Layered clustering multi-fault diagnosis for hydraulic piston pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jun; Wang, Shaoping; Zhang, Haiyan

2013-04-01

Efficient diagnosis is very important for improving reliability and performance of aircraft hydraulic piston pump, and it is one of the key technologies in prognostic and health management system. In practice, due to harsh working environment and heavy working loads, multiple faults of an aircraft hydraulic pump may occur simultaneously after long time operations. However, most existing diagnosis methods can only distinguish pump faults that occur individually. Therefore, new method needs to be developed to realize effective diagnosis of simultaneous multiple faults on aircraft hydraulic pump. In this paper, a new method based on the layered clustering algorithm is proposed to diagnose multiple faults of an aircraft hydraulic pump that occur simultaneously. The intensive failure mechanism analyses of the five main types of faults are carried out, and based on these analyses the optimal combination and layout of diagnostic sensors is attained. The three layered diagnosis reasoning engine is designed according to the faults' risk priority number and the characteristics of different fault feature extraction methods. The most serious failures are first distinguished with the individual signal processing. To the desultory faults, i.e., swash plate eccentricity and incremental clearance increases between piston and slipper, the clustering diagnosis algorithm based on the statistical average relative power difference (ARPD) is proposed. By effectively enhancing the fault features of these two faults, the ARPDs calculated from vibration signals are employed to complete the hypothesis testing. The ARPDs of the different faults follow different probability distributions. Compared with the classical fast Fourier transform-based spectrum diagnosis method, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can diagnose the multiple faults, which occur synchronously, with higher precision and reliability.

Effects of slash, machine passes, and soil moisture on penetration resistance in a cut-to-length harvesting

Treesearch

Han-Sup Han; Debbie Page-Dumroese; Sang-Kyun Han; Joanne Tirocke

2006-01-01

Multiple entries into forest stands are often needed for fire hazard reduction and ecosystem restoration treatments in the Inland-Northwest U.S.A. region. However, soil compaction occurring from mechanized harvesting operations often remains for many years and may contribute to a decline in long-term site productivity. A controlled experiment on a silt loam soil was...

Use of Semi-Autonomous Tools for ISS Commanding and Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brzezinski, Amy S.

2014-01-01

As the International Space Station (ISS) has moved into a utilization phase, operations have shifted to become more ground-based with fewer mission control personnel monitoring and commanding multiple ISS systems. This shift to fewer people monitoring more systems has prompted use of semi-autonomous console tools in the ISS Mission Control Center (MCC) to help flight controllers command and monitor the ISS. These console tools perform routine operational procedures while keeping the human operator "in the loop" to monitor and intervene when off-nominal events arise. Two such tools, the Pre-positioned Load (PPL) Loader and Automatic Operators Recorder Manager (AutoORM), are used by the ISS Communications RF Onboard Networks Utilization Specialist (CRONUS) flight control position. CRONUS is responsible for simultaneously commanding and monitoring the ISS Command & Data Handling (C&DH) and Communications and Tracking (C&T) systems. PPL Loader is used to uplink small pieces of frequently changed software data tables, called PPLs, to ISS computers to support different ISS operations. In order to uplink a PPL, a data load command must be built that contains multiple user-input fields. Next, a multiple step commanding and verification procedure must be performed to enable an onboard computer for software uplink, uplink the PPL, verify the PPL has incorporated correctly, and disable the computer for software uplink. PPL Loader provides different levels of automation in both building and uplinking these commands. In its manual mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands but allows the flight controller to verify and save the commands for future uplink. In its auto mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands for flight controller verification, but automatically performs the PPL uplink procedure by sending commands and performing verification checks while notifying CRONUS of procedure step completion. If an off-nominal condition occurs during procedure execution, PPL Loader notifies CRONUS through popup messages, allowing CRONUS to examine the situation and choose an option of how PPL loader should proceed with the procedure. The use of PPL Loader to perform frequent, routine PPL uplinks offloads CRONUS to better monitor two ISS systems. It also reduces procedure performance time and decreases risk of command errors. AutoORM identifies ISS communication outage periods and builds commands to lock, playback, and unlock ISS Operations Recorder files. Operation Recorder files are circular buffer files of continually recorded ISS telemetry data. Sections of these files can be locked from further writing, be played back to capture telemetry data that occurred during an ISS loss of signal (LOS) period, and then be unlocked for future recording use. Downlinked Operation Recorder files are used by mission support teams for data analysis, especially if failures occur during LOS. The commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files are encompassed in three different operational procedures and contain multiple user-input fields. AutoORM provides different levels of automation for building and uplinking the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files. In its automatic mode, AutoORM automatically detects ISS LOS periods, then generates and uplinks the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files when MCC regains signal with ISS. AutoORM also features semi-autonomous and manual modes which integrate CRONUS more into the command verification and uplink process. AutoORMs ability to automatically detect ISS LOS periods and build the necessary commands to preserve, playback, and release recorded telemetry data greatly offloads CRONUS to perform more high-level cognitive tasks, such as mission planning and anomaly troubleshooting. Additionally, since Operations Recorder commands contain numerical time input fields which are tedious for a human to manually build, AutoORM's ability to automatically build commands reduces operational command errors. PPL Loader and AutoORM demonstrate principles of semi-autonomous operational tools that will benefit future space mission operations. Both tools employ different levels of automation to perform simple and routine procedures, thereby offloading human operators to perform higher-level cognitive tasks. Because both tools provide procedure execution status and highlight off-nominal indications, the flight controller is able to intervene during procedure execution if needed. Semi-autonomous tools and systems that can perform routine procedures, yet keep human operators informed of execution, will be essential in future long-duration missions where the onboard crew will be solely responsible for spacecraft monitoring and control.

UAV Cooperation Architectures for Persistent Sensing

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

Roberts, R S; Kent, C A; Jones, E D

2003-03-20

With the number of small, inexpensive Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) increasing, it is feasible to build multi-UAV sensing networks. In particular, by using UAVs in conjunction with unattended ground sensors, a degree of persistent sensing can be achieved. With proper UAV cooperation algorithms, sensing is maintained even though exceptional events, e.g., the loss of a UAV, have occurred. In this paper a cooperation technique that allows multiple UAVs to perform coordinated, persistent sensing with unattended ground sensors over a wide area is described. The technique automatically adapts the UAV paths so that on the average, the amount of time thatmore » any sensor has to wait for a UAV revisit is minimized. We also describe the Simulation, Tactical Operations and Mission Planning (STOMP) software architecture. This architecture is designed to help simulate and operate distributed sensor networks where multiple UAVs are used to collect data.« less

Breakdowns in coordinated decision making at and above the incident management team level: an analysis of three large scale Australian wildfires.

PubMed

Bearman, Chris; Grunwald, Jared A; Brooks, Benjamin P; Owen, Christine

2015-03-01

Emergency situations are by their nature difficult to manage and success in such situations is often highly dependent on effective team coordination. Breakdowns in team coordination can lead to significant disruption to an operational response. Breakdowns in coordination were explored in three large-scale bushfires in Australia: the Kilmore East fire, the Wangary fire, and the Canberra Firestorm. Data from these fires were analysed using a top-down and bottom-up qualitative analysis technique. Forty-four breakdowns in coordinated decision making were identified, which yielded 83 disconnects grouped into three main categories: operational, informational and evaluative. Disconnects were specific instances where differences in understanding existed between team members. The reasons why disconnects occurred were largely consistent across the three sets of data. In some cases multiple disconnects occurred in a temporal manner, which suggested some evidence of disconnects creating states that were conducive to the occurrence of further disconnects. In terms of resolution, evaluative disconnects were nearly always resolved however operational and informational disconnects were rarely resolved effectively. The exploratory data analysis and discussion presented here represents the first systematic research to provide information about the reasons why breakdowns occur in emergency management and presents an account of how team processes can act to disrupt coordination and the operational response. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

The 2013–2016 induced earthquakes in Harper and Sumner Counties, southern Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubinstein, Justin L.; Ellsworth, William L.; Dougherty, Sara L.

2018-01-01

We examine the first four years (2013–2016) of the ongoing seismicity in southern Kansas using high‐precision locations derived from a local seismometer network. The earthquakes occur almost exclusively in the shallow crystalline basement, below the wastewater injection horizon of the Arbuckle Group at the base of the sedimentary section. Multiple lines of evidence lead us to conclude that disposal of wastewater from the production of oil and gas by deep injection is the probable cause for the surge of seismicity that began in 2013. First, the seismicity correlates in space and time with the injection. We observe increases in seismicity subsequent to increases in injection and decreases in seismicity in response to decreases in injection. Second, the earthquake‐rate change is statistically improbable to be of natural origin. From 1974 through the time of the injection increase in 2012, no ML">ML 4 or larger earthquakes occurred in the study area, while six occurred between 2012 and 2016. The probability of this rate change occurring randomly is ∼0.16%">∼0.16%. Third, the other potential industrial drivers of seismicity (hydraulic fracturing and oil production) do not correlate in space or time with seismicity. Local geological conditions are important in determining whether injection operations will induce seismicity, as shown by absence of seismicity near the largest injection operations in the southwest portion of our study area. In addition to local operations, the presence of seismicity 10+ km from large injection wells indicates that regional injection operations also need to be considered to understand the effects of injection on seismicity.

Performance analysis of multiple PRF technique for ambiguity resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, C. Y.; Curlander, J. C.

1992-01-01

For short wavelength spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ambiguity in Doppler centroid estimation occurs when the azimuth squint angle uncertainty is larger than the azimuth antenna beamwidth. Multiple pulse recurrence frequency (PRF) hopping is a technique developed to resolve the ambiguity by operating the radar in different PRF's in the pre-imaging sequence. Performance analysis results of the multiple PRF technique are presented, given the constraints of the attitude bound, the drift rate uncertainty, and the arbitrary numerical values of PRF's. The algorithm performance is derived in terms of the probability of correct ambiguity resolution. Examples, using the Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) and X-SAR parameters, demonstrate that the probability of correct ambiguity resolution obtained by the multiple PRF technique is greater than 95 percent and 80 percent for the SIR-C and X-SAR applications, respectively. The success rate is significantly higher than that achieved by the range cross correlation technique.

Multiple schwannomas of the upper limb related exclusively to the ulnar nerve in a patient with segmental schwannomatosis.

PubMed

Molina, Alexandra R; Chatterton, Benjamin D; Kalson, Nicholas S; Fallowfield, Mary E; Khandwala, Asit R

2013-12-01

Schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumours arising from the sheaths of peripheral nerves. They present as slowly enlarging solitary lumps, which may cause neurological defects. Multiple lesions are rare, but occur in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 or schwannomatosis. Positive outcomes have been reported for surgical excision in solitary schwannomas. However, the role of surgery in patients with multiple lesions is less clear. The risk of complications such as iatrogenic nerve injury and the high likelihood of disease recurrence mean that surgical intervention should be limited to the prevention of progressive neurological deficit. We report a case of a 45 year old male who presented with multiple enlarging masses in the upper limb and sensory deficit in the distribution of the ulnar nerve. The tumours were found to be related exclusively to the ulnar nerve during surgical exploration and excision, a rare phenomenon. The masses were diagnosed as schwannomas following histopathological analysis, allowing our patient to be diagnosed with the rare entity segmental schwannomatosis. One year post-operatively motor function was normal, but intermittent numbness still occurred. Two further asymptomatic schwannomas developed subsequently and were managed conservatively. Copyright © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Approach to Economic Dispatch with Multiple Fuels Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sriyanyong, Pichet

2011-06-01

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), a stochastic optimization technique, shows superiority to other evolutionary computation techniques in terms of less computation time, easy implementation with high quality solution, stable convergence characteristic and independent from initialization. For this reason, this paper proposes the application of PSO to the Economic Dispatch (ED) problem, which occurs in the operational planning of power systems. In this study, ED problem can be categorized according to the different characteristics of its cost function that are ED problem with smooth cost function and ED problem with multiple fuels. Taking the multiple fuels into account will make the problem more realistic. The experimental results show that the proposed PSO algorithm is more efficient than previous approaches under consideration as well as highly promising in real world applications.

Outcomes of adrenal-sparing surgery or total adrenalectomy in phaeochromocytoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2: an international retrospective population-based study.

PubMed

Castinetti, Frederic; Qi, Xiao-Ping; Walz, Martin K; Maia, Ana Luiza; Sansó, Gabriela; Peczkowska, Mariola; Hasse-Lazar, Kornelia; Links, Thera P; Dvorakova, Sarka; Toledo, Rodrigo A; Mian, Caterina; Bugalho, Maria Joao; Wohllk, Nelson; Kollyukh, Oleg; Canu, Letizia; Loli, Paola; Bergmann, Simona R; Biarnes Costa, Josefina; Makay, Ozer; Patocs, Attila; Pfeifer, Marija; Shah, Nalini S; Cuny, Thomas; Brauckhoff, Michael; Bausch, Birke; von Dobschuetz, Ernst; Letizia, Claudio; Barczynski, Marcin; Alevizaki, Maria K; Czetwertynska, Malgorzata; Ugurlu, M Umit; Valk, Gerlof; Plukker, John T M; Sartorato, Paola; Siqueira, Debora R; Barontini, Marta; Szperl, Malgorzata; Jarzab, Barbara; Verbeek, Hans H G; Zelinka, Tomas; Vlcek, Petr; Toledo, Sergio P A; Coutinho, Flavia L; Mannelli, Massimo; Recasens, Monica; Demarquet, Lea; Petramala, Luigi; Yaremchuk, Svetlana; Zabolotnyi, Dmitry; Schiavi, Francesca; Opocher, Giuseppe; Racz, Karoly; Januszewicz, Andrzej; Weryha, Georges; Henry, Jean-Francois; Brue, Thierry; Conte-Devolx, Bernard; Eng, Charis; Neumann, Hartmut P H

2014-05-01

The prevention of medullary thyroid cancer in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome has demonstrated the ability of molecular diagnosis and prophylactic surgery to improve patient outcomes. However, the other major neoplasia associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, phaeochromocytoma, is not as well characterised in terms of occurrence and treatment outcomes. In this study, we aimed to systematically characterise the outcomes of management of phaeochromocytoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. This multinational observational retrospective population-based study compiled data on patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 from 30 academic medical centres across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Patients were included if they were carriers of germline pathogenic mutations of the RET gene, or were first-degree relatives with histologically proven medullary thyroid cancer and phaeochromocytoma. We gathered clinical information about patients'RET genotype, type of treatment for phaeochromocytoma (ie, unilateral or bilateral operations as adrenalectomy or adrenal-sparing surgery, and as open or endoscopic operations), and postoperative outcomes (adrenal function, malignancy, and death). The type of surgery was decided by each investigator and the timing of surgery was patient driven. The primary aim of our analysis was to compare disease-free survival after either adrenal-sparing surgery or adrenalectomy. 1210 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 were included in our database, 563 of whom had phaeochromocytoma. Treatment was adrenalectomy in 438 (79%) of 552 operated patients, and adrenal-sparing surgery in 114 (21%). Phaeochromocytoma recurrence occurred in four (3%) of 153 of the operated glands after adrenal-sparing surgery after 6-13 years, compared with 11 (2%) of 717 glands operated by adrenalectomy (p=0.57). Postoperative adrenal insufficiency or steroid dependency developed in 292 (86%) of 339 patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma who underwent surgery. However, 47 (57%) of 82 patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma who underwent adrenal-sparing surgery did not become steroid dependent. The treatment of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2-related phaeochromocytoma continues to rely on adrenalectomies with their associated Addisonian-like complications and consequent lifelong dependency on steroids. Adrenal-sparing surgery, a highly successful treatment option in experienced centres, should be the surgical approach of choice to reduce these complications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydraulic Fracture Induced Seismicity During A Multi-Stage Pad Completion in Western Canada: Evidence of Activation of Multiple, Parallel Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxwell, S.; Garrett, D.; Huang, J.; Usher, P.; Mamer, P.

2017-12-01

Following reports of injection induced seismicity in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, regulators have imposed seismic monitoring and traffic light protocols for fracturing operations in specific areas. Here we describe a case study in one of these reservoirs, the Montney Shale in NE British Columbia, where induced seismicity was monitored with a local array during multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulations on several wells from a single drilling pad. Seismicity primarily occurred during the injection time periods, and correlated with periods of high injection rates and wellhead pressures above fracturing pressures. Sequential hydraulic fracture stages were found to progressively activate several parallel, critically-stressed faults, as illuminated by multiple linear hypocenter patterns in the range between Mw 1 and 3. Moment tensor inversion of larger events indicated a double-couple mechanism consistent with the regional strike-slip stress state and the hypocenter lineations. The critically-stressed faults obliquely cross the well paths which were purposely drilled parallel to the minimum principal stress direction. Seismicity on specific faults started and stopped when fracture initiation points of individual injection stages were proximal to the intersection of the fault and well. The distance ranges when the seismicity occurs is consistent with expected hydraulic fracture dimensions, suggesting that the induced fault slip only occurs when a hydraulic fracture grows directly into the fault and the faults are temporarily exposed to significantly elevated fracture pressures during the injection. Some faults crossed multiple wells and the seismicity was found to restart during injection of proximal stages on adjacent wells, progressively expanding the seismogenic zone of the fault. Progressive fault slip is therefore inferred from the seismicity migrating further along the faults during successive injection stages. An accelerometer was also deployed close to the pad operations providing information about the local ground motion at near offsets, although no ground motion was recorded that exceeds the minimum levels requiring mandatory reporting to the regulator.

Wide-band/angle Blazed Surfaces using Multiple Coupled Blazing Resonances

PubMed Central

Memarian, Mohammad; Li, Xiaoqiang; Morimoto, Yasuo; Itoh, Tatsuo

2017-01-01

Blazed gratings can reflect an oblique incident wave back in the path of incidence, unlike mirrors and metal plates that only reflect specular waves. Perfect blazing (and zero specular scattering) is a type of Wood’s anomaly that has been observed when a resonance condition occurs in the unit-cell of the blazed grating. Such elusive anomalies have been studied thus far as individual perfect blazing points. In this work, we present reflective blazed surfaces that, by design, have multiple coupled blazing resonances per cell. This enables an unprecedented way of tailoring the blazing operation, for widening and/or controlling of blazing bandwidth and incident angle range of operation. The surface can thus achieve blazing at multiple wavelengths, each corresponding to different incident wavenumbers. The multiple blazing resonances are combined similar to the case of coupled resonator filters, forming a blazing passband between the incident wave and the first grating order. Blazed gratings with single and multi-pole blazing passbands are fabricated and measured showing increase in the bandwidth of blazing/specular-reflection-rejection, demonstrated here at X-band for convenience. If translated to appropriate frequencies, such technique can impact various applications such as Littrow cavities and lasers, spectroscopy, radar, and frequency scanned antenna reflectors. PMID:28211506

A method for joint routing, wavelength dimensioning and fault tolerance for any set of simultaneous failures on dynamic WDM optical networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jara, Nicolás; Vallejos, Reinaldo; Rubino, Gerardo

2017-11-01

The design of optical networks decomposes into different tasks, where the engineers must basically organize the way the main system's resources are used, minimizing the design and operation costs and respecting critical performance constraints. More specifically, network operators face the challenge of solving routing and wavelength dimensioning problems while aiming to simultaneously minimize the network cost and to ensure that the network performance meets the level established in the Service Level Agreement (SLA). We call this the Routing and Wavelength Dimensioning (R&WD) problem. Another important problem to be solved is how to deal with failures of links when the network is operating. When at least one link fails, a high rate of data loss may occur. To avoid it, the network must be designed in such a manner that upon one or multiple failures, the affected connections can still communicate using alternative routes, a mechanism known as Fault Tolerance (FT). When the mechanism allows to deal with an arbitrary number of faults, we speak about Multiple Fault Tolerance (MFT). The different tasks before mentioned are usually solved separately, or in some cases by pairs, leading to solutions that are not necessarily close to optimal ones. This paper proposes a novel method to simultaneously solve all of them, that is, the Routing, the Wavelength Dimensioning, and the Multiple Fault Tolerance problems. The method allows to obtain: a) all the primary routes by which each connection normally transmits its information, b) the additional routes, called secondary routes, used to keep each user connected in cases where one or more simultaneous failures occur, and c) the number of wavelengths available at each link of the network, calculated such that the blocking probability of each connection is lower than a pre-determined threshold (which is a network design parameter), despite the occurrence of simultaneous link failures. The solution obtained by the new algorithm is significantly more efficient than current methods, its implementation is notably simple and its on-line operation is very fast. In the paper, different examples illustrate the results provided by the proposed technique.

Repeatability of diagnostic ultrasonography in the assessment of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon.

PubMed

Pickersgill, C H; Marr, C M; Reid, S W

2001-01-01

A quantitative investigation of the variation that can occur during the course of ultrasonography of the equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) was undertaken. The aim of this investigation was to use an objective measure, namely the measurement of CSA, to quantify the variability occurring during the course of the ultrasonographic assessment of the equine SDFT. The effects of 3 variables on the CSA measurements were determined. 1) Image acquisition operator (IAc): two different operators undertaking the ultrasonographic examination; 2) image analysis operator (IAn): two different operators undertaking the calculation of CSA values from previously stored images; and 3) analytical equipment (used during CSA measurement) (IEq): the use of 2 different sets of equipment during calculation of CSA values. Tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were used as the comparative variable of 3 potential sources: interoperator, during image acquisition; interoperator, during CSA measurement; and intraoperator, when using different analytical equipment. Two operators obtained transverse ultrasonographic images from the forelimb SDFTs of 16 National Hunt (NH) Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses, each undertaking analysis of their own and the other operator's images. One operator undertook analysis of their images using 2 sets of equipment. There was no statistically significant difference in the results obtained when different operators undertook image acquisition (P>0.05). At all but the most distal level, there was no significant difference when different equipment was used during analysis (P>0.05). A significant difference (P<0.01) was reported when different operators undertook image analysis, one operator consistently returning larger measurements. Different operators undertaking different stages of an examination can result in significant variability. To reduce confounding during ultrasonographic investigations involving multiple persons, one operator should undertake image analysis, although different operators may undertake image acquisition.

Control site location and transcriptional regulation in Escherichia coli.

PubMed Central

Collado-Vides, J; Magasanik, B; Gralla, J D

1991-01-01

The regulatory regions for 119 Escherichia coli promoters have been analyzed, and the locations of the regulatory sites have been cataloged. The following observations emerge. (i) More than 95% of promoters are coregulated with at least one other promoter. (ii) Virtually all sigma 70 promoters contain at least one regulatory site in a proximal position, touching at least position -65 with respect to the start point of transcription. There are not yet clear examples of upstream regulation in the absence of a proximal site. (iii) Operators within regulons appear in very variable proximal positions. By contrast, the proximal activation sites of regulons are much more fixed. (iv) There is a forbidden zone for activation elements downstream from approximately position -20 with respect to the start of transcription. By contrast, operators can occur throughout the proximal region. When activation elements appear in the forbidden zone, they repress. These latter examples usually involve autoregulation. (v) Approximately 40% of repressible promoters contain operator duplications. These occur either in certain regulons where duplication appears to be a requirement for repressor action or in promoters subject to complex regulation. (vi) Remote operator duplications occur in approximately 10% of repressible promoters. They generally appear when a multiple promoter region is coregulated by cyclic AMP receptor protein. (vii) Sigma 54 promoters do not require proximal or precisely positioned activator elements and are not generally subject to negative regulation. Rationales are presented for all of the above observations. PMID:1943993

Schwannomatosis of Cervical Vagus Nerve.

PubMed

Abdulla, Faheem Ahmed; Sasi, M P

2016-01-01

Cervical vagal schwannoma is a rare entity among lesions presenting as a neck mass. They are usually slow-growing benign lesions closely associated with the vagus nerve. They are usually solitary and asymptomatic. Multiple schwannomas occurring in patients without neurofibromatosis (NF) are rare and have recently been referred to as schwannomatosis. Here, we present a case of a neck mass that had imaging features suggestive of vagal schwannoma and was operated upon. Intraoperatively, it was discovered to be a case of multiple vagal cervical schwannoma, all directly related to the right vagus nerve, and could be resected from the nerve in toto preserving the function of the vagus nerve. Final HPR confirmed our pre-op suspicion of vagal schwannomatosis.

Schwannomatosis of Cervical Vagus Nerve

PubMed Central

Sasi, M. P.

2016-01-01

Cervical vagal schwannoma is a rare entity among lesions presenting as a neck mass. They are usually slow-growing benign lesions closely associated with the vagus nerve. They are usually solitary and asymptomatic. Multiple schwannomas occurring in patients without neurofibromatosis (NF) are rare and have recently been referred to as schwannomatosis. Here, we present a case of a neck mass that had imaging features suggestive of vagal schwannoma and was operated upon. Intraoperatively, it was discovered to be a case of multiple vagal cervical schwannoma, all directly related to the right vagus nerve, and could be resected from the nerve in toto preserving the function of the vagus nerve. Final HPR confirmed our pre-op suspicion of vagal schwannomatosis. PMID:27807496

Performance of Service-Discovery Architectures in Response to Node Failures

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

cache manager ( SCM ). Multiple SCMs can be used to mitigate the effect of SCM failure. In both architectures, service discovery occurs passively, via...employed, the SCM operates as an intermediary, matching advertised SDs of SMs to SD requirements provided by SUs. In this study, each SM manages one SP...architecture in our experimental topology: with 12 SMs, one SU, and up to three SCMs . To animate our three-party model, we chose discovery behaviors from the

Finding Order within the Chaos of Counternarcotics: A Universal Framework for the Reduction of Illicit Crop Cultivation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-13

components can be part of multiple systems simultaneously. Measures of effectiveness determine how well a certain action is meeting its operational...have been collected throughout this literature review as well as during the analysis of data in chapter 4. Performance measures allow for an...for analysis as well . Eradication, however, can occur throughout the year. This is particularly true in South America, because coca can be harvested

Evaluating the Use of Auditory Systems to Improve Performance in Combat Search and Rescue

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

take advantage of human binaural hearing to present spatial information through auditory stimuli as it would occur in the real world. This allows the...multiple operators unambiguously and in a short amount of time. Spatial audio basics Spatial audio works with human binaural hearing to generate... binaural recordings “sound better” when heard in the same location where the recordings were made. While this appears to be related to the acoustic

Recommendations for Evaluating Multiple Filters in Ballast Water Management Systems for US Type Approval

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

is extremely unlikely to be practicable . A second approach is to conduct a full suite of TA testing on a BWMS with a “base filter” configuration...that of full TA testing. Here, three land-based tests would be conducted, and O&M and component testing would also occur. If time or practicality ... Practical salinity units SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SDI Silt density index SOP Standard operating procedure STEP Shipboard Technology

Optimization of Maneuver Execution for Landsat-7 Routine Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cox, E. Lucien, Jr.; Bauer, Frank H. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Multiple mission constraints were satisfied during a lengthy, strategic ascent phase. Once routine operations begin, the ongoing concern of maintaining mission requirements becomes an immediate priority. The Landsat-7 mission has tight longitude control box and Earth imaging that requires sub-satellite descending nodal equator crossing times to occur in a narrow 30minute range fifteen (15) times daily. Operationally, spacecraft maneuvers must'be executed properly to maintain mission requirements. The paper will discuss the importance of optimizing the altitude raising and plane change maneuvers, amidst known constraints, to satisfy requirements throughout mission lifetime. Emphasis will be placed not only on maneuver size and frequency but also on changes in orbital elements that impact maneuver execution decisions. Any associated trade-off arising from operations contingencies will be discussed as well. Results of actual altitude and plane change maneuvers are presented to clarify actions taken.

Shifting attention across near and far spaces: implications for the use of hands-free cell phones while driving.

PubMed

Ferlazzo, Fabio; Fagioli, Sabrina; Di Nocera, Francesco; Sdoia, Stefano

2008-11-01

In three experiments, participants performed two tasks concurrently during driving. In the peripheral detection task, they responded manually to visual stimuli delivered through a LED placed on the internal rear mirror; in the conversation task, they were engaged in a conversation with a passenger, or through earphone-operated, loudspeaker-operated, or hand-held cell phones. Results showed that drivers were slower at responding to the visual stimuli when conversing through a hand-held cell phone or an earphone-operated cell phone than when conversing through a loudspeaker-operated cell phone or with a passenger. These results suggest that due to the brain coding the space into multiple representations, devices that make phone conversations taking place in the near, personal space make drivers slower at responding to visual stimuli, compared to devices that make the conversation occurring in a far space.

[In situ suture repair procedure of knee dislocation with multiple-ligament injury at acute stage].

PubMed

Ye, Jingbing; Luo, Dahui; Fu, Weili; He, Xin; Li, Jian

2009-09-01

To investigate the method and the short term clinical effectiveness of in situ suture repair procedure of knee dislocation with multiple-ligament injury at acute stage. From February 2006 to November 2007, 9 patients suffering from single knee closed dislocation with multiple-ligament injury underwent open in situ suture repair procedure with non-absorbable thread and managements of other combined injuries simultaneously. Nine patients included 6 males and 3 females, aged 34-52 years old. The injured knees were left side in 4 cases and right side in 5 cases. Injuries were caused by traffic accident in 8 cases and heavy-weight crushing in 1 case. EMRI and arthroscopic examination showed that all patients suffered from the avulsion injuries of anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. The time from injury to operation was 4 to 7 days with an average of 5.1 days. No bacterial arthritis occurred after operation. Subcutaneous ligated fat occurred and cured after symptomatic treatment in 2 cases, other incisions healed by first intension. All patients were followed up 12 months. At 12 months postoperatively, 2 patients' flexion range of the suffering knees lost 10 degrees when to compared with normal knees, and the range of motion was from 0 to 125 degrees. The Lysholm knee scores were 83-92 (average 86.3), the results were excellent in 3 cases and good in 6 cases. The posterior drawer test and anterior drawer test were one-degree positive in 3 cases respectively; the Lachman tests were one-degree positive in 5 cases, lateral stress tests were negative in all cases. In situ suture repair procedure of knee dislocation with multiple-ligament injury at acute stage has the advantages such as reliable fixation, simultaneous management of other combined injuries and satisfactory short term effect.

You make me tired: An experimental test of the role of interpersonal operant conditioning in fatigue.

PubMed

Lenaert, Bert; Jansen, Rebecca; van Heugten, Caroline M

2018-04-01

Chronic fatigue is highly prevalent in the general population as well as in multiple chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders. Its etiology however remains poorly understood and cannot be explained by biological factors alone. Occurring in a psychosocial context, the experience and communication of fatigue may be shaped by social interactions. In particular, interpersonal operant conditioning may strengthen and perpetuate fatigue complaints. In this experiment, individuals (N = 44) repeatedly rated their currently experienced fatigue while engaging in cognitive effort (working memory task). Subtle social reward was given when fatigue increased relative to the previous rating; or disapproval when fatigue decreased. In the control condition, only neutral feedback was given. Although all participants became more fatigued during cognitive effort, interpersonal operant conditioning led to increased fatigue reporting relative to neutral feedback. This effect occurred independently of conscious awareness. Interestingly, the experimental condition also performed worse on the working memory task. Results suggest that fatigue complaints (and cognitive performance) may become controlled by their consequences such as social reward, and not exclusively by their antecedents such as effort. Results have implications for treatment development and suggest that interpersonal operant conditioning may contribute to fatigue becoming a chronic symptom. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of hot air balloon fatalities.

PubMed

McConnell, T S; Smialek, J E; Capron, R G

1985-04-01

The rising popularity of the sport of hot air ballooning has been accompanied by several recent incidents, both in this country and other parts of the world, where mechanical defects and the improper operation of balloons have resulted in several fatalities. A study was conducted to identify the location and frequency of hot air ballooning accidents. Furthermore, the study attempted to identify those accidents that were the result of improper handling on the part of the balloon operators and those that were related to specific defects in the construction of the balloon. This paper presents a background of the sport of hot air ballooning, together with an analysis of the construction of a typical hot air balloon, pointing out the specific areas where defects may occur that could result in a potential fatal balloon crash. Specific attention is given to the two recent balloon crashes that occurred in Albuquerque, N.M., hot air balloon capital of the world, and that resulted in multiple fatalities.

Matrix multiplication operations with data pre-conditioning in a high performance computing architecture

DOEpatents

Eichenberger, Alexandre E; Gschwind, Michael K; Gunnels, John A

2013-11-05

Mechanisms for performing matrix multiplication operations with data pre-conditioning in a high performance computing architecture are provided. A vector load operation is performed to load a first vector operand of the matrix multiplication operation to a first target vector register. A load and splat operation is performed to load an element of a second vector operand and replicating the element to each of a plurality of elements of a second target vector register. A multiply add operation is performed on elements of the first target vector register and elements of the second target vector register to generate a partial product of the matrix multiplication operation. The partial product of the matrix multiplication operation is accumulated with other partial products of the matrix multiplication operation.

Rare case of primary spinal ependymomatosis occurring in a 26-year-old man: a case report

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Introduction The authors report a rare case of primary spinal ependymomatosis in a young adult man. Multiple primary ependymomatous lesions were seen on magnetic resonance imaging and no anaplasia was identified on the surgical-pathological analysis. The aetio-pathological mechanism and surgical significance of this rare occurrence is discussed. Case presentation A 26-year-old man of Polish origin presented with a ten-day history of pain in the left leg and lower back. This was followed by difficulty in urinating and a decrease in sensation in both legs. Examination revealed pyramidal signs and mild weakness in both lower limbs. He had early sphincter involvement requiring catheterization. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was normal. However, that of the spinal cord revealed multiple intradural spinal lesions, both intra- and extramedullary, extending from the cervical cord down to the cauda equina roots. T12-L1 laminectomy was performed. Multiple intradural, extra- and intra-medullary tumors were seen. After the operation, the patient deteriorated with a sensory level at T4. Post-operative cranio-spinal radiotherapy was administered but there was no clinical improvement in the lower limbs. Conclusion Primary spinal ependymomatosis is a rare phenomenon involving multiple spinal segments in the absence of a primary intracranial tumor. Radical excision is unrealistic in this condition. Biopsy followed by radiotherapy is the preferred method of treatment. PMID:19946548

Research on rapid agile metrology for manufacturing based on real-time multitask operating system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jihong; Song, Zhen; Yang, Daoshan; Zhou, Ji; Buckley, Shawn

1996-10-01

Rapid agile metrology for manufacturing (RAMM) using multiple non-contact sensors is likely to remain a growing trend in manufacturing. High speed inspecting systems for manufacturing is characterized by multitasks implemented in parallel and real-time events which occur simultaneously. In this paper, we introduce a real-time operating system into RAMM research. A general task model of a class-based object- oriented technology is proposed. A general multitask frame of a typical RAMM system using OPNet is discussed. Finally, an application example of a machine which inspects parts held on a carrier strip is described. With RTOS and OPNet, this machine can measure two dimensions of the contacts at 300 parts/second.

High temperature material interactions of thermoelectric systems using silicon germanium.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stapfer, G.; Truscello, V. C.

1973-01-01

The efficient use of silicon germanium thermoelectric material for radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) is achieved by operation at relatively high temperatures. The insulation technique which is most appropriate for this application uses multiple layers of molybdenum foil and astroquartz. Even so, the long term operation of these materials at elevated temperatures can cause material interaction to occur within the system. To investigate these material interactions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is currently testing a number of thermoelectric modules which use four silicon germanium thermoelectric couples in conjunction with the multifoil thermal insulation. The paper discusses the results of the ongoing four-couple module test program and correlates test results with those of a basic material test program.

Workshop on Spaceflight Alterations in Host-Microorganism Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, C. Mark

2010-01-01

On June 11, 2009, a workshop that included internal and external experts was convened to determine the risk of changes in microorganisms that could alter host-microorganism interactions during a mission. The evidence is based in part on multiple flight experiments which indicate altered virulence in Salmonella typhimurium when cultured in flight. The workshop participants were tasked to determine if adequate information was available to initiate changes in NASA's current approach to infectious disease risk assessment and medical operations. The consensus of the participants is that the current evidence was not adequate to provide direction for operational changes; however, the evidence is compelling and clearly indicates that changes to microorganisms were occurring during spaceflight and further research is required.

Use of ultrasonic array method for positioning multiple partial discharge sources in transformer oil.

PubMed

Xie, Qing; Tao, Junhan; Wang, Yongqiang; Geng, Jianghai; Cheng, Shuyi; Lü, Fangcheng

2014-08-01

Fast and accurate positioning of partial discharge (PD) sources in transformer oil is very important for the safe, stable operation of power systems because it allows timely elimination of insulation faults. There is usually more than one PD source once an insulation fault occurs in the transformer oil. This study, which has both theoretical and practical significance, proposes a method of identifying multiple PD sources in the transformer oil. The method combines the two-sided correlation transformation algorithm in the broadband signal focusing and the modified Gerschgorin disk estimator. The method of classification of multiple signals is used to determine the directions of arrival of signals from multiple PD sources. The ultrasonic array positioning method is based on the multi-platform direction finding and the global optimization searching. Both the 4 × 4 square planar ultrasonic sensor array and the ultrasonic array detection platform are built to test the method of identifying and positioning multiple PD sources. The obtained results verify the validity and the engineering practicability of this method.

Improving operating room first start efficiency - value of both checklist and a pre-operative facilitator.

PubMed

Panni, M K; Shah, S J; Chavarro, C; Rawl, M; Wojnarwsky, P K; Panni, J K

2013-10-01

There are multiple components leading to improved operating room efficiency. We undertook a project focusing on first case starts; accounting for each delay component on a global basis. Our hypothesis was there would be a reduction in first start delays after we implemented strategies to address the issues identified through this accounting process. An orange sheet checklist was implemented, with specific items that needed to be clear prior to roll back to the operating room (OR), and an OR facilitator was employed to intervene whenever there were any missing items needed for a specific patient. We present the data from this quality improvement project over an 18-month period. Initially, 10.07 (± 0.73) delayed first starts occurred per day but declined steadily over time to a low of 4.95 (± 0.38) per day after 6 months (-49.2 %, P < 0.001). By the end of the project, the most common reasons for delay still included late surgical attending (19%), schedule changes (14%) as well as 'other reasons' (13%), but with an overall reduction per day of each. Total anaesthesia delay initially totalled 11% of the first start delays, but was negligible (< 1%) at the project's completion. While we have a challenging operating room environment based on our patient population, multiple trainees in both the surgery and anaesthesiology teams: an orange sheet - pre-operative checklist in addition to a dedicated pre-operative facilitator; allowed us to make a substantial improvement in our first start on time starts. © 2013 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ignition and early soot formation in a DI diesel engine using multiple 2-D imaging diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dec, John E.; Espey, Christoph

Combined optical imaging diagnostics in the fuel jet of a direct-injection diesel engine to study the ignition and early soot formation processes. A diesel engine of the 'heavy-duty' size class was operated at a representative medium speed (1200 rpm) operating condition. Two fuels were used, a 42.5 cetane number mixture of the diesel reference fuels and a new low-sooting fuel. Combustion and soot formation are almost identical for both fuels. Ignition and early combustion were studied by imaging the natural chemiluminescence using a calibrated intensified video camera. Early soot development was investigated via luminosity imaging and simultaneous planar imaging of laser-induced incandescence (LII) and elastic scattering. The latter provide relative soot concentrations and particle size distributions. Data show that ignition occurs at multiple points across the downstream region of all the fuel jets prior to first apparent heat release well before any soot luminosity occurs. Quantitative vapor-fuel/air mixture images in the leading portion of the jet are also presented and discussed with respect to the early combustion data. The first soot occurs at random locations, and shortly thereafter, small soot particles develop throughout the cross section of the leading portion of the jet. Data indicate that this soot arises from the fuel-rich premixed burn. Then, significantly larger soot particles appear around the periphery of the jet, presumably from the initial diffusion combustion. By the end of the premixed burn, the soot has developed a distribution pattern of a higher concentration toward the front of the jet and a lower concentration upstream, with the larger-sized soot particles being generally confined to the periphery of the jet.

Infection after pacemaker implantation: infection rates and risk factors associated with infection in a population-based cohort study of 46299 consecutive patients

PubMed Central

Johansen, Jens Brock; Jørgensen, Ole Dan; Møller, Mogens; Arnsbo, Per; Mortensen, Peter Thomas; Nielsen, Jens Cosedis

2011-01-01

Aims Infection is a serious complication of pacemaker (PM) systems. Although the rate of infection has been debated, the figures are largely unknown. We therefore studied the incidence of PM infection and its associated risk factors in the Danish population. Methods and results Since 1982, all PM implantation and removal procedures performed in Denmark have been prospectively recorded in the Danish Pacemaker Register. All patients (n = 46299) who underwent implantation between 1982 and 2007 were included. The total length of surveillance was 236 888 PM-years. The incidence of infection was calculated according to the total number of PM-years. The incidence of surgical site infection (≤365 days after PM implantation) was compared with later infection in first implant and replacement procedures. Multiple-record and multiple-event-per-subject proportional hazards analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors of PM infection. Surgical site infection occurred in 192 cases after first implantation (incidence rate 4.82/1000 PM-years), and in 133 cases after replacement (12.12/1000 PM-years). Infections occurring more than 365 days after the first implantation occurred in 153 cases (1.02/1000 PM-years), and in 118 cases after replacement (3.26/1000 PM-years). Independent factors associated with an increased risk of PM infection were a greater number of PM operations (including replacements), male sex, younger age, implantation during the earliest part of the study period, and absence of antibiotics (P< 0.001). Conclusion The overall risk of infection after PM implantation was low. A greater number of operations augmented the risk of infection. This should be taken into account when considering revisions of PM systems. PMID:21252172

Biological souring and mitigation in oil reservoirs.

PubMed

Gieg, Lisa M; Jack, Tom R; Foght, Julia M

2011-10-01

Souring in oil field systems is most commonly due to the action of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes, a diverse group of anaerobic microorganisms that respire sulfate and produce sulfide (the key souring agent) while oxidizing diverse electron donors. Such biological sulfide production is a detrimental, widespread phenomenon in the petroleum industry, occurring within oil reservoirs or in topside processing facilities, under low- and high-temperature conditions, and in onshore or offshore operations. Sulfate reducers can exist either indigenously in deep subsurface reservoirs or can be "inoculated" into a reservoir system during oil field development (e.g., via drilling operations) or during the oil production phase. In the latter, souring most commonly occurs during water flooding, a secondary recovery strategy wherein water is injected to re-pressurize the reservoir and sweep the oil towards production wells to extend the production life of an oil field. The water source and type of production operation can provide multiple components such as sulfate, labile carbon sources, and sulfate-reducing communities that influence whether oil field souring occurs. Souring can be controlled by biocides, which can non-specifically suppress microbial populations, and by the addition of nitrate (and/or nitrite) that directly impacts the sulfate-reducing population by numerous competitive or inhibitory mechanisms. In this review, we report on the diversity of sulfate reducers associated with oil reservoirs, approaches for determining their presence and effects, the factors that control souring, and the approaches (along with the current understanding of their underlying mechanisms) that may be used to successfully mitigate souring in low-temperature and high-temperature oil field operations.

Operative fixation of chest wall fractures: an underused procedure?

PubMed

Richardson, J David; Franklin, Glen A; Heffley, Susan; Seligson, David

2007-06-01

Chest wall fractures, including injuries to the ribs and sternum, usually heal spontaneously without specific treatment. However, a small subset of patients have fractures that produce overlying bone fragments that may produce severe pain, respiratory compromise, and, if untreated mechanically, result in nonunion. We performed open reduction and internal fixation on seven patients with multiple rib fractures-five in the initial hospitalization and two delayed--as well as 35 sternal fractures (19 immediate fixation and 16 delayed). Operative fixation was accomplished using titanium plates and screws in both groups of patients. All patients with rib fractures did well; there were no major complications or infections, and no plates required removal. Clinical results were excellent. There was one death in the sternal fracture group in a patient who was ventilator-dependent preoperatively and extubated himself in the early postoperative period. Otherwise, the results were excellent, with no complications occurring in this group. Three patients had their plates removed after boney union was achieved. No evidence of infection or nonunion occurred. The excellent results achieved in the subset of patients with severe chest wall deformities treated initially at our institution and those referred from outside suggest that operative fixation is a useful modality that is likely underused.

Human factors in surgery: from Three Mile Island to the operating room.

PubMed

D'Addessi, Alessandro; Bongiovanni, Luca; Volpe, Andrea; Pinto, Francesco; Bassi, PierFrancesco

2009-01-01

Human factors is a definition that includes the science of understanding the properties of human capability, the application of this understanding to the design and development of systems and services, the art of ensuring their successful applications to a program. The field of human factors traces its origins to the Second World War, but Three Mile Island has been the best example of how groups of people react and make decisions under stress: this nuclear accident was exacerbated by wrong decisions made because the operators were overwhelmed with irrelevant, misleading or incorrect information. Errors and their nature are the same in all human activities. The predisposition for error is so intrinsic to human nature that scientifically it is best considered as inherently biologic. The causes of error in medical care may not be easily generalized. Surgery differs in important ways: most errors occur in the operating room and are technical in nature. Commonly, surgical error has been thought of as the consequence of lack of skill or ability, and is the result of thoughtless actions. Moreover the 'operating theatre' has a unique set of team dynamics: professionals from multiple disciplines are required to work in a closely coordinated fashion. This complex environment provides multiple opportunities for unclear communication, clashing motivations, errors arising not from technical incompetence but from poor interpersonal skills. Surgeons have to work closely with human factors specialists in future studies. By improving processes already in place in many operating rooms, safety will be enhanced and quality increased.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) National Campaign II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aweiss, Arwa S.; Owens, Brandon D.; Rios, Joseph L.; Homola, Jeffrey R.; Mohlenbrink, Christoph P.

2018-01-01

The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) effort at NASA aims to enable access to low-altitude airspace for small UAS. This goal is being pursued partly through partnerships that NASA has developed with the UAS stakeholder community, the FAA, other government agencies, and the designated FAA UAS Test Sites. By partnering with the FAA UAS Test Sites, NASA's UTM project has performed a geographically diverse, simultaneous set of UAS operations at locations in six states. The demonstrations used an architecture that was developed by NASA in partnership with the FAA to safely coordinate such operations. These demonstrations-the second or 'Technical Capability Level (TCL 2)' National Campaign of UTM testing-was performed from May 15 through June 9, 2017. Multiple UAS operations occurred during the testing at sites located in Alaska, Nevada, Texas, North Dakota, Virginia, and New York with multiple organizations serving as UAS Service Suppliers and/or UAS Operators per the specifications provided by NASA. By engaging various members of the UAS community in development and operational roles, this campaign provided initial validation of different aspects of the UTM concept including: UAS Service Supplier technologies and procedures; geofencing technologies/conformance monitoring; ground-based surveillance/sense and avoid; airborne sense and avoid; communication, navigation, surveillance; and human factors related to UTM data creation and display. Additionally, measures of performance were defined and calculated from the flight data to establish quantitative bases for comparing flight test activities and to provide potential metrics that might be routinely monitored in future operational UTM systems.

Dynamics of rapid dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens during goal-directed behaviors for cocaine versus natural rewards

PubMed Central

Cameron, Courtney M.; Wightman, R. Mark; Carelli, Regina M.

