various fishes in Lakes Ontario and Michigan, further underlining the potential usefulness of PMI-FAs for tracking the dietary contribution of mollusks in food web and contaminant-fate studies.

TarPmiR: a new approach for microRNA target site prediction.

PubMed

Ding, Jun; Li, Xiaoman; Hu, Haiyan

2016-09-15

The identification of microRNA (miRNA) target sites is fundamentally important for studying gene regulation. There are dozens of computational methods available for miRNA target site prediction. Despite their existence, we still cannot reliably identify miRNA target sites, partially due to our limited understanding of the characteristics of miRNA target sites. The recently published CLASH (crosslinking ligation and sequencing of hybrids) data provide an unprecedented opportunity to study the characteristics of miRNA target sites and improve miRNA target site prediction methods. Applying four different machine learning approaches to the CLASH data, we identified seven new features of miRNA target sites. Combining these new features with those commonly used by existing miRNA target prediction algorithms, we developed an approach called TarPmiR for miRNA target site prediction. Testing on two human and one mouse non-CLASH datasets, we showed that TarPmiR predicted more than 74.2% of true miRNA target sites in each dataset. Compared with three existing approaches, we demonstrated that TarPmiR is superior to these existing approaches in terms of better recall and better precision. The TarPmiR software is freely available at http://hulab.ucf.edu/research/projects/miRNA/TarPmiR/ CONTACTS: haihu@cs.ucf.edu or xiaoman@mail.ucf.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

FUSION ENERGY SCIENCES WORKSHOP ON PLASMA MATERIALS INTERACTIONS: Report on Science Challenges and Research Opportunities in Plasma Materials Interactions

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

Maingi, Rajesh; Zinkle, Steven J.; Foster, Mark S.

2015-05-01

The realization of controlled thermonuclear fusion as an energy source would transform society, providing a nearly limitless energy source with renewable fuel. Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program management recently launched a series of technical workshops to “seek community engagement and input for future program planning activities” in the targeted areas of (1) Integrated Simulation for Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences, (2) Control of Transients, (3) Plasma Science Frontiers, and (4) Plasma-Materials Interactions aka Plasma-Materials Interface (PMI). Over the past decade, a number of strategic planning activities1-6 have highlighted PMI and plasmamore » facing components as a major knowledge gap, which should be a priority for fusion research towards ITER and future demonstration fusion energy systems. There is a strong international consensus that new PMI solutions are required in order for fusion to advance beyond ITER. The goal of the 2015 PMI community workshop was to review recent innovations and improvements in understanding the challenging PMI issues, identify high-priority scientific challenges in PMI, and to discuss potential options to address those challenges. The community response to the PMI research assessment was enthusiastic, with over 80 participants involved in the open workshop held at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory on May 4-7, 2015. The workshop provided a useful forum for the scientific community to review progress in scientific understanding achieved during the past decade, and to openly discuss high-priority unresolved research questions. One of the key outcomes of the workshop was a focused set of community-initiated Priority Research Directions (PRDs) for PMI. Five PRDs were identified, labeled A-E, which represent community consensus on the most urgent near-term PMI scientific issues. For each PRD, an assessment was made of the scientific challenges, as well as a set of actions to address those challenges. No prioritization was attempted amongst these five PRDs. We note that ITER, an international collaborative project to substantially extend fusion science and technology, is implicitly a driver and beneficiary of the research described in these PRDs; specific ITER issues are discussed in the background and PRD chapters. For succinctness, we describe these PRDs directly below; a brief introduction to magnetic fusion and the workshop process/timeline is given in Chapter I, and panelists are listed in the Appendix.« less

UV and γ-ray resistance of poly(N-methylmaleimide-alt-isobutene) and poly(diisopropyl fumarate) as transparent polymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imaizumi, Ryota; Furuta, Masakazu; Okamura, Haruyuki; Matsumoto, Akikazu

2017-09-01

UV and γ-ray resistance of transparent polymers obtained by radical polymerization of maleic and fumaric acid derivatives, i.e., an alternating copolymer of N-methylmaleimide and isobutene (PMI) and poly(diisopropyl fumarate) (PDiPF), was investigated. Transmittance in UV and visible regions of these polymers were examined after UV irradiation and compared with the results for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) as conventional transparent polymers. The order of stability toward UV irradiation was PMMA≈PDiPF>PMI>>PC, deduced from changes in the transmittance of 380 nm light. Tensile mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus, maximum strength, and elongation values of PMI, PDiPF, and PMMA were also investigated after UV and γ-radiation. UV irradiation induced the side chain scission of PMI and PDiPF via Norrish I type reaction as well as crosslinking by combination between formed polymer radicals, leading to deterioration in their optical and mechanical properties. γ-radiation induced significant changes in molecular weight and mechanical properties of the polymers. In conclusion, PMI exhibited unchanged mechanical properties and PDiPF maintained its high transparency under various irradiation conditions.

Computer assisted holographic moire contouring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.

2000-01-01

Theoretical analyses and experimental results on holographic moire contouring on diffusely reflecting objects are presented. The sensitivity and limitations of the method are discussed. Particular emphasis is put on computer-assisted data retrieval, processing, and recording.

Fringe periods of color moirés in contact-type 3-D displays.

PubMed

Lee, Hyoung; Kim, Sung-Kyu; Sohn, Kwanghoon; Son, Jung-Young; Chernyshov, Oleksii O

2016-06-27

A mathematical formula of calculating the fringe periods of the color moirés appearing at the contact-type 3-D displays is derived. It is typical that the color moirés are chirped and the period of the line pattern in viewing zone forming optics is more than two times of that of the pixel pattern in the display panel. These make impossible to calculate the fringe periods of the color moirés with the conventional beat frequency formula. The derived formula work very well for any combination of two line patterns having either a same line period or different line periods. This is experimentally proved. Furthermore, it is also shown that the fringe period can be expressed in terms of the viewing distance and focal length of the viewing zone forming optics.

An Evaluation of the Iosipescu Specimen for Composite Materials Shear Property Measurement. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, Henjen

1991-01-01

A detailed evaluation of the suitability of the Iosipescu specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture is presented. An experimental investigation using conventional strain gage instrumentation and moire interferometry is performed. A finite element analysis of the Iosipescu shear test for unidirectional and cross-ply composites is used to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the vicinity of the notch, and demonstrate the effect of the nonuniform stress field upon the strain gage measurements used for the determination of composite shear moduli. From the test results for graphite-epoxy laminates, it is shown that the proximity of the load introduction point to the test section greatly influences the individual gage readings for certain fiber orientations but the effect upon shear modulus measurement is relatively unimportant. A numerical study of the load contact effect shows the sensitivity of some fiber configurations to the specimen/fixture contact mechanism and may account for the variations in the measured shear moduli. A comparison of the strain gage readings from one surface of a specimen with corresponding data from moire interferometry on the opposite face documented an extreme sensitivity of some fiber orientations to eccentric loading which induced twisting and yielded spurious shear stress-strain curves. In the numerical analysis, it is shown that the Iosipescu specimens for different fiber orientations have to be modeled differently in order to closely approximate the true loading conditions. Correction factors are needed to allow for the nonuniformity of the strain field and the use of the average shear stress in the shear modulus evaluation. The correction factors, which are determined for the region occupied by the strain gage rosette, are found to be dependent upon the material orthotropic ratio and the finite element models. Based upon the experimental and numerical results, recommendations for improving the reliability and accuracy of the shear modulus values are made, and the implications for shear strength measurement discussed. Further application of the Iosipescu shear test to woven fabric composites is presented. The limitations of the traditional strain gage instrumentation on the satin weave and high tow plain weave fabrics is discussed. Test results of a epoxy based aluminum particulate composite is also presented. A modification of the Iosipescu specimen is proposed and investigated experimentally and numerically. It is shown that the proposed new specimen design provides a more uniform shear stress field in the test section and greatly reduces the normal and shear stress concentrations in the vicinity of the notches. While the fabrication and the material cost of the proposed specimen is tremendously reduced, it is shown the accuracy of the shear modulus measurement is not sacrificed.

Artemisia dracunculus L. polyphenols complexed to soy protein show enhanced bioavailability and hypoglycemic activity in C57BL/6 mice

PubMed Central

Ribnicky, D.M.; Roopchand, D.E.; Poulev, A; Kuhn, P.; Oren, A.; Cefalu, W.T.; Raskin, I.

2014-01-01

Objective Scientifically-validated food-based interventions are a practical means of addressing the epidemic of metabolic syndrome. An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (PMI-5011) containing bioactive polyphenols, such as 2′, 4′–dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone (DMC-2), improved insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo. Plant polyphenols are concentrated and stabilized when complexed to protein-rich matrices, such as soy protein isolate (SPI), which act as effective food-based delivery vehicles. In this study we compared bioaccessibility, bioavailability and efficacy of polyphenols extracted from A. dracunculus and delivered as PMI-5011 (ethanolic extract alone), formulated with the non-food excipient Gelucire®, (5011- Gelucire), or sorbed to SPI (5011-Nutrasorb®). Materials and Methods PMI-5011, 5011-Gelucire or 5011-Nutrasorb each containing 162 μg of DMC-2 was delivered to the TNO Intestinal Model-1 (TIM-1) of the human upper gastrointestinal tract to compare the effect of delivery vehicle on DMC-2 bioaccessibility. C57BL6/J mice were orally administered 5011-Nutrasorb or PMI-5011 to compare effects of polyphenol-protein complexation on acute hypoglycemic activity and bioavailability of DMC-2 in serum. Results At 500 mg/kg, 5011-Nutrasorb and PMI-5011 had similar hypoglycemic activity in high fat diet-induced diabetes mouse model despite the fact that 5011-Nutrasorb delivered 15-times less DMC-2 (40 μg/kg vs. 600 μg/kg). This can be partially explained by 8 times greater DMC-2 absorption into serum from 5011-Nutrasorb than from PMI-5011. TIM-1 experiments confirmed higher total bioaccessibility of DMC-2 in vitro when delivered in 5011-Nutrasorb (50.2 %) or Gelucire-5011 (44.4 %) compared to PMI-5011 (27.1 %) (p = 0.08). Conclusion Complexation with soy protein makes anti-diabetic A. dracunculus polyphenols more bioavailable and bioaccessible. PMID:24985105

Pointwise mutual information quantifies intratumor heterogeneity in tissue sections labeled with multiple fluorescent biomarkers

PubMed Central

Spagnolo, Daniel M.; Gyanchandani, Rekha; Al-Kofahi, Yousef; Stern, Andrew M.; Lezon, Timothy R.; Gough, Albert; Meyer, Dan E.; Ginty, Fiona; Sarachan, Brion; Fine, Jeffrey; Lee, Adrian V.; Taylor, D. Lansing; Chennubhotla, S. Chakra

2016-01-01

Background: Measures of spatial intratumor heterogeneity are potentially important diagnostic biomarkers for cancer progression, proliferation, and response to therapy. Spatial relationships among cells including cancer and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are key contributors to heterogeneity. Methods: We demonstrate how to quantify spatial heterogeneity from immunofluorescence pathology samples, using a set of 3 basic breast cancer biomarkers as a test case. We learn a set of dominant biomarker intensity patterns and map the spatial distribution of the biomarker patterns with a network. We then describe the pairwise association statistics for each pattern within the network using pointwise mutual information (PMI) and visually represent heterogeneity with a two-dimensional map. Results: We found a salient set of 8 biomarker patterns to describe cellular phenotypes from a tissue microarray cohort containing 4 different breast cancer subtypes. After computing PMI for each pair of biomarker patterns in each patient and tumor replicate, we visualize the interactions that contribute to the resulting association statistics. Then, we demonstrate the potential for using PMI as a diagnostic biomarker, by comparing PMI maps and heterogeneity scores from patients across the 4 different cancer subtypes. Estrogen receptor positive invasive lobular carcinoma patient, AL13-6, exhibited the highest heterogeneity score among those tested, while estrogen receptor negative invasive ductal carcinoma patient, AL13-14, exhibited the lowest heterogeneity score. Conclusions: This paper presents an approach for describing intratumor heterogeneity, in a quantitative fashion (via PMI), which departs from the purely qualitative approaches currently used in the clinic. PMI is generalizable to highly multiplexed/hyperplexed immunofluorescence images, as well as spatial data from complementary in situ methods including FISSEQ and CyTOF, sampling many different components within the TME. We hypothesize that PMI will uncover key spatial interactions in the TME that contribute to disease proliferation and progression. PMID:27994939

Ridge augmentation with soft tissue procedures in aesthetic dentistry: first clinical results measured with a new kind of moire technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Studer, Stephan P.; Bucher, Andreas; Mueller, Felix

1993-09-01

The oral health of the Swiss population was significantly improved by the successful prevention of dental caries and periodontitis. Along with the healthy dentition the demand for aesthetic dentistry is increasing. Removable partial dentures are becoming less accepted. Therefore, to substitute lost teeth by permanent fixed partial prosthesis (bridges), the often deformed alveolar ridge has to be operated, either to improve the aesthetic appearance or to make it possible to restore the missing teeth by a fixed cemented bridge. The aim of this paper is (1) to evaluate whether the moire technique is an appropriate and handy method, and (2) to validate the precision of the new method. The measuring system consisted of a moire projector with an integrated phase shift device and a moire viewer with a CCD video camera, connected to a frame grabber in a personal computer. a highly versatile software was allowed to control the system as well as to grab the moire images using the four-phase shift technique in order to compute the phase image of the actual object. The new technique was validated with one solid test object measured by a 3D coordination, high precision measuring machine.

Detection, location, and quantification of structural damage by neural-net-processed moiré profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grossman, Barry G.; Gonzalez, Frank S.; Blatt, Joel H.; Hooker, Jeffery A.

1992-03-01

The development of efficient high speed techniques to recognize, locate, and quantify damage is vitally important for successful automated inspection systems such as ones used for the inspection of undersea pipelines. Two critical problems must be solved to achieve these goals: the reduction of nonuseful information present in the video image and automatic recognition and quantification of extent and location of damage. Artificial neural network processed moire profilometry appears to be a promising technique to accomplish this. Real time video moire techniques have been developed which clearly distinguish damaged and undamaged areas on structures, thus reducing the amount of extraneous information input into an inspection system. Artificial neural networks have demonstrated advantages for image processing, since they can learn the desired response to a given input and are inherently fast when implemented in hardware due to their parallel computing architecture. Video moire images of pipes with dents of different depths were used to train a neural network, with the desired output being the location and severity of the damage. The system was then successfully tested with a second series of moire images. The techniques employed and the results obtained are discussed.

PMICALC: an R code-based software for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

PubMed

Muñoz-Barús, José I; Rodríguez-Calvo, María Sol; Suárez-Peñaranda, José M; Vieira, Duarte N; Cadarso-Suárez, Carmen; Febrero-Bande, Manuel

2010-01-30

In legal medicine the correct determination of the time of death is of utmost importance. Recent advances in estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) have made use of vitreous humour chemistry in conjunction with Linear Regression, but the results are questionable. In this paper we present PMICALC, an R code-based freeware package which estimates PMI in cadavers of recent death by measuring the concentrations of potassium ([K+]), hypoxanthine ([Hx]) and urea ([U]) in the vitreous humor using two different regression models: Additive Models (AM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), which offer more flexibility than the previously used Linear Regression. The results from both models are better than those published to date and can give numerical expression of PMI with confidence intervals and graphic support within 20 min. The program also takes into account the cause of death. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and psychometric validation of the Task-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale for Chinese people with mental illness.

PubMed

Chou, Chih Chin; Cardoso, Elizabeth Da Silva; Chan, Fong; Tsang, Hector W H; Wu, Mingyi

2007-12-01

The aim of this study was to validate a Task-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale for Chinese people with mental illness. The study included 79 men and 77 women with chronic mental illness. The Task-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale for People with Mental Illness (TSSES-PMI) and Change Assessment Questionnaire for People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness were used as measures for the study. Factor analysis of the TSSES-PMI resulted in four subscales: Symptom Management Skills, Work-Related Skills, Help-Seeking Skills, and Self-Emotional-Regulation Skills. These community living skills were found to be related to the level of readiness for psychiatric rehabilitation among Chinese people with mental illness. In conclusion the results support the construct validity of the TSSES-PMI for the Chinese population and the TSSES-PMI can be a useful instrument for working with Chinese people with mental illnesses.

Background and current status of postmortem imaging in Japan: short history of "Autopsy imaging (Ai)".

PubMed

Okuda, Takahisa; Shiotani, Seiji; Sakamoto, Namiko; Kobayashi, Tomoya

2013-02-10

There is a low autopsy rate and wide distribution of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in Japan. Therefore, many Japanese hospitals, including 36% of the hospitals with in-patient facilities and 89% of large hospitals with ER facilities conduct postmortem imaging (PMI), use clinical scanners to screen for causes in unusual deaths as an alternative to an autopsy or to determine whether an autopsy is needed. The Japanese PMI examination procedure is generally referred to as "autopsy imaging" (Ai) and the term "Ai" is now commonly used by the Japanese government. Currently, 26 of 47 Japanese prefectures have at least one Ai Center with scanners that are dedicated for PMI. Here, we briefly review the history of Japanese PMI (Ai) from 1985 to the present. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of preburial insect access on the decomposition rate.

PubMed

Bachmann, Jutta; Simmons, Tal

2010-07-01

This study compared total body score (TBS) in buried remains (35 cm depth) with and without insect access prior to burial. Sixty rabbit carcasses were exhumed at 50 accumulated degree day (ADD) intervals. Weight loss, TBS, intra-abdominal decomposition, carcass/soil interface temperature, and below-carcass soil pH were recorded and analyzed. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in decomposition rates between carcasses with and without insect access prior to burial. An approximately 30% enhanced decomposition rate with insects was observed. TBS was the most valid tool in postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. All other variables showed only weak relationships to decomposition stages, adding little value to PMI estimation. Although progress in estimating the PMI for surface remains has been made, no previous studies have accomplished this for buried remains. This study builds a framework to which further comparable studies can contribute, to produce predictive models for PMI estimation in buried human remains.

High-rotational symmetry lattices fabricated by moiré nanolithography.

PubMed

Lubin, Steven M; Zhou, Wei; Hryn, Alexander J; Huntington, Mark D; Odom, Teri W

2012-09-12

This paper describes a new nanofabrication method, moiré nanolithography, that can fabricate subwavelength lattices with high-rotational symmetries. By exposing elastomeric photomasks sequentially at multiple offset angles, we created arrays with rotational symmetries as high as 36-fold, which is three times higher than quasiperiodic lattices (≤12-fold) and six times higher than two-dimensional periodic lattices (≤6-fold). Because these moiré nanopatterns can be generated over wafer-scale areas, they are promising for a range of photonic applications, especially those that require broadband, omnidirectional absorption of visible light.

An Extension of Holographic Moiré to Micromechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Sciammarella, F. M.

The electronic Holographic Moiré is an ideal tool for micromechanics studies. It does not require a modification of the surface by the introduction of a reference grating. This is of particular advantage when dealing with materials such as solid propellant grains whose chemical nature and surface finish makes the application of a reference grating very difficult. Traditional electronic Holographic Moiré presents some difficult problems when large magnifications are needed and large rigid body motion takes place. This paper presents developments that solves these problems and extends the application of the technique to micromechanics.

Integrated Methodology for Adhesive Bonded Joint Life Predictions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

holography with fictitious fringe-moire’, as pioneered and perfected over the last few years by Prof. Sciammarella and his students albeit on relatively... Sciammarella et al. have very recently solved this problem by using the holographic moire’ technique in rIAI ime combined with closed circuit TV (Ref. 74... Sciammarella et al. The in-plane (x) displacements are given by a moire’ 129 -- ~ -- ~ --.- ~4-4 00 e’J 00 00 wI 4. *~:1 r. .00 0 0 0 d u0 02( 1 0 r4

Measurement of residual stresses by the moire method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Albertazzi, A., Jr.

Three different applications of the moire method to the determination of residual stresses and strains are presented. The three applications take advantage of the property of ratings to record the changes of the surface they are printed on. One of the applications deals with thermal residual stresses, another with contact residual stress and the third one is a generalization of the blind hole technique. This last application is based on a computer assisted moire technique and on the generalization of the quasi-heterodyne techniques of fringe pattern analysis.

Visualization of impact damage of composite plates by means of the Moire technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knauss, W. G.; Babcock, C. D.; Chai, H.

1980-01-01

The phenomenological aspects of propagation damage due to low velocity impact on heavily loaded graphite-epoxy composite laminates were investigated using high speed photography coupled with the moire fringe technique. High speed moire motion records of the impacted specimens are presented. The results provide information on the time scale and sequence of the failure process. While the generation of the initial damage cannot always be separated temporally from the spreading of the damage, the latter takes place on the average with a speed on the order of 200 m/sec.

Development of Moire machine vision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harding, Kevin G.

1987-01-01

Three dimensional perception is essential to the development of versatile robotics systems in order to handle complex manufacturing tasks in future factories and in providing high accuracy measurements needed in flexible manufacturing and quality control. A program is described which will develop the potential of Moire techniques to provide this capability in vision systems and automated measurements, and demonstrate artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to take advantage of the strengths of Moire sensing. Moire techniques provide a means of optically manipulating the complex visual data in a three dimensional scene into a form which can be easily and quickly analyzed by computers. This type of optical data manipulation provides high productivity through integrated automation, producing a high quality product while reducing computer and mechanical manipulation requirements and thereby the cost and time of production. This nondestructive evaluation is developed to be able to make full field range measurement and three dimensional scene analysis.

Moiré-Modulated Conductance of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Tunnel Barriers.

PubMed

Summerfield, Alex; Kozikov, Aleksey; Cheng, Tin S; Davies, Andrew; Cho, Yong-Jin; Khlobystov, Andrei N; Mellor, Christopher J; Foxon, C Thomas; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Eaves, Laurence; Novoselov, Kostya S; Novikov, Sergei V; Beton, Peter H

2018-06-27

Monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) tunnel barriers investigated using conductive atomic force microscopy reveal moiré patterns in the spatial maps of their tunnel conductance consistent with the formation of a moiré superlattice between the hBN and an underlying highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate. This variation is attributed to a periodc modulation of the local density of states and occurs for both exfoliated hBN barriers and epitaxially grown layers. The epitaxial barriers also exhibit enhanced conductance at localized subnanometer regions which are attributed to exposure of the substrate to a nitrogen plasma source during the high temperature growth process. Our results show clearly a spatial periodicity of tunnel current due to the formation of a moiré superlattice and we argue that this can provide a mechanism for elastic scattering of charge carriers for similar interfaces embedded in graphene/hBN resonant tunnel diodes.

Moiré-reduction method for slanted-lenticular-based quasi-three-dimensional displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Zhenfeng; Surman, Phil; Zhang, Lei; Rawat, Rahul; Wang, Shizheng; Zheng, Yuanjin; Sun, Xiao Wei

2016-12-01

In this paper we present a method for determining the preferred slanted angle for a lenticular film that minimizes moiré patterns in quasi-three-dimensional (Q3D) displays. We evaluate the preferred slanted angles of the lenticular film for the stripe-type sub-pixel structure liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. Additionally, the sub-pixels mapping algorithm of the specific angle is proposed to assign the images to either the right or left eye channel. A Q3D display prototype is built. Compared with the conventional SLF, this newly implemented Q3D display can not only eliminate moiré patterns but also provide 3D images in both portrait and landscape orientations. It is demonstrated that the developed slanted lenticular film (SLF) provides satisfactory 3D images by employing a compact structure, minimum moiré patterns and stabilized 3D contrast.

Lattice-Matched Epitaxial Graphene Grown on Boron Nitride.

PubMed

Davies, Andrew; Albar, Juan D; Summerfield, Alex; Thomas, James C; Cheng, Tin S; Korolkov, Vladimir V; Stapleton, Emily; Wrigley, James; Goodey, Nathan L; Mellor, Christopher J; Khlobystov, Andrei N; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Foxon, C Thomas; Eaves, Laurence; Novikov, Sergei V; Beton, Peter H

2018-01-10

Lattice-matched graphene on hexagonal boron nitride is expected to lead to the formation of a band gap but requires the formation of highly strained material and has not hitherto been realized. We demonstrate that aligned, lattice-matched graphene can be grown by molecular beam epitaxy using substrate temperatures in the range 1600-1710 °C and coexists with a topologically modified moiré pattern with regions of strained graphene which have giant moiré periods up to ∼80 nm. Raman spectra reveal narrow red-shifted peaks due to isotropic strain, while the giant moiré patterns result in complex splitting of Raman peaks due to strain variations across the moiré unit cell. The lattice-matched graphene has a lower conductance than both the Frenkel-Kontorova-type domain walls and also the topological defects where they terminate. We relate these results to theoretical models of band gap formation in graphene/boron nitride heterostructures.

A median-Gaussian filtering framework for Moiré pattern noise removal from X-ray microscopy image.

PubMed

Wei, Zhouping; Wang, Jian; Nichol, Helen; Wiebe, Sheldon; Chapman, Dean

2012-02-01

Moiré pattern noise in Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) imaging introduces significant errors in qualitative and quantitative image analysis. Due to the complex origin of the noise, it is difficult to avoid Moiré pattern noise during the image data acquisition stage. In this paper, we introduce a post-processing method for filtering Moiré pattern noise from STXM images. This method includes a semi-automatic detection of the spectral peaks in the Fourier amplitude spectrum by using a local median filter, and elimination of the spectral noise peaks using a Gaussian notch filter. The proposed median-Gaussian filtering framework shows good results for STXM images with the size of power of two, if such parameters as threshold, sizes of the median and Gaussian filters, and size of the low frequency window, have been properly selected. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Moire machine vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harding, Kevin G.

1987-10-01

Three dimensional perception is essential to the development of versatile robotics systems in order to handle complex manufacturing tasks in future factories and in providing high accuracy measurements needed in flexible manufacturing and quality control. A program is described which will develop the potential of Moire techniques to provide this capability in vision systems and automated measurements, and demonstrate artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to take advantage of the strengths of Moire sensing. Moire techniques provide a means of optically manipulating the complex visual data in a three dimensional scene into a form which can be easily and quickly analyzed by computers. This type of optical data manipulation provides high productivity through integrated automation, producing a high quality product while reducing computer and mechanical manipulation requirements and thereby the cost and time of production. This nondestructive evaluation is developed to be able to make full field range measurement and three dimensional scene analysis.

Electronic Creativity Techniques for Organizational Innovation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siau, Keng L.

1996-01-01

Discusses using advanced electronic and communication technology to improve organizational innovation. Group creativity techniques, such as electronic brainstorming, PMI (a brainstorming approach involving plus, minus, and interesting points), synectics, and their verbal counterparts are compared. Electronic PMI and synectics are found to be…

Characterization of postmortem biochemical changes in rabbit plasma using ATR-FTIR combined with chemometrics: A preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ji; Li, Bing; Wang, Qi; Li, Chengzhi; Zhang, Yinming; Lin, Hancheng; Wang, Zhenyuan

2017-02-01

Postmortem interval (PMI) determination is one of the most challenging tasks in forensic medicine due to a lack of accurate and reliable methods. It is especially difficult for late PMI determination. Although many attempts with various types of body fluids based on chemical methods have been made to solve this problem, few investigations are focused on blood samples. In this study, we employed an attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique coupled with principle component analysis (PCA) to monitor biochemical changes in rabbit plasma with increasing PMI. Partial least square (PLS) model was used based on the spectral data for PMI prediction in an independent sample set. Our results revealed that postmortem chemical changes in compositions of the plasma were time-dependent, and various components including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids contributed to the discrimination of the samples at different time points. A satisfactory prediction within 48 h postmortem was performed by the combined PLS model with a good fitting between actual and predicted PMI of 0.984 and with an error of ± 1.92 h. In consideration of the simplicity and portability of ATR-FTIR, our preliminary study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for application of this technique in forensic practice.

Molecular Packing of Amphiphilic Nanosheets Resolved by X-ray Scattering

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

Harutyunyan, Boris; Dannenhoffer, Adam; Kewalramani, Sumit

2016-12-29

Molecular packing in light harvesting 2D assemblies of photocatalytic materials is a critical factor for solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency. However, structure–function correlations have yet to be fully established. This is partly due to the difficulties in extracting the molecular arrangements from the complex 3D powder averaged diffraction patterns of 2D lattices, obtained via in situ wide-angle X-ray scattering. Here, we develop a scattering theory formalism and couple it with a simple geometrical model for the molecular shape of chromophore 9-methoxy-N-(sodium hexanoate)perylene-3,4-dicarboximide (MeO-PMI) used in our study. This generally applicable method fully reproduces the measured diffraction pattern including the asymmetric line shapesmore » for the Bragg reflections and yields the molecular packing arrangement within a 2D crystal structure with a remarkable degree of detail. We find an approximate edge-centered herringbone structure for the PMI fused aromatic rings and ordering of the carboxypentyl chains above and below the nanosheets. Such a packing arrangement differs from the more symmetric face-to-face orientation of the unsubstituted PMI rings. This structural difference is correlated to our measurement of the reduced catalytic performance of MeO-PMI nanosheets as compared to the mesoscopically similar unsubstituted PMI assemblies.« less

New Help for the Sightless

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Duke Lumsden operates a candy shop in Tacoma, Wash. Duke is blind, yet he has no trouble differentiating between the values of currency he handles in the course of business. He is aided by a spinoff from space-developed optical-electronic scanning technology known as the Paper Money Identifier. The PMI is manufactured by EMR Ltd., Los Angeles. It's not distinguishable by the human eye, but each denomination of American currency has a unique distribution of colors. This fact enables the PMI to tell the difference between different denominations of paper money. The device, the size of a cigarette pack, emits a narrow beam of invisible infrared light. This beam reacts to the reflectivity of the colors on the bill and causes an oscillator to generate an audible signal. As Duke passes his PMI lengthwise along the back of a bill, he hears a distinctive series of tones that identifies each denomination. Duke Lumsden is very pleased with the paper money identifier, which he got through Tacoma's Technology Transfer Center. He not only handles paper money with ease, but he has discovered another use for the device. Before receiving the PMI, he had difficulty operating his tape recorder because he couldn't determine which track the tape was using; now his PMI tells him, by reacting to the different colors on the switch button light.

Evolution of Moiré Profiles from van der Waals Superstructures of Boron Nitride Nanosheets

PubMed Central

Liao, Yunlong; Cao, Wei; Connell, John W.; Chen, Zhongfang; Lin, Yi

2016-01-01

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) superstructures, or vdW solids, are formed by the precise restacking of 2D nanosheet lattices, which can lead to unique physical and electronic properties that are not available in the parent nanosheets. Moiré patterns formed by the crystalline mismatch between adjacent nanosheets are the most direct features for vdW superstructures under microscopic imaging. In this article, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation of hexagonal Moiré patterns with unusually large micrometer-sized lateral areas (up to ~1 μm2) and periodicities (up to ~50 nm) from restacking of liquid exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) is reported. This observation was attributed to the long range crystallinity and the contaminant-free surfaces of these chemically inert nanosheets. Parallel-line-like Moiré fringes with similarly large periodicities were also observed. The simulations and experiments unambiguously revealed that the hexagonal patterns and the parallel fringes originated from the same rotationally mismatched vdW stacking of BNNSs and can be inter-converted by simply tilting the TEM specimen following designated directions. This finding may pave the way for further structural decoding of other 2D vdW superstructure systems with more complex Moiré images. PMID:27188697

[Establishment of the Mathematical Model for PMI Estimation Using FTIR Spectroscopy and Data Mining Method].

PubMed

Wang, L; Qin, X C; Lin, H C; Deng, K F; Luo, Y W; Sun, Q R; Du, Q X; Wang, Z Y; Tuo, Y; Sun, J H

2018-02-01

To analyse the relationship between Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectrum of rat's spleen tissue and postmortem interval （PMI） for PMI estimation using FTIR spectroscopy combined with data mining method. Rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the cadavers were placed at 20 ℃. The FTIR spectrum data of rats' spleen tissues were taken and measured at different time points. After pretreatment, the data was analysed by data mining method. The absorption peak intensity of rat's spleen tissue spectrum changed with the PMI, while the absorption peak position was unchanged. The results of principal component analysis （PCA） showed that the cumulative contribution rate of the first three principal components was 96%. There was an obvious clustering tendency for the spectrum sample at each time point. The methods of partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） and support vector machine classification （SVMC） effectively divided the spectrum samples with different PMI into four categories （0-24 h, 48-72 h, 96-120 h and 144-168 h）. The determination coefficient （ R ²） of the PMI estimation model established by PLS regression analysis was 0.96, and the root mean square error of calibration （RMSEC） and root mean square error of cross validation （RMSECV） were 9.90 h and 11.39 h respectively. In prediction set, the R ² was 0.97, and the root mean square error of prediction （RMSEP） was 10.49 h. The FTIR spectrum of the rat's spleen tissue can be effectively analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by the combination of FTIR spectroscopy and data mining method, and the classification and PLS regression models can be established for PMI estimation. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.

Alignment and component position after patient-matched instrumentation versus conventional total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Pourgiezis, N; Reddy, S P; Nankivell, M; Morrison, G; VanEssen, J

2016-08-01

To compare patient-matched instrumentation (PMI) with conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in terms of limb alignment and component position. Nine men and 36 women (mean age, 69.5 years) who underwent PMI TKA were compared with 20 men and 25 women (mean age, 69.3 years) who underwent conventional TKA by the same team of surgeons with the same prosthesis and protocols in terms of limb alignment and component position using the Perth protocol computed tomography, as well as bone resection measurements, operating time, and the number of trays used. The PMI and conventional TKA groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, tourniquet time, operating time, and the number of trays used. For limb alignment and component position, the 2 groups differed significantly in sagittal femoral component position (2.4º vs. 0.9º, p=0.0008) and the percentage of knees with femoral component internally rotated ≥1° with respect to the transepicondylar axis (20% vs. 55%, p=0.001). The difference was not significant in terms of limb alignment, coronal and rotational femoral component position, or coronal and sagittal tibial component position. Intra-operatively, all patient-matched cutting blocks demonstrated acceptable fit and stability. No instrument-related adverse events or complications were encountered. One (2.2%) femur and 6 (13.3%) tibiae were recut 2 mm for optimal ligament balancing. Two femoral components were upsized to the next size, and 2 tibial components were upsized and 2 downsized to the next size. PMI was as accurate as conventional instrumentation in TKA. There was no significant difference in limb alignment or femoral and tibial component position in the coronal and sagittal planes between PMI and conventional TKA. PMI had a higher tendency to achieve correct femoral component rotation.

Inflammatory gene polymorphisms and risk of postoperative myocardial infarction after cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Podgoreanu, M V; White, W D; Morris, R W; Mathew, J P; Stafford-Smith, M; Welsby, I J; Grocott, H P; Milano, C A; Newman, M F; Schwinn, D A

2006-07-04

The inflammatory response triggered by cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a primary mechanism in the pathogenesis of postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI), a multifactorial disorder with significant inter-patient variability poorly predicted by clinical and procedural factors. We tested the hypothesis that candidate gene polymorphisms in inflammatory pathways contribute to risk of PMI after cardiac surgery. We genotyped 48 polymorphisms from 23 candidate genes in a prospective cohort of 434 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB. PMI was defined as creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme level > or = 10x upper limit of normal at 24 hours postoperatively. A 2-step analysis strategy was used: marker selection, followed by model building. To minimize false-positive associations, we adjusted for multiple testing by permutation analysis, Bonferroni correction, and controlling the false discovery rate; 52 patients (12%) experienced PMI. After adjusting for multiple comparisons and clinical risk factors, 3 polymorphisms were found to be independent predictors of PMI (adjusted P<0.05; false discovery rate <10%). These gene variants encode the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL6 -572G>C; odds ratio [OR], 2.47), and 2 adhesion molecules: intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1 Lys469Glu; OR, 1.88), and E-selectin (SELE 98G>T; OR, 0.16). The inclusion of genotypic information from these polymorphisms improved prediction models for PMI based on traditional risk factors alone (C-statistic 0.764 versus 0.703). Functional genetic variants in cytokine and leukocyte-endothelial interaction pathways are independently associated with severity of myonecrosis after cardiac surgery. This may aid in preoperative identification of high-risk cardiac surgical patients and development of novel cardioprotective strategies.

Diagnostic Value of Circulating microRNA-95 and -190 in the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules: A Validation Study in 1000 Consecutive Patients.

PubMed

Pilli, Tania; Cantara, Silvia; Marzocchi, Carlotta; Cardinale, Sandro; Santini, Chiara; Cevenini, Gabriele; Pacini, Furio

2017-08-01

It has recently been demonstrated that the combination of miRNA-190 and -95 (expressed as probability of malignant risk: pmiRNA) in the serum of Caucasian patients with thyroid nodular disease allows the identification of nodules at high risk of malignancy with great accuracy. The present study aimed to validate these results in a larger cohort of patients. This study prospectively analyzed 1000 patients. Cytological diagnosis was available in 982/1000 (98.2%) and histological diagnosis in 445/1000 (44.5%). The expression levels of circulating miRNA-190 and -95 were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction with the 2 -ΔΔct method. The diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), pmiRNA, and a combination of the two methods was correlated with the cytological and histological diagnoses. The combination of pmiRNA and FNAC significantly increased the sensitivity (96.3%) with respect to each method alone (88.9% for FNAC and 89.6% for pmiRNA) by reducing the rate of false-negative results from 18 for FNAC and 17 for pmiRNA to only five. In patients in whom FNAC was not performed (n = 14) or in those with inadequate (n = 18) or indeterminate (n = 72) lesions submitted to surgery, pmiRNA correctly identified 90.8% of patients with benign disease and 74.3% of patients with cancer. These results confirm that a combination of serum expression levels of miRNA-95 and -190 is an accurate and noninvasive tool for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules in the Italian population.

[Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Decomposition Rate of Rat Postmortem Skeletal Muscle].

PubMed

Xia, Z Y; Zhai, X D; Liu, B B; Zheng, Z; Zhao, L L; Mo, Y N

2017-02-01

To analyze the relationship among electrical conductivity （EC）, total volatile basic nitrogen （TVB-N）, which is an index of decomposition rate for meat production, and postmortem interval （PMI）. To explore the feasibility of EC as an index of cadaveric skeletal muscle decomposition rate and lay the foundation for PMI estimation. Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed by cervical vertebrae dislocation and kept at 28 ℃. Muscle of rear limbs was removed at different PMI, homogenized in deionized water and then skeletal extraction liquid of mass concentration 0.1 g/mL was prepared. EC and TVB-N of extraction liquid were separately determined. The correlation between EC ( x ₁) and TVB-N ( x ₂) was analyzed, and their regression function was established. The relationship between PMI ( y ) and these two parameters were studied, and their regression functions were separately established. The change trends of EC and TVB-N of skeletal extraction liquid at different PMI were almost the same, and there was a linear positive correlation between them. The regression equation was x ₂=0.14 x ₁-164.91( R ²=0.982). EC and TVB-N of skeletal muscle changed significantly with PMI, and the regression functions were y =19.38 x ₁³-370.68 x ₁²+2 526.03 x ₁-717.06( R ²=0.994), and y =2.56 x ₂³-48.39 x ₂²+330.60 x ₂-255.04( R ²=0.997), respectively. EC and TVB-N of rat postmortem skeletal muscle show similar change trends, which can be used as an index for decomposition rate of cadaveric skeletal muscle and provide a method for further study of late PMI estimation. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine

Phosphomannose isomerase and phosphomannomutase gene disruptions in Streptomyces nodosus: impact on amphotericin biosynthesis and implications for glycosylation engineering.

PubMed

Nic Lochlainn, Laura; Caffrey, Patrick

2009-01-01

Streptomycetes synthesise several bioactive natural products that are modified with sugar residues derived from GDP-mannose. These include the antifungal polyenes, the antibacterial antibiotics hygromycin A and mannopeptimycins, and the anticancer agent bleomycin. Three enzymes function in biosynthesis of GDP-mannose from the glycolytic intermediate fructose 6-phosphate: phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), phosphomannomutase (PMM) and GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMPP). Synthesis of GDP-mannose from exogenous mannose requires hexokinase or phosphotransferase enzymes together with PMM and GMPP. In this study, a region containing genes for PMI, PMM and GMPP was cloned from Streptomyces nodosus, producer of the polyenes amphotericins A and B. Inactivation of the manA gene for PMI resulted in production of amphotericins and their aglycones, 8-deoxyamphoteronolides. A double mutant lacking the PMI and PMM genes produced 8-deoxyamphoteronolides in good yields along with trace levels of glycosylated amphotericins. With further genetic engineering these mutants may activate alternative hexoses as GDP-sugars for transfer to aglycones in vivo.

Hydrocarbon Biomarker Stratigraphy of C-Isotopic Excursions Marking Chemical Changes in the Ocean with Contemporanious Biotic Extinction-Radiation Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summons, Roger E.

2004-01-01

One paper recording progress in this topic has been accepted for publication. We report a method for the rigorous identification of biomarkers (crocetane and PMI) that may be specific for methanotrophic and methanogenic archaea and, perhaps, the process of anaerobic oxidation of methane. If catastrophic methane efflux from sub-sea methane hydrate is responsible for extinction events, as has been hypothesized by many workers, then we might expect to find biomarkers for methane oxidation in sediments marking some extinction boundaries. Unfortunately, identifying crocetane and PMI with certainty is not a trivial exercise and these biomarkers appear to have been mis-identified in a recent publication by workers from Curtin University. Barber et al. (2001) identified crocetane and PMI in sediments deposited in the basal Triassic of the Perth Basin, Australia. However, Barber et al. (2001) also found crocetane and PMI in many other sediments and oils in a way that was inconsistent with our knowledge of these systems.

Preoperative Myocardial Injury as a Predictor of Mortality in Emergency General Surgery: An Analysis Using the American College of Surgeons NSQIP Database.

PubMed

Zimmerman, Asha M; Marwaha, Jayson; Nunez, Hector; Harrington, David; Heffernan, Daithi; Monaghan, Sean; Adams, Charles; Stephen, Andrew

2016-08-01

Recent studies have linked postoperative serum troponin elevation to mortality in a range of different clinical scenarios. To date, there has been no investigation into the significance of preoperative troponin elevation in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients. We define this as preoperative myocardial injury (PMI). We hypothesize that PMI seen in EGS patients may predict postoperative morbidity and mortality. Using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, we performed a retrospective review of all EGS cases between 2008 and 2014. Patients with preoperative troponin I drawn were compared. There were 464 EGS patients who had troponin I measurements preoperatively. Eighty-two (18%) had preoperative troponin elevations. Patients with PMI were more likely to have the following preoperative physiologic derangements: acute renal failure (18% vs 4%; p = 0.002) and septic shock (40% vs 13%; p < 0.001). Patient comorbidities associated with PMI included congestive heart failure (13% vs 3%; p = 0.007), dialysis dependence (16% vs 3%; p = 0.002), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥ 4 (52% vs 29%; p < 0.001). Compared with controls, patients with PMI had higher rates of postoperative events (77% vs 52%; p < 0.001) and mortality (34% vs 13%; p = 0.009). Univariate analysis showed that patients with PMI had an increased risk of postoperative events (odds ratio [OR] 3.02; 95% CI 1.74 to 5.25) and mortality (OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.66 to 7.47). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative troponin I elevation was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.19 to 7.72, p = 0.020). Emergency general surgery patients with PMI are at increased risk for postoperative events and death. Preoperative myocardial injury is an independent predictor of mortality and has prognostic utility that can prepare surgical teams for adverse events so that they can be recognized, evaluated, and treated earlier. Copyright © 2016 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electronic holographic moire in the micron range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Sciammarella, Federico M.

2001-06-01

The basic theory behind microscopic electronic holographic moire is presented. Conditions of observation are discussed, and optimal parameters are established. An application is presented as an example where experimental result are statistically analyzed and successfully correlated with an independent method of measurement of the same quantity.

Large radius of curvature measurement based on virtual quadratic Newton rings phase-shifting moiré-fringes measurement method in a nonnull interferometer.

PubMed

Yang, Zhongming; Wang, Kailiang; Cheng, Jinlong; Gao, Zhishan; Yuan, Qun

2016-06-10

We have proposed a virtual quadratic Newton rings phase-shifting moiré-fringes measurement method in a nonnull interferometer to measure the large radius of curvature for a spherical surface. In a quadratic polar coordinate system, linear carrier testing Newton rings interferogram and virtual Newton rings interferogram form the moiré fringes. It is possible to retrieve the wavefront difference data between the testing and standard spherical surface from the moiré fringes after low-pass filtering. Based on the wavefront difference data, we deduced a precise formula to calculate the radius of curvature in the quadratic polar coordinate system. We calculated the retrace error in the nonnull interferometer using the multi-configuration model of the nonnull interferometric system in ZEMAX. Our experimental results indicate that the measurement accuracy is better than 0.18% for a spherical mirror with a radius of curvature of 41,400 mm.

Theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Fengcheng; Lovorn, Timothy; MacDonald, A. H.

2018-01-01

We present a theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in a heterobilayer formed from transition metal dichalcogenides. The theory accounts for the presence of small relative rotations that produce a momentum shift between electron and hole bands located in different layers, and a moiré pattern in real space. Because of the momentum shift, the optically active interlayer excitons are located at the moiré Brillouin zone's corners, instead of at its center, and would have elliptical optical selection rules if the individual layers were translationally invariant. We show that the exciton moiré potential energy restores circular optical selection rules by coupling excitons with different center of mass momenta. A variety of interlayer excitons with both senses of circular optical activity, and energies that are tunable by twist angle, are present at each valley. The lowest energy exciton states are generally localized near the exciton potential energy minima. We discuss the possibility of using the moiré pattern to achieve scalable two-dimensional arrays of nearly identical quantum dots.