2014-01-01

Electrophysiological studies show that distinct subsets of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons differentially encode information about goal-directed behaviors for intravenous cocaine versus natural (food/water) rewards. Further, NAc rapid dopamine signaling occurs on a timescale similar to phasic cell firing during cocaine and natural reward-seeking behaviors. However, it is not known whether dopamine signaling is reinforcer specific (i.e., is released during responding for only one type of reinforcer) within discrete NAc locations, similar to neural firing dynamics. Here, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) was used to measure rapid dopamine release during multiple schedules involving sucrose reward and cocaine self-administration (n=8 rats) and, in a separate group of rats (n = 6), during a sucrose/food multiple schedule. During the sucrose/cocaine multiple schedule, dopamine increased within seconds of operant responding for both reinforcers. Although dopamine release was not reinforcer specific, more subtle differences were observed in peak dopamine concentration [DA] across reinforcer conditions. Specifically, peak [DA] was higher during the first phase of the multiple schedule, regardless of reinforcer type. Further, the time to reach peak [DA] was delayed during cocaine-responding compared to sucrose. During the sucrose/food multiple schedule, increases in dopamine release were also observed relative to operant responding for both natural rewards. However, peak [DA] was higher relative to responding for sucrose than food, regardless of reinforcer order. Overall, the results reveal the dynamics of rapid dopamine signaling in discrete locations in the NAc across reward conditions, and provide novel insight into the functional role of this system in reward-seeking behaviors. PMID:25174553

Annotated bibliography of selected references on PCB and the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site, Michigan, 1982-2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simard, Andreanne

2003-01-01

Fifty six publications pertaining to the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site Publications stored in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Response Division site files are summarized. Publications are presented chronologically within four categories: PCB releases, PCB remediation, PCB safety, and PCB testing and cleanup. The text consists of bibliographical information and brief summaries of various published documents pertaining to PCB contamination of the Kalamazoo River. Numerous investigators such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Pacific, and various contractors have demonstrated that multiple and at times continuous releases and re-releases of PCBs have occurred as a result of operations at papermill facilities owned and operated by the 'Potential Responsible Parties'.

Use of a mobile tower-based robot--The initial Xi robot experience in surgical oncology.

PubMed

Yuh, Bertram; Yu, Xian; Raytis, John; Lew, Michael; Fong, Yuman; Lau, Clayton

2016-01-01

The da Vinci Xi platform provides expanded movement of the arms relative to the base, theoretically allowing increased versatility in complex multi-field or multi-quadrant surgery. We describe the initial Xi experience in oncologic surgery at a tertiary cancer center. One hundred thirty unique robot-assisted procedures were performed using the Xi between 2014 and 2015, 112 of which were oncology surgeries. For procedures involving multiple quadrants, the robot was re-targeted. Complications were assessed according to Martin criteria and the Clavien-Dindo classification up to 90 days after operation. Thirteen different operations were performed in five oncology subspecialties (urology, gynecology, thoracic, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal surgery). Median operative times ranged from 183 min for nephroureterectomy to 543 min for esophagogastrectomy. Median estimated blood loss did not exceed 200 ml for any of the categorized procedures . No patients were transfused intraoperatively and no positioning injuries occurred. Conversions to open operation occurred in three cases (2.7%), though not related to complications or technical considerations. Overall complication rate was 26% with major complication rate of 4%. Readmissions were necessary in 11 (10%) patients. The da Vinci Xi can be safely assimilated into a surgical oncology program. The Xi offers versatility to various oncologic procedures with satisfactory complication and readmission rates. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

AlInAsSb/GaSb staircase avalanche photodiode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Min; Maddox, Scott; Chen, Yaojia; Woodson, Madison; Campbell, Joe C.; Bank, Seth

2016-02-01

Over 30 years ago, Capasso and co-workers [IEEE Trans. Electron Devices 30, 381 (1982)] proposed the staircase avalanche photodetector (APD) as a solid-state analog of the photomultiplier tube. In this structure, electron multiplication occurs deterministically at steps in the conduction band profile, which function as the dynodes of a photomultiplier tube, leading to low excess multiplication noise. Unlike traditional APDs, the origin of staircase gain is band engineering rather than large applied electric fields. Unfortunately, the materials available at the time, principally AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs, did not offer sufficiently large conduction band offsets and energy separations between the direct and indirect valleys to realize the full potential of the staircase gain mechanism. Here, we report a true staircase APD operation using alloys of a rather underexplored material, AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y, lattice-matched to GaSb. Single step "staircase" devices exhibited a constant gain of ˜2×, over a broad range of applied bias, operating temperature, and excitation wavelengths/intensities, consistent with Monte Carlo calculations.

Variable geometry Darrieus wind machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pytlinski, J. T.; Serrano, D.

1983-08-01

A variable geometry Darrieus wind machine is proposed. The lower attachment of the blades to the rotor can move freely up and down the axle allowing the blades of change shape during rotation. Experimental data for a 17 m. diameter Darrieus rotor and a theoretical model for multiple streamtube performance prediction were used to develop a computer simulation program for studying parameters that affect the machine's performance. This new variable geometry concept is described and interrelated with multiple streamtube theory through aerodynamic parameters. The computer simulation study shows that governor behavior of a Darrieus turbine can not be attained by a standard turbine operating within normally occurring rotational velocity limits. A second generation variable geometry Darrieus wind turbine which uses a telescopic blade is proposed as a potential improvement on the studied concept.

Collaboration Mechanism for Equipment Instruction of Multiple Energy Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dong; Wang, Tuo; Wang, Qi; Zhang, Zhao; Zhao, Mingyu; Wang, Yinghui

2018-01-01

When multiple energy systems execute optimization instructions simultaneously, and the same equipment is Shared, the instruction conflict may occur. Aiming at the above problems, taking into account the control objectives of each system, the characteristics of different systems, such as comprehensive clean energy, energy efficiency, and peak filling, etc., designed the instruction coordination mechanism for the daemon. This mechanism mainly acts on the main station of the system, and form a final optimization instruction. For some specific scenarios, the collaboration mechanism of unlocking the terminal is supplemented. The mechanism determines the specific execution instructions based on the arrival time of the instruction. Finally, the experiment in Tianjin eco-city shows that this algorithm can meet the instruction and collaboration requirements of multi-energy systems, and ensure the safe operation of the equipment.

Parameter optimization for transitions between memory states in small arrays of Josephson junctions

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

Rezac, Jacob D.; Imam, Neena; Braiman, Yehuda

Coupled arrays of Josephson junctions possess multiple stable zero voltage states. Such states can store information and consequently can be utilized for cryogenic memory applications. Basic memory operations can be implemented by sending a pulse to one of the junctions and studying transitions between the states. In order to be suitable for memory operations, such transitions between the states have to be fast and energy efficient. Here in this article we employed simulated annealing, a stochastic optimization algorithm, to study parameter optimization of array parameters which minimizes times and energies of transitions between specifically chosen states that can be utilizedmore » for memory operations (Read, Write, and Reset). Simulation results show that such transitions occur with access times on the order of 10–100 ps and access energies on the order of 10 -19–5×10 -18 J. Numerical simulations are validated with approximate analytical results.« less

Telerobotic management system: coordinating multiple human operators with multiple robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Jamie W.; Pretty, Raymond; Brothers, Brendan; Gosine, Raymond G.

2003-09-01

This paper describes an application called the Tele-robotic management system (TMS) for coordinating multiple operators with multiple robots for applications such as underground mining. TMS utilizes several graphical interfaces to allow the user to define a partially ordered plan for multiple robots. This plan is then converted to a Petri net for execution and monitoring. TMS uses a distributed framework to allow robots and operators to easily integrate with the applications. This framework allows robots and operators to join the network and advertise their capabilities through services. TMS then decides whether tasks should be dispatched to a robot or a remote operator based on the services offered by the robots and operators.

Possible consequences of operation with KIVN fuel elements in K Zircaloy process tubes

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

Carlson, P.A.

1963-08-06

From considerations of the results of experimental simulations of non-axial placement of fuel elements in process tubes and in-reactor experience, it is concluded that the ultimate outcome of a charging error which results in operation with one or more unsupported fuel elements in a K Zircaloy-2 process tube would be multiple fuel failure and failure of the process tube. The outcome of the accident is determined by the speed with which the fuel failure is detected and the reactor is shut down. The release of fission products would be expected to be no greater than that which has occurred followingmore » severe fuel failure incidents. The highest probability for fission product release occurs during the discharge of failed fuel elements, when a small fraction of the exposed uranium of the fuel element may be oxidized when exposed to air before the element falls into the water-filled discharge chute. The confinement and fog spray facilities were installed to reduce the amount of fission products which might escape from the reactor building after such an event.« less

Myths and facts on wastewater injection, hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, and induced seismicity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubinstein, Justin L.; Mahani, Alireza Babaie

2015-01-01

The central United States has undergone a dramatic increase in seismicity over the past 6 years (Fig. 1), rising from an average of 24 M≥3 earthquakes per year in the years 1973–2008 to an average of 193 M≥3 earthquakes in 2009–2014, with 688 occurring in 2014 alone. Multiple damaging earthquakes have occurred during this increase including the 2011 M 5.6 Prague, Oklahoma, earthquake; the 2011 M 5.3 Trinidad, Colorado, earthquake; and the 2011M 4.7 Guy‐Greenbrier, Arkansas, earthquake. The increased seismicity is limited to a few areas and the evidence is mounting that the seismicity in many of these locations is induced by the deep injection of fluids from nearby oil and gas operations. Earthquakes that are caused by human activities are known as induced earthquakes. Most injection operations, though, do not appear to induce earthquakes. Although the message that these earthquakes are induced by fluid injection related to oil and gas production has been communicated clearly, there remains confusion in the popular press beyond this basic level of understanding.

Recurrent shoulder dystocia: is it predictable?

PubMed

Kleitman, Vered; Feldman, Roi; Walfisch, Asnat; Toledano, Ronen; Sheiner, Eyal

2016-11-01

To examine the course and outcome of deliveries occurring in women who previously experienced shoulder dystocia. In addition, recurrent shoulder dystocia risk factors were assessed. A retrospective cohort analysis comparing all singleton deliveries with and without shoulder dystocia in their preceding delivery was conducted. Independent predictors of recurrent shoulder dystocia were investigated using a multiple logistic regression model. Of the 201,422 deliveries included in the analysis, 307 occurred in women with a previous shoulder dystocia (0.015 %). Women with a history of shoulder dystocia were more likely to be older, experienced higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus, polyhydramnios, prolonged second stage, operative delivery and macrosomia (>4000 g) in the following delivery. Previous shoulder dystocia was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrent shoulder dystocia (OR = 6.1, 95 % CI 3.2-11.8, p value <0.001) in the multivariable regression analysis. Shoulder dystocia is an independent risk factor for recurrent shoulder dystocia. Deliveries in women with a history of shoulder dystocia are characterized by higher rates of operative delivery, prolonged second stage of labor and macrosomia.

Wide Band Gap Semiconductors Symposium Held in Boston, Massachusetts on 2-6 December 1991. Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings. Volume 242

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

equation and taking into account the phase changes which occur at the surface of the irradiated solid. Intense pulsed laser irradiation induces rapid...resulted in the realization of pn junction light emitting devices operating in the blue and blue/green portion of the spectrum such as pulsed lasers (3M...such as pulse lasers [3-51 and multiple quantum well light emitting devices 16). It is expected that these recent developments will open a new stage of

Hormonal therapy after the operation for catamenial pneumothorax - is it always necessary?

PubMed

Subotic, D; Mikovic, Z; Atanasijadis, N; Savic, M; Moskovljevic, D; Subotic, D

2016-04-14

Our recent clinical observations put into question the routine hormonal therapy for pneumothorax recurrence prevention, in patients operated for catamenial pneumothorax (CP). Retrospective review of the treatment of four women operated for CP in a recent 32-months period. The four presented patients with CP represent 4.8 % of the overall number of patients operated for spontaneous pneumothorax and 19 % of women operated for pneumothorax in the same period. In all patients, typical multiple diaphragm holes existed. The involved part of the diaphragm was removed with diaphragm suture in three patients, whilst in one patient, a diaphragm placation was done. Endometriosis was histologically confirmed in two patients. During the follow-up period of 6-43 months, none of the patients underwent a postoperative hormonal therapy for different reasons, and in none of them the pneumothorax recurrence occurred. The clinical course of these patients, with the absence of the pneumothorax recurrence despite the omission of the hormonal treatment, suggests that the appropriateness of the routine hormonal treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues for 6-12 months, should be reconsidered and re-evaluated in further studies.

Dynamics of rapid dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens during goal-directed behaviors for cocaine versus natural rewards.

PubMed

Cameron, Courtney M; Wightman, R Mark; Carelli, Regina M

2014-11-01

Electrophysiological studies show that distinct subsets of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons differentially encode information about goal-directed behaviors for intravenous cocaine versus natural (food/water) rewards. Further, NAc rapid dopamine signaling occurs on a timescale similar to phasic cell firing during cocaine and natural reward-seeking behaviors. However, it is not known whether dopamine signaling is reinforcer specific (i.e., is released during responding for only one type of reinforcer) within discrete NAc locations, similar to neural firing dynamics. Here, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) was used to measure rapid dopamine release during multiple schedules involving sucrose reward and cocaine self-administration (n = 8 rats) and, in a separate group of rats (n = 6), during a sucrose/food multiple schedule. During the sucrose/cocaine multiple schedule, dopamine increased within seconds of operant responding for both reinforcers. Although dopamine release was not reinforcer specific, more subtle differences were observed in peak dopamine concentration [DA] across reinforcer conditions. Specifically, peak [DA] was higher during the first phase of the multiple schedule, regardless of reinforcer type. Further, the time to reach peak [DA] was delayed during cocaine-responding compared to sucrose. During the sucrose/food multiple schedule, increases in dopamine release were also observed relative to operant responding for both natural rewards. However, peak [DA] was higher relative to responding for sucrose than food, regardless of reinforcer order. Overall, the results reveal the dynamics of rapid dopamine signaling in discrete locations in the NAc across reward conditions, and provide novel insight into the functional role of this system in reward-seeking behaviors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence, clinical features and management of pediatric magnetic foreign body ingestions.

PubMed

Tavarez, Melissa M; Saladino, Richard A; Gaines, Barbara A; Manole, Mioara D

2013-01-01

Foreign body (FB) ingestions are frequent in children. Whereas the majority of FBs pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract, ingestion of magnetic FBs pose a particular risk for obstruction due to proximate attraction through the intestinal wall. We aimed to identify the prevalence, clinical presentation, and management of magnetic FB ingestions at our tertiary care institution. We performed a retrospective chart review of medical records of patients presenting to the pediatric Emergency Department (ED) or admitted to the hospital with FB ingestions from June 2003-July 2009. From those cases, patients with magnetic FB ingestions were identified. During the study period, 337,839 patients presented to the ED; 38 cases of magnetic FB ingestion were identified (prevalence 0.01%). Abdominal radiography was obtained in all cases. Ingestion of a single magnet occurred in 30 of 38 cases (79%). Of those, 4 patients underwent endoscopic removal due to signs of FB impaction in the esophagus or pylorus; no complications were noted. Ingestion of multiple magnets (range 2-6) occurred in 8 of 38 cases. Four of the 8 patients with multiple magnetic FBs (50%) presented with signs of peritonitis and required operative repair of multiple intestinal perforations. No deaths were identified. Although ingestion of a single magnetic FB may, in most cases, be managed as a simple FB ingestion, the ingestion of multiple magnetic FB is associated with a high risk of complication and requires aggressive management. We propose an algorithm for management of children with magnetic FB ingestions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study on Network Error Analysis and Locating based on Integrated Information Decision System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, F.; Dong, Z. H.

2017-10-01

Integrated information decision system (IIDS) integrates multiple sub-system developed by many facilities, including almost hundred kinds of software, which provides with various services, such as email, short messages, drawing and sharing. Because the under-layer protocols are different, user standards are not unified, many errors are occurred during the stages of setup, configuration, and operation, which seriously affect the usage. Because the errors are various, which may be happened in different operation phases, stages, TCP/IP communication protocol layers, sub-system software, it is necessary to design a network error analysis and locating tool for IIDS to solve the above problems. This paper studies on network error analysis and locating based on IIDS, which provides strong theory and technology supports for the running and communicating of IIDS.

Matrix multiplication operations using pair-wise load and splat operations

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

Eichenberger, Alexandre E.; Gschwind, Michael K.; Gunnels, John A.

Mechanisms for performing a matrix multiplication operation are provided. A vector load operation is performed to load a first vector operand of the matrix multiplication operation to a first target vector register. A pair-wise load and splat operation is performed to load a pair of scalar values of a second vector operand and replicate the pair of scalar values within a second target vector register. An operation is performed on elements of the first target vector register and elements of the second target vector register to generate a partial product of the matrix multiplication operation. The partial product is accumulatedmore » with other partial products and a resulting accumulated partial product is stored. This operation may be repeated for a second pair of scalar values of the second vector operand.« less

40 CFR 60.153 - Monitoring of operations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) The owner or operator of any multiple hearth, fluidized bed, or electric sludge incinerator subject to...) Install, calibrate, maintain and operate temperature measuring devices at every hearth in multiple hearth... zones of electric incinerators. For multiple hearth furnaces, a minimum of one temperature measuring...

The Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS), Higher Volume Operations (HVO) Off-Nominal Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxley, B.; Williams, D.; Consiglio, M.; Conway, S.; Adams, C.; Abbott, T.

2005-01-01

The ability to conduct concurrent, multiple aircraft operations in poor weather, at virtually any airport, offers an important opportunity for a significant increase in the rate of flight operations, a major improvement in passenger convenience, and the potential to foster growth of charter operations at small airports. The Small Aircraft Transportation System, (SATS) Higher Volume Operations (HVO) concept is designed to increase traffic flow at any of the 3400 nonradar, non-towered airports in the United States where operations are currently restricted to one-in/one-out procedural separation during Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The concept's key feature is pilots maintain their own separation from other aircraft using procedures, aircraft flight data sent via air-to-air datalink, cockpit displays, and on-board software. This is done within the Self-Controlled Area (SCA), an area of flight operations established during poor visibility or low ceilings around an airport without Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. The research described in this paper expands the HVO concept to include most off-nominal situations that could be expected to occur in a future SATS environment. The situations were categorized into routine off-nominal operations, procedural deviations, equipment malfunctions, and aircraft emergencies. The combination of normal and off-nominal HVO procedures provides evidence for an operational concept that is safe, requires little ground infrastructure, and enables concurrent flight operations in poor weather.

40 CFR 60.155 - Reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... (a) The owner or operator of any multiple hearth, fluidized bed, or electric sludge incinerator... than 3 percent. (b) The owner or operator of any multiple hearth, fluidized bed, or electric sludge... over each 1-hour incinerator operating period. (3) Temperatures of every hearth in multiple hearth...

10 CFR Appendix N to Part 52 - Standardization of Nuclear Power Plant Designs: Combined Licenses To Construct and Operate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Licenses To Construct and Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites N Appendix N... Designs: Combined Licenses To Construct and Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple... construct and operate nuclear power reactors of identical design (“common design”) to be located at multiple...

Generating clock signals for a cycle accurate, cycle reproducible FPGA based hardware accelerator

DOEpatents

Asaad, Sameth W.; Kapur, Mohit

2016-01-05

A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for generating clock signals for a cycle accurate FPGA based hardware accelerator used to simulate operations of a device-under-test (DUT). In one embodiment, the DUT includes multiple device clocks generating multiple device clock signals at multiple frequencies and at a defined frequency ratio; and the FPG hardware accelerator includes multiple accelerator clocks generating multiple accelerator clock signals to operate the FPGA hardware accelerator to simulate the operations of the DUT. In one embodiment, operations of the DUT are mapped to the FPGA hardware accelerator, and the accelerator clock signals are generated at multiple frequencies and at the defined frequency ratio of the frequencies of the multiple device clocks, to maintain cycle accuracy between the DUT and the FPGA hardware accelerator. In an embodiment, the FPGA hardware accelerator may be used to control the frequencies of the multiple device clocks.

Acute aortic dissection occurring during the butterfly stroke in a 12-year-old boy.

PubMed

Uchida, Keiji; Imoto, Kiyotaka; Yanagi, Hiromasa; Date, Koichiro

2009-08-01

A 12-year-old boy had severe chest and back pain of sudden onset while practicing the butterfly stroke in a swimming class. Computed tomography revealed an intimal flap in the descending thoracic aorta with massive right hemothorax. A ruptured type B acute aortic dissection was diagnosed, and then he collapsed. We totally replaced the descending aorta with a woven polyester prosthetic graft during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Hemostasis was achieved, but consciousness was not regained after operation, and multiple organ failure occurred. He died on the fifth postoperative day. He and his family had no history of cardiovascular disease. It seems that the swimming provoked a severe Valsalva maneuver, raising blood pressure acutely and thereby leading to dissection. This is then analogous to the propensity for dissection during intense isometic exercise such as weightlifting.

The NASA F-106B Storm Hazards Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neely, W. R., Jr.; Fisher, B. D.

1983-01-01

During the NASA LRC Storm Hazards Program, 698 thunderstorm precipitations were made from 1980 to 1983 with an F-106B aircraft in order to record direct lightning strike data and the associated flight conditions. It was found that each of the three composite fin caps tested experienced multiple lightning attachments with only minor cosmetic damage. The maximum current level was only 20 ka, which is well below the design standard of 200 ka; however, indications are that the current rate of rise standard has been approached and may be exceeded in a major strike. The peak lightning strike rate occurred at ambient temperatures between -40 and -45 C, while most previously reported strikes have occurred at or near the freezing level. No significant operational difficulties or major aircraft damage resulting from the thunderstorm penetrations have been found.

The potential benefit of a home fire safety intervention during emergency medical services calls.

PubMed

Pirrallo, R G; Rubin, J M; Murawsky, G A

1998-03-01

To determine how often house fires occur at 1- and 2-family dwellings visited previously by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and whether these visits were missed opportunities for a point-of-contact home fire safety intervention. A retrospective, consecutive, case series analysis of all Milwaukee Fire Department alarm responses during 1994 was performed. Measurements included date of service, type of response, property type, dollar loss estimate, number of injuries and fatalities, cause of alarm, and presence of an operational smoke detector. Descriptive, chi2, and relative risk statistics were used to describe the relationship between EMS responses and fire responses at 1- and 2-family dwellings. The Milwaukee Fire Department dispatched 94,378 requests for service to 43,556 addresses. 16,150 addresses generated multiple requests; 7.2% (1,162/16,150) were for an "alarm of fire" response [relative risk 1.83 (95% CI: 1.69-1.99) for addresses with multiple requests vs those with a single request for service]. Most [62% (721/1,162)] of the addresses were visited by EMS personnel prior to the alarm; 28% (205/721) were 1- and 2-family dwellings. A mean of 1.8 (376/205) EMS responses occurred prior to the "alarm of fire" response; 121 addresses received 1 response, 46 received 2, 18 received 3, and 20 received > or = 4 responses. Of 169 addresses with complete data, there was a total fire dollar loss of $1,963,020 (1994) along with 32 injuries and 0 fatalities. While 47% (80/169) of the 1- and 2-family dwellings had a smoke detector present, only 17% (29/169) of the dwellings had an operational smoke detector. A point-of-contact home fire safety intervention appears of potential benefit for frequent users of EMS care. Determination of the presence of an operational smoke detector in 1- and 2-family dwellings may be a useful injury prevention act during such EMS calls.

Seeing beyond monitors-Critical care nurses' multiple skills in patient observation: Descriptive qualitative study.

PubMed

Alastalo, Mika; Salminen, Leena; Lakanmaa, Riitta-Liisa; Leino-Kilpi, Helena

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of multiple skills in patient observation in critical care nursing. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Experienced critical care nurses (n=20) from three intensive care units in two university hospitals in Finland. Patient observation skills consist of: information gaining skills, information processing skills, decision-making skills and co-operation skills. The first three skills are integrated in the patient observation process, in which gaining information is a prerequisite for processing information that precedes making decisions. Co-operation has a special role as it occurs throughout the process. This study provided a comprehensive description of patient observation skills related to the three-phased patient observation process. The findings contribute to clarifying this part of the competence. The description of patient observation skills may be applied in both clinical practice and education as it may serve as a framework for orientation, ensuring clinical skills and designing learning environments. Based on this study, patient observation skills can be recommended to be included in critical care nursing education, orientation and as a part of critical care nurses' competence evaluation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neutron Detector Signal Processing to Calculate the Effective Neutron Multiplication Factor of Subcritical Assemblies

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

Talamo, Alberto; Gohar, Yousry

2016-06-01

This report describes different methodologies to calculate the effective neutron multiplication factor of subcritical assemblies by processing the neutron detector signals using MATLAB scripts. The subcritical assembly can be driven either by a spontaneous fission neutron source (e.g. californium) or by a neutron source generated from the interactions of accelerated particles with target materials. In the latter case, when the particle accelerator operates in a pulsed mode, the signals are typically stored into two files. One file contains the time when neutron reactions occur and the other contains the times when the neutron pulses start. In both files, the timemore » is given by an integer representing the number of time bins since the start of the counting. These signal files are used to construct the neutron count distribution from a single neutron pulse. The built-in functions of MATLAB are used to calculate the effective neutron multiplication factor through the application of the prompt decay fitting or the area method to the neutron count distribution. If the subcritical assembly is driven by a spontaneous fission neutron source, then the effective multiplication factor can be evaluated either using the prompt neutron decay constant obtained from Rossi or Feynman distributions or the Modified Source Multiplication (MSM) method.« less

System-wide versus component-specific trust using multiple aids.

PubMed

Keller, David; Rice, Stephen

2010-01-01

Previous research in operator trust toward automated aids has focused primarily on single aids. The current study focuses on how operator trust is affected by the presence of multiple aids. Two competing theories of multiple-trust are presented. A component-specific trust theory predicts that operators will differentially place their trust in automated aids that vary in reliability. A system-wide trust theory predicts that operators will treat multiple imperfect aids as one "system" and merge their trust across aids despite differences in the aids' reliability. A simulated flight task was used to test these theories, whereby operators performed a pursuit tracking task while concurrently monitoring multiple system gauges that were augmented with perfect or imperfect automated aids. The data revealed that a system-wide trust theory best predicted the data; operators merged their trust across both aids, behaving toward a perfectly reliable aid in the same manner as they did towards unreliable aids.

Structure D'Ensemble, Multiple Classification, Multiple Seriation and Amount of Irrelevant Information

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamel, B. Remmo; Van Der Veer, M. A. A.

1972-01-01

A significant positive correlation between multiple classification was found, in testing 65 children aged 6 to 8 years, at the stage of concrete operations. This is interpreted as support for the existence of a structure d'ensemble of operational schemes in the period of concrete operations. (Authors)

X-ray emission from high temperature plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harries, W. L.

1977-01-01

The physical processes occurring in plasma focus devices were investigated with particular emphasis on X-ray emission. Topics discussed include: trajectories of high energy electrons; detection of ion trajectories; spatial distribution of neutron emission; space and time resolved emission of hard X-rays from a plasma focus; the staged plasma focus as a variation of the hypocloidal pinch; formation of current sheets in a staged plasma focus; and X-ray and neutron emission from a staged plasma focus. The possibility of operating dense plasma-focus type devices in multiple arrays beyond the scaling law for a single gun is discussed.

An algorithm for solving an arbitrary triangular fully fuzzy Sylvester matrix equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daud, Wan Suhana Wan; Ahmad, Nazihah; Malkawi, Ghassan

2017-11-01

Sylvester matrix equations played a prominent role in various areas including control theory. Considering to any un-certainty problems that can be occurred at any time, the Sylvester matrix equation has to be adapted to the fuzzy environment. Therefore, in this study, an algorithm for solving an arbitrary triangular fully fuzzy Sylvester matrix equation is constructed. The construction of the algorithm is based on the max-min arithmetic multiplication operation. Besides that, an associated arbitrary matrix equation is modified in obtaining the final solution. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed algorithm.

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in pheochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Hisano, Marcelo; Vicentini, Fabio Carvalho; Srougi, Miguel

2012-01-01

Since the first laparoscopic adrenalectomy, the technique has evolved and it has become the standard of care for many adrenal diseases, including pheochromocytoma. Two laparoscopic accesses to the adrenal have been developed: transperitoneal and retroperitoneal. Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy may be recommended for the treatment of pheochromocytoma with the same peri-operative outcomes of the transperitoneal approach because it allows direct access to the adrenal glands without increasing the operative risks. Although technically more demanding than the transperitoneal approach, retroperitoneoscopy can shorten the mean operative time, which is critical for cases with pheochromocytoma where minimizing the potential for intra-operative hemodynamic changes is essential. Blood loss and the convalescence time can be also shortened by this approach. There is no absolute indication for either the transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach; however, the latter procedure may be the best option for patients who have undergone previous abdominal surgery and obese patients. Also, retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a good alternative for treating cases with inherited pheochromocytomas, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, in which the pheochromocytoma is highly prevalent and frequently occurs bilaterally. PMID:22584723

Planned versus actual outcomes as a result of animal feeding operation decisions for managing phosphorus.

PubMed

Cabot, Perry E; Nowak, Pete

2005-01-01

The paper explores how decisions made on animal feeding operations (AFOs) influence the management of manure and phosphorus. Variability among these decisions from operation to operation and from field to field can influence the validity of nutrient loss risk assessments. These assessments are based on assumptions that the decision outcomes regarding manure distribution will occur as they are planned. The discrepancy between planned versus actual outcomes in phosphorus management was explored on nine AFOs managing a contiguous set of 210 fields in south-central Wisconsin. A total of 2611 soil samples were collected and multiple interviews conducted to assign phosphorus index (PI) ratings to the fields. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (r(S)) indicated that PI ratings were less sensitive to soil test phosphorus (STP) levels (r(S) = 0.378), universal soil loss equation (USLE) (r(S) = 0.261), ratings for chemical fertilizer application (r(S) = 0.185), and runoff class (r(S) = -0.089), and more sensitive to ratings for manure application (r(S) = 0.854). One-way ANOVA indicated that mean field STP levels were more homogenous than field PI ratings between AFOs. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests displayed several nonsignificant comparisons for cumulative distribution functions, S(x), of mean STP levels on AFO fields. On the other hand, the K-S tests of S(x) for PI ratings indicated that the majority of these S(x) functions were significantly different between AFOs at or greater than the 0.05 significance level. Interviews suggested multiple reasons for divergence between planned and actual outcomes in managing phosphorus, and that this divergence arises at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels of decision-making.

Portable device for the detection of nitro-explosives based on optical properties of sensor's material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranova, A. A.; Khokhlov, K. O.

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to design a device for explosives detection. The study design is based on excited steady-state luminescence quenching registration. Sensor's material luminescence intensity reduction occurs due to an interaction of explosives vapours contained in the air. The decrease rate of the luminescence intensity indicates the concentration of vapours. To study the luminescent properties of the sensor element, its luminescence spectra excited by photons with energies in the range 280 - 425 nm were measured. The excitation photoluminescence spectra for luminescence bands of the sensor element were also measured. Excitation source was light emitting diode (375 nm) and luminescent signal receiver was a photodiode (430 - 650 nm) in device designed. The device is operated under control of a program. The algorithm provides multiple operating modes (configuration, calibration, measurement etc.). Thus this device is referred to the class of devices with increased sensitivity to the explosives vapors. The advantages of device are autonomic power, small weight and sizes, simplicity of device operation for measurements.

[Two Episodes of Colostomy-Associated Intestinal Perforation during Chemotherapy for Metastatic Rectal Cancer].

PubMed

Tamura, Hiroshi; Otani, Ayaka; Tsukui, Mizuki; Toge, Koji; Otani, Takahiro; Hirose, Yuki; Morimoto, Yuta; Yoshino, Kei; Kido, Tomoki; Endo, Kazuhiko; Kameyama, Hitoshi; Kobayashi, Takashi; Wakai, Toshifumi

2016-11-01

A 77-year-old woman with rectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis underwent a Hartmann operation with D3 lymph node dissection in June 2014. mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab(bev)was then administered to treat the liver metastasis.In February 2015, multiple liver metastases were detected and the regimen was changed to FOLFIRI plus bev.After 3 courses, peritonitis due to intestinal perforation around the descending colostomy occurred, and an emergency operation(partial resection of the descending colon and transverse colostomy)was performed.FOLFIRI was then administered from 2 months after the operation.After 3 courses of this regimen, a CT scan showed progression of the hepatic metastases.The regimen was therefore changed to mFOLFOX6.Five months later, another CT scan showed an intestinal perforation of the transverse colostomy at the abdominal wall, and an emergency cecostomy was performed.At this stage, chemotherapy was ceased.This case highlights the risk of intestinal perforation during chemotherapy, regardless of the use of bev.

Will learning to solve one-step equations pose a challenge to 8th grade students?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngu, Bing Hiong; Phan, Huy P.

2017-08-01

Assimilating multiple interactive elements simultaneously in working memory to allow understanding to occur, while solving an equation, would impose a high cognitive load. Element interactivity arises from the interaction between elements within and across operational and relational lines. Moreover, operating with special features (e.g. negative pronumeral) poses additional challenge to master equation solving skills. In an experiment, 41 8th grade students (girls = 16, boys = 25) sat for a pre-test, attended a session about equation solving, completed an acquisition phase which constituted the main intervention and were tested again in a post-test. The results showed that at post-test, students performed better on one-step equations tapping low rather than high element interactivity knowledge. In addition, students performed better on those one-step equations that contained no special features. Thus, both the degree of element interactivity and the operation with special features affect the challenge posed to 8th grade students on learning how to solve one-step equations.

3 Echo: concept of operations for early care and evacuation of victims of mass violence.

PubMed

Autrey, Allen W; Hick, John L; Bramer, Kurtis; Berndt, Jeremy; Bundt, Jonathan

2014-08-01

This report describes the successful use of a simple 3-phase approach that guides the initial 30 minutes of a response to blast and active shooter events with casualties: Enter, Evaluate, and Evacuate (3 Echo) in a mass-shooting event occurring in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA, on September 27, 2012. Early coordination between law enforcement (LE) and rescue was emphasized, including establishment of unified command, a common operating picture, determination of evacuation corridors, swift victim evaluation, basic treatment, and rapid evacuation utilizing an approach developed collaboratively over the four years prior to the event. Field implementation of 3 Echo requires multi-disciplinary (Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire and LE) training to optimize performance. This report details the mass-shooting event, the framework created to support the response, and also describes important aspects of the concepts of operation and curriculum evolved through years of collaboration between multiple disciplines to arrive at unprecedented EMS transport times in response to the event.

Management of ileal perforation due to typhoid fever.

PubMed Central

Kim, J P; Oh, S K; Jarrett, F

1975-01-01

The results of the surgical management of 161 cases of ileal perforation due to typhoid fever are presented. Most were seen after an illness of 2-4 weeks, and because of delays in seeking hospital admission, more than half were explored more than 24 hours after their perforation occurred. All patients were prepared for operation with nasogastric suction, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. At laparotomy, 80% had considerable quantities of pus and small bowel contents in the peritoneal cavity and the remainder had localized abscesses; there were no instances of localization of the perforation. One hundred three of these patients underwent simple closure of their perforations, while 43 underwent small bowel resection, usually because of multiple perforations. Exteriorization or drainage were performed only in patients too sick to tolerate a more appropriate procedure. The overall mortality was 9.9%. The authors believe that typhoid perforations can best be dealt with at operation. Delay in operative intervention adversely affects the survival rate after surgery. Chloramphenicol is used as the drug of choice. PMID:1119873

Integrated Data Modeling and Simulation on the Joint Polar Satellite System Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Christopher J.; Boyce, Leslye; Smith, Gary; Li, Angela; Barrett, Larry

2012-01-01

The Joint Polar Satellite System is a modern, large-scale, complex, multi-mission aerospace program, and presents a variety of design, testing and operational challenges due to: (1) System Scope: multi-mission coordination, role, responsibility and accountability challenges stemming from porous/ill-defined system and organizational boundaries (including foreign policy interactions) (2) Degree of Concurrency: design, implementation, integration, verification and operation occurring simultaneously, at multiple scales in the system hierarchy (3) Multi-Decadal Lifecycle: technical obsolesce, reliability and sustainment concerns, including those related to organizational and industrial base. Additionally, these systems tend to become embedded in the broader societal infrastructure, resulting in new system stakeholders with perhaps different preferences (4) Barriers to Effective Communications: process and cultural issues that emerge due to geographic dispersion and as one spans boundaries including gov./contractor, NASA/Other USG, and international relationships.

Influence of supervision ratios by anesthesiologists on first-case starts and critical portions of anesthetics.

PubMed

Epstein, Richard H; Dexter, Franklin

2012-03-01

Anesthesia groups may wish to decrease the supervision ratio for nontrainee providers. Because hospitals offer many first-case starts and focus on starting these cases on time, the number of anesthesiologists needed is sensitive to this ratio. The number of operating rooms that an anesthesiologist can supervise concurrently is determined by the probability of multiple simultaneous critical portions of cases (i.e., requiring presence) and the availability of cross-coverage. A simulation study showed peak occurrence of critical portions during first cases, and frequent supervision lapses. These predictions were tested using real data from an anesthesia information management system. The timing and duration of critical portions of cases were determined from 1 yr of data at a tertiary care hospital. The percentages of days with at least one supervision lapse occurring at supervision ratios between 1:1 and 1:3 were determined. Even at a supervision ratio of 1:2, lapses occurred on 35% of days (lower 95% confidence limit = 30%). The peak incidence occurred before 8:00 AM, P < 0.0001 for the hypothesis that most (i.e., >50%) lapses occurred before this time. The average time from operating room entry until ready for prepping and draping (i.e., anesthesia release time) during first case starts was 22.2 min (95% confidence interval 21.8-22.8 min). Decreasing the supervision ratio from 1:2 to 1:3 has a large effect on supervision lapses during first-case starts. To mitigate such lapses, either staggered starts or additional anesthesiologists working at the start of the day would be required.

Production of anterior segment ischemia.

PubMed Central

Hiatt, R L

1977-01-01

Anterior segment ischemic changes can occur without detachment of any muscles. The most common cause of such ischemic changes of the anterior segment is the removal of too many rectus muscles in one operation. Twenty dog eyes and eight monkey eyes were subjected to the disinsertion and detachment of various combinations of extraocular muscles. The dogs were sacrificed at intervals from 30 to 90 days. During the observation period, they were observed for gross and slit-lamp changes. The enucleated eyes were studied microscopically for signs of ischemic and necrotic changes. Two patients who were studied, observed, and treated for anterior segment ischemia following muscle surgery are described. The changes which occur after extraocular muscle surgery are extensive and include corneal edema, cataract, chemosis, corneal changes, decreases in intraocular pressure, decreases in outflow or glaucoma, and frank necrosis. The variables which lead to this reaction are described in detail. Also, some unanswered queries, such as the duration of the reaction and the time interval of the reaction after multiple muscle operations are discussed. Images FIGURE 1 A FIGURE 1 B FIGURE 1 C FIGURE 2 A FIGURE 2 B FIGURE 2 C FIGURE 2 D FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 PMID:418549

Method for continuous synthesis of metal oxide powders

DOEpatents

Berry, David A.; Haynes, Daniel J.; Shekhawat, Dushyant; Smith, Mark W.

2015-09-08

A method for the rapid and continuous production of crystalline mixed-metal oxides from a precursor solution comprised of a polymerizing agent, chelated metal ions, and a solvent. The method discharges solution droplets of less than 500 .mu.m diameter using an atomizing or spray-type process into a reactor having multiple temperature zones. Rapid evaporation occurs in a first zone, followed by mixed-metal organic foam formation in a second zone, followed by amorphous and partially crystalline oxide precursor formation in a third zone, followed by formation of the substantially crystalline mixed-metal oxide in a fourth zone. The method operates in a continuous rather than batch manner and the use of small droplets as the starting material for the temperature-based process allows relatively high temperature processing. In a particular embodiment, the first zone operates at 100-300.degree. C., the second zone operates at 300-700.degree. C., and the third operates at 700-1000.degree. C., and fourth zone operates at at least 700.degree. C. The resulting crystalline mixed-metal oxides display a high degree of crystallinity and sphericity with typical diameters on the order of 50 .mu.m or less.

Microbial communities related to volatile organic compound emission in automobile air conditioning units.

PubMed

Diekmann, Nina; Burghartz, Melanie; Remus, Lars; Kaufholz, Anna-Lena; Nawrath, Thorben; Rohde, Manfred; Schulz, Stefan; Roselius, Louisa; Schaper, Jörg; Mamber, Oliver; Jahn, Dieter; Jahn, Martina

2013-10-01

During operation of mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems in automobiles, malodours can occur. We studied the microbial communities found on contaminated heat exchanger fins of 45 evaporators from car MAC systems which were operated in seven different regions of the world and identified corresponding volatile organic compounds. Collected biofilms were examined by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The detected bacteria were loosely attached to the metal surface. Further analyses of the bacteria using PCR-based single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing of isolated 16S rRNA gene fragments identified highly divergent microbial communities with multiple members of the Alphaproteobacteriales, Methylobacteria were the prevalent bacteria. In addition, Sphingomonadales, Burkholderiales, Bacillales, Alcanivorax spp. and Stenotrophomonas spp. were found among many others depending on the location the evaporators were operated. Interestingly, typical pathogenic bacteria related to air conditioning systems including Legionella spp. were not found. In order to determine the nature of the chemical compounds produced by the bacteria, the volatile organic compounds were examined by closed loop stripping analysis and identified by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Sulphur compounds, i.e. di-, tri- and multiple sulphides, acetylthiazole, aromatic compounds and diverse substituted pyrazines were detected. Mathematical clustering of the determined microbial community structures against their origin identified a European/American/Arabic cluster versus two mainly tropical Asian clusters. Interestingly, clustering of the determined volatiles against the origin of the corresponding MAC revealed a highly similar pattern. A close relationship of microbial community structure and resulting malodours to the climate and air quality at the location of MAC operation was concluded.

Clinical cognition and diagnostic error: applications of a dual process model of reasoning.

PubMed

Croskerry, Pat

2009-09-01

Both systemic and individual factors contribute to missed or delayed diagnoses. Among the multiple factors that impact clinical performance of the individual, the caliber of cognition is perhaps the most relevant and deserves our attention and understanding. In the last few decades, cognitive psychologists have gained substantial insights into the processes that underlie cognition, and a new, universal model of reasoning and decision making has emerged, Dual Process Theory. The theory has immediate application to medical decision making and provides an overall schema for understanding the variety of theoretical approaches that have been taken in the past. The model has important practical applications for decision making across the multiple domains of healthcare, and may be used as a template for teaching decision theory, as well as a platform for future research. Importantly, specific operating characteristics of the model explain how diagnostic failure occurs.

Satellite-borne active phased array techniques for mobile communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheehan, P. G.; Forrest, J. R.

1986-07-01

This paper investigates the design of active phased arrays for communications satellites. In particular, consideration is given to the problems occurring when active arrays are required to produce multiple beams. There is a real need to keep the complexity of the array electronics to a minimum, but this conflicts with the desire to obtain the greatest possible freedom of control of the radiation pattern produced. The paper demonstrates a method of coping with the problem. Low-gain elements are used to provide design freedom and they are grouped into subarrays to limit the complexity of the rest of the system. With appropriate configurations of subarrays, greatly improved radiation pattern characteristics can be obtained and frequency reuse between multiple beams becomes feasible. A demonstration model of 108 microstrip patches grouped into 32 subarrays, operating at 12 GHz, has been constructed and verifies that the technique is effective.

Unravelling a 'miner's myth' that environmental contamination in mining towns is naturally occurring.

PubMed

Kristensen, Louise Jane; Taylor, Mark Patrick

2016-08-01

Australia has a long history of metal mining and smelting. Extraction and processing have resulted in elevated levels of toxic metals surrounding mining operations, which have adverse health effects, particularly to children. Resource companies, government agencies and employees often construct 'myths' to down play potential exposure risks and responsibility arising from operating emissions. Typical statements include: contaminants are naturally occurring, the wind blows emissions away from residential areas, contaminants are not bioavailable, or the problem is a legacy issue and not related to current operations. Evidence from mining and smelting towns shows that such 'myths' are exactly that. In mining towns, the default and primary defence against contamination is that elevated metals in adjacent urban environments are from the erosion and weathering of the ore bodies over millennia-hence 'naturally occurring'. Not only is this a difficult argument to unravel from an evidence-based perspective, but also it causes confusion and delays remediation work, hindering efforts to reduce harmful exposures to children. An example of this situation is from Broken Hill, New South Wales, home to one of the world's largest lead-zinc-silver ore body, which has been mined continuously for over 130 years. Environmental metal concentration and lead isotopic data from soil samples collected from across Broken Hill are used to establish the nature and timing of lead contamination. We use multiple lines of evidence to unravel a 'miner's myth' by evaluating current soil metal concentrations and lead isotopic compositions, geological data, historical environmental assessments and old photographic evidence to assess the impacts from early smelting along with mining to the surface soils in the city.

An intelligent monitoring and management system for cross-enterprise biomedical data sharing platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tusheng; Yang, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Jianguo

2013-03-01

In order to enable multiple disciplines of medical researchers, clinical physicians and biomedical engineers working together in a secured, efficient, and transparent cooperative environment, we had designed an e-Science platform for biomedical imaging research and application cross multiple academic institutions and hospitals in Shanghai by using grid-based or cloud-based distributed architecture and presented this work in SPIE Medical Imaging conference held in San Diego in 2012. However, when the platform integrates more and more nodes over different networks, the first challenge is that how to monitor and maintain all the hosts and services operating cross multiple academic institutions and hospitals in the e-Science platform, such as DICOM and Web based image communication services, messaging services and XDS ITI transaction services. In this presentation, we presented a system design and implementation of intelligent monitoring and management which can collect system resource status of every node in real time, alert when node or service failure occurs, and can finally improve the robustness, reliability and service continuity of this e-Science platform.

Multiple channel data acquisition system

DOEpatents

Crawley, H. Bert; Rosenberg, Eli I.; Meyer, W. Thomas; Gorbics, Mark S.; Thomas, William D.; McKay, Roy L.; Homer, Jr., John F.

1990-05-22

A multiple channel data acquisition system for the transfer of large amounts of data from a multiplicity of data channels has a plurality of modules which operate in parallel to convert analog signals to digital data and transfer that data to a communications host via a FASTBUS. Each module has a plurality of submodules which include a front end buffer (FEB) connected to input circuitry having an analog to digital converter with cache memory for each of a plurality of channels. The submodules are interfaced with the FASTBUS via a FASTBUS coupler which controls a module bus and a module memory. The system is triggered to effect rapid parallel data samplings which are stored to the cache memories. The cache memories are uploaded to the FEBs during which zero suppression occurs. The data in the FEBs is reformatted and compressed by a local processor during transfer to the module memory. The FASTBUS coupler is used by the communications host to upload the compressed and formatted data from the module memory. The local processor executes programs which are downloaded to the module memory through the FASTBUS coupler.

Multiple channel data acquisition system

DOEpatents

Crawley, H.B.; Rosenberg, E.I.; Meyer, W.T.; Gorbics, M.S.; Thomas, W.D.; McKay, R.L.; Homer, J.F. Jr.

1990-05-22

A multiple channel data acquisition system for the transfer of large amounts of data from a multiplicity of data channels has a plurality of modules which operate in parallel to convert analog signals to digital data and transfer that data to a communications host via a FASTBUS. Each module has a plurality of submodules which include a front end buffer (FEB) connected to input circuitry having an analog to digital converter with cache memory for each of a plurality of channels. The submodules are interfaced with the FASTBUS via a FASTBUS coupler which controls a module bus and a module memory. The system is triggered to effect rapid parallel data samplings which are stored to the cache memories. The cache memories are uploaded to the FEBs during which zero suppression occurs. The data in the FEBs is reformatted and compressed by a local processor during transfer to the module memory. The FASTBUS coupler is used by the communications host to upload the compressed and formatted data from the module memory. The local processor executes programs which are downloaded to the module memory through the FASTBUS coupler. 25 figs.

Complex matrix multiplication operations with data pre-conditioning in a high performance computing architecture

DOEpatents

Eichenberger, Alexandre E; Gschwind, Michael K; Gunnels, John A

2014-02-11

Mechanisms for performing a complex matrix multiplication operation are provided. A vector load operation is performed to load a first vector operand of the complex matrix multiplication operation to a first target vector register. The first vector operand comprises a real and imaginary part of a first complex vector value. A complex load and splat operation is performed to load a second complex vector value of a second vector operand and replicate the second complex vector value within a second target vector register. The second complex vector value has a real and imaginary part. A cross multiply add operation is performed on elements of the first target vector register and elements of the second target vector register to generate a partial product of the complex matrix multiplication operation. The partial product is accumulated with other partial products and a resulting accumulated partial product is stored in a result vector register.