Quantitative analysis and temperature-induced variations of moiré pattern in fiber-coupled imaging sensors.

PubMed

Karbasi, Salman; Arianpour, Ashkan; Motamedi, Nojan; Mellette, William M; Ford, Joseph E

2015-06-10

Imaging fiber bundles can map the curved image surface formed by some high-performance lenses onto flat focal plane detectors. The relative alignment between the focal plane array pixels and the quasi-periodic fiber-bundle cores can impose an undesirable space variant moiré pattern, but this effect may be greatly reduced by flat-field calibration, provided that the local responsivity is known. Here we demonstrate a stable metric for spatial analysis of the moiré pattern strength, and use it to quantify the effect of relative sensor and fiber-bundle pitch, and that of the Bayer color filter. We measure the thermal dependence of the moiré pattern, and the achievable improvement by flat-field calibration at different operating temperatures. We show that a flat-field calibration image at a desired operating temperature can be generated using linear interpolation between white images at several fixed temperatures, comparing the final image quality with an experimentally acquired image at the same temperature.

Stepwise self-assembly of C60 mediated by atomic scale moiré magnifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruznev, D. V.; Matetskiy, A. V.; Bondarenko, L. V.; Utas, O. A.; Zotov, A. V.; Saranin, A. A.; Chou, J. P.; Wei, C. M.; Lai, M. Y.; Wang, Y. L.

2013-04-01

Self-assembly of atoms or molecules on a crystal surface is considered one of the most promising methods to create molecular devices. Here we report a stepwise self-assembly of C60 molecules into islands with unusual shapes and preferred sizes on a gold-indium-covered Si(111) surface. Specifically, 19-mer islands prefer a non-compact boomerang shape, whereas hexagonal 37-mer islands exhibit extraordinarily enhanced stability and abundance. The stepwise self-assembly is mediated by the moiré interference between an island with its underlying lattice, which essentially maps out the adsorption-energy landscape of a C60 on different positions of the surface with a lateral magnification factor and dictates the probability for the subsequent attachment of C60 to an island’s periphery. Our discovery suggests a new method for exploiting the moiré interference to dynamically assist the self-assembly of particles and provides an unexplored tactic of engineering atomic scale moiré magnifiers to facilitate the growth of monodispersed mesoscopic structures.

Strain-Engineered Graphene Grown on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

PubMed Central

Summerfield, Alex; Davies, Andrew; Cheng, Tin S.; Korolkov, Vladimir V.; Cho, YongJin; Mellor, Christopher J.; Foxon, C. Thomas; Khlobystov, Andrei N.; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Eaves, Laurence; Novikov, Sergei V.; Beton, Peter H.

2016-01-01

Graphene grown by high temperature molecular beam epitaxy on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) forms continuous domains with dimensions of order 20 μm, and exhibits moiré patterns with large periodicities, up to ~30 nm, indicating that the layers are highly strained. Topological defects in the moiré patterns are observed and attributed to the relaxation of graphene islands which nucleate at different sites and subsequently coalesce. In addition, cracks are formed leading to strain relaxation, highly anisotropic strain fields, and abrupt boundaries between regions with different moiré periods. These cracks can also be formed by modification of the layers with a local probe resulting in the contraction and physical displacement of graphene layers. The Raman spectra of regions with a large moiré period reveal split and shifted G and 2D peaks confirming the presence of strain. Our work demonstrates a new approach to the growth of epitaxial graphene and a means of generating and modifying strain in graphene. PMID:26928710

Directed Assembly of Molecules on Graphene/Ru(0001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L. Z.; Zhang, H. G.; Sun, J. T.; Pan, Y.; Liu, Q.; Mao, J. H.; Zhou, H. T.; Low, T.; Guo, H. M.; Du, S. X.; Gao, H.-J.

2012-02-01

Recently, the graphene monolayers have been seen to adopt a superstructure - moir'e pattern - on Ru(0001). By using low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we identified the laterally localized electronic states on this system. The individual states are separated by 3 nm and comprise regions of about 90 carbon atoms. This constitutes a highly regular quantum dot-array with molecular precision. It is evidenced by quantum well resonances with energies that relate to the corrugation of the graphene layer. By using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we demonstrate the selective adsorption and formation of ordered molecular arrays of FePc and pentacene molecules on the graphene/Ru(0001) templates. With in-depth investigations of the molecular adsorption and assembly processes we reveal the existence lateral electric dipoles in the epitaxial graphene monolayers and the capability of the dipoles in directing and driving the molecular adsorption and assembly. When increasing the molecular coverage, we observed the formation of regular Kagome lattices that duplicate the lattice of the moir'e pattern of monolayer graphene.

[Evaluation on stability of internal controls in human cardiac muscle by real-time RT-PCR during early postmortem interval].

PubMed

Zhang, Ping; Ma, Kai-Jun; Zhang, Heng; Wang, Hui-Jun; Shen, Yi-Wen; Chen, Long

2012-04-01

To explore the stability of internal controls in human cardiac muscle by real-time RT-PCR during early postmortem interval (PMI) in order to find the most stable marker. Ten individuals with similar environmental conditions (the average store temperature: 25 degrees C) and different PMI ranging from 4.3 to 22.3 h were selected. Total RNA was extracted from each sample and six commonly internal controls were used including beta-actin, GAPDH, B2M, U6, 18S rRNA and HSA-miR-1, and the expression was detected in cardiac muscle by real-time RT-PCR. The expression stability of internal controls was evaluated using genormPLUS software during early PMI. The internal control with the most stability was selected. The relationship between the most stable marker and its expression level affected by some other parameters such as age, gender and cause of death was also analyzed. The U6 showed the most stable expression during early PMI in cardiac muscle, and its expression level was not affected by those parameters including age, gender and cause of death (P > 0.05). U6 may be a valuable internal control for the study of relationship between PMI determination and degradation of nucleic acid in human cardiac muscle by real-time RT-PCR.

Moire Topography For The Detection Of Orthopaedic Defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamal, Syed A.; Lindseth, Richard E.

1981-02-01

Moire topography is applied for the follow-up of scoliosis patients. The results are then compared with the X-rays. A special lamp and scale arrangement is utilized for patient alignment. It is suggested that this technique will be used for the detection of all orthopaedic defects.

Fracture Analysis of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, James B.; Cornie, James A.

2013-01-01

A fracture analysis of highly loaded particulate reinforced composites was performed using laser moire interferometry to measure the displacements within the plastic zone at the tip of an advancing crack. Ten castings were made of five different particulate reinforcement-aluminum alloy combinations. Each casting included net-shape specimens which were used for the evaluation of fracture toughness, tensile properties, and flexure properties resulting in an extensive materials properties data. Measured fracture toughness range from 14.1 MPa for an alumina reinforced 356 aluminum alloy to 23.9 MPa for a silicon carbide reinforced 2214 aluminum alloy. For the combination of these K(sub Ic) values and the measured tensile strengths, the compact tension specimens were too thin to yield true plane strain K(sub Ic) values. All materials exhibited brittle behavior characterized by very small tensile ductility suggesting that successful application of these materials requires that the design stresses be below the elastic limit. Probabilistic design principles similar to those used with ceramics are recommended when using these materials. Such principles would include the use of experimentally determined design allowables. In the absence of thorough testing, a design allowable stress of 60 percent of the measured ultimate tensile stress is recommended.

High contrast laser beam collimation testing using two proximately placed holographic optical elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar; Dubey, Rajiv; Debnath, Sanjit K.; Chhachhia, D. P.

2018-05-01

Accuracy in laser beam collimation is very important in systems used for precision measurements. The present work reports a technique for collimation testing of laser beams using two proximately placed holographic optical elements (HOEs). The required HOEs are designed and fabricated such that upon illumination with the test beam, they release two laterally sheared wavefronts, at desired angles from the directly transmitted beam, that superimpose each other to generate straight interference fringes. Deviation from the collimation of the test beam results in orientation of these otherwise horizontal fringes. The novelty of this setup comes from the fact that HOEs are lightweight, as well as easy to fabricate as compared to conventional wedge plates used for collimation testing, and generate high contrast fringes compared to other interferometry, holography, Talbot and Moiré based techniques in a compact manner. The proposed technique is experimentally validated by measuring the orientation of fringes by an angle of 16.4° when a collimating lens of focal length 200 mm is defocused by 600 μm. The accuracy in the setting of this collimation position is obtained to be 10 μm.

Moiré patterns in doubly differential electron-momentum distributions in atomic ionization by mid-infrared lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dran, Martín; Arbó, Diego G.

2018-05-01

We analyze the doubly differential electron momentum distribution in above-threshold ionization of atomic hydrogen by a linearly polarized mid-infrared laser pulse. We reproduce side rings in the momentum distribution with forward-backward symmetry previously observed by Lemell et al. [Phys. Rev. A 87, 013421 (2013), 10.1103/PhysRevA.87.013421], whose origin, as far as we know, has not been explained so far. By developing a Fourier theory of moiré patterns, we demonstrate that such structures stem from the interplay between intra- and intercycle interference patterns which work as two separate grids in the two-dimensional momentum domain. We use a three-dimensional (3D) description based on the saddle-point approximation (SPA) to unravel the nature of these structures. When the periods of the two grids (intra- and intercycle) are similar, principal moiré patterns arise symmetrically as concentric rings in the forward and backward directions at high electron kinetic energy. Higher order moiré patterns are observed and characterized when the period of one grid is multiple of the other. We find a scale law for the position (in momentum space) of the center of the moiré rings in the tunneling regime. We verify the SPA predictions by comparison with time-dependent distorted-wave strong-field approximation calculations and the solutions of the full 3D time-dependent Schrödinger equation.

The Moire Effect in Physics Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernero, Bruce

1989-01-01

The Moire pattern is the shimmering pattern which looks like an odd interference pattern in window screens or folds of nylon shower curtain. Illustrates some of the ways the effect may be used, including demonstration of wave interference, detection of small displacement, persistence of vision, contour measurement, beats, and optical clearness.…

Interferometric reflection moire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, Cesar A.; Combell, Olivier

1995-06-01

A new reflection moire technique is introduced in this paper. The basic equations that relate the measurement of slopes to the basic geometric and optical parameters of the system are derived. The sensitivity and accuracy of the method are discussed. Examples of application to the study of silicon wafers and electronic chips are given.

Using Contingency Contracting to Improve Social Interactions between Students with ASD and Their Peers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alwahbi, Abdullah Abdulmohsen

2017-01-01

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have severe impairment in social skills, which affects all areas of development. Researchers have indicated peer-mediated intervention (PMI) may improve social skills of children with ASD. PMI involves training carefully selected nondisabled peers to teach academic or social skills to students with…

Production Maintenance Infrastructure

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

Jason Gabler, David Skinner

2005-11-01

PMI is a XML framework for formulating tests of software and software environments which operate in a relatively push button manner, i.e., can be automated, and that provide results that are readily consumable/publishable via RSS. Insofar as possible the tests are carried out in manner congruent with real usage. PMI drives shell scripts via a perl program which is charge of timing, validating each test, and controlling the flow through sets of tests. Testing in PMI is built up hierarchically. A suite of tests may start by testing basic functionalities (file system is writable, compiler is found and functions, shellmore » environment behaves as expected, etc.) and work up to large more complicated activities (execution of parallel code, file transfers, etc.) At each step in this hierarchy a failure leads to generation of a text message or RSS that can be tagged as to who should be notified of the failure. There are two functionalities that PMI has been directed at. 1) regular and automated testing of multi user environments and 2) version-wise testing of new software releases prior to their deployment in a production mode.« less

Forensic use of a subtropical blowfly: the first case indicating minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) in southern Brazil and first record of Sarconesia chlorogaster from a human corpse.

PubMed

Vairo, Karine P; Corrêa, Rodrigo C; Lecheta, Melise C; Caneparo, Maria F; Mise, Kleber M; Preti, Daniel; de Carvalho, Claudio J B; Almeida, Lucia M; Moura, Mauricio O

2015-01-01

Southern Brazil is unique due to its subtropical climate. Here, we report on the first forensic entomology case and the first record of Sarconesia chlorogaster (Wiedemann) in a human corpse in this region. Flies' samples were collected from a body indoors at 20°C. Four species were found, but only Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and S. chlorogaster were used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). The mPMI was calculated using accumulated degree hour (ADH) and developmental time. The S. chlorogaster puparium collected was light in color, so we used an experiment to establish a more accurate estimate for time since initiation of pupation where we found full tanning after 3 h. Development of C. albiceps at 20°C to the end of the third instar is 7.4 days. The mPMI based on S. chlorogaster (developmental time until the third instar with no more than 3 h of pupae development) was 7.6 days. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Quasiperiodic moiré plasmonic crystals.

PubMed

Lubin, Steven M; Hryn, Alexander J; Huntington, Mark D; Engel, Clifford J; Odom, Teri W

2013-12-23

This paper describes the properties of silver plasmonic crystals with quasiperiodic rotational symmetries. Compared to periodic plasmonic crystals, quasiperiodic moiré structures exhibited an increased number of surface plasmon polariton modes, especially at high angles of excitation. In addition, plasmonic band gaps were often formed at the intersections of these new modes. To identify the origin and predict the location of the band gaps, we developed a Bragg-based indexing system using the reciprocal lattice vectors of the moiré plasmonic crystals. We showed that even more complicated quasiperiodic geometries could also be described by this indexing model. We anticipate that these quasiperiodic lattices will be useful for applications that require the concentration and manipulation of light over a broadband spectrum.

AAL service development loom--from the idea to a marketable business model.

PubMed

Kriegel, Johannes; Auinger, Klemens

2015-01-01

The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) market is still in an early stage of development. Previous approaches of comprehensive AAL services are mostly supply-side driven and focused on hardware and software. Usually this type of AAL solutions does not lead to a sustainable success on the market. Research and development increasingly focuses on demand and customer requirements in addition to the social and legal framework. The question is: How can a systematic performance measurement strategy along a service development process support the market-ready design of a concrete business model for AAL service? Within the EU funded research project DALIA (Assistant for Daily Life Activities at Home) an iterative service development process uses an adapted Osterwalder business model canvas. The application of a performance measurement index (PMI) to support the process has been developed and tested. Development of an iterative service development model using a supporting PMI. The PMI framework is developed throughout the engineering of a virtual assistant (AVATAR) as a modular interface to connect informal carers with necessary and useful services. Future research should seek to ensure that the PMI enables meaningful transparency regarding targeting (e.g. innovative AAL service), design (e.g. functional hybrid AAL service) and implementation (e.g. marketable AAL support services). To this end, a further reference to further testing practices is required. The aim must be to develop a weighted PMI in the context of further research, which supports both the service engineering and the subsequent service management process.

High-Dose Statin Pretreatment Decreases Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Twenty-Four Randomized Controlled Trials

PubMed Central

Wang, Le; Peng, Pingan; Zhang, Ou; Xu, Xiaohan; Yang, Shiwei; Zhao, Yingxin; Zhou, Yujie

2014-01-01

Background Evidence suggests that high-dose statin pretreatment may reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) for certain patients; however, previous analyses have not considered patients with a history of statin maintenance treatment. In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we reevaluated the efficacy of short-term high-dose statin pretreatment to prevent PMI and MACE in an expanded set of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods We searched the PubMed/Medline database for RCTs that compared high-dose statin pretreatment with no statin or low-dose statin pretreatment as a prevention of PMI and MACE. We evaluated the incidence of PMI and MACE, including death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at the longest follow-up for each study for subgroups stratified by disease classification and prior low-dose statin treatment. Results Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 5,526 patients were identified. High-dose statin pretreatment was associated with 59% relative reduction in PMI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.49; P<0.00001) and 39% relative reduction in MACE (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45–0.83; P = 0.002). The benefit of high-dose statin pretreatment on MACE was significant for statin-naive patients (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50–0.95; P = 0.02) and prior low dose statin-treated patients (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65; P = 0.003); and for patients with acute coronary syndrome (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34–0.79; P = 0.003), but not for patients with stable angina (OR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.45–1.10; P = 0.12). Long-term effects on survival were less obvious. Conclusions High-dose statin pretreatment can result in a significant reduction in PMI and MACE for patients undergoing elective PCI. The positive effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on PMI and MACE is significant for statin-naïve patients and patients with prior treatment. The positive effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on MACE is significant for patients with acute coronary syndrome. PMID:25473831

The effect of cryoprotectant on kangaroo sperm ultrastructure and mitochondrial function.

PubMed

McClean, Rhett; Holt, William V; Zee, Yeng Peng; Lisle, Allan; Johnston, Stephen D

2008-12-01

This study examined the effect of cryoprotectants (20% DMSO, a 10% DMSO/10% glycerol mixture, 20% glycerol and 1M sucrose solution) on kangaroo sperm structure and function, along with the effect of varying concentrations of glycerol on sperm mitochondrial function. Eastern grey kangaroo cauda epididymidal spermatozoa were incubated for 10 min at 35 degrees C in each cryoprotectant and the plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and motility assessed using light microscopy. The same samples were fixed for TEM and the ultrastructural integrity of the spermatozoa examined. To investigate the effect of glycerol on the kangaroo sperm mitochondrial function, epididymidal spermatozoa were incubated with JC-1 in Tris-citrate media at 35 degrees C for 20 min in a range of glycerol concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and plasma membrane integrity determined. As expected, incubation of spermatozoa in 20% glycerol for 10 min resulted in a significant reduction in motility, PMI and ultrastructural integrity. Interestingly, incubation in 20% DMSO resulted in no significant reduction in motility or PMI but a significant loss of structural integrity when compared to the control spermatozoa (0% cryoprotectant). However, 20% DMSO was overall less damaging to sperm ultrastructure than glycerol, a combination of 10% glycerol and 10% DMSO, and sucrose. While all glycerol concentrations had an adverse effect on mitochondrial function, the statistical models presented for the relationship between MMP and glycerol predicted that spermatozoa, when added to 20% glycerol, would lose half of their initial MMP immediately at 35 degrees C and MMP would halve after 19.4 min at 4 degrees C. Models for the relationship between PMI and glycerol predicted that spermatozoa would lose half of their initial PMI after 1.8 min at 35 degrees C and PMI would halve after 21.1 min at 4 degrees C. These results suggest that if glycerol is to be used as a cryoprotectant for kangaroo spermatozoa then it is best administered at 4 degrees C and that mitochondrial function is more sensitive to glycerol than PMI. Future research should be directed at investigating strategies that reduce exposure of spermatozoa to glycerol during processing and that test the cryoprotective properties of 20% DMSO for kangaroo spermatozoa.

Op art and visual perception.

PubMed

Wade, N J

1978-01-01

An attempt is made to list the visual phenomena exploited in op art. These include moire frinlude moiré fringes, afterimages, Hermann grid effects, Gestalt grouping principles, blurring and movement due to astigmatic fluctuations in accommodation, scintillation and streaming possibly due to eye movements, and visual persistence. The historical origins of these phenomena are also noted.

Real-time analysis keratometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adachi, Iwao P. (Inventor); Adachi, Yoshifumi (Inventor); Frazer, Robert E. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A computer assisted keratometer in which a fiducial line pattern reticle illuminated by CW or pulsed laser light is projected on a corneal surface through lenses, a prismoidal beamsplitter quarterwave plate, and objective optics. The reticle surface is curved as a conjugate of an ideal corneal curvature. The fiducial image reflected from the cornea undergoes a polarization shift through the quarterwave plate and beamsplitter whereby the projected and reflected beams are separated and directed orthogonally. The reflected beam fiducial pattern forms a moire pattern with a replica of the first recticle. This moire pattern contains transverse aberration due to differences in curvature between the cornea and the ideal corneal curvature. The moire pattern is analyzed in real time by computer which displays either the CW moire pattern or a pulsed mode analysis of the transverse aberration of the cornea under observation, in real time. With the eye focused on a plurality of fixation points in succession, a survey of the entire corneal topography is made and a contour map or three dimensional plot of the cornea can be made as a computer readout in addition to corneal radius and refractive power analysis.

Theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers

DOE PAGES

Wu, Fengcheng; Lovorn, Timothy; MacDonald, A. H.

2018-01-22

In this paper, we present a theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in a heterobilayer formed from transition metal dichalcogenides. The theory accounts for the presence of small relative rotations that produce a momentum shift between electron and hole bands located in different layers, and a moire pattern in real space. Because of the momentum shift, the optically active interlayer excitons are located at the moire Brillouin zone's corners, instead of at its center, and would have elliptical optical selection rules if the individual layers were translationally invariant. We show that the exciton moire potential energy restores circular opticalmore » selection rules by coupling excitons with different center of mass momenta. A variety of interlayer excitons with both senses of circular optical activity, and energies that are tunable by twist angle, are present at each valley. The lowest energy exciton states are generally localized near the exciton potential energy minima. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using the moire pattern to achieve scalable two-dimensional arrays of nearly identical quantum dots.« less

Using the graphene Moiré pattern for the trapping of C60 and homoepitaxy of graphene.

PubMed

Lu, Jiong; Yeo, Pei Shan Emmeline; Zheng, Yi; Yang, Zhiyong; Bao, Qiaoliang; Gan, Chee Kwan; Loh, Kian Ping

2012-01-24

The graphene Moiré superstructure offers a complex landscape of humps and valleys to molecules adsorbing and diffusing on it. Using C(60) molecules as the classic hard sphere analogue, we examine its assembly and layered growth on this corrugated landscape. At the monolayer level, the cohesive interactions of C(60) molecules adsorbing on the Moiré lattice freeze the molecular rotation of C(60) trapped in the valley sites, resulting in molecular alignment of all similarly trapped C(60) molecules at room temperature. The hierarchy of adsorption potential well on the Moiré lattice causes diffusion-limited dendritic growth of C(60) films, as opposed to isotropic growth observed on a smooth surface like graphite. Due to the strong binding energy of the C(60) film, part of the dentritic C(60) films polymerize at 850 K and act as solid carbon sources for graphene homoepitaxy. Our findings point to the possibility of using periodically corrugated graphene in molecular spintronics due to its ability to trap and align organic molecules at room temperature. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide heterobilayers

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

Wu, Fengcheng; Lovorn, Timothy; MacDonald, A. H.

In this paper, we present a theory of optical absorption by interlayer excitons in a heterobilayer formed from transition metal dichalcogenides. The theory accounts for the presence of small relative rotations that produce a momentum shift between electron and hole bands located in different layers, and a moire pattern in real space. Because of the momentum shift, the optically active interlayer excitons are located at the moire Brillouin zone's corners, instead of at its center, and would have elliptical optical selection rules if the individual layers were translationally invariant. We show that the exciton moire potential energy restores circular opticalmore » selection rules by coupling excitons with different center of mass momenta. A variety of interlayer excitons with both senses of circular optical activity, and energies that are tunable by twist angle, are present at each valley. The lowest energy exciton states are generally localized near the exciton potential energy minima. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using the moire pattern to achieve scalable two-dimensional arrays of nearly identical quantum dots.« less

A Complexity Perspective on Leadership and Change in the Post-Merger Integration Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lauser, Barbel; Peters, Mike

2008-01-01

After 30 years of research in mergers and acquisitions and advances in the research of post-merger integration (PMI) processes, the outcome of a merger remains hardly predicable. Traditional leadership and change theories have not succeeded in fully explaining PMI processes and therefore new theories are needed. This article offers new insights…

Broadening the Scope of Peer-Mediated Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Platos, Mateusz; Wojaczek, Kinga

2018-01-01

Peer-mediated intervention (PMI) is most commonly defined as a treatment approach that engages typically developing peers to teach children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) social skills and increase their social interactions, mainly in a school setting. In this letter, we address the limitations of such understanding of PMI and review the…

The Need for a Privacy Standard for Medical Devices That Transmit Protected Health Information Used in the Precision Medicine Initiative for Diabetes and Other Diseases.

PubMed

Klonoff, David C; Price, W Nicholson

2017-03-01

Privacy is an important concern for the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) because success of this initiative will require the public to be willing to participate by contributing large amounts of genetic/genomic information and sensor data. This sensitive personal information is intended to be used only for specified research purposes. Public willingness to participate will depend on the public's level of trust that their information will be protected and kept private. Medical devices may constantly provide information. Therefore, assuring privacy for device-generated information may be essential for broad participation in the PMI. Privacy standards for devices should be an important early step in the development of the PMI.

Holographic Moire Contouring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Sainov, Ventseslav; Simova, Eli

1990-04-01

Theoretical analysis and experimental results on holographic moire contouring (HMC) of difussely reflecting objects are presented. The sensitivity and application constraints of the method are discussed. A high signal-to-noise ratio and contrast of the fringes is achieved through the use of high quality silver halide holographic plates HP-650. A good agreement between theoretical and experimental results is observed.

Spin and charge transport through 1D Moire Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barraud, Clement; Bonnet, Romeo; Martin, Pascal; Della Rocca, Maria Luisa; Lafarge, Philippe; Laboratoire Matériaux Et Phénomènes Quantiques Team; Laboratoire Itodys Team

Multiwall carbon nanotubes are good candidates for propagating spin information over large distances due to the large mobility of the carriers and to the weak spin-orbit coupling and hyperfine interactions. In this talk, I will present an experimental study concerning charge and spin transport through large diameter multiwall carbon nanotubes presenting intershell interactions leading to superlattice effects (1D Moire). After a description of 1D Moire crystals and to the implication of such superlattices in quantum transport, I will show that spin transport seems to be very efficient close to the new van Hove singularities. Clear magnetoresistance signals of the order of 40 % are reported at low temperatures. We acknowledge financial supports from the Labex SEAM and DIM NANO-K.

Assessment of the relationship between the use of birth control pill and the characteristics of mate selection.

PubMed

Gori, Alessio; Giannini, Marco; Craparo, Giuseppe; Caretti, Vincenzo; Nannini, Ilaria; Madathil, Renee; Schuldberg, David

2014-09-01

In recent research, scientists have begun to suspect that birth control pill use could interfere with key mechanisms that play a role when women choose a sexual partner. Many studies have shown that women, particularly during the most fertile days of their menstrual cycle, look for specific physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics indicative of genetic quality in a short-term partner. Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Partner's Masculinity Index (PMI) scale. The scale was built to assess the degree of masculinity in hypothetical short-term partners. A total of 395 female Italian volunteers from Central Italy (M = 32.9 years old, SD = 8.58, range = 18-50 years) completed the study. The psychometric properties of PMI were then evaluated. We administered the following self-report questionnaires: (i) PMI; (ii) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Masculinity/Femininity scale; and (iii) Demographic Questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed a four-factor structure for the PMI. Internal consistency of the measure, evaluated with the Cronbach's alpha, was satisfactory. Factorial ANOVA results showed that the group of nonpill users obtained higher scores on the PMI scale than the group of pill users (considering the fertile phase of the cycle). From an evolutionary point of view, changes in preference for indicators of genetic quality in a sexual partner are considered to be functional and adaptive. Pill use may have implications for both current and future generations. Directions for future research are discussed. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

A Machine Learning Approach for Using the Postmortem Skin Microbiome to Estimate the Postmortem Interval

PubMed Central

Johnson, Hunter R.; Trinidad, Donovan D.; Guzman, Stephania; Khan, Zenab; Parziale, James V.; DeBruyn, Jennifer M.

2016-01-01

Research on the human microbiome, the microbiota that live in, on, and around the human person, has revolutionized our understanding of the complex interactions between microbial life and human health and disease. The microbiome may also provide a valuable tool in forensic death investigations by helping to reveal the postmortem interval (PMI) of a decedent that is discovered after an unknown amount of time since death. Current methods of estimating PMI for cadavers discovered in uncontrolled, unstudied environments have substantial limitations, some of which may be overcome through the use of microbial indicators. In this project, we sampled the microbiomes of decomposing human cadavers, focusing on the skin microbiota found in the nasal and ear canals. We then developed several models of statistical regression to establish an algorithm for predicting the PMI of microbial samples. We found that the complete data set, rather than a curated list of indicator species, was preferred for training the regressor. We further found that genus and family, rather than species, are the most informative taxonomic levels. Finally, we developed a k-nearest- neighbor regressor, tuned with the entire data set from all nasal and ear samples, that predicts the PMI of unknown samples with an average error of ±55 accumulated degree days (ADD). This study outlines a machine learning approach for the use of necrobiome data in the prediction of the PMI and thereby provides a successful proof-of- concept that skin microbiota is a promising tool in forensic death investigations. PMID:28005908

Proposal for new diagnostic criteria for low skeletal muscle mass based on computed tomography imaging in Asian adults.

PubMed

Hamaguchi, Yuhei; Kaido, Toshimi; Okumura, Shinya; Kobayashi, Atsushi; Hammad, Ahmed; Tamai, Yumiko; Inagaki, Nobuya; Uemoto, Shinji

2016-01-01

Low skeletal muscle, referred to as sarcopenia, has been shown to be an independent predictor of lower overall survival in various kinds of diseases. Several studies have evaluated the low skeletal muscle mass using computed tomography (CT) imaging. However, the cutoff values based on CT imaging remain undetermined in Asian populations. Preoperative plain CT imaging at the third lumbar vertebrae level was used to measure the psoas muscle mass index (PMI, cm(2)/m(2)) in 541 adult donors for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyzed PMI distribution according to sex or donor age, and determined the sex-specific cutoff values of PMI to define low skeletal muscle mass. PMI in men was significantly higher than observed in women (8.85 ± 1.61 cm(2)/m(2) versus 5.77 ± 1.21 cm(2)/m(2); P < 0.001). PMI was significantly lower in individuals ≥50 y than in younger donors in both men and women (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). On the basis of the younger donor data, we determined the sex-specific cutoff values for the low skeletal muscle mass were 6.36 cm(2)/m(2) for men and 3.92 cm(2)/m(2) for women (mean - 2 SD). Data from healthy young Asian adults were used to establish new criteria for low skeletal muscle mass that would be applicable for defining sarcopenia in Asian populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness: a meta-ethnography.

PubMed

Jones, Catriona C G; Jomeen, Julie; Hayter, Mark

2014-05-01

this paper is a report of a systematic review and meta-ethnography to explore the impact of peer support in the context of perinatal mental illness (PMI). systematic review methods identified five qualitative studies about women's experiences of PMI, and the impact peer support has on their journey towards emotional well-being. Findings from the identified studies were synthesised into themes, using meta-ethnography. the meta-ethnography produced four themes; 'Isolation: the role of peer support', 'Seeking validation through peer support', 'The importance of social norms of motherhood', and 'Finding affirmation/a way forward; the impact of peer support'. These themes represent women's experiences of PMI, their encounters with peer support groups within that context, and the impact of such encounters on their mental health status. recognising the risk of isolation and having pathways of referral to peer support networks is important, as are practitioners roles in nurturing peer support networks in perinatal care. More research is required to establish the most successful formats/structures of peer support. Practitioners should also recognise their individual and collective professional duty to challenge stereotypical depictions of motherhood wherever they arise, as this 'gold standard' benchmark of good mothering engenders guilt about not being good enough, often leaving women feeling inadequate. isolation is a key factor in PMI. Practitioners should be instrumental in their acceptance and development of peer support for PMI, ensuring these networks are valued, nurtured and encouraged. This study illustrates the powerful effect of professional and social forces on how new mothers feel about themselves. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Serum Essential Amino Acids as a Predictor of Skeletal Muscle Depletion in Patients With Cachexia and Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancers.

PubMed

Kitagawa, Moeko; Haji, Seiji; Amagai, Teruyoshi

2017-10-01

In recent years, the number of patients with cancer has increased. These patients are prone to sarcopenia as a result of the decrease in muscle mass and muscle weakness that occur in cancer cachexia. Amino Index Cancer Screening is carried out to evaluate cancer cachexia risk by examining amino acid concentration and analyzing amino acid balance. We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with unresectable advanced gastrointestinal cancer (stage IV) receiving chemotherapy treatment (December 2012-September 2015) in an outpatient or in-hospital setting at our institution (N = 46). Data included characteristics, psoas muscle area per computed tomography, and biochemical blood test and serum amino acid profiles. Method 1: Comparison of biomarkers between 2 groups: psoas muscle index change rate (ΔPMI) decrease vs increase. Method 2.1: Correlation between ΔPMI and biomarkers. Method 2.2: Multiple regression of ΔPMI and biomarkers. EAA/TAA ratio (essential amino acids/total amino acids) in the decrease group was significantly higher than that in the increase group. Among all parameters, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), leucine, and isoleucine were negatively related to ΔPMI (correlation coefficients = -0.604, -0.540, -0.518; P = .004, .011, .016, respectively). On multiple regression analysis, serum CRP value was strongly related to ΔPMI ( r 2 = 0.452, β = -0.672, P = .001). Higher serum EAA/TAA ratio and CRP were associated with depletion in psoas muscle area, which led to a diagnosis of sarcopenia, in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers. These parameters at baseline could be predictors of cancer cachexia.

Evaluation of protective efficacy of live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum vaccine strains against fowl typhoid in chickens.

PubMed

Laniewski, Paweł; Mitra, Arindam; Karaca, Kemal; Khan, Ayub; Prasad, Rajeev; Curtiss, Roy; Roland, Kenneth L

2014-09-01

Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum is the etiological agent of fowl typhoid, which constitutes a considerable economic problem for poultry growers in developing countries. The vaccination of chickens seems to be the most effective strategy to control the disease in those areas. We constructed S. Gallinarum strains with a deletion of the global regulatory gene fur and evaluated their virulence and protective efficacy in Rhode Island Red chicks and Brown Leghorn layers. The fur deletion mutant was avirulent and, when delivered orally to chicks, elicited excellent protection against lethal S. Gallinarum challenge. It was not as effective when given orally to older birds, although it was highly immunogenic when delivered by intramuscular injection. We also examined the effect of a pmi mutant and a combination of fur deletions with mutations in the pmi and rfaH genes, which affect O-antigen synthesis, and ansB, whose product inhibits host T-cell responses. The S. Gallinarum Δpmi mutant was only partially attenuated, and the ΔansB mutant was fully virulent. The Δfur Δpmi and Δfur ΔansB double mutants were attenuated but not protective when delivered orally to the chicks. However, a Δpmi Δfur strain was highly immunogenic when administered intramuscularly. All together, our results show that the fur gene is essential for the virulence of S. Gallinarum, and the fur mutant is effective as a live recombinant vaccine against fowl typhoid. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Meaning-Making across Languages: A Case Study of Three Multilingual Writers in Sápmi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindgren, Eva; Westum, Asbjørg; Outakoski, Hanna; Sullivan, Kirk P.H.

2017-01-01

Sápmi is a geographical area that runs across the Kola Peninsula in Russia to northern Finland, Norway and Sweden. All Sami languages have been going through a rapid language change process and many of the traditional language domains have disappeared during the last decades due to previous national and local language policies. Nevertheless,…

Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with chemometrics on postmortem interval estimation based on pericardial fluids.

PubMed

Zhang, Ji; Li, Bing; Wang, Qi; Wei, Xin; Feng, Weibo; Chen, Yijiu; Huang, Ping; Wang, Zhenyuan

2017-12-21

Postmortem interval (PMI) evaluation remains a challenge in the forensic community due to the lack of efficient methods. Studies have focused on chemical analysis of biofluids for PMI estimation; however, no reports using spectroscopic methods in pericardial fluid (PF) are available. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory was applied to collect comprehensive biochemical information from rabbit PF at different PMIs. The PMI-dependent spectral signature was determined by two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis. The partial least square (PLS) and nu-support vector machine (nu-SVM) models were then established based on the acquired spectral dataset. Spectral variables associated with amide I, amide II, COO - , C-H bending, and C-O or C-OH vibrations arising from proteins, polypeptides, amino acids and carbohydrates, respectively, were susceptible to PMI in 2D correlation analysis. Moreover, the nu-SVM model appeared to achieve a more satisfactory prediction than the PLS model in calibration; the reliability of both models was determined in an external validation set. The study shows the possibility of application of ATR-FTIR methods in postmortem interval estimation using PF samples.

The use of Leptodyctium riparium (Hedw.) Warnst in the estimation of minimum postmortem interval.

PubMed

Lancia, Massimo; Conforti, Federica; Aleffi, Michele; Caccianiga, Marco; Bacci, Mauro; Rossi, Riccardo

2013-01-01

The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is still one of the most challenging issues in forensic investigations, especially in cases in which advanced transformative phenomena have taken place. The dating of skeletal remains is even more difficult and sometimes only a rough determination of the PMI is possible. Recent studies suggest that plant analysis can provide a reliable estimation for skeletal remains dating, when traditional techniques are not applicable. Forensic Botany is a relatively recent discipline that includes many subdisciplines such as Palynology, Anatomy, Dendrochronology, Limnology, Systematic, Ecology, and Molecular Biology. In a recent study, Cardoso et al. (Int J Legal Med 2010;124:451) used botanical evidence for the first time to establish the PMI of human skeletal remains found in a forested area of northern Portugal from the growth rate of mosses and shrub roots. The present paper deals with a case in which the study of the growth rate of the bryophyte Leptodyctium riparium (Hedw.) Warnst, was used in estimating the PMI of some human skeletal remains that were found in a wooded area near Perugia, in Central Italy. © 2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Sensitivity of the Boundary Plasma to the Plasma-Material Interface

DOE PAGES

Canik, John M.; Tang, X. -Z.

2017-01-01

While the sensitivity of the scrape-off layer and divertor plasma to the highly uncertain cross-field transport assumptions is widely recognized, the plasma is also sensitive to the details of the plasma-material interface (PMI) models used as part of comprehensive predictive simulations. Here in this paper, these PMI sensitivities are studied by varying the relevant sub-models within the SOLPS plasma transport code. Two aspects are explored: the sheath model used as a boundary condition in SOLPS, and fast particle reflection rates for ions impinging on a material surface. Both of these have been the study of recent high-fidelity simulation efforts aimedmore » at improving the understanding and prediction of these phenomena. It is found that in both cases quantitative changes to the plasma solution result from modification of the PMI model, with a larger impact in the case of the reflection coefficient variation. Finally, this indicates the necessity to better quantify the uncertainties within the PMI models themselves, and perform thorough sensitivity analysis to propagate these throughout the boundary model; this is especially important for validation against experiment, where the error in the simulation is a critical and less-studied piece of the code-experiment comparison.« less

Databases and coordinated research projects at the IAEA on atomic processes in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braams, Bastiaan J.; Chung, Hyun-Kyung

2012-05-01

The Atomic and Molecular Data Unit at the IAEA works with a network of national data centres to encourage and coordinate production and dissemination of fundamental data for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction (A+M/PMI) processes that are relevant to the realization of fusion energy. The Unit maintains numerical and bibliographical databases and has started a Wiki-style knowledge base. The Unit also contributes to A+M database interface standards and provides a search engine that offers a common interface to multiple numerical A+M/PMI databases. Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) bring together fusion energy researchers and atomic, molecular and surface physicists for joint work towards the development of new data and new methods. The databases and current CRPs on A+M/PMI processes are briefly described here.

The Need for a Privacy Standard for Medical Devices That Transmit Protected Health Information Used in the Precision Medicine Initiative for Diabetes and Other Diseases

PubMed Central

Klonoff, David C.; Price, W. Nicholson

2017-01-01

Privacy is an important concern for the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) because success of this initiative will require the public to be willing to participate by contributing large amounts of genetic/genomic information and sensor data. This sensitive personal information is intended to be used only for specified research purposes. Public willingness to participate will depend on the public’s level of trust that their information will be protected and kept private. Medical devices may constantly provide information. Therefore, assuring privacy for device-generated information may be essential for broad participation in the PMI. Privacy standards for devices should be an important early step in the development of the PMI. PMID:27920271

Human decomposition and the reliability of a 'Universal' model for post mortem interval estimations.

PubMed

Cockle, Diane L; Bell, Lynne S

2015-08-01

Human decomposition is a complex biological process driven by an array of variables which are not clearly understood. The medico-legal community have long been searching for a reliable method to establish the post-mortem interval (PMI) for those whose deaths have either been hidden, or gone un-noticed. To date, attempts to develop a PMI estimation method based on the state of the body either at the scene or at autopsy have been unsuccessful. One recent study has proposed that two simple formulae, based on the level of decomposition humidity and temperature, could be used to accurately calculate the PMI for bodies outside, on or under the surface worldwide. This study attempted to validate 'Formula I' [1] (for bodies on the surface) using 42 Canadian cases with known PMIs. The results indicated that bodies exposed to warm temperatures consistently overestimated the known PMI by a large and inconsistent margin for Formula I estimations. And for bodies exposed to cold and freezing temperatures (less than 4°C), then the PMI was dramatically under estimated. The ability of 'Formulae II' to estimate the PMI for buried bodies was also examined using a set of 22 known Canadian burial cases. As these cases used in this study are retrospective, some of the data needed for Formula II was not available. The 4.6 value used in Formula II to represent the standard ratio of time that burial decelerates the rate of decomposition was examined. The average time taken to achieve each stage of decomposition both on, and under the surface was compared for the 118 known cases. It was found that the rate of decomposition was not consistent throughout all stages of decomposition. The rates of autolysis above and below the ground were equivalent with the buried cases staying in a state of putrefaction for a prolonged period of time. It is suggested that differences in temperature extremes and humidity levels between geographic regions may make it impractical to apply formulas developed in one region to any other region. These results also suggest that there are other variables, apart from temperature and humidity that may impact the rate of human decomposition. These variables, or complex of variables, are considered regionally specific. Neither of the Universal Formulae performed well, and our results do not support the proposition of Universality for PMI estimation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Equal Opportunity, Equal Work: Increasing Women's Participation in the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative Africa Indoor Residual Spraying Project

PubMed Central

Donner, Abigail; Belemvire, Allison; Johns, Ben; Mangam, Keith; Fiekowsky, Elana; Gunn, Jayleen; Hayden, Mary; Ernst, Kacey

2017-01-01

Background: One of the primary control measures for malaria transmission is indoor residual spraying (IRS). Historically, few women have worked in IRS programs, despite the income-generating potential. Increasing women's roles in IRS requires understanding the barriers to women's participation and implementing measures to address them. The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) Africa Indoor Residual Spraying (AIRS) Project is the largest implementer of IRS globally. To address gender inequity in IRS operations, PMI AIRS assessed the barriers to the participation of women and developed and implemented policies to address these barriers. Methods: The PMI AIRS Project initially identified barriers through a series of informal assessments with key stakeholders. PMI AIRS then implemented a series of gender-guided policies, starting in 2015, in Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The policies included adapting physical work environments to ensure privacy for women; ensuring the safety of women in the workplace; guaranteeing safety and job security of women during pregnancy; and encouraging qualified women to apply for supervisory positions. The project collected routine programmatic data on staff, spray quality, and spray efficiency; data from 2012 through the end of 2015 were analyzed (up through 1 year after implementation of the gender policies). In addition, PMI AIRS conducted surveys in 2015, 2016, and 2017 before and after the spray campaigns in 4 countries to determine changes in gender norms among spray operators through questions about decision making and agency. Results: The PMI AIRS Project increased women's employment with the program. Specifically, women's employment increased overall from 23% in 2012 to 29% in 2015, with a 2015 range from 16% (Mali) to 40% (Madagascar). Growth among supervisor roles was even stronger, with the percentage of women in supervisory roles increasing from 17% in 2012 to 46% in 2015, with a 2015 range from 9% (Mali) to 50% (Madagascar). While the data showed that in most countries women sprayed fewer houses per day than men in 2015, the differences were not meaningful, ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 households per day. Gender norms shifted toward more egalitarian views in 2 of the 4 countries with survey data. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest the PMI AIRS Project gender policies are increasing the engagement of women in all aspects of spray operations, especially in supervisory roles. Expansion of these policies to all countries implementing IRS and to malaria control implementation more broadly is recommended. PMID:29242251

Equal Opportunity, Equal Work: Increasing Women's Participation in the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative Africa Indoor Residual Spraying Project.

PubMed

Donner, Abigail; Belemvire, Allison; Johns, Ben; Mangam, Keith; Fiekowsky, Elana; Gunn, Jayleen; Hayden, Mary; Ernst, Kacey

2017-12-28

One of the primary control measures for malaria transmission is indoor residual spraying (IRS). Historically, few women have worked in IRS programs, despite the income-generating potential. Increasing women's roles in IRS requires understanding the barriers to women's participation and implementing measures to address them. The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) Africa Indoor Residual Spraying (AIRS) Project is the largest implementer of IRS globally. To address gender inequity in IRS operations, PMI AIRS assessed the barriers to the participation of women and developed and implemented policies to address these barriers. The PMI AIRS Project initially identified barriers through a series of informal assessments with key stakeholders. PMI AIRS then implemented a series of gender-guided policies, starting in 2015, in Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The policies included adapting physical work environments to ensure privacy for women; ensuring the safety of women in the workplace; guaranteeing safety and job security of women during pregnancy; and encouraging qualified women to apply for supervisory positions. The project collected routine programmatic data on staff, spray quality, and spray efficiency; data from 2012 through the end of 2015 were analyzed (up through 1 year after implementation of the gender policies). In addition, PMI AIRS conducted surveys in 2015, 2016, and 2017 before and after the spray campaigns in 4 countries to determine changes in gender norms among spray operators through questions about decision making and agency. The PMI AIRS Project increased women's employment with the program. Specifically, women's employment increased overall from 23% in 2012 to 29% in 2015, with a 2015 range from 16% (Mali) to 40% (Madagascar). Growth among supervisor roles was even stronger, with the percentage of women in supervisory roles increasing from 17% in 2012 to 46% in 2015, with a 2015 range from 9% (Mali) to 50% (Madagascar). While the data showed that in most countries women sprayed fewer houses per day than men in 2015, the differences were not meaningful, ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 households per day. Gender norms shifted toward more egalitarian views in 2 of the 4 countries with survey data. Preliminary results suggest the PMI AIRS Project gender policies are increasing the engagement of women in all aspects of spray operations, especially in supervisory roles. Expansion of these policies to all countries implementing IRS and to malaria control implementation more broadly is recommended. © Donner et al.