Domain Adaption of Parsing for Operative Notes

PubMed Central

Wang, Yan; Pakhomov, Serguei; Ryan, James O.; Melton, Genevieve B.

2016-01-01

Background Full syntactic parsing of clinical text as a part of clinical natural language processing (NLP) is critical for a wide range of applications, such as identification of adverse drug reactions, patient cohort identification, and gene interaction extraction. Several robust syntactic parsers are publicly available to produce linguistic representations for sentences. However, these existing parsers are mostly trained on general English text and often require adaptation for optimal performance on clinical text. Our objective was to adapt an existing general English parser for the clinical text of operative reports via lexicon augmentation, statistics adjusting, and grammar rules modification based on a set of biomedical text. Method The Stanford unlexicalized probabilistic context-free grammar (PCFG) parser lexicon was expanded with SPECIALIST lexicon along with statistics collected from a limited set of operative notes tagged with a two of POS taggers (GENIA tagger and MedPost). The most frequently occurring verb entries of the SPECIALIST lexicon were adjusted based on manual review of verb usage in operative notes. Stanford parser grammar production rules were also modified based on linguistic features of operative reports. An analogous approach was then applied to the GENIA corpus to test the generalizability of this approach to biomedical text. Results The new unlexicalized PCFG parser extended with the extra lexicon from SPECIALIST along with accurate statistics collected from an operative note corpus tagged with GENIA POS tagger improved the parser performance by 2.26% from 87.64% to 89.90%. There was a progressive improvement with the addition of multiple approaches. Most of the improvement occurred with lexicon augmentation combined with statistics from the operative notes corpus. Application of this approach on the GENIA corpus showed that parsing performance was boosted by 3.81% with a simple new grammar and the addition of the GENIA corpus lexicon. Conclusion Using statistics collected from clinical text tagged with POS taggers along with proper modification of grammars and lexicons of an unlexicalized PCFG parser can improve parsing performance. PMID:25661593

The T-plasty: a modified YV-plasty for highly recurrent bladder neck contracture after transurethral surgery for benign hyperplasia of the prostate: clinical outcome and patient satisfaction.

PubMed

Reiss, C P; Rosenbaum, C M; Becker, A; Schriefer, P; Ludwig, T A; Engel, O; Riechardt, S; Fisch, M; Dahlem, R

2016-10-01

To describe a modified surgical technique for treatment of highly recurrent bladder neck contracture (BNC) after transurethral surgery for benign hyperplasia and to evaluate success rate and patient satisfaction of this novel technique. Ten patients with highly recurrent BNC and multiple prior attempts of endoscopic treatment underwent the T-plasty. Perioperative complications were recorded and classified according to the Clavien classification. Patient reported functional outcomes were retrospectively analysed using a standardized questionnaire assessing recurrence of stenosis, incontinence, satisfaction and changes in quality of life (QoL). The questionnaires included validated IPSS and SF-8-health survey items. Mean age at the time of surgery was 69.2 years (range 61-79), and the mean follow-up was 26 months (range 3-46). No complications grade 3 or higher according to the Clavien classification occurred. Success rate was 100 %. No de novo stress incontinence occurred. Urinary stream was described as very strong to moderate by 80 % of the patients, mean post-operative IPSS-score was 11.3 (range 4-29), and mean post-operative IPSS-QoL was 2.4 (range 1-5). Patients satisfaction was very high or high in 90 %, and QoL improved in 90 %. The SF-8-health survey showed values comparable to the reference population. The T-plasty represents a safe and valuable option in treating highly recurrent BNC after surgery for benign hyperplasia. It offers multiple advantages compared to other techniques such as a single-staged approach and the opportunity for reconstruction of a reliable wide bladder neck by usage of two well-vascularized flaps. Success rate, low rate of complications and preservation of continence are highly encouraging.

Assisting People with Multiple Disabilities to Use Computers with Multiple Mice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shih, Ching-Hsiang; Shih, Ching-Tien

2009-01-01

This study assessed the combination of multiple mice aid with two persons with multiple disabilities. Complete mouse operation which needed the physically functional sound, was distributed among their limbs with remaining ability. Through these decentralized operations, they could still reach complete mouse pointing control. Initially, both…

One-dimensional model for biogeochemical interactions and permeability reduction in soils during leachate permeation.

PubMed

Singhal, Naresh; Islam, Jahangir

2008-02-19

This paper uses the findings from a column study to develop a reactive model for exploring the interactions occurring in leachate-contaminated soils. The changes occurring in the concentrations of acetic acid, sulphate, suspended and attached biomass, Fe(II), Mn(II), calcium, carbonate ions, and pH in the column are assessed. The mathematical model considers geochemical equilibrium, kinetic biodegradation, precipitation-dissolution reactions, bacterial and substrate transport, and permeability reduction arising from bacterial growth and gas production. A two-step sequential operator splitting method is used to solve the coupled transport and biogeochemical reaction equations. The model gives satisfactory fits to experimental data and the simulations show that the transport of metals in soil is controlled by multiple competing biotic and abiotic reactions. These findings suggest that bioaccumulation and gas formation, compared to chemical precipitation, have a larger influence on hydraulic conductivity reduction.

Developing a multi-stressor gradient for coral reefs | Science ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Coral reefs are often found near coastal waters where multiple anthropogenic stressors co-occur at areas of human disturbance. Developing coral reef biocriteria under the U.S. Clean Water Act requires relationships between anthropogenic stressors and coral reef condition to be established. Developing stressor gradients presents challenges including: stressors which co-occur but operate at different or unknown spatial and temporal scales, inconsistent data availability measuring stressor levels, and unknown effects on exposed reef biota. We are developing a generalized stressor model using Puerto Rico as case study location, to represent the cumulative spatial/temporal co-occurrence of multiple anthropogenic stressors. Our approach builds on multi-stressor research in streams and rivers, and focuses on three high-priority stressors identified by coral reef experts: land-based sources of pollution (LBSP), global climate change (GCC) related temperature anomalies, and fishing pressure. Landscape development intensity index, based on land use/land cover data, estimates human impact in watersheds adjacent to coral reefs and is proxy for LBSP. NOAA’s retrospective daily thermal anomaly data is used to determine GCC thermal anomalies. Fishing pressure is modeled using gear-specific and fishery landings data. Stressor data was adjusted to a common scale or weighted for relative importance, buffered to account for diminished impact further from source, and compared wit

[Internal fixation treatment of multiple rib fractures with absorbable rib-connecting-pins].

PubMed

Liu, Jinliang; Li, Keyao; He, Jianning

2011-01-01

To study the indications, methods, and therapeutic effect of absorbable rib-connecting-pins fixation in the treatment of multiple rib fractures. Between March 2007 and September 2009, 40 patients with multiple rib fractures received internal fixation with absorbable rib-connecting-pins, including 8 one-side flail chest and 1 two-side flail chest. There were 32 males and 8 females with an average age of 39.8 years (range, 25-72 years). The injury was caused by traffic accident in 32 cases, falling from height in 6 cases, and blunt hitting in 2 cases. Preoperatively, imaging data of the chest X-ray or spiral CT three-dimensional (3D) examination showed that all patients had multiple ribs fractures and displacement. The number of fractured ribs was 4-10 (median, 6), and the fracture location ranged from the 2nd to the 10th ribs. Of them, 28 cases were accompanied by hemathorax, pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax; 5 cases by thoracic organ injury; and 10 cases by other part trauma. The time from injury to hospitalization was less than 1 day in 26 cases, 1-3 days in 12 cases, and 3-6 days in 2 cases, and the time from hospitalization to operation was 3 hours to 3 days (mean, 1.2 days). The median fixation rib number was 5 (range, 3-8). The mean operative time, the time in bed, and hospitalization days were 32 minutes (range, 15-50 minutes), 4.5 days (range, 2-7 days), and 11.2 days (range, 5-18 days), respectively. All incisions healed by first intention. No pulmonary infection, pulmonary atelectasis, intrathoracic infection or other complications occurred. All cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8 months). PaO2 [(86.6 +/- 2.2) mmHg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa)] and SpO2 (97.2% +/- 0.6%) at 2 hours after operation were obviously improved when compared with preoperative ones (PaO2 (53.6 + 4.7) mm Hg and SpO2 (86.2% + 1.8%)], showing significant differences (t = 2.971, P = 0.005; t = 2.426, P = 0.020). The chest X-ray films or spiral CT 3D indicated that fracture of rib healed within 3-6 months (mean, 4.5 months) after operation. Severe collapsed chest wall or flail chest caused by fracture of multiple ribs should be treated by absorbable rib-connecting-pins, which is a simple, firm, and effective method.

Hesitant triangular fuzzy information aggregation operators based on Bonferroni means and their application to multiple attribute decision making.

PubMed

Wang, Chunyong; Li, Qingguo; Zhou, Xiaoqiang; Yang, Tian

2014-01-01

We investigate the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with hesitant triangular fuzzy information. Firstly, definition and some operational laws of hesitant triangular fuzzy elements are introduced. Then, we develop some hesitant triangular fuzzy aggregation operators based on Bonferroni means and discuss their basic properties. Some existing operators can be viewed as their special cases. Next, we apply the proposed operators to deal with multiple attribute decision-making problems under hesitant triangular fuzzy environment. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show the developed method and demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.

Hesitant Triangular Fuzzy Information Aggregation Operators Based on Bonferroni Means and Their Application to Multiple Attribute Decision Making

PubMed Central

Zhou, Xiaoqiang; Yang, Tian

2014-01-01

We investigate the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with hesitant triangular fuzzy information. Firstly, definition and some operational laws of hesitant triangular fuzzy elements are introduced. Then, we develop some hesitant triangular fuzzy aggregation operators based on Bonferroni means and discuss their basic properties. Some existing operators can be viewed as their special cases. Next, we apply the proposed operators to deal with multiple attribute decision-making problems under hesitant triangular fuzzy environment. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show the developed method and demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness. PMID:25140338

Multiple operating system rotation environment moving target defense

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

Evans, Nathaniel; Thompson, Michael

Systems and methods for providing a multiple operating system rotation environment ("MORE") moving target defense ("MTD") computing system are described. The MORE-MTD system provides enhanced computer system security through a rotation of multiple operating systems. The MORE-MTD system increases attacker uncertainty, increases the cost of attacking the system, reduces the likelihood of an attacker locating a vulnerability, and reduces the exposure time of any located vulnerability. The MORE-MTD environment is effectuated by rotation of the operating systems at a given interval. The rotating operating systems create a consistently changing attack surface for remote attackers.

Systems and Algorithms for Automated Collaborative Observation Using Networked Robotic Cameras

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Yiliang

2011-01-01

The development of telerobotic systems has evolved from Single Operator Single Robot (SOSR) systems to Multiple Operator Multiple Robot (MOMR) systems. The relationship between human operators and robots follows the master-slave control architecture and the requests for controlling robot actuation are completely generated by human operators. …

Minimally invasive repair of symmetric pectus carinatum: bilateral thoracoscopic chondrotomies and suprasternal compression bar placement.

PubMed

Bell, Robert; Idowu, Olajire; Kim, Sunghoon

2012-11-01

We previously reported a novel minimally invasive repair for unilateral pectus carinatum. We have now modified this approach for the repair of symmetric bilateral pectus carinatum. Using thoracoscopy, parasternal chondrotomies were performed at multiple rib levels at points of maximal sternal protrusion. The sternum was depressed to an appropriate position and maintained using a suprasternal metal compression bar. The bar was applied in a submuscular plane and anchored to the lateral ribs with sutures. Bars were removed after 6 months. Three patients with severe symmetric pectus carinatum underwent the repair. The first patient returned to the operating room after 1 month for repeat fixation of the bar after suture breakage. No other complications occurred. Operative times were comparable to published series. Patient satisfaction after the repair was good. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic repair of symmetric pectus carinatum using chondrotomies and suprasternal bar compression is a feasible alternative to open repair.

Psychological Trauma in the Workplace: Variation of Incident Severity among Industry Settings and between Recurring vs Isolated Incidents.

PubMed

DeFraia, G S

2015-07-01

Psychologically traumatic workplace events (known as critical incidents) occur within various work environments, with workgroups in certain industries vulnerable to multiple incidents. With the increasing prevalence of incidents in the USA, incident response is a growing practice area within occupational medicine, industrial psychology, occupational social work and other occupational health professions. To analyze a measure of incident severity based on level of disruption to the workplace and explore whether incident severity varied among different industry settings or between workgroups experiencing multiple vs single traumatic incidents. Administrative data mining was employed to examine practice data from a workplace trauma response unit in the USA. Bivariate analyses were conducted to test whether scores from an instrument measuring incident severity level varied among industry settings or between workgroups impacted by multiple vs isolated events. Incident severity level differed among various industry settings. Banks, retail stores and fast food restaurants accounted for the most severe incidents, while industrial and manufacturing sites reported less severe incidents. Workgroups experiencing multiple incidents reported more severe incidents than workgroups experiencing a single incident. Occupational health practitioners should be alert to industry differences in several areas: pre-incident resiliency training, the content of business recovery plans, assessing worker characteristics, strategies to assist continuous operations and assisting workgroups impacted by multiple or severe incidents.

Global, Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization With Parametric Spreading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vavrina, Matthew A.; Englander, Jacob A.; Phillips, Sean M.; Hughes, Kyle M.

2017-01-01

Mission design problems are often characterized by multiple, competing trajectory optimization objectives. Recent multi-objective trajectory optimization formulations enable generation of globally-optimal, Pareto solutions via a multi-objective genetic algorithm. A byproduct of these formulations is that clustering in design space can occur in evolving the population towards the Pareto front. This clustering can be a drawback, however, if parametric evaluations of design variables are desired. This effort addresses clustering by incorporating operators that encourage a uniform spread over specified design variables while maintaining Pareto front representation. The algorithm is demonstrated on a Neptune orbiter mission, and enhanced multidimensional visualization strategies are presented.

Mission Concepts and Operations for Asteroid Mitigation Involving Multiple Gravity Tractors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Cyrus; Bellerose, Julie; Jaroux, Belgacem; Mauro, David

2012-01-01

The gravity tractor concept is a proposed method to deflect an imminent asteroid impact through gravitational tugging over a time scale of years. In this study, we present mission scenarios and operational considerations for asteroid mitigation efforts involving multiple gravity tractors. We quantify the deflection performance improvement provided by a multiple gravity tractor campaign and assess its sensitivity to staggered launches. We next explore several proximity operation strategies to accommodate multiple gravity tractors at a single asteroid including formation-flying and mechanically-docked configurations. Finally, we utilize 99942 Apophis as an illustrative example to assess the performance of a multiple gravity tractor campaign.

BASIC Matrix Operations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Digital Equipment Corp., Maynard, MA.

The curriculum materials and computer programs in this booklet introduce the idea of a matrix. They go on to discuss matrix operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication by a scalar, and matrix multiplication. The last section covers several contemporary applications of matrix multiplication, including problems of communication…

Distributed Circuit Plasticity: New Clues for the Cerebellar Mechanisms of Learning.

PubMed

D'Angelo, Egidio; Mapelli, Lisa; Casellato, Claudia; Garrido, Jesus A; Luque, Niceto; Monaco, Jessica; Prestori, Francesca; Pedrocchi, Alessandra; Ros, Eduardo

2016-04-01

The cerebellum is involved in learning and memory of sensory motor skills. However, the way this process takes place in local microcircuits is still unclear. The initial proposal, casted into the Motor Learning Theory, suggested that learning had to occur at the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapse under supervision of climbing fibers. However, the uniqueness of this mechanism has been questioned, and multiple forms of long-term plasticity have been revealed at various locations in the cerebellar circuit, including synapses and neurons in the granular layer, molecular layer and deep-cerebellar nuclei. At present, more than 15 forms of plasticity have been reported. There has been a long debate on which plasticity is more relevant to specific aspects of learning, but this question turned out to be hard to answer using physiological analysis alone. Recent experiments and models making use of closed-loop robotic simulations are revealing a radically new view: one single form of plasticity is insufficient, while altogether, the different forms of plasticity can explain the multiplicity of properties characterizing cerebellar learning. These include multi-rate acquisition and extinction, reversibility, self-scalability, and generalization. Moreover, when the circuit embeds multiple forms of plasticity, it can easily cope with multiple behaviors endowing therefore the cerebellum with the properties needed to operate as an effective generalized forward controller.

Clinical review: the Israeli experience: conventional terrorism and critical care.

PubMed

Aschkenasy-Steuer, Gabriella; Shamir, Micha; Rivkind, Avraham; Mosheiff, Rami; Shushan, Yigal; Rosenthal, Guy; Mintz, Yoav; Weissman, Charles; Sprung, Charles L; Weiss, Yoram G

2005-10-05

Over the past four years there have been 93 multiple-casualty terrorist attacks in Israel, 33 of them in Jerusalem. The Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center is the only Level I trauma center in Jerusalem and has therefore gained important experience in caring for critically injured patients. To do so we have developed a highly flexible operational system for managing the general intensive care unit (GICU). The focus of this review will be on the organizational steps needed to provide operational flexibility, emphasizing the importance of forward deployment of intensive care unit personnel to the trauma bay and emergency room and the existence of a chain of command to limit chaos. A retrospective review of the hospital's response to multiple-casualty terror incidents occurring between 1 October 2000 and 1 September 2004 was performed. Information was assembled from the medical center's trauma registry and from GICU patient admission and discharge records. Patients are described with regard to the severity and type of injury. The organizational work within intensive care is described. Finally, specific issues related to the diagnosis and management of lung, brain, orthopedic and abdominal injuries, caused by bomb blast events associated with shrapnel, are described. This review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in caring for these patients.

An operational ensemble prediction system for catchment rainfall over eastern Africa spanning multiple temporal and spatial scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riddle, E. E.; Hopson, T. M.; Gebremichael, M.; Boehnert, J.; Broman, D.; Sampson, K. M.; Rostkier-Edelstein, D.; Collins, D. C.; Harshadeep, N. R.; Burke, E.; Havens, K.

2017-12-01

While it is not yet certain how precipitation patterns will change over Africa in the future, it is clear that effectively managing the available water resources is going to be crucial in order to mitigate the effects of water shortages and floods that are likely to occur in a changing climate. One component of effective water management is the availability of state-of-the-art and easy to use rainfall forecasts across multiple spatial and temporal scales. We present a web-based system for displaying and disseminating ensemble forecast and observed precipitation data over central and eastern Africa. The system provides multi-model rainfall forecasts integrated to relevant hydrological catchments for timescales ranging from one day to three months. A zoom-in features is available to access high resolution forecasts for small-scale catchments. Time series plots and data downloads with forecasts, recent rainfall observations and climatological data are available by clicking on individual catchments. The forecasts are calibrated using a quantile regression technique and an optimal multi-model forecast is provided at each timescale. The forecast skill at the various spatial and temporal scales will discussed, as will current applications of this tool for managing water resources in Sudan and optimizing hydropower operations in Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Laparoscopic myomectomy focusing on the myoma pseudocapsule: technical and outcome reports.

PubMed

Tinelli, Andrea; Hurst, Brad S; Hudelist, Gernot; Tsin, Daniel Alberto; Stark, Michael; Mettler, Liselotte; Guido, Marcello; Malvasi, Antonio

2012-02-01

Our aim was to assess surgical complaints and reproductive outcomes of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomies by a prospective observational study run in University affiliated hospitals. Between 2005 and 2010, 235 women underwent subserous and intramural laparoscopic myomectomy of fibroids (4-10 cm in diameter) for indications of pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, a large growing myoma or infertility. The main outcome measures were post-surgical parameters, including complications, the need for subsequent surgery or symptomatic relief, resumption of normal life and reproductive outcome. Pelvic pain occurred in 27%, menorrhagia or metorrhagia in 21%, a large growing myoma in 10% and infertility in 42% of women. Single fibroids occurred in 51.9% of patients while 48.1% had multiple myomas. Of all patients, 58.2% had subserosal and 41.8% had intramural myomas. No laparoscopies were converted to laparotomy. In 3 years, 1.2% of patients had a second laparoscopic myomectomy for recurrent fibroids. The mean total operative laparoscopic time was 84 min (range 25-126 min), with mean blood loss of 118 ± 27.9 ml. By 48 h after surgery, 86.3% were discharged with no major post-operative complications. No late complications, such as bleeding, urinary tract infections or bowel lesions, occurred. Of the women who underwent myomectomy for infertility, 74% finally conceived. At term, 32.9% of patients underwent Caesarean section, 24.8% delivered by vacuum extractor and 42.2% had spontaneous deliveries. No case of uterine rupture occurred. Intracapsular subserous and intramural myomectomy saving the fibroid pseudocapsule showed few early and no late surgical complications, enhanced healing by preserving myometrial integrity and allowed a good fertility rate and delivery outcome. In young patients suffering fibroids, laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy is a potential recommended surgical treatment.

IFR Operations at Non-Towered, Non-Radar Airports: Can we do Better Than One-at-a-Time?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, K.; Williams, D.; Consiglio, M.; Adams, C.; Abbott, T.

2003-01-01

This paper describes a new concept for operations in non-radar terminal airspace around small, nontowered airports. Currently, air traffic operations in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at airfields without control towers and radar service are severely constrained by what is known as the one-in/one-out paradigm. Under these conditions only one operation (either arrival or departure) is allowed to occur at a time. Since these operations can take over 15 minutes to complete, capacity at these airports is severely restricted in IMC. The proposed concept is an attempt to break this current paradigm by applying emerging airborne and ground-based technologies to enable simultaneous operations by multiple aircraft in nonradar terminal airspace around small non-towered airports in IMC. The general philosophy underlying this concept of operations is the establishment of a newly defined area surrounding these airports called a Self-Controlled Area (SCA). Aircraft operating within the SCA are required to have a specified minimum level of equipage. Within the SCA, pilots are responsible for separating themselves from other similarly equipped aircraft through the use of new onboard systems and procedures. This concept also takes advantage of newly developed automation at the airport, which provides appropriate sequencing information to the pilots for safe and improved operations. Such operations would enhance the opportunity for point-to-point air taxi or charter operations into smaller airfields that are closer to a traveler s origin and destination. A description of this concept of operations and a simulation environment used for evaluation is provided in this paper.

Orphan spin operators enable the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D magic angle spinning solid-state NMR spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopinath, T.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2013-05-01

We propose a general method that enables the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D solid-state NMR spectra for U-13C, 15N-labeled proteins. This method, called MEIOSIS (Multiple ExperIments via Orphan SpIn operatorS), makes it possible to detect four coherence transfer pathways simultaneously, utilizing orphan (i.e., neglected) spin operators of nuclear spin polarization generated during 15N-13C cross polarization (CP). In the MEIOSIS experiments, two phase-encoded free-induction decays are decoded into independent nuclear polarization pathways using Hadamard transformations. As a proof of principle, we show the acquisition of multiple 2D and 3D spectra of U-13C, 15N-labeled microcrystalline ubiquitin. Hadamard decoding of CP coherences into multiple independent spin operators is a new concept in solid-state NMR and is extendable to many other multidimensional experiments. The MEIOSIS method will increase the throughput of solid-state NMR techniques for microcrystalline proteins, membrane proteins, and protein fibrils.

1.3 μm VCSELs: InGaAs/GaAs, GaInNAs/GaAs multiple quantum wells, and InAs/GaAs quantum dots — three candidates as active material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilet, Ph.; Pougeoise, E.; Grenouillet, L.; Grosse, Ph.; Olivier, N.; Poncet, S.; Chelnokov, A.; Gérard, J. M.; Stevens, R.; Hamelin, R.; Hammar, M.; Berggren, J.; Sundgren, P.

2007-02-01

In this article, we report our results on 1.3μm VCSELs for optical interconnection applications. Room temperature continuous-wave lasing operation is demonstrated for top emitting oxide-confined devices with three different active materials, highly strained InGaAs/GaAs(A) and GaInNAs/GaAs (B) multiple quantum wells (MQW) or InAs/GaAs (C) quantum dots (QD). Conventional epitaxial structures grown respectively by Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE), Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and MBE, contain fully doped GaAs/AlGaAs DBRs. All three epilayers are processed in the same way. Current and optical confinement are realized by selective wet oxidation. Circular apertures from 2 (micron)m to 16 (micron)m diameters are defined. At room temperature and in continuous wave operation, all three systems exhibit lasing operation at wavelengths above 1 275nm and reached 1 300nm for material (A). Typical threshold currents are in the range [1- 10]mA and are strongly dependent firstly on oxide diameter and secondly on temperature. Room temperature cw maximum output power corresponds respectively to 1.77mW, 0.5mW and 0.6mW. By increasing driving current, multimode operation occurs at different level depending on the oxide diameter. In case (A), non conventional modal behaviors will be presented and explained by the presence of specific oxide modes. Thermal behaviors of the different devices have been compared. In case (A) and (C) we obtain a negative T0. We will conclude on the different active materials in terms of performances with respect to 1300nm VCSEL applications.

BIG DATA ANALYTICS AND PRECISION ANIMAL AGRICULTURE SYMPOSIUM: Data to decisions.

PubMed

White, B J; Amrine, D E; Larson, R L

2018-04-14

Big data are frequently used in many facets of business and agronomy to enhance knowledge needed to improve operational decisions. Livestock operations collect data of sufficient quantity to perform predictive analytics. Predictive analytics can be defined as a methodology and suite of data evaluation techniques to generate a prediction for specific target outcomes. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the process of using big data and the predictive analytic framework to create tools to drive decisions in livestock production, health, and welfare. The predictive analytic process involves selecting a target variable, managing the data, partitioning the data, then creating algorithms, refining algorithms, and finally comparing accuracy of the created classifiers. The partitioning of the datasets allows model building and refining to occur prior to testing the predictive accuracy of the model with naive data to evaluate overall accuracy. Many different classification algorithms are available for predictive use and testing multiple algorithms can lead to optimal results. Application of a systematic process for predictive analytics using data that is currently collected or that could be collected on livestock operations will facilitate precision animal management through enhanced livestock operational decisions.

Dynamics of nonlinear feedback control.

PubMed

Snippe, H P; van Hateren, J H

2007-05-01

Feedback control in neural systems is ubiquitous. Here we study the mathematics of nonlinear feedback control. We compare models in which the input is multiplied by a dynamic gain (multiplicative control) with models in which the input is divided by a dynamic attenuation (divisive control). The gain signal (resp. the attenuation signal) is obtained through a concatenation of an instantaneous nonlinearity and a linear low-pass filter operating on the output of the feedback loop. For input steps, the dynamics of gain and attenuation can be very different, depending on the mathematical form of the nonlinearity and the ordering of the nonlinearity and the filtering in the feedback loop. Further, the dynamics of feedback control can be strongly asymmetrical for increment versus decrement steps of the input. Nevertheless, for each of the models studied, the nonlinearity in the feedback loop can be chosen such that immediately after an input step, the dynamics of feedback control is symmetric with respect to increments versus decrements. Finally, we study the dynamics of the output of the control loops and find conditions under which overshoots and undershoots of the output relative to the steady-state output occur when the models are stimulated with low-pass filtered steps. For small steps at the input, overshoots and undershoots of the output do not occur when the filtering in the control path is faster than the low-pass filtering at the input. For large steps at the input, however, results depend on the model, and for some of the models, multiple overshoots and undershoots can occur even with a fast control path.

Flight Test Evaluation of an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Concept for Multiple Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Marcus; Jung, Jaewoo; Rios, Joseph; Mercer, Joey; Homola, Jeffrey; Prevot, Thomas; Mulfinger, Daniel; Kopardekar, Parimal

2017-01-01

This study evaluates a traffic management concept designed to enable simultaneous operations of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace system (NAS). A five-day flight-test activity is described that examined the feasibility of operating multiple UAS beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their respective operators in the same airspace. Over the five-day campaign, three groups of five flight crews operated a total of eleven different aircraft. Each group participated in four flight scenarios involving five simultaneous missions. Each vehicle was operated BVLOS up to 1.5 miles from the pilot in command. Findings and recommendations are presented to support the feasibility and safety of routine BVLOS operations for small UAS.

Flight Test Evaluation of an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Concept for Multiple Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Marcus; Jung, Jaewoo; Rios, Joseph; Mercer, Joey; Homola, Jeffrey; Prevot, Thomas; Mulfinger, Daniel; Kopardekar, Parimal

2017-01-01

This study evaluates a traffic management concept designed to enable simultaneous operations of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace system (NAS). A five-day flight-test activity is described that examined the feasibility of operating multiple UAS beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their respective operators in the same airspace. Over the five-day campaign, three groups of five flight crews operated a total of eleven different aircraft. Each group participated in four flight scenarios involving five simultaneous missions. Each vehicle was operated BVLOS up to 1.5 miles from the pilot in command. Findings and recommendations are presented to support the feasibility and safety of routine BVLOS operations for small UAS.

Software fault tolerance in computer operating systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iyer, Ravishankar K.; Lee, Inhwan

1994-01-01

This chapter provides data and analysis of the dependability and fault tolerance for three operating systems: the Tandem/GUARDIAN fault-tolerant system, the VAX/VMS distributed system, and the IBM/MVS system. Based on measurements from these systems, basic software error characteristics are investigated. Fault tolerance in operating systems resulting from the use of process pairs and recovery routines is evaluated. Two levels of models are developed to analyze error and recovery processes inside an operating system and interactions among multiple instances of an operating system running in a distributed environment. The measurements show that the use of process pairs in Tandem systems, which was originally intended for tolerating hardware faults, allows the system to tolerate about 70% of defects in system software that result in processor failures. The loose coupling between processors which results in the backup execution (the processor state and the sequence of events occurring) being different from the original execution is a major reason for the measured software fault tolerance. The IBM/MVS system fault tolerance almost doubles when recovery routines are provided, in comparison to the case in which no recovery routines are available. However, even when recovery routines are provided, there is almost a 50% chance of system failure when critical system jobs are involved.

Multi-trophic level response to extreme metal contamination from gold mining in a subarctic lake.

PubMed

Thienpont, Joshua R; Korosi, Jennifer B; Hargan, Kathryn E; Williams, Trisha; Eickmeyer, David C; Kimpe, Linda E; Palmer, Michael J; Smol, John P; Blais, Jules M

2016-08-17

Giant Mine, located in the city of Yellowknife (Northwest Territories, Canada), is a dramatic example of subarctic legacy contamination from mining activities, with remediation costs projected to exceed $1 billion. Operational between 1948 and 2004, gold extraction at Giant Mine released large quantities of arsenic and metals from the roasting of arsenopyrite ore. We examined the long-term ecological effects of roaster emissions on Pocket Lake, a small lake at the edge of the Giant Mine lease boundary, using a spectrum of palaeoenvironmental approaches. A dated sedimentary profile tracked striking increases (approx. 1700%) in arsenic concentrations coeval with the initiation of Giant Mine operations. Large increases in mercury, antimony and lead also occurred. Synchronous changes in biological indicator assemblages from multiple aquatic trophic levels, in both benthic and pelagic habitats, indicate dramatic ecological responses to extreme metal(loid) contamination. At the peak of contamination, all Cladocera, a keystone group of primary consumers, as well as all planktonic diatoms, were functionally lost from the sediment record. No biological recovery has been inferred, despite the fact that the bulk of metal(loid) emissions occurred more than 50 years ago, and the cessation of all ore-roasting activities in Yellowknife in 1999. © 2016 The Author(s).

Multi-trophic level response to extreme metal contamination from gold mining in a subarctic lake

PubMed Central

Korosi, Jennifer B.; Hargan, Kathryn E.; Williams, Trisha; Eickmeyer, David C.; Kimpe, Linda E.; Palmer, Michael J.; Smol, John P.; Blais, Jules M.

2016-01-01

Giant Mine, located in the city of Yellowknife (Northwest Territories, Canada), is a dramatic example of subarctic legacy contamination from mining activities, with remediation costs projected to exceed $1 billion. Operational between 1948 and 2004, gold extraction at Giant Mine released large quantities of arsenic and metals from the roasting of arsenopyrite ore. We examined the long-term ecological effects of roaster emissions on Pocket Lake, a small lake at the edge of the Giant Mine lease boundary, using a spectrum of palaeoenvironmental approaches. A dated sedimentary profile tracked striking increases (approx. 1700%) in arsenic concentrations coeval with the initiation of Giant Mine operations. Large increases in mercury, antimony and lead also occurred. Synchronous changes in biological indicator assemblages from multiple aquatic trophic levels, in both benthic and pelagic habitats, indicate dramatic ecological responses to extreme metal(loid) contamination. At the peak of contamination, all Cladocera, a keystone group of primary consumers, as well as all planktonic diatoms, were functionally lost from the sediment record. No biological recovery has been inferred, despite the fact that the bulk of metal(loid) emissions occurred more than 50 years ago, and the cessation of all ore-roasting activities in Yellowknife in 1999. PMID:27534958

Evaluative Conditioning: The “How” Question

PubMed Central

Jones, Christopher R.; Olson, Michael A.; Fazio, Russell H.

2011-01-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) refers to attitude formation or change toward an object due to that object's mere co-occurrence with another valenced object or objects. This chapter focuses on the “how” question, that is, the question of what cognitive processes intervene between mere co-occurrence and attitude formation or change. Though EC has typically been thought of as occurring through a single, albeit contentious, mechanism, we begin by pointing out that both the heterogeneity of EC methodologies and the abundance of inconsistent results suggest that multiple processes with different characteristics can produce EC. We describe how the earliest posited process of EC, Pavlovian conditioning or signal learning, is a valid mechanism of EC that appears to have operated in some experiments but is unlikely to have operated in others and also cannot account for various EC findings. We describe other mechanisms of EC, when they can be expected to occur, and what characteristics they have. We particularly focus our attention on a process model of EC we have recently introduced, the implicit misattribution model. Finally, we describe the implications of a multi-process view of EC, which we argue can help resolve theoretical controversies and further the application of EC as a practical intervention for influencing attitudes in various domains. PMID:22241936

Method and system for vehicle refueling

DOEpatents

Surnilla, Gopichandra; Leone, Thomas G; Prasad, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh; Agarwal, Apoorv; Hinds, Brett Stanley

2014-06-10

Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences.

Method and system for vehicle refueling

DOEpatents

Surnilla, Gopichandra; Leone, Thomas G; Prasad, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh; Argarwal, Apoorv; Hinds, Brett Stanley

2012-11-20

Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences.

History and Benefits of Engine Level Testing Throughout the Space Shuttle Main Engine Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanHooser, Katherine; Kan, Kenneth; Maddux, Lewis; Runkle, Everett

2010-01-01

Rocket engine testing is important throughout a program s life and is essential to the overall success of the program. Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) testing can be divided into three phases: development, certification, and operational. Development tests are conducted on the basic design and are used to develop safe start and shutdown transients and to demonstrate mainstage operation. This phase helps form the foundation of the program, demands navigation of a very steep learning curve, and yields results that shape the final engine design. Certification testing involves multiple engine samples and more aggressive test profiles that explore the boundaries of the engine to vehicle interface requirements. The hardware being tested may have evolved slightly from that in the development phase. Operational testing is conducted with mature hardware and includes acceptance testing of flight assets, resolving anomalies that occur in flight, continuing to expand the performance envelope, and implementing design upgrades. This paper will examine these phases of testing and their importance to the SSME program. Examples of tests conducted in each phase will also be presented.

Aviation-Related Wildland Firefighter Fatalities--United States, 2000-2013.

PubMed

Butler, Corey R; O'Connor, Mary B; Lincoln, Jennifer M

2015-07-31

Airplanes and helicopters are integral to the management and suppression of wildfires, often operating in high-risk, low-altitude environments. To update data on aviation-related wildland firefighting fatalities, identify risk factors, and make recommendations for improved safety, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed reports from multiple data sources for the period 2000-2013. Among 298 wildland firefighter fatalities identified during 2000-2013, 78 (26.2%) were aviation-related occupational fatalities that occurred during 41 separate events involving 42 aircraft. Aircraft crashes accounted for 38 events. Pilots, copilots, and flight engineers represented 53 (68%) of the aviation-related fatalities. The leading causes of fatal aircraft crashes were engine, structure, or component failure (24%); pilot loss of control (24%); failure to maintain clearance from terrain, water, or objects (20%); and hazardous weather (15%). To reduce fatalities from aviation-related wildland firefighting activities, stringent safety guidelines need to be followed during all phases of firefighting, including training exercises. Crew resource management techniques, which use all available resources, information, equipment, and personnel to achieve safe and efficient flight operations, can be applied to firefighting operations.

Large-Scale NASA Science Applications on the Columbia Supercluster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, Walter

2005-01-01

Columbia, NASA's newest 61 teraflops supercomputer that became operational late last year, is a highly integrated Altix cluster of 10,240 processors, and was named to honor the crew of the Space Shuttle lost in early 2003. Constructed in just four months, Columbia increased NASA's computing capability ten-fold, and revitalized the Agency's high-end computing efforts. Significant cutting-edge science and engineering simulations in the areas of space and Earth sciences, as well as aeronautics and space operations, are already occurring on this largest operational Linux supercomputer, demonstrating its capacity and capability to accelerate NASA's space exploration vision. The presentation will describe how an integrated environment consisting not only of next-generation systems, but also modeling and simulation, high-speed networking, parallel performance optimization, and advanced data analysis and visualization, is being used to reduce design cycle time, accelerate scientific discovery, conduct parametric analysis of multiple scenarios, and enhance safety during the life cycle of NASA missions. The talk will conclude by discussing how NAS partnered with various NASA centers, other government agencies, computer industry, and academia, to create a national resource in large-scale modeling and simulation.

Revisiting the applicability of adult early post-operative nausea and vomiting risk factors for the paediatric patient: A prospective study using cotinine levels in children undergoing adenotonsillectomies

PubMed Central

Chau, Destiny F; Reddy, Arundathi; Breheny, Patrick; Young, Anna Rebecca; Ashford, Eric; Song, Megan; Zhang, Christina; Taylor, Tammy; Younes, Abbas; Vazifedan, Turaj

2017-01-01

Background and Aims: Post-operative vomiting (POV) in children remains a significant clinical problem. This prospective study aims to investigate the applicability of well-established adult early post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) risk factors on paediatric POV after adenotonsillectomies under regulated anaesthetic conditions. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, 213 children aged 3–10-year-old were enrolled. The participants had pre-operative questionnaires completed, followed protocolised anaesthetic plans and had saliva analysed for cotinine. The primary outcomes were POV as correlated with age, gender, family or personal history of PONV, motion sickness history, opioid use, surgical time, anaesthetic time and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, as assessed by cotinine levels and questionnaire reports. Data on analgesics, antiemetics and POV incidence before post-anaesthesia care unit discharge were collected. Statistical analysis was done through multiple logistic regression. Results: A total of 200 patients finalised the study. Early POV occurred in 32%. Family history of PONV (odds ratio [OR] = 5.3, P < 0.01) and motion sickness history (OR = 4.4, P = 0.02) were highly significant risk factors. Age reached borderline statistical significance (OR = 1.4, P = 0.05). None of the other factors reached statistical significance. Conclusion: Early POV occurs frequently in paediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomies. In this paediatric-aged group, the incidence of POV was affected by the family history of PONV, and history of motion sickness. Age, female gender, opioid use, surgical and anaesthetic times did not affect the incidence of POV. ETS exposure, as assessed by cotinine levels and questionnaire reports, had no protective effect on early paediatric POV. PMID:29307901

Impact of routine episodic emissions on the expected frequency distribution of emissions from oil and gas production sources.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, N.; Blewitt, D.; Hebert, L. B.

2015-12-01

In coordination with oil and gas operators, we developed a high resolution (< 1 min) simulation of temporal variability in well-pad oil and gas emissions over a year. We include routine emissions from condensate tanks, dehydrators, pneumatic devices, fugitive leaks and liquids unloading. We explore the variability in natural gas emissions from these individual well-pad sources, and find that routine short-term episodic emissions such as tank flashing and liquids unloading result in the appearance of a skewed, or 'fat-tail' distribution of emissions, from an individual well-pad over time. Additionally, we explore the expected variability in emissions from multiple wells with different raw gas composition, gas/liquids production volumes and control equipment. Differences in well-level composition, production volume and control equipment translate into differences in well-level emissions leading to a fat-tail distribution of emissions in the absence of operational upsets. Our results have several implications for recent studies focusing on emissions from oil and gas sources. Time scale of emission estimates are important and have important policy implications. Fat tail distributions may not be entirely driven by avoidable mechanical failures, and are expected to occur under routine operational conditions from short-duration emissions (e.g., tank flashing, liquid unloading). An understanding of the expected distribution of emissions for a particular population of wells is necessary to evaluate whether the observed distribution is more skewed than expected. Temporal variability in well-pad emissions make comparisons to annual average emissions inventories difficult and may complicate the interpretation of long-term ambient fenceline monitoring data. Sophisticated change detection algorithms will be necessary to identify when true operational upsets occur versus routine short-term emissions.

Univariate Analysis of Multivariate Outcomes in Educational Psychology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubble, L. M.

1984-01-01

The author examined the prevalence of multiple operational definitions of outcome constructs and an estimate of the incidence of Type I error rates when univariate procedures were applied to multiple variables in educational psychology. Multiple operational definitions of constructs were advocated and wider use of multivariate analysis was…

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: A cytoarchitectonic mapping study

PubMed Central

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-01-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically-defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division vs. multiplication and subtraction vs. addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distributed representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. PMID:21616086

Functional dissociations between four basic arithmetic operations in the human posterior parietal cortex: a cytoarchitectonic mapping study.

PubMed

Rosenberg-Lee, Miriam; Chang, Ting Ting; Young, Christina B; Wu, Sarah; Menon, Vinod

2011-07-01

Although lesion studies over the past several decades have focused on functional dissociations in posterior parietal cortex (PPC) during arithmetic, no consistent view has emerged of its differential involvement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To circumvent problems with poor anatomical localization, we examined functional overlap and dissociations in cytoarchitectonically defined subdivisions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), superior parietal lobule (SPL) and angular gyrus (AG), across these four operations. Compared to a number identification control task, all operations except addition, showed a consistent profile of left posterior IPS activation and deactivation in the right posterior AG. Multiplication and subtraction differed significantly in right, but not left, IPS and AG activity, challenging the view that the left AG differentially subserves retrieval during multiplication. Although addition and multiplication both rely on retrieval, multiplication evoked significantly greater activation in right posterior IPS, as well as the prefrontal cortex, lingual and fusiform gyri, demonstrating that addition and multiplication engage different brain processes. Comparison of PPC responses to the two pairs of inverse operations: division versus multiplication and subtraction versus addition revealed greater activation of left lateral SPL during division, suggesting that processing inverse relations is operation specific. Our findings demonstrate that individual IPS, SPL and AG subdivisions are differentially modulated by the four arithmetic operations and they point to significant functional heterogeneity and individual differences in activation and deactivation within the PPC. Critically, these effects are related to retrieval, calculation and inversion, the three key cognitive processes that are differentially engaged by arithmetic operations. Our findings point to distribute representation of these processes in the human PPC and also help explain why lesion and previous imaging studies have yielded inconsistent findings. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-Occurring Health-Related Behavior Pairs in College Students: Insights for Prioritized and Targeted Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wells, Katelyn; Makela, Carole; Kennedy, Catherine

2014-01-01

Background: Research on strategies for addressing multiple health-related behaviors (HRBs) in one intervention are needed because resources are sparse and clarification is needed regarding the relationship between multiple HRBs. Purpose: Determine undergraduate students' health behavior co-occurring pairs of smoking cigarettes (SC), alcohol…

Implementing Distributed Operations: A Comparison of Two Deep Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishkin, Andrew; Larsen, Barbara

2006-01-01

Two very different deep space exploration missions--Mars Exploration Rover and Cassini--have made use of distributed operations for their science teams. In the case of MER, the distributed operations capability was implemented only after the prime mission was completed, as the rovers continued to operate well in excess of their expected mission lifetimes; Cassini, designed for a mission of more than ten years, had planned for distributed operations from its inception. The rapid command turnaround timeline of MER, as well as many of the operations features implemented to support it, have proven to be conducive to distributed operations. These features include: a single science team leader during the tactical operations timeline, highly integrated science and engineering teams, processes and file structures designed to permit multiple team members to work in parallel to deliver sequencing products, web-based spacecraft status and planning reports for team-wide access, and near-elimination of paper products from the operations process. Additionally, MER has benefited from the initial co-location of its entire operations team, and from having a single Principal Investigator, while Cassini operations have had to reconcile multiple science teams distributed from before launch. Cassini has faced greater challenges in implementing effective distributed operations. Because extensive early planning is required to capture science opportunities on its tour and because sequence development takes significantly longer than sequence execution, multiple teams are contributing to multiple sequences concurrently. The complexity of integrating inputs from multiple teams is exacerbated by spacecraft operability issues and resource contention among the teams, each of which has their own Principal Investigator. Finally, much of the technology that MER has exploited to facilitate distributed operations was not available when the Cassini ground system was designed, although later adoption of web-based and telecommunication tools has been critical to the success of Cassini operations.

Percutaneous needling of Morton’s complex: a technical note

PubMed Central

Atilano, Leire; Martin, Jose Ignacio; Iglesias, Gotzon; Andia, Isabel

2015-01-01

Summary Background the Morton’s complex, i.e. fibrotic mass enfolding the medial plantar nerve, the bursa and the interdigital transverse ligament in the web space, is a common cause of pain and functional disability. Conservative and operative treatments are investigated but currently the best approach to treat the Morton’s complex is unknown. Methods we describe a non-invasive, straight forward intervention consisting on multiple percutaneous punctures, shearing the fibrotic tissue in lateromedial and anteroposterior directions. The goal is to break up fibrosis occupying the intermetatarsal space thus releasing the affected nerve from the adjacent structures, there by stimulating tissue remodelling. Results slow tissue remodelling occurs following sequential fibrosis cleavage through multiple needling. Needling of the intermetatarsal fibrosis is performed every eight weeks until pain resolution. Echographic changes are associated to pain reduction as measured by Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Conclusion we present an original idea that may improve Morton’s management. Upcoming prospective clinical studies have to demonstrate the symptomatic benefits and the usefulness of this novel echographic intervention. PMID:26958536

Geographically multifarious phenotypic divergence during speciation

PubMed Central

Gompert, Zachariah; Lucas, Lauren K; Nice, Chris C; Fordyce, James A; Alex Buerkle, C; Forister, Matthew L

2013-01-01

Speciation is an important evolutionary process that occurs when barriers to gene flow evolve between previously panmictic populations. Although individual barriers to gene flow have been studied extensively, we know relatively little regarding the number of barriers that isolate species or whether these barriers are polymorphic within species. Herein, we use a series of field and lab experiments to quantify phenotypic divergence and identify possible barriers to gene flow between the butterfly species Lycaeides idas and Lycaeides melissa. We found evidence that L. idas and L. melissa have diverged along multiple phenotypic axes. Specifically, we identified major phenotypic differences in female oviposition preference and diapause initiation, and more moderate divergence in mate preference. Multiple phenotypic differences might operate as barriers to gene flow, as shown by correlations between genetic distance and phenotypic divergence and patterns of phenotypic variation in admixed Lycaeides populations. Although some of these traits differed primarily between species (e.g., diapause initiation), several traits also varied among conspecific populations (e.g., male mate preference and oviposition preference). PMID:23532669

Three-Dimensional Geometric Nonlinear Contact Stress Analysis of Riveted Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivakumar, Kunigal N.; Ramanujapuram, Vivek

1998-01-01

The problems associated with fatigue were brought into the forefront of research by the explosive decompression and structural failure of the Aloha Airlines Flight 243 in 1988. The structural failure of this airplane has been attributed to debonding and multiple cracking along the longitudinal lap splice riveted joint in the fuselage. This crash created what may be termed as a minor "Structural Integrity Revolution" in the commercial transport industry. Major steps have been taken by the manufacturers, operators and authorities to improve the structural airworthiness of the aging fleet of airplanes. Notwithstanding, this considerable effort there are still outstanding issues and concerns related to the formulation of Widespread Fatigue Damage which is believed to have been a contributing factor in the probable cause of the Aloha accident. The lesson from this accident was that Multiple-Site Damage (MSD) in "aging" aircraft can lead to extensive aircraft damage. A strong candidate in which MSD is highly probable to occur is the riveted lap joint.

Operation and biasing for single device equivalent to CMOS

DOEpatents

Welch, James D.

2001-01-01

Disclosed are semiconductor devices including at least one junction which is rectifying whether the semiconductor is caused to be N or P-type, by the presence of field induced carriers. In particular, inverting and non-inverting gate voltage channel induced semiconductor single devices with operating characteristics similar to conventional multiple device CMOS systems, which can be operated as modulators, are disclosed as are a non-latching SCR and an approach to blocking parasitic currents. Operation of the gate voltage channel induced semiconductor single devices with operating characteristics similar to multiple device CMOS systems under typical bias schemes is described, and simple demonstrative five mask fabrication procedures for the inverting and non-inverting gate voltage channel induced semiconductor single devices with operating characteristics similar to multiple device CMOS systems are also presented.

Parallel point-multiplication architecture using combined group operations for high-speed cryptographic applications

PubMed Central

Saeedi, Ehsan; Kong, Yinan

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose a novel parallel architecture for fast hardware implementation of elliptic curve point multiplication (ECPM), which is the key operation of an elliptic curve cryptography processor. The point multiplication over binary fields is synthesized on both FPGA and ASIC technology by designing fast elliptic curve group operations in Jacobian projective coordinates. A novel combined point doubling and point addition (PDPA) architecture is proposed for group operations to achieve high speed and low hardware requirements for ECPM. It has been implemented over the binary field which is recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The proposed ECPM supports two Koblitz and random curves for the key sizes 233 and 163 bits. For group operations, a finite-field arithmetic operation, e.g. multiplication, is designed on a polynomial basis. The delay of a 233-bit point multiplication is only 3.05 and 3.56 μs, in a Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA, for Koblitz and random curves, respectively, and 0.81 μs in an ASIC 65-nm technology, which are the fastest hardware implementation results reported in the literature to date. In addition, a 163-bit point multiplication is also implemented in FPGA and ASIC for fair comparison which takes around 0.33 and 0.46 μs, respectively. The area-time product of the proposed point multiplication is very low compared to similar designs. The performance (1Area×Time=1AT) and Area × Time × Energy (ATE) product of the proposed design are far better than the most significant studies found in the literature. PMID:28459831

Parallel point-multiplication architecture using combined group operations for high-speed cryptographic applications.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Selim; Saeedi, Ehsan; Kong, Yinan

2017-01-01

In this paper, we propose a novel parallel architecture for fast hardware implementation of elliptic curve point multiplication (ECPM), which is the key operation of an elliptic curve cryptography processor. The point multiplication over binary fields is synthesized on both FPGA and ASIC technology by designing fast elliptic curve group operations in Jacobian projective coordinates. A novel combined point doubling and point addition (PDPA) architecture is proposed for group operations to achieve high speed and low hardware requirements for ECPM. It has been implemented over the binary field which is recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The proposed ECPM supports two Koblitz and random curves for the key sizes 233 and 163 bits. For group operations, a finite-field arithmetic operation, e.g. multiplication, is designed on a polynomial basis. The delay of a 233-bit point multiplication is only 3.05 and 3.56 μs, in a Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA, for Koblitz and random curves, respectively, and 0.81 μs in an ASIC 65-nm technology, which are the fastest hardware implementation results reported in the literature to date. In addition, a 163-bit point multiplication is also implemented in FPGA and ASIC for fair comparison which takes around 0.33 and 0.46 μs, respectively. The area-time product of the proposed point multiplication is very low compared to similar designs. The performance ([Formula: see text]) and Area × Time × Energy (ATE) product of the proposed design are far better than the most significant studies found in the literature.

Progress and challenges with Warn-on-Forecast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stensrud, David J.; Wicker, Louis J.; Xue, Ming; Dawson, Daniel T.; Yussouf, Nusrat; Wheatley, Dustan M.; Thompson, Therese E.; Snook, Nathan A.; Smith, Travis M.; Schenkman, Alexander D.; Potvin, Corey K.; Mansell, Edward R.; Lei, Ting; Kuhlman, Kristin M.; Jung, Youngsun; Jones, Thomas A.; Gao, Jidong; Coniglio, Michael C.; Brooks, Harold E.; Brewster, Keith A.

2013-04-01

The current status and challenges associated with two aspects of Warn-on-Forecast-a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research project exploring the use of a convective-scale ensemble analysis and forecast system to support hazardous weather warning operations-are outlined. These two project aspects are the production of a rapidly-updating assimilation system to incorporate data from multiple radars into a single analysis, and the ability of short-range ensemble forecasts of hazardous convective weather events to provide guidance that could be used to extend warning lead times for tornadoes, hailstorms, damaging windstorms and flash floods. Results indicate that a three-dimensional variational assimilation system, that blends observations from multiple radars into a single analysis, shows utility when evaluated by forecasters in the Hazardous Weather Testbed and may help increase confidence in a warning decision. The ability of short-range convective-scale ensemble forecasts to provide guidance that could be used in warning operations is explored for five events: two tornadic supercell thunderstorms, a macroburst, a damaging windstorm and a flash flood. Results show that the ensemble forecasts of the three individual severe thunderstorm events are very good, while the forecasts from the damaging windstorm and flash flood events, associated with mesoscale convective systems, are mixed. Important interactions between mesoscale and convective-scale features occur for the mesoscale convective system events that strongly influence the quality of the convective-scale forecasts. The development of a successful Warn-on-Forecast system will take many years and require the collaborative efforts of researchers and operational forecasters to succeed.

A Safe Cooperative Framework for Atmospheric Science Missions with Multiple Heterogeneous UAS using Piecewise Bezier Curves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehdi, S. Bilal; Puig-Navarro, Javier; Choe, Ronald; Cichella, Venanzio; Hovakimyan, Naira; Chandarana, Meghan; Trujillo, Anna; Rothhaar, Paul M.; Tran, Loc; Neilan, James H.;

First branchial cleft anomalies: avoiding the misdiagnosis.

PubMed

Kumar, Rajeev; Sikka, Kapil; Sagar, Prem; Kakkar, Aanchal; Thakar, Alok

2013-07-01

First branchial cleft anomalies are a very rare entities accounting for less than 1 % of all branchial cleft malformations. They are often misdiagnosed for other cystic lesions occurring in parotid gland and inadequately treated (incision and drainage or incomplete excision) leading to multiple recurrences. We report a series of four patients who were previously operated (incision and drainage) for misdiagnosed first branchial cleft anomalies with subsequent recurrences. All patients underwent superficial parotidectomy with complete tract excision using facial nerve monitoring to prevent iatrogenic injury because of extensive fibrosis. We discuss the literature pertaining to first branchial cleft anomalies, their varied presentations and their relationship to facial nerve in parotid gland and importance of facial nerve monitoring in revision surgery.

Timing of definitive fixation of major long bone fractures: Can fat embolism syndrome be prevented?

PubMed

Blokhuis, Taco J; Pape, Hans-Christoph; Frölke, Jan-Paul

2017-06-01

Fat embolism is common in patients with major fractures, but leads to devastating consequences, named fat embolism syndrome (FES) in some. Despite advances in treatment strategies regarding the timing of definitive fixation of major fractures, FES still occurs in patients. In this overview, current literature is reviewed and optimal treatment strategies for patients with multiple traumatic injuries, including major fractures, are discussed. Considering the multifactorial etiology of FES, including mechanical and biochemical pathways, FES cannot be prevented in all patients. However, screening for symptoms of FES should be standard in the pre-operative work-up of these patients, prior to definitive fixation of major fractures. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Role of High-End Computing in Meeting NASA's Science and Engineering Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Rupak

2006-01-01

High-End Computing (HEC) has always played a major role in meeting the modeling and simulation needs of various NASA missions. With NASA's newest 62 teraflops Columbia supercomputer, HEC is having an even greater impact within the Agency and beyond. Significant cutting-edge science and engineering simulations in the areas of space exploration, Shuttle operations, Earth sciences, and aeronautics research, are already occurring on Columbia, demonstrating its ability to accelerate NASA s exploration vision. The talk will describe how the integrated supercomputing production environment is being used to reduce design cycle time, accelerate scientific discovery, conduct parametric analysis of multiple scenarios, and enhance safety during the life cycle of NASA missions.

Cathode surface effects and H.F.-behaviour of vacuum arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yan Hong

To gain a better understanding of the essential processes occurring during a vacuum arc interruption for the further development of the vacuum arc circuit breaker, cathode spot behavior, current interruption, dielectrical recovery and overvoltage generation are investigated. An experimental study on cathode spot behavior of the DC vacuum arc in relation to cathode surface roughness and a qualitative physical model to interpret the results are reported. An experimental investigation on the High Frequency (HF) current interruption, multiple recognitions and voltage escalation phenomena is reported. A calculation program to predict the level of overvoltages generated by the operation of a vacuum breaker in a realistic single phase circuit is developed. Detailed results are summarized.

Ion Beam Characterization of a NEXT Multi-Thruster Array Plume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pencil, Eric J.; Foster, John E.; Patterson, Michael J.; Diaz, Esther M.; Van Noord, Jonathan L.; McEwen, Heather K.

2006-01-01

Three operational, engineering model, 7-kW ion thrusters and one instrumented, dormant thruster were installed in a cluster array in a large vacuum facility at NASA Glenn Research Center. A series of engineering demonstration tests were performed to evaluate the system performance impacts of operating various multiple-thruster configurations in an array. A suite of diagnostics was installed to investigate multiple-thruster operation impact on thruster performance and life, thermal interactions, and alternative system modes and architectures. The ion beam characterization included measuring ion current density profiles and ion energy distribution with Faraday probes and retarding potential analyzers, respectively. This report focuses on the ion beam characterization during single thruster operation, multiple thruster operation, various neutralizer configurations, and thruster gimbal articulation. Comparison of beam profiles collected during single and multiple thruster operation demonstrated the utility of superimposing single engine beam profiles to predict multi-thruster beam profiles. High energy ions were detected in the region 45 off the thruster axis, independent of thruster power, number of operating thrusters, and facility background pressure, which indicated that the most probable ion energy was not effected by multiple-thruster operation. There were no significant changes to the beam profiles collected during alternate thruster-neutralizer configurations, therefore supporting the viability of alternative system configuration options. Articulation of one thruster shifted its beam profile, whereas the beam profile of a stationary thruster nearby did not change, indicating there were no beam interactions which was consistent with the behavior of a collisionless beam expansion.

Comparison of two stand-alone CADe systems at multiple operating points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahiner, Berkman; Chen, Weijie; Pezeshk, Aria; Petrick, Nicholas

2015-03-01

Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems are typically designed to work at a given operating point: The device displays a mark if and only if the level of suspiciousness of a region of interest is above a fixed threshold. To compare the standalone performances of two systems, one approach is to select the parameters of the systems to yield a target false-positive rate that defines the operating point, and to compare the sensitivities at that operating point. Increasingly, CADe developers offer multiple operating points, which necessitates the comparison of two CADe systems involving multiple comparisons. To control the Type I error, multiple-comparison correction is needed for keeping the family-wise error rate (FWER) less than a given alpha-level. The sensitivities of a single modality at different operating points are correlated. In addition, the sensitivities of the two modalities at the same or different operating points are also likely to be correlated. It has been shown in the literature that when test statistics are correlated, well-known methods for controlling the FWER are conservative. In this study, we compared the FWER and power of three methods, namely the Bonferroni, step-up, and adjusted step-up methods in comparing the sensitivities of two CADe systems at multiple operating points, where the adjusted step-up method uses the estimated correlations. Our results indicate that the adjusted step-up method has a substantial advantage over other the two methods both in terms of the FWER and power.

Life and Reliability Characteristics of TurboBrayton Coolers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breedlove, Jeff J.; Zagarola, Mark; Nellis, Greg; Dolan, Frank; Swift, Walt; Gibbon, Judith; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Wear and internal contaminants are two of the primary factors that influence reliable, long-life operation of turbo-Brayton cryocoolers. This paper describes tests that have been conducted and methods that have been developed for turbo-Brayton components and systems to assure reliable operation. The turbomachines used in these coolers employ self-acting gas bearings to support the miniature high-speed shafts, thus providing vibration-free operation. Because the bearings are self-acting, rubbing contact occurs during initial start-up and shutdown of the machines. Bearings and shafts are designed to endure multiple stop/start cycles without producing particles or surface features that would impair the proper operation of the machines. Test results are presented for a variety of turbomachines used in these systems. The tests document extended operating life and start/stop cycling behavior for machines over a range of time and temperature scales. Contaminants such as moisture and other residual gas impurities can be a source of degraded operation if they freeze out in sufficient quantities to block flow passages or if they mechanically affect the operation of the machines. A post-fabrication bakeout procedure has been successfully used to reduce residual internal contamination to acceptable levels in a closed cycle system. The process was developed during space qualification tests on the NICMOS cryocooler. Moisture levels were sampled over a six-month time interval confirming the effectiveness of the technique. A description of the bakeout procedure is presented.

An outbreak of Bacillus cereus food poisoning--are caterers supervised sufficiently.

PubMed Central

Slaten, D D; Oropeza, R I; Werner, S B

1992-01-01

Bacillus cereus is an uncommonly reported cause of foodborne illness in the United States. In May 1989, an outbreak of B. cereus gastroenteritis occurred among 140 guests who had attended a catered wedding reception in Napa, CA. Investigation established Cornish game hens served at the event as the vehicle for disease transmission (OR = 29, P = 0.0001). Although the spores of B. cereus are ubiquitous, large numbers of toxin-producing organisms (more than 10(5) per gram of food) are required for illness to occur. In the Napa outbreak, bacterial multiplication was facilitated at several points during the preparation and transportation of the food. While a licensed restaurant kitchen was used, the facilities were clearly inadequate for the event. At present, the California Health and Safety Code does not address the scope of catering operations. As caterers increase in number, there will be a growing need for governmental oversight to ensure that food production on a large scale is conducted safely. PMID:1641447

Providing the full DDF link protection for bus-connected SIEPON based system architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, I.-Shyan; Pakpahan, Andrew Fernando; Liem, Andrew Tanny; Nikoukar, AliAkbar

2016-09-01

Currently a massive amount of traffic per second is delivered through EPON systems, one of the prominent access network technologies for delivering the next generation network. Therefore, it is vital to keep the EPON optical distribution network (ODN) working by providing the necessity protection mechanism in the deployed devices; otherwise, when failures occur it will cause a great loss for both network operators and business customers. In this paper, we propose a bus-connected architecture to protect and recover distribution drop fiber (DDF) link faults or transceiver failures at ONU(s) in SIEPON system. The proposed architecture provides a cost-effective architecture, which delivers the high fault-tolerance in handling multiple DDF faults, while also providing flexibility in choosing the backup ONU assignments. Simulation results show that the proposed architecture provides the reliability and maintains quality of service (QoS) performance in terms of mean packet delay, system throughput, packet loss and EF jitter when DDF link failures occur.

Catastrophic secondary antiphospholipid syndrome with peripheral nervous system involvement: a case report.

PubMed

Erten, Nilgun; Saka, Bulent; Karan, M Akif; Parman, Yesim; Umman, Berrin; Tascioglu, Cemil

2004-04-01

A 34-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency room with a high fever, abdominal pain, dyspnea and confusion. High fever and abdominal pain had first occured after a cystocele operation 5 months earlier. Later, congestive heart failure with mural thrombus formation, peripheral polyneuropathy and ischemic cerebrovascular accident were identified in clinical follow-ups, and multiple arterial and venous thromboses were seen on cranial and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging angiography. The patient's symptoms improved with anticoagulant treatment. Antiphospholipid syndrome with elevated serum anticardiolipin IgG levels was diagnosed, and ischemic peripheral polyneuropathy with axonal degeneration was determined by sural nerve biopsy. In antiphospholipid syndrome, elevated anticardiolipin antibodies appear to be the most common acquired blood protein defect causing thrombosis. Disseminated vascular thrombosis in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome can result in multiorgan failure with increased morbidity and mortality. It rarely occurs secondary to various infections as in the case of our patient, who suffered postoperative intraabdominal infection. It is important to note that peripheral nervous system involvement is rare in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Apparatus for gas sorption measurement with integrated gas composition measurement device and gas mixing

DOEpatents

Micklash. II, Kenneth James; Dutton, Justin James; Kaye, Steven

2014-06-03

An apparatus for testing of multiple material samples includes a gas delivery control system operatively connectable to the multiple material samples and configured to provide gas to the multiple material samples. Both a gas composition measurement device and pressure measurement devices are included in the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple selectively openable and closable valves and a series of conduits configured to selectively connect the multiple material samples individually to the gas composition device and the pressure measurement devices by operation of the valves. A mixing system is selectively connectable to the series of conduits and is operable to cause forced mixing of the gas within the series of conduits to achieve a predetermined uniformity of gas composition within the series of conduits and passages.

Delegation control of multiple unmanned systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flaherty, Susan R.; Shively, Robert J.

2010-04-01

Maturing technologies and complex payloads coupled with a future objective to reduce the logistics burden of current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations require a change to the 2-crew employment paradigm. Increased automation and operator supervisory control of unmanned systems have been advocated to meet the objective of reducing the crew requirements, while managing future technologies. Specifically, a delegation control employment strategy has resulted in reduced workload and higher situation awareness for single operators controlling multiple unmanned systems in empirical studies1,2. Delegation control is characterized by the ability for an operator to call a single "play" that initiates prescribed default actions for each vehicle and associated sensor related to a common mission goal. Based upon the effectiveness of delegation control in simulation, the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) developed a Delegation Control (DelCon) operator interface with voice recognition implementation for play selection, real-time play modification, and play status with automation transparency to enable single operator control of multiple unmanned systems in flight. AFDD successfully demonstrated delegation control in a Troops-in-Contact mission scenario at Ft. Ord in 2009. This summary showcases the effort as a beneficial advance in single operator control of multiple UAS.

Effects of Diet-Induced Obesity on Motivation and Pain Behavior in an Operant Assay

PubMed Central

Rossi, Heather L.; Luu, Anthony K.S.; Kothari, Sunny D.; Kuburas, Adisa; Neubert, John K.; Caudle, Robert M.; Recober, Ana

2013-01-01

Obesity has been associated with multiple chronic pain disorders, including migraine. We hypothesized that diet-induced obesity would be associated with a reduced threshold for thermal nociception in the trigeminal system. In this study, we sought to examine the effect of diet-induced obesity on facial pain behavior. Mice of two different strains were fed high-fat or regular diet and tested using a well-established operant facial pain assay. We found that the effects of diet on behavior in this assay were strain and reward dependent. Obesity prone C57BL/6J mice fed high-fat diet display lower number of licks of a caloric, palatable reward (33% sweetened condensed milk or 30% sucrose) than control mice. This occurred at all temperatures, in both sexes, and was evident even before the onset of obesity. This diminished reward-seeking behavior was not observed in obesity resistant SKH1E mice. These findings suggest that diet and strain interact to modulate reward-seeking behavior. Furthermore, we observed a difference between diet groups in operant behavior with caloric, palatable rewards, but not with a non-caloric neutral reward (water). Importantly, we found no effect of diet-induced obesity on acute thermal nociception in the absence of inflammation or injury. This indicates that thermal sensation in the face is not affected by obesity-associated peripheral neuropathy as it occurs when studying pain behaviors in the rodent hindpaw. Future studies using this model may reveal whether obesity facilitates the development of chronic pain after injury or inflammation. PMID:23333672

Multiple-generator errors are unavoidable under model misspecification.

PubMed

Jewett, D L; Zhang, Z

1995-08-01

Model misspecification poses a major problem for dipole source localization (DSL) because it causes insidious multiple-generator errors (MulGenErrs) to occur in the fitted dipole parameters. This paper describes how and why this occurs, based upon simple algebraic considerations. MulGenErrs must occur, to some degree, in any DSL analysis of real data because there is model misspecification and mathematically the equations used for the simultaneously active generators must be of a different form than the equations for each generator active alone.

Experimental Performance of the NRL 8-Beam, 4-Cavity Multiple-Beam Klystron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, D. K.; Pershing, D. E.; Nguyen, K. T.; Wood, F. N.; Myers, R. E.; Eisen, E. L.; Cusick, M.; Levush, B.

2006-01-01

Multiple-beam amplifiers (MBAs) represent a device technology with the potential to produce high-power, efficient amplifiers with relatively wide bandwidths that are compact, low-weight, low-noise, and operate at reduced voltages relative to comparable single-beam devices. To better understand the device physics and technical issues involved in the design, fabrication, and operation of these devices, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has an on-going program to develop high peak power (> 600 kW) multiple-beam klystrons (MBKs) operating in S-band (˜3.3 GHz).

Solving the multiple-set split equality common fixed-point problem of firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators.

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Zong, Haili

2018-01-01

In this paper, we propose parallel and cyclic iterative algorithms for solving the multiple-set split equality common fixed-point problem of firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators. We also combine the process of cyclic and parallel iterative methods and propose two mixed iterative algorithms. Our several algorithms do not need any prior information about the operator norms. Under mild assumptions, we prove weak convergence of the proposed iterative sequences in Hilbert spaces. As applications, we obtain several iterative algorithms to solve the multiple-set split equality problem.

Advanced Technology Training System on Motor-Operated Valves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiederholt, Bradley J.; Widjaja, T. Kiki; Yasutake, Joseph Y.; Isoda, Hachiro

1993-01-01

This paper describes how features from the field of Intelligent Tutoring Systems are applied to the Motor-Operated Valve (MOV) Advanced Technology Training System (ATTS). The MOV ATTS is a training system developed at Galaxy Scientific Corporation for the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry in Japan and the Electric Power Research Institute in the United States. The MOV ATTS combines traditional computer-based training approaches with system simulation, integrated expert systems, and student and expert modeling. The primary goal of the MOV ATTS is to reduce human errors that occur during MOV overhaul and repair. The MOV ATTS addresses this goal by providing basic operational information of the MOV, simulating MOV operation, providing troubleshooting practice of MOV failures, and tailoring this training to the needs of each individual student. The MOV ATTS integrates multiple expert models (functional and procedural) to provide advice and feedback to students. The integration also provides expert model validation support to developers. Student modeling is supported by two separate student models: one model registers and updates the student's current knowledge of basic MOV information, while another model logs the student's actions and errors during troubleshooting exercises. These two models are used to provide tailored feedback to the student during the MOV course.

Re-designing the PhEDEx Security Model

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

Huang, C.-H.; Wildish, T.; Zhang, X.

2014-01-01

PhEDEx, the data-placement tool used by the CMS experiment at the LHC, was conceived in a more trusting time. The security model provided a safe environment for site agents and operators, but offerred little more protection than that. Data was not sufficiently protected against loss caused by operator error or software bugs or by deliberate manipulation of the database. Operators were given high levels of access to the database, beyond what was actually needed to accomplish their tasks. This exposed them to the risk of suspicion should an incident occur. Multiple implementations of the security model led to difficulties maintainingmore » code, which can lead to degredation of security over time. In order to meet the simultaneous goals of protecting CMS data, protecting the operators from undue exposure to risk, increasing monitoring capabilities and improving maintainability of the security model, the PhEDEx security model was redesigned and re-implemented. Security was moved from the application layer into the database itself, fine-grained access roles were established, and tools and procedures created to control the evolution of the security model over time. In this paper we describe this work, we describe the deployment of the new security model, and we show how these enhancements improve security on several fronts simultaneously.« less

Re-designing the PhEDEx Security Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

C-H, Huang; Wildish, T.; X, Zhang

2014-06-01

PhEDEx, the data-placement tool used by the CMS experiment at the LHC, was conceived in a more trusting time. The security model provided a safe environment for site agents and operators, but offerred little more protection than that. Data was not sufficiently protected against loss caused by operator error or software bugs or by deliberate manipulation of the database. Operators were given high levels of access to the database, beyond what was actually needed to accomplish their tasks. This exposed them to the risk of suspicion should an incident occur. Multiple implementations of the security model led to difficulties maintaining code, which can lead to degredation of security over time. In order to meet the simultaneous goals of protecting CMS data, protecting the operators from undue exposure to risk, increasing monitoring capabilities and improving maintainability of the security model, the PhEDEx security model was redesigned and re-implemented. Security was moved from the application layer into the database itself, fine-grained access roles were established, and tools and procedures created to control the evolution of the security model over time. In this paper we describe this work, we describe the deployment of the new security model, and we show how these enhancements improve security on several fronts simultaneously.

Emergence of dynamic cooperativity in the stochastic kinetics of fluctuating enzymes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ashutosh; Chatterjee, Sambarta; Nandi, Mintu; Dua, Arti

2016-08-01

Dynamic co-operativity in monomeric enzymes is characterized in terms of a non-Michaelis-Menten kinetic behaviour. The latter is believed to be associated with mechanisms that include multiple reaction pathways due to enzymatic conformational fluctuations. Recent advances in single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy have provided new fundamental insights on the possible mechanisms underlying reactions catalyzed by fluctuating enzymes. Here, we present a bottom-up approach to understand enzyme turnover kinetics at physiologically relevant mesoscopic concentrations informed by mechanisms extracted from single-molecule stochastic trajectories. The stochastic approach, presented here, shows the emergence of dynamic co-operativity in terms of a slowing down of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetics resulting in negative co-operativity. For fewer enzymes, dynamic co-operativity emerges due to the combined effects of enzymatic conformational fluctuations and molecular discreteness. The increase in the number of enzymes, however, suppresses the effect of enzymatic conformational fluctuations such that dynamic co-operativity emerges solely due to the discrete changes in the number of reacting species. These results confirm that the turnover kinetics of fluctuating enzyme based on the parallel-pathway MM mechanism switches over to the single-pathway MM mechanism with the increase in the number of enzymes. For large enzyme numbers, convergence to the exact MM equation occurs in the limit of very high substrate concentration as the stochastic kinetics approaches the deterministic behaviour.

Emergence of dynamic cooperativity in the stochastic kinetics of fluctuating enzymes.

PubMed

Kumar, Ashutosh; Chatterjee, Sambarta; Nandi, Mintu; Dua, Arti

2016-08-28

Dynamic co-operativity in monomeric enzymes is characterized in terms of a non-Michaelis-Menten kinetic behaviour. The latter is believed to be associated with mechanisms that include multiple reaction pathways due to enzymatic conformational fluctuations. Recent advances in single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy have provided new fundamental insights on the possible mechanisms underlying reactions catalyzed by fluctuating enzymes. Here, we present a bottom-up approach to understand enzyme turnover kinetics at physiologically relevant mesoscopic concentrations informed by mechanisms extracted from single-molecule stochastic trajectories. The stochastic approach, presented here, shows the emergence of dynamic co-operativity in terms of a slowing down of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) kinetics resulting in negative co-operativity. For fewer enzymes, dynamic co-operativity emerges due to the combined effects of enzymatic conformational fluctuations and molecular discreteness. The increase in the number of enzymes, however, suppresses the effect of enzymatic conformational fluctuations such that dynamic co-operativity emerges solely due to the discrete changes in the number of reacting species. These results confirm that the turnover kinetics of fluctuating enzyme based on the parallel-pathway MM mechanism switches over to the single-pathway MM mechanism with the increase in the number of enzymes. For large enzyme numbers, convergence to the exact MM equation occurs in the limit of very high substrate concentration as the stochastic kinetics approaches the deterministic behaviour.

Emergence of dynamic cooperativity in the stochastic kinetics of fluctuating enzymes

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

Kumar, Ashutosh; Chatterjee, Sambarta; Nandi, Mintu

Dynamic co-operativity in monomeric enzymes is characterized in terms of a non-Michaelis-Menten kinetic behaviour. The latter is believed to be associated with mechanisms that include multiple reaction pathways due to enzymatic conformational fluctuations. Recent advances in single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy have provided new fundamental insights on the possible mechanisms underlying reactions catalyzed by fluctuating enzymes. Here, we present a bottom-up approach to understand enzyme turnover kinetics at physiologically relevant mesoscopic concentrations informed by mechanisms extracted from single-molecule stochastic trajectories. The stochastic approach, presented here, shows the emergence of dynamic co-operativity in terms of a slowing down of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) kineticsmore » resulting in negative co-operativity. For fewer enzymes, dynamic co-operativity emerges due to the combined effects of enzymatic conformational fluctuations and molecular discreteness. The increase in the number of enzymes, however, suppresses the effect of enzymatic conformational fluctuations such that dynamic co-operativity emerges solely due to the discrete changes in the number of reacting species. These results confirm that the turnover kinetics of fluctuating enzyme based on the parallel-pathway MM mechanism switches over to the single-pathway MM mechanism with the increase in the number of enzymes. For large enzyme numbers, convergence to the exact MM equation occurs in the limit of very high substrate concentration as the stochastic kinetics approaches the deterministic behaviour.« less

Preliminary Concept of Operations for the Spent Fuel Management System--WM2017

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

Cumberland, Riley M; Adeniyi, Abiodun Idowu; Howard, Rob L

The Nuclear Fuels Storage and Transportation Planning Project (NFST) within the U.S. Department of Energy s Office of Nuclear Energy is tasked with identifying, planning, and conducting activities to lay the groundwork for developing interim storage and transportation capabilities in support of an integrated waste management system. The system will provide interim storage for commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from reactor sites and deliver it to a repository. The system will also include multiple subsystems, potentially including; one or more interim storage facilities (ISF); one or more repositories; facilities to package and/or repackage SNF; and transportation systems. The project teammore » is analyzing options for an integrated waste management system. To support analysis, the project team has developed a Concept of Operations document that describes both the potential integrated system and inter-dependencies between system components. The goal of this work is to aid systems analysts in the development of consistent models across the project, which involves multiple investigators. The Concept of Operations document will be updated periodically as new developments emerge. At a high level, SNF is expected to travel from reactors to a repository. SNF is first unloaded from reactors and placed in spent fuel pools for wet storage at utility sites. After the SNF has cooled enough to satisfy loading limits, it is placed in a container at reactor sites for storage and/or transportation. After transportation requirements are met, the SNF is transported to an ISF to store the SNF until a repository is developed or directly to a repository if available. While the high level operation of the system is straightforward, analysts must evaluate numerous alternative options. Alternative options include the number of ISFs (if any), ISF design, the stage at which SNF repackaging occurs (if any), repackaging technology, the types of containers used, repository design, component sizing, and timing of events. These alternative options arise due to technological, economic, or policy considerations. As new developments regularly emerge, the operational concepts will be periodically updated. This paper gives an overview of the different potential alternatives identified in the Concept of Operations document at a conceptual level.« less

Acquisition of Skill Proficiency Over Multiple Sessions of a Novel Rover Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, S. L.; DeDios,Y. E.; MacDougall, H. G.; Moore, S. T.; Wood, S. J.

2011-01-01

Following long-duration exploration transits, adaptive changes in sensorimotor function may impair the crew's ability to safely perform manual control tasks such as operating pressurized rovers. Postflight performance will also be influenced by the level of preflight skill proficiency they have attained. The purpose of this study was to characterize the acquisition of skills in a motion-based rover simulation over multiple sessions, and to investigate the effects of varying the simulation scenarios. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were tested in 5 sessions, with 1-3 days between sessions. Each session consisted of a serial presentation of 8 discrete tasks to be completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Each task consisted of 1) perspective-taking, using a map that defined a docking target, 2) navigation toward the target around a Martian outpost, and 3) docking a side hatch of the rover to a visually guided target. The simulator utilized a Stewart-type motion base (CKAS, Australia), single-seat cabin with triple scene projection covering 150 deg horizontal by 50 deg vertical, and joystick controller. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (tasks identical in the first 4 sessions) or a varied-practice group. The dependent variables for each task included accuracy toward the target and time to completion. RESULTS: The greatest improvements in time to completion occurred during the docking phase. The varied-practice group showed more improvement in perspective-taking accuracy. Perspective-taking accuracy was also affected by the relative orientation of the rover to the docking target. Skill acquisition was correlated with self-ratings of previous gaming experience. DISCUSSION: Varying task selection and difficulty will optimize the preflight acquisition of skills when performing novel operational tasks. Simulation of operational manual control will provide functionally relevant evidence regarding the impact of sensorimotor adaptation on early surface operations and what countermeasures are needed. Learning Objective: The use of a motion-based simulation to investigate decrements in the proficiency to operate pressurized rovers during early surface operations of space exploration missions, along with the acquisition of skill proficiency needed during the preflight phase of the mission.

Blood, sweat and tears: androgenic-anabolic steroid misuse and recurrent primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage

PubMed Central

Fox, Richard; Varadharajan, Kiran; Patel, Bhavesh; Beegun, Issa

2014-01-01

A 30-year-old male body builder and androgenic-anabolic steroid and insulin abuser was admitted for day case elective tonsillectomy (bipolar). He returned with primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage 18 h after the operation and required bipolar cautery to the multiple small bleeding points in the right and left tonsillar fossa. Thorough coagulation screen was normal. Recurrent primary haemorrhage occurred 3 h post-operatively requiring immediate surgical intervention, removal of the inferior poles, precautionary throat packs, intubation and observation on the intensive treatment unit (ITU). Re-examination in theatre revealed a bleeding left superior pole that was under-run to achieve haemostasis and the patient returned to ITU. Hypertensive episodes were noted in the emergency department and intraoperatively including one recording >200 mm Hg. Haemostasis was eventually achieved once the blood pressure was adequately controlled. A slow wean of steroids was also instigated and the patient was managed on a surgical ward for 2 weeks post-tonsillectomy. PMID:25398921

Blood, sweat and tears: androgenic-anabolic steroid misuse and recurrent primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.

PubMed

Fox, Richard; Varadharajan, Kiran; Patel, Bhavesh; Beegun, Issa

2014-11-14

A 30-year-old male body builder and androgenic-anabolic steroid and insulin abuser was admitted for day case elective tonsillectomy (bipolar). He returned with primary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage 18 h after the operation and required bipolar cautery to the multiple small bleeding points in the right and left tonsillar fossa. Thorough coagulation screen was normal. Recurrent primary haemorrhage occurred 3 h post-operatively requiring immediate surgical intervention, removal of the inferior poles, precautionary throat packs, intubation and observation on the intensive treatment unit (ITU). Re-examination in theatre revealed a bleeding left superior pole that was under-run to achieve haemostasis and the patient returned to ITU. Hypertensive episodes were noted in the emergency department and intraoperatively including one recording >200 mm Hg. Haemostasis was eventually achieved once the blood pressure was adequately controlled. A slow wean of steroids was also instigated and the patient was managed on a surgical ward for 2 weeks post-tonsillectomy. 2014 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Evaluation Aspects of Building Structures Reconstructed After a Failure or Catastrophe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krentowski, Janusz R.; Knyziak, Piotr

2017-10-01

The article presents the characteristics of several steel structures, among others modernized industrial dye house, school sports hall, truck repair workshop, that have been rebuilt after a disaster or a catastrophe. The structures were analyzed in detail, and the evaluation and reconstruction processes were described. The emergencies that occurred during exploitation of the buildings were the result of multiple mistakes: incorrectly defined intervals between inspections, errors during periodic inspections, incorrect repair work recommendations. The concepts of reinforcement work implemented by the authors, enabling the long-term future failure-free operation of the objects, were presented. Recommendations for monitoring of the facilities, applied after reinforcement or reconstruction, have been formulated. The methodology for the implementation of specialized investigations, such as geodetic, optical, geological, chemical strength tests, both destructive and non-destructive, has been defined. The need to determine the limit values of deformations, deflections, damage or other faults of structural elements and the entire rebuilt facilities, as well as defining conditions for objects’ withdrawal from operation in subsequent exceptional situations was indicated.

Unified-theory-of-reinforcement neural networks do not simulate the blocking effect.

PubMed

Calvin, Nicholas T; J McDowell, J

2015-11-01

For the last 20 years the unified theory of reinforcement (Donahoe et al., 1993) has been used to develop computer simulations to evaluate its plausibility as an account for behavior. The unified theory of reinforcement states that operant and respondent learning occurs via the same neural mechanisms. As part of a larger project to evaluate the operant behavior predicted by the theory, this project was the first replication of neural network models based on the unified theory of reinforcement. In the process of replicating these neural network models it became apparent that a previously published finding, namely, that the networks simulate the blocking phenomenon (Donahoe et al., 1993), was a misinterpretation of the data. We show that the apparent blocking produced by these networks is an artifact of the inability of these networks to generate the same conditioned response to multiple stimuli. The piecemeal approach to evaluate the unified theory of reinforcement via simulation is critiqued and alternatives are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Doppler-corrected differential detection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Marvin K. (Inventor); Divsalar, Dariush (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Doppler in a communication system operating with a multiple differential phase-shift-keyed format (MDPSK) creates an adverse phase shift in an incoming signal. An open loop frequency estimation is derived from a Doppler-contaminated incoming signal. Based upon the recognition that, whereas the change in phase of the received signal over a full symbol contains both the differentially encoded data and the Doppler induced phase shift, the same change in phase over half a symbol (within a given symbol interval) contains only the Doppler induced phase shift, and the Doppler effect can be estimated and removed from the incoming signal. Doppler correction occurs prior to the receiver's final output of decoded data. A multiphase system can operate with two samplings per symbol interval at no penalty in signal-to-noise ratio provided that an ideal low pass pre-detection filter is employed, and two samples, at 1/4 and 3/4 of the symbol interval T sub s, are taken and summed together prior to incoming signal data detection.

Olecranon bursitis: a systematic overview

PubMed Central

Hay, Bruce A; Bolt, Alexander M; Hay, Stuart M

2014-01-01

Background Olecranon bursitis is a common condition where the bursal cavity, superficial to the olecranon, becomes inflamed. This can occur either with or without infection and has been given pseudonyms relating to the repeated minor trauma from external pressure that often predisposes. As a result of the multiple aetiologies, olecranon bursitis can present to any medical specialty with reasonable frequency and, although many therapies are described, a single, evidence-based and standardized treatment pathway is not well described. Methods We summarize the key points within the literature and subsequently propose an evidence-based treatment pathway. Results Relevant evidence is presented from appropriate publications to add rational to existing decision-making processes, together with personal experience and suggested operative bursectomy techniques from an established upper limb surgeon. The common and significant aetiologies are summarized and, in particular, red flag symptoms are highlighted by way of warning to the unsuspecting investigator. Conclusions The conclusion is provided in diagrammatic form, providing a suggested treatment pathway from history and examination through to operative intervention. PMID:27582935

Reconceptualizing synergism and antagonism among multiple stressors.

PubMed

Piggott, Jeremy J; Townsend, Colin R; Matthaei, Christoph D

2015-04-01

The potential for complex synergistic or antagonistic interactions between multiple stressors presents one of the largest uncertainties when predicting ecological change but, despite common use of the terms in the scientific literature, a consensus on their operational definition is still lacking. The identification of synergism or antagonism is generally straightforward when stressors operate in the same direction, but if individual stressor effects oppose each other, the definition of synergism is paradoxical because what is synergistic to one stressor's effect direction is antagonistic to the others. In their highly cited meta-analysis, Crain et al. (Ecology Letters, 11, 2008: 1304) assumed in situations with opposing individual effects that synergy only occurs when the cumulative effect is more negative than the additive sum of the opposing individual effects. We argue against this and propose a new systematic classification based on an additive effects model that combines the magnitude and response direction of the cumulative effect and the interaction effect. A new class of "mitigating synergism" is identified, where cumulative effects are reversed and enhanced. We applied our directional classification to the dataset compiled by Crain et al. (Ecology Letters, 11, 2008: 1304) to determine the prevalence of synergistic, antagonistic, and additive interactions. Compared to their original analysis, we report differences in the representation of interaction classes by interaction type and we document examples of mitigating synergism, highlighting the importance of incorporating individual stressor effect directions in the determination of synergisms and antagonisms. This is particularly pertinent given a general bias in ecology toward investigating and reporting adverse multiple stressor effects (double negative). We emphasize the need for reconsideration by the ecological community of the interpretation of synergism and antagonism in situations where individual stressor effects oppose each other or where cumulative effects are reversed and enhanced.

Kyphectomy improves sitting and skin problems in patients with myelomeningocele.

PubMed

Garg, Sumeet; Oetgen, Matthew; Rathjen, Karl; Richards, B Stephens

2011-05-01

Progressive kyphosis occurs in up to 20% of patients with myelomeningocele. Severely affected patients can develop recurrent skin breakdown, osteomyelitis, sitting imbalance, and poor cosmetic appearance. We (1) assessed the ability of kyphectomy to restore an intact skin envelope and allow comfortable seating in a wheelchair; (2) reviewed the complications of kyphectomy and spinal fusion in myelomeningocele; and (3) determined whether patients requiring unexpected reoperation had worse correction or more ulceration compared with those patients treated with a single surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 children with thoracic-level myelomeningocele who were treated with kyphectomy and spinal fusion since 1980. Indications for surgery included recurrent skin breakdown (15 patients) and poor sitting balance or unacceptable cosmetic deformity (three patients). We evaluated operative technique, type of sacropelvic fixation, surgical complications, radiographic correction, and skin condition at followup. The minimum followup was 2 years (median, 4.1 years; range, 2.1-10 years); 18 of the 23 children had greater than 2 years followup and are reported here. Kyphectomy achieved a sitting balance and resolved in skin ulceration in 17 of 18 patients. Seven patients had complications requiring reoperation. Three patients had multiple reoperations for early deep infection and one patient each had reoperation for late infection, pseudarthrosis, implant-related sacral pressure sore, and planned extension of proximal fusion after growth. Patients requiring multiple operations had similar correction and relief of ulceration to those treated with a single procedure. Complications after kyphectomy are frequent and many children with myelomeningocele and severe hyperkyphosis require multiple procedures and lengthy hospital stays. Nonetheless, improved seating balance and resolution of skin problems was achieved in 17 of 18 patients.

A review of 10 years of scapula injuries sustained by UK military personnel on operations.

PubMed

Roberts, Darren C; Power, D M; Stapley, S A

2018-02-01

Scapula fractures are relatively uncommon injuries, mostly occurring due to the effects of high-energy trauma. Rates of scapula fractures are unknown in the military setting. The aim of this study is to analyse the incidence, aetiology, associated injuries, treatment and complications of these fractures occurring in deployed military personnel. All UK military personnel returning with upper limb injuries from Afghanistan and Iraq were retrospectively reviewed using the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine database and case notes (2004-2014). Forty-four scapula fractures out of 572 upper limb fractures (7.7%) were sustained over 10 years. Blast and gunshot wounds (GSW) were leading causative factors in 85%. Over half were open fractures (54%), with open blast fractures often having significant bone and soft tissue loss requiring extensive reconstruction. Multiple injuries were noted including lung, head, vascular and nerve injuries. Injury Severity Scores (ISS) were significantly higher than the average upper limb injury without a scapula fracture (p<0.0001). Brachial plexus injuries occurred in 17%. While military personnel with GSW have a favourable chance of nerve recovery, 75% of brachial plexus injuries that are associated with blast have poorer outcomes. Fixation occurred with either glenoid fractures or floating shoulders (10%); these were as a result of high velocity GSW or mounted blast ejections. There were no cases of deep soft tissue infection or osteomyelitis and all scapula fractures united. Scapula fractures have a 20 times higher incidence in military personnel compared with the civilian population, occurring predominantly as a result of blast and GSW, and a higher than average ISS. These fractures are often associated with multiple injuries, including brachial plexus injuries, where those sustained from blast have less favourable outcome. High rates of union following fixation and low rates of infection are expected despite significant contamination and soft tissue loss. © 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.

On the radiation mechanism of repeating fast radio bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wenbin; Kumar, Pawan

2018-06-01

Recent observations show that fast radio bursts (FRBs) are energetic but probably non-catastrophic events occurring at cosmological distances. The properties of their progenitors are largely unknown in spite of many attempts to determine them using the event rate, duration, and energetics. Understanding the radiation mechanism for FRBs should provide the missing insights regarding their progenitors, which is investigated in this paper. The high brightness temperatures (≳1035 K) of FRBs mean that the emission process must be coherent. Two general classes of coherent radiation mechanisms are considered - maser and the antenna mechanism. We use the observed properties of the repeater FRB 121102 to constrain the plasma conditions needed for these two mechanisms. We have looked into a wide variety of maser mechanisms operating in either vacuum or plasma and find that none of them can explain the high luminosity of FRBs without invoking unrealistic or fine-tuned plasma conditions. The most favourable mechanism is antenna curvature emission by coherent charge bunches where the burst is powered by magnetic reconnection near the surface of a magnetar (B ≳ 1014 G). We show that the plasma in the twisted magnetosphere of a magnetar may be clumpy due to two-stream instability. When magnetic reconnection occurs, the pre-existing density clumps may provide charge bunches for the antenna mechanism to operate. This model should be applicable to all FRBs that have multiple outbursts like FRB 121102.

Operating microscopes: past, present, and future.

PubMed

Uluç, Kutluay; Kujoth, Gregory C; Başkaya, Mustafa K

2009-09-01

The operating microscope is a fixture of modern surgical facilities, and it is a critically important factor in the success of many of the most complex and difficult surgical interventions used in medicine today. The rise of this key surgical tool reflects advances in understanding the principles of optics and vision that have occurred over centuries. The development of reading spectacles in the late 13th century led to the construction of early compound microscopes in the 16th and 17th centuries by Lippershey, Janssen, Galileo, Hooke, and others. Perhaps surprisingly, Leeuwenhoek's simple microscopes of this era offered improved performance over his contemporaries' designs. The intervening years saw improvements that reduced the spherical and chromatic aberrations present in compound microscopes. By the late 19th century, Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe ushered the compound microscope into the beginnings of the modern era of commercial design and production. The introduction of the microscope into the operating room by Nylén in 1921 initiated a revolution in surgical practice that gained momentum throughout the 1950s with multiple refinements, the introduction of the Zeiss OPMI series, and Kurze's application of the microscope to neurosurgery in 1957. Many of the refinements of the last 50 years have greatly improved the handling and practical operation of the surgical microscope, considerations which are equally important to its optical performance. Today's sophisticated operating microscopes allow for advanced real-time angiographic and tumor imaging. In this paper the authors discuss what might be found in the operating rooms of tomorrow.

Multiplate Radiation Shields: Investigating Radiational Heating Errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, Scott James

1995-01-01

Multiplate radiation shield errors are examined using the following techniques: (1) analytic heat transfer analysis, (2) optical ray tracing, (3) numerical fluid flow modeling, (4) laboratory testing, (5) wind tunnel testing, and (6) field testing. Guidelines for reducing radiational heating errors are given that are based on knowledge of the temperature sensor to be used, with the shield being chosen to match the sensor design. Small, reflective sensors that are exposed directly to the air stream (not inside a filter as is the case for many temperature and relative humidity probes) should be housed in a shield that provides ample mechanical and rain protection while impeding the air flow as little as possible; protection from radiation sources is of secondary importance. If a sensor does not meet the above criteria (i.e., is large or absorbing), then a standard Gill shield performs reasonably well. A new class of shields, called part-time aspirated multiplate radiation shields, are introduced. This type of shield consists of a multiplate design usually operated in a passive manner but equipped with a fan-forced aspiration capability to be used when necessary (e.g., low wind speed). The fans used here are 12 V DC that can be operated with a small dedicated solar panel. This feature allows the fan to operate when global solar radiation is high, which is when the largest radiational heating errors usually occur. A prototype shield was constructed and field tested and an example is given in which radiational heating errors were reduced from 2 ^circC to 1.2 ^circC. The fan was run continuously to investigate night-time low wind speed errors and the prototype shield reduced errors from 1.6 ^ circC to 0.3 ^circC. Part-time aspirated shields are an inexpensive alternative to fully aspirated shields and represent a good compromise between cost, power consumption, reliability (because they should be no worse than a standard multiplate shield if the fan fails), and accuracy. In addition, it is possible to modify existing passive shields to incorporate part-time aspiration, thus making them even more cost-effective. Finally, a new shield is described that incorporates a large diameter top plate that is designed to shade the lower portion of the shield. This shield increases flow through it by 60%, compared to the Gill design and it is likely to reduce radiational heating errors, although it has not been tested.