Moiré edge states in twisted graphene nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleischmann, M.; Gupta, R.; Weckbecker, D.; Landgraf, W.; Pankratov, O.; Meded, V.; Shallcross, S.

2018-05-01

The edge physics of graphene based systems is well known to be highly sensitive to the atomic structure at the boundary, with localized zero mode edge states found only on the zigzag-type termination of the lattice. Here we demonstrate that the graphene twist bilayer supports an additional class of edge states, that (i) are found for all edge geometries and thus are robust against edge roughness, (ii) occur at energies coinciding with twist induced Van Hove singularities in the bulk and (iii) possess an electron density strongly modulated by the moiré lattice. Interestingly, these "moiré edge states" exist only for certain lattice commensurations and thus the edge physics of the twist bilayer is, in dramatic contrast to that of the bulk, not uniquely determined by the twist angle.

Fringe-shifting single-projector moiré topography application for cotyle implantate abrasion measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rössler, Tomáš; Hrabovský, Miroslav; Pluháček, František

2005-08-01

The cotyle implantate is abraded in the body of patient and its shape changes. Information about the magnitude of abrasion is contained in the result contour map of the implantate. The locations and dimensions of abraded areas can be computed from the contours deformation. The method called the single-projector moire topography was used for the contour lines determination. The theoretical description of method is given at first. The design of the experimental set-up follows. The light grating projector was developed to realize the periodic structure on the measured surface. The method of fringe-shifting was carried out to increase the data quantity. The description of digital processing applied to the moire grating images is introduced at the end together with the examples of processed images.

Experimental evidence of the spatial coherence moiré and the filtering of classes of radiator pairs.

PubMed

Castaneda, Roman; Usuga-Castaneda, Mario; Herrera-Ramírez, Jorge

2007-08-01

Evidence of the physical existence of the spatial coherence moiré is obtained by confronting numerical results with experimental results of spatially partial interference. Although it was performed for two particular cases, the results reveal a general behavior of the optical fields in any state of spatial coherence. Moreover, the study of the spatial coherence moiré deals with a new type of filtering, named filtering of classes of radiator pairs, which allows changing the power spectrum at the observation plane by modulating the complex degree of spatial coherence, without altering the power distribution at the aperture plane or introducing conventional spatial filters. This new procedure can optimize some technological applications of actual interest, as the beam shaping for instance.

Encoder fault analysis system based on Moire fringe error signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Xu; Chen, Wei; Wan, Qiu-hua; Lu, Xin-ran; Xie, Chun-yu

2018-02-01

Aiming at the problem of any fault and wrong code in the practical application of photoelectric shaft encoder, a fast and accurate encoder fault analysis system is researched from the aspect of Moire fringe photoelectric signal processing. DSP28335 is selected as the core processor and high speed serial A/D converter acquisition card is used. And temperature measuring circuit using AD7420 is designed. Discrete data of Moire fringe error signal is collected at different temperatures and it is sent to the host computer through wireless transmission. The error signal quality index and fault type is displayed on the host computer based on the error signal identification method. The error signal quality can be used to diagnosis the state of error code through the human-machine interface.

Cascading process in the flute-mode turbulence of a plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, R.; Gomez, D.; Fontan, C. F.; Schifino, A. C. S.; Montagne, R.

1993-01-01

The cascades of ideal invariants in the flute-mode turbulence are analyzed by considering a statistics based on an elementary three-mode coupling process. The statistical dynamics of the system is investigated on the basis of the existence of the physically most important (PMI) triad. When finite ion Larmor radius effects are considered, the PMI triad describes the formation of zonal flows.

Donor support for quality assurance and pharmacovigilance of anti-malarials in malaria-endemic countries.

PubMed

Kovacs, Stephanie D; Mills, Brianna M; Stergachis, Andy

2017-07-11

Malaria control efforts have been strengthened by funding from donor groups and government agencies. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and the Malaria (Global Fund), the US President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) account for the majority of donor support for malaria control and prevention efforts. Pharmacovigilance (PV), which encompasses all activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem, is a necessary part of efforts to reduce drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes. This paper reports on an analysis of PV plans in the Global Fund and PMI and World Bank's grants for malaria prevention and control. All active malaria grants as of September 2015 funded by the Global Fund and World Bank, and fiscal year 2015 and 2016 PMI Malaria Operational Plans (MOP) were identified. The total amount awarded for PV-related activities and drug quality assurance was abstracted. A Key-Word-in-Context (KWIC) analysis was conducted for the content of each grant. Specific search terms consisted of pharmacovigilance, pregn*, registry, safety, adverse drug, mass drug administration, primaquine, counterfeit, sub-standard, and falsified. Grants that mentioned PV activities identified in the KWIC search, listed PV in their budgets, or included the keywords: counterfeit, sub-standard, falsified, mass drug administration, or adverse event were thematically coded using Dedoose software version 7.0. The search identified 159 active malaria grants including 107 Global Fund grants, 39 fiscal year 2015 and 2016 PMI grants and 13 World Bank grants. These grants were primarily awarded to low-income countries (57.2%) and in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (70.4%). Thirty-seven (23.3%) grants included a budget line for PV- or drug quality assurance-related activities, including 21 PMI grants and 16 Global Fund grants. Only 23 (14.5%) grants directly mentioned PV. The primary focus area was improving drug quality monitoring, especially among the PMI grants. The results of the analysis demonstrate that funding for PV has not been sufficiently prioritized by either the key malaria donor organizations or by the recipient countries, as reflected in their grant proposal submissions and MOPs.

Quantification of nitrogenous bases, DNA and Collagen type I for the estimation of the postmortem interval in bone remains.

PubMed

Pérez-Martínez, Cristina; Pérez-Cárceles, María D; Legaz, Isabel; Prieto-Bonete, Gemma; Luna, Aurelio

2017-12-01

Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is an important goal in forensic medicine and continues to be one of the most difficult tasks of the forensic investigator. Few accurate methods exist to determine the time since death of skeletonized human remains due to the great number of intrinsic and external factors that may alter the normal course of postmortem change. The purpose of this research was to assess the usefulness of various biochemical parameters, such as nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, purines, cytosine, thymine, pyrimidines, hypoxanthine and xanthine), DNA and Collagen Type I peptides to estimate PMI. These parameters were analysed in cortical bone for the establishment of data in a total of 80 long bones of 80 corpses (50 males, 30 females) with a mean age of 68.31 years (S.D.=18.021, range=20-97). The bones were removed from the cement niches of a cemetery in Murcia (south-eastern Spain), where they had lain for between 5 and 47 years (mean time 23.83 years, S.D.=10.85). Our results show a significant decrease in adenine (p=0.0004), guanine (p=0.0001), purines (p=0.0001), cytosine (p=0.0001), thymine (p=0.0226), pyrimidines (p=0.0002) and the number of peptides of Collagen type I (p=0.0053) in those with a PMI≥20 years. In a curvilinear regression analysis the results show that 30.6% of the variable PMI could be explained by guanine concentration, in bones with a PMI<20 years, while in cases of a PMI≥20 years, the variable that best explained membership of this group was adenine (38.0%). In the discriminant analysis applied to the all the variables as a function of PMI when two groups were established, 86.7% of the cases were correctly classified. These results show that the quantification of Collagen type I proteins and nitrogenous bases could be used as a complementary tool, together with other analyses, in the estimation of PMI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles conjugated with an anti-CD33 antibody and a p53-activating peptide for acute myeloid leukemia therapy.

PubMed

Niu, Fan; Yan, Jin; Ma, Bohan; Li, Shichao; Shao, Yongping; He, Pengcheng; Zhang, Wanggang; He, Wangxiao; Ma, Peter X; Lu, Wuyuan

2018-06-01

Roughly one third of all human cancers are attributable to the functional inhibition of the tumor suppressor protein p53 by its two negative regulators MDM2 and MDMX, making dual-specificity peptide antagonists of MDM2 and MDMX highly attractive drug candidates for anticancer therapy. Two pharmacological barriers, however, remain a major obstacle to the development of peptide therapeutics: susceptibility to proteolytic degradation in vivo and inability to traverse the cell membrane. Here we report the design of a fluorescent lanthanide oxyfluoride nanoparticle (LONp)-based multifunctional peptide drug delivery system for potential treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that commonly harbors wild type p53, high levels of MDM2 and/or MDMX, and an overexpressed cell surface receptor, CD33. We conjugated to LONp via metal-thiolate bonds a dodecameric peptide antagonist of both MDM2 and MDMX, termed PMI, and a CD33-targeted, humanized monoclonal antibody to allow for AML-specific intracellular delivery of a stabilized PMI. The resultant nanoparticle antiCD33-LONp-PMI, while nontoxic to normal cells, induced apoptosis of AML cell lines and primary leukemic cells isolated from AML patients by antagonizing MDM2 and/or MDMX to activate the p53 pathway. Fluorescent antiCD33-LONp-PMI also enabled real-time visualization of a series of apoptotic events in AML cells, proving a useful tool for possible disease tracking and treatment response monitoring. Our studies shed light on the development of antiCD33-LONp-PMI as a novel class of antitumor agents, which, if further validated, may help targeted molecular therapy of AML. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The pulse-mass index as a predictor of cardiovascular events in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

García-Villegas, Elsy Aidé; Márquez-González, Horacio; Flores-Suárez, Luis Felipe; Villa-Romero, Antonio Rafael

2017-01-20

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have 3times the risk of death compared to the rest of the population, with cardiovascular events (CVD) being one of the main causes. Índices such as waist-height (W-Ht I), waist-hip (W-Hp I) and pulse-mass (PMI) predict CVD, though the behaviour is unknown in patients with SLE. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of PMI in the development of CVD in premenopausal women with SLE. Cohort study. Included were premenopausal women with SLE without prior CVD; excluded were those patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), pregnancy, thyroid disease, recent liposuction, and chronic kidney disease. Exposure variables were: PMI, W-Ht I, W-Hp I and metabolic syndrome at onset of the cohort. Considered confounding variables were time of evolution, disease activity, cumulative damage and treatment. Through semi-annual appointments, accident and emergency admittance and hospitalisation records the CVD were screened. Analysis was performed with Cox for proportional hazards and survival with Kaplan Meier. We included 238 women with a median age of 31 (18-52) years, with a follow-up of 8years. We identified 22 (9.6%) cases of CVD. In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, the prognostic variables were: PMI with HR=8.1 (95% CI: 1.1-65), metabolic syndrome with 2.4 (95% CI: 1-5.8), cumulative damage with HR=1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.2) and body fat percentage HR=2.8 (95% CI: 1.1-6.9) CONCLUSIONS: The PMI is a better predictor factor of CVD in women with SLE. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Stimulated Emission Depletion Live-Cell Super-Resolution Imaging Shows Proliferative Remodeling of T-Tubule Membrane Structures After Myocardial Infarction

PubMed Central

Wagner, Eva; Lauterbach, Marcel A.; Kohl, Tobias; Westphal, Volker; Williams, George S.B.; Steinbrecher, Julia H.; Streich, Jan-Hendrik; Korff, Brigitte; Tuan, Hoang-Trong M.; Hagen, Brian; Luther, Stefan; Hasenfuss, Gerd; Parlitz, Ulrich; Jafri, M. Saleet; Hell, Stefan W.; Lederer, W. Jonathan; Lehnart, Stephan E.

2014-01-01

Rationale Transverse tubules (TTs) couple electric surface signals to remote intracellular Ca2+ release units (CRUs). Diffraction-limited imaging studies have proposed loss of TT components as disease mechanism in heart failure (HF). Objectives Objectives were to develop quantitative super-resolution strategies for live-cell imaging of TT membranes in intact cardiomyocytes and to show that TT structures are progressively remodeled during HF development, causing early CRU dysfunction. Methods and Results Using stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, we characterized individual TTs with nanometric resolution as direct readout of local membrane morphology 4 and 8 weeks after myocardial infarction (4pMI and 8pMI). Both individual and network TT properties were investigated by quantitative image analysis. The mean area of TT cross sections increased progressively from 4pMI to 8pMI. Unexpectedly, intact TT networks showed differential changes. Longitudinal and oblique TTs were significantly increased at 4pMI, whereas transversal components appeared decreased. Expression of TT-associated proteins junctophilin-2 and caveolin-3 was significantly changed, correlating with network component remodeling. Computational modeling of spatial changes in HF through heterogeneous TT reorganization and RyR2 orphaning (5000 of 20 000 CRUs) uncovered a local mechanism of delayed subcellular Ca2+ release and action potential prolongation. Conclusions This study introduces STED nanoscopy for live mapping of TT membrane structures. During early HF development, the local TT morphology and associated proteins were significantly altered, leading to differential network remodeling and Ca2+ release dyssynchrony. Our data suggest that TT remodeling during HF development involves proliferative membrane changes, early excitation-contraction uncoupling, and network fracturing. PMID:22723297

Roadmap to a tobacco epidemic: transnational tobacco companies invade Indonesia.

PubMed

Hurt, Richard D; Ebbert, Jon O; Achadi, Anhari; Croghan, Ivana T

2012-05-01

Indonesia is the world's fifth largest cigarette market in the world but for decades, transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) have had limited success infiltrating this market, due to their inability to compete in the kretek market. Kreteks are clove/tobacco cigarettes that most Indonesians smoke. To determine how Phillip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) have now successfully achieved a substantial market presence in Indonesia. We analyzed previously secret, tobacco industry documents, corporate reports on Indonesia operations, the Tobacco Trade press, Indonesia media, and "The Roadmap". Internal, corporate documents from BAT and PMI demonstrate that they had known for decades that kreteks are highly carcinogenic. Despite that knowledge, BAT and PMI now own and heavily market these products, as well as new more westernised versions of kreteks. BAT and PMI used their successful basic strategy of keeping cigarettes affordable by maintaining the social responsibility of smoking and opposing smoke-free workplace laws but in the 21st century, they added the acquisition of and westernisation of domestic kretek manufacturers as an additional strategy. These acquisitions allowed them to assert influences on health policy in Indonesia and to grow their business under current government policy embodied in the 2007-2020 Roadmap of Tobacco Products Industry and Excise Policy which calls for increased cigarette production by 12% over the next 15 years. PMI and Bat have successfully entered and are expanding their share in the Indonesia cigarette market. Despite the obvious and pervasive influence of the tobacco industry on policy decisions, the Indonesian government should ratify the FCTC and implement effective legislation to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke and revise the Roadmap to protect future generations of Indonesians.

Roadmap to a Tobacco Epidemic: Transnational Tobacco Companies Invade Indonesia

PubMed Central

Hurt, Richard D.; Ebbert, Jon O.; Achadi, Anhari; Croghan, Ivana T.

2014-01-01

Background Indonesia is the world’s fifth largest cigarette market in the world but for decades, transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) have had limited success infiltrating this market, due to their inability to compete in the kretek market. Kreteks are clove/tobacco cigarettes that most Indonesians smoke. Objective To determine how Phillip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) have now successfully achieved a substantial market presence in Indonesia. Methods We analyzed previously secret, tobacco industry documents, corporate reports on Indonesia operations, the Tobacco Trade press, Indonesia media, and “The Roadmap.” Results Internal, corporate documents from BAT and PMI demonstrate that they had known for decades that kreteks are highly carcinogenic. Despite that knowledge, BAT and PMI now own and heavily market these products, as well as new more westernized versions of kreteks. BAT and PMI maintained the basic strategy of keeping cigarettes affordable by maintaining the social responsibility of smoking and opposing smoke-free workplace laws but in the 21st century, they added the acquisition of and Westernization of domestic kretek manufacturers as an additional strategy. These acquisitions allowed them to assert influences on health policy in Indonesia and to grow their business under current government policy embodied in the 2007-2020 Roadmap of Tobacco Products Industry and Excise Policy which calls for increased cigarette production by 12% over the next 15 years. Conclusion PMI and Bat have successfully entered and are expanding their share in the Indonesia cigarette market. Despite the obvious and pervasive influence of the tobacco industry on policy decisions, the Indonesian government should ratify the FCTC and implement effective legislation to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke and revise the Roadmap to protect future generations of Indonesians. PMID:21852413

Compact portable diffraction moire interferometer

DOEpatents

Deason, Vance A.; Ward, Michael B.

1989-01-01

A compact and portable moire interferometer used to determine surface deformations of an object. The improved interferometer is comprised of a laser beam, optical and fiber optics devices coupling the beam to one or more evanescent wave splitters, and collimating lenses directing the split beam at one or more specimen gratings. Observation means including film and video cameras may be used to view and record the resultant fringe patterns.

Approche structurée en pratique familiale pour les patients ayant des problèmes de mémoire

PubMed Central

Lee, Linda; Weston, W. Wayne; Heckman, George; Gagnon, Micheline; Lee, F. Joseph; Sloka, Scott

2013-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter aux médecins de famille une approche structurée pour les patients qui présentent des problèmes de mémoire. Sources des données Cette approche se fonde sur un programme agréé de formation clinique sur la mémoire, élaboré par le Centre for Family Medicine Memory Clinic en partenariat avec le Collège des médecins de famille de l’Ontario. Message principal Le recours à une approche structurée de raisonnement clinique peut aider les médecins à poser un diagnostic exact chez des patients qui présentent des problèmes de mémoire. Le délirium, la dépression et les causes réversibles doivent être exclus, pour ensuite faire une différenciation entre le vieillissement cognitif normal, la déficience cognitive légère et la démence. Il est essentiel de procéder à une anamnèse collatérale et à une évaluation fonctionnelle exacte. Les formes courantes de la démence peuvent être cliniquement différenciées par la séquence dans laquelle les symptômes apparaissent et par la façon dont les déficits cognitifs évoluent avec le temps. Habituellement, les signes précoces de la démence d’Alzheimer comportent une déficience de la mémoire épisodique, tandis que la démence due principalement à des causes vasculaires peut se présenter par une perte précoce de la fonction exécutive et de la fonction visuospatiale, ainsi que des caractéristiques cliniques particulières. Conclusion Une approche de raisonnement clinique peut aider les médecins à poser des diagnostics précoces et exacts qui peuvent orienter une prise en charge appropriée et améliorer les soins aux patients qui ont des problèmes de mémoire.

Combined dispersive/interference spectroscopy for producing a vector spectrum

DOEpatents

Erskine, David J.

2002-01-01

A method of measuring the spectral properties of broadband waves that combines interferometry with a wavelength disperser having many spectral channels to produce a fringing spectrum. Spectral mapping, Doppler shifts, metrology of angles, distances and secondary effects such as temperature, pressure, and acceleration which change an interferometer cavity length can be measured accurately by a compact instrument using broadband illumination. Broadband illumination avoids the fringe skip ambiguities of monochromatic waves. The interferometer provides arbitrarily high spectral resolution, simple instrument response, compactness, low cost, high field of view and high efficiency. The inclusion of a disperser increases fringe visibility and signal to noise ratio over an interferometer used alone for broadband waves. The fringing spectrum is represented as a wavelength dependent 2-d vector, which describes the fringe amplitude and phase. Vector mathematics such as generalized dot products rapidly computes average broadband phase shifts to high accuracy. A Moire effect between the interferometer's sinusoidal transmission and the illumination heterodynes high resolution spectral detail to low spectral detail, allowing the use of a low resolution disperser. Multiple parallel interferometer cavities of fixed delay allow the instantaneous mapping of a spectrum, with an instrument more compact for the same spectral resolution than a conventional dispersive spectrometer, and not requiring a scanning delay.

Measurement of strain distribution in bonded joints by fiber Bragg gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guemes, J. Alfredo; Diaz-Carrillo, Sebastian; Menendez, Jose M.

1998-07-01

Due to the small dimensions of the adhesive layer, the high non-uniformity of the strain field and the non linear elastic behavior of the adhesive material, the strain distribution at an adhesive joint can be predicted by FEM, but can not be experimentally obtained with classical approaches; only non standard procedures like Moire interferometry, or special artifacts like KGR extensometers may afford some insights on the behavior of the adhesive. Due to their small size, ensuring low perturbation of the strain field, and their innate ability to measure strain and strain gradient along the sensor, fiber Bragg gratings offer a good opportunity to solve this problem, and it is a good example of situations that may benefit from these new sensors. Fiber Bragg gratings may be placed or at the interface, within the adhesive layer, or embedded at the adherents, if these were made of composite material. Tests may be run at different temperatures, changing the adhesive characteristics from brittle to pseudoplastic without additional difficulties. When loading the joint, the strain field is obtained by analyzing the distorted spectrum of the reflected light pulse; the algorithm for doing it has already been published. A comparison with theoretical results is done, and the validity and utility of these sensors for this and similar applications is demonstrated.

Databases and coordinated research projects at the IAEA on atomic processes in plasmas

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

Braams, Bastiaan J.; Chung, Hyun-Kyung

2012-05-25

The Atomic and Molecular Data Unit at the IAEA works with a network of national data centres to encourage and coordinate production and dissemination of fundamental data for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction (A+M/PMI) processes that are relevant to the realization of fusion energy. The Unit maintains numerical and bibliographical databases and has started a Wiki-style knowledge base. The Unit also contributes to A+M database interface standards and provides a search engine that offers a common interface to multiple numerical A+M/PMI databases. Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) bring together fusion energy researchers and atomic, molecular and surface physicists for joint workmore » towards the development of new data and new methods. The databases and current CRPs on A+M/PMI processes are briefly described here.« less

NIH Precision Medicine Initiative: Implications for Diabetes Research

PubMed Central

Fradkin, Judith E.; Hanlon, Mary C.; Rodgers, Griffin P.

2016-01-01

In his January 2015 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama announced a new Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) to personalize approaches toward improving health and treating disease (www.whitehouse.gov/precision-medicine). He stated that the goal of such an initiative was “to bring us closer to curing diseases like cancer and diabetes, and to give all of us access to the personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families healthier.” Since that time, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has taken a leadership role in implementing the President’s vision related to biomedical research (www.nih.gov/precisionmedicine). Here, we discuss the NIH component of the PMI, related ongoing diabetes research, and near-term research that could position the diabetes field to take full advantage of the opportunities that stem from the PMI. PMID:27289128

The effect of tailoring a model HIV prevention program for local adolescent target audiences.

PubMed

Kennedy, M G; Mizuno, Y; Hoffman, R; Baume, C; Strand, J

2000-06-01

In five U.S. sites (Nashville, Tennessee; Newark, New Jersey; northern Virginia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Sacramento, California), HIV risk-reduction workshops were mounted as a part of the Prevention Marketing Initiative (PMI). In four of the five sites, the workshop curriculum was a version of Be Proud! Be Responsible! (Jemmott, Jemmott, & McCaffree, 1996) that had been tailored to fit the needs of local target audiences. This article describes the evaluation of the PMI workshops. Protective effects on several behavioral determinants and behavioral outcome measures were observed 1 month after the workshops. Based on the overall pattern of results, it was concluded that the PMI workshops reduced the likelihood of unprotected sex among participants. The intervention developed by Jemmott and colleagues appears to have retained its effectiveness after it was tailored to meet perceived local needs.

Characterizing opto-electret based paper speakers by using a real-time projection Moiré metrology system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Ya-Ling; Hsu, Kuan-Yu; Lee, Chih-Kung

2016-03-01

Advancement of distributed piezo-electret sensors and actuators facilitates various smart systems development, which include paper speakers, opto-piezo/electret bio-chips, etc. The array-based loudspeaker system possess several advantages over conventional coil speakers, such as light-weightness, flexibility, low power consumption, directivity, etc. With the understanding that the performance of the large-area piezo-electret loudspeakers or even the microfluidic biochip transport behavior could be tailored by changing their dynamic behaviors, a full-field real-time high-resolution non-contact metrology system was developed. In this paper, influence of the resonance modes and the transient vibrations of an arraybased loudspeaker system on the acoustic effect were measured by using a real-time projection moiré metrology system and microphones. To make the paper speaker even more versatile, we combine the photosensitive material TiOPc into the original electret loudspeaker. The vibration of this newly developed opto-electret loudspeaker could be manipulated by illuminating different light-intensity patterns. Trying to facilitate the tailoring process of the opto-electret loudspeaker, projection moiré was adopted to measure its vibration. By recording the projected fringes which are modulated by the contours of the testing sample, the phase unwrapping algorithm can give us a continuous phase distribution which is proportional to the object height variations. With the aid of the projection moiré metrology system, the vibrations associated with each distinctive light pattern could be characterized. Therefore, we expect that the overall acoustic performance could be improved by finding the suitable illuminating patterns. In this manuscript, the system performance of the projection moiré and the optoelectret paper speakers were cross-examined and verified by the experimental results obtained.

Patient-specific 3D models created by 3D imaging system or bi-planar imaging coupled with Moiré-Fringe projections: a comparative study of accuracy and reliability on spinal curvatures and vertebral rotation data.

PubMed

Hocquelet, Arnaud; Cornelis, François; Jirot, Anna; Castaings, Laurent; de Sèze, Mathieu; Hauger, Olivier

2016-10-01

The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and reliability of spinal curvatures and vertebral rotation data based on patient-specific 3D models created by 3D imaging system or by bi-planar imaging coupled with Moiré-Fringe projections. Sixty-two consecutive patients from a single institution were prospectively included. For each patient, frontal and sagittal calibrated low-dose bi-planar X-rays were performed and coupled simultaneously with an optical Moiré back surface-based technology. The 3D reconstructions of spine and pelvis were performed independently by one radiologist and one technician in radiology using two different semi-automatic methods using 3D radio-imaging system (method 1) or bi-planar imaging coupled with Moiré projections (method 2). Both methods were compared using Bland-Altman analysis, and reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ICC showed good to very good agreement. Between the two techniques, the maximum 95 % prediction limits was -4.9° degrees for the measurements of spinal coronal curves and less than 5° for other parameters. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for all parameters across both methods, except for axial rotation with method 2 for which ICC was fair. Method 1 was faster for reconstruction time than method 2 for both readers (13.4 vs. 20.7 min and 10.6 vs. 13.9 min; p = 0.0001). While a lower accuracy was observed for the evaluation of the axial rotation, bi-planar imaging coupled with Moiré-Fringe projections may be an accurate and reliable tool to perform 3D reconstructions of the spine and pelvis.

Coordinated Research Projects of the IAEA Atomic and Molecular Data Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braams, B. J.; Chung, H.-K.

2011-05-01

The IAEA Atomic and Molecular Data Unit is dedicated to the provision of databases for atomic, molecular and plasma-material interaction (AM/PMI) data that are relevant for nuclear fusion research. IAEA Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) are the principal mechanism by which the Unit encourages data evaluation and the production of new data. Ongoing and planned CRPs on AM/PMI data are briefly described here.

Medication and Dietary Supplement Interactions among a Low-Income, Hospitalized Patient Population Who Take Cardiac Medications.

PubMed

Gardiner, Paula; Filippelli, Amanda C; Sadikova, Ekaterina; White, Laura F; Jack, Brian W

2015-01-01

Purpose. To identify characteristics associated with the use of potentially harmful combinations of dietary supplements (DS) and cardiac prescription medications in an urban, underserved, inpatient population. Methods. Cardiac prescription medication users were identified to assess the prevalence and risk factors of potentially harmful dietary supplement-prescription medication interactions (PHDS-PMI). We examined sociodemographic and clinical characteristics for crude (χ (2) or t-tests) and adjusted multivariable logistic regression associations with the outcome. Results. Among 558 patients, there were 121 who also used a DS. Of the 110 participants having a PHDS-PMI, 25% were asked about their DS use at admission, 75% had documentation of DS in their chart, and 21% reported the intention to continue DS use after discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model noted that for every additional medication or DS taken the odds of having a PHDS-PMI increase and that those with a high school education are significantly less likely to have a PHDS-PMI than those with a college education. Conclusion. Inpatients at an urban safety net hospital taking a combination of cardiac prescription medications and DS are at a high risk of harmful supplement-drug interactions. Providers must ask about DS use and should consider the potential for interactions when having patient discussions about cardiac medications and DS.

Part mutual information for quantifying direct associations in networks.

PubMed

Zhao, Juan; Zhou, Yiwei; Zhang, Xiujun; Chen, Luonan

2016-05-03

Quantitatively identifying direct dependencies between variables is an important task in data analysis, in particular for reconstructing various types of networks and causal relations in science and engineering. One of the most widely used criteria is partial correlation, but it can only measure linearly direct association and miss nonlinear associations. However, based on conditional independence, conditional mutual information (CMI) is able to quantify nonlinearly direct relationships among variables from the observed data, superior to linear measures, but suffers from a serious problem of underestimation, in particular for those variables with tight associations in a network, which severely limits its applications. In this work, we propose a new concept, "partial independence," with a new measure, "part mutual information" (PMI), which not only can overcome the problem of CMI but also retains the quantification properties of both mutual information (MI) and CMI. Specifically, we first defined PMI to measure nonlinearly direct dependencies between variables and then derived its relations with MI and CMI. Finally, we used a number of simulated data as benchmark examples to numerically demonstrate PMI features and further real gene expression data from Escherichia coli and yeast to reconstruct gene regulatory networks, which all validated the advantages of PMI for accurately quantifying nonlinearly direct associations in networks.

How Children Understand Parental Mental Illness: “You don’t get life insurance. What’s life insurance?”

PubMed Central

Mordoch, Elaine

2010-01-01

Objectives: To understand how children living with parental mental illness (PMI) understand mental illness (MI) and what they want to tell other children. Method: The study design was a secondary analysis of a grounded theory study exploring Canadian children’s perceptions of living with PMI. Interviews from 22 children, ages 6 – 16, living with a parent with depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia receiving treatment for the MI, were re-read, coded and analyzed along with data categories, their properties, field notes and memos from the original data. Results: Children revealed that they had limited understanding of MI and received few factual explanations of what was happening. Limited information on MI caused undue hardship. Younger children worried about their parent dying, while older children also were concerned about developing MI. Children offered suggestions for other children in similar circumstances. Conclusions: This study raises awareness of children living with PMI and identifies them as a population requiring services. It incorporates children’s perceptions of what they know and need to know. Children require assistance to understand and to respond to PMI. Mental health and primary health care clinicians have opportunities to assist these children within collaborative care models developed in conjunction with school services. PMID:20119563

Meat inspection of reindeer - a rich source of data for monitoring food safety and animal and environmental health in Sweden.

PubMed

Kautto, Arja Helena; Vågsholm, Ivar; Niskanen, Rauni

2017-01-01

Background : ​This study scrutinized carcass conditions recorded in post mortem inspections (PMI) of reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus , L.) during 2015-2016 because of the importance for monitoring food safety and animal and environmental health threats. Material and methods : PMI results were retrieved from the National Food Agency. A negative binomial regression model was applied. For actual parameters, incident risk rate (IRR) with confidence intervals was calculated. Results and discussion : The number of conditions found in PMI varied widely between years and batches. The most common conditions (43 and 57% of all reindeer slaughtered in 2015 and 2016, respectively) derived from non-zoonotic parasites as the most abundant one, Hypoderma tarandi. Setaria sp. as well as both inflammatory processes and trauma were found in low prevalences. Further investigation of interactions with slaughterhouse size and inspector experience is needed. The conditions found rarely indicated food safety hazards and no epizooties or zoonoses have been recorded in the past two decades. Visual PMI with complementary sampling for specific hazards in slaughterhouses could thus be a helpful tool for monitoring the health and welfare of the reindeer population, the food safety risks with reindeer meat, and the status of the environment. ​.

Meat inspection of reindeer – a rich source of data for monitoring food safety and animal and environmental health in Sweden

PubMed Central

Kautto, Arja Helena; Vågsholm, Ivar; Niskanen, Rauni

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: ​This study scrutinized carcass conditions recorded in post mortem inspections (PMI) of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus, L.) during 2015–2016 because of the importance for monitoring food safety and animal and environmental health threats. Material and methods: PMI results were retrieved from the National Food Agency. A negative binomial regression model was applied. For actual parameters, incident risk rate (IRR) with confidence intervals was calculated. Results and discussion: The number of conditions found in PMI varied widely between years and batches. The most common conditions (43 and 57% of all reindeer slaughtered in 2015 and 2016, respectively) derived from non-zoonotic parasites as the most abundant one, Hypoderma tarandi. Setaria sp. as well as both inflammatory processes and trauma were found in low prevalences. Further investigation of interactions with slaughterhouse size and inspector experience is needed. The conditions found rarely indicated food safety hazards and no epizooties or zoonoses have been recorded in the past two decades. Visual PMI with complementary sampling for specific hazards in slaughterhouses could thus be a helpful tool for monitoring the health and welfare of the reindeer population, the food safety risks with reindeer meat, and the status of the environment. ​ PMID:28811870

UV–Vis and ATR–FTIR spectroscopic investigations of postmortem interval based on the changes in rabbit plasma

PubMed Central

Wang, Qi; He, Haijun; Li, Bing; Lin, Hancheng; Zhang, Yinming; Zhang, Ji

2017-01-01

Estimating PMI is of great importance in forensic investigations. Although many methods are used to estimate the PMI, a few investigations focus on the postmortem redistribution. In this study, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) measurement combined with visual inspection indicated a regular diffusion of hemoglobin into plasma after death showing the redistribution of postmortem components in blood. Thereafter, attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the variations caused by this phenomenon. First, full-spectrum partial least-squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm combined with PLS (GA-PLS) models were constructed to predict the PMI. The performance of GA-PLS model was better than that of full-spectrum PLS model based on its root mean square error (RMSE) of cross-validation of 3.46 h (R2 = 0.95) and the RMSE of prediction of 3.46 h (R2 = 0.94). The investigation on the similarity of spectra between blood plasma and formed elements also supported the role of redistribution of components in spectral changes in postmortem plasma. These results demonstrated that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with the advanced mathematical methods could serve as a convenient and reliable tool to study the redistribution of postmortem components and estimate the PMI. PMID:28753641

X-ray Moiré deflectometry using synthetic reference images

DOE PAGES

Stutman, Dan; Valdivia, Maria Pia; Finkenthal, Michael

2015-06-25

Moiré fringe deflectometry with grating interferometers is a technique that enables refraction-based x-ray imaging using a single exposure of an object. To obtain the refraction image, the method requires a reference fringe pattern (without the object). Our study shows that, in order to avoid artifacts, the reference pattern must be exactly matched in phase with the object fringe pattern. In experiments, however, it is difficult to produce a perfectly matched reference pattern due to unavoidable interferometer drifts. We present a simple method to obtain matched reference patterns using a phase-scan procedure to generate synthetic Moiré images. As a result, themore » method will enable deflectometric diagnostics of transient phenomena such as laser-produced plasmas and could improve the sensitivity and accuracy of medical phase-contrast imaging.« less

Interactive Fringe Analysis System: Applications To Moire Contourogram And Interferogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yatagai, T.; Idesawa, M.; Yamaashi, Y.; Suzuki, M.

1982-10-01

A general purpose fringe pattern processing facility was developed in order to analyze moire photographs used for scoliosis diagnoses and interferometric patterns in optical shops. A TV camera reads a fringe profile to be analyzed, and peaks of the fringe are detected by a microcomputer. Fringe peak correction and fringe order determination are performed with the man-machine interactive software developed. A light pen facility and an image digitizer are employed for interaction. In the case of two-dimensional fringe analysis, we analyze independently analysis lines parallel to each other and a reference line perpendicular to the parallel analysis lines. Fringe orders of parallel analysis lines are uniquely determined by using the fringe order of the reference line. Some results of analysis of moire contourograms, interferometric testing of silicon wafers, and holographic measurement of thermal deformation are presented.

Method for 3D profilometry measurement based on contouring moire fringe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhiwei; Lin, Juhua

2007-12-01

3D shape measurement is one of the most active branches of optical research recently. A method of 3D profilometry measurement by the combination of Moire projection method and phase-shifting technology based on SCM (Single Chip Microcomputer) control is presented in the paper. Automatic measurement of 3D surface profiles can be carried out by applying this method with high speed and high precision.

Compact portable diffraction moire interferometer

DOEpatents

Deason, V.A.; Ward, M.B.

1988-05-23

A compact and portable moire interferometer used to determine surface deformations of an object. The improved interferometer is comprised of a laser beam, optical and fiber optics devices coupling the beam to one or more evanescent wave splitters, and collimating lenses directing the split beam at one or more specimen gratings. Observations means including film and video cameras may be used to view and record the resultant fringe patterns. 7 figs.

Characterization technique for detection of atom-size crystalline defects and strains using two-dimensional fast-Fourier-transform sampling Moiré method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodera, Masako; Wang, Qinghua; Ri, Shien; Tsuda, Hiroshi; Yoshioka, Akira; Sugiyama, Toru; Hamamoto, Takeshi; Miyashita, Naoto

2018-04-01

Recently, we have developed a two-dimensional (2D) fast-Fourier-transform (FFT) sampling Moiré technique to visually and quantitatively determine the locations of minute defects in a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image. We applied this technique for defect detection with GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices, and successfully and clearly visualized atom-size defects in AlGaN/GaN crystalline structures. The defect density obtained in the AlGaN/GaN structures is ∼1013 counts/cm2. In addition, we have successfully confirmed that the distribution and number of defects closely depend on the process conditions. Thus, this technique is quite useful for a device development. Moreover, the strain fields in an AlGaN/GaN crystal were effectively calculated with nm-scale resolution using this method. We also demonstrated that this sampling Moiré technique is applicable to silicon devices, which have principal directions different from those of AlGaN/GaN crystals. As a result, we believe that the 2D FFT sampling Moiré method has great potential applications to the discovery of new as yet unknown phenomena occurring between the characteristics of a crystalline material and device performance.

Parasol cell mosaics are unlikely to drive the formation of structured orientation maps in primary visual cortex.

PubMed

Hore, Victoria R A; Troy, John B; Eglen, Stephen J

2012-11-01

The receptive fields of on- and off-center parasol cell mosaics independently tile the retina to ensure efficient sampling of visual space. A recent theoretical model represented the on- and off-center mosaics by noisy hexagonal lattices of slightly different density. When the two lattices are overlaid, long-range Moiré interference patterns are generated. These Moiré interference patterns have been suggested to drive the formation of highly structured orientation maps in visual cortex. Here, we show that noisy hexagonal lattices do not capture the spatial statistics of parasol cell mosaics. An alternative model based upon local exclusion zones, termed as the pairwise interaction point process (PIPP) model, generates patterns that are statistically indistinguishable from parasol cell mosaics. A key difference between the PIPP model and the hexagonal lattice model is that the PIPP model does not generate Moiré interference patterns, and hence stimulated orientation maps do not show any hexagonal structure. Finally, we estimate the spatial extent of spatial correlations in parasol cell mosaics to be only 200-350 μm, far less than that required to generate Moiré interference. We conclude that parasol cell mosaics are too disordered to drive the formation of highly structured orientation maps in visual cortex.

Moiré superlattice-level stick-slip instability originated from geometrically corrugated graphene on a strongly interacting substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Ruoyu; Gao, Lei; Lu, Hongliang; Li, Qunyang; Ma, Tian-Bao; Guo, Hui; Du, Shixuan; Feng, Xi-Qiao; Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Yanmin; Cheng, Peng; Hu, Yuan-Zhong; Gao, Hong-Jun; Luo, Jianbin

2017-06-01

Two dimensional (2D) materials often exhibit novel properties due to various coupling effects with their supporting substrates. Here, using friction force microscopy (FFM), we report an unusual moiré superlattice-level stick-slip instability on monolayer graphene epitaxially grown on Ru(0 0 0 1) substrate. Instead of smooth friction modulation, a significant long-range stick-slip sawtooth modulation emerges with a period coinciding with the moiré superlattice structure, which is robust against high external loads and leads to an additional channel of energy dissipation. In contrast, the long-range stick-slip instability reduces to smooth friction modulation on graphene/Ir(1 1 1) substrate. The moiré superlattice-level slip instability could be attributed to the large sliding energy barrier, which arises from the morphological corrugation of graphene on Ru(0 0 0 1) surface as indicated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The locally steep humps acting as obstacles opposing the tip sliding, originates from the strong interfacial electronic interaction between graphene and Ru(0 0 0 1). This study opens an avenue for modulating friction by tuning the interfacial atomic interaction between 2D materials and their substrates.

Origins of Moiré Patterns in CVD-grown MoS2 Bilayer Structures at the Atomic Scales.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Namburu, Raju; Dubey, Madan; Dongare, Avinash M

2018-06-21

The chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) structures comprise of flakes of few layers with different dimensions. The top layers are relatively smaller in size than the bottom layers, resulting in the formation of edges/steps across adjacent layers. The strain response of such few-layer terraced structures is therefore likely to be different from exfoliated few-layered structures with similar dimensions without any terraces. In this study, the strain response of CVD-grown few-layered MoS 2 terraced structures is investigated at the atomic scales using classic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations suggest that the strain relaxation of CVD-grown triangular terraced structures is observed in the vertical displacement of the atoms across the layers that results in the formation of Moiré patterns. The Moiré islands are observed to nucleate at the corners or edges of the few-layered structure and propagate inwards under both tensile and compressive strains. The nucleation of these islands is observed to happen at tensile strains of ~ 2% and at compressive strains of ~2.5%. The vertical displacements of the atoms and the dimensions of the Moiré islands predicted using the MD simulation are in excellent agreement with that observed experimentally.

Topological mosaics in moiré superlattices of van der Waals heterobilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Qingjun; Yu, Hongyi; Zhu, Qizhong; Wang, Yong; Xu, Xiaodong; Yao, Wang

2017-04-01

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures formed by two-dimensional atomic crystals provide a powerful approach towards designer condensed matter systems. Incommensurate heterobilayers with small twisting and/or lattice mismatch lead to the interesting concept of moiré superlattices, where the atomic registry is locally indistinguishable from commensurate bilayers but has local-to-local variation over long range. Here we show that such moiré superlattices can lead to periodic modulation of local topological order in vdW heterobilayers formed by two massive Dirac materials. By tuning the vdW heterojunction from normal to the inverted type-II regime via an interlayer bias, the commensurate heterobilayer can become a topological insulator (TI), depending on the interlayer hybridization controlled by the atomic registry between the vdW layers. This results in a mosaic pattern of TI regions and normal insulator (NI) regions in moiré superlattices, where topologically protected helical modes exist at the TI/NI phase boundaries. By using symmetry-based k .p and tight-binding models, we predict that this topological phenomenon can be present in inverted transition metal dichalcogenides heterobilayers. Our work points to a new means of realizing programmable and electrically switchable topological superstructures from two-dimensional arrays of TI nano-dots to one-dimensional arrays of TI nano-stripes.

A Welcome for Every Child: How France Protects Maternal and Child Health--A New Frame of Reference for the United States. A Report of the French-American Foundation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Gail

This report presents findings of a study tour organized by the French-American Foundation, for 13 United States' health care professionals to examine and interpret the nearly 50-year-old French maternal and child health care system, Protection maternelle et infantile (PMI). Chapter 1 describes the operation of PMI and the possibility of similar…

An Overview of Recent PISCES Program PMI Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tynan, George; Doerner, Russell; Abe, Shota; Baldwin, Matthew; Barton, Joseph; Chen, Renkun; Gosselin, Jordan; Hollmann, Eric; Nishijima, Daisuke; Simmonds, Michael; Wang, Yong; Yu, Jonathan

2015-11-01

The PISCES Program is focused on fundamental PMI studies of Be and W-based solid plasma facing components under steady-state and transient conditions. We will show results from studies in W, Be and mixed W-Be material systems. Topics of investigation include formation of near-surface nanobubbles from He plasma ion implantation, growth of W-fuzz from these bubbles in steady-state and transient conditions, D retention in Be and W and development of a D-retention model for both H/D isotope exchange and displacement damage experiments. Initial studies of PMI in displacement damaged W are also presented, showing the effect of damage and exposure temperature on D retention, D diffusion, W thermal conductivity. Be-based results include morphology evolution under high plasma flux exposure, Be erosion mechanisms, and retention in Be-based materials. Future plans and connections to fusion energy system requirements will be discussed. This work supported by grant DE-FG02-07ER54912.

An Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Promotes Psychological Resilience in a Mouse Model of Depression

PubMed Central

Wang, Jun; Fernández, Adelaida Esteban; Tiano, Simoni; Huang, Jing; Floyd, Elizabeth; Poulev, Alexander

2018-01-01

Stress-induced peripheral inflammation contributes to depression-like behaviors in both human and experimental models. PMI 5011, a botanical extract of Artemisia dracunculus L., was previously shown to have multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. In this work, using a repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) model of depression, we demonstrate that oral administration of the botanical extract PMI 5011 promotes resilience to RSDS-mediated depression-like phenotypes. We also show that the behavioral improvements are associated with attenuation of stress-mediated induction of inflammatory cytokines in the periphery and alteration of synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our studies provide experimental evidence that botanical extracts such as PMI 5011, which target pathological mechanisms (i.e., peripheral inflammation) not addressed by currently available antidepressants, could be further developed as novel therapeutics for the treatment of stress disorders and anxiety in humans. PMID:29861834

An Introduction to Moire Methods with Applications in Composite Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

including hardware and software requirements are discussed by Ranson, 19 Sciammarella , 2 0 Chanudry,2 1 Ning,2 2 and Lee. 23 Other computation techniques...variations in material fabrication processes. 9 Dynamic applications of moire were done by Armenakas and Sciammarella , 70 Epstein, Deason, and...Abdallah,71, 72 as well as Hsu, Liu, Chiang, and Anastasi. 73 Armenakas and Sciammarella examined the response of glass/epoxy specimens to high strain rates

Deployment Repeatability

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-31

photogrammetry to track a set of LEDS in two dimensions, a method that was able to resolve 2.2-mm lateral displacements of a 40-meter boom. This method... displacements . Sub-milliradian repeatability in MOIRE [This is a stand-in section for the MOIRE case study, which Dave Waller is getting through...The structure will most likely be under this stowed state for a long time under displacement paths and put this data into a computationally cheap 1

Gate-dependent Pseudospin Mixing in Graphene/boron Nitride Moire Superlattices

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-31

LETTERS PUBLISHED ONLINE: 31 AUGUST 2014 | DOI : 10.1038/NPHYS3075 Gate-dependent pseudospin mixing in graphene/boron nitride moiré superlattices... Dirac –Weyl spinors with a two-component pseudospin1–12. The unique pseudospin structure of Dirac electrons leads to emerging phenomena such as the...massless Dirac cone2, anomalous quantum Hall eect2,3, and Klein tunnelling4,5 in graphene. The capability to manipulate electron pseudospin is highly

Multipulsed dynamic moire interferometer

DOEpatents

Deason, Vance A.

1991-01-01

An improved dynamic moire interferometer comprised of a lasing medium providing a plurality of beams of coherent light, a multiple q-switch producing multiple trains of 100,000 or more pulses per second, a combining means collimating multiple trains of pulses into substantially a single train and directing beams to specimen gratings affixed to a test material, and a controller, triggering and sequencing the emission of the pulses with the occurrence and recording of a dynamic loading event.

Characterization of TEM Moiré Patterns Originating from Two Monolayer Graphenes Grown on the Front and Back Sides of a Copper Substrate by CVD Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Kenji; Maehara, Yosuke; Gohara, Kazutoshi

2018-06-01

The number of layers affects the electronic properties of graphene owing to its unique band structure, called the Dirac corn. Raman spectroscopy is a key diagnostic tool for identifying the number of graphene layers and for determining their physical properties. Here, we observed moiré structures in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations; these are signature patterns in multilayer, although Raman spectra showed the typical intensity of the 2D/G peak in the monolayer. We also performed a multi-slice TEM image simulation to compare the 3D atomic structures of the two graphene membranes with experimental TEM images. We found that the experimental moiré image was constructed with a 9-12 Å interlayer distance between graphene membranes. This structure was constructed by transferring CVD-grown graphene films that formed on both sides of the Cu substrate at once.

Surface profilometry using the incoherent self-imaging technique in reflection mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassani, Khosrow; Nahal, Arashmid; Tirandazi, Negin

2018-01-01

In this paper, we introduce a highly sensitive and cost-effective surface profilometry technique based on the Lau self-imaging phenomenon in reflection mode, combined with the Moiré technique. Standard incoherent grating imaging with two Ronchi rulings is deployed to produce localized Fresnel pseudoimages, except that the light wavefront gets modulated after reflecting off the surface under test and before the final image forms. A third grating is superimposed on the pseudoimage to take advantage of the magnification property of the Moiré fringes and enhance the surface-induced modulations. A five-step phase-shifting technique is used to extract the 2D surface profile of the sample from the recorded Moiré patterns. To demonstrate our technique, we measure the profile of a 250 nm step-like metallic sample. The results show a few nanometer uncertainties, very good reproducibility, and agreement with other known optical and mechanical surface profilometry methods.

Image communication scheme based on dynamic visual cryptography and computer generated holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palevicius, Paulius; Ragulskis, Minvydas

2015-01-01

Computer generated holograms are often exploited to implement optical encryption schemes. This paper proposes the integration of dynamic visual cryptography (an optical technique based on the interplay of visual cryptography and time-averaging geometric moiré) with Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm. A stochastic moiré grating is used to embed the secret into a single cover image. The secret can be visually decoded by a naked eye if only the amplitude of harmonic oscillations corresponds to an accurately preselected value. The proposed visual image encryption scheme is based on computer generated holography, optical time-averaging moiré and principles of dynamic visual cryptography. Dynamic visual cryptography is used both for the initial encryption of the secret image and for the final decryption. Phase data of the encrypted image are computed by using Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm. The optical image is decrypted using the computationally reconstructed field of amplitudes.

Optical authentication based on moiré effect of nonlinear gratings in phase space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Meihua; He, Wenqi; Wu, Jiachen; Lu, Dajiang; Liu, Xiaoli; Peng, Xiang

2015-12-01

An optical authentication scheme based on the moiré effect of nonlinear gratings in phase space is proposed. According to the phase function relationship of the moiré effect in phase space, an arbitrary authentication image can be encoded into two nonlinear gratings which serve as the authentication lock (AL) and the authentication key (AK). The AL is stored in the authentication system while the AK is assigned to the authorized user. The authentication procedure can be performed using an optoelectronic approach, while the design process is accomplished by a digital approach. Furthermore, this optical authentication scheme can be extended for multiple users with different security levels. The proposed scheme can not only verify the legality of a user identity, but can also discriminate and control the security levels of legal users. Theoretical analysis and simulation experiments are provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Visualization and automatic detection of defect distribution in GaN atomic structure from sampling Moiré phase.

PubMed

Wang, Qinghua; Ri, Shien; Tsuda, Hiroshi; Kodera, Masako; Suguro, Kyoichi; Miyashita, Naoto

2017-09-19

Quantitative detection of defects in atomic structures is of great significance to evaluating product quality and exploring quality improvement process. In this study, a Fourier transform filtered sampling Moire technique was proposed to visualize and detect defects in atomic arrays in a large field of view. Defect distributions, defect numbers and defect densities could be visually and quantitatively determined from a single atomic structure image at low cost. The effectiveness of the proposed technique was verified from numerical simulations. As an application, the dislocation distributions in a GaN/AlGaN atomic structure in two directions were magnified and displayed in Moire phase maps, and defect locations and densities were detected automatically. The proposed technique is able to provide valuable references to material scientists and engineers by checking the effect of various treatments for defect reduction. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Proteobactin and a yersiniabactin-related siderophore mediate iron acquisition in Proteus mirabilis

PubMed Central

Himpsl, Stephanie D.; Pearson, Melanie M.; Arewång, Carl J.; Nusca, Tyler D.; Sherman, David H.; Mobley, Harry L. T.

2010-01-01

Proteus mirabilis causes complicated urinary tract infections (UTI). While the urinary tract is an iron-limiting environment, iron acquisition remains poorly characterized for this uropathogen. Microarray analysis of P. mirabilis HI4320 cultured under iron limitation identified 45 significantly up-regulated genes (P ≤ 0.05) that represent 21 putative iron-regulated systems. Two gene clusters, PMI0229-0239 and PMI2596–2605, encode putative siderophore systems. PMI0229-0239 encodes a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-independent siderophore (NIS) system for producing a novel siderophore, proteobactin. PMI2596-2605 are contained within the high-pathogenicity island, originally described in Yersinia pestis, and encodes proteins with apparent homology and organization to those involved in yersiniabactin production and uptake. Cross-feeding and biochemical analysis shows that P. mirabilis is unable to utilize or produce yersiniabactin, suggesting that this yersiniabactin-related locus is functionally distinct. Only disruption of both systems resulted in an in vitro iron-chelating defect; demonstrating production and iron-chelating activity for both siderophores. These findings clearly show that proteobactin and the yersiniabactin-related siderophore function as iron acquisition systems. Despite the activity of both siderophores, only mutants lacking the yersiniabactin-related siderophore reduce fitness in vivo. The fitness requirement for the yersiniabactin-related siderophore during UTI shows, for the first time, the importance of siderophore production in vivo for P. mirabilis. PMID:20923418

PmiRExAt: plant miRNA expression atlas database and web applications

PubMed Central

Gurjar, Anoop Kishor Singh; Panwar, Abhijeet Singh; Gupta, Rajinder; Mantri, Shrikant S.

2016-01-01

High-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing technology enables an entirely new perspective for plant microRNA (miRNA) research and has immense potential to unravel regulatory networks. Novel insights gained through data mining in publically available rich resource of sRNA data will help in designing biotechnology-based approaches for crop improvement to enhance plant yield and nutritional value. Bioinformatics resources enabling meta-analysis of miRNA expression across multiple plant species are still evolving. Here, we report PmiRExAt, a new online database resource that caters plant miRNA expression atlas. The web-based repository comprises of miRNA expression profile and query tool for 1859 wheat, 2330 rice and 283 maize miRNA. The database interface offers open and easy access to miRNA expression profile and helps in identifying tissue preferential, differential and constitutively expressing miRNAs. A feature enabling expression study of conserved miRNA across multiple species is also implemented. Custom expression analysis feature enables expression analysis of novel miRNA in total 117 datasets. New sRNA dataset can also be uploaded for analysing miRNA expression profiles for 73 plant species. PmiRExAt application program interface, a simple object access protocol web service allows other programmers to remotely invoke the methods written for doing programmatic search operations on PmiRExAt database. Database URL: http://pmirexat.nabi.res.in. PMID:27081157

Quantifying human decomposition in an indoor setting and implications for postmortem interval estimation.

PubMed

Ceciliason, Ann-Sofie; Andersson, M Gunnar; Lindström, Anders; Sandler, Håkan

2018-02-01

This study's objective is to obtain accuracy and precision in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) for decomposing human remains discovered in indoor settings. Data were collected prospectively from 140 forensic cases with a known date of death, scored according to the Total Body Score (TBS) scale at the post-mortem examination. In our model setting, it is estimated that, in cases with or without the presence of blowfly larvae, approximately 45% or 66% respectively, of the variance in TBS can be derived from Accumulated Degree-Days (ADD). The precision in estimating ADD/PMI from TBS is, in our setting, moderate to low. However, dividing the cases into defined subgroups suggests the possibility to increase the precision of the model. Our findings also suggest a significant seasonal difference with concomitant influence on TBS in the complete data set, possibly initiated by the presence of insect activity mainly during summer. PMI may be underestimated in cases with presence of desiccation. Likewise, there is a need for evaluating the effect of insect activity, to avoid overestimating the PMI. Our data sample indicates that the scoring method might need to be slightly modified to better reflect indoor decomposition, especially in cases with insect infestations or/and extensive desiccation. When applying TBS in an indoor setting, the model requires distinct inclusion criteria and a defined population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation and Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage (vB_PmiS-TH) and Its Application in Combination with Ampicillin against Planktonic and Biofilm Forms of Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Urinary Tract Infection.

PubMed

Yazdi, Mahsa; Bouzari, Majid; Ghaemi, Ezzat Allah

2018-01-01

Proteus mirabilis is one of the most common causes of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in patients undergoing long-term catheterization. Phage vB_PmiS-TH was isolated from wastewater with high lytic activity against P. mirabilis (TH) isolated from UTI. The phage had rapid adsorption, a large burst size (∼260 PFU per infected cell), and high stability at a wide range of temperatures and pH values. As analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, phage vB_PmiS-TH had an icosahedral head of ∼87 × 62 nm with a noncontractile tail about 137 nm in length and 11 nm in width. It belongs to the family Siphoviridae. Combination of the phage vB_PmiS-TH with ampicillin had a higher removal activity against planktonic cells of P. mirabilis (TH) than the phage or the antibiotic alone. Combination of the phage at a multiplicity of infection of 100 with a high dose of ampicillin (246 µg/mL) showed the highest biofilm removal activity after 24 h. This study demonstrates that using a combination of phage and antibiotic could be significantly more effective against planktonic and biofilm forms of P. mirabilis (TH). © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evolution of the fracture process zone in high-strength concrete under different loading rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, R. C.; Zhang, X.; Ruiz, G.; Tarifa, M.; Cámara, M.

2010-06-01

For cementitious materials, the inelastic zone around a crack tip is termed as fracture process zone (FPZ) and dominated by complicated mechanism, such as microcracking, crack deflection, bridging, crack face friction, crack tip blunting by voids, crack branching, and so on. Due to the length of the FPZ is related with the characteristic length of the cementitious materials, the size, extent and location of the FPZ has been the object of countless research efforts for several decades. For instance, Cedolin et al. [1] have used an optical method based on the moiré interferometry to determine FPZ in concrete. Castro-Montero et al. [2] have applied the method of holographic interferometry to mortar to study the extension of the FPZ. The advantage of the interferometry method is that the complete FPZ can be directly observed on the surface of the sample. Swartz et al. [3] has adopted the dye penetration technique to illustrate the changing patterns observed as the crack progress from the tensile side to the compression side of the beam. Moreover, acoustic emission (AE) is also an experimental technique well suited for monitoring fracture process. Haidar et al. [4] and Maji et al. [5] have studied the relation between acoustic emission characteristics and the properties of the FPZ. Compared with the extensive research on properties of the FPZ under quasi-static loading conditions, much less information is available on its dynamic characterization, especially for high-strength concrete (HSC). This paper presents the very recent results of an experimental program aimed at disclosing the loading rate effect on the size and velocity of the (FPZ) in HSC. Eighteen three-point bending specimens were conducted under a wide range of loading rates from from 10-4 mm/s to 103 mm/s using either a servo-hydraulic machine or a self-designed drop-weight impact device. The beam dimensions were 100 mm 100 mm in cross section, and 420 mm in length. The initial notch-depth ratio was approximately 0.5, and the span was fixed at 300 mm during the tests. Four strain gauges mounted along the ligament of the specimen were used to measure the FPZ size. Surprisingly, the FPZ size remains almost constant (around 20 mm) when the loading rate varies seven orders of magnitude. This is clearly different from NSC, in which the FPZ size actually decreased with loading rate.

Single-shot Z(eff) dense plasma diagnostic through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements with a Talbot-Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer.

PubMed

Valdivia, M P; Stutman, D; Finkenthal, M

2015-04-01

The Talbot-Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer is a powerful plasma diagnostic capable of delivering simultaneous refraction and attenuation information through the accurate detection of x-ray phase shift and intensity. The diagnostic can provide the index of refraction n=1-δ+iβ of an object (dense plasma, for example) placed in the x-ray beam by independently measuring both δ and β, which are directly related to the electron density n(e) and the attenuation coefficient μ, respectively. Since δ and β depend on the effective atomic number Z(eff), a map can be obtained from the ratio between phase and absorption images acquired in a single shot. The Talbot-Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer and its corresponding data acquisition and processing are briefly described to illustrate how the above is achieved; Z(eff) values of test objects within the 4-12 range were obtained experimentally through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements. We show that Z(eff) mapping of objects does not require previous knowledge of sample length or shape. The determination of Z(eff) from refraction and attenuation measurements with moiré deflectometry could be of high interest to various domains of high energy density research, such as shocked materials and inertial confinement fusion experiments, as well as material science and nondestructive testing.

Epitaxial hexagonal boron nitride on Ir(111): A work function template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Fabian; Drost, Robert; Hämäläinen, Sampsa K.; Demonchaux, Thomas; Seitsonen, Ari P.; Liljeroth, Peter

2014-06-01

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a prominent member in the growing family of two-dimensional materials with potential applications ranging from being an atomically smooth support for other two-dimensional materials to templating growth of molecular layers. We have studied the structure of monolayer h-BN grown by chemical vapor deposition on Ir(111) by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) experiments and state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The lattice mismatch between the h-BN and Ir(111) surface results in the formation of a moiré superstructure with a periodicity of ˜29 Å and a corrugation of ˜0.4 Å. By measuring the field emission resonances above the h-BN layer, we find a modulation of the work function within the moiré unit cell of ˜0.5 eV. DFT simulations for a 13-on-12 h-BN/Ir(111) unit cell confirm our experimental findings and allow us to relate the change in the work function to the subtle changes in the interaction between boron and nitrogen atoms and the underlying substrate atoms within the moiré unit cell. Hexagonal boron nitride on Ir(111) combines weak topographic corrugation with a strong work function modulation over the moiré unit cell. This makes h-BN/Ir(111) a potential substrate for electronically modulated thin film and heterosandwich structures.

Robust mechanical property measurements of fibrous parylene-C thin-film substrate via moiré contouring technology.

PubMed

Sciammarella, F M; Sciammarella, C A; Lamberti, L; Styrcula, M; Wei, L; Lakhtakia, A

2013-04-01

Parylene-C is a bio-inert, bio-compatible and relatively inexpensive material with many bio-medical applications from coatings for implantable devices to bio-scaffolds. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate a novel approach to accurately measure the mechanical properties of free-standing fibrous thin-film substrates (TFS) of parylene-C. For that purpose, a two-stage experimental protocol based on the use of moiré contouring technology was developed. In this protocol, local measurements employing an advanced moiré setup that uses non-conventional illumination (i.e. evanescent field) are first performed to gather high-resolution information on a small region of the specimen; then, global measurements based on shadow moiré are performed to monitor the overall behavior of the membrane. The protocol was first calibrated for an aluminum foil and then partially applied to the fibrous parylene-C TFS. Material properties extracted from experiments are f0ully consistent with the data reported in literature and the results of a hybrid identification procedure based on the combination of finite element analysis and nonlinear optimization. The results will help lay the foundation for developing a comprehensive understanding of the influence that morphology and stresses play in the ability to enhance and sustain cell growth and tissue development, for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of a Moire Based Crack Detection Technique for Propulsion Health Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woike, Mark R.; Abudl-Aziz, Ali; Fralick, Gustave C.; Wrbanek, John D.

2012-01-01

The development of techniques for the health monitoring of the rotating components in gas turbine engines is of major interest to NASA s Aviation Safety Program. As part of this on-going effort several experiments utilizing a novel optical Moir based concept along with external blade tip clearance and shaft displacement instrumentation were conducted on a simulated turbine engine disk as a means of demonstrating a potential optical crack detection technique. A Moir pattern results from the overlap of two repetitive patterns with slightly different periods. With this technique, it is possible to detect very small differences in spacing and hence radial growth in a rotating disk due to a flaw such as a crack. The experiment involved etching a circular reference pattern on a subscale engine disk that had a 50.8 mm (2 in.) long notch machined into it to simulate a crack. The disk was operated at speeds up to 12 000 rpm and the Moir pattern due to the shift with respect to the reference pattern was monitored as a means of detecting the radial growth of the disk due to the defect. In addition, blade displacement data were acquired using external blade tip clearance and shaft displacement sensors as a means of confirming the data obtained from the optical technique. The results of the crack detection experiments and its associated analysis are presented in this paper.

Nonscanning Moiré deflectometry for measurement of nonlinear refractive index and absorption coefficient of liquids.

PubMed

Farahani, Shahrzad Shahrabi; Madanipour, Khosro; Koohian, Ata

2017-05-01

In this work, a nonscanning measurement technique is presented for determining the nonlinear refractive index and absorption coefficient of liquid media based on Moiré deflectometry. In the proposed method two lasers are used: a low power, wide beam as probe and a high power with specific wavelength as a pump. Interaction of the pump laser beam with the nonlinear sample changes the refractive index, which leads to change in convergence/divergence of the collimated incident probe laser beam. The induced deflection is monitored by Moiré deflectometry. If the pump laser has a Gaussian intensity profile, the refractive index profile of the sample is Gaussian, too. Measuring the deflection angle of the probe beam by Moiré fringes deflection, and by using the inverse Abel transform integral, the refractive index profile and nonlinear refractive index can be determined. This method is fast, easy, and insensitive to environmental noise and allows real-time measurement. Also, the refractive index profile of the interacted medium with pump laser can be achieved by this technique. As a liquid sample, a DCJ dye in water solution was studied. The value of nonlinear refractive index, n₂, and absorption coefficient, α, were obtained -2.54×10^-4  cm² w^-1 and 1.368  cm^-1, respectively.

A novel approach to determine post mortem interval using neutron radiography

DOE PAGES

Bilheux, Hassina Z.; Cekanova, Maria; Vass, Arpad Alexander; ...

2015-03-06

In this study, neutron radiography (NR) is used non-destructively to measure changes in hydrogen (H) content in decaying tissues as a mean to estimate post-mortem invertal (PMI). After death, tissue undergoes sequential changes consisting of organic and inorganic phase variations, as well as a gradual reduction of tissue water content. H is the primary contributor to NR contrast in biological specimens because (1) it is the most abundant element in biological tissues and (2) its nucleus scatter thermal and cold neutrons more strongly than any other atomic nucleus. These contrast differences can be advantageous in a forensic context to determinemore » small changes in hydrogen concentrations. Dog cadavers were used as a model for human cadavers. Canine tissues and cadavers were exposed to controlled (laboratory settings) and uncontrolled (University of Tennessee Anthropology Research Facility) environmental conditions during putefraction, respectively. Neutron radiographs were supplemented with photographs and histology data to assess the decomposition stage of cadavers. Results demonstrated that the increase in neutron transmission likely corresponded to a decrease in hydrogen content in the tissue, which was correlated with the time of decay of the tissue. Tissues depleted in hydrogen are brighter in the neutron transmission radiographs of skeletal muscles, lung, and bone, under controlled conditions. Over a period of 10 days, changes in neutron transmission through lung and muscle were found to be higher than bone by 8.3%, 7.0 %, and 2.0 %, respectively. Estimation of the PMI was calculated from a natural logarithmic fitting of the NR data. Under controlled conditions, estimation of the PMI was 70% and 63.9 % accurate for bone and lung tissues, while being 1.4% accurate for muscle tissue. All results underestimated the true PMI. In conclusion, neutron radiography can be used for detection of hydrogen changes in decaying tissues to estimate PMI.« less

Effects of holding time during cooling and of type of package on plasma membrane integrity, motility and in vitro oocyte penetration ability of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa.

PubMed

Eriksson, B M; Vazquez, J M; Martinez, E A; Roca, J; Lucas, X; Rodriguez-Martinez, H

2001-05-01

The effect of a prolonged holding time (HT) during cooling on plasma membrane integrity (PMI), motility and in vitro oocyte penetration ability of boar spermatozoa frozen-thawed in different types of package was investigated. Boar semen was frozen in a split-sample design using 3 different HTs (3, 10 and 20 h) during cooling and three different types of freezing package: Maxi-straws, Medium-straws and FlatPacks. Assessment of PMI (SYBR-14 and propidium iodide, fluorescence microscopy) and sperm motility (visually and with CASA) was done during cooling (at 32 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 5 degrees C) and post-thaw (PT). The in vitro oocyte penetration ability of the spermatozoa was tested only PT, using a homologous in vitro penetration assay (hIVP). During cooling the HTs used had no significant (p<0.05) effect on either PMI or percentage of motile spermatozoa Post-thaw PMI was significantly higher (p<0.05) for 10 h and 20 h HT compared with 3 h, and the percentage of motile spermatozoa decreased significantly with 20 h HT as opposed to 3 h and 10 h. Regarding the freezing packages, the FlatPacks and Maxi-straws yielded significantly more PMI than did the Medium-straws (p<0.05). Post-thaw motility was significantly higher for FlatPacks than for straws, in terms of both percentage motile spermatozoa, and sperm velocity and lateral head displacement (LHD). The hIVP did not show any significant differences among the HTs, although FlatPacks yielded a significantly higher penetration rate and more spermatozoa per penetrated oocyte (p<0.05) than did the straws. Changes in motility patterns, toward a more circular motility during cooling and PT, could be noticed where individual spermatozoa showed a capacitation-like motility pattern. The changes were more obvious with 10-h and 20-h HTs than with 3-h HT.

Crystal structures of the free and inhibited forms of plasmepsin I (PMI) from Plasmodium falciparum

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

Bhaumik, Prasenjit; Horimoto, Yasumi; Xiao, Huogen

2011-09-06

Plasmepsin I (PMI) is one of the four vacuolar pepsin-like proteases responsible for hemoglobin degradation by the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and the only one with no crystal structure reported to date. Due to substantial functional redundancy of these enzymes, lack of inhibition of even a single plasmepsin can defeat efforts in creating effective antiparasitic agents. We have now solved crystal structures of the recombinant PMI as apoenzyme and in complex with the potent peptidic inhibitor, KNI-10006, at the resolution of 2.4 and 3.1 {angstrom}, respectively. The apoenzyme crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1} with twomore » molecules in the asymmetric unit and the structure has been refined to the final R-factor of 20.7%. The KNI-10006 bound enzyme crystallized in the tetragonal space group P4{sub 3} with four molecules in the asymmetric unit and the structure has been refined to the final R-factor of 21.1%. In the PMI-KNI-10006 complex, the inhibitors were bound identically to all four enzyme molecules, with the opposite directionality of the main chain of KNI-10006 relative to the direction of the enzyme substrates. Such a mode of binding of inhibitors containing an allophenylnorstatine-dimethylthioproline insert in the P1-P1' positions, previously reported in a complex with PMIV, demonstrates the importance of satisfying the requirements for the proper positioning of the functional groups in the mechanism-based inhibitors towards the catalytic machinery of aspartic proteases, as opposed to binding driven solely by the specificity of the individual enzymes. A comparison of the structure of the PMI-KNI-10006 complex with the structures of other vacuolar plasmepsins identified the important differences between them and may help in the design of specific inhibitors targeting the individual enzymes.« less

Sex differences in the reduction of arsenic methylation capacity as a function of urinary total and inorganic arsenic in Mexican children.

PubMed

Torres-Sánchez, Luisa; López-Carrillo, Lizbeth; Rosado, Jorge L; Rodriguez, Valentina M; Vera-Aguilar, Eunice; Kordas, Katarzyna; García-Vargas, Gonzalo G; Cebrian, Mariano E

2016-11-01

Chronic arsenic (As) exposure decreases adult and children's ability to methylate inorganic As (iAs); however, few studies have examined children's sex differences. We measured urinary concentrations of iAs, monomethylarsonic (MMA), and dimethylarsinic (DMA) acids, and calculated the primary (PMI: MMA/iAs) and secondary (SMI: DMA/MMA) methylation capacity indexes in 591 children 6-8 years in Torreón, Mexico. We determined iAs, MMA, and DMA by hydride generation cryotrapping AAS. Lineal regression models estimated associations between methylation capacity and total As (TAs) or iAs. Interactions with sex were tested at p<0.10. Boys had significantly higher TAs levels, (58.4µg/L) than girls (46.2µg/L). We observed negative associations between TAs and PMI (β=-0.039; p<0.18) and SMI (β=-0.08; p=0.002) with significant sex differences; PMI reduction was significant in boys (β=-0.09; p=0.02) but not in girls (β=0.021; p=0.63), p for interaction=0.06. In contrast, SMI reduction was significantly more pronounced in girls. Furthermore, negative associations PMI (β=-0.19; p<0.001) and SMI (β=-0.35; p<0.001) were a function of urinary iAs levels, independently of TAs; however, the reduction in PMI was more pronounced in boys (β=-0.24; p<0.001; girls β=-0.15; p<0.001), p for interaction=0.04. A significant negative association was observed between SMI and iAs levels without significant sex differences. TAs and iAs associations with metabolite percentages were in good agreement with those observed with methylation indexes. Our results suggest that iAs plays an important role in reducing As methylation ability and that significant sex differences are present in As metabolism. These differences merit further investigation to confirm our findings and their potential implications for arsenic toxicity in children. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Efficacy of Propranolol in Retinopathy of Prematurity and its Correlation with the Platelet Mass Index.

PubMed

Korkmaz, Levent; Baştuğ, Osman; Ozdemir, Ahmet; Korkut, Sabriye; Karaca, Cagatay; Akin, Mustafa Ali; Gunes, Tamer; Kurtoglu, Selim; Ozturk, Mehmet Adnan

2017-01-01

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative vitreoretinopathy which is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in children. In an attempt to find a solution to this important problem in preterm children, the search for new, effective treatment modalities with fewer side effects is underway. In our study, which was planned for this reason, we aimed to investigate the effects of propranolol treatment applied to cases of ROP in various stages during the second phase (known as the neovascularization-hypoxia phase) and to determine the correlation of these effects with the platelet mass index (PMI). A total of 171 preterm infants at risk of ROP were selected randomly for inclusion in the study. All of the patients were classified according to their stage of ROP and were divided into control and treatment groups. While the cases in the control group were administered physiological saline solution, those in the treatment group were administered propranolol in the period that corresponded to the second stage of the disease. The thrombocyte and PMI values in the first and second stages of each study group were recorded. A significant difference was found between the control and treatment groups of the stage 2 ROP study subjects. In the stage 2 ROP study group, no significant difference was detected between the control and treatment cases in terms of platelet counts in phase 1 or in the PMI values and the thrombolytic counts in phase 2. On the other hand, in phase 2 of the stage 2 ROP study subjects significant differences were detected between the control and treatment group in terms of PMI values. In the study, it was found in the stage 2 ROP study group that propranolol reduced the need for laser photocoagulation significantly. Also, in parallel to the efficacy of propranolol in this study group, a decrease was observed in PMI values.

A novel approach to determine post mortem interval using neutron radiography

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

Bilheux, Hassina Z.; Cekanova, Maria; Vass, Arpad Alexander

In this study, neutron radiography (NR) is used non-destructively to measure changes in hydrogen (H) content in decaying tissues as a mean to estimate post-mortem invertal (PMI). After death, tissue undergoes sequential changes consisting of organic and inorganic phase variations, as well as a gradual reduction of tissue water content. H is the primary contributor to NR contrast in biological specimens because (1) it is the most abundant element in biological tissues and (2) its nucleus scatter thermal and cold neutrons more strongly than any other atomic nucleus. These contrast differences can be advantageous in a forensic context to determinemore » small changes in hydrogen concentrations. Dog cadavers were used as a model for human cadavers. Canine tissues and cadavers were exposed to controlled (laboratory settings) and uncontrolled (University of Tennessee Anthropology Research Facility) environmental conditions during putefraction, respectively. Neutron radiographs were supplemented with photographs and histology data to assess the decomposition stage of cadavers. Results demonstrated that the increase in neutron transmission likely corresponded to a decrease in hydrogen content in the tissue, which was correlated with the time of decay of the tissue. Tissues depleted in hydrogen are brighter in the neutron transmission radiographs of skeletal muscles, lung, and bone, under controlled conditions. Over a period of 10 days, changes in neutron transmission through lung and muscle were found to be higher than bone by 8.3%, 7.0 %, and 2.0 %, respectively. Estimation of the PMI was calculated from a natural logarithmic fitting of the NR data. Under controlled conditions, estimation of the PMI was 70% and 63.9 % accurate for bone and lung tissues, while being 1.4% accurate for muscle tissue. All results underestimated the true PMI. In conclusion, neutron radiography can be used for detection of hydrogen changes in decaying tissues to estimate PMI.« less

Estimating the Post-Mortem Interval of skeletonized remains: The use of Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectro-microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creagh, Dudley; Cameron, Alyce

2017-08-01

When skeletonized remains are found it becomes a police task to determine to identify the body and establish the cause of death. It assists investigators if the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) can be established. Hitherto no reliable qualitative method of estimating the PMI has been found. A quantitative method has yet to be developed. This paper shows that IR spectroscopy and Raman microscopy have the potential to form the basis of a quantitative method.

A Wafer-Bonded, Floating Element Shear-Stress Sensor Using a Geometric Moire Optical Transduction Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horowitz, Stephen; Chen, Tai-An; Chandrasekaran, Venkataraman; Tedjojuwono, Ken; Cattafesta, Louis; Nishida, Toshikazu; Sheplak, Mark

2004-01-01

This paper presents a geometric Moir optical-based floating-element shear stress sensor for wind tunnel turbulence measurements. The sensor was fabricated using an aligned wafer-bond/thin-back process producing optical gratings on the backside of a floating element and on the top surface of the support wafer. Measured results indicate a static sensitivity of 0.26 microns/Pa, a resonant frequency of 1.7 kHz, and a noise floor of 6.2 mPa/(square root)Hz.

Moiré phase-shifted fiber Bragg gratings in polymer optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Rui; Marques, Carlos; Bang, Ole; Ortega, Beatriz

2018-03-01

We demonstrate a simple way to fabricate phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating in polymer optical fibers as a narrowband transmission filter for a variety of applications at telecom wavelengths. The filters have been fabricated by overlapping two uniform fiber Bragg gratings with slightly different periods to create a Moiré grating with only two pulses (one pulse is 15 ns) of UV power. Experimental characterization of the filter is provided under different conditions where the strain and temperature sensitivities were measured.

Sex- and Size-Related Patterns of Carrion Visitation in Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera: Silphidae) and Creophilus maxillosus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

PubMed

Mądra-Bielewicz, Anna; Frątczak-Łagiewska, Katarzyna; Matuszewski, Szymon

2017-09-01

The estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) based on successional patterns of adult insects is largely limited, due to the lack of potential PMI markers. Sex and size of adult insects could be easily used for such estimation. In this study, sex- and size-related patterns of carrion attendance by adult insects were analyzed in Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera: Silphidae) and Creophilus maxillosus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). For both species, abundance of males and females changed similarly during decomposition. A slightly female-biased sex ratio was recorded in N. littoralis. Females of N. littoralis started visiting carcasses, on average, one day earlier than males. There was a rise in size of males of N. littoralis at the end of decomposition, whereas for females of both species and males of C. maxillosus, no size-related patterns of carrion visitation were found. Current results demonstrate that size and sex of adult carrion beetles are poor indicators of PMI. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

NIH Precision Medicine Initiative: Implications for Diabetes Research.

PubMed

Fradkin, Judith E; Hanlon, Mary C; Rodgers, Griffin P

2016-07-01

In his January 2015 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama announced a new Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) to personalize approaches toward improving health and treating disease (www.whitehouse.gov/precision-medicine). He stated that the goal of such an initiative was "to bring us closer to curing diseases like cancer and diabetes, and to give all of us access to the personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families healthier." Since that time, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has taken a leadership role in implementing the President's vision related to biomedical research (www.nih.gov/precisionmedicine). Here, we discuss the NIH component of the PMI, related ongoing diabetes research, and near-term research that could position the diabetes field to take full advantage of the opportunities that stem from the PMI. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

Immunodiagnosis of fascioliasis using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Fasciola gigantica paramyosin antigen

PubMed Central

Abou-Elhakam, Hany Mohamed Adel; Bauomy, Ibraheem Rabia; El Deeb, Somaya Osman; El Amir, Azza Mohamed

2013-01-01

Background: Many immunological techniques have been developed over years using the different Fasciola antigens for diagnosis of parasitic infection and to replace the parasitological techniques, which are time consuming and usually lack sensitivity and reproducibility. Materials and Methods: In this study, Fasciola gigantica paramyosin (Pmy) antigen was early detected in cattle sera using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to evaluate the Pmy antigen performance in diagnosis. This work was conducted on 135 cattle blood samples, which were classified according to parasitological investigation into, healthy control (30), fascioliasis (75), and other parasites (30) groups. Results: The sensitivity of Sandwich ELISA was 97.33%, and the specificity was 95%, in comparison with parasitological examination, which recorded 66.66% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively. Conclusions: It was clear that the native F. gigantica Pmy is considered as a powerful antigen in early immunodiagnosis of fascioliasis, using a highly sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA technique. PMID:23961441

Self-Assembled Peptide-Lanthanide Nanoclusters for Safe Tumor Therapy: Overcoming and Utilizing Biological Barriers to Peptide Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Yan, Jin; He, Wangxiao; Yan, Siqi; Niu, Fan; Liu, Tianya; Ma, Bohan; Shao, Yongping; Yan, Yuwei; Yang, Guang; Lu, Wuyuan; Du, Yaping; Lei, Bo; Ma, Peter X

2018-02-27

Developing a sophisticated nanomedicine platform to deliver therapeutics effectively and safely into tumor/cancer cells remains challenging in the field of nanomedicine. In particular, reliable peptide drug delivery systems capable of overcoming biological barriers are still lacking. Here, we developed a simple, rapid, and robust strategy to manufacture nanoclusters of ∼90 nm in diameter that are self-assembled from lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (5 nm), two anticancer peptides with different targets (BIM and PMI), and one cyclic peptide iNGR targeted to cancer cells. The peptide-lanthanide nanoclusters (LDC-PMI-BIM-iNGR) enhanced the resistance of peptide drugs to proteolysis, disassembled in response to reductive conditions that are present in the tumor microenvironment and inhibited cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Notably, LDC-PMI-BIM-iNGR exhibited extremely low systemic toxicity and side effects in vivo. Thus, the peptide-lanthanide nanocluster may serve as an ideal multifunctional platform for safe, targeted, and efficient peptide drug delivery in cancer therapy.

An accelerated photo-magnetic imaging reconstruction algorithm based on an analytical forward solution and a fast Jacobian assembly method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nouizi, F.; Erkol, H.; Luk, A.; Marks, M.; Unlu, M. B.; Gulsen, G.

2016-10-01

We previously introduced photo-magnetic imaging (PMI), an imaging technique that illuminates the medium under investigation with near-infrared light and measures the induced temperature increase using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT). Using a multiphysics solver combining photon migration and heat diffusion, PMI models the spatiotemporal distribution of temperature variation and recovers high resolution optical absorption images using these temperature maps. In this paper, we present a new fast non-iterative reconstruction algorithm for PMI. This new algorithm uses analytic methods during the resolution of the forward problem and the assembly of the sensitivity matrix. We validate our new analytic-based algorithm with the first generation finite element method (FEM) based reconstruction algorithm previously developed by our team. The validation is performed using, first synthetic data and afterwards, real MRT measured temperature maps. Our new method accelerates the reconstruction process 30-fold when compared to a single iteration of the FEM-based algorithm.

Influence of pectoralis minor and upper trapezius lengths on observable scapular dyskinesis.

PubMed

Yeşilyaprak, Sevgi Sevi; Yüksel, Ertuğrul; Kalkan, Serpil

2016-05-01

Although a relationship between short pectoralis minor and upper trapezius and scapular dyskinesis has been postulated, no studies have investigated this theory. Understanding the effect of these muscle lengths on observable scapular dyskinesis may aid in determining risks and therefore making treatment decisions. Being aware of the magnitude of this effect would help gauge the significance of risks involved. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of pectoralis minor and upper trapezius lengths on scapular dyskinesis. Cross-sectional study. University research laboratory. Asymptomatic participants (n = 148; 296 arms) were evaluated. Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) was used to identify scapular dyskinesis, Pectoralis Minor Index (PMI) and Upper Trapezius Length Testing were used to determine muscle length. SDT+ arms had shorter pectoralis minor resting length (PMI: 7.49 ± 0.38) (p < 0.001) and greater incidence of short upper trapezius (ISUT) (66.7%) (p < 0.001) compared to SDT- arms (PMI:8.58 ± 0.75, ISUT:22.5%). With each decrease in PMI, the likelihood of having scapular dyskinesis increased 96% (p < 0.001). Arms with short upper trapezius were 2.049 times more likely to exhibit scapular dyskinesis than those with normal length (p = 0.042). Having a shorter pectoralis minor and upper trapezius length substantially increased the likelihood of having visually observable scapular dyskinesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dating human skeletal remains using a radiometric method: biogenic versus diagenetic 90Sr and 210Pb in vertebrae.

PubMed

Schrag, Bettina; Uldin, Tanya; Mangin, Patrice; Froidevaux, Pascal

2012-07-10

In forensic science, there is a strong interest in determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human skeletal remains up to 50 years after death. Currently, there are no reliable methods to resolve PMI, the determination of which relies almost exclusively on the experience of the investigating expert. Here we measured (90)Sr and (210)Pb ((210)Po) incorporated into bones through a biogenic process as indicators of the time elapsed since death. We hypothesised that the activity of radionuclides incorporated into trabecular bone will more accurately match the activity in the environment and the food chain at the time of death than the activity in cortical bone because of a higher remodelling rate. We found that determining (90)Sr can yield reliable PMI estimates as long as a calibration curve exists for (90)Sr covering the studied area and the last 50 years. We also found that adding the activity of (210)Po, a proxy for naturally occurring (210)Pb incorporated through ingestion, to the (90)Sr dating increases the reliability of the PMI value. Our results also show that trabecular bone is subject to both (90)Sr and (210)Po diagenesis. Accordingly, we used a solubility profile method to determine the biogenic radionuclide only, and we are proposing a new method of bone decontamination to be used prior to (90)Sr and (210)Pb dating. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimising crime scene temperature collection for forensic entomology casework.

PubMed

Hofer, Ines M J; Hart, Andrew J; Martín-Vega, Daniel; Hall, Martin J R

2017-01-01

The value of minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) estimations in suspicious death investigations from insect evidence using temperature modelling is indisputable. In order to investigate the reliability of the collected temperature data used for modelling minPMI, it is necessary to study the effects of data logger location on the accuracy and precision of measurements. Digital data logging devices are the most commonly used temperature measuring devices in forensic entomology, however, the relationship between ambient temperatures (measured by loggers) and body temperatures has been little studied. The placement of loggers in this study in three locations (two outdoors, one indoors) had measurable effects when compared with actual body temperature measurements (simulated with pig heads), some more significant than others depending on season, exposure to the environment and logger location. Overall, the study demonstrated the complexity of the question of optimal logger placement at a crime scene and the potential impact of inaccurate temperature data on minPMI estimations, showing the importance of further research in this area and development of a standard protocol. Initial recommendations are provided for data logger placement (within a Stevenson Screen where practical), situations to avoid (e.g. placement of logger in front of windows when measuring indoor temperatures), and a baseline for further research into producing standard guidelines for logger placement, to increase the accuracy of minPMI estimations and, thereby, the reliability of forensic entomology evidence in court. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Smaller but denser: postmortem changes alter the CT characteristics of subdural hematomas.

PubMed

Berger, Nicole; Ebert, Lars C; Ampanozi, Garyfalia; Flach, Patricia M; Gascho, Dominic; Thali, Michael J; Ruder, Thomas D

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate if (1) the volume of subdural hematomas (SDH), midline shift, and CT density of subdural hematomas are altered by postmortem changes and (2) if these changes are dependent on the postmortem interval (PMI). Ante mortem computed tomography (AMCT) of the head was compared to corresponding postmortem CT (PMCT) in 19 adults with SDH. SDH volume, midline shift, and hematoma density were measured on both AMCT and PMCT and their differences assessed using Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test. Spearman's Rho Test was used to assess significant correlations between the PMI and the alterations of SDH volume, midline shift, and hematoma density. Mean time between last AMCT and PMCT was 109 h, mean PMI was 35 h. On PMCT mean midline displacement was decreased by 57% (p < 0.001); mean SDH volume was decreased by 38% (p < 0.001); and mean hematoma density was increased by 18% (p < 0.001) in comparison to AMCT. There was no correlation between the PMI and the normalization of the midline shift (p = 0.706), the reduction of SDH volume (p = 0.366), or the increase of hematoma density (p = 0.140). This study reveals that normal postmortem changes significantly affect the extent and imaging characteristics of subdural hematoma and may therefore affect the interpretation of these findings on PMCT. Radiologists and forensic pathologists who use PMCT must be aware of these phenomena in order to correctly interpret PMCT findings in cases of subdural hemorrhages.

Stress analysis and damage evaluation of flawed composite laminates by hybrid-numerical methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Yii-Ching

1992-01-01

Structural components in flight vehicles is often inherited flaws, such as microcracks, voids, holes, and delamination. These defects will degrade structures the same as that due to damages in service, such as impact, corrosion, and erosion. It is very important to know how a structural component can be useful and survive after these flaws and damages. To understand the behavior and limitation of these structural components researchers usually do experimental tests or theoretical analyses on structures with simulated flaws. However, neither approach has been completely successful. As Durelli states that 'Seldom does one method give a complete solution, with the most efficiency'. Examples of this principle is seen in photomechanics which additional strain-gage testing can only average stresses at locations of high concentration. On the other hand, theoretical analyses including numerical analyses are implemented with simplified assumptions which may not reflect actual boundary conditions. Hybrid-Numerical methods which combine photomechanics and numerical analysis have been used to correct this inefficiency since 1950's. But its application is limited until 1970's when modern computer codes became available. In recent years, researchers have enhanced the data obtained from photoelasticity, laser speckle, holography and moire' interferometry for input of finite element analysis on metals. Nevertheless, there is only few of literature being done on composite laminates. Therefore, this research is dedicated to this highly anisotropic material.

An evaluation of the Iosipescu specimen for composite materials shear property measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morton, J.; Ho, H.; Tsai, M. Y.; Farley, G. L.

1992-01-01

A detailed evaluation of the suitability of the Iosipescu specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture is presented. A linear finite element model of the specimen is used to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the vicinity of the notch, and demonstrate the effect of the nonuniform stress field upon strain gage measurements used for the determination of composite shear moduli. Based upon test results from graphite-epoxy laminates, the proximity of the load introduction point to the test section and the material orthotropy greatly influence the individual gage readings, however, shear modulus determination is not significantly affected by the lack of pure shear. Correction factors are needed to allow for the nonuniformity of the strain field and the use of the average shear stress in the shear modulus evaluation. The correction factors are determined for the region occupied by the strain gage rosette. A comparison of the strain gage readings from one surface of a specimen with corresponding data from moire interferometry on the opposite face documented an extreme sensitivity of some fiber orientations to eccentric loading which induced twisting and spurious shear stress-strain curves. The discovery of specimen twisting explains the apparently inconsistent shear property data found in the literature. Recommendations for improving the reliability and accuracy of the shear modulus values are made, and the implications for shear strength measurement discussed.