Swarm Observation of Field-Aligned Currents Associated With Multiple Auroral Arc Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J.; Knudsen, D. J.; Gillies, D. M.; Donovan, E. F.; Burchill, J. K.

2017-10-01

Auroral arcs occur in regions of upward field-aligned currents (FACs); however, the relation is not one to one, since kinetic energy of the current-carrying electrons is also important in the production of auroral luminosity. Multiple auroral arc systems provide an opportunity to study the relation between FACs and auroral brightness in detail. In this study, we have identified two types of FAC configurations in multiple parallel arc systems using ground-based optical data from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms all-sky imagers, magnetometers and electric field instruments on board the Swarm satellites. In "unipolar FAC" events, each arc is an intensification within a broad, unipolar current sheet and downward return currents occur outside of this broad sheet. In "multipolar FAC" events, multiple arc systems represent a collection of multiple up/down current pairs. By collecting 17 events with unipolar FAC and 12 events with multipolar FACs, we find that (1) unipolar FAC events occur most frequently between 20 and 21 magnetic local time and multipolar FAC events tend to occur around local midnight and within 1 h after substorm onset. (2) Arcs in unipolar FAC systems have a typical width of 10-20 km and a spacing of 25-50 km. Arcs in multipolar FAC systems are wider and more separated. (3) Upward currents with more arcs embedded have larger intensities and widths. (4) Electric fields are strong and highly structured on the edges of multiple arc system with unipolar FAC. The fact that arcs with unipolar FAC are much more highly structured than the associated currents suggests that arc multiplicity is indicative not of a structured generator deep in the magnetosphere, but rather of the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling process.

Malignant transformation of solitary spinal osteochondroma in two mature dogs.

PubMed

Green, E M; Adams, W M; Steinberg, H

1999-01-01

Canine osteochondroma is an uncommon bony tumor that arises in skeletally immature animals. Consequently, clinical signs typically occur in young dogs as a result of impingement of normal structures by the tumor. Radiographically, osteochondromas are benign in appearance. They are well circumscribed and cause no bony lysis nor periosteal proliferation. Osteochondromas may occur in two forms; solitary or multiple. Although histology and biologic behavior are identical, when in the multiple form the condition has been termed multiple cartilaginous exostoses. Malignant transformation of multiple cartilaginous exostoses has been reported in three mature dogs. We report two dogs with malignant transformation of solitary spinal osteochondromas. Both underwent transformation to osteosarcoma. Despite the benign radiographic appearance of osteochondromas and multiple cartilaginous exostoses, clinical signs should alert the clinician to the possibility of malignant transformation.

A Cognitive System Model for Human/Automation Dynamics in Airspace Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corker, Kevin M.; Pisanich, Gregory; Lebacqz, J. Victor (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

NASA has initiated a significant thrust of research and development focused on providing the flight crew and air traffic managers automation aids to increase capacity in en route and terminal area operations through the use of flexible, more fuel-efficient routing, while improving the level of safety in commercial carrier operations. In that system development, definition of cognitive requirements for integrated multi-operator dynamic aiding systems is fundamental. In order to support that cognitive function definition, we have extended the Man Machine Integrated Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) to include representation of multiple cognitive agents (both human operators and intelligent aiding systems) operating aircraft, airline operations centers and air traffic control centers in the evolving airspace. The demands of this application require representation of many intelligent agents sharing world-models, and coordinating action/intention with cooperative scheduling of goals and actions in a potentially unpredictable world of operations. The MIDAS operator models have undergone significant development in order to understand the requirements for operator aiding and the impact of that aiding in the complex nondeterminate system of national airspace operations. The operator model's structure has been modified to include attention functions, action priority, and situation assessment. The cognitive function model has been expanded to include working memory operations including retrieval from long-term store, interference, visual-motor and verbal articulatory loop functions, and time-based losses. The operator's activity structures have been developed to include prioritization and interruption of multiple parallel activities among multiple operators, to provide for anticipation (knowledge of the intention and action of remote operators), and to respond to failures of the system and other operators in the system in situation-specific paradigms. The model's internal representation has been be modified so that multiple, autonomous sets of equipment will function in a scenario as the single equipment sets do now. In order to support the analysis requirements with multiple items of equipment, it is necessary for equipment to access the state of other equipment objects at initialization time (a radar object may need to access the position and speed of aircraft in its area, for example), and as a function of perception and sensor system interaction. The model has been improved to include multiple world-states as a function of equipment am operator interaction. The model has been used -1o predict the impact of warning and alert zones in aircraft operation, and, more critic-ally, the interaction of flight-deck based warning mechanisms and air traffic controller action in response to ground-based conflict prediction and alerting systems. In this operation, two operating systems provide alerting to two autonomous, but linked sets of operators, whose view of the system and whose dynamics in response are radically different. System stability and operator action was predicted using the MIDAS model.

Digital processing of array seismic recordings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryall, Alan; Birtill, John

1962-01-01

This technical letter contains a brief review of the operations which are involved in digital processing of array seismic recordings by the methods of velocity filtering, summation, cross-multiplication and integration, and by combinations of these operations (the "UK Method" and multiple correlation). Examples are presented of analyses by the several techniques on array recordings which were obtained by the U.S. Geological Survey during chemical and nuclear explosions in the western United States. Seismograms are synthesized using actual noise and Pn-signal recordings, such that the signal-to-noise ratio, onset time and velocity of the signal are predetermined for the synthetic record. These records are then analyzed by summation, cross-multiplication, multiple correlation and the UK technique, and the results are compared. For all of the examples presented, analysis by the non-linear techniques of multiple correlation and cross-multiplication of the traces on an array recording are preferred to analyses by the linear operations involved in summation and the UK Method.

Phase matrix induced symmetrics for multiple scattering using the matrix operator method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hitzfelder, S. J.; Kattawar, G. W.

1973-01-01

Entirely rigorous proofs of the symmetries induced by the phase matrix into the reflection and transmission operators used in the matrix operator theory are given. Results are obtained for multiple scattering in both homogeneous and inhomogeneous atmospheres. These results will be useful to researchers using the method since large savings in computer time and storage are obtainable.

Enabling Resiliency Operations across Multiple Microgrids with Grid Friendly Appliance Controllers

DOE PAGES

Schneider, Kevin P.; Tuffner, Frank K.; Elizondo, Marcelo A.; ...

2017-02-16

Changes in economic, technological, and environmental policies are resulting in a re-evaluation of the dependence on large central generation facilities and their associated transmission networks. Emerging concepts of smart communities/cities are examining the potential to leverage cleaner sources of generation, as well as integrating electricity generation with other municipal functions. When grid connected, these generation assets can supplement the existing interconnections with the bulk transmission system, and in the event of an extreme event, they can provide power via a collection of microgrids. To achieve the highest level of resiliency, it may be necessary to conduct switching operations to interconnectmore » individual microgrids. While the interconnection of multiple microgrids can increase the resiliency of the system, the associated switching operations can cause large transients in low inertia microgrids. The combination of low system inertia and IEEE 1547 and 1547a-compliant inverters can prevent multiple microgrids from being interconnected during extreme weather events. This study will present a method of using end-use loads equipped with Grid Friendly™ Appliance controllers to facilitate the switching operations between multiple microgrids; operations that are necessary for optimal operations when islanded for resiliency.« less

Enabling Resiliency Operations across Multiple Microgrids with Grid Friendly Appliance Controllers

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

Schneider, Kevin P.; Tuffner, Frank K.; Elizondo, Marcelo A.

Changes in economic, technological, and environmental policies are resulting in a re-evaluation of the dependence on large central generation facilities and their associated transmission networks. Emerging concepts of smart communities/cities are examining the potential to leverage cleaner sources of generation, as well as integrating electricity generation with other municipal functions. When grid connected, these generation assets can supplement the existing interconnections with the bulk transmission system, and in the event of an extreme event, they can provide power via a collection of microgrids. To achieve the highest level of resiliency, it may be necessary to conduct switching operations to interconnectmore » individual microgrids. While the interconnection of multiple microgrids can increase the resiliency of the system, the associated switching operations can cause large transients in low inertia microgrids. The combination of low system inertia and IEEE 1547 and 1547a-compliant inverters can prevent multiple microgrids from being interconnected during extreme weather events. This study will present a method of using end-use loads equipped with Grid Friendly™ Appliance controllers to facilitate the switching operations between multiple microgrids; operations that are necessary for optimal operations when islanded for resiliency.« less

Finite Element Simulation of Solid Rocket Booster Separation Motors During Motor Firing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu. Weiping; Crane, Debora J.

2007-01-01

One of the toughest challenges facing Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) engineers is to ensure that any design changes made to the Shuttle-Derived Booster Separation Motors (BSM) for future space exploration vehicles is able to withstand the increasingly hostile motor firing environment without cracking its critical component - the graphite throat. This paper presents a critical analysis methodology and techniques for assessing effects of BSM design changes with great accuracy and precision. For current Space Shuttle operation, the motor firing occurs at SRB separation - approximately 125 seconds after Shuttle launch at an altitude of about 28 miles. The motor operation event lasts about two seconds, however, the surface temperature of the graphite throat increases approximately 3400 F in less than one second with a corresponding increase in surface pressure of approximately 2200 pounds per square inch (psi) in less than one-tenth of a second. To capture this process fully and accurately, a two-phase sequentially coupled thermal-mechanical finite element approach was developed. This method allows the time- and location-dependent pressure fields to interact with the spatial-temporal thermal fields throughout the operation. The material properties of graphite throat are orthotropic and temperature-dependent. The analysis involves preload and multiple body contacts.

Risk factors for postoperative complications following oral surgery.

PubMed

Shigeishi, Hideo; Ohta, Kouji; Takechi, Masaaki

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to clarify significant risk factors for postoperative complications in the oral cavity in patients who underwent oral surgery, excluding those with oral cancer. This study reviewed the records of 324 patients who underwent mildly to moderately invasive oral surgery (e.g., impacted tooth extraction, cyst excision, fixation of mandibular and maxillary fractures, osteotomy, resection of a benign tumor, sinus lifting, bone grafting, removal of a sialolith, among others) under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation from 2012 to 2014 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital. Univariate analysis showed a statistical relationship between postoperative complications (i.e., surgical site infection, anastomotic leak) and diabetes (p=0.033), preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.009), and operation duration (p=0.0093). Furthermore, preoperative serum albumin level (<4.0 g/dL) and operation time (≥120 minutes) were found to be independent factors affecting postoperative complications in multiple logistic regression analysis results (odds ratio 3.82, p=0.0074; odds ratio 2.83, p=0.0086, respectively). Our results indicate that a low level of albumin in serum and prolonged operation duration are important risk factors for postoperative complications occurring in the oral cavity following oral surgery.

Performance in noise: Impact of reduced speech intelligibility on Sailor performance in a Navy command and control environment.

PubMed

Keller, M David; Ziriax, John M; Barns, William; Sheffield, Benjamin; Brungart, Douglas; Thomas, Tony; Jaeger, Bobby; Yankaskas, Kurt

2017-06-01

Noise, hearing loss, and electronic signal distortion, which are common problems in military environments, can impair speech intelligibility and thereby jeopardize mission success. The current study investigated the impact that impaired communication has on operational performance in a command and control environment by parametrically degrading speech intelligibility in a simulated shipborne Combat Information Center. Experienced U.S. Navy personnel served as the study participants and were required to monitor information from multiple sources and respond appropriately to communications initiated by investigators playing the roles of other personnel involved in a realistic Naval scenario. In each block of the scenario, an adaptive intelligibility modification system employing automatic gain control was used to adjust the signal-to-noise ratio to achieve one of four speech intelligibility levels on a Modified Rhyme Test: No Loss, 80%, 60%, or 40%. Objective and subjective measures of operational performance suggested that performance systematically degraded with decreasing speech intelligibility, with the largest drop occurring between 80% and 60%. These results confirm the importance of noise reduction, good communication design, and effective hearing conservation programs to maximize the operational effectiveness of military personnel. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Single Operator Control of Multiple UAS: A Supervisory Delegation Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shively, Jay

2017-01-01

This presentation will be given as part of the UAS EXCOM Science and Research Panel's (SARP) workshop on multiple UAS controlled by a single operator. Participants were asked to identify public use cases for multiple Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) control and identify research, policy, and technical gaps in those operations. The purpose of this workshop is to brainstorm, categorize, and prioritize those use cases and gaps. Here, I will discuss research performed on this topic when I worked for the Army and on-going work within the division and a NATO working group on Human-Autonomy Teaming.

Single Operator Control of Multiple UAS: A Supervisory Delegation Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shively, Jay

2017-01-01

This presentation will be given as part of the UAS EXCOM Science and Research Panel's (SARP) workshop on multiple UAS controlled by a single operator. Participants were asked to identify public use cases for multiple UAS control and identify research, policy and technical gaps in those operations. The purpose of this workshop is to brainstorm, categorize and prioritize those use canses and gaps. Here, I will discuss research performed on this topic when I worked for the Army and on-going work within the division and a NATO working group on Human-Autonomy Teaming.

Relationship Risks in Context: A Cumulative Risk Approach to Understanding Relationship Satisfaction

PubMed Central

Rauer, Amy J.; Karney, Benjamin R.; Garvan, Cynthia W.; Hou, Wei

2009-01-01

Risks associated with less satisfying intimate relationships often co-occur within individuals, raising questions about approaches that consider only their independent impact. Utilizing the cumulative risk model, which acknowledges the natural covariation of risk factors, this study examined individuals in intimate relationships using the Florida Family Formation Survey (n = 2,876) and a replication sample (n = 1,048). Analyses confirmed that not only was relationship satisfaction lower among those with more risks, but the cumulative risk score was predictive above and beyond the individual risk factors. Furthermore, experiencing multiple risks exacerbated the negative associations between individual risks and relationship satisfaction, suggesting that the operation of a risk factor in a relationship is moderated by the presence or absence of other risks. PMID:19587840

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of short-range gunshot injury to lower part of face: A systematic approach of three cases.

PubMed

Vatsyayan, Ashutosh; Adhyapok, Apurba-Kumar; Debnath, Subhas-Chandra; Malik, Kapil

2016-08-01

Gunshot injuries are always known to cause severe morbidity and mortality when head and neck are involved. They vary in morbidity, which can occur in civilian surroundings. The wound largely depends on the type of weapon, mass and velocity of the bullet, and the distance from where it has been shot. Close-range gunshot wounds in the head and neck region can result in devastating aesthetic and functional impairment. The complexity in facial skeletal anatomy cause multiple medical and surgical challenges to an operating surgeon, demanding elaborate soft and hard tissue reconstruction. Here we presented the successful management of three patients shot by short-range pistol with basic life support measures, wound management, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

KEA-144: Final Results of the Ground Operations Demonstration Unit for Liquid Hydrogen (GODU-LH2) Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Notardonato, William; Fesmire, James; Swanger, Adam; Jumper, Kevin; Johnson, Wesley; Tomsik, Thomas

2017-01-01

GODU-LH2 system has successfully met all test objectives at the 33%, 67%, and 100% tank fill level. Complete control over the state of the fluid has been demonstrated using Integrated Refrigeration and Storage (IRAS). Almost any desired point along the H2saturation curve can essentially be "dialed in" and maintained indefinitely. System can also be used to produce densified hydrogen in large quantities to the triple point. Exploring multiple technology infusion paths. Studying implementation of IRAS technology into new LH2sphere for EM-2 at LC39B. Technical interchange also occurring with STMD, LSP, ULA, DoE, KIST, Kawasaki, Shell Oil, SpaceX, US Coast Guard, and Virgin Galactic.

Competing four-wave mixing processes in dispersion oscillating telecom fiber.

PubMed

Finot, Christophe; Fatome, Julien; Sysoliatin, Alexej; Kosolapov, A; Wabnitz, Stefan

2013-12-15

We experimentally study the dynamics of the generation of multiple sidebands by means of a quasi-phase-matched four-wave mixing (FWM) process occurring in a dispersion-oscillating, highly nonlinear optical fiber. The fiber under test is pumped by a ns microchip laser operating in the normal average group-velocity dispersion regime and in the telecom C band. We reveal that the growth of higher-order sidebands is strongly influenced by the competition with cascade FWM between the pump and the first-order quasi-phase matched sidebands. The properties of these competing FWM processes are substantially affected when a partially coherent pump source is used, leading to a drastic reduction of the average power needed for sideband generation.

Chameleon Coatings: Adaptive Surfaces to Reduce Friction and Wear in Extreme Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muratore, C.; Voevodin, A. A.

2009-08-01

Adaptive nanocomposite coating materials that automatically and reversibly adjust their surface composition and morphology via multiple mechanisms are a promising development for the reduction of friction and wear over broad ranges of ambient conditions encountered in aerospace applications, such as cycling of temperature and atmospheric composition. Materials selection for these composites is based on extensive study of interactions occurring between solid lubricants and their surroundings, especially with novel in situ surface characterization techniques used to identify adaptive behavior on size scales ranging from 10-10 to 10-4 m. Recent insights on operative solid-lubricant mechanisms and their dependency upon the ambient environment are reviewed as a basis for a discussion of the state of the art in solid-lubricant materials.

Museum-based programs for socially isolated older adults: Understanding what works.

PubMed

Todd, Carolyn; Camic, Paul M; Lockyer, Bridget; Thomson, Linda J M; Chatterjee, Helen J

2017-11-01

This paper presents research findings that help to understand how museum programs created opportunities to enhance wellbeing and health, and changed experiences of social isolation in older adults. The research conceptualized how program elements enabled both individual experiences and relational processes to occur. These components operated within a context that was enriched by the museum as a place to support wellbeing and enhance social interaction. To meaningfully support socially isolated older people as part of local public health strategies, museums need to be accessible and engaging places that purposively support social interaction by involving people and objects, participating in multiple sessions over time, that are facilitated by skilled and knowledgeable staff. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Geometric Distribution-Based Readers Scheduling Optimization Algorithm Using Artificial Immune System.

PubMed

Duan, Litian; Wang, Zizhong John; Duan, Fu

2016-11-16

In the multiple-reader environment (MRE) of radio frequency identification (RFID) system, multiple readers are often scheduled to interrogate the randomized tags via operating at different time slots or frequency channels to decrease the signal interferences. Based on this, a Geometric Distribution-based Multiple-reader Scheduling Optimization Algorithm using Artificial Immune System (GD-MRSOA-AIS) is proposed to fairly and optimally schedule the readers operating from the viewpoint of resource allocations. GD-MRSOA-AIS is composed of two parts, where a geometric distribution function combined with the fairness consideration is first introduced to generate the feasible scheduling schemes for reader operation. After that, artificial immune system (including immune clone, immune mutation and immune suppression) quickly optimize these feasible ones as the optimal scheduling scheme to ensure that readers are fairly operating with larger effective interrogation range and lower interferences. Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm, the simulation results indicate that GD-MRSOA-AIS could efficiently schedules the multiple readers operating with a fairer resource allocation scheme, performing in larger effective interrogation range.

Geometric Distribution-Based Readers Scheduling Optimization Algorithm Using Artificial Immune System

PubMed Central

Duan, Litian; Wang, Zizhong John; Duan, Fu

2016-01-01

In the multiple-reader environment (MRE) of radio frequency identification (RFID) system, multiple readers are often scheduled to interrogate the randomized tags via operating at different time slots or frequency channels to decrease the signal interferences. Based on this, a Geometric Distribution-based Multiple-reader Scheduling Optimization Algorithm using Artificial Immune System (GD-MRSOA-AIS) is proposed to fairly and optimally schedule the readers operating from the viewpoint of resource allocations. GD-MRSOA-AIS is composed of two parts, where a geometric distribution function combined with the fairness consideration is first introduced to generate the feasible scheduling schemes for reader operation. After that, artificial immune system (including immune clone, immune mutation and immune suppression) quickly optimize these feasible ones as the optimal scheduling scheme to ensure that readers are fairly operating with larger effective interrogation range and lower interferences. Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm, the simulation results indicate that GD-MRSOA-AIS could efficiently schedules the multiple readers operating with a fairer resource allocation scheme, performing in larger effective interrogation range. PMID:27854342

Parametric study of sensor placement for vision-based relative navigation system of multiple spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Junho; Kim, Seungkeun; Suk, Jinyoung

2017-12-01

In order to overcome the limited range of GPS-based techniques, vision-based relative navigation methods have recently emerged as alternative approaches for a high Earth orbit (HEO) or deep space missions. Therefore, various vision-based relative navigation systems use for proximity operations between two spacecraft. For the implementation of these systems, a sensor placement problem can occur on the exterior of spacecraft due to its limited space. To deal with the sensor placement, this paper proposes a novel methodology for a vision-based relative navigation based on multiple position sensitive diode (PSD) sensors and multiple infrared beacon modules. For the proposed method, an iterated parametric study is used based on the farthest point optimization (FPO) and a constrained extended Kalman filter (CEKF). Each algorithm is applied to set the location of the sensors and to estimate relative positions and attitudes according to each combination by the PSDs and beacons. After that, scores for the sensor placement are calculated with respect to parameters: the number of the PSDs, number of the beacons, and accuracy of relative estimates. Then, the best scoring candidate is determined for the sensor placement. Moreover, the results of the iterated estimation show that the accuracy improves dramatically, as the number of the PSDs increases from one to three.

Nonsyndromic Bilateral Multiple Impacted Supernumerary Mandibular Third Molars: A Rare and Unusual Case Report

PubMed Central

Reddy, G. Siva Prasad; Reddy, G. V.; Krishna, I. Venkata; Regonda, Shravan Kumar

2013-01-01

A supernumerary tooth is that which is present additionally to the normal series and can be found in any region of the dental arch. An impacted tooth is defined as the one which is embedded in the alveolus, so that its eruption is prevented, or the tooth is locked in position by bone or the adjacent teeth. The occurrence of multiple supernumerary teeth in only one patient in the absence of an associated systemic condition or syndrome is considered as a rare phenomenon. The occurrence of supernumerary teeth in the lower molar region is rare. A prevalence of less than 2% of cases occurring in this region has been estimated. Their occurrence presents a clinical problem for orthodontists and oral surgeons. The cause, frequency, complications, and surgical operation of impacted teeth are always interesting subjects for study and research. An impacted tooth can result in caries, pulp disease, periapical and periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorder, infection of the fascial space, root resorption of the adjacent tooth, and even oral and maxillofacial tumours. The management of impacted wisdom teeth has changed over the past 20 years from removal of nonsymptomatic third molars to simple observation. The aim of this paper is to present a rare case of bilateral multiple impacted supernumerary mandibular third molars. PMID:23476818

Variation in Treatment of Displaced Geriatric Acetabular Fractures Among 15 Level-I Trauma Centers.

PubMed

Manson, Theodore T; Reider, Lisa; OʼToole, Robert V; Scharfstein, Daniel O; Tornetta, Paul; Gary, Joshua L

2016-09-01

To document the initial treatment of displaced acetabular fractures among older adults across multiple trauma centers and to investigate the factors that influence the decision to operate and the choice of operative procedure [open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) vs. total hip arthroplasty (THA)]. Retrospective observational study. Fifteen US level-I trauma centers participating in the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium. Overall, 269 patients aged 60 years or older admitted for the treatment of a displaced acetabular fracture. None. Treatment. Sixty percent of fractures (n = 162) were treated operatively. Younger age (<80 years), injury from high-energy mechanism, fractures with femoral head impaction, and fractures without hip congruency were significantly associated with receiving operative treatment (P < 0.05). Significant site variation in operative versus nonoperative treatment occurred even after accounting for these factors (P = 0.0044). Among operatively treated patients, 88% (n = 142) received ORIF and 12% (n = 20) received THA as the initial treatment. Women were more likely to be treated with initial THA compared with men; of the known risk factors for poor outcomes with ORIF (ie, dome or roof impaction, femoral head impaction, or posterior wall involvement), only dome impaction was significantly associated with receiving initial THA (P < 0.05). Currently, no treatment guidelines exist for acetabular fractures in older adults, which likely explains the significant site variation in operative versus nonoperative treatment. This study identifies patient and injury factors that drive treatment decisions, which will be important in planning and designing future trials needed to determine the best treatment for these fractures.

Generating Phenotypical Erroneous Human Behavior to Evaluate Human-automation Interaction Using Model Checking

PubMed Central

Bolton, Matthew L.; Bass, Ellen J.; Siminiceanu, Radu I.

2012-01-01

Breakdowns in complex systems often occur as a result of system elements interacting in unanticipated ways. In systems with human operators, human-automation interaction associated with both normative and erroneous human behavior can contribute to such failures. Model-driven design and analysis techniques provide engineers with formal methods tools and techniques capable of evaluating how human behavior can contribute to system failures. This paper presents a novel method for automatically generating task analytic models encompassing both normative and erroneous human behavior from normative task models. The generated erroneous behavior is capable of replicating Hollnagel’s zero-order phenotypes of erroneous action for omissions, jumps, repetitions, and intrusions. Multiple phenotypical acts can occur in sequence, thus allowing for the generation of higher order phenotypes. The task behavior model pattern capable of generating erroneous behavior can be integrated into a formal system model so that system safety properties can be formally verified with a model checker. This allows analysts to prove that a human-automation interactive system (as represented by the model) will or will not satisfy safety properties with both normative and generated erroneous human behavior. We present benchmarks related to the size of the statespace and verification time of models to show how the erroneous human behavior generation process scales. We demonstrate the method with a case study: the operation of a radiation therapy machine. A potential problem resulting from a generated erroneous human action is discovered. A design intervention is presented which prevents this problem from occurring. We discuss how our method could be used to evaluate larger applications and recommend future paths of development. PMID:23105914

Mobile communication devices causing interference in invasive and noninvasive ventilators.

PubMed

Dang, Bao P; Nel, Pierre R; Gjevre, John A

2007-06-01

The aim of this study was to assess if common mobile communication systems would cause significant interference on mechanical ventilation devices and at what distances would such interference occur. We tested all the invasive and noninvasive ventilatory devices used within our region. This consisted of 2 adult mechanical ventilators, 1 portable ventilator, 2 pediatric ventilators, and 2 noninvasive positive pressure ventilatory devices. We operated the mobile devices from the 2 cellular communication systems (digital) and 1 2-way radio system used in our province at varying distances from the ventilators and looked at any interference they created. We tested the 2-way radio system, which had a fixed operation power output of 3.0 watts, the Global Systems for Mobile Communication cellular system, which had a maximum power output of 2.0 watts and the Time Division Multiple Access cellular system, which had a maximum power output of 0.2 watts on our ventilators. The ventilators were ventilating a plastic lung at fixed settings. The mobile communication devices were tested at varying distances starting at zero meter from the ventilator and in all operation modes. The 2-way radio caused the most interference on some of the ventilators, but the maximum distance of interference was 1.0 m. The Global Systems for Mobile Communication system caused significant interference only at 0 m and minor interference at 0.5 m on only 1 ventilator. The Time Division Multiple Access system caused no interference at all. Significant interference consisted of a dramatic rise and fluctuation of the respiratory rate, pressure, and positive end-expiratory pressure of the ventilators with no normalization when the mobile device was removed. From our experiment on our ventilators with the communication systems used in our province, we conclude that mobile communication devices such as cellular phones and 2-way radios are safe and cause no interference unless operated at very close distances of less than 1 meter.

Percutaneous Posterior Transarticular Atlantoaxial Fixation for the Treatment of Odontoid Fractures in the Elderly: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Alhashash, Mohamed; Shousha, Mootaz; Gendy, Hany; Barakat, Ahmed Samir; Boehm, Heinrich

2018-06-01

A prospective study of 20 multimorbid patients older than 65 years undergoing minimally invasive surgical treatment for odontoid fracture. To analyze the results of percutaneous transarticular atlantoaxial screw fixation as a new minimally invasive treatment modality in this high risk group of patients. Odontoid fractures are a common injury pattern in the elderly. These fractures typically present significant challenges as geriatric patients often have multiple comorbidities that may adversely affect fracture management. Despite numerous publications on this subject, with a trend toward primary operative stabilization, the appropriate treatment for this frequent and potentially life threatening injury remains controversial. Between January 2013 and December 2015, 20 consecutive patients underwent posterior percutaneous transarticular atlantoaxial screw fixation for odontoid fracture type II. The two main inclusion criteria were age 65 years or older and ASA score of III or IV. The screws were inserted percutaneously with the help of two fluoroscopy devices. Clinical and radiological examinations were regularly performed for a minimum of 18 months postoperatively. The mean age was 81 years, all of them with multiple comorbidities. Reduction of the fracture and screw insertion was possible in all cases. The mean operative time was 51.75 minutes and mean blood loss was 41.7 mL. Three patients died in the first 3 months after surgery. Healing of the fracture occurred in 15 patients (88.2%). Revision surgery was not necessary in any of the patients. Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) at the final follow-up was 2.4, and mean patient satisfaction score was 7.1. Percutaneous transarticular atlantoaxial fixation in elderly patients offers a good minimally invasive operative treatment in this multimorbid group of patients. This new technique with short operative time is well tolerated by the geriatric patients leading to a healing rate up to 88%. 4.

Multiple enteropathogenic viruses in a gastroenteritis outbreak in a military exercise of the Portuguese Army.

PubMed

Lopes-João, António; Costa, Inês; Mesquita, João R; Oleastro, Mónica; Penha-Gonçalves, Carlos; Nascimento, Maria S J

2015-07-01

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the military populations and can diminish operational effectiveness and impede force readiness. The present study investigates the cause and the source of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak that occurred during a military exercise of the Portuguese Army, in February 2013. A retrospective investigation was performed and stool samples, food items and water were screened for common foodborne bacteria and viruses, namely Norovirus GI, Norovirus GII, Astrovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus and Sapovirus. From the total of 160 soldiers that participated in the military exercise 20 developed gastroenteritis (attack rate of 12.5%). Symptoms were predominantly vomiting (n=17, 85%) and diarrhoea (n=9, 45%). The first cases occurred 24-48h after drinking water from the creek, the plausible origin of the outbreak. The epidemic peak was registered 2 days after and the last cases 6 days after, upon returning to base. No pathogenic bacteria were found in stools however virological analysis revealed the presence of multiple enteropathogenic viruses, namely Norovirus GI (GI.3), Norovirus GII (GII.4 New Orleans 2009), Astrovirus and Sapovirus, as single or co-infections. Food and water samples were not tested for the presence of viruses due to exhaustion of samples on bacteriological analysis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a viral gastroenteritis outbreak among military personnel in the Portuguese Army. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

10 CFR Appendix N to Part 50 - Standardization of Nuclear Power Plant Designs: Permits To Construct and Licenses To Operate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites N Appendix N... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites Section 101... nuclear power reactors of essentially the same design to be located at different sites. 1 1 If the design...

77 FR 22561 - Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks From the People's Republic of China: Correction to Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-16

... with multiple bowls that are joined through a welding operation to form one unit are covered by the... bowls that are joined through a welding operation to form one unit are covered by the scope of the... sinks with multiple drawn bowls that are joined through a welding operation to form one unit are covered...

10 CFR Appendix N to Part 50 - Standardization of Nuclear Power Plant Designs: Permits To Construct and Licenses To Operate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites N Appendix N... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites Section 101... nuclear power reactors of essentially the same design to be located at different sites. 1 1 If the design...

10 CFR Appendix N to Part 50 - Standardization of Nuclear Power Plant Designs: Permits To Construct and Licenses To Operate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites N Appendix N... Construct and Licenses To Operate Nuclear Power Reactors of Identical Design at Multiple Sites Section 101... nuclear power reactors of essentially the same design to be located at different sites. 1 1 If the design...

Distributed Autonomous Control of Multiple Spacecraft During Close Proximity Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

programs may be the XSS-11. The AFRL Space Vehicle Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico developed the XSS-11 in order to exhibit the...the LQR/APF algorithm appears to be a promising new development for the field of multiple spacecraft close proximity maneuver control. Monte...dissertation reports the development of an autonomous distributed control algorithm for multiple spacecraft during close proximity operations

A model of human decision making in multiple process monitoring situations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenstein, J. S.; Rouse, W. B.

1982-01-01

Human decision making in multiple process monitoring situations is considered. It is proposed that human decision making in many multiple process monitoring situations can be modeled in terms of the human's detection of process related events and his allocation of attention among processes once he feels event have occurred. A mathematical model of human event detection and attention allocation performance in multiple process monitoring situations is developed. An assumption made in developing the model is that, in attempting to detect events, the human generates estimates of the probabilities that events have occurred. An elementary pattern recognition technique, discriminant analysis, is used to model the human's generation of these probability estimates. The performance of the model is compared to that of four subjects in a multiple process monitoring situation requiring allocation of attention among processes.

A Novel Method for Reconstructing Broken Contour Lines Extracted from Scanned Topographic Maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feng; Liu, Pingzhi; Yang, Yun; Wei, Haiping; An, Xiaoya

2018-05-01

It is known that after segmentation and morphological operations on scanned topographic maps, gaps occur in contour lines. It is also well known that filling these gaps and reconstruction of contour lines with high accuracy and completeness is not an easy problem. In this paper, a novel method is proposed dedicated in automatic or semiautomatic filling up caps and reconstructing broken contour lines in binary images. The key part of end points' auto-matching and reconnecting is deeply discussed after introducing the procedure of reconstruction, in which some key algorithms and mechanisms are presented and realized, including multiple incremental backing trace to get weighted average direction angle of end points, the max constraint angle control mechanism based on the multiple gradient ranks, combination of weighted Euclidean distance and deviation angle to determine the optimum matching end point, bidirectional parabola control, etc. Lastly, experimental comparisons based on typically samples are complemented between proposed method and the other representative method, the results indicate that the former holds higher accuracy and completeness, better stability and applicability.

Real-time electroholography using a multiple-graphics processing unit cluster system with a single spatial light modulator and the InfiniBand network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niwase, Hiroaki; Takada, Naoki; Araki, Hiromitsu; Maeda, Yuki; Fujiwara, Masato; Nakayama, Hirotaka; Kakue, Takashi; Shimobaba, Tomoyoshi; Ito, Tomoyoshi

2016-09-01

Parallel calculations of large-pixel-count computer-generated holograms (CGHs) are suitable for multiple-graphics processing unit (multi-GPU) cluster systems. However, it is not easy for a multi-GPU cluster system to accomplish fast CGH calculations when CGH transfers between PCs are required. In these cases, the CGH transfer between the PCs becomes a bottleneck. Usually, this problem occurs only in multi-GPU cluster systems with a single spatial light modulator. To overcome this problem, we propose a simple method using the InfiniBand network. The computational speed of the proposed method using 13 GPUs (NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X) was more than 3000 times faster than that of a CPU (Intel Core i7 4770) when the number of three-dimensional (3-D) object points exceeded 20,480. In practice, we achieved ˜40 tera floating point operations per second (TFLOPS) when the number of 3-D object points exceeded 40,960. Our proposed method was able to reconstruct a real-time movie of a 3-D object comprising 95,949 points.

Effects of diet-induced obesity on motivation and pain behavior in an operant assay.

PubMed

Rossi, H L; Luu, A K S; Kothari, S D; Kuburas, A; Neubert, J K; Caudle, R M; Recober, A

2013-04-03

Obesity has been associated with multiple chronic pain disorders, including migraine. We hypothesized that diet-induced obesity would be associated with a reduced threshold for thermal nociception in the trigeminal system. In this study, we sought to examine the effect of diet-induced obesity on facial pain behavior. Mice of two different strains were fed high-fat or regular diet (RD) and tested using a well-established operant facial pain assay. We found that the effects of diet on behavior in this assay were strain and reward dependent. Obesity-prone C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) display lower number of licks of a caloric, palatable reward (33% sweetened condensed milk or 30% sucrose) than control mice. This occurred at all temperatures, in both sexes, and was evident even before the onset of obesity. This diminished reward-seeking behavior was not observed in obesity-resistant SKH1-E (SK) mice. These findings suggest that diet and strain interact to modulate reward-seeking behavior. Furthermore, we observed a difference between diet groups in operant behavior with caloric, palatable rewards, but not with a non-caloric neutral reward (water). Importantly, we found no effect of diet-induced obesity on acute thermal nociception in the absence of inflammation or injury. This indicates that thermal sensation in the face is not affected by obesity-associated peripheral neuropathy as it occurs when studying pain behaviors in the rodent hindpaw. Future studies using this model may reveal whether obesity facilitates the development of chronic pain after injury or inflammation. Copyright © 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Bile Drainage Methods after Laparoscopic CBD Exploration.

PubMed

Kwon, Seong Uk; Choi, In Seok; Moon, Ju Ik; Ra, Yu Mi; Lee, Sang Eok; Choi, Won Jun; Yoon, Dae Sung; Min, Hyun Sik

2011-05-01

T-tube is a major procedure that prevents complication by biliary decompression, but which is accompanied by complications. Therefore, several procedures such as ENBD, PTBD, and antegrade biliary stent have been attempted, but with controversies as to which procedure is superior. Also, there are no standard procedures after laparoscopic CBD exploration. We performed this study to ascertain the most appropriate biliary drainage procedure after laparoscopic CBD exploration. From March 2001 to December 2009, 121 patients who underwent Laparoscopic CBD exploration in Gunyang University were included for retrospective analysis. The patients were divided to 4 groups according to type of procedure, and we compared clinical parameters including age and gender, operation time, hospital stay, start of post-operative diet, and complications. There was no difference in age, gender, mean operation time, postoperative diet between the 4 groups. Hospital stay in the Stent group was shorter than T-tube group. There were 10 (7%) complications that occurred. Two 2 occurred in the T-tube, 3 in PTBD, and 5 in the Antegrade stent group. There were more complications in Stent group but no significant statistical difference. In 5 cases with remnant CBD stone, a total of 4 (3 PTBD, 1 Stent) was performed by endoscopic CBD stone removal. One T-tube case was removed easily by choledochoscopy through the T-tube. Three migrated and the impacted stents were removed by additional endoscopy. Perioperative biliary leakage (1) and peritonitis (1) post t-tube removal were resolved by conservative treatment. T-tube appears to be an appropriate method to patients who are suspected to have remnant CBD stones. Multiple procedures may be performed on a case by case basis such as performing PTBD first in a suspected cholangitis patient.

Early Post-Operative Outcomes and Blood Product Utilization in Adult Cardiac Surgery- The Post Aprotinin Era

PubMed Central

DeSantis, Stacia; Toole, J. Matthew; Kratz, John M.; Uber, Walter E.; Wheat, Margaret J.; Stroud, Martha R.; Ikonomidis, John S.; Spinale, Francis G.

2011-01-01

Background Aprotinin was a commonly utilized pharmacological agent for homeostasis in cardiac surgery but was discontinued resulting in the extensive use of lysine analogues. This study tested the hypothesis that early post-operative adverse events and blood product utilization would affected in this post-aprotinin era. Methods/Results Adult patients (n=781) undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG), valve replacement, or both from November 1, 2005-October 31, 2008 at a single institution were included. Multiple logistic regression modeling and propensity scoring were performed on 29 pre-operative and intra-operative variables in patients receiving aprotinin (n=325) or lysine analogues (n=456). The propensity adjusted relative risk (RR;95% confidence interval;CI) for the intra-operative use of packed red blood cells (RR:0.75;CI:0.57–0.99), fresh frozen plasma (RR:0.37;0.21–0.64), and cryoprecipitate (RR:0.06;CI:0.02–0.22) were lower in the aprotinin versus lysine analogue group (all p<0.05). The risk for mortality (RR:0.53;CI:0.16–1.79) and neurological events (RR:0.87;CI:0.35–2.18) remained similar between groups, whereas a trend for reduced risk for renal dysfunction was observed in the aprotinin group. Conclusions In the post-aprotinin era with the exclusive use of lysine analogues, the relative risk of early post-operative outcomes such as mortality and renal dysfunction have not improved, but the risk for the intra-operative use of blood products has increased. Thus, improvements in early post-operative outcomes have not been realized with the discontinued use of aprotinin, but rather increased blood product utilization has occurred with the attendant costs and risks inherent with this strategy. PMID:21911820

Evolution of surgical therapy for Stanford acute type A aortic dissection

PubMed Central

Chiu, Peter

2016-01-01

Acute type A aortic dissection (AcA-AoD) is a surgical emergency associated with very high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the early outcome of emergency surgical repair has not improved substantially over the last 20 years. Many of the same debates occur repeatedly regarding operative extent and optimal conduct of the operation. The question remains: are patients suffering from too large an operation or too small? The pendulum favoring routine aortic valve resuspension, when feasible, has swung towards frequent aortic root replacement. This already aggressive approach is now being challenged with the even more extensive valve-sparing aortic root replacement (V-SARR) in selected patients. Distally, open replacement of most of the transverse arch is best in most patients. The need for late aortic re-intervention has not been shown to be affected by more extensive distal operative procedures, but the contemporary enthusiasm for a distal frozen elephant trunk (FET) only seems to build. It must be remembered that the first and foremost goal of the operation is to have an operative survivor; additional measures to reduce late morbidity are secondary aspirations. With increasing experience, true contraindications to emergency surgical operation have dwindled, but patients with advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and major neurological deficits do not fare well. The endovascular revolution, moreover, has spawned innovative options for modern practice, including ascending stent graft and adaptations of the old flap fenestration technique. Despite the increasingly complex operations and ever expanding therapies, this life-threatening disease remains a stubborn challenge for all cardiovascular surgeons. Development of specialized thoracic aortic teams and regionalization of care for patients with AcA-AoD offers the most promise to improve overall results. PMID:27563541

Theoretical lower bounds for parallel pipelined shift-and-add constant multiplications with n-input arithmetic operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz Jiménez, Miriam Guadalupe; Meyer Baese, Uwe; Jovanovic Dolecek, Gordana

2017-12-01

New theoretical lower bounds for the number of operators needed in fixed-point constant multiplication blocks are presented. The multipliers are constructed with the shift-and-add approach, where every arithmetic operation is pipelined, and with the generalization that n-input pipelined additions/subtractions are allowed, along with pure pipelining registers. These lower bounds, tighter than the state-of-the-art theoretical limits, are particularly useful in early design stages for a quick assessment in the hardware utilization of low-cost constant multiplication blocks implemented in the newest families of field programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuits.

Right-Brain/Left-Brain Integrated Associative Processor Employing Convertible Multiple-Instruction-Stream Multiple-Data-Stream Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayakawa, Hitoshi; Ogawa, Makoto; Shibata, Tadashi

2005-04-01

A very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) architecture for a multiple-instruction-stream multiple-data-stream (MIMD) associative processor has been proposed. The processor employs an architecture that enables seamless switching from associative operations to arithmetic operations. The MIMD element is convertible to a regular central processing unit (CPU) while maintaining its high performance as an associative processor. Therefore, the MIMD associative processor can perform not only on-chip perception, i.e., searching for the vector most similar to an input vector throughout the on-chip cache memory, but also arithmetic and logic operations similar to those in ordinary CPUs, both simultaneously in parallel processing. Three key technologies have been developed to generate the MIMD element: associative-operation-and-arithmetic-operation switchable calculation units, a versatile register control scheme within the MIMD element for flexible operations, and a short instruction set for minimizing the memory size for program storage. Key circuit blocks were designed and fabricated using 0.18 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. As a result, the full-featured MIMD element is estimated to be 3 mm2, showing the feasibility of an 8-parallel-MIMD-element associative processor in a single chip of 5 mm× 5 mm.

Pre-operative factors indicating risk of multiple operations versus a single operation in women undergoing surgery for screen detected breast cancer.

PubMed

O'Flynn, E A M; Currie, R J; Mohammed, K; Allen, S D; Michell, M J

2013-02-01

We aim to identify preoperative factors at diagnosis which could predict whether women undergoing wide local excision (WLE) would require further operations. 1593 screen-detected invasive and non-invasive breast cancers were reviewed. Age, presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive cancer size on mammography, mammographic sign, tumour type, grade and confidence of the radiologist in malignancy were compared. 83%(1315/1593) of women had a WLE. Of these, 70%(919/1315) had a single operation, and 30%(396/1315) multiple operations. These included repeat WLE to clear margins (60%(238/396)), mastectomy (34%(133/396)) and axillary dissection (6%(25/396)). The presence of mammographic microcalcification, lobular carcinoma and grade 2 malignancy on core biopsy were independent risk factors for multiple operations on multivariate analysis. Women with mammographic DCIS >30 mm were 3.4 times more likely to undergo repeat surgery than those with smaller foci. The multidisciplinary team should pay particular attention to these factors when planning surgery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fetal head circumference and subpubic angle are independent risk factors for unplanned cesarean and operative delivery.

PubMed

Rizzo, Giuseppe; Aiello, Elisa; Bosi, Costanza; D'Antonio, Francesco; Arduini, Domenico

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether combined ultrasound assessment of fetal head circumference (HC) and maternal subpubic angle (SPA) prior to the onset of labor may predict the likelihood of an unplanned operative delivery (UOD) in nulliparous women at term. Prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies in cephalic presentation. Pregnancies experiencing UOD secondary to fetal distress were excluded. HC was assessed transabdominally and SPA values were obtained from a reconstructed coronal plane on three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound performed translabially at 36-38 weeks of gestation. Maternal characteristics, HC expressed as multiple of median, and SPA were compared according to the mode of delivery. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were used to analyze the data. 597 pregnancies were included in the study. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 70.2% of the cases and UOD was required in 29.8%. There was no difference in pregnancy characteristics and birthweight between women who had a spontaneous vaginal birth compared with UOD. The HC multiple of median was larger (1.00 ± 0.02 vs. 1.03 ± 0.02, p ≤ 0.0001), whereas SPA was narrower in the UOD group (124.02 ± 13.64 vs. 102.61 ± 16.13, p ≤ 0.0001). At logistic regression, SPA (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.89-0.93), HC multiple of median (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-1.17) and maternal height (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99) were independently associated with UOD. When combined, the diagnostic accuracy of a predictive model integrating HC, SPA and maternal height was highly predictive of UOD with an area under the curve of 0.904 (95% CI 0.88-0.93). Ultrasound assessment of fetal HC and maternal SPA after 36 weeks of gestation can identify a subset of women at higher risk of UOD during labor, for whom early planned delivery might be beneficial. © 2017 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Intermittent Drug Dosing Intervals Guided by the Operational Multiple Dosing Half Lives for Predictable Plasma Accumulation and Fluctuation

PubMed Central

Grover, Anita; Benet, Leslie Z.

2013-01-01

Intermittent drug dosing intervals are usually initially guided by the terminal pharmacokinetic half life and are dependent on drug formulation. For chronic multiple dosing and for extended release dosage forms, the terminal half life often does not predict the plasma drug accumulation or fluctuation observed. We define and advance applications for the operational multiple dosing half lives for drug accumulation and fluctuation after multiple oral dosing at steady-state. Using Monte Carlo simulation, our results predict a way to maximize the operational multiple dosing half lives relative to the terminal half life by using a first-order absorption rate constant close to the terminal elimination rate constant in the design of extended release dosage forms. In this way, drugs that may be eliminated early in the development pipeline due to a relatively short half life can be formulated to be dosed at intervals three times the terminal half life, maximizing compliance, while maintaining tight plasma concentration accumulation and fluctuation ranges. We also present situations in which the operational multiple dosing half lives will be especially relevant in the determination of dosing intervals, including for drugs that follow a direct PKPD model and have a narrow therapeutic index, as the rate of concentration decrease after chronic multiple dosing (that is not the terminal half life) can be determined via simulation. These principles are illustrated with case studies on valproic acid, diazepam, and anti-hypertensives. PMID:21499748

Very Early Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage within 5 Post-operative Days: a More Severe Subtype Needs Relaparatomy

PubMed Central

Li, Yi-Wei; Lian, Peng; Huang, Ben; Zheng, Hong-Tu; Wang, Ming-He; Gu, Wei-Lie; Li, Xin-Xiang; Xu, Ye; Cai, San-Jun

2017-01-01

Early anastomotic leakage (AL), usually defined as leakage within 30 post-operative days, represents a severe entity. However, mounting evidence has indicated that majorities of leakage occur within one week after surgery, making late AL rarity. Here we analyzed 101 consecutive colorectal AL, all of which occurred within 30 post-operative days, during Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 in cancer hospital of Fudan University. AL occurring within 5 post-operative days was defined as very early AL (vE-AL). We evaluated risk factors of vE-AL compared with non-vEAL and correlated with post-leakage peritonitis and need of relaparatomy. We found that AL occurred at median time of 7 days after surgery. 23 cases were vE-AL. Reconstruction of post-peritoneum for mid-low rectal carcinoma significantly reduced incidence of vE-AL compared with non-vE-AL (p = 0.042). Patients with vE-AL was associated with presence of peritonitis (p = 0.031), the latter significantly correlated with increased re-operation rate (p = 6.8E-13). Besides, patients with vE-AL trended to correlate with increased re-operation rate after leakage (p = 0.088). In concludsion, vE-AL occurring within 5 post-operative days represents a severe subtype associated with general peritonitis and need of relaparatomy. PMID:28084305

Higher-level fusion for military operations based on abductive inference: proof of principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pantaleev, Aleksandar V.; Josephson, John

2006-04-01

The ability of contemporary military commanders to estimate and understand complicated situations already suffers from information overload, and the situation can only grow worse. We describe a prototype application that uses abductive inferencing to fuse information from multiple sensors to evaluate the evidence for higher-level hypotheses that are close to the levels of abstraction needed for decision making (approximately JDL levels 2 and 3). Abductive inference (abduction, inference to the best explanation) is a pattern of reasoning that occurs naturally in diverse settings such as medical diagnosis, criminal investigations, scientific theory formation, and military intelligence analysis. Because abduction is part of common-sense reasoning, implementations of it can produce reasoning traces that are very human understandable. Automated abductive inferencing can be deployed to augment human reasoning, taking advantage of computation to process large amounts of information, and to bypass limits to human attention and short-term memory. We illustrate the workings of the prototype system by describing an example of its use for small-unit military operations in an urban setting. Knowledge was encoded as it might be captured prior to engagement from a standard military decision making process (MDMP) and analysis of commander's priority intelligence requirements (PIR). The system is able to reasonably estimate the evidence for higher-level hypotheses based on information from multiple sensors. Its inference processes can be examined closely to verify correctness. Decision makers can override conclusions at any level and changes will propagate appropriately.

Agile Science Operations: A New Approach for Primitive Exploration Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, Steve A.; Thompson, David R.; Castillo-Rogez, Julie C.; Doyle, Richard; Estlin, Tara; Mclaren, David

2012-01-01

Primitive body exploration missions such as potential Comet Surface Sample Return or Trojan Tour and Rendezvous would challenge traditional operations practices. Earth-based observations would provide only basic understanding before arrival and many science goals would be defined during the initial rendezvous. It could be necessary to revise trajectories and observation plans to quickly characterize the target for safe, effective observations. Detection of outgassing activity and monitoring of comet surface activity are even more time constrained, with events occurring faster than round-trip light time. "Agile science operations" address these challenges with contingency plans that recognize the intrinsic uncertainty in the operating environment and science objectives. Planning for multiple alternatives can significantly improve the time required to repair and validate spacecraft command sequences. When appropriate, time-critical decisions can be automated and shifted to the spacecraft for immediate access to instrument data. Mirrored planning systems on both sides of the light-time gap permit transfer of authority back and forth as needed. We survey relevant science objectives, identifying time bottlenecks and the techniques that could be used to speed missions' reaction to new science data. Finally, we discuss the results of a trade study simulating agile observations during flyby and comet rendezvous scenarios. These experiments quantify instrument coverage of key surface features as a function of planning turnaround time. Careful application of agile operations techniques can play a significant role in realizing the Decadal Survey plan for primitive body exploration

Drug-Induced by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Recurrent Pericardial Effusion After Mitral Valve Repair.

PubMed

Haydari, Aghigh; Sabzi, Feridoun; Dabiri, Samsam; Poormotaabed, Alireza

2017-09-01

We report a patient presented with recurrent pericardial effusion caused by drug-induced systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE) following mitral valve repair. The surgery was complicated by hemiparesis and convulsion in early postoperative period. The patient had been received carbamazepine for a paroxysmal seizure that occurred following mitral valve repair. The post operative computed tomography showed embolic stroke and its sequel (seizure) that treated with carbamazepine. In the 3rd month of follow-up, however, hemiparesis recovered by physiotherapy but carbamazepine was not discontinued as by request of neurologist. In the 6th month of surgery, the patient admitted by dyspnea and massive pericardial effusion that treated by subxiphoid drainage. This event was re occurred in two times in a short time frame and each event treated by surgical approach. The serologic exam in the last admission revealed drug-induced lupus erythematosus. The carbamazepine as an anti convulsive drug has been described to cause LE like disease in multiple case reports. Laboratory exam exhibited the possibility of carbamazepine-induced lupus in our case, with the extremely rare presentation of recurrent massive pericardial effusion.

A case study of the intrinsic bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons

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

Barker, G.W.; Raterman, K.T.; Fisher, J.B.

1995-12-31

Condensate liquids have been found to contaminate soil and groundwater at two gas production sites in the Denver Basin operated by Amoco Production Co. These sites have been closely monitored since July 1993 to determine whether intrinsic aerobic or anaerobic bioremediation of hydrocarbons occurs at a sufficient rate and to an adequate endpoint to support a no-intervention decision. Groundwater monitoring and analysis of soil cores suggest that intrinsic bioremediation is occurring at these sites by multiple pathways including aerobic oxidation, Fe{sup 3+} reduction, and sulfate reduction. In laboratory experiments the addition of gas condensate hydrocarbons to saturated soil from themore » gas production site stimulated sulfate reduction under anaerobic and oxygen-limiting conditions, and nitrate and Fe{sup 3+} reduction under oxygen-limiting conditions, compared to biotic controls that lacked hydrocarbon and sterile controls. The sulfate reduction corresponded to a reduction in the amount of toluene relative to other hydrocarbons. These results confirmed that subsurface soils at the gas production site have the potential for intrinsic bioremediation of hydrocarbons.« less

Management of lower-extremity deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta with extensible intramedullary rod technique: a 20-year experience.

PubMed

Luhmann, S J; Sheridan, J J; Capelli, A M; Schoenecker, P L

1998-01-01

Twelve patients (seven boys, five girls) who had osteogenesis imperfecta were treated with an extensible-rod system in 21 femurs and 15 tibias. Indications for use of extensible rods were multiple fractures, long-bone deformity prohibiting bracing and ambulation, and significant remaining linear growth. The average patient age at the time of placement of the extensible rods was 6 + 8 years (range, 2 + 4-10 + 10). Six femurs were treated with overlapping Rush rods; Bailey-Dubow rods were used in the remaining femurs and in all tibias. The average length of follow-up was 5 + 9 years (range, 2 + 0-3 + 2). Preoperatively, four of the 12 patients had never walked; postoperatively, all were ambulators with varying levels of assistance. Fourteen complications occurred, 12 of which required operative revision of the extensible rods. The average time between primary extensible rodding and revision was 5 + 1 years. No complications have occurred to date related to the use of overlapping Rush rods. No growth disturbance resulted from the use of the extensible-rod systems.

Simultaneous Deep-Ocean Operations With Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoerger, D. R.; Bowen, A. D.; Bradley, A. M.

2005-12-01

The complimentary capabilities of autonomous and remotely vehicles can be obtained more efficiently if two or more vehicles can be deployed simultaneously from a single vessel. Simultaneous operations make better use of ship time and personnel. However, such operations require specific technical capabilities and careful scheduling. We recently demonstrated several key capabilities on the VISIONS05 cruise to the Juan de Fuca Ridge, where the Autonomous Benthic Explorer (ABE) and the ROV Jason 2 were operated simultaneously. The cruise featured complex ROV operations ranging from servicing seismic instruments, water sampling, drilling, and installation of in-situ experiments. The AUV provided detailed near-bottom bathymetry of the Endeavour segment while concurrently providing a cable route survey for a primary Canadian Neptune node. To meet these goals, we had to operate both vehicles at the same time. In previous efforts, we have operated ABE in a coordinated fashion with either the submersible Alvin or Jason 2. But the vehicles were either deployed sequentially or they were operated in separate acoustic transponder nets with the restriction that the vessel recover the AUV within a reasonable period after it reached the surface to avoid loss of the AUV. During the VISIONS05 cruise, we operated both vehicles at the same time and demonstrated several key capabilities to make simultaneous operations more efficient. These include the ability of the AUV to anchor to the seafloor after its batteries were expended or if a fault occurred, allowing complex ROV operations to run to completion without the constraint of retrieving the AUV at a specific time. The anchoring system allowed the vehicle to rest near the seafloor on a short mooring in a low power state. The AUV returned to the surface either through an acoustic command from the vessel or when a preassigned time was reached. We also tested an experimental acoustic beacon system that can allow multiple vehicles to determine their position without interfering with each other.

Multiple multicontrol unitary operations: Implementation and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Qing

2018-04-01

The efficient implementation of computational tasks is critical to quantum computations. In quantum circuits, multicontrol unitary operations are important components. Here, we present an extremely efficient and direct approach to multiple multicontrol unitary operations without decomposition to CNOT and single-photon gates. With the proposed approach, the necessary two-photon operations could be reduced from O( n 3) with the traditional decomposition approach to O( n), which will greatly relax the requirements and make large-scale quantum computation feasible. Moreover, we propose the potential application to the ( n- k)-uniform hypergraph state.

Multiple and configurable optical logic systems based on layered double hydroxides and chromophore assemblies.

PubMed

Shi, Wenying; Fu, Yi; Li, Zhixiong; Wei, Min

2015-01-14

Multiple and configurable fluorescence logic gates were fabricated via self-assembly of layered double hydroxides and various chromophores. These logic gates were operated by observation of different emissions with the same excitation wavelength, which achieve YES, NOT, AND, INH and INHIBIT logic operations, respectively.

5 CFR 532.279 - Special wage schedules for printing positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Opaquer 4 Offset Press Helper 5 Bindery Machine Operator (Helper) 5 Film Assembler-Stripper (Single Flat-Single Color) 5 Platemaker (Single Color) 5 Film Assembler-Stripper (Partial and Composite Flats) 7... Cutter) 8 Bindery Machine Operator (Power Folder) 8 Film Assembler-Stripper (Multiple Flat-Multiple Color...

5 CFR 532.279 - Special wage schedules for printing positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Opaquer 4 Offset Press Helper 5 Bindery Machine Operator (Helper) 5 Film Assembler-Stripper (Single Flat-Single Color) 5 Platemaker (Single Color) 5 Film Assembler-Stripper (Partial and Composite Flats) 7... Cutter) 8 Bindery Machine Operator (Power Folder) 8 Film Assembler-Stripper (Multiple Flat-Multiple Color...

Evolution of multiple sclerosis in France since the beginning of hepatitis B vaccination.

PubMed

Le Houézec, Dominique

2014-12-01

Since the implementation of the mass vaccination campaign against hepatitis B in France, the appearance of multiple sclerosis, sometimes occurring in the aftermath of vaccinations, led to the publication of epidemiological international studies. This was also justified by the sharp increase in the annual incidence of multiple sclerosis reported to the French health insurance in the mid-1990s. Almost 20 years later, a retrospective reflection can be sketched from these official data and also from the national pharmacovigilance agency. Statistical data from these latter sources seem to show a significant correlation between the number of hepatitis B vaccinations performed and the declaration to the pharmacovigilance of multiple sclerosis occurring between 1 and 2 years later. The application of the Hill's criteria to these data indicates that the correlation between hepatitis B vaccine and multiple sclerosis may be causal.

40 CFR 265.118 - Post-closure plan; amendment of plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...: (i) Changes in operating plans or facility design affect the post-closure plan, or (ii) Events which... operation, or no later than 60 days after an unexpected event has occurred which has affected the post... operation, or no more than 60 days after an unexpected event has occurred which has affected the post...

40 CFR 265.118 - Post-closure plan; amendment of plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...: (i) Changes in operating plans or facility design affect the post-closure plan, or (ii) Events which... operation, or no later than 60 days after an unexpected event has occurred which has affected the post... operation, or no more than 60 days after an unexpected event has occurred which has affected the post...

Arthrodesis of the knee with a vascularized fibular rotatory graft.

PubMed

Rasmussen, M R; Bishop, A T; Wood, M B

1995-05-01

We retrospectively reviewed the records of thirteen patients who had been managed with an arthrodesis of the knee with use of a vascularized graft from the ipsilateral fibula and fixation with an intramedullary rod. The indications for the operation included a large skeletal defect secondary to the resection of a tumor about the knee in eight patients, an infection at the site of an arthroplasty in four (with failure of a previous conventional arthrodesis in three of the four), and severe rheumatoid gonarthrosis as well as a persistent non-union of the distal part of the femur in one. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was forty-three years (range, twenty-six to seventy-six years). Most of the patients had had multiple previous procedures (thirty-three operations had been performed in ten patients). Twelve of the thirteen patients had a solid fusion and a successful result after an average duration of follow-up of fifty-one months (range, eight to ninety-three months). The remaining patient, who had had four previous arthroplasties, had a recurrence of an infection seven months after the operation and was managed with an amputation. Six complications--including two superficial wound infections, one deep wound infection, one deep venous thrombosis, one transient peroneal-nerve palsy, and one delayed union--occurred in three patients.

Integration of RGB "Dust" Imagery to Operations at the Albuqueque Forecast Office

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuell, Kevin; Guyer, Brian

2014-01-01

The NASA/Short-term Prediction, Research, and Transition (SPoRT) Program has been providing unique Red-Green-Blue (RGB) composite imagery to its operational partners since 2005. In the early years of activity these RGB products were related to a True Color RGB, showing what one's own eyes would see if looking down at earth from space, as well as a Snow-Cloud RGB (i.e. False Color), separating clouds from snow on the ground. More recently SPoRT has used the EUMETSAT Best Practices standards for RGB composites to transition a wide array of imagery for multiple uses. A "Dust" RGB product has had particular use at the Albuquerque, New Mexico WFO. Several cases have occurred where users were able to isolate dust plume locations for mesoscale and microscale events during day and night time conditions. In addition the "Dust" RGB can be used for more than just detection of dust as it is sensitive to the changes in density due to atmospheric moisture content. Hence low-level dry boundaries can often be discriminated. This type of imagery is a large change from the single channel imagery typically used by operational forecast staff and hence, can be a challenge to interpret. This presentation aims to discuss the integration of such new imagery into operational use as well as the benefits assessed by the Albuquerque WFO over several documented events.

Integration of RGB "Dust" Imagery to Operations at the Albuquerque Forecast Office

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuell, Kevin; Guyer, Brian

2014-01-01

The NASA/Short-term Prediction, Research, and Transition (SPoRT) Program has been providing unique Red-Green-Blue (RGB) composite imagery to its operational partners since 2005. In the early years of activity these RGB products were related to a True Color RGB, showing what one's own eyes would see if looking down at earth from space, as well as a Snow-Cloud RGB (i.e. False Color), separating clouds from snow on the ground. More recently SPoRT has used the EUMETSAT Best Practices standards for RGB composites to transition a wide array of imagery for multiple uses. A "Dust" RGB product has had particular use at the Albuquerque, New Mexico WFO. Several cases have occurred where users were able to isolate dust plume locations for mesoscale and microscale events during day and night time conditions. In addition the "Dust" RGB can be used for more than just detection of dust as it is sensitive to the changes in density due to atmospheric moisture content. Hence low-level dry boundaries can often be discriminated. This type of imagery is a large change from the single channel imagery typically used by operational forecast staff and hence, can be a challenge to interpret. This presentation aims to discuss the integration of such new imagery into operational use as well as the benefits assessed by the Albuquerque WFO over several documented events.

Charging system with galvanic isolation and multiple operating modes

DOEpatents

Kajouke, Lateef A.; Perisic, Milun; Ransom, Ray M.

2013-01-08

Systems and methods are provided for operating a charging system with galvanic isolation adapted for multiple operating modes. A vehicle charging system comprises a DC interface, an AC interface, a first conversion module coupled to the DC interface, and a second conversion module coupled to the AC interface. An isolation module is coupled between the first conversion module and the second conversion module. The isolation module comprises a transformer and a switching element coupled between the transformer and the second conversion module. The transformer and the switching element are cooperatively configured for a plurality of operating modes, wherein each operating mode of the plurality of operating modes corresponds to a respective turns ratio of the transformer.

Surgical results for active endocarditis with prosthetic valve replacement: impact of culture-negative endocarditis on early and late outcomes.

PubMed

Murashita, Toshifumi; Sugiki, Hiroshi; Kamikubo, Yasuhiro; Yasuda, Keishu

2004-12-01

Surgical treatment of active infective endocarditis requires not only hemodynamic repair, but also special emphasis on the eradication of the infectious focus to prevent recurrence. This goal can be achieved by the combination of aggressive debridement of infective tissue and appropriate and adequate antibiotic treatment. We reviewed our experience with active endocarditis and identified factors determining early and late outcomes, particularly focusing on the factor of culture-negative endocarditis. Sixty seven patients with clinical evidence of active endocarditis who underwent operation between 1991 and 2001 were evaluated. The aortic valve was infected in 28 (42%), the mitral valve in 23 (34%), and multiple valves in 16 (24%). Native valve endocarditis was present in 58 (87%) and prosthetic valve endocarditis in 9 (13%). Mean follow-up was 5.7 years (range, 0.2-11.5 years). Microorganisms were detected in 46 (69%): Staphylococcus aureus in 9 (13%), other staphylococci in 9 (13%), streptococcus species in 19 (28%), and others in 9 (28%), whereas 21 (31%) patients had culture-negative endocarditis. Operative mortality was 17.8% (12 patients). Reoperation was required in 8 (12%), while 3 late deaths (5.5% of hospital survivors) occurred. All events, including death, reoperation, periprosthetic leak, and recurrence of infection, occurred within 2 years after operation. Actuarial freedom from reoperation, late survival, and events at 5 years were 81.6, 76.4, and 68.6%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, no independent adverse predictor was detected for hospital death, whereas the following independent adverse predictors were identified: preoperative heart failure (P=0.0375), prosthetic valve endocarditis (P=0.0391) and culture-negative endocarditis (P=0.0354) for poor late survival; culture-negative endocarditis (P=0.0354) and annular abscess (P=0066) for poor event-free survival. Freedom from events was similar between patients with Staphylococcus aureus infection (3-year freedom 55.6%) and culture-negative endocarditis (3-year freedom 47.6%), whereas events were significantly low in patients with streptococcus infection (3-year freedom 100%). In our analysis, no independent adverse predictor was detected for hospital death; however, culture-negative endocarditis was identified as an independent predictor for both late survival and events after surgery. Event-free survivals were similar between staphylococcus infection and culture-negative endocarditis, and all events occurred within 2 years after operation, suggesting the necessity of close follow-up during that period.

Extensible Adaptable Simulation Systems: Supporting Multiple Fidelity Simulations in a Common Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McLaughlin, Brian J.; Barrett, Larry K.

2012-01-01

Common practice in the development of simulation systems is meeting all user requirements within a single instantiation. The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) presents a unique challenge to establish a simulation environment that meets the needs of a diverse user community while also spanning a multi-mission environment over decades of operation. In response, the JPSS Flight Vehicle Test Suite (FVTS) is architected with an extensible infrastructure that supports the operation of multiple observatory simulations for a single mission and multiple mission within a common system perimeter. For the JPSS-1 satellite, multiple fidelity flight observatory simulations are necessary to support the distinct user communities consisting of the Common Ground System development team, the Common Ground System Integration & Test team, and the Mission Rehearsal Team/Mission Operations Team. These key requirements present several challenges to FVTS development. First, the FVTS must ensure all critical user requirements are satisfied by at least one fidelity instance of the observatory simulation. Second, the FVTS must allow for tailoring of the system instances to function in diverse operational environments from the High-security operations environment at NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) to the ground system factory floor. Finally, the FVTS must provide the ability to execute sustaining engineering activities on a subset of the system without impacting system availability to parallel users. The FVTS approach of allowing for multiple fidelity copies of observatory simulations represents a unique concept in simulator capability development and corresponds to the JPSS Ground System goals of establishing a capability that is flexible, extensible, and adaptable.

Semantic Structures of One-Step Word Problems Involving Multiplication or Division.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Siegbert; Weiser, Werner

1995-01-01

Proposes a four-category classification of semantic structures of one-step word problems involving multiplication and division: forming the n-th multiple of measures, combinatorial multiplication, composition of operators, and multiplication by formula. This classification is compatible with semantic structures of addition and subtraction word…

Prevalence of hypopituitarism after intracranial operations not directly associated with the pituitary gland.

PubMed

Fleck, Steffen Kristian; Wallaschofski, Henri; Rosenstengel, Christian; Matthes, Marc; Kohlmann, Thomas; Nauck, Matthias; Schroeder, Henry Werner Siegfried; Spielhagen, Christin

2013-11-04

Over the last few years, awareness and detection rates of hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has steadily increased. Moreover, recent studies have found that a clinically relevant number of patients develop pituitary insufficiency after intracranial operations and radiation treatment for non-pituitary tumors. But, in a substantial portion of more than 40%, the hypopituitarism already exists before surgery. We sought to determine the frequency, pattern, and severity of endocrine disturbances using basal and advanced dynamic pituitary testing following non-pituitary intracranial procedures. 51 patients (29 women, 22 men) with a mean age of 55 years (range of 20 to 75 years) underwent prospective evaluation of basal parameters and pituitary function testing (combined growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)/arginine test, insulin tolerance test (ITT), low dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test), performed 5 to 168 months (median 47.2 months) after intracranial operation (4 patients had additional radiation and 2 patients received additional radiation combined with chemotherapy). We discovered an overall rate of hypopituitarism with distinct magnitude in 64.7% (solitary in 45.1%, multiple in 19.6%, complete in 0%). Adrenocorticotropic hormone insufficiency was found in 51.0% (partial in 41.2%, complete in 9.8%) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurred in 31.4% (partial in 25.5%, severe in 5.9%). Thyrotropic hormone deficiency was not identified. The frequency of hypogonadism was 9.1% in men. Pituitary deficits were associated with operations both in close proximity to the sella turcica and more distant regions (p = 0.91). Age (p = 0.76) and gender (p = 0.24) did not significantly differ across patients with versus those without hormonal deficiencies. Groups did not significantly differ across pathology and operation type (p = 0.07). Hypopituitarism occurs more frequently than expected in patients who have undergone neurosurgical intracranial procedures for conditions other then pituitary tumors or may already exists in a neurosurgical population before surgery. Pituitary function testing and adequate substitution may be warranted for neurosurgical patients with intracranial pathologies at least if unexplained symptoms like fatigue, weakness, altered mental activity, and decreased exercise tolerance are present.

Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma)—Patient Version

Cancer.gov

Plasma cell neoplasms occur when abnormal plasma cells form cancerous tumors. When there is only one tumor, the disease is called a plasmacytoma. When there are multiple tumors, it is called multiple myeloma. Start here to find information on plasma cell neoplasms treatment, research, and statistics.

Cementation and Aqueous Alteration of a Sandstone Unit Under Acidic Conditions in Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, A. S.; Blake, D. F.; Ming, D. W.; Morris, R. V.; Gellert, R.; Clark, B.; Vaniman, D. T.; Chipera, S. J.; Thompson, L. M.; Bristow, T. F.;

Multimegawatt potassium Rankine power for nuclear electric power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rovang, Richard D.; Mills, Joseph C.; Baumeister, Ernie B.

1991-01-01

A cermet fueled potassium rankine power system concept has been developed for various power ranges and operating lifetimes. This concept utilizes a single primary lithium loop to transport thermal energy from the reactor to the boiler. Multiple, independent potassium loops are employed to achieve the required reliability of 99 percent. The potassium loops are two phase systems which expand heated potassium vapor through multistage turboalternators to produce a 10-kV dc electrical output. Condensation occurs by-way-of a shear-flow condenser, producing a 100 percent liquid potassium stream which is pumped back to the boiler. Waste heat is rejected by an advanced carbon-carbon radiator at approximately 1000 K. Overall system efficiencies of 19.3 percent to 20.5 percent were calculated depending on mission life and power level.

Get smart, go optical: example uses of optical fibre sensing technology for production optimisation and subsea asset monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staveley, Chris

2014-06-01

With the growth in deep-water oil and gas production, condition monitoring of high-value subsea assets to give early warning of developing problems is vital. Offshore operators can then transport and deploy spare parts before a failure occurs, so minimizing equipment down-time, and the significant costs associated with unscheduled maintenance. Results are presented from a suite of tests in which multiple elements of a subsea twin-screw pump and associated electric motor were monitored using a fibre optic sensing system based on fibre Bragg gratings (FBG) that simultaneously measured dynamic strain on the main rotor bearings, pressure and temperature of the lubricating oil, distributed temperature through the motor stator windings and vibration of the pump and motor housings.

Higgsplosion: Solving the hierarchy problem via rapid decays of heavy states into multiple Higgs bosons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoze, Valentin V.; Spannowsky, Michael

2018-01-01

We introduce and discuss two inter-related mechanisms operative in the electroweak sector of the Standard Model at high energies. Higgsplosion, the first mechanism, occurs at some critical energy in the 25 to 103 TeV range, and leads to an exponentially growing decay rate of highly energetic particles into multiple Higgs bosons. We argue that this is a well-controlled non-perturbative phenomenon in the Higgs-sector which involves the final state Higgs multiplicities n in the regime nλ ≫ 1 where λ is the Higgs self-coupling. If this mechanism is realised in nature, the cross-sections for producing ultra-high multiplicities of Higgs bosons are likely to become observable and even dominant in this energy range. At the same time, however, the apparent exponential growth of these cross-sections at even higher energies will be tamed and automatically cut-off by a related Higgspersion mechanism. As a result, and in contrast to previous studies, multi-Higgs production does not violate perturbative unitarity. Building on this approach, we then argue that the effects of Higgsplosion alter quantum corrections from very heavy states to the Higgs boson mass. Above a certain energy, which is much smaller than their masses, these states would rapidly decay into multiple Higgs bosons. The heavy states become unrealised as they decay much faster than they are formed. The loop integrals contributing to the Higgs mass will be cut off not by the masses of the heavy states, but by the characteristic loop momenta where their decay widths become comparable to their masses. Hence, the cut-off scale would be many orders of magnitude lower than the heavy mass scales themselves, thus suppressing their quantum corrections to the Higgs boson mass.

Timed Stair Climbing is the Single Strongest Predictor of Perioperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

PubMed Central

Reddy, Sushanth; Contreras, Carlo M; Singletary, Brandon; Bradford, T Miller; Waldrop, Mary G; Mims, Andrew H; Smedley, W Andrew; Swords, Jacob A; Thomas N, Wang; Martin J, Heslin

2016-01-01

Background Current methods to predict patients' peri-operative morbidity utilize complex algorithms with multiple clinical variables focusing primarily on organ-specific compromise. The aim of the present study is to determine the value of a timed stair climb (SC) in predicting peri-operative complications for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Study Design From March 2014 to July 2015, 362 patients attempted SC while being timed prior to undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Vital signs were measured before and after SC. Ninety day post-operative complications were assessed by the Accordion Severity Grading System. The prognostic value of SC was compared to the ACS NSQIP risk calculator. Results A total of 264 (97.4%) patients were able to complete SC. SC time directly correlated to changes in both mean arterial pressure and heart rate as an indicator of stress. An Accordion grade 2 or higher complication occurred in 84 (25%) patients. There were 8 mortalities (2.4%). Patients with slower SC times had an increased complication rate (P<0.0001). In multivariable analysis SC time was the single strongest predictor of complications (OR=1.029, P<0.0001), and no other clinical co-morbidity reached statistical significance. Receiver operative characteristic curves predicting post-operative morbidity by SC time was superior to that of the ACS risk calculator (AUC 0.81 vs. 0.62, P<0.0001). Additionally slower patients had a greater deviation from predicted length of hospital stay (P=0.034) Conclusions SC provides measurable stress, accurately predicts post-operative complications, and is easy to administer in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Larger patient populations with a diverse group of operations will be needed to further validate the use of SC in risk prediction models. PMID:26920993

Products of multiple Fourier series with application to the multiblade transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunz, D. L.

1981-01-01

A relatively simple and systematic method for forming the products of multiple Fourier series using tensor like operations is demonstrated. This symbolic multiplication can be performed for any arbitrary number of series, and the coefficients of a set of linear differential equations with periodic coefficients from a rotating coordinate system to a nonrotating system is also demonstrated. It is shown that using Fourier operations to perform this transformation make it easily understood, simple to apply, and generally applicable.

GEODYN operations description, volume 3. [computer program for estimation of orbit and geodetic parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, T. V.; Mullins, N. E.

1972-01-01

The operating and set-up procedures for the multi-satellite, multi-arc GEODYN- Orbit Determination program are described. All system output is analyzed. The GEODYN Program is the nucleus of the entire GEODYN system. It is a definitive orbit and geodetic parameter estimation program capable of simultaneously processing observations from multiple arcs of multiple satellites. GEODYN has two modes of operation: (1) the data reduction mode and (2) the orbit generation mode.

Report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees: the safety of push-pull and multiple-unit locomotive passenger rail operations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-30

This report contains the results of a study by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on the safety of push-pull and multiple-unit (MU) locomotive passenger rail operations. The report addresses the following two questions: (1) Based on recent acc...

Operator Priming and Generalization of Practice in Adults' Simple Arithmetic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Yalin; Campbell, Jamie I. D.

2016-01-01

There is a renewed debate about whether educated adults solve simple addition problems (e.g., 2 + 3) by direct fact retrieval or by fast, automatic counting-based procedures. Recent research testing adults' simple addition and multiplication showed that a 150-ms preview of the operator (+ or ×) facilitated addition, but not multiplication,…

Architecting Human Operator Trust in Automation to Improve System Effectiveness in Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

like to extend our appreciation to our research sponsor Dr. Janet Miller from the Air Force Research Labs, and her colleague Dr. Cheryl Batchelor, for...for single-operator control of multiple UAVs. Drs. Brian Tsou, Lamar Warfield , Justin Estepp and Benjamin Knott , meanwhile, contributed to our

The relational database model and multiple multicenter clinical trials.

PubMed

Blumenstein, B A

1989-12-01

The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) chose to use a relational database management system (RDBMS) for the management of data from multiple clinical trials because of the underlying relational model's inherent flexibility and the natural way multiple entity types (patients, studies, and participants) can be accommodated. The tradeoffs to using the relational model as compared to using the hierarchical model include added computing cycles due to deferred data linkages and added procedural complexity due to the necessity of implementing protections against referential integrity violations. The SWOG uses its RDBMS as a platform on which to build data operations software. This data operations software, which is written in a compiled computer language, allows multiple users to simultaneously update the database and is interactive with respect to the detection of conditions requiring action and the presentation of options for dealing with those conditions. The relational model facilitates the development and maintenance of data operations software.

Functional and taxonomic dynamics of an electricity-consuming methane-producing microbial community.

PubMed

Bretschger, Orianna; Carpenter, Kayla; Phan, Tony; Suzuki, Shino; Ishii, Shun'ichi; Grossi-Soyster, Elysse; Flynn, Michael; Hogan, John

2015-11-01

The functional and taxonomic microbial dynamics of duplicate electricity-consuming methanogenic communities were observed over a 6 months period to characterize the reproducibility, stability and recovery of electromethanogenic consortia. The highest rate of methanogenesis was 0.72 mg-CH4/L/day, which occurred during the third month of enrichment when multiple methanogenic phylotypes and associated Desulfovibrionaceae phylotypes were present in the electrode-associated microbial community. Results also suggest that electromethanogenic microbial communities are very sensitive to electron donor-limiting open-circuit conditions. A 45 min exposure to open-circuit conditions induced an 87% drop in volumetric methane production rates. Methanogenic performance recovered after 4 months to a maximum value of 0.30 mg-CH4/L/day under set potential operation (-700 mV vs Ag/AgCl); however, current consumption and biomass production was variable over time. Long-term functional and taxonomic analyses from experimental replicates provide new knowledge toward understanding how to enrich electromethanogenic communities and operate bioelectrochemical systems for stable and reproducible performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Student Errors on Division of Fractions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maelasari, E.; Jupri, A.

2017-02-01

This study aims to describe the type of student errors that typically occurs at the completion of the division arithmetic operations on fractions, and to describe the causes of students’ mistakes. This research used a descriptive qualitative method, and involved 22 fifth grade students at one particular elementary school in Kuningan, Indonesia. The results of this study showed that students’ error answers caused by students changing their way of thinking to solve multiplication and division operations on the same procedures, the changing of mix fractions to common fraction have made students confused, and students are careless in doing calculation. From student written work, in solving the fraction problems, we found that there is influence between the uses of learning methods and student response, and some of student responses beyond researchers’ prediction. We conclude that the teaching method is not only the important thing that must be prepared, but the teacher should also prepare about predictions of students’ answers to the problems that will be given in the learning process. This could be a reflection for teachers to be better and to achieve the expected learning goals.

Mexico City's Petroleos Mexicanos explosion: disaster management and air medical transport.

PubMed

Urquieta, Emmanuel; Varon, Joseph

2014-01-01

Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area in the Americas and 1 of the largest in the world; its geographic location and uncontrolled population and industrial growth make this metropolis prone to natural and human-made disasters. Mass casualty disaster responses in Mexico City tend to have complications from multiple logistical and operational challenges. This article focuses on the experiences and lessons learned from an explosion that occurred in a government building in Mexico City and the current status of mass casualty disaster risks and response strategies in Mexico City as well as air medical evacuation, which is a critical component and was shown to be extremely useful in the evacuation of 15 critically ill and polytraumatized patients (Injury Severity Score > 15). Several components of the public and privately owned emergency medical services and health care systems among Mexico City pose serious logistical and operational complications, which finally will be addressed by a joint emergency preparedness council to unify criteria in communications, triage, and incident/disaster command post establishment. Copyright © 2014 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Motion and ranging sensor system for through-the-wall surveillance system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, Jeffrey D.

2002-08-01

A portable Through-the-Wall Surveillance System is being developed for law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and military use. The Motion and Ranging Sensor is a radar that operates in a frequency band that allows for surveillance penetration of most non-metallic walls. Changes in the sensed radar returns are analyzed to detect the human motion that would typically be present during a hostage or barricaded suspect scenario. The system consists of a Sensor Unit, a handheld Remote Display Unit, and an optional laptop computer Command Display Console. All units are battery powered and a wireless link provides command and data communication between units. The Sensor Unit is deployed close to the wall or door through which the surveillance is to occur. After deploying the sensor the operator may move freely as required by the scenario. Up to five Sensor Units may be deployed at a single location. A software upgrade to the Command Display Console is also being developed. This software upgrade will combine the motion detected by multiple Sensor Units and determine and track the location of detected motion in two dimensions.

Activation of MSRV-Type Endogenous Retroviruses during Infectious Mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr Virus Latency: The Missing Link with Multiple Sclerosis?

PubMed Central

Mameli, Giuseppe; Madeddu, Giordano; Mei, Alessandra; Uleri, Elena; Poddighe, Luciana; Delogu, Lucia G.; Maida, Ivana; Babudieri, Sergio; Serra, Caterina; Manetti, Roberto; Mura, Maria S.; Dolei, Antonina

2013-01-01

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. The immuno-pathogenic phenomena leading to neurodegeneration are thought to be triggered by environmental (viral?) factors operating on predisposing genetic backgrounds. Among the proposed co-factors are the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and the potentially neuropathogenic HERV-W/MSRV/Syncytin-1 endogenous retroviruses. The ascertained links between EBV and MS are history of late primary infection, possibly leading to infectious mononucleosis (IM), and high titers of pre-onset IgG against EBV nuclear antigens (anti-EBNA IgG). During MS, there is no evidence of MS-specific EBV expression, while a continuous expression of HERV-Ws occurs, paralleling disease behaviour. We found repeatedly extracellular HERV-W/MSRV and MSRV-specific mRNA sequences in MS patients (in blood, spinal fluid, and brain samples), and MRSV presence/load strikingly paralleled MS stages and active/remission phases. Aim of the study was to verify whether HERV-W might be activated in vivo, in hospitalized young adults with IM symptoms, that were analyzed with respect to expression of HERV-W/MSRV transcripts and proteins. Healthy controls were either EBV-negative or latently EBV-infected with/without high titers of anti-EBNA-1 IgG. The results show that activation of HERV-W/MSRV occurs in blood mononuclear cells of IM patients (2Log10 increase of MSRV-type env mRNA accumulation with respect to EBV-negative controls). When healthy controls are stratified for previous EBV infection (high and low, or no anti-EBNA-1 IgG titers), a direct correlation occurs with MSRV mRNA accumulation. Flow cytometry data show increased percentages of cells exposing surface HERV-Wenv protein, that occur differently in specific cell subsets, and in acute disease and past infection. Thus, the data indicate that the two main links between EBV and MS (IM and high anti-EBNA-1-IgG titers) are paralleled by activation of the potentially neuropathogenic HERV-W/MSRV. These novel findings suggest HERV-W/MSRV activation as the missing link between EBV and MS, and may open new avenues of intervention. PMID:24236019

Activation of MSRV-type endogenous retroviruses during infectious mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus latency: the missing link with multiple sclerosis?

PubMed

Mameli, Giuseppe; Madeddu, Giordano; Mei, Alessandra; Uleri, Elena; Poddighe, Luciana; Delogu, Lucia G; Maida, Ivana; Babudieri, Sergio; Serra, Caterina; Manetti, Roberto; Mura, Maria S; Dolei, Antonina

2013-01-01

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. The immuno-pathogenic phenomena leading to neurodegeneration are thought to be triggered by environmental (viral?) factors operating on predisposing genetic backgrounds. Among the proposed co-factors are the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and the potentially neuropathogenic HERV-W/MSRV/Syncytin-1 endogenous retroviruses. The ascertained links between EBV and MS are history of late primary infection, possibly leading to infectious mononucleosis (IM), and high titers of pre-onset IgG against EBV nuclear antigens (anti-EBNA IgG). During MS, there is no evidence of MS-specific EBV expression, while a continuous expression of HERV-Ws occurs, paralleling disease behaviour. We found repeatedly extracellular HERV-W/MSRV and MSRV-specific mRNA sequences in MS patients (in blood, spinal fluid, and brain samples), and MRSV presence/load strikingly paralleled MS stages and active/remission phases. Aim of the study was to verify whether HERV-W might be activated in vivo, in hospitalized young adults with IM symptoms, that were analyzed with respect to expression of HERV-W/MSRV transcripts and proteins. Healthy controls were either EBV-negative or latently EBV-infected with/without high titers of anti-EBNA-1 IgG. The results show that activation of HERV-W/MSRV occurs in blood mononuclear cells of IM patients (2Log10 increase of MSRV-type env mRNA accumulation with respect to EBV-negative controls). When healthy controls are stratified for previous EBV infection (high and low, or no anti-EBNA-1 IgG titers), a direct correlation occurs with MSRV mRNA accumulation. Flow cytometry data show increased percentages of cells exposing surface HERV-Wenv protein, that occur differently in specific cell subsets, and in acute disease and past infection. Thus, the data indicate that the two main links between EBV and MS (IM and high anti-EBNA-1-IgG titers) are paralleled by activation of the potentially neuropathogenic HERV-W/MSRV. These novel findings suggest HERV-W/MSRV activation as the missing link between EBV and MS, and may open new avenues of intervention.

Nitrogen retention in salt marsh systems across nutrient-enrichment, elevation, and precipitation regimes: a multiple stressor experiment

EPA Science Inventory

In the Northeastern U.S., multiple anthropogenic stressors, including changing nutrient loads, accelerated sea-level rise, and altered climactic patterns are co-occurring, and are likely to influence salt marsh nitrogen (N) dynamics. We conducted a multiple stressor mesocosm expe...

Mathematical Modeling of Loop Heat Pipes with Multiple Capillary Pumps and Multiple Condensers. Part 1; Stead State Stimulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoang, Triem T.; OConnell, Tamara; Ku, Jentung

2004-01-01

Loop Heat Pipes (LHPs) have proven themselves as reliable and robust heat transport devices for spacecraft thermal control systems. So far, the LHPs in earth-orbit satellites perform very well as expected. Conventional LHPs usually consist of a single capillary pump for heat acquisition and a single condenser for heat rejection. Multiple pump/multiple condenser LHPs have shown to function very well in ground testing. Nevertheless, the test results of a dual pump/condenser LHP also revealed that the dual LHP behaved in a complicated manner due to the interaction between the pumps and condensers. Thus it is redundant to say that more research is needed before they are ready for 0-g deployment. One research area that perhaps compels immediate attention is the analytical modeling of LHPs, particularly the transient phenomena. Modeling a single pump/single condenser LHP is difficult enough. Only a handful of computer codes are available for both steady state and transient simulations of conventional LHPs. No previous effort was made to develop an analytical model (or even a complete theory) to predict the operational behavior of the multiple pump/multiple condenser LHP systems. The current research project offered a basic theory of the multiple pump/multiple condenser LHP operation. From it, a computer code was developed to predict the LHP saturation temperature in accordance with the system operating and environmental conditions.

Gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis: possible influence of immunomodulators.

PubMed

Cantarel, Brandi L; Waubant, Emmanuelle; Chehoud, Christel; Kuczynski, Justin; DeSantis, Todd Z; Warrington, Janet; Venkatesan, Arun; Fraser, Claire M; Mowry, Ellen M

2015-06-01

Differences in gut bacteria have been described in several autoimmune disorders. In this exploratory pilot study, we compared gut bacteria in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls and evaluated the influence of glatiramer acetate and vitamin D treatment on the microbiota. Subjects were otherwise healthy white women with or without relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were vitamin D insufficient. Patients with multiple sclerosis were untreated or were receiving glatiramer acetate. Subjects collected stool at baseline and after 90 days of vitamin D3 (5000 IU/d) supplementation. The abundance of operational taxonomic units was evaluated by hybridization of 16S rRNA to a DNA microarray. While there was overlap of gut bacterial communities, the abundance of some operational taxonomic units, including Faecalibacterium, was lower in patients with multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate-treated patients with multiple sclerosis showed differences in community composition compared with untreated subjects, including Bacteroidaceae, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Lactobacillaceae, Clostridium, and other Clostridiales. Compared with the other groups, untreated patients with multiple sclerosis had an increase in the Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Coprococcus genera after vitamin D supplementation. While overall bacterial communities were similar, specific operational taxonomic units differed between healthy controls and patients with multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate and vitamin D supplementation were associated with differences or changes in the microbiota. This study was exploratory, and larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Rapid Vision Correction by Special Operations Forces.

PubMed

Reynolds, Mark E

This report describes a rapid method of vision correction used by Special Operations Medics in multiple operational engagements. Between 2011 and 2015, Special Operations Medics used an algorithm- driven refraction technique. A standard block of instruction was provided to the medics, along with a packaged kit. The technique was used in multiple operational engagements with host nation military and civilians. Data collected for program evaluation were later analyzed to assess the utility of the technique. Glasses were distributed to 230 patients with complaints of either decreased distance or near (reading). Most patients (84%) with distance complaints achieved corrected binocular vision of 20/40 or better, and 97% of patients with near-vision complaints achieved corrected near-binocular vision of 20/40 or better. There was no statistically significant difference between the percentages of patients achieving 20/40 when medics used the technique under direct supervision versus independent use. A basic refraction technique using a designed kit allows for meaningful improvement in distance and/or near vision at austere locations. Special Operations Medics can leverage this approach after specific training with minimal time commitment. It can serve as a rapid, effective intervention with multiple applications in diverse operational environments. 2017.

Multiple neoplasms among cervical cancer patients in the material of the lower Silesian cancer registry.

PubMed

Izmajłowicz, Barbara; Kornafel, Jan; Błaszczyk, Jerzy

2014-01-01

According to the definition by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), primary multiple neoplasms are two or more neoplasms of different histopathological build in one organ, or two or more tumors occurring in one patient, regardless of the time of their occurrence (synchronic - up to 6 months, metachronous - after 6 months), coming from an organ or a tissue and not being an infiltration from another neoplasm, a relapse or a metastasis. It was the aim of the study to analyze the frequency of the occurrence of multiple neoplasms among patients suffering from uterine cervix cancer, with a special interest in coexistent neoplasms, the time of their occurrence and total 5-year survivals. The data from the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry concerning the years 1984-2009 formed the material of the present study. 5.3% of all cervix neoplasms occurred as multiple cancers. Cervix neoplasms were 13.4% of multiple neoplasms. On average, cervical cancer occurred as a subsequent cancer in 6 patients yearly (60.7% of the occurrences of cervical cancer were in the period of 5 years following treatment for the first neoplasm). 5-year survival in patients suffering from primarily multiple cervix neoplasms constituted 57% and was convergent with the results for all patients suffering from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer as the first neoplasm occurred in 287 patients, on average in 11 patients annually. In the period of the first 5 years after the treatment of cervical cancer, there were 42.8% occurrences of other cancers. Cervical neoplasms most frequently coexisted with cancers of the breast, lung and large intestine. The frequency of the occurrence of multiple neoplasm among cervical cancer patients is increasing. Most frequently they coexist with other tobacco-related neoplasms, those related to HPV infections and with secondary post-radiation neoplasms. These facts should be taken into consideration during post-treatment observation and when directing diagnostic and prophylactic tests. Synchronic neoplasms require detailed diagnostics and planning of treatment by a team of specialists. The occurrence of primary multiple cervical neoplasms does not worsen the prognosis as compared to patients suffering exclusively from cervical cancer.

Teaching Multiplication Algorithms from Other Cultures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Cheng-Yao

2007-01-01

This article describes a number of multiplication algorithms from different cultures around the world: Hindu, Egyptian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese. Students can learn these algorithms and better understand the operation and properties of multiplication.

[Internal fixation treatment of multiple rib fractures with absorbable rib-connecting-pins under epidural anesthesia].

PubMed

Liu, Jinliang; Li, Keyao; Ju, Zhenlong; Bai, Yan

2011-03-01

To study the indications, methods and experience of absorbable rib-connecting-pins fixation in the treatment of multiple rib fractures. 52 cases with multiple rib fractures were performed internal fixation with absorbable rib-connecting-pins under epidural anesthesia. All cases were followed up for 1 to 12 months, with an average of 5 months. All fractures were achieved healing in 3 to 6 months after the operation and were not found chest wall deformity. Absorbable rib-connecting-pins fixation is a simple and effective method and worthies recommending to perform operation for the appropriate cases with multiple rib fractures.

Quantum Chemical Calculations Using Accelerators: Migrating Matrix Operations to the NVIDIA Kepler GPU and the Intel Xeon Phi.