Multiple hot-carrier collection in photo-excited graphene Moiré superlattices

PubMed Central

Wu, Sanfeng; Wang, Lei; Lai, You; Shan, Wen-Yu; Aivazian, Grant; Zhang, Xian; Taniguchi, Takashi; Watanabe, Kenji; Xiao, Di; Dean, Cory; Hone, James; Li, Zhiqiang; Xu, Xiaodong

2016-01-01

In conventional light-harvesting devices, the absorption of a single photon only excites one electron, which sets the standard limit of power-conversion efficiency, such as the Shockley-Queisser limit. In principle, generating and harnessing multiple carriers per absorbed photon can improve efficiency and possibly overcome this limit. We report the observation of multiple hot-carrier collection in graphene/boron-nitride Moiré superlattice structures. A record-high zero-bias photoresponsivity of 0.3 A/W (equivalently, an external quantum efficiency exceeding 50%) is achieved using graphene’s photo-Nernst effect, which demonstrates a collection of at least five carriers per absorbed photon. We reveal that this effect arises from the enhanced Nernst coefficient through Lifshtiz transition at low-energy Van Hove singularities, which is an emergent phenomenon due to the formation of Moiré minibands. Our observation points to a new means for extremely efficient and flexible optoelectronics based on van der Waals heterostructures. PMID:27386538

Measurement of Strain and Stress Distributions in Structural Materials by Electron Moiré Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishimoto, Satoshi; Xing, Yougming; Tanaka, Yoshihisa; Kagawa, Yutaka

A method for measuring the strain and stress distributions in structural materials has been introduced. Fine model grids were fabricated by electron beam lithography, and an electron beam scan by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used as the master grid. Exposure of the electron beam scan onto the model grid in an SEM produced the electron beam moiré fringes of bright and dark parts caused by the different amounts of the secondary electrons per a primary electron. For demonstration, the micro-creep deformation of pure copper was observed. The creep strain distribution and the grain boundary sliding were analyzed. The residual strain and stress at the interface between a fiber and a matrix of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) were measured using the pushing-out test and this electron moiré method. Also, a non-uniform deformation around the boundary of 3-point bended laminated steel was observed and the strain distribution analyzed.

Indentation measurements on the eardrum with automated projection moiré profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buytaert, J. A. N.; Aernouts, J. E. F.; Dirckx, J. J. J.

2009-03-01

Computer modeling of middle ear mechanics is an important tool to investigate its complex behavior, but correct mechanical and elastic parameters are needed to obtain realistic simulations. A possible way to determine eardrum elasticity in situ is the use of point indentation measurements. The eardrum is, however, a small fragile membrane, so a non-contacting high-resolution technique is needed to measure the shape change caused by point indentation. We have developed a projection moiré interferometer combined with an indentation actuator and a high-resolution force sensor. The apparatus applies deformations up to 1 mm with a resolution of 1 μm, while the indentation force is measured with a resolution better than 1 mN. The moiré setup delivers height data on 512×512 points through phase-shifting, with a height resolution of 15 μm. Shape recordings are made on a rabbit eardrum at different indentation distances, and indentation force is recorded simultaneously.

Magic C60 islands forming due to moiré interference between islands and substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olyanich, D. A.; Mararov, V. V.; Utas, T. V.; Utas, O. A.; Gruznev, D. V.; Zotov, A. V.; Saranin, A. A.

2015-05-01

Recently proposed mechanism for self-organized formation of magic islands [Nat.Comm. 4(2013)1679] has received a new experimental confirmation. According to this mechanism, self-assembly is mediated by the moiré interference between an island and underlying substrate lattice. It was first detected at C60 island growth on In-adsorbed Si(111)√{ 3} ×√{ 3}-Au surface. Changing In adsorbate for Tl results in lowering the corrugations of the surface potential relief due to a greater surface metallization. This allows formation of the C60 arrays with novel moiré pattern. As a result, a new set of magic C60 islands is formed on Tl-adsorbed Au/Si(111) surface differing from that observed on In-adsorbed surface. For example, the 19-C60 magic island which has a non-compact boomerang shape on In-adsorbed Au/Si(111) surfaces adopts a shape of a regular hexagon on Tl-adsorbed surface.

Electron density and effective atomic number (Zeff) determination through x-ray Moiré deflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdivia Leiva, Maria Pia; Stutman, Dan; Finkenthal, Michael

2014-10-01

Talbot-Lau based Moiré deflectometry is a powerful density diagnostic capable of delivering refraction information and attenuation from a single image, through the accurate detection of X-ray phase-shift and intensity. The technique is able to accurately measure both the real part of the index of refraction δ (directly related to electron density) and the attenuation coefficient μ of an object placed in the x-ray beam. Since the atomic number Z (or Zeff for a composite sample) is proportional to these quantities, an elemental map of the effective atomic number can be obtained with the ratio of the phase and the absorption image. The determination of Zeff from refraction and attenuation measurements with Moiré deflectometry could be of high interest in various fields of HED research such as shocked materials and ICF experiments as Zeff is linked, by definition, to the x-ray absorption properties of a specific material. This work is supported by U.S. DoE/NNSA Grant No. 435 DENA0001835.

Assessing various Infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques for post-mortem interval evaluation of human skeletal remains.

PubMed

Woess, Claudia; Unterberger, Seraphin Hubert; Roider, Clemens; Ritsch-Marte, Monika; Pemberger, Nadin; Cemper-Kiesslich, Jan; Hatzer-Grubwieser, Petra; Parson, Walther; Pallua, Johannes Dominikus

2017-01-01

Due to the influence of many environmental processes, a precise determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is known to be very complicated. Although methods for the investigation of the PMI exist, there still remains much room for improvement. In this study the applicability of infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques such as reflection-, ATR- and Raman- microscopic imaging for the estimation of the PMI of human skeletal remains was tested. PMI specific features were identified and visualized by overlaying IR imaging data with morphological tissue structures obtained using light microscopy to differentiate between forensic and archaeological bone samples. ATR and reflection spectra revealed that a more prominent peak at 1042 cm-1 (an indicator for bone mineralization) was observable in archeological bone material when compared with forensic samples. Moreover, in the case of the archaeological bone material, a reduction in the levels of phospholipids, proteins, nucleic acid sugars, complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars was detectable at (reciprocal wavelengths/energies) between 3000 cm-1 to 2800 cm-1. Raman spectra illustrated a similar picture with less ν2PO43-at 450 cm-1 and ν4PO43- from 590 cm-1 to 584 cm-1, amide III at 1272 cm-1 and protein CH2 deformation at 1446 cm-1 in archeological bone material/samples/sources. A semi-quantitative determination of various distributions of biomolecules by chemi-maps of reflection- and ATR- methods revealed that there were less carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars in archaeological samples compared with forensic bone samples. Raman- microscopic imaging data showed a reduction in B-type carbonate and protein α-helices after a PMI of 3 years. The calculated mineral content ratio and the organic to mineral ratio displayed that the mineral content ratio increases, while the organic to mineral ratio decreases with time. Cluster-analyses of data from Raman microscopic imaging reconstructed histo-anatomical features in comparison to the light microscopic image and finally, by application of principal component analyses (PCA), it was possible to see a clear distinction between forensic and archaeological bone samples. Hence, the spectral characterization of inorganic and organic compounds by the afore mentioned techniques, followed by analyses such as multivariate imaging analysis (MIAs) and principal component analyses (PCA), appear to be suitable for the post mortem interval (PMI) estimation of human skeletal remains.

Assessing various Infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques for post-mortem interval evaluation of human skeletal remains

PubMed Central

Roider, Clemens; Ritsch-Marte, Monika; Pemberger, Nadin; Cemper-Kiesslich, Jan; Hatzer-Grubwieser, Petra; Parson, Walther; Pallua, Johannes Dominikus

2017-01-01

Due to the influence of many environmental processes, a precise determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is known to be very complicated. Although methods for the investigation of the PMI exist, there still remains much room for improvement. In this study the applicability of infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques such as reflection-, ATR- and Raman- microscopic imaging for the estimation of the PMI of human skeletal remains was tested. PMI specific features were identified and visualized by overlaying IR imaging data with morphological tissue structures obtained using light microscopy to differentiate between forensic and archaeological bone samples. ATR and reflection spectra revealed that a more prominent peak at 1042 cm-1 (an indicator for bone mineralization) was observable in archeological bone material when compared with forensic samples. Moreover, in the case of the archaeological bone material, a reduction in the levels of phospholipids, proteins, nucleic acid sugars, complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars was detectable at (reciprocal wavelengths/energies) between 3000 cm-1 to 2800 cm-1. Raman spectra illustrated a similar picture with less ν2PO43−at 450 cm-1 and ν4PO43− from 590 cm-1 to 584 cm-1, amide III at 1272 cm-1 and protein CH2 deformation at 1446 cm-1 in archeological bone material/samples/sources. A semi-quantitative determination of various distributions of biomolecules by chemi-maps of reflection- and ATR- methods revealed that there were less carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars in archaeological samples compared with forensic bone samples. Raman- microscopic imaging data showed a reduction in B-type carbonate and protein α-helices after a PMI of 3 years. The calculated mineral content ratio and the organic to mineral ratio displayed that the mineral content ratio increases, while the organic to mineral ratio decreases with time. Cluster-analyses of data from Raman microscopic imaging reconstructed histo-anatomical features in comparison to the light microscopic image and finally, by application of principal component analyses (PCA), it was possible to see a clear distinction between forensic and archaeological bone samples. Hence, the spectral characterization of inorganic and organic compounds by the afore mentioned techniques, followed by analyses such as multivariate imaging analysis (MIAs) and principal component analyses (PCA), appear to be suitable for the post mortem interval (PMI) estimation of human skeletal remains. PMID:28334006

Single-shot Z eff dense plasma diagnostic through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements with a Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer

DOE PAGES

Valdivia, M. P.; Stutman, D.; Finkenthal, M.

2015-03-23

The Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer is a powerful plasma diagnostic capable of delivering simultaneous refraction and attenuation information through the accurate detection of x-ray phase shift and intensity. The diagnostic can provide the index of refraction n=1₋δ + iβ of an object (dense plasma, for example) placed in the x-ray beam by independently measuring both δ and β, which are directly related to the electron density n e and the attenuation coefficient μ respectively. Since δ and β depend on the effective atomic number Z eff, a map can be obtained from the ratio between phase and absorption images acquiredmore » in a single shot. The Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer and its corresponding data acquisition and processing are briefly described to illustrate how the above is achieved; Z eff values of test objects within the 4₋12 range were obtained experimentally through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements. We show that Z eff mapping of objects does not require previous knowledge of sample length or shape. In conclusion, the determination of Z eff from refraction and attenuation measurements with moiré deflectometry could be of high interest to various domains of high energy density research, such as shocked materials and inertial confinement fusion experiments, as well as material science and nondestructive testing.« less

Single-shot Z eff dense plasma diagnostic through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements with a Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer

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

Valdivia, M. P.; Stutman, D.; Finkenthal, M.

The Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer is a powerful plasma diagnostic capable of delivering simultaneous refraction and attenuation information through the accurate detection of x-ray phase shift and intensity. The diagnostic can provide the index of refraction n=1₋δ + iβ of an object (dense plasma, for example) placed in the x-ray beam by independently measuring both δ and β, which are directly related to the electron density n e and the attenuation coefficient μ respectively. Since δ and β depend on the effective atomic number Z eff, a map can be obtained from the ratio between phase and absorption images acquiredmore » in a single shot. The Talbot–Lau x-ray moiré deflectometer and its corresponding data acquisition and processing are briefly described to illustrate how the above is achieved; Z eff values of test objects within the 4₋12 range were obtained experimentally through simultaneous refraction and attenuation measurements. We show that Z eff mapping of objects does not require previous knowledge of sample length or shape. In conclusion, the determination of Z eff from refraction and attenuation measurements with moiré deflectometry could be of high interest to various domains of high energy density research, such as shocked materials and inertial confinement fusion experiments, as well as material science and nondestructive testing.« less

Early Career. Harnessing nanotechnology for fusion plasma-material interface research in an in-situ particle-surface interaction facility

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

Allain, Jean Paul

2014-08-08

This project consisted of fundamental and applied research of advanced in-situ particle-beam interactions with surfaces/interfaces to discover novel materials able to tolerate intense conditions at the plasma-material interface (PMI) in future fusion burning plasma devices. The project established a novel facility that is capable of not only characterizing new fusion nanomaterials but, more importantly probing and manipulating materials at the nanoscale while performing subsequent single-effect in-situ testing of their performance under simulated environments in fusion PMI.

Temperature-insensitive refractive index sensor based on tilted moiré FBG with high resolution.

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Liu, Kun; Jiang, Junfeng; Xue, Meng; Chang, Pengxiang; Liu, Tiegen

2017-06-26

We proposed and fabricated a tilted moiré FBG (TMFBG), whose grating section was made up of two consecutive scribed TFBGs. By adjusting the Bragg wavelengths and the tilt angles of the two TFBGs, the two cladding mode combs of the transmission spectrum are non-overlapped. When the TMFBG was used for refractive index detection, its resolution can reach 2 × 10 -7 RIU, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of a single TFBG. And this result also has a good performance of temperature-insensitivity.

Evaluation of GMI and PMI diffeomorphic‐based demons algorithms for aligning PET and CT Images

PubMed Central

Yang, Juan; Zhang, You; Yin, Yong

2015-01-01

Fusion of anatomic information in computed tomography (CT) and functional information in F18‐FDG positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial for accurate differentiation of tumor from benign masses, designing radiotherapy treatment plan and staging of cancer. Although current PET and CT images can be acquired from combined F18‐FDG PET/CT scanner, the two acquisitions are scanned separately and take a long time, which may induce potential positional errors in global and local caused by respiratory motion or organ peristalsis. So registration (alignment) of whole‐body PET and CT images is a prerequisite for their meaningful fusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of two multimodal registration algorithms for aligning PET and CT images. The proposed gradient of mutual information (GMI)‐based demons algorithm, which incorporated the GMI between two images as an external force to facilitate the alignment, was compared with the point‐wise mutual information (PMI) diffeomorphic‐based demons algorithm whose external force was modified by replacing the image intensity difference in diffeomorphic demons algorithm with the PMI to make it appropriate for multimodal image registration. Eight patients with esophageal cancer(s) were enrolled in this IRB‐approved study. Whole‐body PET and CT images were acquired from a combined F18‐FDG PET/CT scanner for each patient. The modified Hausdorff distance (dMH) was used to evaluate the registration accuracy of the two algorithms. Of all patients, the mean values and standard deviations (SDs) of dMH were 6.65 (± 1.90) voxels and 6.01 (± 1.90) after the GMI‐based demons and the PMI diffeomorphic‐based demons registration algorithms respectively. Preliminary results on oncological patients showed that the respiratory motion and organ peristalsis in PET/CT esophageal images could not be neglected, although a combined F18‐FDG PET/CT scanner was used for image acquisition. The PMI diffeomorphic‐based demons algorithm was more accurate than the GMI‐based demons algorithm in registering PET/CT esophageal images. PACS numbers: 87.57.nj, 87.57. Q‐, 87.57.uk PMID:26218993

Evaluation of GMI and PMI diffeomorphic-based demons algorithms for aligning PET and CT Images.

PubMed

Yang, Juan; Wang, Hongjun; Zhang, You; Yin, Yong

2015-07-08

Fusion of anatomic information in computed tomography (CT) and functional information in 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial for accurate differentiation of tumor from benign masses, designing radiotherapy treatment plan and staging of cancer. Although current PET and CT images can be acquired from combined 18F-FDG PET/CT scanner, the two acquisitions are scanned separately and take a long time, which may induce potential positional errors in global and local caused by respiratory motion or organ peristalsis. So registration (alignment) of whole-body PET and CT images is a prerequisite for their meaningful fusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of two multimodal registration algorithms for aligning PET and CT images. The proposed gradient of mutual information (GMI)-based demons algorithm, which incorporated the GMI between two images as an external force to facilitate the alignment, was compared with the point-wise mutual information (PMI) diffeomorphic-based demons algorithm whose external force was modified by replacing the image intensity difference in diffeomorphic demons algorithm with the PMI to make it appropriate for multimodal image registration. Eight patients with esophageal cancer(s) were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. Whole-body PET and CT images were acquired from a combined 18F-FDG PET/CT scanner for each patient. The modified Hausdorff distance (d(MH)) was used to evaluate the registration accuracy of the two algorithms. Of all patients, the mean values and standard deviations (SDs) of d(MH) were 6.65 (± 1.90) voxels and 6.01 (± 1.90) after the GMI-based demons and the PMI diffeomorphic-based demons registration algorithms respectively. Preliminary results on oncological patients showed that the respiratory motion and organ peristalsis in PET/CT esophageal images could not be neglected, although a combined 18F-FDG PET/CT scanner was used for image acquisition. The PMI diffeomorphic-based demons algorithm was more accurate than the GMI-based demons algorithm in registering PET/CT esophageal images.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia predict post-liver transplantation outcomes independently of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score.

PubMed

Kalafateli, Maria; Mantzoukis, Konstantinos; Choi Yau, Yan; Mohammad, Ali O; Arora, Simran; Rodrigues, Susana; de Vos, Marie; Papadimitriou, Kassiani; Thorburn, Douglas; O'Beirne, James; Patch, David; Pinzani, Massimo; Morgan, Marsha Y; Agarwal, Banwari; Yu, Dominic; Burroughs, Andrew K; Tsochatzis, Emmanuel A

2017-02-01

Although malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent in cirrhosis, their impact on outcomes following liver transplantation is not well documented. The associations of nutritional status and sarcopenia with post-transplant infections, requirement for mechanical ventilation, intensive care (ICU) and hospital stay, and 1 year mortality were assessed in 232 consecutive transplant recipients. Nutritional status and sarcopenia were assessed using the Royal Free Hospital-Global Assessment (RFH-GA) tool and the L3-psoas muscle index (L3-PMI) on CT, respectively. A wide range of RFH-SGA and L3-PMI were observed within similar Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) sub-categories. Malnutrition and sarcopenia were independent predictors of all outcomes. Post-transplant infections were associated with MELD (OR = 1.055, 95%CI = 1.002-1.11) and severe malnutrition (OR = 6.55, 95%CI = 1.99-21.5); ventilation > 24 h with MELD (OR = 1.1, 95%CI = 1.036-1.168), severe malnutrition (OR = 8.5, 95%CI = 1.48-48.87) and suboptimal donor liver (OR = 2.326, 95%CI = 1.056-5.12); ICU stay > 5 days, with age (OR = 1.054, 95%CI = 1.004-1.106), MELD (OR = 1.137, 95%CI = 1.057-1.223) and severe malnutrition (OR = 7.46, 95%CI = 1.57-35.43); hospital stay > 20 days with male sex (OR = 2.107, 95%CI = 1.004-4.419) and L3-PMI (OR = 0.996, 95%CI = 0.994-0.999); 1 year mortality with L3-PMI (OR = 0.996, 95%CI = 0.992-0.999). Patients at the lowest L3-PMI receiving suboptimal grafts had longer ICU/hospital stay and higher incidence of infections. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are associated with early post-liver transplant morbidity/mortality. Allocation indices do not include nutritional status and may jeopardize outcomes in nutritionally compromised individuals.

Remnant cholesterol predicts periprocedural myocardial injury following percutaneous coronary intervention in poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Zeng, Rui-Xiang; Li, Sha; Zhang, Min-Zhou; Li, Xiao-Lin; Zhu, Cheng-Gang; Guo, Yuan-Lin; Zhang, Yan; Li, Jian-Jun

2017-08-01

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is receiving increasing attention regarding its relation to cardiovascular risk. Whether RC is associated with periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is currently unknown. We prospectively enrolled 1182 consecutive T2D patients who were scheduled for PCI but with baseline normal preprocedural cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Patients were divided according to their glycemic control status: group A [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)<7%, n=563] and group B (HbA1c≥7%, n=619). PMI was evaluated by cTnI analysis within 24h. The associations of preprocedural RC and the RC to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (RC/HDL-C) with PMI were investigated. The associations of RC and RC/HDL-C with PMI were observed in group B (both p<0.05) but not in group A (both p>0.05). Patients in group B, a 1-SD increase of RC produced 30% and 32% increased risk for postprocedural cTnI>3× upper limit of normal (ULN) and >5×ULN, respectively. The odds ratios for RC/HDL-C were the highest compared with any cholesterol fractions including total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, nonHDL-C/HDL-C, and triglyceride/HDL-C with 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.88] for >3× ULN and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.13-1.97) for >5× ULN. However, no such associations were found in group A. Furthermore, patients with RC >27.46mg/dL (third tertile) [RC≤14.15mg/dL (first tertile) as reference] were associated with a 1.57-fold and 2-fold increased risk for >3× ULN and >5× ULN in group B, respectively. RC and RC/HDL-C might be valuable, independent predictors for PMI in poorly-controlled diabetic patients undergoing PCI. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparison of 3 airway access techniques during suspected spine injury management in American football.

PubMed

Toler, Julianne D; Petschauer, Meredith A; Mihalik, Jason P; Oyama, Sakiko; Halverson, S Doug; Guskiewicz, Kevin M

2010-03-01

To determine how head movement and time to access airway were affected by 3 emergency airway access techniques used in American football. Prospective counterbalanced design. University research laboratory. Eighteen certified athletic trainers (ATCs) and 18 noncertified students (NCSs). Each participant performed 1 trial of each of the 3 after airway access techniques: quick release mechanism (QRM), cordless screwdriver (CSD), and pocket mask insertion (PMI). Time to task completion in seconds, head movement in each plane (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), maximum head movement in each plane, helmet movement in each plane, and maximum helmet movement in each plane. We observed a significant difference between all 3 techniques with respect to time required to achieve airway access (F(2,68) = 263.88; P < 0.001). The PMI allowed for the quickest access followed by the QRM and CSD techniques, respectively. The PMI technique also resulted in significantly less head movement (F(2,68) = 9.06; P = 0.001) and less maximum head movement (F(2,68) = 13.84; P < 0.001) in the frontal plane compared with the QRM and CSD techniques. The PMI technique should be used to gain rapid airway access when managing a football athlete experiencing respiratory arrest in the presence of a suspected cervical spine injury. In the event the athlete does not present with respiratory arrest, the facemask may be removed carefully with a pocket mask ready. Medical professionals must be familiar with differences in equipment and the effects these may have on the management of the spine-injured athlete.

A theoretical investigation on Cu/Ag/Au bonding in XH2P⋯MY(X = H, CH3, F, CN, NO2; M = Cu, Ag, Au; Y = F, Cl, Br, I) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaoxu; Liu, Yi; Zheng, Baishu; Zhou, Fengxiang; Jiao, Yinchun; Liu, Yuan; Ding, XunLei; Lu, Tian

2018-05-01

Intermolecular interaction of XH2P...MY (X = H, CH3, F, CN, NO2; M = Cu, Ag, Au; Y = F, Cl, Br, I) complexes was investigated by means of an ab initio method. The molecular interaction energies are in the order Ag < Cu < Au and increased with the decrease of RP...M. Interaction energies are strengthened when electron-donating substituents X connected to XH2P, while electron-withdrawing substituents produce the opposite effect. The strongest P...M bond was found in CH3H2P...AuF with -70.95 kcal/mol, while the weakest one was found in NO2H2P...AgI with -20.45 kcal/mol. The three-center/four-electron (3c/4e) resonance-type of P:-M-:Y hyperbond was recognized by the natural resonance theory and the natural bond orbital analysis. The competition of P:M-Y ↔ P-M:Y resonance structures mainly arises from hyperconjugation interactions; the bond order of bP-M and bM-Y is in line with the conservation of the idealized relationship bP-M + bM-Y ≈ 1. In all MF-containing complexes, P-M:F resonance accounted for a larger proportion which leads to the covalent characters for partial ionicity of MF. The interaction energies of these Cu/Ag/Au complexes are basically above the characteristic values of the halogen-bond complexes and close to the observed strong hydrogen bonds in ionic hydrogen-bonded species.

Reference evapotranspiration forecasting based on local meteorological and global climate information screened by partial mutual information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Wei; Huang, Shengzhi; Huang, Qiang; Huang, Guohe; Meng, Erhao; Luan, Jinkai

2018-06-01

In this study, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) forecasting models are developed for the least economically developed regions subject to meteorological data scarcity. Firstly, the partial mutual information (PMI) capable of capturing the linear and nonlinear dependence is investigated regarding its utility to identify relevant predictors and exclude those that are redundant through the comparison with partial linear correlation. An efficient input selection technique is crucial for decreasing model data requirements. Then, the interconnection between global climate indices and regional ET0 is identified. Relevant climatic indices are introduced as additional predictors to comprise information regarding ET0, which ought to be provided by meteorological data unavailable. The case study in the Jing River and Beiluo River basins, China, reveals that PMI outperforms the partial linear correlation in excluding the redundant information, favouring the yield of smaller predictor sets. The teleconnection analysis identifies the correlation between Nino 1 + 2 and regional ET0, indicating influences of ENSO events on the evapotranspiration process in the study area. Furthermore, introducing Nino 1 + 2 as predictors helps to yield more accurate ET0 forecasts. A model performance comparison also shows that non-linear stochastic models (SVR or RF with input selection through PMI) do not always outperform linear models (MLR with inputs screen by linear correlation). However, the former can offer quite comparable performance depending on smaller predictor sets. Therefore, efforts such as screening model inputs through PMI and incorporating global climatic indices interconnected with ET0 can benefit the development of ET0 forecasting models suitable for data-scarce regions.

Non-conjugated, phenyl assisted coupling in through bond electron transfer in a perylenemonoimide-triphenylamine system.

PubMed

Bell, Toby D M; Stefan, Alina; Lemaur, Vincent; Bernhardt, Stefan; Müllen, Klaus; Cornil, Jérôme; Beljonne, David; Hofkens, Johan; Van der Auweraer, Mark; De Schryver, Frans C

2007-04-01

Two donor-bridge-acceptor compounds containing triphenylamine (TPA) donors and perylenemonoimide (PMI) acceptors have been studied by spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical computation. Both systems have been observed to emit prompt and delayed fluorescence under certain conditions indicating that forward and reverse electron transfer (ET) processes can occur between the locally excited and the charge separated states. The experimental and computational results show that the TPA and PMI chromophores are better coupled by almost 50% in the meta isomers which undergo ET more readily than the para isomers. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that this unexpected situation is the result of a phenyl group on the side of the bridge being advantageously positioned in the meta isomers. This leads to more extensive delocalisation of the TPA HOMO into the bridge enhancing the total through bond electronic coupling between the TPA and PMI chromophores. The calculations also indicate a strong angle dependence of the total coupling in both isomers. The experimental results are discussed in the context of the high temperature limit of Marcus's theory of non-adiabatic ET.

Microbial communities associated with human decomposition and their potential use as postmortem clocks.

PubMed

Finley, Sheree J; Benbow, M Eric; Javan, Gulnaz T

2015-05-01

Most forensic research that is used to better understand how to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) entails the study of the physiochemical characteristics of decomposition and the effects that environmental factors have on the decomposition process. Forensic entomology exploits the life cycles of arthropods like Diptera (blow flies or flesh flies) and Coleoptera (beetles) deposited on the decaying carcass to determine PMI. Forensic taphonomy, from the Greek word taphos meaning burial, studies the creation of the fossils of decomposed cadavers to ascertain information as to the nature and time of death. Compared to other areas of taphonomy, there have been relatively few forensic science studies that have investigated the impact of human decomposition on the microbial changes occurring on or in a corpse or in the soil communities underneath a body. Such research may facilitate the critical determination of PMI. Therefore, the scope of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current progress in the newly emerging field of microbial diversity and the next-generation metagenomic sequencing approaches for assessing these communities in humans and in the soil beneath decomposing human.

Probing electric and magnetic fields with a Moiré deflectometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lansonneur, P.; Bräunig, P.; Demetrio, A.; Müller, S. R.; Nedelec, P.; Oberthaler, M. K.

2017-08-01

A new contact-free approach for measuring simultaneously electric and magnetic field is reported, which considers the use of a low energy ion source, a set of three transmission gratings and a position sensitive detector. Recently tested with antiprotons (Aghion et al., 2014) [1] at the CERN Antiproton Decelerator facility, this paper extends the proof of principle of a moiré deflectometer (Oberthaler et al., 1996) [2] for distinguishing electric from magnetic fields and opens the route to precision measurements when one is not limited by the ion source intensity. The apparatus presented, whose resolution is mainly limited by the shot noise is able to measure fields as low as 9 mVm-1 Hz-1/2 for electric component and 100 μG Hz-1/2 for the magnetic component. Scaled to 100 nm pitch for the gratings, accessible with current state-of-the-art technology [3], the moiré fieldmeter would be able to measure fields as low as 22 μVm-1 Hz-1/2 and 0.2 μG Hz-1/2.

Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of a portable holographic moire camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Bhat, G.; Shao, Y.

Electronic holographic moire is utilized to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A CW laser operating at 50 mW and at the wavelength of 632.8 nm is used to illuminate the objects under study. The main variables influencing the fringe patterns visibility are discussed and measurements are performed to obtain the values of these variables in the performed experiments. The coefficient of expansion of an alloy is measured at temperatures ranging from 797 C to 986 C. Excellent agreement is found between the measured values and those provided by the manufacturer.

Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of a portable holographic moire camera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Bhat, G.; Shao, Y.

1989-01-01

Electronic holographic moire is utilized to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A CW laser operating at 50 mW and at the wavelength of 632.8 nm is used to illuminate the objects under study. The main variables influencing the fringe patterns visibility are discussed and measurements are performed to obtain the values of these variables in the performed experiments. The coefficient of expansion of an alloy is measured at temperatures ranging from 797 C to 986 C. Excellent agreement is found between the measured values and those provided by the manufacturer.

Radioactive isotope analyses of skeletal materials in forensic science: a review of uses and potential uses.

PubMed

Cook, Gordon T; MacKenzie, Angus B

2014-07-01

A review of information that can be provided from measurements made on natural and anthropogenic radionuclide activities in human skeletal remains has been undertaken to establish what reliable information of forensic anthropological use can be obtained regarding years of birth and death (and hence post-mortem interval (PMI)). Of the anthropogenic radionuclides that have entered the environment, radiocarbon ((14)C) can currently be used to generate the most useful and reliable information. Measurements on single bones can indicate whether or not the person died during the nuclear era, while recent research suggests that measurements on trabecular bone may, depending on the chronological age of the remains, provide estimates of year of death and hence PMI. Additionally, (14)C measurements made on different components of single teeth or on teeth formed at different times can provide estimates of year of birth to within 1-2 years of the true year. Of the other anthropogenic radionuclides, (90)Sr shows some promise but there are problems of (1) variations in activities between individuals, (2) relatively large analytical uncertainties and (3) diagenetic contamination. With respect to natural series radionuclides, it is concluded that there is no convincing evidence that (210)Pb dating can be used in a rigorous, quantitative fashion to establish a PMI. Similarly, for daughter/parent pairs such as (210)Po/(210)Pb (from the (238)U decay series) and (228)Th/(228)Ra (from the (232)Th decay series), the combination of analytical uncertainty and uncertainty in activity ratios at the point of death inevitably results in major uncertainty in any estimate of PMI. However, observation of the disequilibrium between these two daughter/parent pairs could potentially be used in a qualitative way to support other forensic evidence.

Improvement of post-thaw sperm survivals using liquid nitrogen vapor in a spermcasting oyster Ostrea angasi.

PubMed

Hassan, Md Mahbubul; Li, Xiaoxu; Qin, Jian G

2017-10-01

Low survival of cryopreserved sperm impedes the application of cryopreservation technique in spermcasting oyster species. This study developed a simple method of liquid nitrogen vapor freezing to improve post-thaw sperm survival in the spermcasting oyster Ostrea angasi. The results indicate that the permeable cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) were non-toxic to sperm up to 20% concentration and 90 min exposure whereas methanol at 10% or higher was toxic to sperm for any exposure over 30 min. Among the treatments with permeable cryoprotectants, 15% EG produced the highest post-thaw sperm motility. Sperm motility was further improved by the addition of non-permeable cryoprotectants (trehalose and glucose), with 15% EG + 0.2 M trehalose resulting in the highest post-thaw sperm motility among all the combinations evaluated. The durations of 20, 30 and 60 min equilibrations produced a higher post-thaw sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) than 10 min. Higher post-thaw motility and PMI were achieved by freezing sperm at the 8 cm height from the liquid nitrogen surface than at the 2, 4, 6, 10 or 12 cm height. Holding sperm for 10 min in liquid nitrogen vapor produced higher post-thaw motility and PMI than for 2, 5 or 20 min. The cryopreservation protocol developed in this study improved both post-thaw motility and PMI of O. angasi sperm at least 15% higher than those cryopreserved using programmable freezing method. Liquid nitrogen vapor freezing might have greater applicability in improving post-thaw sperm quality of spermcasting oyster species. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design and Rationale for the Endothelin-1 Receptor Antagonism in the Prevention of Microvascular Injury in Patients with non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (ENDORA-PCI) Trial.

PubMed

Liou, Kevin; Jepson, Nigel; Buckley, Nicolas; Chen, Vivien; Thomas, Shane; Russell, Elizabeth Anne; Ooi, Sze-Yuan

2016-04-01

Peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) occurs in a small but significant portion of patients undergoing percutaneous intervention (PCI). The underlying mechanisms are complex and may include neurohormonal activation and release of vasoactive substances resulting in disruption of the coronary microcirculation. Endothelin in particular has been found in abundance in atherosclerotic plaques and in systemic circulation following PCI, and may be a potential culprit for PMI through its action on microvascular vasoconstriction, and platelet and neutrophil activation. In this study we aim to characterize the behavior of the coronary microcirculation during a PCI with the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and the effect of peri-procedural endothelin antagonism. The ENDORA-PCI trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of endothelin antagonism in attenuating the peri-procedural rise in IMR as a surrogate marker for PMI. The patients of interest are those with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) undergoing PCI, and we aim to recruit 52 patients overall to give the study a power of 80 % at an α level of 5 %. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either Ambrisentan, an endothelin antagonist, or placebo, prior to their PCI. IMR will be measured before and after PCI. The primary endpoint is the difference in peri-procedural changes in patients' IMR between the two groups. The ENDORA-PCI study will investigate whether endothelin antagonism with Ambrisentan attenuates the peri-procedural rise in IMR in patients with NSTEACS undergoing PCI, and thus potentially the risk of PMI.

Bovine epididymal spermatozoa: Resistance to cryopreservation and binding ability to oviductal cells.

PubMed

Cunha, A T M; Carvalho, J O; Kussano, N R; Martins, C F; Mourão, G B; Dode, M A N

2016-12-01

In this study we examined quality, longevity and ability of epididymal sperm (EP) to bind to oviduct explants (OE) after cooling and cryopreservation. Ejaculated (EJ) and EP sperm from seven bulls were evaluated before, during and after cryopreservation for total (TM), progressive motility (PM), sperm morphology, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosome integrity (ACI). For longevity, cryopreserved EP, EJ and a third group of cells in which EP spermatozoa were incubated with seminal plasm (SP) for 10 min after thawing (EPP group), were compared, and the groups were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, and 24 h for all parameters. Sperm from each group were co-incubated with OE for 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h for binding evaluation. Data were analyzed by the generalized linear models SAS 9.1 (P < 0.05). After cooling, EP displayed higher TM, higher PMI, and higher ACI (P < 0.05) than EJ. No differences were noted in the percentage of spermatozoa with PMI and AI between EJ and EP for fresh, cooled or cryopreserved sperm. However, a reduction in motility occurred in the EJ sperm after cooling, while in EP group such reduction occurred only after cryopreservation. At 6 h of incubation EP and EPP had higher PMI and ACI than EJ (P < 0.05). The number of spermatozoa bound to OE was similar P > 0.05) for all groups either at 30 min or 24 h. We conclude that EP are more resistant to cooling than EJ, and can bind to OE similarly to EJ. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of cyclosporin-A on peri-operative myocardial injury in adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomised controlled clinical trial

PubMed Central

Hausenloy, DJ; Kunst, G; Boston-Griffiths, E; Kolvekar, S; Chaubey, S; John, L; Desai, J; Yellon, DM

2014-01-01

Objective Cyclosporin-A (CsA) has been reported to reduce myocardial infarct size in both the experimental and clinical settings. This protective effect is dependent on its ability to prevent the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, a critical determinant of cell death in the setting of acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Whether CsA can reduce the extent of peri-operative myocardial injury (PMI) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is unknown, and is investigated in this randomised controlled clinical trial. Methods 78 adult patients undergoing elective CABG surgery were randomised to receive either an intravenous bolus of CsA (2.5 mg/kg) or placebo administered after induction of anaesthesia and prior to sternotomy. PMI was assessed by measuring serum cardiac enzymes, troponin T (cTnT) and CK-MB at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Results There was no significant difference in mean peak cTnT levels between control (n=43) and CsA treatment (n=40) patients (0.56±0.06 ng/mL with control vs 0.35±0.05 ng/mL with CsA; p=0.07). However, in higher-risk patients with longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, there was a significant reduction in PMI with CsA therapy (p=0.049), with a reduced postoperative cTnT rise by 0.03 ng/mL for every 10 min, when compared with control. Conclusions In patients with longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, a single intravenous bolus of CsA administered prior to CABG surgery reduced the extent of PMI. PMID:24488610

Determination of the post mortem interval in skeletal remains by the comparative use of different physico-chemical methods: Are they reliable as an alternative to 14C?

PubMed

Amadasi, Alberto; Cappella, Annalisa; Cattaneo, Cristina; Cofrancesco, Pacifico; Cucca, Lucia; Merli, Daniele; Milanese, Chiara; Pinto, Andrea; Profumo, Antonella; Scarpulla, Valentina; Sguazza, Emanuela

2017-05-01

The determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is a challenging aspect in the forensic field. Previous studies focused their attention on different macroscopic and morphological aspects but a thorough and complete evaluation of the potential of chemical and physical analyses in this field of research has not been performed. In addition to luminol test and Oxford histology index (OHI) reported in a recent paper, widely spread and accessible methods based on physical aspect and chemical characteristics of skeletal remains have been investigated as potential alternatives to dating by determination of 14 C. The investigation was performed on a total of 24 archeological and forensic bone samples with known PMI, with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma quadruple mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the feasibility of such alternative methods was discussed. Some results such as carbonates/phosphates ratio from FT-IR, the amounts of organic and inorganic matter by EDX, crystallite sizes with XRPD, and surface morphology obtained by SEM, showed significant trends along with PMI. Though, from a chemical point of view cut-off values and gold-standard methods still present challenges, and rather different techniques together can provide useful information toward the assessment of the PMI of skeletal remains. It is however clear that in a hypothetical flowchart those methods may be placed practically at the same level and a choice should always consider the evaluation of results by each technique, execution times and a costs/benefits relationship. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Defending strong tobacco packaging and labelling regulations in Uruguay: transnational tobacco control network versus Philip Morris International.

PubMed

Crosbie, Eric; Sosa, Particia; Glantz, Stanton A

2018-03-01

Describe the process of enacting and defending strong tobacco packaging and labelling regulations in Uruguay amid Philip Morris International's (PMI) legal threats and challenges. Triangulated government legislation, news sources and interviews with policy-makers and health advocates in Uruguay. In 2008 and 2009, the Uruguayan government enacted at the time the world's largest pictorial health warning labels (80% of front and back of package) and prohibited different packaging or presentations for cigarettes sold under a given brand. PMI threatened to sue Uruguay in international courts if these policies were implemented. The Vazquez administration maintained the regulations, but a week prior to President Vazquez's successor, President Mujica, took office on 1 March 2010 PMI announced its intention to file an investment arbitration dispute against Uruguay in the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Initially, the Mujica administration announced it would weaken the regulations to avoid litigation. In response, local public health groups in Uruguay enlisted former President Vazquez and international health groups and served as brokers to develop a collaboration with the Mujica administration to defend the regulations. This united front between the Uruguayan government and the transnational tobacco control network paid off when Uruguay defeated PMI's investment dispute in July 2016. To replicate Uruguay's success, other countries need to recognise that strong political support, an actively engaged local civil society and financial and technical support are important factors in overcoming tobacco industry's legal threats to defend strong public health regulations. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Identification of Forensically Important Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae Species Collected in Korea Using SNaPshot Multiplex System Targeting the Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I Gene

PubMed Central

Park, Ji Hye

2018-01-01

Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is paramount in modern forensic investigation. After the disappearance of the early postmortem phenomena conventionally used to estimate PMI, entomologic evidence provides important indicators for PMI estimation. The age of the oldest fly larvae or pupae can be estimated to pinpoint the time of oviposition, which is considered the minimum PMI (PMImin). The development rate of insects is usually temperature dependent and species specific. Therefore, species identification is mandatory for PMImin estimation using entomological evidence. The classical morphological identification method cannot be applied when specimens are damaged or have not yet matured. To overcome this limitation, some investigators employ molecular identification using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) nucleotide sequences. The molecular identification method commonly uses Sanger's nucleotide sequencing and molecular phylogeny, which are complex and time consuming and constitute another obstacle for forensic investigators. In this study, instead of using conventional Sanger's nucleotide sequencing, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COI gene region, which are unique between fly species, were selected and targeted for single-base extension (SBE) technology. These SNPs were genotyped using a SNaPshot® kit. Eleven Calliphoridae and seven Sarcophagidae species were covered. To validate this genotyping, fly DNA samples (103 adults, 84 larvae, and 4 pupae) previously confirmed by DNA barcoding were used. This method worked quickly with minimal DNA, providing a potential alternative to conventional DNA barcoding. Consisting of only a few simple electropherogram peaks, the results were more straightforward compared with those of the conventional DNA barcoding produced by Sanger's nucleotide sequencing. PMID:29682531

Inspection of arterial-induced skin vibration by Moire fringe with two-dimensional continuous wavelet transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chun-Hsiung; Chiu, Shih-Yung; Hsu, Yu-Hsiang; Lee, Shu-Sheng; Lee, Chih-Kung

2017-06-01

A non-contact arterial-induced skin vibration inspection system is implemented. This optical metrology system is constructed with shadow Moiré configuration and the fringe analysis algorithm. Developed with the Region of Interested (ROI) capturing technique and the Two-dimensional Wavelet Transform (2D-CWT) method, this algorithm is able to retrieve the height-correlated phase information from the shadow Moiré fringe patterns. Using a commercial video camera or a CMOS image sensor, this system could monitor the skin-vibration induced by the cyclic deformation of inner layered artery. The cross-sectional variation and the rhythm of heart cycle could be continuously measured for health monitoring purposes. The average vibration amplitude of the artery at the wrist ranges between 20 μm and 50 μm, which is quite subtle comparing with the skin surface structure. Having the non-stationary motion of human body, the traditional phase shifting (PS) technique can be very unstable due to the requirement of several frames of images, especially for case that artery is continuously pumping. To bypass this fundamental issue, the shadow Moiré technique is introduced to enhance the surface deformation characteristic. And the phase information is retrieved by the means of spectrum filtering instead of PS technique, which the phase is calculated from intensity maps of multiple images. The instantaneous surface can therefore be reconstructed individually from each frame, enabling the subtle arterial-induced skin vibration measurement. The comparative results of phase reconstruction between different fringe analysis algorithms will be demonstrated numerically and experimentally. And the electrocardiography (ECG) results will used as the reference for the validity of health monitoring potential of the non-contact arterial-induced skin vibration inspection system.

Calibration of misalignment errors in the non-null interferometry based on reverse iteration optimization algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinmu; Hao, Qun; Hu, Yao; Wang, Shaopu; Ning, Yan; Li, Tengfei; Chen, Shufen

2017-10-01

With no necessity of compensating the whole aberration introduced by the aspheric surfaces, non-null test has the advantage over null test in applicability. However, retrace error, which is brought by the path difference between the rays reflected from the surface under test (SUT) and the incident rays, is introduced into the measurement and makes up of the residual wavefront aberrations (RWAs) along with surface figure error (SFE), misalignment error and other influences. Being difficult to separate from RWAs, the misalignment error may remain after measurement and it is hard to identify whether it is removed or not. It is a primary task to study the removal of misalignment error. A brief demonstration of digital Moiré interferometric technique is presented and a calibration method for misalignment error on the basis of reverse iteration optimization (RIO) algorithm in non-null test method is addressed. The proposed method operates mostly in the virtual system, and requires no accurate adjustment in the real interferometer, which is of significant advantage in reducing the errors brought by repeating complicated manual adjustment, furthermore improving the accuracy of the aspheric surface test. Simulation verification is done in this paper. The calibration accuracy of the position and attitude can achieve at least a magnitude of 10-5 mm and 0.0056×10-6rad, respectively. The simulation demonstrates that the influence of misalignment error can be precisely calculated and removed after calibration.

Measurement and prediction of the thermomechanical response of shape memory alloy hybrid composite beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Brian; Turner, Travis L.; Seelecke, Stefan

2005-05-01

Previous work at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) involved fabrication and testing of composite beams with embedded, pre-strained shape memory alloy (SMA) ribbons within the beam structures. That study also provided comparison of experimental results with numerical predictions from a research code making use of a new thermoelastic model for shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures. The previous work showed qualitative validation of the numerical model. However, deficiencies in the experimental-numerical correlation were noted and hypotheses for the discrepancies were given for further investigation. The goal of this work is to refine the experimental measurement and numerical modeling approaches in order to better understand the discrepancies, improve the correlation between prediction and measurement, and provide rigorous quantitative validation of the numerical analysis/design tool. The experimental investigation is refined by a more thorough test procedure and incorporation of higher fidelity measurements such as infrared thermography and projection moire interferometry. The numerical results are produced by a recently commercialized version of the constitutive model as implemented in ABAQUS and are refined by incorporation of additional measured parameters such as geometric imperfection. Thermal buckling, post-buckling, and random responses to thermal and inertial (base acceleration) loads are studied. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SMAHC structures in controlling static and dynamic responses by adaptive stiffening. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured results of the static and dynamic thermomechanical response, thereby providing quantitative validation of the numerical tool.