PubMed

Leang, Sarom S; Rendell, Alistair P; Gordon, Mark S

2014-03-11

Increasingly, modern computer systems comprise a multicore general-purpose processor augmented with a number of special purpose devices or accelerators connected via an external interface such as a PCI bus. The NVIDIA Kepler Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) and the Intel Phi are two examples of such accelerators. Accelerators offer peak performances that can be well above those of the host processor. How to exploit this heterogeneous environment for legacy application codes is not, however, straightforward. This paper considers how matrix operations in typical quantum chemical calculations can be migrated to the GPU and Phi systems. Double precision general matrix multiply operations are endemic in electronic structure calculations, especially methods that include electron correlation, such as density functional theory, second order perturbation theory, and coupled cluster theory. The use of approaches that automatically determine whether to use the host or an accelerator, based on problem size, is explored, with computations that are occurring on the accelerator and/or the host. For data-transfers over PCI-e, the GPU provides the best overall performance for data sizes up to 4096 MB with consistent upload and download rates between 5-5.6 GB/s and 5.4-6.3 GB/s, respectively. The GPU outperforms the Phi for both square and nonsquare matrix multiplications.

Impacts of climate change on the food-energy-water nexus in the upper Yellow River Basin: An integrated hydro-economic modeling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Si, Y.; Cai, X.

2017-12-01

The large-scale reservoir system built on the upper Yellow River serves multiple purposes. The generated hydropower supplies over 60% of the entire electricity for the regional power grid while the irrigated crop production feeds almost one-third of the total population throughout the whole river basin. Moreover, the reservoir system also bears the responsibility for controlling ice flood, which occurs during the non-flood season due to winter ice freezing followed by spring thawing process, and could be even more disastrous than the summer flood. The contradiction of water allocation to satisfy multi-sector demands while mitigating ice flood risk has been longstanding. However, few researchers endeavor to employ the nexus thinking to addressing the complexities involved in all the interlinked purposes. In this study, we develop an integrated hydro-economic model that can be used to explore both the tradeoffs and synergies between the multiple purposes, based on which the water infrastructures (e.g., reservoir, diversion canal, pumping well) can be coordinated for maximizing the co-benefits of multiple sectors. The model is based on a node-link schematic of multiple operations including hydropower generation, irrigation scheduling, and the conjunctive use of surface and ground water resources. In particular, the model depicts some details regarding reservoir operation rules during the ice season using two indicators, i.e., flow control period and flow control level. The rules are obtained from historical records using data mining techniques under different climate conditions, and they are added to the model as part of the system constraints. Future reservoir inflow series are generated by a hydrological model with future climate scenarios projected by General Circulation Model (GCM). By analyzing the model results under the various climate scenarios, the future possible shifting trajectory of the food-energy-water system characteristics will be derived compared to the baseline scenario (i.e., the status-quo condition). Thus the model and the results are expected to be useful for enlightening economically efficient water allocation policy coping with climate change.

HAL: a hierarchical format for storing and analyzing multiple genome alignments.

PubMed

Hickey, Glenn; Paten, Benedict; Earl, Dent; Zerbino, Daniel; Haussler, David

2013-05-15

Large multiple genome alignments and inferred ancestral genomes are ideal resources for comparative studies of molecular evolution, and advances in sequencing and computing technology are making them increasingly obtainable. These structures can provide a rich understanding of the genetic relationships between all subsets of species they contain. Current formats for storing genomic alignments, such as XMFA and MAF, are all indexed or ordered using a single reference genome, however, which limits the information that can be queried with respect to other species and clades. This loss of information grows with the number of species under comparison, as well as their phylogenetic distance. We present HAL, a compressed, graph-based hierarchical alignment format for storing multiple genome alignments and ancestral reconstructions. HAL graphs are indexed on all genomes they contain. Furthermore, they are organized phylogenetically, which allows for modular and parallel access to arbitrary subclades without fragmentation because of rearrangements that have occurred in other lineages. HAL graphs can be created or read with a comprehensive C++ API. A set of tools is also provided to perform basic operations, such as importing and exporting data, identifying mutations and coordinate mapping (liftover). All documentation and source code for the HAL API and tools are freely available at http://github.com/glennhickey/hal. hickey@soe.ucsc.edu or haussler@soe.ucsc.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Surgical management and morbidity of pediatric magnet ingestions.

PubMed

Waters, Alicia M; Teitelbaum, Daniel H; Thorne, Vivian; Bousvaros, Athos; Noel, R Adam; Beierle, Elizabeth A

2015-11-01

Foreign body ingestion remains a common reason for emergency room visits and operative interventions in the pediatric population. Rare earth magnet ingestion represents a low percentage of all foreign bodies swallowed by children; however, magnets swallowed in multiplicity can result in severe injuries. Pediatric surgeons with membership in the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics were surveyed to determine the magnitude and consequences of magnet ingestions in the pediatric population. About 100 (16%) participant responses reported on 99 magnet ingestions. The median age at ingestion was 3.7 y, and the majority of ingestions (71%) occurred after year 2010. Thirty-two children underwent endoscopy with successful removal in 70% of cases, and multiple magnets were found in 65% of these patients. Seventy-three children required either laparotomy (51) or laparoscopy (22) for magnet removal, and 90% of these children were discovered to have ingested more than one magnet. In addition, 17% of the children were found to have at least one perforation or fistula, and 34% of the children had multiple perforations or fistulae. Nine children required long-term care for their injuries including repeat endoscopies. One child died after hemorrhage from an esophago-aortic fistula. These results demonstrated the increasing need for magnet regulations and public awareness to prevent potentially serious complications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound image edge detection based on a novel multiplicative gradient and Canny operator.

PubMed

Zheng, Yinfei; Zhou, Yali; Zhou, Hao; Gong, Xiaohong

2015-07-01

To achieve the fast and accurate segmentation of ultrasound image, a novel edge detection method for speckle noised ultrasound images was proposed, which was based on the traditional Canny and a novel multiplicative gradient operator. The proposed technique combines a new multiplicative gradient operator of non-Newtonian type with the traditional Canny operator to generate the initial edge map, which is subsequently optimized by the following edge tracing step. To verify the proposed method, we compared it with several other edge detection methods that had good robustness to noise, with experiments on the simulated and in vivo medical ultrasound image. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm has higher speed for real-time processing, and the edge detection accuracy could be 75% or more. Thus, the proposed method is very suitable for fast and accurate edge detection of medical ultrasound images. © The Author(s) 2014.

Common oscillatory mechanisms across multiple memory systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Headley, Drew B.; Paré, Denis

2017-01-01

The cortex, hippocampus, and striatum support dissociable forms of memory. While each of these regions contains specialized circuitry supporting their respective functions, all structure their activities across time with delta, theta, and gamma rhythms. We review how these oscillations are generated and how they coordinate distinct memory systems during encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. First, gamma oscillations occur in all regions and coordinate local spiking, compressing it into short population bursts. Second, gamma oscillations are modulated by delta and theta oscillations. Third, oscillatory dynamics in these memory systems can operate in either a "slow" or "fast" mode. The slow mode happens during slow-wave sleep and is characterized by large irregular activity in the hippocampus and delta oscillations in cortical and striatal circuits. The fast mode occurs during active waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and is characterized by theta oscillations in the hippocampus and its targets, along with gamma oscillations in the rest of cortex. In waking, the fast mode is associated with the efficacious encoding and retrieval of declarative and procedural memories. Theta and gamma oscillations have similar relationships with encoding and retrieval across multiple forms of memory and brain regions, despite regional differences in microcircuitry and information content. Differences in the oscillatory coordination of memory systems during sleep might explain why the consolidation of some forms of memory is sensitive to slow-wave sleep, while others depend on REM. In particular, theta oscillations appear to support the consolidation of certain types of procedural memories during REM, while delta oscillations during slow-wave sleep seem to promote declarative and procedural memories.

Antibody repertoire development in fetal and neonatal piglets. VI. B cell lymphogenesis occurs at multiple sites with differences in the frequency of in-frame rearrangements.

PubMed

Sinkora, Marek; Sun, Jishan; Sinkorová, Jana; Christenson, Ronald K; Ford, Steven P; Butler, John E

2003-02-15

B cell lymphogenesis in mammals occurs in various tissues during development but it is generally accepted that it operates by the same mechanism in all tissues. We show that in swine, the frequency of in-frame (IF) VDJ rearrangements differs among yolk sac, fetal liver, spleen, early thymus, bone marrow, and late thymus. All VDJ rearrangements recovered and analyzed on the 20th day of gestation (DG20) from the yolk sac were 100% IF. Those recovered at DG30 in the fetal liver were >90% IF, and this predominance of cells with apparently a single IF rearrangement continued in all organs until approximately DG45, which corresponds to the time when lymphopoiesis begins in the bone marrow. Thereafter, the proportion of IF rearrangements drops to approximately 71%, i.e., the value predicted whether VDJ rearrangement is random and both chromosomes were involved. Unlike other tissues, VDJs recovered from thymus after DG50 display a pattern suggesting no selection for IF rearrangements. Regardless of differences in the proportion of IF rearrangements, we observed no significant age- or tissue-dependent changes in CDR3 diversity, N region additions, or other characteristics of fetal VDJs during ontogeny. These findings indicate there are multiple sites of B cell lymphogenesis in fetal piglets and differences in the frequency of productive VDJ rearrangements at various sites. We propose the latter to result from differential selection or a developmentally dependent change in the intrinsic mechanism of VDJ rearrangement.

Sensory mediation of stimulus-driven attentional capture in multiple-cue displays.

PubMed

Wright, Richard D; Richard, Christian M

2003-08-01

Three location-cuing experiments were conducted in order to examine the stimulus-driven control of attentional capture in multiple-cue displays. These displays consisted of one to four simultaneously presented direct location cues. The results indicated that direct location cuing can produce cue effects that are mediated, in part, by nonattentional processing that occurs simultaneously at multiple locations. When single cues were presented in isolation, however, the resulting cue effect appeared to be due to a combination of sensory processing and attentional capture by the cue. This suggests that the faster responses produced by direct cues may be associated with two different components: an attention-related component that can be modulated by goal-driven factors and a nonattentional component that occurs in parallel at multiple direct-cue locations and is minimally affected by goal-driven factors.

Relational Reasoning about Numbers and Operations--Foundation for Calculation Strategy Use in Multi-Digit Multiplication and Division

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Andreas

2018-01-01

Theoretical analysis of whole number-based calculation strategies and digit-based algorithms for multi-digit multiplication and division reveals that strategy use includes two kinds of reasoning: reasoning about the relations between numbers and reasoning about the relations between operations. In contrast, algorithms aim to reduce the necessary…

Using State-Wide Multiple Measures for School Leadership and Management: Costs Incurred vs. Benefits Gained

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hentschke, Guilbert; Wohlstetter, Priscilla; Hirman, Jennifer; Zeehandelaar, Dara

2011-01-01

In this article, we examine the utility and value of multiple measures of school performance for school leaders and managers. The research was conducted within the context of the state of California through an investigation of how operators, managers and authorisers of autonomous "charter" (publicly financed but privately operated)…

Adults' understanding of inversion concepts: how does performance on addition and subtraction inversion problems compare to performance on multiplication and division inversion problems?

PubMed

Robinson, Katherine M; Ninowski, Jerilyn E

2003-12-01

Problems of the form a + b - b have been used to assess conceptual understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction. No study has investigated the same relationship between multiplication and division on problems of the form d x e / e. In both types of inversion problems, no calculation is required if the inverse relationship between the operations is understood. Adult participants solved addition/subtraction and multiplication/division inversion (e.g., 9 x 22 / 22) and standard (e.g., 2 + 27 - 28) problems. Participants started to use the inversion strategy earlier and more frequently on addition/subtraction problems. Participants took longer to solve both types of multiplication/division problems. Overall, conceptual understanding of the relationship between multiplication and division was not as strong as that between addition and subtraction. One explanation for this difference in performance is that the operation of division is more weakly represented and understood than the other operations and that this weakness affects performance on problems of the form d x e / e.

Surgical intervention for paediatric liver injuries is almost history - a 12-year cohort from a major Scandinavian trauma centre.

PubMed

Koyama, Tomohide; Skattum, Jorunn; Engelsen, Peder; Eken, Torsten; Gaarder, Christine; Naess, Pål Aksel

2016-11-29

Although nonoperative management (NOM) has become standard care, optimal treatment of liver injuries in children is still challenging since many of these patients have multiple injuries. Moreover, the role of angiography remains poorly defined, and a high index of suspicion of complications is warranted. This study reviews treatment and outcomes in children with liver injuries at a major Scandinavian trauma centre over a 12-year period. Patients <17 years old with liver injury admitted to Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal during the period 2002-2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were compiled from the institutional trauma registry and medical records. A total of 66 children were included. The majority was severely injured as reflected by a median injury severity score of 20.5 (mean 22.2). NOM was attempted in 60 (90.9%) patients and was successful in 57, resulting in a NOM success rate of 95.0% [95% CI 89.3 to 100]. Only one of the three NOM failures was liver related, occurred in the early part of the study period, and consisted in operative placement of drains for bile leak. Two (3.0%) patients underwent angiographic embolization (AE). Complications occurred in 18 (27.3% [95 % CI 16.2 to 38.3]) patients. Only 2 (3.0%) patients had liver related complications, in both cases bile leak. Six (9.1%) patients underwent therapeutic laparotomy for non-liver related injuries. Two (3.0%) patients died secondary to traumatic brain injury. This single institution paediatric liver injury cohort confirms high attempted NOM and NOM success rates even in patients with high grade injuries and multiple accompanying injuries. AE can be a useful NOM adjunct in the treatment of paediatric liver injuries, but is seldom indicated. Moreover, bile leak is the most common liver-related complication and the need for liver-related surgery is very infrequent. NOM is the treatment of choice in almost all liver injuries in children, with operative management and interventional radiology very infrequently indicated.

Teaching Multiplication of Numbers from 1 to 10 to STKIP Surya Students Using Matematika GASING

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kusuma, Josephine; Sulistiawati

2014-01-01

Multiplication of numbers from 1 to 10 is very important as it provides the basis for learning multiplication of other larger numbers as well as other related mathematical operations. How do students learn multiplication? Usually students just memorize the results of multiplication. This is often performed without a complete comprehension of the…

Functional capacity following univentricular repair--midterm outcome.

PubMed

Sen, Supratim; Bandyopadhyay, Biswajit; Eriksson, Peter; Chattopadhyay, Amitabha

2012-01-01

Previous studies have seldom compared functional capacity in children following Fontan procedure alongside those with Glenn operation as destination therapy. We hypothesized that Fontan circulation enables better midterm submaximal exercise capacity as compared to Glenn physiology and evaluated this using the 6-minute walk test. Fifty-seven children aged 5-18 years with Glenn (44) or Fontan (13) operations were evaluated with standard 6-minute walk protocols. Baseline SpO(2) was significantly lower in Glenn patients younger than 10 years compared to Fontan counterparts and similar in the two groups in older children. Postexercise SpO(2) fell significantly in Glenn patients compared to the Fontan group. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline, postexercise, or postrecovery heart rates (HRs), or 6-minute walk distances in the two groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed lower resting HR, higher resting SpO(2) , and younger age at latest operation to be significant determinants of longer 6-minute walk distance. Multiple regression analysis also established that younger age at operation, higher resting SpO(2) , Fontan operation, lower resting HR, and lower postexercise HR were significant determinants of higher postexercise SpO(2) . Younger age at operation and exercise, lower resting HR and postexercise HR, higher resting SpO(2) and postexercise SpO(2) , and dominant ventricular morphology being left ventricular or indeterminate/mixed had significant association with better 6-minute work on multiple regression analysis. Lower resting HR had linear association with longer 6-minute walk distances in the Glenn patients. Compared to Glenn physiology, Fontan operation did not have better submaximal exercise capacity assessed by walk distance or work on multiple regression analysis. Lower resting HR, higher resting SpO(2) , and younger age at operation were factors uniformly associated with better submaximal exercise capacity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Seroprevalence, isolation, and co-infection of multiple Toxoplasma gondii strains in individual bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Mississippi, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Toxoplasma gondii causes lifelong chronic infection in both feline definitive hosts and intermediate hosts. Multiple exposures of the parasite are likely to occur in nature because of high environmental contamination. Here, we present data of high seroprevalence and multiple T. gondii strain co-infe...

Fires and Burns Occurring in an Electrocautery after Skin Preparation with Alcohol during a Neurosurgery

PubMed Central

Chae, Sang-Bae; Yoo, Chan-Jong; Park, Cheol-Wan

2014-01-01

While there are reports regarding burns occurring to patients during the surgery, there are little reports concerning the incidents of the burns related to neurosurgical operations. Moreover, in Korea, even surveys and statistics on the incidents of burns in operating rooms are not known. This report explores burns occurring to a patient in an electrocautery scenario after disinfecting the surgical site with alcohol during the preparation of a neurosurgical operation in an operating room where there is much exposure to oxygen. The authors show a case of a 33-year-old male patient who undergoing evacuation of hematoma on occipital lesion, suffered second degree burns as a result of surgical fires. PMID:25024831

Modular multiplication in GF(p) for public-key cryptography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olszyna, Jakub

Modular multiplication forms the basis of modular exponentiation which is the core operation of the RSA cryptosystem. It is also present in many other cryptographic algorithms including those based on ECC and HECC. Hence, an efficient implementation of PKC relies on efficient implementation of modular multiplication. The paper presents a survey of most common algorithms for modular multiplication along with hardware architectures especially suitable for cryptographic applications in energy constrained environments. The motivation for studying low-power and areaefficient modular multiplication algorithms comes from enabling public-key security for ultra-low power devices that can perform under constrained environments like wireless sensor networks. Serial architectures for GF(p) are analyzed and presented. Finally proposed architectures are verified and compared according to the amount of power dissipated throughout the operation.

[Special cases of multiple sclerosis].

PubMed

Mendibe Bilbao, Mar

2014-12-01

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that usually occurs in young people and affects them for the rest of their lives. Patients and their families usually have a series of doubts and questions on everyday matters and all types of situations that occur during the distinct stages of life and which can influence the course of the disease. The aim of this review is to provide specific answers to these questions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

NEXT Propellant Management System Integration With Multiple Ion Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sovey, James S.; Soulas, George C.; Herman, Daniel A.

2011-01-01

As a critical part of the NEXT test validation process, a multiple-string integration test was performed on the NEXT propellant management system and ion thrusters. The objectives of this test were to verify that the PMS is capable of providing stable flow control to multiple thrusters operating over the NEXT system throttling range and to demonstrate to potential users that the NEXT PMS is ready for transition to flight. A test plan was developed for the sub-system integration test for verification of PMS and thruster system performance and functionality requirements. Propellant management system calibrations were checked during the single and multi-thruster testing. The low pressure assembly total flow rates to the thruster(s) were within 1.4 percent of the calibrated support equipment flow rates. The inlet pressures to the main, cathode, and neutralizer ports of Thruster PM1R were measured as the PMS operated in 1-thruster, 2-thruster, and 3-thruster configurations. It was found that the inlet pressures to Thruster PM1R for 2-thruster and 3-thruster operation as well as single thruster operation with the PMS compare very favorably indicating that flow rates to Thruster PM1R were similar in all cases. Characterizations of discharge losses, accelerator grid current, and neutralizer performance were performed as more operating thrusters were added to the PMS. There were no variations in these parameters as thrusters were throttled and single and multiple thruster operations were conducted. The propellant management system power consumption was at a fixed voltage to the DCIU and a fixed thermal throttle temperature of 75 C. The total power consumed by the PMS was 10.0, 17.9, and 25.2 W, respectively, for single, 2-thruster, and 3-thruster operation with the PMS. These sub-system integration tests of the PMS, the DCIU Simulator, and multiple thrusters addressed, in part, the NEXT PMS and propulsion system performance and functionality requirements.

Multiple granular cell tumors with metachronous occurrence in tongue and vulva. Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study

PubMed Central

Vera-Sirera, Beatriz; Zabala, Pablo; Aviño-Mira, Carlos; Vera-Sempere, Francisco J.

2014-01-01

Granular cell tumor (GCT) usually occurs as a single tumor, although sometimes multiple lesions can occur. In present report we analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of a multiple GCT involving the tongue of a 14-year-old girl, with no other abnormalities, with a metachronous occurrence of a second GCT in vulva, after a period of 10 years. Both tumors revealed S-100, vimentin and CD57 positivity. In addition, over expression of calretinin was observed in tumor cells located in the vicinity of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) of the tongue. Tumor vasculature situated close to the PEH showed marked CD105 reactivity, data not described so far, suggesting an interaction between PEH cells and underlying stroma, since GCT completely lacks CD105 vessels. Our study emphasizes that patients with GCT, especially young patients, should be followed long-term, looking for multiple tumors or other abnormalities suggestive of a systemic syndrome, given the associations described in multiple GCT. PMID:25949003

Diffractive Combiner of Single-Mode Pump Laser-Diode Beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Duncan; Wilson, Daniel; Qiu, Yueming; Forouhar, Siamak

2007-01-01

An optical beam combiner now under development would make it possible to use the outputs of multiple single-mode laser diodes to pump a neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) nonplanar ring oscillator (NPRO) laser while ensuring that the laser operates at only a single desired frequency. Heretofore, an Nd:YAG NPRO like the present one has been pumped by a single multimode laser-diode beam delivered via an optical fiber. It would be desirable to use multiple pump laser diodes to increase reliability beyond that obtainable from a single pump laser diode. However, as explained below, simplistically coupling multiple multimode laser-diode beams through a fiber-optic combiner would entail a significant reduction in coupling efficiency, and lasing would occur at one or more other frequencies in addition to the single desired frequency. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the principle of operation of a laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG NPRO. The laser beam path is confined in a Nd:YAG crystal by means of total internal reflections on the three back facets and a partial-reflection coating on the front facet. The wavelength of the pump beam - 808 nm - is the wavelength most strongly absorbed by the Nd:YAG crystal. The crystal can lase at a wavelength of either 1,064 nm or 1,319 nm - which one depending on the optical coating on the front facet. A thermal lens effect induced by the pump beam enables stable lasing in the lowest-order transverse electromagnetic mode (the TEM00 mode). The frequency of this laser is very stable because of the mechanical stability of the laser crystal and the unidirectional nature of the lasing. The unidirectionality is a result of the combined effects of (1) a Faraday rotation induced by an externally applied magnetic field and (2) polarization associated with non-normal incidence and reflection on the front facet.

Effects of multiple predator species on green treefrog (Hyla cinerea) tadpoles

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gunzburger, M.S.; Travis, J.

2005-01-01

Prey species that occur across a range of habitats may be exposed to variable communities of multiple predator species across habitats. Predicting the combined effects of multiple predators can be complex. Many experiments evaluating the effects of multiple predators on prey confound either variation in predator density with predator identity or variation in relative predator frequency with overall predation rates. We develop a new experimental design of factorial predator combinations that maintains a constant expected predation rate, under the null hypothesis of additive predator effects. We implement this design to evaluate the combined effects of three predator species (bass, aeshnid and libellulid odonate naiads) on mortality rate of a prey species, Hyla cinerea (Schneider, 1799) tadpoles, that occurs across a range of aquatic habitats. Two predator treatments (libellulid and aeshnid + libellulid) resulted in lower tadpole mortality than any of the other predator treatments. Variation in tadpole mortality across treatments was not related to coarse variation in microhabitat use, but was likely due to intraguild predation, which occurred in all predator treatments. Hyla cinerea tadpoles have constant, low survival values when exposed to many different combinations of predator species, and predation rate probably increases linearly with predator density.

Mobility, expansion and management of a multi-species scuba diving fishery in East Africa.

PubMed

Eriksson, Hampus; de la Torre-Castro, Maricela; Olsson, Per

2012-01-01

Scuba diving fishing, predominantly targeting sea cucumbers, has been documented to occur in an uncontrolled manner in the Western Indian Ocean and in other tropical regions. Although this type of fishing generally indicates a destructive activity, little attention has been directed towards this category of fishery, a major knowledge gap and barrier to management. With the aim to capture geographic scales, fishing processes and social aspects the scuba diving fishery that operate out of Zanzibar was studied using interviews, discussions, participant observations and catch monitoring. The diving fishery was resilient to resource declines and had expanded to new species, new depths and new fishing grounds, sometimes operating approximately 250 km away from Zanzibar at depths down to 50 meters, as a result of depleted easy-access stock. The diving operations were embedded in a regional and global trade network, and its actors operated in a roving manner on multiple spatial levels, taking advantage of unfair patron-client relationships and of the insufficient management in Zanzibar. This study illustrates that roving dynamics in fisheries, which have been predominantly addressed on a global scale, also take place at a considerably smaller spatial scale. Importantly, while proposed management of the sea cucumber fishery is often generic to a simplified fishery situation, this study illustrates a multifaceted fishery with diverse management requirements. The documented spatial scales and processes in the scuba diving fishery emphasize the need for increased regional governance partnerships to implement management that fit the spatial scales and processes of the operation.

NASA's Analog Missions: Driving Exploration Through Innovative Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reagan, Marcum L.; Janoiko, Barbara A.; Parker, Michele L.; Johnson, James E.; Chappell, Steven P.; Abercromby, Andrew F.

2012-01-01

Human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) will require a unique collection of advanced, innovative technologies and the precise execution of complex and challenging operational concepts. One tool we in the Analog Missions Project at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) utilize to validate exploration system architecture concepts and conduct technology demonstrations, while gaining a deeper understanding of system-wide technical and operational challenges, is our analog missions. Analog missions are multi-disciplinary activities that test multiple features of future spaceflight missions in an integrated fashion to gain a deeper understanding of system-level interactions and integrated operations. These missions frequently occur in remote and extreme environments that are representative in one or more ways to that of future spaceflight destinations. They allow us to test robotics, vehicle prototypes, habitats, communications systems, in-situ resource utilization, and human performance as it relates to these technologies. And they allow us to validate architectural concepts, conduct technology demonstrations, and gain a deeper understanding of system-wide technical and operational challenges needed to support crewed missions beyond LEO. As NASA develops a capability driven architecture for transporting crew to a variety of space environments, including the moon, near-Earth asteroids (NEA), Mars, and other destinations, it will use its analog missions to gather requirements and develop the technologies that are necessary to ensure successful human exploration beyond LEO. Currently, there are four analog mission platforms: Research and Technology Studies (RATS), NASA s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO), In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), and International Space Station (ISS) Test bed for Analog Research (ISTAR).

Cocaine self-administration in social dyads using custom-built operant conditioning chambers.

PubMed

Lacy, Ryan T; Strickland, Justin C; Smith, Mark A

2014-10-30

Traditionally, the analysis of intravenous drug self-administration is limited to conditions in which subjects are tested in isolation. This limits the translational appeal of these studies because drug use in humans often occurs in the presence of others. We used custom-built operant conditioning chambers that allowed social dyads visual, olfactory, auditory, and limited tactile contact while concurrently self-administering cocaine. Male rats were trained to respond according to a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement (with a limited hold) in order to determine if patterns of cocaine (0.75mg/kg/infusion) self-administration became more similar over time in social pairs. Cocaine self-administration was tested across five days according to a 10-min fixed interval schedule (with a 5-min limited hold). Quarter-life values (time at which 25% of responses were emitted per interval) were analyzed using intraclass correlations. The total number of reinforcers obtained did not vary across the five days of testing; however, quarter-life values became progressively more similar between individuals within the social dyads. Standard operant conditioning chambers are unable to assess responding in multiple animals due to their small size, the need to prevent subjects from responding on the lever of their partner, and the need to prevent infusion lines from entangling. By using custom-built social operant conditioning chambers, we assessed the effects of social contact on cocaine self-administration. Social operant conditioning chambers can be used as a preclinical method to examine social influences on drug self-administration under conditions that approximate human substance use. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mobility, Expansion and Management of a Multi-Species Scuba Diving Fishery in East Africa

PubMed Central

Eriksson, Hampus; de la Torre-Castro, Maricela; Olsson, Per

2012-01-01

Background Scuba diving fishing, predominantly targeting sea cucumbers, has been documented to occur in an uncontrolled manner in the Western Indian Ocean and in other tropical regions. Although this type of fishing generally indicates a destructive activity, little attention has been directed towards this category of fishery, a major knowledge gap and barrier to management. Methodology and Principal Findings With the aim to capture geographic scales, fishing processes and social aspects the scuba diving fishery that operate out of Zanzibar was studied using interviews, discussions, participant observations and catch monitoring. The diving fishery was resilient to resource declines and had expanded to new species, new depths and new fishing grounds, sometimes operating approximately 250 km away from Zanzibar at depths down to 50 meters, as a result of depleted easy-access stock. The diving operations were embedded in a regional and global trade network, and its actors operated in a roving manner on multiple spatial levels, taking advantage of unfair patron-client relationships and of the insufficient management in Zanzibar. Conclusions and Significance This study illustrates that roving dynamics in fisheries, which have been predominantly addressed on a global scale, also take place at a considerably smaller spatial scale. Importantly, while proposed management of the sea cucumber fishery is often generic to a simplified fishery situation, this study illustrates a multifaceted fishery with diverse management requirements. The documented spatial scales and processes in the scuba diving fishery emphasize the need for increased regional governance partnerships to implement management that fit the spatial scales and processes of the operation. PMID:22530034

The Impact of Specific and Complex Trauma on the Mental Health of Homeless Youth.

PubMed

Wong, Carolyn F; Clark, Leslie F; Marlotte, Lauren

2016-03-01

This study investigates the relative impact of trauma experiences that occurred prior to and since becoming homeless on depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and self-injurious behaviors among a sample of homeless youth (N = 389). Youth (aged 13 to 25) who had been homeless or precariously housed in the past year completed a survey about housing history, experiences of violence and victimization, mental health, and service utilization. In addition to examining the impact associated with specific trauma types, we also considered the effect of "early-on" poly-victimization (i.e., cumulative number of reported traumas prior to homelessness) and the influence of a compound sexual trauma variable created to represent earlier complex trauma. This created-variable has values ranging from no reported trauma, single trauma, multiple non-sexual traumas, and multiple traumas that co-occurred with sexual abuse. Multivariate analyses revealed that specific traumatic experiences prior to homelessness, including sexual abuse, emotional abuse/neglect, and adverse home environment, predicted greater mental health symptoms. Poly-victimization did not add to the prediction of mental health symptoms after the inclusion of specific traumas. Results with early compound sexual trauma revealed significant differences between lower-order trauma exposures and multiple-trauma exposures. Specifically, experience of multiple traumas that co-occurred with sexual trauma was significantly more detrimental in predicting PTSD symptoms than multiple traumas of non-sexual nature. Findings support the utility of an alternate/novel conceptualization of complex trauma, and support the need to carefully evaluate complex traumatic experiences that occurred prior to homelessness, which can impact the design and implementation of mental health care and services for homeless youth. © The Author(s) 2014.

Unlocking Flexibility: Integrated Optimization and Control of Multienergy Systems

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

Dall'Anese, Emiliano; Mancarella, Pierluigi; Monti, Antonello

Electricity, natural gas, water, and dis trict heating/cooling systems are predominantly planned and operated independently. However, it is increasingly recognized that integrated optimization and control of such systems at multiple spatiotemporal scales can bring significant socioeconomic, operational efficiency, and environmental benefits. Accordingly, the concept of the multi-energy system is gaining considerable attention, with the overarching objectives of 1) uncovering fundamental gains (and potential drawbacks) that emerge from the integrated operation of multiple systems and 2) developing holistic yet computationally affordable optimization and control methods that maximize operational benefits, while 3) acknowledging intrinsic interdependencies and quality-of-service requirements for each provider.

Aggregation operators of neutrosophic linguistic numbers for multiple attribute group decision making.

PubMed

Ye, Jun

2016-01-01

Based on the concept of neutrosophic linguistic numbers (NLNs) in symbolic neutrosophic theory presented by Smarandache in 2015, the paper firstly proposes basic operational laws of NLNs and the expected value of a NLN to rank NLNs. Then, we propose the NLN weighted arithmetic average (NLNWAA) and NLN weighted geometric average (NLNWGA) operators and discuss their properties. Further, we establish a multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method by using the NLNWAA and NLNWGA operators under NLN environment. Finally, an illustrative example on a decision-making problem of manufacturing alternatives in the flexible manufacturing system is given to show the application of the proposed MAGDM method.

Model Based Autonomy for Robust Mars Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurien, James A.; Nayak, P. Pandurang; Williams, Brian C.; Lau, Sonie (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

Space missions have historically relied upon a large ground staff, numbering in the hundreds for complex missions, to maintain routine operations. When an anomaly occurs, this small army of engineers attempts to identify and work around the problem. A piloted Mars mission, with its multiyear duration, cost pressures, half-hour communication delays and two-week blackouts cannot be closely controlled by a battalion of engineers on Earth. Flight crew involvement in routine system operations must also be minimized to maximize science return. It also may be unrealistic to require the crew have the expertise in each mission subsystem needed to diagnose a system failure and effect a timely repair, as engineers did for Apollo 13. Enter model-based autonomy, which allows complex systems to autonomously maintain operation despite failures or anomalous conditions, contributing to safe, robust, and minimally supervised operation of spacecraft, life support, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and power systems. Autonomous reasoning is central to the approach. A reasoning algorithm uses a logical or mathematical model of a system to infer how to operate the system, diagnose failures and generate appropriate behavior to repair or reconfigure the system in response. The 'plug and play' nature of the models enables low cost development of autonomy for multiple platforms. Declarative, reusable models capture relevant aspects of the behavior of simple devices (e.g. valves or thrusters). Reasoning algorithms combine device models to create a model of the system-wide interactions and behavior of a complex, unique artifact such as a spacecraft. Rather than requiring engineers to all possible interactions and failures at design time or perform analysis during the mission, the reasoning engine generates the appropriate response to the current situation, taking into account its system-wide knowledge, the current state, and even sensor failures or unexpected behavior.

Analysis of Separation Corridors for Visiting Vehicles from the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaczek, Mariusz P.; Schrock, Rita R.; Schrock, Mark B.; Lowman, Bryan C.

2011-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) is a very dynamic vehicle with many operational constraints that affect its performance, operations, and vehicle lifetime. Most constraints are designed to alleviate various safety concerns that are a result of dynamic activities between the ISS and various Visiting Vehicles (VVs). One such constraint that has been in place for Russian Vehicle (RV) operations is the limitation placed on Solar Array (SA) positioning in order to prevent collisions during separation and subsequent relative motion of VVs. An unintended consequence of the SA constraint has been the impacts to the operational flexibility of the ISS resulting from the reduced power generation capability as well as from a reduction in the operational lifetime of various SA components. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the technique and the analysis that were applied in order to relax the SA constraints for RV undockings, thereby improving both the ISS operational flexibility and extending its lifetime for many years to come. This analysis focused on the effects of the dynamic motion that occur both prior to and following RV separations. The analysis involved a parametric approach in the conservative application of various initial conditions and assumptions. These included the use of the worst case minimum and maximum vehicle configurations, worst case initial attitudes and attitude rates, and the worst case docking port separation dynamics. Separations were calculated for multiple ISS docking ports, at varied deviations from the nominal undocking attitudes and included the use of two separate attitude control schemes: continuous free-drift and a post separation attitude hold. The analysis required numerical propagation of both the separation motion and the vehicle attitudes using 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) relative motion equations coupled with rigid body rotational dynamics to generate a large set of separation trajectories.

Three-dimensional, automated, real-time video system for tracking limb motion in brain-machine interface studies.

PubMed

Peikon, Ian D; Fitzsimmons, Nathan A; Lebedev, Mikhail A; Nicolelis, Miguel A L

2009-06-15

Collection and analysis of limb kinematic data are essential components of the study of biological motion, including research into biomechanics, kinesiology, neurophysiology and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). In particular, BMI research requires advanced, real-time systems capable of sampling limb kinematics with minimal contact to the subject's body. To answer this demand, we have developed an automated video tracking system for real-time tracking of multiple body parts in freely behaving primates. The system employs high-contrast markers painted on the animal's joints to continuously track the three-dimensional positions of their limbs during activity. Two-dimensional coordinates captured by each video camera are combined and converted to three-dimensional coordinates using a quadratic fitting algorithm. Real-time operation of the system is accomplished using direct memory access (DMA). The system tracks the markers at a rate of 52 frames per second (fps) in real-time and up to 100fps if video recordings are captured to be later analyzed off-line. The system has been tested in several BMI primate experiments, in which limb position was sampled simultaneously with chronic recordings of the extracellular activity of hundreds of cortical cells. During these recordings, multiple computational models were employed to extract a series of kinematic parameters from neuronal ensemble activity in real-time. The system operated reliably under these experimental conditions and was able to compensate for marker occlusions that occurred during natural movements. We propose that this system could also be extended to applications that include other classes of biological motion.

Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Dual-Plating Fixation for Femoral Shaft Fractures in Patients with Multiple Injuries: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

PubMed

Cheng, Tao; Xia, Rong-Gang; Dong, Shi-Kui; Yan, Xiao-Yu; Luo, Cong-Feng

2017-12-18

Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a popular method in the management of femoral shaft fractures (FSFs). However, whether the association of IMN with pulmonary fat emboli can compromise the pulmonary and nervous systems is debatable. The purpose of this study is to compare IMN with the locked dual plating (LDP) method by assessing the clinical outcomes of FSF patients with head or chest injury. A total of 126 FSF patients were included in this study between January 2010 and July 2016 and divided into LDP and IMN groups. Patient demographic characteristics, operative time, blood loss, Harris Hip Score, Lysholm Knee Score, radiological outcomes, and systemic complications were collected and compared between the two treatment groups. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The LDP group performed better than IMN in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss amount, and malunion rate. Differences in function scores, fracture union rate, overall pulmonary complication rate, and in-hospital mortality between the two groups were not significant. Average radiographic union time was significantly longer in the LDP group (36.3 weeks) than in the IMN group (32.5 weeks). One case of fixation failure occurred postoperatively in the LDP group, whereas one case of fracture nonunion took place in the IMN group. Our findings suggest that dual-plating fixation is a promising method for FSFs with multiple injuries. However, the retrospective nature of this study necessitates high-quality trials to be performed to assess the clinical efficiency of dual plating.

Recent progress in avalanche photodiodes for sensing in the IR spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maddox, S. J.; Ren, M.; Woodson, M. E.; Bank, S. R.; Campbell, J. C.

2016-05-01

Abstract—We report low-noise avalanche gain from photodiodes composed of a previously uncharacterized alloy, AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y, grown lattice-matched on GaSb substrates. By varying the aluminum content the direct bandgap can be tuned from 0.25 eV (0% aluminum) to 1.24 eV (75% aluminum), corresponding to photon wavelengths from 5000 nm to 1000 nm, with the transition from direct-gap to indirect-gap occurring at ~1.18 eV (~72% aluminum), or 1050 nm. This has been used to fabricate separate absorption, charge, and multiplication (SACM) APDs using Al0.7In0.3As0.3Sb0.7 for the multiplication region and Al0.4In0.6As0.3Sb0.7 for the absorber. Gain values as high as 100 have been achieved and the excess noise factor is characterized by a k value of 0.01, which is comparable to or below that of Si. In addition, since the bandgap of the absorption region is direct, its absorption depth is 5 to 10 times shorter than indirect-bandgap silicon, potentially enabling significantly higher operating bandwidths.

Characteristics of Effective Mentorship for Academic Surgeons: A Grounded Theory Model.

PubMed

Cochran, Amalia; Elder, William B; Neumayer, Leigh A

2017-08-23

The authors sought to describe characteristics of effective mentoring relationships in academic surgery based upon lived experiences of mid-career and senior female academic surgeons. Prior qualitative work describes characteristics of successful mentoring relationships. However, no model exists of effective mentorship that is specific to academic surgery. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with mid-career and senior female US academic surgeons about the impact of mentoring on professional development during 2014 and 2015. Purposive selection aimed to maximize institutional, specialty, years in career, and racial diversity. Grounded theory method was used to generate a conceptual model of effective mentoring relationships. Data saturation occurred following 15 interviews. Interviewees described the need for multiple mentors over time with each mentor addressing a unique domain. Interviewees suggested that mentees should seek mentors who will serve as strategic advisors, who will be unselfish, and who engage with diverse mentees. This study identified a need for multiple mentors across time and disciplines, and identified 3 key characteristics of effective mentoring relationships in academic surgery. Future work in this area should generate an operational definition of mentorship that supports quantitative evaluation of mentor and mentoring panel performance.

LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures with multiple quantum wells: comparison of fast neutrons and gamma-quanta irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gradoboev, A. V.; Orlova, K. N.; Simonova, A. V.

2018-05-01

The paper presents the research results of watt and volt characteristics of LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures with multiple quantum wells in the active region. The research is completed for LEDs (emission wavelengths 624 nm and 590 nm) under irradiation by fast neutron and gamma-quanta in passive powering mode. Watt-voltage characteristics in the average and high electron injection areas are described as a power function of the operating voltage. It has been revealed that the LEDs transition from average electron injection area to high electron injection area occurs by overcoming the transition area. It disappears as it get closer to the limit result of the irradiation LEDs that is low electron injection mode in the entire supply voltage range. It has been established that the gamma radiation facilitates initial defects restructuring only 42% compared to 100% when irradiation is performed by fast neutrons. Ratio between measured on the boundary between low and average electron injection areas current value and the contribution magnitude of the first stage LEDs emissive power reducing is established. It is allows to predict LEDs resistance to irradiation by fast neutrons and gamma rays.

Theory of Mind in the Wild: Toward Tackling the Challenges of Everyday Mental State Reasoning

PubMed Central

Wertz, Annie E.; German, Tamsin C.

2013-01-01

A complete understanding of the cognitive systems underwriting theory of mind (ToM) abilities requires articulating how mental state representations are generated and processed in everyday situations. Individuals rarely announce their intentions prior to acting, and actions are often consistent with multiple mental states. In order for ToM to operate effectively in such situations, mental state representations should be generated in response to certain actions, even when those actions occur in the presence of mental state content derived from other aspects of the situation. Results from three experiments with preschool children and adults demonstrate that mental state information is indeed generated based on an approach action cue in situations that contain competing mental state information. Further, the frequency with which participants produced or endorsed explanations that include mental states about an approached object decreased when the competing mental state information about a different object was made explicit. This set of experiments provides some of the first steps toward identifying the observable action cues that are used to generate mental state representations in everyday situations and offers insight into how both young children and adults processes multiple mental state representations. PMID:24069160

The computational complexity of elliptic curve integer sub-decomposition (ISD) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajeena, Ruma Kareem K.; Kamarulhaili, Hailiza

2014-07-01

The idea of the GLV method of Gallant, Lambert and Vanstone (Crypto 2001) is considered a foundation stone to build a new procedure to compute the elliptic curve scalar multiplication. This procedure, that is integer sub-decomposition (ISD), will compute any multiple kP of elliptic curve point P which has a large prime order n with two low-degrees endomorphisms ψ1 and ψ2 of elliptic curve E over prime field Fp. The sub-decomposition of values k1 and k2, not bounded by ±C√n , gives us new integers k11, k12, k21 and k22 which are bounded by ±C√n and can be computed through solving the closest vector problem in lattice. The percentage of a successful computation for the scalar multiplication increases by ISD method, which improved the computational efficiency in comparison with the general method for computing scalar multiplication in elliptic curves over the prime fields. This paper will present the mechanism of ISD method and will shed light mainly on the computation complexity of the ISD approach that will be determined by computing the cost of operations. These operations include elliptic curve operations and finite field operations.

Magnetic resonance imaging correlates of bee sting induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome: A case report.

PubMed

Das, Sushant K; Zeng, Li-Chuan; Li, Bing; Niu, Xiang-Ke; Wang, Jing-Liang; Bhetuwal, Anup; Yang, Han-Feng

2014-09-28

Occasionally systemic complications with high risk of death, such as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), can occur following multiple bee stings. This case study reports a patient who presented with MODS, i.e., acute kidney injury, hepatic and cardiac dysfunction, after multiple bee stings. The standard clinical findings were then correlated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, which demonstrates that MRI may be utilized as a simpler tool to use than other multiple diagnostics.

Operational effectiveness of a Multiple Aquila Control System (MACS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. W.; Flynn, J. D.; Frey, M. R.

1983-01-01

The operational effectiveness of a multiple aquila control system (MACS) was examined under a variety of remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) mission configurations. The set of assumptions and inputs used to form the rules under which a computerized simulation of MACS was run is given. The characteristics that are to govern MACS operations include: the battlefield environment that generates the requests for RPV missions, operating time-lines of the RPV-peculiar equipment, maintenance requirements, and vulnerability to enemy fire. The number of RPV missions and the number of operation days are discussed. Command, control, and communication data rates are estimated by determining how many messages are passed and what information is necessary in them to support ground coordination between MACS sections.

Analyses of requirements for computer control and data processing experiment subsystems. Volume 2: ATM experiment S-056 image data processing system software development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The IDAPS (Image Data Processing System) is a user-oriented, computer-based, language and control system, which provides a framework or standard for implementing image data processing applications, simplifies set-up of image processing runs so that the system may be used without a working knowledge of computer programming or operation, streamlines operation of the image processing facility, and allows multiple applications to be run in sequence without operator interaction. The control system loads the operators, interprets the input, constructs the necessary parameters for each application, and cells the application. The overlay feature of the IBSYS loader (IBLDR) provides the means of running multiple operators which would otherwise overflow core storage.

Electronic measurement apparatus movable in a cased borehole and compensating for casing resistance differences

DOEpatents

Vail, W.B. III.

1991-12-24

Methods of operation are described for an apparatus having at least two pairs of voltage measurement electrodes vertically disposed in a cased well to measure the resistivity of adjacent geological formations from inside the cased well. During stationary measurements with the apparatus at a fixed vertical depth within the cased well, the invention herein discloses methods of operation which include a measurement step and subsequent first and second compensation steps respectively resulting in improved accuracy of measurement. The invention also discloses multiple frequency methods of operation resulting in improved accuracy of measurement while the apparatus is simultaneously moved vertically in the cased well. The multiple frequency methods of operation disclose a first A.C. current having a first frequency that is conducted from the casing into formation and a second A.C. current having a second frequency that is conducted along the casing. The multiple frequency methods of operation simultaneously provide the measurement step and two compensation steps necessary to acquire accurate results while the apparatus is moved vertically in the cased well. 6 figures.

Electronic measurement apparatus movable in a cased borehole and compensating for casing resistance differences

DOEpatents

Vail, III, William B.

1991-01-01

Methods of operation of an apparatus having at least two pairs of voltage measurement electrodes vertically disposed in a cased well to measure the resistivity of adjacent geological formations from inside the cased well. During stationary measurements with the apparatus at a fixed vertical depth within the cased well, the invention herein discloses methods of operation which include a measurement step and subsequent first and second compensation steps respectively resulting in improved accuracy of measurement. The invention also discloses multiple frequency methods of operation resulting in improved accuracy of measurement while the apparatus is simultaneously moved vertically in the cased well. The multiple frequency methods of operation disclose a first A.C. current having a first frequency that is conducted from the casing into formation and a second A.C. current having a second frequency that is conducted along the casing. The multiple frequency methods of operation simultaneously provide the measurement step and two compensation steps necessary to acquire accurate results while the apparatus is moved vertically in the cased well.

[CLINICAL BACKGROUND ANALYSIS ABOUT TRANSURETHRAL ELECTROCOAGULATION].