Measurement and Prediction of the Thermomechanical Response of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite Beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Brian; Turner, Travis L.; Seelecke, Stefan

2005-01-01

Previous work at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) involved fabrication and testing of composite beams with embedded, pre-strained shape memory alloy (SMA) ribbons within the beam structures. That study also provided comparison of experimental results with numerical predictions from a research code making use of a new thermoelastic model for shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures. The previous work showed qualitative validation of the numerical model. However, deficiencies in the experimental-numerical correlation were noted and hypotheses for the discrepancies were given for further investigation. The goal of this work is to refine the experimental measurement and numerical modeling approaches in order to better understand the discrepancies, improve the correlation between prediction and measurement, and provide rigorous quantitative validation of the numerical analysis/design tool. The experimental investigation is refined by a more thorough test procedure and incorporation of higher fidelity measurements such as infrared thermography and projection moire interferometry. The numerical results are produced by a recently commercialized version of the constitutive model as implemented in ABAQUS and are refined by incorporation of additional measured parameters such as geometric imperfection. Thermal buckling, post-buckling, and random responses to thermal and inertial (base acceleration) loads are studied. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SMAHC structures in controlling static and dynamic responses by adaptive stiffening. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured results of the static and dynamic thermomechanical response, thereby providing quantitative validation of the numerical tool.

[Reflection of estimating postmortem interval in forensic entomology and the Daubert standard].

PubMed

Xie, Dan; Peng, Yu-Long; Guo, Ya-Dong; Cai, Ji-Feng

2013-08-01

Estimating postmortem interval (PMI) is always the emphasis and difficulty in forensic practice. Forensic entomology plays a significant indispensable role. Recently, the theories and technologies of forensic entomology are increasingly rich. But many problems remain in the research and practice. With proposing the Daubert standard, the reliability and accuracy of estimation PMI by forensic entomology need more demands. This review summarizes the application of the Daubert standard in several aspects of ecology, quantitative genetics, population genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology in the practice of forensic entomology. It builds a bridge for basic research and forensic practice to provide higher accuracy for estimating postmortem interval by forensic entomology.

Design and implementation of a secure workflow system based on PKI/PMI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Kai; Jiang, Chao-hui

2013-03-01

As the traditional workflow system in privilege management has the following weaknesses: low privilege management efficiency, overburdened for administrator, lack of trust authority etc. A secure workflow model based on PKI/PMI is proposed after studying security requirements of the workflow systems in-depth. This model can achieve static and dynamic authorization after verifying user's ID through PKC and validating user's privilege information by using AC in workflow system. Practice shows that this system can meet the security requirements of WfMS. Moreover, it can not only improve system security, but also ensures integrity, confidentiality, availability and non-repudiation of the data in the system.

Cardioprotection during cardiac surgery

PubMed Central

Hausenloy, Derek J.; Boston-Griffiths, Edney; Yellon, Derek M.

2012-01-01

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For a large number of patients with CHD, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains the preferred strategy for coronary revascularization. Over the last 10 years, the number of high-risk patients undergoing CABG surgery has increased significantly, resulting in worse clinical outcomes in this patient group. This appears to be related to the ageing population, increased co-morbidities (such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, stroke), concomitant valve disease, and advances in percutaneous coronary intervention which have resulted in patients with more complex coronary artery disease undergoing surgery. These high-risk patients are more susceptible to peri-operative myocardial injury and infarction (PMI), a major cause of which is acute global ischaemia/reperfusion injury arising from inadequate myocardial protection during CABG surgery. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are required to protect the heart in this high-risk patient group. In this article, we review the aetiology of PMI during CABG surgery, its diagnosis and clinical significance, and the endogenous and pharmacological therapeutic strategies available for preventing it. By improving cardioprotection during CABG surgery, we may be able to reduce PMI, preserve left ventricular systolic function, and reduce morbidity and mortality in these high-risk patients with CHD. PMID:22440888

Time of Death Revealed by Hydrocarbons of Empty Puparia of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae): A Field Experiment

PubMed Central

Zhu, Guang-Hui; Yu, Xiao-Jun; Xie, Liang-Xing; Luo, Hao; Wang, Dian; Lv, Jun-Yao; Xu, Xiao-Hu

2013-01-01

Determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial for investigating homicide. However, there are currently only limited methods available. Especially, once the PMI exceeds the duration of pre-adult development of the flies with the adult emergence, its determination is very approximate. Herein, we report the regular changes in hydrocarbon composition during the weathering process of the puparia in the field in Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), one of the common species of necrophagous flies. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of nearly all of the branched alkanes and alkenes decreased significantly with the weathering time. Especially, for 9 of the peaks, over 88% of the variance in their abundance was explained by weathering time. Further analysis indicated that the regular changes caused mainly by the different weathering rates of various hydrocarbons. Additionally, the weathering rates were found to depend on the chemical structure and molecular weight of the hydrocarbons. These results indicate strongly that hydrocarbon analysis is a powerful tool for determining the weathering time of the necrophagous fly puparia, and is expected to markedly improve the determination of the late PMI. PMID:24039855

Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau interferometer as refraction diagnostic for High Energy Density plasmas at energies below 10 keV

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

Valdivia, M. P.; Stutman, D.; Finkenthal, M.

2014-07-15

The highly localized density gradients expected in High Energy Density (HED) plasma experiments can be characterized by x-ray phase-contrast imaging in addition to conventional attenuation radiography. Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau grating interferometer setup is an attractive HED diagnostic due to its high sensitivity to refraction induced phase shifts. We report on the adaptation of such a system for operation in the sub-10 keV range by using a combination of free standing and ultrathin Talbot gratings. This new x-ray energy explored matches well the current x-ray backlighters used for HED experiments, while also enhancing phase effects at lower electron densities.more » We studied the performance of the high magnification, low energy Talbot-Lau interferometer, for single image phase retrieval using Moiré fringe deflectometry. Our laboratory and simulation studies indicate that such a device is able to retrieve object electron densities from phase shift measurements. Using laboratory x-ray sources from 7 to 15 μm size we obtained accurate simultaneous measurements of refraction and attenuation for both sharp and mild electron density gradients.« less

Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau interferometer as refraction diagnostic for high energy density plasmas at energies below 10 keV.

PubMed

Valdivia, M P; Stutman, D; Finkenthal, M

2014-07-01

The highly localized density gradients expected in High Energy Density (HED) plasma experiments can be characterized by x-ray phase-contrast imaging in addition to conventional attenuation radiography. Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau grating interferometer setup is an attractive HED diagnostic due to its high sensitivity to refraction induced phase shifts. We report on the adaptation of such a system for operation in the sub-10 keV range by using a combination of free standing and ultrathin Talbot gratings. This new x-ray energy explored matches well the current x-ray backlighters used for HED experiments, while also enhancing phase effects at lower electron densities. We studied the performance of the high magnification, low energy Talbot-Lau interferometer, for single image phase retrieval using Moiré fringe deflectometry. Our laboratory and simulation studies indicate that such a device is able to retrieve object electron densities from phase shift measurements. Using laboratory x-ray sources from 7 to 15 μm size we obtained accurate simultaneous measurements of refraction and attenuation for both sharp and mild electron density gradients.

First principles-based moiré model for incommensurate graphene on BN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spataru, Catalin; Thurmer, Konrad

Various properties of supported graphene films depend strongly on the exact positions of carbon atoms with respect to the underlying substrate. While density functional theory (DFT) can predict atom position in many systems, it cannot be applied straightforwardly to systems that are incommensurate or have large unit cells, such as graphene on a BN surface. We address these limitations by developing a simple moiré model with parameters derived from DFT calculations for systems strained into commensurate structures with manageable unit cell sizes. Our moiré model, which takes into account the flexural rigidity of graphene and includes the influence of the substrate, is able to reproduce the DFT-relaxed carbon positions with an accuracy of <0.01 Å. We then apply this model to the unstrained C/BN system and predict how structure and energy vary with azimuthal orientation of the graphene sheet with respect to the BN substrate. Work supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program at Sandia National Laboratories, a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Co., for the U.S. DOE under Contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Directed assembly of colloidal particles for micro/nano photonics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yuebing

2017-02-01

Bottom-up fabrication of complex structures with chemically synthesized colloidal particles as building blocks pave an efficient and cost-effective way towards micro/nano photonics with unprecedented functionality and tunability. Novel properties can arise from quantum effects of colloidal particles, as well as inter-particle interactions and spatial arrangement in particle assemblies. Herein, I discuss our recent developments and applications of three types of techniques for directed assembly of colloidal particles: moiré nanosphere lithography (MNSL), bubble-pen lithography (BPL), and optothermal tweezers (OTTs). Specifically, MNSL provides an efficient approach towards creating moiré metasurface with tunable and multiband optical responses from visible to mid-infrared regime. Au moiré metasurfaces have been applied for surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy, optical capture and patterning of bacteria, and photothermal denaturation of proteins. BPL is developed to pattern a variety of colloidal particles on plasmonic substrates and two-dimensional atomic-layer materials in an arbitrary manner. The laser-directed microbubble captures and immobilizes nanoparticles through coordinated actions of Marangoni convection, surface tension, gas pressure, and substrate adhesion. OTTs are developed to create dynamic nanoparticle assemblies at low optical power. Such nanoparticle assemblies have been used for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for molecular analysis in their native environments.

[A study on the relationship between postmortem interval and the changes of DNA content in the kidney cellule of rat].

PubMed

Liu, L; Peng, D B; Liu, Y; Deng, W N; Liu, Y L; Li, J J

2001-05-01

To study changes of DNA content in the kidney cellule of rats and relationship with the postmortem interval. This experiment chose seven parameter of cell nuclear, including the area and integral optical density, determined the changes of DNA content in the kidney cellule of 15 rats at different intervals between 0 and 48 h postmortem with auto-TV-image system. The degradation rate of DNA in nuclear has a certainty relationship to early PMI(in 48 h) of rat, and get binomial regress equation. Determining the quantity of DNA in nuclear should be an objective and exact way to estimate the PMI.

[Forensic entomology exemplified by a homicide. A combined stain and postmortem time analysis].

PubMed

Benecke, M; Seifert, B

1999-01-01

The combined analysis of both ant and blow fly evidence recovered from a corpse, and from the boot of a suspect, suggested that an assumed scenario in a high profile murder case was likely to be true. The ants (Lasius fuliginous) were used as classical crime scene stains that linked the suspect to the scene. Blow fly maggots (Calliphora spec.) helped to determine the post mortem interval (PMI) with the calculated PMI overlapping with the assumed time of the killing. In the trial, the results of the medico-legal analysis of the insects was understood to be crucial scientific evidence, and the suspect was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Power accounting of plasma discharges in the linear device Proto-MPEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showers, M.; Piotrowicz, P. A.; Beers, C. J.; Biewer, T. M.; Caneses, J.; Canik, J.; Caughman, J. B. O.; Donovan, D. C.; Goulding, R. H.; Lumsdaine, A.; Kafle, N.; Owen, L. W.; Rapp, J.; Ray, H.

2018-06-01

Plasma material interaction (PMI) studies are crucial to the successful development of future fusion reactors. Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) is a prototype design for the MPEX, a steady-state linear device being developed to study PMI. The primary purpose of Proto-MPEX is developing the plasma heating source concepts for MPEX. A power accounting study of Proto-MPEX works to identify machine operating parameters that could improve its performance, thereby increasing its PMI research capabilities, potentially impacting the MPEX design concept. To build a comprehensive power balance, an analysis of the helicon region has been performed implementing a diagnostic suite and software modeling to identify mechanisms and locations of heat loss from the main plasma. Of the 106.3 kW of input power, up to 90.5% of the power has been accounted for in the helicon region. When the analysis was extended to encompass the device to its end plates, 49.2% of the input power was accounted for and verified diagnostically. Areas requiring further diagnostic analysis are identified. The required improvements will be implemented in future work. The data acquisition and analysis processes will be streamlined to form a working model for future power balance studies of Proto-MPEX. ).

Comparative analysis of bones, mites, soil chemistry, nematodes and soil micro-eukaryotes from a suspected homicide to estimate the post-mortem interval.

PubMed

Szelecz, Ildikó; Lösch, Sandra; Seppey, Christophe V W; Lara, Enrique; Singer, David; Sorge, Franziska; Tschui, Joelle; Perotti, M Alejandra; Mitchell, Edward A D

2018-01-08

Criminal investigations of suspected murder cases require estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI, or time after death) which is challenging for long PMIs. Here we present the case of human remains found in a Swiss forest. We have used a multidisciplinary approach involving the analysis of bones and soil samples collected beneath the remains of the head, upper and lower body and "control" samples taken a few meters away. We analysed soil chemical characteristics, mites and nematodes (by microscopy) and micro-eukaryotes (by Illumina high throughput sequencing). The PMI estimate on hair 14 C-data via bomb peak radiocarbon dating gave a time range of 1 to 3 years before the discovery of the remains. Cluster analyses for soil chemical constituents, nematodes, mites and micro-eukaryotes revealed two clusters 1) head and upper body and 2) lower body and controls. From mite evidence, we conclude that the body was probably brought to the site after death. However, chemical analyses, nematode community analyses and the analyses of micro-eukaryotes indicate that decomposition took place at least partly on site. This study illustrates the usefulness of combining several lines of evidence for the study of homicide cases to better calibrate PMI inference tools.

Successful recovery of transgenic cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) using the 6-phosphomannose isomerase gene as the selectable marker.

PubMed

Bakshi, Souvika; Saha, Bedabrata; Roy, Nand Kishor; Mishra, Sagarika; Panda, Sanjib Kumar; Sahoo, Lingaraj

2012-06-01

A new method for obtaining transgenic cowpea was developed using positive selection based on the Escherichia coli 6-phosphomannose isomerase gene as the selectable marker and mannose as the selective agent. Only transformed cells were capable of utilizing mannose as a carbon source. Cotyledonary node explants from 4-day-old in vitro-germinated seedlings of cultivar Pusa Komal were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying the vector pNOV2819. Regenerating transformed shoots were selected on medium supplemented with a combination of 20 g/l mannose and 5 g/l sucrose as carbon source. The transformed shoots were rooted on medium devoid of mannose. Transformation efficiency based on PCR analysis of individual putative transformed shoots was 3.6%. Southern blot analysis on five randomly chosen PCR-positive plants confirmed the integration of the pmi transgene. Qualitative reverse transcription (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated the expression of pmi in T₀ transgenic plants. Chlorophenol red (CPR) assays confirmed the activity of PMI in transgenic plants, and the gene was transmitted to progeny in a Mendelian fashion. The transformation method presented here for cowpea using mannose selection is efficient and reproducible, and could be used to introduce a desirable gene(s) into cowpea for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.

Independent EEG Sources Are Dipolar

PubMed Central

Delorme, Arnaud; Palmer, Jason; Onton, Julie; Oostenveld, Robert; Makeig, Scott

2012-01-01

Independent component analysis (ICA) and blind source separation (BSS) methods are increasingly used to separate individual brain and non-brain source signals mixed by volume conduction in electroencephalographic (EEG) and other electrophysiological recordings. We compared results of decomposing thirteen 71-channel human scalp EEG datasets by 22 ICA and BSS algorithms, assessing the pairwise mutual information (PMI) in scalp channel pairs, the remaining PMI in component pairs, the overall mutual information reduction (MIR) effected by each decomposition, and decomposition ‘dipolarity’ defined as the number of component scalp maps matching the projection of a single equivalent dipole with less than a given residual variance. The least well-performing algorithm was principal component analysis (PCA); best performing were AMICA and other likelihood/mutual information based ICA methods. Though these and other commonly-used decomposition methods returned many similar components, across 18 ICA/BSS algorithms mean dipolarity varied linearly with both MIR and with PMI remaining between the resulting component time courses, a result compatible with an interpretation of many maximally independent EEG components as being volume-conducted projections of partially-synchronous local cortical field activity within single compact cortical domains. To encourage further method comparisons, the data and software used to prepare the results have been made available (http://sccn.ucsd.edu/wiki/BSSComparison). PMID:22355308

Studies on the biodegradation of fosfomycin: growth of Rhizobium huakuii PMY1 on possible intermediates synthesised chemically.

PubMed

McGrath, John W; Hammerschmidt, Friedrich; Preusser, Werner; Quinn, John P; Schweifer, Anna

2009-05-07

The first step of the mineralisation of fosfomycin by R. huakuii PMY1 is hydrolytic ring opening with the formation of (1R,2R)-1,2-dihydroxypropylphosphonic acid. This phosphonic acid and its three stereoisomers were synthesised by chemical means and tested as their ammonium salts for mineralisation as evidenced by release of P(i). Only the (1R,2R)-isomer was degraded. A number of salts of phosphonic acids such as (+/-)-1,2-epoxybutyl-, (+/-)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl-, 2-oxopropyl-, (S)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (+/-)-1-hydroxypropyl- and (+/-)-1-hydroxy-2-oxopropylphosphonic acid were synthesised chemically, but none supported growth. In vitro C-P bond cleavage activity was however detected with the last phosphonic acid. A mechanism involving phosphite had to be discarded as it could not be used as a phosphorus source. R. huakuii PMY1 grew well on (R)- and (S)-lactic acid and hydroxyacetone, but less well on propionic acid and not on acetone or (R)- and (+/-)-1,2-propanediol. The P(i) released from (1R,2R)-1,2-dihydroxypropylphosphonic acid labelled with one oxygen-18 in the PO3H2 group did not stay long enough in the cells to allow complete exchange of 18O for 16O by enzymic turnover.

Periprocedural use of tirofiban in elective percutaneous coronary intervention for long coronary lesions in stable patients with overlapping drug-eluting stents--the PETITION study: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.

PubMed

Zhang, Qi; Wang, Xiao Long; Liao, Min Lei; Hu, Jian; Yang, Zhen Kun; Ding, Feng Hua; Zhang, Jian Sheng; Du, Run; Zhu, Tian Qi; Shen, Wei Feng; Zhang, Rui Yan

2015-03-01

Patients are at risk of developing periprocedural myonecrosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated whether the use of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor tirofiban could reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI with overlapping stent implantation for long lesions. A total of 748 stable angina patients with long lesions (≥ 40 mm in length) treated with overlapping stent implantation were randomly assigned to receive tirofiban (tirofiban group; n = 373) or conventional therapy (control group; n = 375). Intravenous tirofiban was initiated before PCI and maintained for 12 hr after the procedure. The primary endpoint was PMI, defined as an elevation in CK-MB > 3 times the upper limit of normal 12 hr after the index procedure. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and recurrent MI (re-MI), at one-year of clinical follow-up. The safety end-points included Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major bleeding and stent thrombosis. Despite comparable angiographic and procedural characteristics, in the intention-to-treatment analysis, the primary endpoint was significantly reduced in the tirofiban group (4.0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the adjunctive use of tirofiban was the only negative predictor of PMI (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.81, P < 0.01). At one-year of clinical follow-up, the overall occurrence of MACE was significantly lower in the tirofiban group (13.4% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.001). The rate of TIMI major bleeding and stent thrombosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. Our results show that the adjunctive use of tirofiban reduces the occurrence of PMI and MACE at one year in stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective PCI for long lesions with overlapping stent implantation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluating the utility of hexapod species for calculating a confidence interval about a succession based postmortem interval estimate.

PubMed

Perez, Anne E; Haskell, Neal H; Wells, Jeffrey D

2014-08-01

Carrion insect succession patterns have long been used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) during a death investigation. However, no published carrion succession study included sufficient replication to calculate a confidence interval about a PMI estimate based on occurrence data. We exposed 53 pig carcasses (16±2.5 kg), near the likely minimum needed for such statistical analysis, at a site in north-central Indiana, USA, over three consecutive summer seasons. Insects and Collembola were sampled daily from each carcass for a total of 14 days, by this time each was skeletonized. The criteria for judging a life stage of a given species to be potentially useful for succession-based PMI estimation were (1) nonreoccurrence (observed during a single period of presence on a corpse), and (2) found in a sufficiently large proportion of carcasses to support a PMI confidence interval. For this data set that proportion threshold is 45/53. Of the 266 species collected and identified, none was nonreoccuring in that each showed at least a gap of one day on a single carcass. If the definition of nonreoccurrence is relaxed to include such a single one-day gap the larval forms of Necrophilaamericana, Fanniascalaris, Cochliomyia macellaria, Phormiaregina, and Luciliaillustris satisfied these two criteria. Adults of Creophilus maxillosus, Necrobiaruficollis, and Necrodessurinamensis were common and showed only a few, single-day gaps in occurrence. C.maxillosus, P.regina, and L.illustris displayed exceptional forensic utility in that they were observed on every carcass. Although these observations were made at a single site during one season of the year, the species we found to be useful have large geographic ranges. We suggest that future carrion insect succession research focus only on a limited set of species with high potential forensic utility so as to reduce sample effort per carcass and thereby enable increased experimental replication. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organ donation and transplantation statistics in Belgium for 2012 and 2013.

PubMed

Desschans, B; Evrard, P

2014-11-01

The 2012 and 2013 solid organ transplantation statistics were presented during the annual meeting of the Belgian Transplant Society. All data presented were collected from Eurotransplant International Foundation and/or from all individual Belgian transplant centers. It was demonstrated that the highest number of deceased donors detected (1310) from which 47.8% were an effective organ donor that corresponded to 29 per million inhabitants (pmi) in 2012 and 27.4 pmi in 2013. Out of 626 effective deceased organ donors, 491 (79%) were donors after brain death (DBD) and 135 (21%) donors after circulatory death (DCD), respectively. The majority (125/135; 93%) of DCD donors were DCD Maastricht category III donors and there were 7 (5%) donations following euthanasia. Family refusal tended to be lower for DCD (10.4%) compared to DBD donors (13.4%). Despite the increasing DCD donation rate, DBD donation remains stable in Belgium. The donor age is still increasing, reaching a median age of 53 years (range 0-90). Spontaneous intracranial bleeding (39.3%) and cranio-cerebral trauma (25%) remained the most frequent reasons of death. The number of living related kidney transplantations (57 in 2012 and 63 in 2013) followed the international trend albeit in Belgium it is still very limited. Nevertheless this activity could explain that the number of patients waiting for kidney transplantation (770) reached an absolute minimum in 2013. Except the reduced waiting list for lung transplantation (from 119 patients in 2011 to 85 in 2013), the waiting list remained stable for the other organs but almost 200 patients still died while on the waiting list. Belgium demonstrated the highest number of effective organ donors that corresponded to 29 per million inhabitants (pmi) in 2012 and 27.4 pmi in 2013. Thus far, and in contrast with other countries, there is no erosion of DBD in the DCD donor organ pool, but it is the important responsibility of all transplant centers and donor hospitals to avoid a substitution from DBD by DCD donors.

A situational analysis of pharmacovigilance plans in the Global Fund Malaria and U.S. President's Malaria Initiative proposals.

PubMed

Stergachis, Andy; Bartlein, Rebecca J K; Dodoo, Alexander; Nwokike, Jude; Kachur, S Patrick

2010-05-30

Pharmacovigilance programmes can monitor and help ensure the safe use of medicines that are critical to the success of global public health programmes. The widespread deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) by national malaria control programmes as part of the overall Global Malaria Action Plan for malaria control to elimination and eradication makes ACT an excellent candidate for pharmacovigilance activities. In 2008, The Roll Back Malaria partnership issued guidelines for inclusion of pharmacovigilance in Global Fund and other related proposals. In light of this recommendation and the rapid scale-up of ACT worldwide, an analysis of Global Fund Round 8 proposals and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) 2009 Malaria Operational Plans was conducted to assess if and how pharmacovigilance has been incorporated into countries' national malaria plans and donor budget requests. The Global Fund-Malaria Round 8 proposals for the 26 countries and the PMI Malaria Operational Plans (MOPs) for fiscal year 2009 for the 15 countries that were approved and received funding from either the Global Fund-Malaria Round 8 or PMI were accessed through the programme websites. The analysis consisted of conducting word counts and key word in context analyses of each proposal and plan. Twelve out of 26 (46%) of the Global Fund proposals mentioned that established pharmacovigilance systems were present in their countries. Four of the fifteen PMI MOPs (27%) mentioned that established pharmacovigilance systems were present in their countries. Only seven of the 26 (27%) Global Fund proposals included a request for funding for new or current pharmacovigilance activities. Seven of 15 (47%) MOPs included a request for funding for pharmacovigilance activities. There were relatively few requests for funding for pharmacovigilance activities, demonstrating a lack of emphasis placed on pharmacovigilance systems in recipient countries. The findings stress the need for more active direction to strengthen active surveillance and passive adverse event reporting systems to augment the issuance of guidance documents.

'We have a rich heritage and, we believe, a bright future': how transnational tobacco companies are using Twitter to oppose policy and shape their public identity.

PubMed

Watts, Christina; Hefler, Marita; Freeman, Becky

2018-04-17

The tobacco industry has a long history of opposing tobacco control policy and promoting socially responsible business practices. With the rise of social media platforms, like Twitter, the tobacco industry is enabled to readily and easily communicate these messages. All tweets published by the primary corporate Twitter accounts of British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands PLC (Imperial), Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) were downloaded in May 2017 and manually coded under 30 topic categories. A total of 3301 tweets across the four accounts were analysed. Overall, the most prominent categories of tweets were topics that opposed or critiqued tobacco control policies (36.3% of BAT's tweets, 35.1% of Imperial's tweets, 34.0% of JTI's tweets and 9.6% of PMI's tweets). All companies consistently tweeted to promote an image of being socially and environmentally responsible. Tweets of this nature comprised 29.1% of PMI's tweets, 20.9% of JTI's tweets, 18.4% of Imperial's tweets and 18.4% of BAT's tweets. BAT, Imperial, JTI and PMI also frequently used Twitter to advertise career opportunities, highlight employee benefits, promote positive working environments and bring attention to awards and certifications that the company had received (11.6%, 11.1%, 19.3% and 45.7% of the total tweets published by each account, respectively). Transnational tobacco companies are using Twitter to oppose tobacco control policy and shape their public identity by promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives in violation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Regulation of the tobacco industry's global online activities is required. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The environmental variables that impact human decomposition in terrestrially exposed contexts within Canada.

PubMed

Cockle, Diane Lyn; Bell, Lynne S

2017-03-01

Little is known about the nature and trajectory of human decomposition in Canada. This study involved the examination of 96 retrospective police death investigation cases selected using the Canadian ViCLAS (Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System) and sudden death police databases. A classification system was designed and applied based on the latest visible stages of autolysis (stages 1-2), putrefaction (3-5) and skeletonisation (6-8) observed. The analysis of the progression of decomposition using time (Post Mortem Interval (PMI) in days) and temperature accumulated-degree-days (ADD) score found considerable variability during the putrefaction and skeletonisation phases, with poor predictability noted after stage 5 (post bloat). The visible progression of decomposition outdoors was characterized by a brown to black discolouration at stage 5 and remnant desiccated black tissue at stage 7. No bodies were totally skeletonised in under one year. Mummification of tissue was rare with earlier onset in winter as opposed to summer, considered likely due to lower seasonal humidity. It was found that neither ADD nor the PMI were significant dependent variables for the decomposition score with correlations of 53% for temperature and 41% for time. It took almost twice as much time and 1.5 times more temperature (ADD) for the set of cases exposed to cold and freezing temperatures (4°C or less) to reach putrefaction compared to the warm group. The amount of precipitation and/or clothing had a negligible impact on the advancement of decomposition, whereas the lack of sun exposure (full shade) had a small positive effect. This study found that the poor predictability of onset and the duration of late stage decomposition, combined with our limited understanding of the full range of variables which influence the speed of decomposition, makes PMI estimations for exposed terrestrial cases in Canada unreliable, but also calls in question PMI estimations elsewhere. Copyright © 2016 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of slope and height profiles for flat synchrotron x-ray mirrors measured with a long trace profiler and a Fizeau interferometer.

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

Qian, J.; Assoufid, L.; Macrander, A.

2007-01-01

Long trace profilers (LTPS) have been used at many synchrotron radiation laboratories worldwide for over a decade to measure surface slope profiles of long grazing incidence x-ray mirrors. Phase measuring interferometers (PMIs) of the Fizeau type, on the other hand, are being used by most mirror manufacturers to accomplish the same task. However, large mirrors whose dimensions exceed the aperture of the Fizeau interferometer require measurements to be carried out at grazing incidence, and aspheric optics require the use of a null lens. While an LTP provides a direct measurement of ID slope profiles, PMIs measure area height profiles frommore » which the slope can be obtained by a differentiation algorithm. Measurements of the two types of instruments have been found by us to be in good agreement, but to our knowledge there is no published work directly comparing the two instruments. This paper documents that comparison. We measured two different nominally flat mirrors with both the LTP in operation at the Advanced Photon Source (a type-II LTP) and a Fizeau-type PMI interferometer (Wyko model 6000). One mirror was 500 mm long and made of Zerodur, and the other mirror was 350 mm long and made of silicon. Slope error results with these instruments agree within nearly 100% (3.11 {+-} 0.15 {micro}rad for the LTP, and 3.11 {+-} 0.02 {micro}rad for the Fizeau PMI interferometer) for the medium quality Zerodur mirror with 3 {micro}rad rms nominal slope error. A significant difference was observed with the much higher quality silicon mirror. For the Si mirror, slope error data is 0.39 {+-} 0.08 {micro}rad from LTP measurements but it is 0.35 {+-} 0.01 {micro}rad from PMI interferometer measurements. The standard deviations show that the Fizeau PMI interferometer has much better measurement repeatability.« less

Electronic dispersion from long-range atomic ordering and periodic potentials in two overlapping graphene sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Taisuke; Robinson, Jeremy; Feibelman, Peter; Beechem, Thomas; Diaconescu, Bogdan; Bostwick, Aaron; Rotenberg, Eli; Kellogg, Gary

2013-03-01

A worldwide effort is underway to learn how to build devices that take advantage of the remarkable electronic properties of graphene and other two-dimensional crystals. An outstanding question is how stacking two or a few such crystals affects their joint electronic behavior. Our talk concerns ``twisted bilayer graphene (TBG),'' that is, two graphene layers azimuthally misoriented. Applying angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory, we have found van Hove singularities (vHs) and associated mini-gaps in the TBG electronic spectrum, which represent unambiguous proof that the layers interact. Of particular interest is that the measured and calculated electronic dispersion manifests the periodicity of the moiré superlattice formed by the twist. Thus, there are vHs not just where the Dirac cones of the two layers overlap, but also at the boundaries of the moiré superlattice Brillouin zone. Moirés, ubiquitous in hybrid solids based on two-dimensional crystals, accordingly present themselves as tools for manipulating the electronic behavior. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Validation of a Hartmann-Moiré wavefront sensor with large dynamic range.

PubMed

Wei, Xin; Van Heugten, Tony; Thibos, Larry

2009-08-03

Our goal was to validate the accuracy, repeatability, sensitivity, and dynamic range of a Hartmann-Moiré (HM) wavefront sensor (PixelOptics, Inc.) designed for ophthalmic applications. Testing apparatus injected a 4 mm diameter monochromatic (532 nm) beam of light into the wavefront sensor for measurement. Controlled amounts of defocus and astigmatism were introduced into the beam with calibrated spherical (-20D to + 18D) and cylindrical (-8D to + 8D) lenses. Repeatability was assessed with three repeated measurements within a 2-minute period. Correlation coefficients between mean wavefront measurements (n = 3) and expected wavefront vergence for both sphere and cylinder lenses were >0.999. For spherical lenses, the sensor was accurate to within 0.1D over the range from -20D to + 18D. For cylindrical lenses, the sensor was accurate to within 0.1D over the range from -8D to + 8D. The primary limitation to demonstrating an even larger dynamic range was the increasingly critical requirements for optical alignment. Sensitivity to small changes of vergence was constant over the instrument's full dynamic range. Repeatability of measurements for fixed condition was within 0.01D. The Hartmann-Moiré wavefront sensor measures defocus and astigmatism accurately and repeatedly with good sensitivity over a large dynamic range required for ophthalmic applications.

An Externally Dispersed Interferometer for Sensitive Doppler Extrasolar Planet Searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Jian; Erskine, David J.; Rushford, Mike

2002-09-01

A new kind of instrument for sensitive Doppler extrasolar planet searches, called an externally dispersed interferometer, is described in this paper. It is a combination of an optical Michelson-type interferometer and an intermediate-resolution grating spectrometer. The interferometer measures Doppler radial velocity (RV) variations of starlight through the phase shifts of moiré fringes, created by multiplication of the interferometer fringes with stellar absorption lines. The intermediate-resolution spectrograph disperses the moiré fringes into thousands of parallel-wavelength channels. This increases the instrument bandwidth and fringe visibility by preventing fringe cross-talk between neighboring spectral lines. This results in a net increase in the signal-to-noise ratio over an interferometer used alone with broadband light. Compared to current echelle spectrometers for extrasolar planet searches, this instrument offers two unique instrument properties: a simple, stable, well-defined sinusoidal instrument response function (point-spread function) and magnification of Doppler motion through moiré fringe techniques. Since instrument noise is chiefly limited by the ability to characterize the instrument response, this new technique provides unprecedented low instrumental noise in an economical compact apparatus, enabling higher precision for Doppler RV measurements. In practice, the moiré magnification can be 5-10 times depending on the interferometer comb angle. This instrument has better sensitivity for smaller Doppler shifts than echelle spectrometers. The instrument can be designed with much lower spectral resolving power without losing Doppler sensitivity and optimized for higher throughput than echelle spectrometers to allow a potential survey for planets around fainter stars than current magnitude limits. Lab-based experiments with a prototype instrument with a spectral resolution of R~20,000 demonstrated ~0.7 m s-1 precision for short-term RV measurements. A fiber-fed version of the prototype with R~5600 was tested with starlight at the Lick 1 m telescope and demonstrated ~7 m s-1 RV precision at 340 Å bandwidth. The increased velocity noise is attributed to the lower spectral resolution, lower fringe visibility, and uncontrolled instrument environment.

Measuring occupational stress: development of the pressure management indicator.

PubMed

Williams, S; Cooper, C L

1998-10-01

The study of occupational stress is hindered by the lack of compact and comprehensive standardized measurement tools. The Pressure Management Indicator (PMI) is a 120-item self-report questionnaire developed from the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI). The PMI is more reliable, more comprehensive, and shorter than the OSI. It provides an integrated measure of the major dimensions of occupational stress. The outcome scales measure job satisfaction, organizational satisfaction, organizational security, organizational commitment, anxiety--depression, resilience, worry, physical symptoms, and exhaustion. The stressor scales cover pressure from workload, relationships, career development, managerial responsibility, personal responsibility, home demands, and daily hassles. The moderator variables measure drive, impatience, control, decision latitude, and the coping strategies of problem focus, life work balance, and social support.

X-ray phase scanning setup for non-destructive testing using Talbot-Lau interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachche, S.; Nonoguchi, M.; Kato, K.; Kageyama, M.; Koike, T.; Kuribayashi, M.; Momose, A.

2016-09-01

X-ray grating interferometry has a great potential for X-ray phase imaging over conventional X-ray absorption imaging which does not provide significant contrast for weakly absorbing objects and soft biological tissues. X-ray Talbot and Talbot-Lau interferometers which are composed of transmission gratings and measure the differential X-ray phase shifts have gained popularity because they operate with polychromatic beams. In X-ray radiography, especially for nondestructive testing in industrial applications, the feasibility of continuous sample scanning is not yet completely revealed. A scanning setup is frequently advantageous when compared to a direct 2D static image acquisition in terms of field of view, exposure time, illuminating radiation, etc. This paper demonstrates an efficient scanning setup for grating-based Xray phase imaging using laboratory-based X-ray source. An apparatus consisting of an X-ray source that emits X-rays vertically, optical gratings and a photon-counting detector was used with which continuously moving objects across the field of view as that of conveyor belt system can be imaged. The imaging performance of phase scanner was tested by scanning a long continuous moving sample at a speed of 5 mm/s and absorption, differential-phase and visibility images were generated by processing non-uniform moire movie with our specially designed phase measurement algorithm. A brief discussion on the feasibility of phase scanner with scanning setup approach including X-ray phase imaging performance is reported. The successful results suggest a breakthrough for scanning objects those are moving continuously on conveyor belt system non-destructively using the scheme of X-ray phase imaging.

Development of the cryogenic system of AEgIS at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derking, J. H.; Bremer, J.; Burghart, G.; Doser, M.; Dudarev, A.; Haider, S.

2014-01-01

The AEgIS (Antimatter Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy) experiment is located at the antiproton decelerator complex of CERN. The main goal of the experiment is to perform the first direct measurement of the Earth's gravitational acceleration on antihydrogen atoms within 1% precision. The antihydrogen is produced in a cylindrical Penning trap by combining antiprotons with positrons. To reach the precision of 1%, the antihydrogen has to be cooled to 100 mK to reduce its random velocity. A dilution refrigerator is selected to deliver the necessary cooling capacity of 100 μW at 50 mK. The AEgIS cryogenic system basically consists of cryostats for a 1-T and for a 5-T superconducting magnet, a central region cryostat, a dilution refrigerator cryostat and a measurement cryostat with a Moiré deflectometer to measure the gravitational acceleration. In autumn 2012, the 1-T cryostat, 5-T cryostat and central region cryostat were assembled and commissioned. The apparatus is cooled down in eight days using 2500 L of liquid helium and liquid nitrogen. During operation, the average consumption of liquid helium is 150 Lṡday-1 and of liquid nitrogen 5 Lṡday-1. The temperature sensors at the Penning traps measured 12 K to 18 K, which is higher than expected. Simulations show that this is caused by a bad thermalization of the trap wiring. The implementation of the sub-kelvin region is foreseen for mid-2015. The antihydrogen will be cooled down to 100 mK in an ultra-cold trap consisting of multiple high-voltage electrodes made of sapphire with gold plated electrode sectors.

Ultrasonic analysis of Kevlar-epoxy filament wound structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brosey, W. D.

1985-07-01

Composite structures are often desirable for their strength and weight characteristics. Since composites are not as well characterized mechanically as metallic or ceramic structures, much work has been performed at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant to obtain that characterization and to develop methods of determining the mechanical properties of a composite nondestructively. Most of the work to date has been performed on nonenclosed structures. One notable exception has been the holographic evaluation of spherical Kevlar-epoxy composite pressure vessels. Several promising nondestructive evaluation techniques have been used to locate flaws and predict the integrity of the composite. Several of these include thermography, Moire interferometry, ultrasonic stress wave factor, ultrasonic C-scan image enhancement, radiography, and nuclear magnetic resonance. As a first step in this transfer and development of NDE techniques, known defects were placed within spherical Kevlar-epoxy, filament-wound test specimens to determine the extent to which they could be detected. These defects included Teflon shim-simulated delaminations, macrosphere-simulated voids, dry-band sets, variable tension, Kevlar 29 fiber instead of the higher strength Kevlar 40 fiber, and an alternate high-void-content winding pattern. Ultrasonic waveform analysis was performed in both the time and frequency domains to determine the detectability and locatability of structural flaws within the composite. Preparation has been made at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and at the University of Delaware, to examine the specimens using various NDE techniques. This work is a compilation of interim project reports in partial fulfillment of the contracts between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Delaware, and Y-12 Plant.

Fatigue crack tip deformation and fatigue crack propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, T. S.; Liu, H. W.

1972-01-01

The effects of stress ratio, prestress cycling and plate thickness on the fatigue crack propagation rate are studied on 2024-T351 aluminum alloy. Fatigue crack propagation rate increases with the plate thickness and the stress ratio. Prestress cycling below the static yield strength has no noticeable effect on the fatigue crack propagation rate. However, prestress cycling above the static yield strength causes the material to strain harden and increases the fatigue crack propagation rate. Crack tip deformation is used to study the fatigue crack propagation. The crack tip strains and the crack opening displacements were measured from moire fringe patterns. The moire fringe patterns were obtained by a double exposure technique, using a very high density master grille (13,400 lines per inch).

Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments (invited).

PubMed

Valdivia, M P; Stutman, D; Stoeckl, C; Mileham, C; Begishev, I A; Theobald, W; Bromage, J; Regan, S P; Klein, S R; Muñoz-Cordovez, G; Vescovi, M; Valenzuela-Villaseca, V; Veloso, F

2016-11-01

Talbot-Lau X-ray deflectometry (TXD) has been developed as an electron density diagnostic for High Energy Density (HED) plasmas. The technique can deliver x-ray refraction, attenuation, elemental composition, and scatter information from a single Moiré image. An 8 keV Talbot-Lau interferometer was deployed using laser and x-pinch backlighters. Grating survival and electron density mapping were demonstrated for 25-29 J, 8-30 ps laser pulses using copper foil targets. Moiré pattern formation and grating survival were also observed using a copper x-pinch driven at 400 kA, ∼1 kA/ns. These results demonstrate the potential of TXD as an electron density diagnostic for HED plasmas.

Talbot-Lau X-ray Deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments

DOE PAGES

Valdivia, M. P.; Stutman, D.; Stoeckl, C.; ...

2016-04-21

Talbot-Lau X-ray Deflectometry has been developed as an electron density diagnostic for High Energy Density plasmas. The technique can deliver x-ray refraction, attenuation, elemental composition, and scatter information from a single Moiré image. An 8 keV Talbot-Lau interferometer was deployed using laser and x-pinch backlighters. Grating survival and electron density mapping was demonstrated for 25-29 J, 8-30 ps laser pulses using copper foil targets. Moire pattern formation and grating survival was also observed using a copper x-pinch driven at 400 kA, ~1 kA/ns. Lastly, these results demonstrate the potential of TXD as an electron density diagnostic for HED plasmas.

Inducing injection barrier by covalent functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes acting as Moiré crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnet, Roméo; Barraud, Clément; Martin, Pascal; Della Rocca, Maria Luisa; Lafarge, Philippe

2016-10-01

Covalent functionalization of multiwall carbon nanotubes is a direct method to suppress the conduction of the outermost shell, subject to interactions with the environment. The rehybridized sp3 external shell of the functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes becomes naturally a hybrid injection barrier allowing the control of the contact resistances and the study of quantum transport in the more protected inner shells. Charge transport measurements performed on isolated multiwall carbon nanotubes of large diameter show an increase of the contact resistance and stabilization in the MΩ range. Electronic quantum properties of the inner shells are highlighted by the observation of superlattice structures in the conductance, recently attributed to the formation of a one-dimensional Moiré pattern.

Moiré deflectometry-based position detection for optical tweezers.

PubMed

Khorshad, Ali Akbar; Reihani, S Nader S; Tavassoly, Mohammad Taghi

2017-09-01

Optical tweezers have proven to be indispensable tools for pico-Newton range force spectroscopy. A quadrant photodiode (QPD) positioned at the back focal plane of an optical tweezers' condenser is commonly used for locating the trapped object. In this Letter, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we introduce a moiré pattern-based detection method for optical tweezers. We show, both theoretically and experimentally, that this detection method could provide considerably better position sensitivity compared to the commonly used detection systems. For instance, position sensitivity for a trapped 2.17 μm polystyrene bead is shown to be 71% better than the commonly used QPD-based detection method. Our theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement.

Novel algorithm for simultaneous component detection and pseudo-molecular ion characterization in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Yufeng; Wang, Xiaoan; Wo, Siukwan; Ho, Hingman; Han, Quanbin; Fan, Xiaohui; Zuo, Zhong

2015-01-01

Resolving components and determining their pseudo-molecular ions (PMIs) are crucial steps in identifying complex herbal mixtures by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. To tackle such labor-intensive steps, we present here a novel algorithm for simultaneous detection of components and their PMIs. Our method consists of three steps: (1) obtaining a simplified dataset containing only mono-isotopic masses by removal of background noise and isotopic cluster ions based on the isotopic distribution model derived from all the reported natural compounds in dictionary of natural products; (2) stepwise resolving and removing all features of the highest abundant component from current simplified dataset and calculating PMI of each component according to an adduct-ion model, in which all non-fragment ions in a mass spectrum are considered as PMI plus one or several neutral species; (3) visual classification of detected components by principal component analysis (PCA) to exclude possible non-natural compounds (such as pharmaceutical excipients). This algorithm has been successfully applied to a standard mixture and three herbal extract/preparations. It indicated that our algorithm could detect components' features as a whole and report their PMI with an accuracy of more than 98%. Furthermore, components originated from excipients/contaminants could be easily separated from those natural components in the bi-plots of PCA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A pilot randomized trial of pentoxifylline for the reduction of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Aslanabadi, Naser; Shirzadi, Hamid Reza; Asghari-Soufi, Hossein; Dousti, Samaneh; Ghaffari, Samad; Sohrabi, Bahram; Mashayekhi, Simin Ozar; Hamishehkar, Hadi; Entezari-Maleki, Taher

2015-02-01

Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received great attention due to its significant association with mortality and morbidity. Accordingly, cardioprotection during PCI is one of the important therapeutic concerns. Regarding the potential cardiovascular benefits of pentoxifylline this study was performed to evaluate whether the pretreatment pentoxifylline could reduce PMI in patients who are undergoing elective PCI. A randomized clinical trial on 85 patients undergoing elective PCI was performed. The intervention group (n = 41) received 1200 mg pentoxifylline in divided doses plus the standard treatment before PCI, while the control group (n = 44) received the standard treatment. For assessing myocardial damage during PCI, the levels of CK-MB and troponin-I were measured at baseline, 8, and 24 h after the procedure. Then, patients were followed up for a 1-month period regarding the major adverse cardiac effect. Comparing with the control group, no significant change of CK-MB at 8 (p = 0.315) and 24 h (p = 0.896) after PCI was documented in pentoxifylline group. Similarly, no significant change was found in troponin-I at 8 (p = 0.141) and 24 h (p = 0.256) after PCI. This study could not support the pretreatment with pentoxifylline in the prevention of PMI in patients undergoing elective PCI. However, the trend was toward the potential benefit of pentoxifylline.

Demonstrating the improvement of predictive maturity of a computational model

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

Hemez, Francois M; Unal, Cetin; Atamturktur, Huriye S

2010-01-01

We demonstrate an improvement of predictive capability brought to a non-linear material model using a combination of test data, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and calibration. A model that captures increasingly complicated phenomena, such as plasticity, temperature and strain rate effects, is analyzed. Predictive maturity is defined, here, as the accuracy of the model to predict multiple Hopkinson bar experiments. A statistical discrepancy quantifies the systematic disagreement (bias) between measurements and predictions. Our hypothesis is that improving the predictive capability of a model should translate into better agreement between measurements and predictions. This agreement, in turn, should lead to a smallermore » discrepancy. We have recently proposed to use discrepancy and coverage, that is, the extent to which the physical experiments used for calibration populate the regime of applicability of the model, as basis to define a Predictive Maturity Index (PMI). It was shown that predictive maturity could be improved when additional physical tests are made available to increase coverage of the regime of applicability. This contribution illustrates how the PMI changes as 'better' physics are implemented in the model. The application is the non-linear Preston-Tonks-Wallace (PTW) strength model applied to Beryllium metal. We demonstrate that our framework tracks the evolution of maturity of the PTW model. Robustness of the PMI with respect to the selection of coefficients needed in its definition is also studied.« less

ADX: A high Power Density, Advanced RF-Driven Divertor Test Tokamak for PMI studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whyte, Dennis; ADX Team

2015-11-01

The MIT PSFC and collaborators are proposing an advanced divertor experiment, ADX; a divertor test tokamak dedicated to address critical gaps in plasma-material interactions (PMI) science, and the world fusion research program, on the pathway to FNSF/DEMO. Basic ADX design features are motivated and discussed. In order to assess the widest range of advanced divertor concepts, a large fraction (>50%) of the toroidal field volume is purpose-built with innovative magnetic topology control and flexibility for assessing different surfaces, including liquids. ADX features high B-field (>6 Tesla) and high global power density (P/S ~ 1.5 MW/m2) in order to access the full range of parallel heat flux and divertor plasma pressures foreseen for reactors, while simultaneously assessing the effect of highly dissipative divertors on core plasma/pedestal. Various options for efficiently achieving high field are being assessed including the use of Alcator technology (cryogenic cooled copper) and high-temperature superconductors. The experimental platform would also explore advanced lower hybrid current drive and ion-cyclotron range of frequency actuators located at the high-field side; a location which is predicted to greatly reduce the PMI effects on the launcher while minimally perturbing the core plasma. The synergistic effects of high-field launchers with high total B on current and flow drive can thus be studied in reactor-relevant boundary plasmas.

Incidence and body location of reported acute sport injuries in seven sports using a national insurance database.

PubMed

Åman, M; Forssblad, M; Larsén, K

2018-03-01

Sports with high numbers of athletes and acute injuries are an important target for preventive actions at a national level. Both for the health of the athlete and to reduce costs associated with injury. The aim of this study was to identify injuries where injury prevention should focus, in order to have major impact on decreasing acute injury rates at a national level. All athletes in the seven investigated sport federations (automobile sports, basketball, floorball, football (soccer), handball, ice hockey, and motor sports) were insured by the same insurance company. Using this insurance database, the incidence and proportion of acute injuries, and injuries leading to permanent medical impairment (PMI), at each body location, was calculated. Comparisons were made between sports, sex, and age. In total, there were 84 754 registered injuries during the study period (year 2006-2013). Athletes in team sports, except in male ice hockey, had the highest risk to sustain an injury and PMI in the lower limb. Females had higher risk of injury and PMI in the lower limb compared to males, in all sports except in ice hockey. This study recommends that injury prevention at national level should particularly focus on lower limb injuries. In ice hockey and motor sports, head/neck and upper limb injuries also need attention. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Decomposition and entomological colonization of charred bodies – a pilot study

PubMed Central

Vanin, Stefano; Zanotti, Emma; Gibelli, Daniele; Taborelli, Anna; Andreola, Salvatore; Cattaneo, Cristina

2013-01-01

Aim To use forensic entomological approach to estimate the post mortem interval (PMI) in burnt remains. Methods Two experiments were performed in a field in the outskirts of Milan, in winter and summer 2007. Four 60-kg pigs were used: two for each experiment. One pig carcass was burnt until it reached the level 2-3 of the Glassman-Crow scale and the not-burnt carcass was used as a control. In order to describe the decomposition process and to collect the data useful for minimum PMI estimation, macroscopic, histological, and entomological analyses were performed. Results In the winter part of the experiment, the first insect activity on the burnt carcass began in the third week (Calliphora vomitoria) and at the beginning of the fourth week an increase in the number of species was observed. In the summer part, adult flies and first instar maggots (Phormia regina) appeared a few minutes/hours after the carcass exposure. Both in winter and summer, flies belonging to the first colonization wave (Calliphoridae) appeared on burnt and control pigs at the same time, whereas other species (Diptera and Coleoptera) appeared earlier on burnt pigs. Conclusion In forensic practice, burnt bodies are among the most neglected fields of entomological research, since they are supposed to be an inadequate substratum for insect colonization. Entomological approach for PMI estimation proved to be useful, although further studies on larger samples are needed. PMID:23986281

Estimation of incremental reactivities for multiple day scenarios: an application to ethane and dimethyoxymethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockwell, William R.; Geiger, Harald; Becker, Karl H.

Single-day scenarios are used to calculate incremental reactivities by definition (Carter, J. Air Waste Management Assoc. 44 (1994) 881-899.) but even unreactive organic compounds may have a non-negligible effect on ozone concentrations if multiple-day scenarios are considered. The concentration of unreactive compounds and their products may build up over a multiple-day period and the oxidation products may be highly reactive or highly unreactive affecting the overall incremental reactivity of the organic compound. We have developed a method for calculating incremental reactivities for multiple days based on a standard scenario for polluted European conditions. This method was used to estimate maximum incremental reactivities (MIR) and maximum ozone incremental reactivities (MOIR) for ethane and dimethyoxymethane for scenarios ranging from 1 to 6 days. It was found that the incremental reactivities increased as the length of the simulation period increased. The MIR of ethane increased faster than the value for dimethyoxymethane as the scenarios became longer. The MOIRs of ethane and dimethyoxymethane increased but the change was more modest for scenarios longer than 3 days. MOIRs of both volatile organic compounds were equal within the uncertainties of their chemical mechanisms by the 5 day scenario. These results show that dimethyoxymethane has an ozone forming potential on a per mass basis that is only somewhat greater than ethane if multiple-day scenarios are considered.

The colonization of carrion by soldier fly, Ptecticus melanurus (Walker) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in a tropical forest in Malaysia: a new potential species for minimum PMI estimation.

PubMed

Azwandi, A; Omar, B

2012-12-01

This paper discusses the colonization of the stratiomyid species Ptecticus melanurus (Walker) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in monkey carrion and its potential for the determination of the minimum time since death (PMI). A study was conducted in a tropical forest at Bangi, Malaysia from 13 November 2009 to 8 June 2011. Twelve monkey carcasses (Macaca fascicularis Raffles) were used and divided in equal number into three different field trials. Adults of P. melanurus were first observed on monkey carrions on the second day the carcasses were placed in the field while their penultimate instar larvae were found in the wet soil under and beside carcass from day 8 to 31 days postmortem.

Talbot-Lau x-ray deflectometer electron density diagnostic for laser and pulsed power high energy density plasma experiments (invited)

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

Valdivia, M. P., E-mail: mpvaldivia@pha.jhu.edu; Stutman, D.; Stoeckl, C.

2016-11-15

Talbot-Lau X-ray deflectometry (TXD) has been developed as an electron density diagnostic for High Energy Density (HED) plasmas. The technique can deliver x-ray refraction, attenuation, elemental composition, and scatter information from a single Moiré image. An 8 keV Talbot-Lau interferometer was deployed using laser and x-pinch backlighters. Grating survival and electron density mapping were demonstrated for 25–29 J, 8–30 ps laser pulses using copper foil targets. Moiré pattern formation and grating survival were also observed using a copper x-pinch driven at 400 kA, ∼1 kA/ns. These results demonstrate the potential of TXD as an electron density diagnostic for HED plasmas.

Projection moire for remote contour analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doty, J. L.

1983-01-01

Remote projection and viewing of moire contours are examined analytically for a system employing separate projection and viewing optics, with specific attention paid to the practical limitations imposed by the optical systems. It is found that planar contours are possible only when the optics are telecentric (exit pupil at infinity) but that the requirement for spatial separability of the contour fringes from extraneous fringes is independent of the specific optics and is a function only of the angle separating the two optic axes. In the nontelecentric case, the contour separation near the object is unchanged from that of the telecentric case, although the contours are distorted into low-eccentricity (near-circular) ellipses. Furthermore, the minimum contour spacing is directly related to the depth of focus through the resolution of the optics.

Determination of Young's modulus of epoxy coated polyethylene micro-cantilever using phase-shift shadow moiré method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, J. H.; Ratnam, M. M.; Azid, I. A.; Mutharasu, D.

2011-11-01

Young's moduli of various epoxy coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro-cantilevers were determined from the deflection results obtained using the phase-shift shadow moiré (PSSM) method. The filler materials for epoxy coatings were aluminum and graphite powders that were mixed with epoxy at various percentages. Young's moduli were calculated from theory based on the deflection results. The PET micro-cantilever coated with aluminum-epoxy coating showed increasing value of Young's modulus when the ratios of the aluminum-epoxy were increased. The graphite-epoxy coating on the PET micro-cantilever also showed the same trend. The experimental results also show that Young's modulus of the graphite-epoxy coating is higher than aluminum-epoxy coating in comparison at the same mixing ratio.

Paper-based microfluidic devices on the crime scene: A simple tool for rapid estimation of post-mortem interval using vitreous humour.

PubMed

Garcia, Paulo T; Gabriel, Ellen F M; Pessôa, Gustavo S; Santos Júnior, Júlio C; Mollo Filho, Pedro C; Guidugli, Ruggero B F; Höehr, Nelci F; Arruda, Marco A Z; Coltro, Wendell K T

2017-06-29

This paper describes for the first time the use of paper-based analytical devices at crime scenes to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), based on the colorimetric determination of Fe 2+ in vitreous humour (VH) samples. Experimental parameters such as the paper substrate, the microzone diameter, the sample volume and the 1,10-phenanthroline (o-phen) concentration were optimised in order to ensure the best analytical performance. Grade 1 CHR paper, microzone with diameter of 5 mm, a sample volume of 4 μL and an o-phen concentration of 0.05 mol/L were chosen as the optimum experimental conditions. A good linear response was observed for a concentration range of Fe 2+ between 2 and 10 mg/L and the calculated values for the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3 and 0.9 mg/L, respectively. The specificity of the Fe 2+ colorimetric response was tested in the presence of the main interfering agents and no significant differences were found. After selecting the ideal experimental conditions, four HV samples were investigated on paper-based devices. The concentration levels of Fe 2+ achieved for samples #1, #2, #3 and #4 were 0.5 ± 0.1, 0.7 ± 0.1, 1.2 ± 0.1 and 15.1 ± 0.1 mg/L, respectively. These values are in good agreement with those calculated by ICP-MS. It important to note that the concentration levels measured using both techniques are proportional to the PMI. The limitation of the proposed analytical device is that it is restricted to a PMI greater than 1 day. The capability of providing an immediate answer about the PMI on the crime scene without any sophisticated instrumentation is a great achievement in modern instrumentation for forensic chemistry. The strategy proposed in this study could be helpful in many criminal investigations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the post-mortem interval on the effect of vascular responses to the activation of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors.

PubMed

Bloch-Bogusławska, Elżbieta; Grześk, Elżbieta; Grześk, Grzegorz

2015-03-01

The contractibility of blood vessels depends on their normal structure and the availability of calcium ions; it changes under the influence of numerous contracting and relaxing factors, which control the activities of various pathways of intracellular and intercellular signaling. The main aim of the study was to investigate, by means of perfusion pressure in rat tail arteries, the role of Ca 2+ in vascular response to α-1 adrenoceptor activation by phenylephrine (PHE) and Bay K8644 agonist of the L-type calcium channel and caffeine before and after a post-mortem interval (PMI) of 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. A phasic increase of perfusion pressure in rat tail arteries, as induced by PHE or caffeine, in Ca 2+ -free solutions was used as an indicator of intracellular Ca 2+ release through the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and ryanodine receptor pathways, respectively. In Ca 2+ -free-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and in Ca 2+ -EGTA-PSS, the PHE induced elevation of perfusion pressure significantly decreased. Vascular responses to caffeine (20 mmol/1) in Ca 2+ -free-EGTA-PSS, with an increase of PMI from 2-8 h, did not change significantly. A similar effect was observed with vascular responses to KCl 40 mmol/1 in Ca 2+ -EGTA-PSS. To confirm whether the inhibitory effect of 2, 4, 6 and 8 h PMI was mediated through the formation of NO, nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a potent NO synthase inhibitor, was used. Exposure to L-NNA (10 -5 M) blocked the inhibition induced by an increase of PMI. The blocked effects of L-NNA were reversed by L-arginine (10 -4 M). In conclusion, these patterns of change in artery responses provide insight into the post-mortem change in the receptor-mediated signaling components in epithelial and smooth muscle cells, and support the further study of post-mortem vascular responses triggered by G protein-coupled receptors (metabotropic) and channel-linked receptors (ionotropic) as potential markers for estimating short and long-term PMIs, respectively.

Metabolic syndrome, diabetes and inadequate lifestyle in first-degree relatives of acute myocardial infarction survivors younger than 45 years old.

PubMed

Gurgel, Maria Helane C; Montenegro Junior, Renan M; Melo Ponte, Clarisse M; Sousa, Tamara Cristina S; Silva, Paulo Goberlanio B; de Sousa Belém, Lucia; Furtado, Frederico Luis Braz; de Araújo Batista, Lívia A; Pereira, Alexandre C; Santos, Raul D

2017-11-28

A premature myocardial infarction (PMI) is usually associated with a familial component. This study evaluated cardiovascular risk factors in first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with PMI not presenting the familial hypercholesterolemia phenotype. A cross-sectional study comprising FDR of non-familial hypercholesterolemia patients who suffered a myocardial infarction <45-years age matched for age and sex with individuals without family history of cardiovascular disease. Subjects were evaluated for presence of the metabolic syndrome and its components, lifestyle, statin therapy, and laboratory parameters. The sample was composed of 166 FDR of 103 PMI patients and 111 controls. The prevalence of smoking (29.5 vs. 6.3%; p < 0.001), prediabetes (40.4 vs. 27%; p < 0.001), diabetes (19.9 vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (64.7 vs. 36%; p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (84.2 vs. 31.2%; p = 0.001) was greater in FDR. There was no difference on the prevalence of abdominal obesity between groups. In addition, FDR presented higher triglycerides (179.0 ± 71.0 vs. 140.0 ± 74.0 mg/dL; p = 0.002), LDL-cholesterol (122.0 ± 36.0 vs. 113.0 ± 35 mg/dL; p = 0.031), non-HDL-cholesterol (157.0 ± 53.0 vs. 141.0 ± 41.0 mg/dL; p = 0.004), and lower HDL-cholesterol (39.0 ± 10.0 vs. 48.0 ± 14.0 mg/dL; p < 0.001) than controls. Thyrotropin levels (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.0 mUI/L; p = 0.002) were higher in FDR. The risk factor pattern was like the one of index cases. Only 5.9% (n = 10) of FDR were in use of statins. FDR of non-familial hypercholesterolemia patients with PMI presented an elevated prevalence of metabolic abnormalities, inadequate lifestyle and were undertreated for dyslipidemia.

Characterization of the GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis pathway in Coxiella burnetii: the initial steps for GDP-β-D-virenose biosynthesis.

PubMed

Narasaki, Craig T; Mertens, Katja; Samuel, James E

2011-01-01

Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of human Q fever, is a gram-negative and naturally obligate intracellular bacterium. The O-specific polysaccharide chain (O-PS) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of C. burnetii is considered a heteropolymer of the two unusual sugars β-D-virenose and dihydrohydroxystreptose and mannose. We hypothesize that GDP-D-mannose is a metabolic intermediate to GDP-β-D-virenose. GDP-D-mannose is synthesized from fructose-6-phosphate in 3 successive reactions; Isomerization to mannose-6-phosphate catalyzed by a phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), followed by conversion to mannose-1-phosphate mediated by a phosphomannomutase (PMM) and addition of GDP by a GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP). GDP-D-mannose is then likely converted to GDP-6-deoxy-D-lyxo-hex-4-ulopyranose (GDP-Sug), a virenose intermediate, by a GDP-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMD). To test the validity of this pathway in C. burnetii, three open reading frames (CBU0671, CBU0294 and CBU0689) annotated as bifunctional type II PMI, as PMM or GMD were functionally characterized by complementation of corresponding E. coli mutant strains and in enzymatic assays. CBU0671, failed to complement an Escherichia coli manA (PMM) mutant strain. However, complementation of an E. coli manC (GMP) mutant strain restored capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis. CBU0294 complemented a Pseudomonas aeruginosa algC (GMP) mutant strain and showed phosphoglucomutase activity (PGM) in a pgm E. coli mutant strain. Despite the inability to complement a manA mutant, recombinant C. burnetii PMI protein showed PMM enzymatic activity in biochemical assays. CBU0689 showed dehydratase activity and determined kinetic parameters were consistent with previously reported data from other organisms. These results show the biological function of three C. burnetii LPS biosynthesis enzymes required for the formation of GDP-D-mannose and GDP-Sug. A fundamental understanding of C. burnetii genes that encode PMI, PMM and GMP is critical to fully understand the biosynthesic pathway of GDP-β-D-virenose and LPS structure in C. burnetii.

A novel approach to determine post mortem interval using neutron radiography.

PubMed

Bilheux, Hassina Z; Cekanova, Maria; Vass, Arpad A; Nichols, Trent L; Bilheux, Jean C; Donnell, Robert L; Finochiarro, Vincenzo

2015-06-01

One of the most difficult challenges in forensic research is to objectively determine the post-mortem interval (PMI). The accuracy of PMI is critical for determining the timeline of events surrounding a death. Most PMI techniques rely on gross morphological changes of cadavers that are highly sensitive to taphonomic factors. Recent studies have demonstrated that even exhumed individuals exposed to the same environmental conditions with similar PMIs can present different stages of decomposition. After death, tissue undergoes sequential changes consisting of organic and inorganic phase variations, as well as a gradual reduction of tissue water content. Hydrogen (H) is the primary contributor to neutron radiography (NR) contrast in biological specimens because (1) it is the most abundant element in biological tissues and (2) its nucleus scatters thermal and cold neutrons more strongly than any other atomic nucleus. These contrast differences can be advantageous in a forensic context to determine small changes in hydrogen concentrations. Neutron radiography of decaying canine tissues was performed to evaluate the PMI by measuring the changes in H content. In this study, dog cadavers were used as a model for human cadavers. Canine tissues and cadavers were exposed to controlled (laboratory settings, at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine) and uncontrolled (University of Tennessee Anthropology Research Facility) environmental conditions, respectively. Neutron radiographs were supplemented with photographs and histology data to assess the decompositional stages of cadavers. Results demonstrated that the increase in neutron transmission likely corresponded to a decrease in hydrogen content in the tissue, which was correlated with the decay time of the tissue. Tissues depleted in hydrogen were brighter in the neutron transmission radiographs of skeletal muscles, lung, and bone, under controlled conditions. Over a period of 10 days, changes in neutron transmission through lung and muscle were found to be higher than bone by 8.3%, 7.0%, and 2.0%, respectively. Results measured during uncontrolled conditions were more difficult to assess and further studies are necessary. In conclusion, neutron radiography may be used to detect changes in hydrogen abundance that can be correlated with the post-mortem interval. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of physical conditions in protoplanetary disks by interferometry. Theory, instrumentation and first observations. -- étude des conditions physiques dans les disques protoplanétaires par interférométrie. Théorie, instrumentation et premières observations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malbet, Fabien

2007-10-01

Les étoiles se forment lors de l'effondrement de nuages de gaz et de poussière. Dans l'environnement proche de l'étoile naissante la matière se concentre dans un plan équatorial que l'on appelle disque protoplanétaire. Les astronomes pensent que les planètes se forment au sein de cette masse de gaz et de poussière orbitant autour de l'étoile. Pour sonder ces disques à des échelles correspondant aux orbites des futures planètes, il convient d'observer dans l'infrarouge à très haute résolution spatiale. L'interférométrie infrarouge est donc un outil idéal pour étudier les conditions physiques des disques protoplanétaires. Dans ce mémoire, je décris les premiers pas de l'interférométrie infrarouge, depuis la mise au point des petits interféromètres PTI et IOTA jusqu'à la construction de l'instrument AMBER au foyer de l'interféromètre du VLT. Je décris aussi les résultats d'une piste de recherche technologique particulièrement attrayante dans le cas de l'interférométrie infrarouge et issue des technologies des autoroutes de l'information: l'optique intégrée appliquée à la combinaison de plusieurs faisceaux en astronomie. Je montre ensuite comment à partir des observations obtenues à partir de ces instruments, il est possible de contraindre la physique des disques autour des étoiles jeunes. Gráce à la résolution spectrale nouvellement disponible sur ces instruments, pour la première fois nous pouvons séparer des phénomènes physiques aussi différents que l'accrétion de matière sur l'étoile et l'éjection de particules par des vents dont l'origine précise est encore mal connue. Les résultats présentés dans ce mémoire ont été obtenus principalement à partir d'observations sur les systèmes jeunes FU Ori et MWC 297 effectuées par AMBER sur le VLTI, mais aussi par les petits interféromètres infrarouges PTI et IOTA. Je développe aussi les travaux de modélisation de la structure verticale des disques associés afin de montrer la richesse des renseignements obtenus. Finalement je trace les contours d'un programme de recherche qui permettra tout d'abord de maximiser le retour astrophysique sur un instrument comme le VLTI, puis d'obtenir de premières images interférométriques de ces environnements circumstellaires. Je propose aussi la réalisation d'un instrument de seconde génération qui permettra de fournir des images interférométriques détaillées de ces sources compactes par synthèse d'ouverture. Stars are forming when clouds of gas and dust collapse. In the close environment of the new star, the matter is concentrated in an equatorial plane which is called protoplanetary disk. The astronomers think that planets are formed within this mass of gas and dust orbiting around the star. To probe these disks at scales corresponding to the orbits of the future planets, it is necessary to observe at very high spatial resolution in the infrared wavelength domain. Infrared interferometry is therefore an ideal tool to study the physical conditions in protoplanetary disks. In this document, I describe the first steps of infrared interferometry, from the beginning of the small interferometers PTI and IOTA until the construction of the AMBER instrument at the focus of the VLT Interferometer. I describe also the results of a technological research track, particularly attractive in the case of infrared interferometry, and coming from the information freeway: the integrated optics applies to the combination of several beams in astronomy. I show then how from observations obtained from these instruments, it is possible to constrain the physics of disks around young stars. Thanks to the spectral resolution recently available on these instruments, for the first time, we can separate the physical phenomena as different as accretion of matter onto the star and the ejection of particles by winds whose precise origin is still not well known. The results presented in this document were obtained mainly from observations on the young systems FU Ori and MWC 297 and performed by AMBER on the VLTI, but also by the small infrared interferometers PTI and IOTA. I tackle also the modeling of the vertical structure of those disks in order to show the wealth of obtained information. Finally I draw the contours of a research program that will allow first the VLTI astrophysical return to be maximized, and then the first interferometric images of these circumstellar environments to be obtained. I also propose to build a second generation instrument for the VLTI which will bring detailed interferometric images by aperture synthesis of these compact sources.

Determination of post-burial interval using entomology: A review.

PubMed

Singh, Rajinder; Sharma, Sahil; Sharma, Arun

2016-08-01

Insects and other arthropods are used in different matters pertinent to the criminal justice system as they play very important role in the decomposition of cadavers. They are used as evidence in a criminal investigation to determine post mortem interval (PMI). Various researches and review articles are available on forensic entomology to determine PMI in the terrestrial environment but very less work has been reported in context to buried bodies. Burring the carcass, is one of the methods used by criminals to conceal the crime. So, to drive the attention of researchers toward this growing field and to help various investigating agencies, the present paper reviews the studies done on determination of post-burial interval (PBI), its importance and future prospective. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Results of a 90-day safety assurance study with rats fed grain from corn borer-protected corn.

PubMed

Hammond, B G; Dudek, R; Lemen, J K; Nemeth, M A

2006-07-01

The results of a 90-day rat feeding study with grain from MON 810 corn (YieldGard Cornborer -- YieldGard Cornborer is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology, LLC) that is protected against feeding damage from corn and stalk boring lepidopteran insects are presented. Corn borer protection was accomplished through the introduction of cry1Ab coding sequences into the corn genome for in planta production of a bioactive form of Cry1Ab protein. Grain from MON 810 and its near-isogenic control was separately formulated into rodent diets at levels of 11% and 33% (w/w) by Purina Mills, Inc. (PMI). All diets were nutritionally balanced and conformed to PMI specifications for Certified LabDiet (PMI Certified LabDiet 5002 is a registered trademark of Purina Mills, Inc.) 5002. There were a total of 400 rats in the study divided into 10 groups of 20 rats/sex/group. The responses of rats fed diets containing MON 810 were compared to those of rats fed grain from conventional corn varieties. Overall health, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology parameters (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, and gross and microscopic appearance of tissues were comparable between groups fed diets containing MON 810 and conventional corn varieties. This study complements extensive agronomic, compositional and farm animal feeding studies with MON 810 grain, confirming that it is as safe and nutritious as grain from existing commercial corn varieties.

Simulation and measurements of the response of an air ionisation chamber exposed to a mixed high-energy radiation field.

PubMed

Vincke, Helmut; Forkel-Wirth, Doris; Perrin, Daniel; Theis, Chris

2005-01-01

CERN's radiation protection group operates a network of simple and robust ionisation chambers that are installed inside CERN's accelerator tunnels. These ionisation chambers are used for the remote reading of ambient dose rate equivalents inside the machines during beam-off periods. This Radiation Protection Monitor for dose rates due to Induced Radioactivity ('PMI', trade name: PTW, Type 34031) is a non-confined air ionisation plastic chamber which is operated under atmospheric pressure. Besides its current field of operation it is planned to extend the use of this detector in the Large Hadron Collider to measure radiation under beam operation conditions to obtain an indication of the machine performance. Until now, studies of the PMI detector have been limited to the response to photons. In order to evaluate its response to other radiation components, this chamber type was tested at CERF, the high-energy reference field facility at CERN. Six PMI detectors were installed around a copper target being irradiated by a mixed hadron beam with a momentum of 120 GeV c(-1). Each of the chosen detector positions was defined by a different radiation field, varying in type and energy of the incident particles. For all positions, detailed measurements and FLUKA simulations of the detector response were performed. This paper presents the promising comparison between the measurements and simulations and analyses the influence of the different particle types on the resulting detector response.

Tritium Plasma Experiment Upgrade and Improvement of Surface Diagnostic Capabilities at STAR Facility for Enhancing Tritium and Nuclear PMI Sciences

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

Shimada, M.; Taylor, C. N.; Pawelko, R. J.

2016-04-01

The Tritium Plasma Experiment (TPE) is a unique high-flux linear plasma device that can handle beryllium, tritium, and neutron-irradiated plasma facing materials, and is the only existing device dedicated to directly study tritium retention and permeation in neutron-irradiated materials with tritium [M. Shimada et.al., Rev. Sci. Instru. 82 (2011) 083503 and and M. Shimada, et.al., Nucl. Fusion 55 (2015) 013008]. The plasma-material-interaction (PMI) determines a boundary condition for diffusing tritium into bulk PFCs, and the tritium PMI is crucial for enhancing fundamental sciences that dictate tritium fuel cycles and safety and are high importance to an FNSF and DEMO. Recentlymore » the TPE has undergone major upgrades in its electrical and control systems. New DC power supplies and a new control center enable remote plasma operations from outside of the contamination area for tritium, minimizing the possible exposure risk with tritium and beryllium. We discuss the electrical upgrade, enhanced operational safety, improved plasma performance, and development of optical spectrometer system. This upgrade not only improves operational safety of the worker, but also enhances plasma performance to better simulate extreme plasma-material conditions expected in ITER, Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF), and Demonstration reactor (DEMO). This work was prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, under the DOE Idaho Field Office contract number DE-AC07-05ID14517.« less

The temporal degradation of bone collagen: A histochemical approach.

PubMed

Boaks, Amelia; Siwek, Donald; Mortazavi, Farzad

2014-07-01

As forensic anthropologists are currently unable to estimate reliably and quantitatively the postmortem interval (PMI) of skeletonized remains, the current study was conducted to determine if degradation of bone collagen over time could be quantified using sirius red/fast green staining, and whether the degradation would occur at a predictive rate such that it may be used to estimate the PMI of skeletonized individuals. Resin embedded 200-300μm cross-sections of pig (Sus scrofa) long bones with known provenience and PMIs ranging from fresh to 12 months were stained using a histochemical reaction which differentially stains collagenous (Co) and non-collagenous (NCo) proteins. Spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentration of Co and NCo proteins in each bone section, after which the ratio of these proteins was calculated. The results of this study revealed a significant decline in the ratios of Co/NCo protein concentrations over the time period studied (p<0.001). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between the ratios of Co/NCo protein concentrations and time (r=-0.563, p<0.0001) was observed. Despite a significant correlation, the moderate r-value obtained suggests that, at present, this method is useful primarily for detecting and quantifying the degradation of Co and NCo proteins in bones. Future studies that include shorter time intervals and environmental factors, such as soil pH, temperature, and hydrology may prove to be critical for using this method for PMI estimation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of exposure to pesticides during pregnancy on placental maturity and weight of newborns: a cross-sectional pilot study in women from the Chihuahua State, Mexico.

PubMed

Acosta-Maldonado, Brenda; Sánchez-Ramírez, Blanca; Reza-López, Sandra; Levario-Carrillo, Margarita

2009-08-01

It is known that pesticides cross the placental barrier and can cause alterations in the development of placental structures resulting in adverse effects in reproduction. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure during pregnancy on placental maturity and to evaluate the relationship between placental maturity, gestational age and birth weight. We collected the placentas from singleton pregnancies from women exposed (n = 9) and non-exposed (n = 45 full-term and n = 31 preterm) to pesticides as evaluated geographically, by questionnaire and by acetylcholinesterase levels. Placental morphometry from the central and peripheral regions was examined by microscopy and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The placental maturity index (PMI) was estimated by dividing the number of epithelial plates in terminal villi to their thickness in 1 mm(2) of the placental parenchyma. Gestational age, birth weight and the following characteristics of the mother were also recorded: pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin concentrations. Birth weight and the gestational age were correlated with PMI (r = .54 and r = .44, respectively; p < .01). Pesticide exposure was associated with a higher PMI (beta = 7.38, p = .01) after adjusting by variables related to placental maturity. In conclusion, the results suggest a relationship between prenatal exposure to pesticides and placental maturity and may potentially affect the nutrient transport from the mother to the fetus.

Life history data on the fly parasitoids Aleochara nigra Kraatz and A. asiatica Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and their potential application in forensic entomology.

PubMed

Lin, Shou-Wang; Shiao, Shiuh-Feng

2013-10-10

Knowledge of the developmental time of the immature stages of necrophagous flies has been the main tool for estimating minimum post-mortem intervals (min PMIs) in forensic entomology. Many parasitic insects can alter the development of immature stages of flies and thus affect min PMI estimates. The larvae of most species of Aleochara rove beetles are ectoparasitoids of the pupae of cyclorrhapha flies. Among them, some species that parasitise necrophagous flies may have forensic importance. Two Taiwanese Aleochara species, A. nigra and A. asiatica, which visit carrion sites were studied herein. All five necrophagous (Hemipyrellia ligurriens, Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya megacephala, C. rufifacies and sarcophagid sp.) and one non-necrophagous fly species (Bactrocera dorsalis) we examined have the potential to be parasitised by these two Aleochara species, but differences among the acceptability and suitability of these hosts to rove beetle species suggested that rove beetles may prefer specific hosts. Each stage of the beetle life history was recorded to estimate developmental durations at six different temperatures. The larval stage together with the pupal stage of both beetle species was longer than the pupal stages of their hosts, implying the possibility of elongating the min PMI estimation. In addition, the host weight and larval duration of these two Aleochara beetles were positively correlated; thus, potential applications can be expected when using parasitised fly pupae in min PMI estimations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The comparative performance of PMI estimation in skeletal remains by three methods (C-14, luminol test and OHI): analysis of 20 cases.

PubMed

Cappella, Annalisa; Gibelli, Daniele; Muccino, Enrico; Scarpulla, Valentina; Cerutti, Elisa; Caruso, Valentina; Sguazza, Emanuela; Mazzarelli, Debora; Cattaneo, Cristina

2015-01-27

When estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic anthropology, the only method able to give an unambiguous result is the analysis of C-14, although the procedure is expensive. Other methods, such as luminol tests and histological analysis, can be performed as preliminary investigations and may allow the operators to gain a preliminary indication concerning PMI, but they lack scientific verification, although luminol testing has been somewhat more accredited in the past few years. Such methods in fact may provide some help as they are inexpensive and can give a fast response, especially in the phase of preliminary investigations. In this study, 20 court cases of human skeletonized remains were dated by the C-14 method. For two cases, results were chronologically set after the 1950s; for one case, the analysis was not possible technically. The remaining 17 cases showed an archaeological or historical collocation. The same bone samples were also screened with histological examination and with the luminol test. Results showed that only four cases gave a positivity to luminol and a high Oxford Histology Index (OHI) score at the same time: among these, two cases were dated as recent by the radiocarbon analysis. Thus, only two false-positive results were given by the combination of these methods and no false negatives. Thus, the combination of two qualitative methods (luminol test and microscopic analysis) may represent a promising solution to cases where many fragments need to be quickly tested.

Physical and non-physical energy in scattered wave source-receiver interferometry.

PubMed

Meles, Giovanni Angelo; Curtis, Andrew

2013-06-01

Source-receiver interferometry allows Green's functions between sources and receivers to be estimated by means of convolution and cross-correlation of other wavefields. Source-receiver interferometry has been observed to work surprisingly well in practical applications when theoretical requirements (e.g., complete enclosing boundaries of other sources and receivers) are contravened: this paper contributes to explain why this may be true. Commonly used inter-receiver interferometry requires wavefields to be generated around specific stationary points in space which are controlled purely by medium heterogeneity and receiver locations. By contrast, application of source-receiver interferometry constructs at least kinematic information about physically scattered waves between a source and a receiver by cross-convolution of scattered waves propagating from and to any points on the boundary. This reduces the ambiguity in interpreting wavefields generated using source-receiver interferometry with only partial boundaries (as is standard in practical applications), as it allows spurious or non-physical energy in the constructed Green's function to be identified and ignored. Further, source-receiver interferometry (which includes a step of inter-receiver interferometry) turns all types of non-physical or spurious energy deriving from inter-receiver interferometry into what appears to be physical energy. This explains in part why source-receiver interferometry may perform relatively well compared to inter-receiver interferometry when constructing scattered wavefields.

Structure and Growth of Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Ir(111).

PubMed

Farwick Zum Hagen, Ferdinand H; Zimmermann, Domenik M; Silva, Caio C; Schlueter, Christoph; Atodiresei, Nicolae; Jolie, Wouter; Martínez-Galera, Antonio J; Dombrowski, Daniela; Schröder, Ulrike A; Will, Moritz; Lazić, Predrag; Caciuc, Vasile; Blügel, Stefan; Lee, Tien-Lin; Michely, Thomas; Busse, Carsten

2016-12-27

Using the X-ray standing wave method, scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy electron diffraction, and density functional theory, we precisely determine the lateral and vertical structure of hexagonal boron nitride on Ir(111). The moiré superstructure leads to a periodic arrangement of strongly chemisorbed valleys in an otherwise rather flat, weakly physisorbed plane. The best commensurate approximation of the moiré unit cell is (12 × 12) boron nitride cells resting on (11 × 11) substrate cells, which is at variance with several earlier studies. We uncover the existence of two fundamentally different mechanisms of layer formation for hexagonal boron nitride, namely, nucleation and growth as opposed to network formation without nucleation. The different pathways are linked to different distributions of rotational domains, and the latter enables selection of a single orientation only.

Magnified pseudo-elemental map of atomic column obtained by Moiré method in scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kondo, Yukihito; Okunishi, Eiji

2014-10-01

Moiré method in scanning transmission electron microscopy allows observing a magnified two-dimensional atomic column elemental map of a higher pixel resolution with a lower electron dose unlike conventional atomic column mapping. The magnification of the map is determined by the ratio between the pixel size and the lattice spacing. With proper ratios for the x and y directions, we could observe magnified elemental maps, homothetic to the atomic arrangement in the sample of SrTiO3 [0 0 1]. The map showed peaks at all expected oxygen sites in SrTiO3 [0 0 1]. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Training-based descreening.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Hasib; Bouman, Charles A

2007-03-01

Conventional halftoning methods employed in electrophotographic printers tend to produce Moiré artifacts when used for printing images scanned from printed material, such as books and magazines. We present a novel approach for descreening color scanned documents aimed at providing an efficient solution to the Moiré problem in practical imaging devices, including copiers and multifunction printers. The algorithm works by combining two nonlinear image-processing techniques, resolution synthesis-based denoising (RSD), and modified smallest univalue segment assimilating nucleus (SUSAN) filtering. The RSD predictor is based on a stochastic image model whose parameters are optimized beforehand in a separate training procedure. Using the optimized parameters, RSD classifies the local window around the current pixel in the scanned image and applies filters optimized for the selected classes. The output of the RSD predictor is treated as a first-order estimate to the descreened image. The modified SUSAN filter uses the output of RSD for performing an edge-preserving smoothing on the raw scanned data and produces the final output of the descreening algorithm. Our method does not require any knowledge of the screening method, such as the screen frequency or dither matrix coefficients, that produced the printed original. The proposed scheme not only suppresses the Moiré artifacts, but, in addition, can be trained with intrinsic sharpening for deblurring scanned documents. Finally, once optimized for a periodic clustered-dot halftoning method, the same algorithm can be used to inverse halftone scanned images containing stochastic error diffusion halftone noise.

Development of the cryogenic system of AEgIS at CERN

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

Derking, J. H.; Bremer, J.; Burghart, G.

2014-01-29

The AEgIS (Antimatter Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy) experiment is located at the antiproton decelerator complex of CERN. The main goal of the experiment is to perform the first direct measurement of the Earth’s gravitational acceleration on antihydrogen atoms within 1% precision. The antihydrogen is produced in a cylindrical Penning trap by combining antiprotons with positrons. To reach the precision of 1%, the antihydrogen has to be cooled to 100 mK to reduce its random velocity. A dilution refrigerator is selected to deliver the necessary cooling capacity of 100 μW at 50 mK. The AEgIS cryogenic system basically consists of cryostatsmore » for a 1-T and for a 5-T superconducting magnet, a central region cryostat, a dilution refrigerator cryostat and a measurement cryostat with a Moiré deflectometer to measure the gravitational acceleration. In autumn 2012, the 1-T cryostat, 5-T cryostat and central region cryostat were assembled and commissioned. The apparatus is cooled down in eight days using 2500 L of liquid helium and liquid nitrogen. During operation, the average consumption of liquid helium is 150 L⋅day{sup −1} and of liquid nitrogen 5 L⋅day{sup −1}. The temperature sensors at the Penning traps measured 12 K to 18 K, which is higher than expected. Simulations show that this is caused by a bad thermalization of the trap wiring. The implementation of the sub-kelvin region is foreseen for mid-2015. The antihydrogen will be cooled down to 100 mK in an ultra-cold trap consisting of multiple high-voltage electrodes made of sapphire with gold plated electrode sectors.« less

Proceedings of the XXII A.I.VE.LA. National Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primo Tomasini, Enrico

2015-11-01

A.I.VE.LA. - the Italian Association of Laser Velocimetry and non-invasive diagnostics - is a non-profit cultural association whose objective is to promote and support research in the field of non-contact or minimally invasive measurement techniques, particularly electromagnetic-based techniques and optical techniques. Through its Annual Meeting, AIVELA aims to create an active and stimulating forum where current research results and technical advances can be exchanged and the development of new systems for laboratory use, field testing and industrial application can be promoted. The techniques covered include Laser Doppler Anemometry - LDA, Phase Doppler Anemometry - PDA, Image Velocimetry - PIV, Flow visualization techniques, Spectroscopic measurement techniques (LIF, Raman, etc.), Laser Doppler Vibrometry - LDV, Speckle Pattern Interferometry - ESPI, Holographic techniques, Shearography, Digital Image Correlation - DIC, Moiré techniques, Structured light techniques, Infrared imaging, Photoelasticity, Image based measurement techniques, Ultrasonic sensing, Acoustic and Aeroacoustic measurements, etc. The first Annual Meeting was held back in October 1992 and since then there has been a large consensus among the research and scientific communities that the papers presented at the event are of a high scientific interest. The XXII AIVELA Annual Meeting was held at the Faculty of Engineering of University of Rome Tor Vergata on 15-16 December 2014 and was organised in collaboration with the International Master Courses in "Protection Against CBRNe Events". This volume contains a selection of the papers presented at the event. The detailed Programme of the Meeting can be found at: http://www.aivela.org/XXII_Convegno/index.html Trusting our Association and its initiatives will meet your interest, I wish to thank you in advance for your kind attention and hope to meet you soon at one of our events.

Science Notes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piearce, Trevor; And Others

1988-01-01

Provides explanations of 15 experiments, laboratory activities, demonstrations, and lessons for use in instruction. Includes information on Daphnia, wild garlic, crystals, gas chromatographs, bleaches, alcohols, reactivity series, chemistry formula, electronic keyboards and waveforms, interference and diffraction gravity, Moire fringe patterns,…

How diverse are diversity assessment methods? A comparative analysis and benchmarking of molecular descriptor space.

PubMed

Koutsoukas, Alexios; Paricharak, Shardul; Galloway, Warren R J D; Spring, David R; Ijzerman, Adriaan P; Glen, Robert C; Marcus, David; Bender, Andreas

2014-01-27

Chemical diversity is a widely applied approach to select structurally diverse subsets of molecules, often with the objective of maximizing the number of hits in biological screening. While many methods exist in the area, few systematic comparisons using current descriptors in particular with the objective of assessing diversity in bioactivity space have been published, and this shortage is what the current study is aiming to address. In this work, 13 widely used molecular descriptors were compared, including fingerprint-based descriptors (ECFP4, FCFP4, MACCS keys), pharmacophore-based descriptors (TAT, TAD, TGT, TGD, GpiDAPH3), shape-based descriptors (rapid overlay of chemical structures (ROCS) and principal moments of inertia (PMI)), a connectivity-matrix-based descriptor (BCUT), physicochemical-property-based descriptors (prop2D), and a more recently introduced molecular descriptor type (namely, "Bayes Affinity Fingerprints"). We assessed both the similar behavior of the descriptors in assessing the diversity of chemical libraries, and their ability to select compounds from libraries that are diverse in bioactivity space, which is a property of much practical relevance in screening library design. This is particularly evident, given that many future targets to be screened are not known in advance, but that the library should still maximize the likelihood of containing bioactive matter also for future screening campaigns. Overall, our results showed that descriptors based on atom topology (i.e., fingerprint-based descriptors and pharmacophore-based descriptors) correlate well in rank-ordering compounds, both within and between descriptor types. On the other hand, shape-based descriptors such as ROCS and PMI showed weak correlation with the other descriptors utilized in this study, demonstrating significantly different behavior. We then applied eight of the molecular descriptors compared in this study to sample a diverse subset of sample compounds (4%) from an initial population of 2587 compounds, covering the 25 largest human activity classes from ChEMBL and measured the coverage of activity classes by the subsets. Here, it was found that "Bayes Affinity Fingerprints" achieved an average coverage of 92% of activity classes. Using the descriptors ECFP4, GpiDAPH3, TGT, and random sampling, 91%, 84%, 84%, and 84% of the activity classes were represented in the selected compounds respectively, followed by BCUT, prop2D, MACCS, and PMI (in order of decreasing performance). In addition, we were able to show that there is no visible correlation between compound diversity in PMI space and in bioactivity space, despite frequent utilization of PMI plots to this end. To summarize, in this work, we assessed which descriptors select compounds with high coverage of bioactivity space, and can hence be used for diverse compound selection for biological screening. In cases where multiple descriptors are to be used for diversity selection, this work describes which descriptors behave complementarily, and can hence be used jointly to focus on different aspects of diversity in chemical space.

Improving Word Similarity by Augmenting PMI with Estimates of Word Polysemy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-29

radiator, brake , throttle, speeding, uptown, curb, auto, skid, balloon, truck, refrigerator, driver, downtown, parachute, gasoline, steering, spin...chauffeur, garage, motor, trolley, locomotive, conductor, automobile, limousine, freight, headlight, train, driver, brake , siding, passenger, engine

The use of the PMI/mannose selection system to recover transgenic sweet orange plants (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck).

PubMed

Boscariol, R L; Almeida, W A B; Derbyshire, M T V C; Mourão Filho, F A A; Mendes, B M J

2003-09-01

A new method for obtaining transgenic sweet orange plants was developed in which positive selection (Positech) based on the Escherichia coli phosphomannose-isomerase (PMI) gene as the selectable marker gene and mannose as the selective agent was used. Epicotyl segments from in vitro-germinated plants of Valencia, Hamlin, Natal and Pera sweet oranges were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA101-pNOV2116 and subsequently selected on medium supplemented with different concentrations of mannose or with a combination of mannose and sucrose as a carbon source. Genetic transformation was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot. The transgene expression was evaluated using a chlorophenol red assay and isoenzymes. The transformation efficiency rate ranged from 3% to 23.8%, depending on cultivar. This system provides an efficient manner for selecting transgenic sweet orange plants without using antibiotics or herbicides.

Magnetodielectric behaviour in La0.53Ca0.47MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Suchita; Kumar, Jitender; Awasthi, A. M.

2014-10-01

We explore magneto-dielectricity in La0.53Ca0.47MnO3 across its paramagnetic (PMI) to ferromagnetic (FMM) isostructural transition at TC ˜ 253 K, by magnetic (M), caloric (W), dielectric (ɛ‧), magnetoresistive (MR), and magnetocapacitance (MC) investigations. A skew-broadened first-order transition character is confirmed via heating/cooling hystereses in M(T) and W(T), with a superheating temperature T** next to TC and supercooling temperature T* exhibiting kinetics. Above TC, linearly related MC and MR reflect purely a magnetoresistance effect. Near TC, the high-frequency MC (5 Tesla (T)), far exceeds the magneto-losses, and is uncorrelated with dc MR (5 T) in the FM-ordered state. The intrinsic magneto-dielectricity manifest below TC and above ˜kHz is traced to an intra-granular Maxwell-Wagner-type effect at the interface region of PMI-FMM phase coexistence.

Algor mortis: an erroneous measurement following postmortem refrigeration.

PubMed

Wardak, Khalil S; Cina, Stephen J

2011-09-01

Determination of the time of death is one goal of medicolegal death investigations. Algor mortis has been used as a measure of the postmortem interval (PMI). We prospectively recorded the core temperatures of 19 adult bodies entering our morgue cooler and at 3, 6, and 9 h of refrigeration. We then compared the cooling rate with the calculated body mass index (BMI). For each individual body, the rate of cooling was fairly linear with no evidence of a plateau. There was fair to moderate correlation between the BMI and the cooling rate: cooling rate = -0.052 (BMI) + 3.52. The probability of linearity in any given case was 36%. Variables affecting this correlation included the presence and the layers of clothing and if the clothing was wet. Our data confirm that algor mortis is of very limited utility in determining the PMI in bodies that have been refrigerated. © 2011 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Proceedings of the first workshop on Peripheral Machine Interfaces: going beyond traditional surface electromyography

PubMed Central

Castellini, Claudio; Artemiadis, Panagiotis; Wininger, Michael; Ajoudani, Arash; Alimusaj, Merkur; Bicchi, Antonio; Caputo, Barbara; Craelius, William; Dosen, Strahinja; Englehart, Kevin; Farina, Dario; Gijsberts, Arjan; Godfrey, Sasha B.; Hargrove, Levi; Ison, Mark; Kuiken, Todd; Marković, Marko; Pilarski, Patrick M.; Rupp, Rüdiger; Scheme, Erik

2014-01-01

One of the hottest topics in rehabilitation robotics is that of proper control of prosthetic devices. Despite decades of research, the state of the art is dramatically behind the expectations. To shed light on this issue, in June, 2013 the first international workshop on Present and future of non-invasive peripheral nervous system (PNS)–Machine Interfaces (MI; PMI) was convened, hosted by the International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics. The keyword PMI has been selected to denote human–machine interfaces targeted at the limb-deficient, mainly upper-limb amputees, dealing with signals gathered from the PNS in a non-invasive way, that is, from the surface of the residuum. The workshop was intended to provide an overview of the state of the art and future perspectives of such interfaces; this paper represents is a collection of opinions expressed by each and every researcher/group involved in it. PMID:25177292

Progress in magnet design activities for the material plasma exposure experiment

DOE PAGES

Duckworth, Robert; Lumsdaine, Arnold; Rapp, Juergen; ...

2017-07-01

One of the critical challenges for the development of next generation fusion facilities, such as a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) or DEMO, is the understanding of plasma material interactions (PMI). Making progress in PMI research will require integrated facilities that can provide the types of conditions that will be seen in the first wall and divertor regions of future fusion facilities. In order to meet this need, a new linear plasma facility, the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX), is proposed. In order to generate high ion fluence to simulate fusion divertor conditions, a steady-state plasma will be generated andmore » confined with superconducting magnets. Finally, the on-axis fields will range from 1 to 2.5 T in order to meet the requirements of the various plasma source and heating systems. Details on the pre-conceptual design of the magnets and cryogenic system are presented.« less

Atomic structure of a decagonal Al-Pd-Mn phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihalkovič, Marek; Roth, Johannes; Trebin, Hans-Rainer

2017-12-01

We present a detailed structure solution for the 16 -Å decagonal quasicrystal in the Al-Pd-Mn system by means of cluster decoration and ab initio energy minimization. It is based on structure models of the ɛ and other approximant phases. The ɛ phases can be represented as subsets of a hexagon-boat-star (HBS) tiling. The decagonal phase comprises further HBS tiles. We have constructed several fictitious HBS approximants and optimized their structures individually. All tiles are decorated by two types of atomic clusters: the pseudo-Mackay icosahedron (PMI) and the large bicapped pentagonal prism (LBPP). It turns out that, whereas the PMI clusters can be kept essentially unchanged, the LBPP clusters must be adjusted in occupancy with Al atoms depending on their positions in the various tiles. In this way we obtain cluster decorations for all tiles of the decagonal quasicrystal. The calculations were confirmed by evaluation of an effective tile Hamiltonian.

A review of recent work in sub-nanometre displacement measurement using optical and X-ray interferometry.

PubMed

Peggs, G N; Yacoot, A

2002-05-15

This paper reviews recent work in the field of displacement measurement using optical and X-ray interferometry at the sub-nanometre level of accuracy. The major sources of uncertainty in optical interferometry are discussed and a selection of recent designs of ultra-precise, optical-interferometer-based, displacement measuring transducers presented. The use of X-ray interferometry and its combination with optical interferometry is discussed.

Physics Notes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Science Review, 1981

1981-01-01

Outlines several laboratory procedures and demonstrations including electric fields using sawdust, experiments with capacitors, particle spacing in a vapor and a liquid, metrology, momentum, Moire patterns and interference fringes, equipping for practical electronics, and using programmable calculators for rapid plotting of graphs. (DS)

Evaluation of a ''CMOS'' Imager for Shadow Mask Hard X-ray Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desai, Upendra D.; Orwig, Larry E.; Oergerle, William R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We have developed a hard x-ray coder that provides high angular resolution imaging capability using a coarse position sensitive image plane detector. The coder consists of two Fresnel zone plates. (FZP) Two such 'FZP's generate Moire fringe patterns whose frequency and orientation define the arrival direction of a beam with respect to telescope axis. The image plane detector needs to resolve the Moire fringe pattern. Pixilated detectors can be used as an image plane detector. The recently available 'CMOS' imager could provide a very low power large area image plane detector for hard x-rays. We have looked into a unit made by Rad-Icon Imaging Corp. The Shadow-Box 1024 x-ray camera is a high resolution 1024xl024 pixel detector of 50x50 mm area. It is a very low power, stand alone camera. We present some preliminary results of our investigation of evaluation of such camera.

A moiré deflectometer for antimatter

PubMed Central

Aghion, S.; Ahlén, O.; Amsler, C.; Ariga, A.; Ariga, T.; Belov, A. S.; Berggren, K.; Bonomi, G.; Bräunig, P.; Bremer, J.; Brusa, R. S.; Cabaret, L.; Canali, C.; Caravita, R.; Castelli, F.; Cerchiari, G.; Cialdi, S.; Comparat, D.; Consolati, G.; Derking, H.; Di Domizio, S.; Di Noto, L.; Doser, M.; Dudarev, A.; Ereditato, A.; Ferragut, R.; Fontana, A.; Genova, P.; Giammarchi, M.; Gligorova, A.; Gninenko, S. N.; Haider, S.; Huse, T.; Jordan, E.; Jørgensen, L. V.; Kaltenbacher, T.; Kawada, J.; Kellerbauer, A.; Kimura, M.; Knecht, A.; Krasnický, D.; Lagomarsino, V.; Lehner, S.; Magnani, A.; Malbrunot, C.; Mariazzi, S.; Matveev, V. A.; Moia, F.; Nebbia, G.; Nédélec, P.; Oberthaler, M. K.; Pacifico, N.; Petràček, V.; Pistillo, C.; Prelz, F.; Prevedelli, M.; Regenfus, C.; Riccardi, C.; Røhne, O.; Rotondi, A.; Sandaker, H.; Scampoli, P.; Storey, J.; Vasquez, M.A. Subieta; Špaček, M.; Testera, G.; Vaccarone, R.; Widmann, E.; Zavatarelli, S.; Zmeskal, J.

2014-01-01

The precise measurement of forces is one way to obtain deep insight into the fundamental interactions present in nature. In the context of neutral antimatter, the gravitational interaction is of high interest, potentially revealing new forces that violate the weak equivalence principle. Here we report on a successful extension of a tool from atom optics—the moiré deflectometer—for a measurement of the acceleration of slow antiprotons. The setup consists of two identical transmission gratings and a spatially resolving emulsion detector for antiproton annihilations. Absolute referencing of the observed antimatter pattern with a photon pattern experiencing no deflection allows the direct inference of forces present. The concept is also straightforwardly applicable to antihydrogen measurements as pursued by the AEgIS collaboration. The combination of these very different techniques from high energy and atomic physics opens a very promising route to the direct detection of the gravitational acceleration of neutral antimatter. PMID:25066810

A moiré deflectometer for antimatter.

PubMed

Aghion, S; Ahlén, O; Amsler, C; Ariga, A; Ariga, T; Belov, A S; Berggren, K; Bonomi, G; Bräunig, P; Bremer, J; Brusa, R S; Cabaret, L; Canali, C; Caravita, R; Castelli, F; Cerchiari, G; Cialdi, S; Comparat, D; Consolati, G; Derking, H; Di Domizio, S; Di Noto, L; Doser, M; Dudarev, A; Ereditato, A; Ferragut, R; Fontana, A; Genova, P; Giammarchi, M; Gligorova, A; Gninenko, S N; Haider, S; Huse, T; Jordan, E; Jørgensen, L V; Kaltenbacher, T; Kawada, J; Kellerbauer, A; Kimura, M; Knecht, A; Krasnický, D; Lagomarsino, V; Lehner, S; Magnani, A; Malbrunot, C; Mariazzi, S; Matveev, V A; Moia, F; Nebbia, G; Nédélec, P; Oberthaler, M K; Pacifico, N; Petràček, V; Pistillo, C; Prelz, F; Prevedelli, M; Regenfus, C; Riccardi, C; Røhne, O; Rotondi, A; Sandaker, H; Scampoli, P; Storey, J; Vasquez, M A Subieta; Špaček, M; Testera, G; Vaccarone, R; Widmann, E; Zavatarelli, S; Zmeskal, J

2014-07-28

The precise measurement of forces is one way to obtain deep insight into the fundamental interactions present in nature. In the context of neutral antimatter, the gravitational interaction is of high interest, potentially revealing new forces that violate the weak equivalence principle. Here we report on a successful extension of a tool from atom optics--the moiré deflectometer--for a measurement of the acceleration of slow antiprotons. The setup consists of two identical transmission gratings and a spatially resolving emulsion detector for antiproton annihilations. Absolute referencing of the observed antimatter pattern with a photon pattern experiencing no deflection allows the direct inference of forces present. The concept is also straightforwardly applicable to antihydrogen measurements as pursued by the AEgIS collaboration. The combination of these very different techniques from high energy and atomic physics opens a very promising route to the direct detection of the gravitational acceleration of neutral antimatter.

Effects of storage in different semen extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa.

PubMed

Dziekońska, A; Zasiadczyk, Ł; Lecewicz, M; Strzeżek, R; Koziorowska-Gilun, M; Fraser, L; Mogielnicka-Brzozowska, M; Kordan, W

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of storage of semen in different commercial extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa. Semen was diluted in BTS, Androhep (AH) and Gedil (GD), stored for 24 h at 17°C, and then frozen in accordance with the cryopreservation protocol. Analyses of the quality of spermatozoa included: motility, normal apical ridge (NAR) acrosome, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), measurements of ATP content and activity of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Prior to the freezing process, no significant effect of the extender on the sperm quality parameters was noted. After thawing the spermatozoa it was demonstrated that the type of extender used influenced PMI, MMP, ATP content and activity of GPx. In the AH extender the percentage of spermatozoa with PMI and ATP content in spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared to the BTS or GD extenders. In addition, semen stored in the AH was characterised by a statistically higher (P<0.05) percentage of spermatozoa with MMP and increased activity of GPx as compared with the BTS. The results obtained indicate that for the cryopreservation process, boar spermatozoa stored for 24 hours in liquid state can be used. However, the type of extender used prior to freezing may have a significant effect on the post-thawing quality of the spermatozoa. The AH extender better secured the quality of thawed boar spermatozoa as compared with the BTS or GD.

Detection of Metabolism Function of Microbial Community of Corpses by Biolog-Eco Method.

PubMed

Jiang, X Y; Wang, J F; Zhu, G H; Ma, M Y; Lai, Y; Zhou, H

2016-06-01

To detect the changes of microbial community functional diversity of corpses with different postmortem interval （PMI） and to evaluate forensic application value for estimating PMI. The cultivation of microbial community from the anal swabs of a Sus scrofa and a human corpse placed in field environment from 0 to 240 h after death was performed using the Biolog-Eco Microplate and the variations of the absorbance values were also monitored. Combined with the technology of forensic pathology and flies succession, the metabolic characteristics and changes of microbial community on the decomposed corpse under natural environment were also observed. The diversity of microbial metabolism function was found to be negatively correlated with the number of maggots in the corpses. The freezing processing had the greatest impact on average well color development value at 0 h and the impact almost disappeared after 48 h. The diversity of microbial metabolism of the samples became relatively unstable after 192 h. The principal component analysis showed that 31 carbon sources could be consolidated for 5 principal components （accumulative contribution ratio >90%）.The carbon source tsquare-analysis showed that N -acetyl- D -glucosamine and L -serine were the dominant carbon sources for estimating the PMI （0=240 h） of the Sus scrofa and human corpse. The Biolog-Eco method can be used to reveal the metabolic differences of the carbon resources utilization of the microbial community on the corpses during 0-240 h after death, which could provide a new basis for estimating the PMI. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine

Bibliography of spatial interferometry in optical astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gezari, Daniel Y.; Roddier, Francois; Roddier, Claude

1990-01-01

The Bibliography of Spatial Interferometry in Optical Astronomy is a guide to the published literature in applications of spatial interferometry techniques to astronomical observations, theory and instrumentation at visible and infrared wavelengths. The key words spatial and optical define the scope of this discipline, distinguishing it from spatial interferometry at radio wavelengths, interferometry in the frequency domain applied to spectroscopy, or more general electro-optics theoretical and laboratory research. The main bibliography is a listing of all technical articles published in the international scientific literature and presented at the major international meetings and workshops attended by the spatial interferometry community. Section B summarizes publications dealing with the basic theoretical concepts and algorithms proposed and applied to optical spatial interferometry and imaging through a turbulent atmosphere. The section on experimental techniques is divided into twelve categories, representing the most clearly identified major areas of experimental research work. Section D, Observations, identifies publications dealing specifically with observations of astronomical sources, in which optical spatial interferometry techniques have been applied.

Speckle interferometry of asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, Jack

1988-01-01

This final report for NASA Contract NAGw-867 consists of abstracts of the first three papers in a series of four appearing in Icarus that were funded by the preceding contract NAGw-224: (1) Speckle Interferometry of Asteroids I. 433 Eros; (2) Speckle Interferometry of Asteroids II. 532 Herculina; (3) Speckle Interferometry of Asteroids III. 511 Davida and its Photometry; and the fourth abstract attributed to NAGw-867, (4) Speckle Interferometry of Asteroids IV. Reconstructed images of 4 Vesta; and a review of the results from the asteroid interferometry program at Steward Observatory prepared for the Asteroids II book, (5) Speckle Interferometry of Asteroids. Two papers on asteroids, indirectly related to speckle interferometry, were written in part under NAGw-867. One is in press and its abstract is included here: Photometric Geodesy of Main-Belt Asteroids. II. Analysis of Lightcurves for Poles, Periods and Shapes; and the other paper, Triaxial Ellipsoid Dimensions and Rotational Pole of 2 Pallas from Two Stellar Occultations, is included in full.

2. D Street facade and rear (east) blank wall of ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. D Street facade and rear (east) blank wall of parking garage. Farther east is 408 8th Street (National Art And Frame Company). - PMI Parking Garage, 403-407 Ninth Street, Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

Integrated Measurement of Crew Resource Management and Technical Flying Skills

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-08-01

This report presents the findings of a study designed with two objectives: to produce a prototype performance : measurement instrument (PMI) that integrates the assessment of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and technical flying : skills and to investi...

Application of Phase Shifting Projection Moire on Solid Regular Figures and Plant Organs Three Dimensional Digital Model Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lino, A. C. L.; Dal Fabbro, I. M.

2008-04-01

The conception of a tridimensional digital model of solid figures and plant organs started from topographic survey of virtual surfaces [1], followed by topographic survey of solid figures [2], fruit surface survey [3] and finally the generation of a 3D digital model [4] as presented by [1]. In this research work, i.e. step number [4] tested objects included cylinders, cubes, spheres and fruits. A Ronchi grid named G1 was generated in a PC, from which other grids referred as G2, G3, and G4 were set out of phase by 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of period from G1. Grid G1 was then projected onto the samples surface. Projected grid was named Gd. The difference between Gd and G1 followed by filtration generated de moiré fringes M1 and so on, obtaining the fringes M2, M3 and M4 from Gd. Fringes are out of phase one from each other by 1/4 of period, which were processed by the Rising Sun Moiré software to produce packed phase and further on, the unpacked fringes. Tested object was placed on a goniometer and rotate to generate four surfaces topography. These four surveyed surfaces were assembled by means of a SCILAB software, obtaining a three column matrix, corresponding to the object coordinates xi, also having elevation values and coordinates corrected as well. The work includes conclusions on the reliability of the proposed method as well as the setup simplicity and of low cost.

Projection Moire measurement of the deflection of composite plates subject to bird strike impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shulev, A.; Van Paepegem, W.; Harizanova, J.; Moentjens, A.; Degrieck, J.; Sainov, V.

2007-06-01

For the new generation aircraft families, the use of fibre-reinforced plastics is considered for the leading edge of the wings. However, this leading edge is very prone to bird strike impact. This paper presents the use of the projection moire technique to measure the out-of-plane deflections of composite plates subject to bird strike. Very strict constraints with regard to: (i) high speed image acquisition, (ii) vibrations of the impact chamber, and (iii) projection and observation angles - complicated substantially the development of the set-up. Moreover, the high frame rates (12000 fps) required a very intensive illumination. In the optimized configuration, a specially designed grating with gradually changing period is projected by means of special Metal Hydride lamps through one of the side windows of the impact chamber onto the composite plate riveted in a steel frame. The digital high speed camera is mounted on the roof of the impact chamber and records through a mirror the object surface with the projected fringe pattern on it. Numerical routines based on Local Fourier Transform were developed to process the digital images, to extract the phase and the out-of-plane displacements. The phase evaluation is possible due to the carrier frequency nature of the projected moire pattern. This carrier frequency allows separation of the unwanted additive and multiplicative fringe pattern components in the frequency domain via the application of a proper mask. The numerical calculations were calibrated for the bird strike of an aluminium plate, where the plastic deformation could be checked after the test.

Doppler synthetic aperture radar interferometry: a novel SAR interferometry for height mapping using ultra-narrowband waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazıcı, Birsen; Son, Il-Young; Cagri Yanik, H.

2018-05-01

This paper introduces a new and novel radar interferometry based on Doppler synthetic aperture radar (Doppler-SAR) paradigm. Conventional SAR interferometry relies on wideband transmitted waveforms to obtain high range resolution. Topography of a surface is directly related to the range difference between two antennas configured at different positions. Doppler-SAR is a novel imaging modality that uses ultra-narrowband continuous waves (UNCW). It takes advantage of high resolution Doppler information provided by UNCWs to form high resolution SAR images. We introduce the theory of Doppler-SAR interferometry. We derive an interferometric phase model and develop the equations of height mapping. Unlike conventional SAR interferometry, we show that the topography of a scene is related to the difference in Doppler frequency between two antennas configured at different velocities. While the conventional SAR interferometry uses range, Doppler and Doppler due to interferometric phase in height mapping; Doppler-SAR interferometry uses Doppler, Doppler-rate and Doppler-rate due to interferometric phase in height mapping. We demonstrate our theory in numerical simulations. Doppler-SAR interferometry offers the advantages of long-range, robust, environmentally friendly operations; low-power, low-cost, lightweight systems suitable for low-payload platforms, such as micro-satellites; and passive applications using sources of opportunity transmitting UNCW.

LISA Long-Arm Interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thorpe, James I.

2009-01-01

An overview of LISA Long-Arm Interferometry is presented. The contents include: 1) LISA Interferometry; 2) Constellation Design; 3) Telescope Design; 4) Constellation Acquisition; 5) Mechanisms; 6) Optical Bench Design; 7) Phase Measurement Subsystem; 8) Phasemeter Demonstration; 9) Time Delay Interferometry; 10) TDI Limitations; 11) Active Frequency Stabilization; 12) Spacecraft Level Stabilization; 13) Arm-Locking; and 14) Embarassment of Riches.

Space Interferometry Science Working Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridgway, Stephen T.

1992-12-01

Decisions taken by the astronomy and astrophysics survey committee and the interferometry panel which lead to the formation of the Space Interferometry Science Working Group (SISWG) are outlined. The SISWG was formed by the NASA astrophysics division to provide scientific and technical input from the community in planning for space interferometry and in support of an Astrometric Interferometry Mission (AIM). The AIM program hopes to measure the positions of astronomical objects with a precision of a few millionths of an arcsecond. The SISWG science and technical teams are described and the outcomes of its first meeting are given.

Robust interferometry against imperfections based on weak value amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Chen; Huang, Jing-Zheng; Zeng, Guihua

2018-06-01

Optical interferometry has been widely used in various high-precision applications. Usually, the minimum precision of an interferometry is limited by various technical noises in practice. To suppress such kinds of noises, we propose a scheme which combines the weak measurement with the standard interferometry. The proposed scheme dramatically outperforms the standard interferometry in the signal-to-noise ratio and the robustness against noises caused by the optical elements' reflections and the offset fluctuation between two paths. A proof-of-principle experiment is demonstrated to validate the amplification theory.

Advanced Design Program (ARIES) Final Report

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

Tillack, Mark

2016-02-16

Progress is reported for the ARIES 3-year research program at UC San Diego, including three main tasks: 1. Completion of ARIES research on PMI/PFC issues. 2. Detailed engineering design and analysis of divertors and first wall/blankets. 3. Mission & requirements of FNSF.

Rigor mortis at the myocardium investigated by post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Bonzon, Jérôme; Schön, Corinna A; Schwendener, Nicole; Zech, Wolf-Dieter; Kara, Levent; Persson, Anders; Jackowski, Christian

2015-12-01

Post-mortem cardiac MR exams present with different contraction appearances of the left ventricle in cardiac short axis images. It was hypothesized that the grade of post-mortem contraction may be related to the post-mortem interval (PMI) or cause of death and a phenomenon caused by internal rigor mortis that may give further insights in the circumstances of death. The cardiac contraction grade was investigated in 71 post-mortem cardiac MR exams (mean age at death 52 y, range 12-89 y; 48 males, 23 females). In cardiac short axis images the left ventricular lumen volume as well as the left ventricular myocardial volume were assessed by manual segmentation. The quotient of both (LVQ) represents the grade of myocardial contraction. LVQ was correlated to the PMI, sex, age, cardiac weight, body mass and height, cause of death and pericardial tamponade when present. In cardiac causes of death a separate correlation was investigated for acute myocardial infarction cases and arrhythmic deaths. LVQ values ranged from 1.99 (maximum dilatation) to 42.91 (maximum contraction) with a mean of 15.13. LVQ decreased slightly with increasing PMI, however without significant correlation. Pericardial tamponade positively correlated with higher LVQ values. Variables such as sex, age, body mass and height, cardiac weight and cause of death did not correlate with LVQ values. There was no difference in LVQ values for myocardial infarction without tamponade and arrhythmic deaths. Based on the observation in our investigated cases, the phenomenon of post-mortem myocardial contraction cannot be explained by the influence of the investigated variables, except for pericardial tamponade cases. Further research addressing post-mortem myocardial contraction has to focus on other, less obvious factors, which may influence the early post-mortem phase too. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Ratcliff, Matthew A.; Burton, Jonathan; Sindler, Petr

Several high octane number oxygenates that could be derived from biomass were blended with gasoline and examined for performance properties and their impact on knock resistance and fine particle emissions in a single cylinder direct-injection spark-ignition engine. The oxygenates included ethanol, isobutanol, anisole, 4-methylanisole, 2-phenylethanol, 2,5-dimethyl furan, and 2,4-xylenol. These were blended into a summertime blendstock for oxygenate blending at levels ranging from 10 to 50 percent by volume. The base gasoline, its blends with p-xylene and p-cymene, and high-octane racing gasoline were tested as controls. Relevant gasoline properties including research octane number (RON), motor octane number, distillation curve, andmore » vapor pressure were measured. Detailed hydrocarbon analysis was used to estimate heat of vaporization and particulate matter index (PMI). Experiments were conducted to measure knock-limited spark advance and particulate matter (PM) emissions. The results show a range of knock resistances that correlate well with RON. Molecules with relatively low boiling point and high vapor pressure had little effect on PM emissions. In contrast, the aromatic oxygenates caused significant increases in PM emissions (factors of 2 to 5) relative to the base gasoline. Thus, any effect of their oxygen atom on increasing local air-fuel ratio was outweighed by their low vapor pressure and high double-bond equivalent values. For most fuels and oxygenate blend components, PMI was a good predictor of PM emissions. However, the high boiling point, low vapor pressure oxygenates 2-phenylethanol and 2,4-xylenol produced lower PM emissions than predicted by PMI. This was likely because they did not fully evaporate and combust, and instead were swept into the lube oil.« less

Repellent effect of some household products on fly attraction to cadavers.

PubMed

Charabidze, Damien; Bourel, Benoit; Hedouin, Valery; Gosset, Didier

2009-08-10

The most common task of a forensic entomologist is to determine an accurate minimum post-mortem interval (PMI) using necrophagous fly larvae found on carrion. More often, blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are the first insects to detect the cadaver and, if the circumstances are favourable, to leave eggs on the body. However, several studies reveal that products such as gas or paint found on the cadaver induce a delay in the colonisation of the body, leading to an under-estimate of the PMI. Six common household products (gas, mosquito citronella repellent, perfume, bleach, hydrochloric acid and soda) were added to dead rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a field (Lille Forensic Institute, France). The presence of necrophagous flies was checked at regular intervals during 1 month. This experiment was repeated at the same period for four consecutive years. Results clearly showed the repellent effect of three of the six tested substances: gas (petroleum spirit), perfume and mosquito citronella repellent, which resulted in a mean delay of several days in the appearance of the first Dipteran species. Experiments were then carried out in controlled conditions in order to confirm previous observations. An olfactometer was specially designed to observe the behaviour of female Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in response to mice (Mus musculus) cadaver odour stimuli combined with household products. Dead mouse odour was a strong attractive stimulus for most of the tested individuals. Furthermore, it was noticed that the presence of mosquito citronella repellent, perfume, hydrochloric acid and paradichlorobenzene produced a significant repellent effect on female flies. All these results together confirm the repellent effect of some household products on flies and the necessity for forensic entomologists to consider this hypothesis when estimating the PMI.

Particle Size Distribution in Aluminum Manufacturing Facilities

PubMed Central

Liu, Sa; Noth, Elizabeth M.; Dixon-Ernst, Christine; Eisen, Ellen A.; Cullen, Mark R.; Hammond, S. Katharine

2015-01-01

As part of exposure assessment for an ongoing epidemiologic study of heart disease and fine particle exposures in aluminum industry, area particle samples were collected in production facilities to assess instrument reliability and particle size distribution at different process areas. Personal modular impactors (PMI) and Minimicro-orifice uniform deposition impactors (MiniMOUDI) were used. The coefficient of variation (CV) of co-located samples was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the samplers. PM2.5 measured by PMI was compared to PM2.5 calculated from MiniMOUDI data. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and concentrations of sub-micrometer (PM1.0) and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.56) particles were evaluated to characterize particle size distribution. Most of CVs were less than 30%. The slope of the linear regression of PMI_PM2.5 versus MiniMOUDI_PM2.5 was 1.03 mg/m3 per mg/m3 (± 0.05), with correlation coefficient of 0.97 (± 0.01). Particle size distribution varied substantively in smelters, whereas it was less variable in fabrication units with significantly smaller MMADs (arithmetic mean of MMADs: 2.59 μm in smelters vs. 1.31 μm in fabrication units, p = 0.001). Although the total particle concentration was more than two times higher in the smelters than in the fabrication units, the fraction of PM10 which was PM1.0 or PM0.56 was significantly lower in the smelters than in the fabrication units (p < 0.001). Consequently, the concentrations of sub-micrometer and quasi-ultrafine particles were similar in these two types of facilities. It would appear, studies evaluating ultrafine particle exposure in aluminum industry should focus on not only the smelters, but also the fabrication facilities. PMID:26478760

Particle Size Distribution in Aluminum Manufacturing Facilities.

PubMed

Liu, Sa; Noth, Elizabeth M; Dixon-Ernst, Christine; Eisen, Ellen A; Cullen, Mark R; Hammond, S Katharine

2014-10-01

As part of exposure assessment for an ongoing epidemiologic study of heart disease and fine particle exposures in aluminum industry, area particle samples were collected in production facilities to assess instrument reliability and particle size distribution at different process areas. Personal modular impactors (PMI) and Minimicro-orifice uniform deposition impactors (MiniMOUDI) were used. The coefficient of variation (CV) of co-located samples was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the samplers. PM 2.5 measured by PMI was compared to PM 2.5 calculated from MiniMOUDI data. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and concentrations of sub-micrometer (PM 1.0 ) and quasi-ultrafine (PM 0.56) particles were evaluated to characterize particle size distribution. Most of CVs were less than 30%. The slope of the linear regression of PMI_PM 2.5 versus MiniMOUDI_PM 2.5 was 1.03 mg/m 3 per mg/m 3 (± 0.05), with correlation coefficient of 0.97 (± 0.01). Particle size distribution varied substantively in smelters, whereas it was less variable in fabrication units with significantly smaller MMADs (arithmetic mean of MMADs: 2.59 μm in smelters vs. 1.31 μm in fabrication units, p = 0.001). Although the total particle concentration was more than two times higher in the smelters than in the fabrication units, the fraction of PM 10 which was PM 1.0 or PM 0.56 was significantly lower in the smelters than in the fabrication units (p < 0.001). Consequently, the concentrations of sub-micrometer and quasi-ultrafine particles were similar in these two types of facilities. It would appear, studies evaluating ultrafine particle exposure in aluminum industry should focus on not only the smelters, but also the fabrication facilities.

10 CFR 905.30 - Purpose and applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Power Marketing Initiative § 905.30 Purpose and applicability. (a) The Power Marketing Initiative (PMI) provides a framework for marketing Western's long-term firm hydroelectric resources. For covered projects, Western will make a major portion of the resources...

10 CFR 905.30 - Purpose and applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Power Marketing Initiative § 905.30 Purpose and applicability. (a) The Power Marketing Initiative (PMI) provides a framework for marketing Western's long-term firm hydroelectric resources. For covered projects, Western will make a major portion of the resources...

10 CFR 905.30 - Purpose and applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Power Marketing Initiative § 905.30 Purpose and applicability. (a) The Power Marketing Initiative (PMI) provides a framework for marketing Western's long-term firm hydroelectric resources. For covered projects, Western will make a major portion of the resources...

10 CFR 905.30 - Purpose and applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Power Marketing Initiative § 905.30 Purpose and applicability. (a) The Power Marketing Initiative (PMI) provides a framework for marketing Western's long-term firm hydroelectric resources. For covered projects, Western will make a major portion of the resources...

PMI: Plant-Microbe Interfaces (2013 DOE JGI Genomics of Energy and Environment 8th Annual User Meeting)

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

Schadt, Christopher

2013-03-01

Christopher Schadt of Oak Ridge National Laboratory on Plant-Microbe Interactions in the context of poplar trees at the 8th Annual Genomics of Energy Environment Meeting on March 27, 2013 held in Walnut Creek, CA.

Precision optical device of freeform defects inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meguellati, S.

2015-09-01

This method of optical scanning presented in this paper is used for precision measurement deformation in shape or absolute forms in comparison with a reference component form, of optical or mechanical components, on reduced surfaces area that are of the order of some mm2 and more. The principle of the method is to project the image of the source grating to palpate optically surface to be inspected, after reflection; the image of the source grating is printed by the object topography and is then projected onto the plane of reference grating for generate moiré fringe for defects detection. The optical device used allows a significant dimensional surface magnification of up to 1000 times the area inspected for micro-surfaces, which allows easy processing and reaches an exceptional nanometric imprecision of measurements. According to the measurement principle, the sensitivity for displacement measurement using moiré technique depends on the frequency grating, for increase the detection resolution. This measurement technique can be used advantageously to measure the deformations generated by the production process or constraints on functional parts and the influence of these variations on the function. The optical device and optical principle, on which it is based, can be used for automated inspection of industrially produced goods. It can also be used for dimensional control when, for example, to quantify the error as to whether a piece is good or rubbish. It then suffices to compare a figure of moiré fringes with another previously recorded from a piece considered standard; which saves time, money and accuracy. The technique has found various applications in diverse fields, from biomedical to industrial and scientific applications.

Pericardial fluid is suitable as an alternative specimen for the measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate within 96 h after death.

PubMed

Mizutani, Tatsushi; Yoshimoto, Takashi; Ishii, Akira

2018-05-21

We examined postmortem β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in the body fluids obtained from 253 forensic autopsy cases whose causes of death were determined. Postmortem changes of BHB levels according to postmortem intervals (PMI) in various body fluids (plasma, urine, vitreous humor, and pericardial fluids) were investigated to determine appropriate alternative specimens as plasma samples. Our study has indicated the following points: 1) the BHB levels in plasma specimens from three sampling sites showed no significant differences, 2) postmortem changes of BHB levels in plasma and pericardial fluids could be negligible within 96 h PMI, while urine and vitreous humor BHB levels showed postmortem changes, and 3) pericardial fluid would thus be most suitable as an alternative to plasma in postmortem BHB level. We have also proposed that BHB levels could be applicable for the diagnosis of metabolic disorders in forensic autopsy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changes in Parent Motivation Predicts Changes in Body Mass Index z-Score (zBMI) and Dietary Intake Among Preschoolers Enrolled in a Family-Based Obesity Intervention

PubMed Central

Kuhl, Elizabeth S.; Filigno, Stephanie S.; Clifford, Lisa M.; Connor, Jared M.; Stark, Lori J.

2014-01-01

Objectives To examine whether changes in parent motivation over the course of a pediatric obesity intervention are significantly associated with long-term changes in treatment outcomes. Methods Study hypotheses were tested with a secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial (N = 42). Study analyses tested whether baseline to posttreatment change in total score for a self-report parent motivation measure (Parent Motivation Inventory [PMI]) was significantly associated with baseline to 6-month follow-up changes in body mass index z-score (zBMI), dietary variables, and physical activity. Results Increases in PMI were significantly associated with decreased zBMI, decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets, and increased consumption of artificially sweetened beverages. Conclusions Given that increases in parent motivation were associated with some treatment benefits, future research should evaluate the impact of directly assessing and targeting parent motivation on weight outcomes for preschoolers participating in a weight management program. PMID:25016604

A Longitudinal Study on Human Outdoor Decomposition in Central Texas.

PubMed

Suckling, Joanna K; Spradley, M Katherine; Godde, Kanya

2016-01-01

The development of a methodology that estimates the postmortem interval (PMI) from stages of decomposition is a goal for which forensic practitioners strive. A proposed equation (Megyesi et al. 2005) that utilizes total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) was tested using longitudinal data collected from human remains donated to the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University-San Marcos. Exact binomial tests examined the rate of the equation to successfully predict ADD. Statistically significant differences were found between ADD estimated by the equation and the observed value for decomposition stage. Differences remained significant after carnivore scavenged donations were removed from analysis. Low success rates for the equation to predict ADD from TBS and the wide standard errors demonstrate the need to re-evaluate the use of this equation and methodology for PMI estimation in different environments; rather, multivariate methods and equations should be derived that are environmentally specific. © 2015 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Scoring of Decomposition: A Proposed Amendment to the Method When Using a Pig Model for Human Studies.

PubMed

Keough, Natalie; Myburgh, Jolandie; Steyn, Maryna

2017-07-01

Decomposition studies often use pigs as proxies for human cadavers. However, differences in decomposition sequences/rates relative to humans have not been scientifically examined. Descriptions of five main decomposition stages (humans) were developed and refined by Galloway and later by Megyesi. However, whether these changes/processes are alike in pigs is unclear. Any differences can have significant effects when pig models are used for human PMI estimation. This study compared human decomposition models to the changes observed in pigs. Twenty pigs (50-90 kg) were decomposed over five months and decompositional features recorded. Total body scores (TBS) were calculated. Significant differences were observed during early decomposition between pigs and humans. An amended scoring system to be used in future studies was developed. Standards for PMI estimation derived from porcine models may not directly apply to humans and may need adjustment. Porcine models, however, remain valuable to study variables influencing decomposition. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Comparisons between Common and Dedicated Reference Signals for MIMO Multiplexing Using Precoding in Evolved UTRA Downlink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taoka, Hidekazu; Kishiyama, Yoshihisa; Higuchi, Kenichi; Sawahashi, Mamoru

This paper presents comparisons between common and dedicated reference signals (RSs) for channel estimation in MIMO multiplexing using codebook-based precoding for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radio access in the Evolved UTRA downlink with frequency division duplexing (FDD). We clarify the best RS structure for precoding-based MIMO multiplexing based on comparisons of the structures in terms of the achievable throughput taking into account the overhead of the common and dedicated RSs and the precoding matrix indication (PMI) signal. Based on extensive simulations on the throughput in 2-by-2 and 4-by-4 MIMO multiplexing with precoding, we clarify that channel estimation based on common RSs multiplied with the precoding matrix indicated by the PMI signal achieves higher throughput compared to that using dedicated RSs irrespective of the number of spatial multiplexing streams when the number of available precoding matrices, i.e., the codebook size, is less than approximately 16 and 32 for 2-by-2 and 4-by-4 MIMO multiplexing, respectively.

Forensic entomology and the estimation of the minimum time since death in indoor cases.

PubMed

Bugelli, Valentina; Forni, David; Bassi, Luciani Alessandro; Di Paolo, Marco; Marra, Damiano; Lenzi, Scilla; Toni, Chiara; Giusiani, Mario; Domenici, Ranieri; Gherardi, Mirella; Vanin, Stefano

2015-03-01

Eight cases that occurred indoors in which the insects played an important role in the mPMI estimation are presented. The bodies of socially isolated people and old people living alone were discovered in central Italy between June and November. mPMI ranged from a few days to several weeks. Insects were collected during the body recovery and the postmortem. Climatic data were obtained from the closest meteorological stations and from measurements performed on the site. Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae species were present in 75% of the cases with Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps collected in 50% of the cases. Chrysomya albiceps was always found in association with Lucilia species. Scuttle flies (Phoridae) were found in 37.5% of the cases, confirming the ability of these species in indoor body colonization. We show that if sealed environment may delay, the insect arrival dirty houses may create the environment where sarcosaprophagous insects are already present. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Volatile organic compounds released by blowfly larvae and pupae: new perspectives in forensic entomology.

PubMed

Frederickx, C; Dekeirsschieter, J; Brostaux, Y; Wathelet, J-P; Verheggen, F J; Haubruge, E

2012-06-10

To evaluate postmortem intervals (PMIs), one should take into account the determined age of necrophagous flies present on the cadaver. However, PMI determination needs further improvement, and rapid and accurate approaches have therefore to be developed. While previous studies have focussed on insect cuticular hydrocarbons, here we explore the volatile profile released by larvae and pupae of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We monitored changes in volatile compounds daily, by headspace solid-phase microextraction, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Branched and unbranched hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters and acids were identified, and the volatile profile was shown to vary, in both composition and quantity, with the age of the larva/pupa under investigation. We concluded, based on the analysis of the released volatile organic compounds, that it is possible to increase the accuracy of the estimated PMI, through improved estimation of the age of blowflies present on the cadaver. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential use of hydrocarbons for aging Lucilia sericata blowfly larvae to establish the postmortem interval.

PubMed

Moore, Hannah E; Adam, Craig D; Drijfhout, Falko P

2013-03-01

Previous studies on Diptera have shown the potential for the use of cuticular hydrocarbons' analysis in the determination of larval age and hence the postmortem interval (PMI) for an associated cadaver. In this work, hydrocarbon compounds, extracted daily until pupation from the cuticle of the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), have been analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results show distinguishing features within the hydrocarbon profile over the period of the larvae life cycle, with significant chemical changes occurring from the younger larvae to the postfeeding larvae. Further interpretation of the chromatograms using principal component analysis revealed a strong correlation between the magnitudes of particular principal components and time. This outcome suggests that, under the conditions of this study, the cuticular hydrocarbons evolve in a systematic fashion with time, thus supporting the potential for GC-MS analysis as a tool for establishing PMI where such a species is present. © 2012 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

A review of postfeeding larval dispersal in blowflies: implications for forensic entomology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Leonardo; Godoy, Wesley Augusto Conde; von Zuben, Claudio José

2006-05-01

Immature and adult stages of blowflies are one of the primary invertebrate consumers of decomposing animal organic matter. When the food supply is consumed or when the larvae complete their development and migrate prior to the total removal of the larval substrate, they disperse to find adequate places for pupation, a process known as postfeeding larval dispersal. Several important ecological and physiological aspects of this process were studied since the work by Green (Ann Appl Biol 38:475, 1951) 50 years ago. An understanding of postfeeding larval dispersal can be useful for determining the postmortem interval (PMI) of human cadavers in legal medicine, particularly because this interval may be underestimated if older dispersing larvae or those that disperse longer, faster, and deeper are not taken into account. In this article, we review the process of postfeeding larval dispersal and its implications for legal medicine, in particular showing that aspects such as burial behavior and competition among species of blowflies can influence this process and consequently, the estimation of PMI.

Experimental Plans for Subsystems of a Shock Wave Driven Gas Core Reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kazeminezhad, F.; Anghai, S.

2008-01-01

This Contractor Report proposes a number of plans for experiments on subsystems of a shock wave driven pulsed magnetic induction gas core reactor (PMI-GCR, or PMD-GCR pulsed magnet driven gas core reactor). Computer models of shock generation and collision in a large-scale PMI-GCR shock tube have been performed. Based upon the simulation results a number of issues arose that can only be addressed adequately by capturing experimental data on high pressure (approx.1 atmosphere or greater) partial plasma shock wave effects in large bore shock tubes ( 10 cm radius). There are three main subsystems that are of immediate interest (for appraisal of the concept viability). These are (1) the shock generation in a high pressure gas using either a plasma thruster or pulsed high magnetic field, (2) collision of MHD or gas dynamic shocks, their interaction time, and collision pile-up region thickness, and (3) magnetic flux compression power generation (not included here).

Neutron-Irradiated Samples as Test Materials for MPEX

DOE PAGES

Ellis, Ronald James; Rapp, Juergen

2015-10-09

Plasma Material Interaction (PMI) is a major concern in fusion reactor design and analysis. The Material-Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) will explore PMI under fusion reactor plasma conditions. Samples with accumulated displacements per atom (DPA) damage produced by fast neutron irradiations in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will be studied in the MPEX facility. This paper presents assessments of the calculated induced radioactivity and resulting radiation dose rates of a variety of potential fusion reactor plasma-facing materials (such as tungsten). The scientific code packages MCNP and SCALE were used to simulate irradiation of themore » samples in HFIR including the generation and depletion of nuclides in the material and the subsequent composition, activity levels, gamma radiation fields, and resultant dose rates as a function of cooling time. A challenge of the MPEX project is to minimize the radioactive inventory in the preparation of the samples and the sample dose rates for inclusion in the MPEX facility.« less