PubMed

Katsui, Masahiro; Kikuchi, Eiji; Yazawa, Satoshi; Hagiwara, Masayuki; Morita, Shinya; Shinoda, Kazunobu; Kosaka, Takeo; Mizuno, Ryuichi; Shinojima, Toshiaki; Asanuma, Hiroshi; Miyajima, Akira; Oya, Mototsugu

2015-10-01

Transurethral electrocoagulation (TUC) is a rare event but occurs in a constant manner with various causes or disorders and reduces patient quality of life. So far there have been no reports focusing on the details of TUC. We focused on the clinical background and related causes in cases of TUC in our institution. We identified 76 cases (65 patients) who underwent TUC at Keio University Hospital between April 2001 and March 2011. We focused on patient background, especially with respect to the primary disease, treatment modality, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agent, timing of TUC, type of electrosurgical device, and the incidence of transfusion. The primary disease for TUC included bladder tumor (BT) in 31 cases, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in 13, prostate cancer (PCa) in 13, idiopathic bladder bleeding in 4, periarteritis nodosa in 3, uterine cervical cancer in 3, and others in 9. TUC after transurethral resection (TUR) was found in 38 cases, including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in 26 of 31 BT cases and transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in 12 of 13 BPH cases. After TURBT, TUC was performed before removal of a urethral catheter in 7 cases, and after removal of a urethral catheter in 19 cases. With regard to TUC associated with TURP, the average estimated prostate volume in TUC cases before removal of the urethral catheter was 66.2 ml, which was significantly larger than that in TUC cases after removal of the urethral catheter (46.1 ml, p = 0.045). TUC after the radiation therapy was observed in 21 cases, and the average time from the radiation therapy to TUC was 3.4 years (7 months-10 years). TUC was caused by multiple causes or disorders, and 75% of our TUC was associated with BT, BPH or PCa. TUC associated with TURBT frequently occurred within 1 week after TURBT but was still observed after 1 month following the operation. All TUC associated with TURP occurred within 3 weeks after operation. The average period from radiation therapy to TUC was 3.4 years (7 months-10 years) and TUC associated with radiation cystitis could occur beyond 5 years after radiation.

Moral motivation based on multiple developmental structures: an exploration of cognitive and emotional dynamics.

PubMed

Kaplan, Ulas; Tivnan, Terrence

2014-01-01

Intrapersonal variability and multiplicity in the complexity of moral motivation were examined from Dynamic Systems and Self-Determination Theory perspectives. L. Kohlberg's (1969) stages of moral development are reconceptualized as soft-assembled and dynamically transformable process structures of motivation that may operate simultaneously within person in different degrees. Moral motivation is conceptualized as the real-time process of self-organization of cognitive and emotional dynamics out of which moral judgment and action emerge. A detailed inquiry into intrapersonal variation in moral motivation is carried out based on the differential operation of multiple motivational structures. A total of 74 high school students and 97 college students participated in the study by completing a new questionnaire, involving 3 different hypothetical moral judgments. As hypothesized, findings revealed significant multiplicity in the within-person operation of developmental stage structures, and intrapersonal variability in the degrees to which stages were used. Developmental patterns were found in terms of different distributions of multiple stages between high school and college samples, as well as the association between age and overall motivation scores. Differential relations of specific emotions to moral motivation revealed and confirmed the value of differentiating multiple emotions. Implications of the present theoretical perspective and the findings for understanding the complexity of moral judgment and motivation are discussed.

Procedural errors in air traffic control: effects of traffic density, expertise, and automation.

PubMed

Di Nocera, Francesco; Fabrizi, Roberto; Terenzi, Michela; Ferlazzo, Fabio

2006-06-01

Air traffic management requires operators to frequently shift between multiple tasks and/or goals with different levels of accomplishment. Procedural errors can occur when a controller accomplishes one of the tasks before the entire operation has been completed. The present study had two goals: first, to verify the occurrence of post-completion errors in air traffic control (ATC) tasks; and second, to assess effects on performance of medium term conflict detection (MTCD) tools. There were 18 military controllers who performed a simulated ATC task with and without automation support (MTCD vs. manual) in high and low air traffic density conditions. During the task, which consisted of managing several simulated flights in an enroute ATC scenario, a trace suddenly disappeared "after" the operator took the aircraft in charge, "during" the management of the trace, or "before" the pilot's first contact. In the manual condition, only the fault type "during" was found to be significantly different from the other two. On the contrary, when in the MTCD condition, the fault type "after" generated significantly less errors than the fault type "before." Additionally, automation was found to affect performance of junior controllers, whereas seniors' performance was not affected. Procedural errors can happen in ATC, but automation can mitigate this effect. Lack of benefits for the "before" fault type may be due to the fact that operators extend their reliance to a part of the task that is unsupported by the automated system.

Foramen magnum decompression for Chiari I malformation: a procedure not to be underestimated.

PubMed

Duddy, John Charles; Allcutt, David; Crimmins, Darach; O'Brien, David; O'Brien, Donncha Finbarr; Rawluk, Daniel; Sattar, Mohammed Taufiq; Young, Steven; Caird, John

2014-06-01

Chiari I malformation may be treated with foramen magnum decompression (FMD). We aim to describe the symptoms with which patients initially present, and to determine the number and type of complications occurring after FMD for Chiari I malformation. Retrospective review of medical records for patients who had FMD performed for Chiari I malformation between January 2009 and December 2011. Post-operative outcomes were recorded and analysed. Patient demographic details and other relevant medical conditions were also noted. Between January 2009 and December 2011, 54 FMDs were performed for Chiari I malformation. Among them, 40(74%) patients were female and 14 patients (26%) were male. The majority of patients (42.6%) were aged 16-39 years and 24.07% of patients were children aged < 16 years. A total of 30(55.6%) patients had documented evidence of a syrinx pre-operatively. 18(33.3%) patients developed complications. Nine of these developed multiple complications while nine had a single problem. One mortality was reported. Ten (18.5%) patients developed hydrocephalus requiring shunting. Two patients developed subdural collections requiring evacuation associated with hydrocephalus. Six (11.1%) patients developed post-operative infections: two CNS infections; one wound infection; and three other infections. FMD for Chiari I malformation is a procedure which carries risk. In particular, the risk of developing post-operative hydrocephalus requiring permanent shunting is relatively high. ICP monitoring prior to FMD may be required to definitively rule out raised intracranial pressure.

Lessons Learned In Developing Multiple Distributed Planning Systems for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maxwell, Theresa G.; McNair, Ann R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The planning processes for the International Space Station (ISS) Program are quite complex. Detailed mission planning for ISS on-orbit operations is a distributed function. Pieces of the on-orbit plan are developed by multiple planning organizations, located around the world, based on their respective expertise and responsibilities. The "pieces" are then integrated to yield the final detailed plan that will be executed onboard the ISS. Previous space programs have not distributed the planning and scheduling functions to this extent. Major ISS planning organizations are currently located in the United States (at both the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)), in Russia, in Europe, and in Japan. Software systems have been developed by each of these planning organizations to support their assigned planning and scheduling functions. Although there is some cooperative development and sharing of key software components, each planning system has been tailored to meet the unique requirements and operational environment of the facility in which it operates. However, all the systems must operate in a coordinated fashion in order to effectively and efficiently produce a single integrated plan of ISS operations, in accordance with the established planning processes. This paper addresses lessons learned during the development of these multiple distributed planning systems, from the perspective of the developer of one of the software systems. The lessons focus on the coordination required to allow the multiple systems to operate together, rather than on the problems associated with the development of any particular system. Included in the paper is a discussion of typical problems faced during the development and coordination process, such as incompatible development schedules, difficulties in defining system interfaces, technical coordination and funding for shared tools, continually evolving planning concepts/requirements, programmatic and budget issues, and external influences. Techniques that mitigated some of these problems will also be addressed, along with recommendations for any future programs involving the development of multiple planning and scheduling systems. Many of these lessons learned are not unique to the area of planning and scheduling systems, so may be applied to other distributed ground systems that must operate in concert to successfully support space mission operations.

Lessons Learned in Developing Multiple Distributed Planning Systems for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maxwell, Theresa G.

2002-01-01

The planning processes for the International Space Station (ISS) Program are quite complex. Detailed mission planning for ISS on-orbit operations is a distributed function. Pieces of the on-orbit plan are developed by multiple planning organizations, located around the world, based on their respective expertise and responsibilities. The pieces are then integrated to yield the final detailed plan that will be executed onboard the ISS. Previous space programs have not distributed the planning and scheduling functions to this extent. Major ISS planning organizations are currently located in the United States (at both the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)), in Russia, in Europe, and in Japan. Software systems have been developed by each of these planning organizations to support their assigned planning and scheduling functions. Although there is some cooperative development and sharing of key software components, each planning system has been tailored to meet the unique requirements and operational environment of the facility in which it operates. However, all the systems must operate in a coordinated fashion in order to effectively and efficiently produce a single integrated plan of ISS operations, in accordance with the established planning processes. This paper addresses lessons learned during the development of these multiple distributed planning systems, from the perspective of the developer of one of the software systems. The lessons focus on the coordination required to allow the multiple systems to operate together, rather than on the problems associated with the development of any particular system. Included in the paper is a discussion of typical problems faced during the development and coordination process, such as incompatible development schedules, difficulties in defining system interfaces, technical coordination and funding for shared tools, continually evolving planning concepts/requirements, programmatic and budget issues, and external influences. Techniques that mitigated some of these problems will also be addressed, along with recommendations for any future programs involving the development of multiple planning and scheduling systems. Many of these lessons learned are not unique to the area of planning and scheduling systems, so may be applied to other distributed ground systems that must operate in concert to successfully support space mission operations.

[Effectiveness of two-stage operation of auricular reconstruction in treatment of lobule-type microtia].

PubMed

Wang, Meishui; Wang, Biao; Zheng, Houbing; Wu, Shanying; Shan, Xiuying; Zhuang, Fulian

2011-12-01

To investigate the method and effectiveness of two-stage operation of auricular reconstruction in treating lobule-type microtia. Between March 2007 and April 2010, 19 patients (19 ears) of lobule-type microtia were treated. There were 13 males and 6 females, aged 5 to 27 years (mean, 12.6 years). Of 19 patients, 11 were less than or equal to 14 years old. The locations were left ear in 9 cases and right ear in 10 cases. Two-stage operation for auricular reconstruction of lobule-type microtia included fabrication and grafting of the costal cartilage framework at the first-stage operation and the ear elevation operation at the second-stage operation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection occurred in 1 patient after the first-stage operation, who was not given the second-stage operation. Skin necrosis occurred in 1 patient 8 days after the second-stage operation and healed after symptomatic treatment. Eighteen patients were followed up 6 months to 2 years (mean, 14 months). Retraction of cranioauricular angle and thoracic deformity occurred in 1 patient. The surgical results were satisfactory in the other 17 patients whose reconstructive ear had verisimilar shape and suitable cranioauricular angle. Two-stage operation of auricular reconstruction is considered to be an ideal method for lobule-type microtia.

Experimental studies of systematic multiple-energy operation at HIMAC synchrotron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizushima, K.; Katagiri, K.; Iwata, Y.; Furukawa, T.; Fujimoto, T.; Sato, S.; Hara, Y.; Shirai, T.; Noda, K.

2014-07-01

Multiple-energy synchrotron operation providing carbon-ion beams with various energies has been used for scanned particle therapy at NIRS. An energy range from 430 to 56 MeV/u and about 200 steps within this range are required to vary the Bragg peak position for effective treatment. The treatment also demands the slow extraction of beam with highly reliable properties, such as spill, position and size, for all energies. We propose an approach to generating multiple-energy operation meeting these requirements within a short time. In this approach, the device settings at most energy steps are determined without manual adjustments by using systematic parameter tuning depending on the beam energy. Experimental verification was carried out at the HIMAC synchrotron, and its results proved that this approach can greatly reduce the adjustment period.

Childhood Mourning: Prospective Case Analysis of Multiple Losses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Kenneth R.; Kaufman, Nathaniel D.

2005-01-01

Multiple losses within short time periods make one question life and can exponentially influence one's coping skills. But what are the effects on a child and what should be done when the next loss occurs? This case addresses the multiple losses suffered by a child while assessing coping skills of the child and coping strategies used by the parents…

[Comparative study on Chinese medical syndrome typing and treatment combined different surgical methods for treating clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome].

PubMed

Zeng, Lei; Zeng, Cheng; Tao, Li-Li

2012-11-01

To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Chinese medical syndrome typing and treatment combined cold needle puncture drainage operation or unipolar electrocoagulation drilling technique under laparoscope for treating clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty infertility patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS were assigned to two groups using stratified random sampling method according to age, infertility time, and body mass index, 20 in each group. Patients in Group A were treated with Chinese medical syndrome typing and treatment combined cold needle puncture drainage operation, while those in Group B were treated with Chinese medical syndrome typing and treatment combined unipolar electrocoagulation drilling technique. After operation Chinese herbal treatment was administered to all patients according to syndrome typing. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), androgen (T), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL) were determined before and after operation. The ovulation was monitored. The pregnancy rate and the pregnancy outcomes were recorded after operation. There was no statistical difference in the 3-month spontaneous ovulation rate or the 1-year pregnancy rate (P > 0.05). The levels of LH, T, and PRL were significantly lower after operation than before operation in the two groups (P < 0.05). The menstruation and ovulation were obviously improved after operation. The total ovulation rate was 95% (19/20) in Group A. Successful pregnancy occurred in 15 cases of Group A. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred in 1 case of Group A. The total ovulation rate was 90% (18/20) in Group B. Successful pregnancy occurred in 13 cases of Group B. Hypovaria occurred in 1 case of Group B. Luteinized unruptured follicle (LUFS) occurred in 2 cases of Group A and 1 case of Group B. Chinese medical syndrome typing and treatment combined cold needle puncture drainage operation or unipolar electrocoagulation drilling technique could effectively promote the ovulation. The two methods showed similar therapeutic effects.

Behavioral regulation of gravity - Schedule effects under escape-avoidance procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, F. C.; Lange, K. O.; Belleville, R. E.

1973-01-01

Squirrel monkeys were restrained in a centrifuge capsule and trained to escape and avoid increases in artificial gravity. During escape-avoidance, lever responses reduced centrifugally simulated gravity or postponed scheduled increases. The effect of variation in the interval of postponement (equal to the duration of decrease produced by escape responses) was studied under a multiple schedule of four components. Three components were gravity escape-avoidance with postponement times of 20, 40, and 60 sec. The fourth component was extinction. Each component was associated with a different auditory stimulus. Rate of responding decreased with increasing postponement time and higher mean g-levels occurred at shorter intervals of postponement. Effects of the schedule parameter on response rate and mean g-level were similar to effects of the schedule on free-operant avoidance and on titration behavior maintained by shock.

Mechanical vibration to electrical energy converter

DOEpatents

Kellogg, Rick Allen [Tijeras, NM; Brotz, Jay Kristoffer [Albuquerque, NM

2009-03-03

Electromechanical devices that generate an electrical signal in response to an external source of mechanical vibrations can operate as a sensor of vibrations and as an energy harvester for converting mechanical vibration to electrical energy. The devices incorporate a magnet that is movable through a gap in a ferromagnetic circuit, wherein a coil is wound around a portion of the ferromagnetic circuit. A flexible coupling is used to attach the magnet to a frame for providing alignment of the magnet as it moves or oscillates through the gap in the ferromagnetic circuit. The motion of the magnet can be constrained to occur within a substantially linear range of magnetostatic force that develops due to the motion of the magnet. The devices can have ferromagnetic circuits with multiple arms, an array of magnets having alternating polarity and, encompass micro-electromechanical (MEM) devices.

Modern laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.

PubMed

Drobniewski, F A; Caws, M; Gibson, A; Young, D

2003-03-01

One-third of the global population is believed to be infected with bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, the causative agent of tuberculosis. More than 8 million new cases of tuberculosis occur annually leading to 2 million deaths. Mortality is particularly high in those coinfected with HIV and where the bacteria are multiple-drug-resistant strains--ie, strains resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis and drug resistance improves survival and by identifying infectious cases promotes contact tracing, implementation of institutional cross-infection procedures, and other public-health actions. This review addresses significant advances made in the diagnosis of infection, clinical disease, and drug resistance over the past decade. It proposes operational criteria for a modern diagnostic service in the UK (as a model of a low-incidence country) and explores some of the economic issues surrounding the use of these techniques.

Role of High-End Computing in Meeting NASA's Science and Engineering Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Rupak; Tu, Eugene L.; Van Dalsem, William R.

2006-01-01

Two years ago, NASA was on the verge of dramatically increasing its HEC capability and capacity. With the 10,240-processor supercomputer, Columbia, now in production for 18 months, HEC has an even greater impact within the Agency and extending to partner institutions. Advanced science and engineering simulations in space exploration, shuttle operations, Earth sciences, and fundamental aeronautics research are occurring on Columbia, demonstrating its ability to accelerate NASA s exploration vision. This talk describes how the integrated production environment fostered at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) facility at Ames Research Center is accelerating scientific discovery, achieving parametric analyses of multiple scenarios, and enhancing safety for NASA missions. We focus on Columbia s impact on two key engineering and science disciplines: Aerospace, and Climate. We also discuss future mission challenges and plans for NASA s next-generation HEC environment.

The representation of multiplication and division facts in memory.

PubMed

De Brauwer, Jolien; Fias, Wim

2011-01-01

Recently, using a training paradigm, Campbell and Agnew (2009) observed cross-operation response time savings with nonidentical elements (e.g., practice 3 + 2, test 5 - 2) for addition and subtraction, showing that a single memory representation underlies addition and subtraction performance. Evidence for cross-operation savings between multiplication and division have been described frequently (e.g., Campbell, Fuchs-Lacelle, & Phenix, 2006) but they have always been attributed to a mediation strategy (reformulating a division problem as a multiplication problem, e.g., Campbell et al., 2006). Campbell and Agnew (2009) therefore concluded that there exists a fundamental difference between addition and subtraction on the one hand and multiplication and division on the other hand. However, our results suggest that retrieval savings between inverse multiplication and division problems can be observed. Even for small problems (solved by direct retrieval) practicing a division problem facilitated the corresponding multiplication problem and vice versa. These findings indicate that shared memory representations underlie multiplication and division retrieval. Hence, memory and learning processes do not seem to differ fundamentally between addition-subtraction and multiplication-division.

Discovery of multiple, ionization-created CS{sub 2} anions and a new mode of operation for drift chambers

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

Snowden-Ifft, Daniel P.

2014-01-15

This paper focuses on the surprising discovery of multiple species of ionization-created CS{sub 2} anions in gas mixtures containing electronegative CS{sub 2} and O{sub 2}, identified by their slightly different drift velocities. Data are presented to understand the formation mechanism and identity of these new anions. Regardless of the micro-physics, however, this discovery offers a new, trigger-less mode of operation for the drift chambers. A demonstration of trigger-less operation is presented.

Multiple summing operators on C(K) spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-García, David; Villanueva, Ignacio

2004-04-01

In this paper, we characterize, for 1≤ p<∞, the multiple ( p, 1)-summing multilinear operators on the product of C(K) spaces in terms of their representing polymeasures. As consequences, we obtain a new characterization of ( p, 1)-summing linear operators on C(K) in terms of their representing measures and a new multilinear characterization of L ∞ spaces. We also solve a problem stated by M.S. Ramanujan and E. Schock, improve a result of H. P. Rosenthal and S. J. Szarek, and give new results about polymeasures.

Next-Generation Ground Network Architecture for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary Smallsats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, K.-M.; Abraham, D.; Arroyo, B.; Basilio, E.; Babuscia, A.; Duncan, C.; Lee, D.; Oudrhiri, K.; Pham, T.; Staehle, R.; Waldherr, S.; Welz, G.; Wyatt, J.; Lanucara, M.; Malphrus, B.; Bellardo, J.; Puig-Suari, J.; Corpino, S.

2015-08-01

As small spacecraft venture out of Earth orbit, they will encounter challenges not experienced or addressed by the numerous low Earth orbit (LEO) CubeSat and smallsat missions staged to date. The LEO CubeSats typically use low-cost, proven CubeSat radios, antennas, and university ground stations with small apertures. As more ambitious yet cost-constrained space mission concepts to the Moon and beyond are being developed, CubeSats and smallsats have the potential to provide a more affordable platform for exploring deep space and performing the associated science. Some of the challenges that have, so far, slowed the proliferation of small interplanetary spacecraft are those of communications and navigation. Unlike Earth-orbiting spacecraft that navigate via government services such as North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD's) tracking elements or the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, interplanetary spacecraft would have to operate in a fundamentally different manner that allows the deep-space communications link to provide both command/telemetry and the radiometric data needed for navigation. Another challenge occurs when smallsat and CubeSat missions would involve multiple spacecraft that require near-simultaneous communication and/or navigation, but have a very limited number of ground antenna assets, as well as available spectrum, to support their links. To address these challenges, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Deep Space Network (DSN) it operates for NASA are pursuing the following efforts: (1) Developing a CubeSat-compatible, DSN-compatible transponder -- Iris -- which a commercial vendor can then make available as a product line. (2) Developing CubeSat-compatible high-gain antennas -- deployable reflectors, reflectarrays, and inflatable antennas. (3) Streamlining access and utilization processes for DSN and related services such as the Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS). (4) Developing methodologies for tracking and operating multiple spacecraft simultaneously, including spectrum coordination. (5) Coordination and collaboration with non-DSN facilities. This article further describes the communications and tracking challenges facing interplanetary smallsats and CubeSats, and the next-generation ground network architecture being evolved to mitigate those challenges.

Crew factors in flight operations IX : effects of planned cockpit rest on crew performance and alertness in long-haul operations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-07-01

This report is the ninth in a series on physiological and psychological effects of flight operations on flight crews, and on the operational significance of these effects. Long-haul flight operations often involve rapid multiple time-zone changes, sl...

Mars Polar Lander Mission Distributed Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norris, J.; Backes, P.; Slostad, J.; Bonitz, R.; Tharp, G.; Tso, K.

2000-01-01

The Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission is the first planetary mission to use Internet-based distributed ground operations where scientists and engineers collaborate in daily mission operations from multiple geographically distributed locations via the Internet.

Integrating Automation into a Multi-Mission Operations Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Surka, Derek M.; Jones, Lori; Crouse, Patrick; Cary, Everett A, Jr.; Esposito, Timothy C.

2007-01-01

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Space Science Mission Operations (SSMO) Project is currently tackling the challenge of minimizing ground operations costs for multiple satellites that have surpassed their prime mission phase and are well into extended mission. These missions are being reengineered into a multi-mission operations center built around modern information technologies and a common ground system infrastructure. The effort began with the integration of four SMEX missions into a similar architecture that provides command and control capabilities and demonstrates fleet automation and control concepts as a pathfinder for additional mission integrations. The reengineered ground system, called the Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), is now undergoing a transformation to support other SSMO missions, which include SOHO, Wind, and ACE. This paper presents the automation principles and lessons learned to date for integrating automation into an existing operations environment for multiple satellites.

40 CFR 63.1542 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and is indirectly heated from below and contains molten lead for the purpose of drossing, refining, or... smelter that is associated with lead smelting or refining but is not the primary exhaust stream and is not... lead smelter in which drossing or refining operations occur, or casting operations occur. Shutdown...

40 CFR 63.1542 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... and is indirectly heated from below and contains molten lead for the purpose of drossing, refining, or... smelter that is associated with lead smelting or refining but is not the primary exhaust stream and is not... lead smelter in which drossing or refining operations occur, or casting operations occur. Shutdown...

Ontogeny of a surgical technique: Robotic kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia.

PubMed

Sood, Akshay; McCulloch, Peter; Dahm, Philipp; Ahlawat, Rajesh; Jeong, Wooju; Bhandari, Mahendra; Menon, Mani

2016-01-01

Innovation is a hallmark of surgical practice. It is generally accepted that a new procedure will undergo technical changes during its evolution; however, quantitative accounts of the process are limited. Multiple groups, including our own, have recently described a minimally-invasive approach to conventional kidney transplantation (KT) operation. Unique to our experience is a structured development of the technique within the confines of a safe surgical innovation framework - the IDEAL framework (idea, development, exploration, assessment, long-term monitoring; stages 0-4). We here provide a first-hand narrative of the progress of robotic KT operation from preclinical trial to clinical application. Overall, 54 patients underwent robotic KT with regional hypothermia successfully. Major technical changes including selection of optimal patient position (flank vs. lithotomy), robotic instrumentation, vascular occlusion method (bulldog vs. tourniquet) and suture material (prolene vs. GoreTex) occurred early during the procedure development (IDEAL stage 0, preclinical). Minor technical changes such as utilization of the aortic punch for arteriotomy (case 3), use of barbed suture during ureteroneocystostomy (case 6) and extraperitonealization of the graft kidney (case 6) that increased the efficiency and safety of the procedure continued throughout procedure development (IDEAL stages 1-2, clinical stages). We demonstrate that a surgical technique evolves continually; although, the majority of technical alterations occur early in the life-cycle of the procedure. Development of a new technique within the confines a structured surgical innovation framework allows for evidence based progression of the technique and may minimize the risk of harm to the patient. Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Limited. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The lipid habitats of neurotransmitter receptors in brain.

PubMed

Borroni, María Virginia; Vallés, Ana Sofía; Barrantes, Francisco J

2016-11-01

Neurotransmitter receptors, the macromolecules specialized in decoding the chemical signals encrypted in the chemical signaling mechanism in the nervous system, occur either at the somatic cell surface of chemically excitable cells or at specialized subcellular structures, the synapses. Synapses have lipid compositions distinct from the rest of the cell membrane, suggesting that neurotransmitter receptors and their scaffolding and adaptor protein partners require specific lipid habitats for optimal operation. In this review we discuss some paradigmatic cases of neurotransmitter receptor-lipid interactions, highlighting the chemical nature of the intervening lipid species and providing examples of the receptor mechanisms affected by interaction with lipids. The focus is on the effects of cholesterol, glycerophospholipids and covalent fatty acid acylation on neurotransmitter receptors. We also briefly discuss the role of lipid phase states involving lateral heterogeneities of the host membrane known to modulate membrane transport, protein sorting and signaling. Modulation of neurotransmitter receptors by lipids occurs at multiple levels, affecting a wide span of activities including their trafficking, sorting, stability, residence lifetime at the cell surface, endocytosis, and recycling, among other important functional properties at the synapse. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functional analysis and intervention for perseverative verbal behaviour of an older adult with traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Quearry, Amy Garcia; Lundervold, Duane A

2016-01-01

A functional analysis of behaviour was conducted to determine the controlling variables related to the perseverative verbal behaviour (PBV) of a 60-year-old female with a long-standing traumatic brain injury receiving educational assistance. Functional analyses (FA) of antecedent and consequent conditions related to PCB were conducted to determine controlling influence of: (a) content of verbal interaction and, (b) social reinforcement. After isolating the controlling variables, the functioned-based intervention was implemented in 60 minute tutoring sessions. A reversal condition was used to demonstrate experimental control of the behavior during tutoring sessions. PVB which occurred in the context of tutoring for an undergraduate course significantly interfered with the delivery of instruction. Multiple replications of the functional relation between social reinforcement and PVB duration was demonstrated using an A-B-A-B reversal design during functional analysis and tutoring conditions. PVB markedly declined, but did not extinguish over the course of weekly tutoring (extinction) sessions, most likely due to 'bootleg reinforcement' occurring in other situations. Results indicate that perseverative verbal behaviour following closed head injury may be strongly influenced by the social contingencies operating in various contexts and is amenable to applied behaviour analysis interventions.

Buffer transport mechanisms in intentionally carbon doped GaN heterojunction field effect transistors

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

Uren, Michael J.; Cäsar, Markus; Kuball, Martin

2014-06-30

Temperature dependent pulsed and ramped substrate bias measurements are used to develop a detailed understanding of the vertical carrier transport in the buffer layers in a carbon doped GaN power heterojunction field effect transistor. Carbon doped GaN and multiple layers of AlGaN alloy are used in these devices to deliver an insulating and strain relieved buffer with high breakdown voltage capability. However, understanding of the detailed physical mechanism for its operation is still lacking. At the lowest electric fields (<10 MV/m), charge redistribution within the C doped layer is shown to occur by hole conduction in the valence band withmore » activation energy 0.86 eV. At higher fields, leakage between the two-dimensional electron gas and the buffer dominates occurring by a Poole-Frenkel mechanism with activation energy ∼0.65 eV, presumably along threading dislocations. At higher fields still, the strain relief buffer starts to conduct by a field dependent process. Balancing the onset of these leakage mechanisms is essential to allow the build-up of positive rather than negative space charge, and thus minimize bulk-related current-collapse in these devices.« less

Defining an Abrasion Index for Lunar Surface Systems as a Function of Dust Interaction Modes and Variable Concentration Zones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobrick, Ryan L.; Klaus, David M.; Street, Kenneth W., Jr.

2010-01-01

Unexpected issues were encountered during the Apollo era of lunar exploration due to detrimental abrasion of materials upon exposure to the fine-grained, irregular shaped dust on the surface of the Moon. For critical design features involving contact with the lunar surface and for astronaut safety concerns, operational concepts and dust tolerance must be considered in the early phases of mission planning. To systematically define material selection criteria, dust interaction can be characterized by two-body or three-body abrasion testing, and subcategorically by physical interactions of compression, rolling, sliding and bending representing specific applications within the system. Two-body abrasion occurs when a single particle or asperity slides across a given surface removing or displacing material. Three-body abrasion occurs when multiple particles interact with a solid surface, or in between two surfaces, allowing the abrasives to freely rotate and interact with the material(s), leading to removal or displacement of mass. Different modes of interaction are described in this paper along with corresponding types of tests that can be utilized to evaluate each configuration. In addition to differential modes of abrasion, variable concentrations of dust in different zones can also be considered for a given system design and operational protocol. These zones include: (1) outside the habitat where extensive dust exposure occurs, (2) in a transitional zone such as an airlock or suitport, and (3) inside the habitat or spacesuit with a low particle count. These zones can be used to help define dust interaction frequencies, and corresponding risks to the systems and/or crew can be addressed by appropriate mitigation strategies. An abrasion index is introduced that includes the level of risk, R, the hardness of the mineralogy, H, the severity of the abrasion mode, S, and the frequency of particle interactions, F.

Discontinuities, cross-scale patterns, and the organizationof ecosystems

EPA Science Inventory

Ecological structures and processes occur at specific spatiotemporal scales, and interactions that occur across multiple scales mediate scale-specific (e.g., individual,community, local, or regional) responses to disturbance. Despite the importance of scale,explicitly incorporat...

Children with Multiple Disabilities and Minimal Motor Behavior Using Chin Movements to Operate Microswitches to Obtain Environmental Stimulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Tota, Alessia; Antonucci, Massimo; Oliva, Doretta

2006-01-01

In these two studies, two children with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior were assessed to see if they could use chin movements to operate microswitches to obtain environmental stimulation. In Study I, we applied an adapted version of a recently introduced electronic microswitch [Lancioni, G. E., O'Reilly, M. F., Singh, N. N.,…

Digital sun sensor multi-spot operation.

PubMed

Rufino, Giancarlo; Grassi, Michele

2012-11-28

The operation and test of a multi-spot digital sun sensor for precise sun-line determination is described. The image forming system consists of an opaque mask with multiple pinhole apertures producing multiple, simultaneous, spot-like images of the sun on the focal plane. The sun-line precision can be improved by averaging multiple simultaneous measures. Nevertheless, the sensor operation on a wide field of view requires acquiring and processing images in which the number of sun spots and the related intensity level are largely variable. To this end, a reliable and robust image acquisition procedure based on a variable shutter time has been considered as well as a calibration function exploiting also the knowledge of the sun-spot array size. Main focus of the present paper is the experimental validation of the wide field of view operation of the sensor by using a sensor prototype and a laboratory test facility. Results demonstrate that it is possible to keep high measurement precision also for large off-boresight angles.

Resolving the multiple sequence alignment problem using biogeography-based optimization with multiple populations.

PubMed

Zemali, El-Amine; Boukra, Abdelmadjid

2015-08-01

The multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is one of the most challenging problems in bioinformatics, it involves discovering similarity between a set of protein or DNA sequences. This paper introduces a new method for the MSA problem called biogeography-based optimization with multiple populations (BBOMP). It is based on a recent metaheuristic inspired from the mathematics of biogeography named biogeography-based optimization (BBO). To improve the exploration ability of BBO, we have introduced a new concept allowing better exploration of the search space. It consists of manipulating multiple populations having each one its own parameters. These parameters are used to build up progressive alignments allowing more diversity. At each iteration, the best found solution is injected in each population. Moreover, to improve solution quality, six operators are defined. These operators are selected with a dynamic probability which changes according to the operators efficiency. In order to test proposed approach performance, we have considered a set of datasets from Balibase 2.0 and compared it with many recent algorithms such as GAPAM, MSA-GA, QEAMSA and RBT-GA. The results show that the proposed approach achieves better average score than the previously cited methods.

Multiple density layered insulator

DOEpatents

Alger, Terry W.

1994-01-01

A multiple density layered insulator for use with a laser is disclosed wh provides at least two different insulation materials for a laser discharge tube, where the two insulation materials have different thermoconductivities. The multiple layer insulation materials provide for improved thermoconductivity capability for improved laser operation.

Plasma oscillation effects on nested Hall thruster operation and stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, M. S.; Sekerak, M. J.; Gallimore, A. D.; Hofer, R. R.

High-power Hall thrusters capable of throughput on the order of 100 kW are currently under development, driven by more demanding mission profiles and rapid growth in on-orbit solar power generation capability. At these power levels the nested Hall thruster (NHT), a new design that concentrically packs multiple thrusters into a single body with a shared magnetic circuit, offers performance and logistical advantages over conventional single-channel Hall thrusters. An important area for risk reduction in NHT development is quantifying inter-channel coupling between discharge channels. This work presents time- and frequency-domain discharge current and voltage measurements paired with high-speed video of the X2, a 10-kW class dual channel NHT. Two “ triads” of operating conditions at 150 V, 3.6 kW and 250 V, 8.6 kW were examined, including each channel in individual operation and both channels in joint operation. For both triads tested, dual-channel operation did not noticeably destabilize the discharge. Partial coupling of outer channel oscillations into the inner channel occurred at 150 V, though oscillation amplitudes did not change greatly. As a percentage of mean discharge current, RMS oscillations at 150 V increased from 8% to 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 10% to 8% on the outer channel from single- to dual-channel operation. At 250 V the RMS/mean level stayed steady at 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 7% to 6% on the outer channel. The only mean discharge parameter noticeably affected was the cathode floating potential, which decreased in magnitude below ground with increased absolute cathode flow rate in dual-channel mode. Rotating spokes were detected on high-speed video across all X2 operating cases with wavelength 12-18 cm, and spoke velocity generally increased from single- to dual-channel operation.

A Preliminary Assessment of Corps of Engineers’ Reservoirs Their Purposes, and Susceptibility to Drought

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

SEVERITY INDEX (PDSI) ................. 116 iv FOREWORD Recent droughts in the United States have caused water management agencies to examine the operation ...detail, and a discussion of reservoir operating procedures, may be found in the Corps’ Engineering Manual on Management of Water Control Systems (U. S...fishery management . The seasonal fluctuation that occurs at many flood control reservoirs, and the daily fluctuations that occur with hydropower operation

Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with diastrophic dwarfism.

PubMed

Crowley, Robin L; Haas, Richard E

2010-10-01

Diastrophic dwarfism is an autosomal recessive disease that predominantly occurs in the Finnish population (1 in 33,000) but has been known to occur worldwide. Affected patients present with multiple cartilaginous anomalies and early degeneration of weight-bearing joints. Once past infancy, life expectancy is favorable and patients may undergo multiple surgical procedures throughout their lifetime to repair .or replace affected joints. The characteristic short trunk of these patients in addition to scoliosis, cervical kyphosis, and involvement of articular cartilages can create unique ventilation and airway challenges for anesthesia providers involved in their care.

F18 FDG positron emission tomography revelation of primary testicular lymphoma with concurrent multiple extra nodal involvement

PubMed Central

Vamsy, Mohana; Dattatreya, PS; Parakh, Megha; Dayal, Monal; Rao, VVS Prabhakar

2013-01-01

Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) a relatively rare disease of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas occurring with a lesser incidence of 1-2% has a propensity to occur at later ages above 50 years. PTL spreads to extra nodal sites due to deficiency of extra cellular adhesion molecules. We present detection of multiple sites of extra nodal involvement of PTL by F-18 positron emission tomography/computed tomography study aiding early detection of the dissemination thus aiding in staging and management. PMID:24019676

Assessing hemispheric specialization for processing arithmetic skills in adults: A functional transcranial doppler ultrasonography (fTCD) study.

PubMed

Connaughton, Veronica M; Amiruddin, Azhani; Clunies-Ross, Karen L; French, Noel; Fox, Allison M

2017-05-01

A major model of the cerebral circuits that underpin arithmetic calculation is the triple-code model of numerical processing. This model proposes that the lateralization of mathematical operations is organized across three circuits: a left-hemispheric dominant verbal code; a bilateral magnitude representation of numbers and a bilateral Arabic number code. This study simultaneously measured the blood flow of both middle cerebral arteries using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography to assess hemispheric specialization during the performance of both language and arithmetic tasks. The propositions of the triple-code model were assessed in a non-clinical adult group by measuring cerebral blood flow during the performance of multiplication and subtraction problems. Participants were 17 adults aged between 18-27 years. We obtained laterality indices for each type of mathematical operation and compared these in participants with left-hemispheric language dominance. It was hypothesized that blood flow would lateralize to the left hemisphere during the performance of multiplication operations, but would not lateralize during the performance of subtraction operations. Hemispheric blood flow was significantly left lateralized during the multiplication task, but was not lateralized during the subtraction task. Compared to high spatial resolution neuroimaging techniques previously used to measure cerebral lateralization, functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography is a cost-effective measure that provides a superior temporal representation of arithmetic cognition. These results provide support for the triple-code model of arithmetic processing and offer complementary evidence that multiplication operations are processed differently in the adult brain compared to subtraction operations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Arterial Cannulation and Cerebral Perfusion Strategies for Aortic Arch Operations.

PubMed

Foley, Lisa S; Yamanaka, Katsuhiro; Reece, T Brett

2016-12-01

Neurologic injuries following aortic arch operations can be devastating, with stroke occurring in up to 12% of elective operations and significant cerebral dysfunction occurring in up to 25% of cases. The primary challenge unique to aortic arch operations involves interruption of direct perfusion of the brachiocephalic vessels during arch reconstruction. For this reason, neuroprotection is paramount. The 2 main modes of protection are (1) reducing metabolic demand through hypothermia and (2) limiting, or even eliminating, the ischemic period. Preoperative selection of the cerebral perfusion plan for each operation is imperative to maintain maximal diffuse cerebral protection and prevent focal neurologic events. © The Author(s) 2016.

Open Source Next Generation Visualization Software for Interplanetary Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trimble, Jay; Rinker, George

2016-01-01

Mission control is evolving quickly, driven by the requirements of new missions, and enabled by modern computing capabilities. Distributed operations, access to data anywhere, data visualization for spacecraft analysis that spans multiple data sources, flexible reconfiguration to support multiple missions, and operator use cases, are driving the need for new capabilities. NASA's Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System (AMMOS), Ames Research Center (ARC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are collaborating to build a new generation of mission operations software for visualization, to enable mission control anywhere, on the desktop, tablet and phone. The software is built on an open source platform that is open for contributions (http://nasa.github.io/openmct).

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: continued refinement of outcomes beyond the initial learning curve.

PubMed

Paulucci, David J; Abaza, Ronney; Eun, Daniel D; Hemal, Ashok K; Badani, Ketan K

2017-05-01

To evaluate trends in peri-operative outcomes of 250 consecutive cases beyond the initial learning curve (LC) of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) among multiple surgeons. A multi-institutional database was used to evaluate trends in patient demographics (e.g. age, gender, comorbidities), tumour characteristics (e.g. size, complexity) and peri-operative outcomes (e.g. warm ischaemia time [WIT], operating time, complications, estimated blood loss [EBL], trifecta achievement) in consecutive cases 50-300 (n = 960) from 2008 to 2016 among four experienced surgeons. Trends in outcomes were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for demographic and tumour-specific variables. Outcomes for cases 50-99 were compared with those for cases 250-300. In the study period RAPN was increasingly performed in patients with larger tumours (β = 0.001, P = 0.048), hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.003; P = 0.008) diabetes (OR 1.003; P = 0.025) and previous abdominal surgery (OR 1.003; P = 0.006). Surgeon experience was associated with more trifecta achievement (OR 1.006; P < 0.001), shorter WIT (β = -0.036, P < 0.001), less EBL (β = -0.154, P = 0.009), fewer blood transfusions (OR 0.989, P = 0.024) and a reduced length of hospital stay (β = -0.002, P = 0.002), but not with operating time (P = 0.243), complications (P = 0.587) or surgical margin status (P = 0.102). Tumour size and WIT in cases 50-99 vs 250-300 were 2.7 vs 3.2 cm (P = 0.001) and 21.4 vs 16.2 min (P < 0.001), respectively. Refinement of RAPN outcomes, concomitant with the treatment of a patient population with larger tumours and more comorbidities, occurs after the initial LC is reached. Although RAPN can consistently be performed safely with acceptable outcomes after a small number of cases, improvement in trifecta achievement, WIT, EBL, blood transfusions and a shorter hospitalization continues to occur up to 300 procedures. © 2016 The Authors BJU International © 2016 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Short Note on the Relationship between Pass Rate and Multiple Attempts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Ying; Liu, Cheng

2016-01-01

For a certification, licensure, or placement exam, allowing examinees to take multiple attempts at the test could effectively change the pass rate. Change in the pass rate can occur without any change in the underlying latent trait, and can be an artifact of multiple attempts and imperfect reliability of the test. By deriving formulae to compute…

Fast discrete cosine transform structure suitable for implementation with integer computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Yeonsik; Lee, Imgeun

2000-10-01

The discrete cosine transform (DCT) has wide applications in speech and image coding. We propose a fast DCT scheme with the property of reduced multiplication stages and fewer additions and multiplications. The proposed algorithm is structured so that most multiplications are performed at the final stage, which reduces the propagation error that could occur in the integer computation.

Childhood mourning: prospective case analysis of multiple losses.

PubMed

Kaufman, Kenneth R; Kaufman, Nathaniel D

2005-04-01

Multiple losses within short time periods make one question life and can exponentially influence one's coping skills. But what are the effects on a child and what should be done when the next loss occurs? This case addresses the multiple losses suffered by a child while assessing coping skills of the child and coping strategies used by the parents to assist the child.

Manipulations of Choice Familiarity in Multiple-Choice Testing Support a Retrieval Practice Account of the Testing Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jang, Yoonhee; Pashler, Hal; Huber, David E.

2014-01-01

We performed 4 experiments assessing the learning that occurs when taking a test. Our experiments used multiple-choice tests because the processes deployed during testing can be manipulated by varying the nature of the choice alternatives. Previous research revealed that a multiple-choice test that includes "none of the above" (NOTA)…

Managing Science Operations During Planetary Surface: The 2010 Desert RATS Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eppler, Dean B.; Ming, D. W.

2011-01-01

Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) is a multi-year series of hardware and operations tests carried out annually in the high desert of Arizona on the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Conducted since 1997, these activities are designed to exercise planetary surface hardware and operations in conditions where long-distance, multi-day roving is achievable. Such activities not only test vehicle subsystems through extended rough-terrain driving, they also stress communications and operations systems and allow testing of science operations approaches to advance human and robotic surface capabilities. Desert RATS is a venue where new ideas can be tested, both individually and as part of an operation with multiple elements. By conducting operations over multiple yearly cycles, ideas that make the cut can be iterated and tested during follow-on years. This ultimately gives both the hardware and the personnel experience in the kind of multi-element integrated operations that will be necessary in future human planetary exploration.

Multiple-image encryption via lifting wavelet transform and XOR operation based on compressive ghost imaging scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xianye; Meng, Xiangfeng; Yang, Xiulun; Wang, Yurong; Yin, Yongkai; Peng, Xiang; He, Wenqi; Dong, Guoyan; Chen, Hongyi

2018-03-01

A multiple-image encryption method via lifting wavelet transform (LWT) and XOR operation is proposed, which is based on a row scanning compressive ghost imaging scheme. In the encryption process, the scrambling operation is implemented for the sparse images transformed by LWT, then the XOR operation is performed on the scrambled images, and the resulting XOR images are compressed in the row scanning compressive ghost imaging, through which the ciphertext images can be detected by bucket detector arrays. During decryption, the participant who possesses his/her correct key-group, can successfully reconstruct the corresponding plaintext image by measurement key regeneration, compression algorithm reconstruction, XOR operation, sparse images recovery, and inverse LWT (iLWT). Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the feasibility of the proposed method.

Comparison of Different Shrinkage Formulas in Estimating Population Multiple Correlation Coefficients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, David S.

1979-01-01

There are a variety of formulas for reducing the positive bias which occurs in estimating R squared in multiple regression or correlation equations. Five different formulas are evaluated in a Monte Carlo study, and recommendations are made. (JKS)

The derivative and tangent operators of a motion in Lorentzian space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durmaz, Olgun; Aktaş, Buşra; Gündoğan, Hali˙t

In this paper, by using Lorentzian matrix multiplication, L-Tangent operator is obtained in Lorentzian space. The L-Tangent operators related with planar, spherical and spatial motion are computed via special matrix groups. L-Tangent operators are related to vectors. Some illustrative examples for applications of L-Tangent operators are also presented.

Adaptive control of a jet turboshaft engine driving a variable pitch propeller using multiple models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadian, Narjes; Khosravi, Alireza; Sarhadi, Pouria

2017-08-01

In this paper, a multiple model adaptive control (MMAC) method is proposed for a gas turbine engine. The model of a twin spool turbo-shaft engine driving a variable pitch propeller includes various operating points. Variations in fuel flow and propeller pitch inputs produce different operating conditions which force the controller to be adopted rapidly. Important operating points are three idle, cruise and full thrust cases for the entire flight envelope. A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) version of second level adaptation using multiple models is developed. Also, stability analysis using Lyapunov method is presented. The proposed method is compared with two conventional first level adaptation and model reference adaptive control techniques. Simulation results for JetCat SPT5 turbo-shaft engine demonstrate the performance and fidelity of the proposed method.

Organic light emitting device having multiple separate emissive layers

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI

2012-03-27

An organic light emitting device having multiple separate emissive layers is provided. Each emissive layer may define an exciton formation region, allowing exciton formation to occur across the entire emissive region. By aligning the energy levels of each emissive layer with the adjacent emissive layers, exciton formation in each layer may be improved. Devices incorporating multiple emissive layers with multiple exciton formation regions may exhibit improved performance, including internal quantum efficiencies of up to 100%.

Multiple density layered insulator

DOEpatents

Alger, T.W.

1994-09-06

A multiple density layered insulator for use with a laser is disclosed which provides at least two different insulation materials for a laser discharge tube, where the two insulation materials have different thermoconductivities. The multiple layer insulation materials provide for improved thermoconductivity capability for improved laser operation. 4 figs.

Patterns and operative treatment of recurrent Crohn's disease: a prospective longitudinal study.

PubMed

Fichera, Alessandro; Lovadina, Stefano; Rubin, Michele; Cimino, Fabrizio; Hurst, Roger D; Michelassi, Fabrizio

2006-10-01

It is believed commonly that Crohn's recurrences always occur at the site of a previous intestinal anastomosis; yet this concept is probably inaccurate and not mindful of the panintestinal nature of the disease. Between October, 1984 and March, 2003, we carried out 1,132 procedures (464 for primary and 668 for recurrent disease) on 981 consecutive patients. Patients in whom we carried out both the original procedure as well as the procedure for recurrent disease constitute this study population. Operative procedures for perineal complications were excluded from this analysis. Data were accrued prospectively. Seventy-eight patients met the study inclusion criteria. They had a total of 149 sites of disease (duodenum, n = 3; jejunum/ileum, n = 53; terminal ileum/neo terminal ileum, n = 67; colon and rectum, n = 26). One hundred thirty-four sites required operative intervention (85 resections and 49 strictureplasties) and 15 did not. Crohn's disease recurred in 79 sites after a mean of 48.4 months (range, 1-161 months, median, 41 months). Site of operative intervention and operative technique influenced patterns of recurrence: when an anastomosis or strictureplasty was constructed with small bowel, the majority of recurrences were limited to the anastomotic line (17/29, 59%); when it was constructed with small bowel and colon, the majority of recurrences extended to the proximal limb (29/35, 83%). The difference in recurrence pattern is significant (P < .01). In addition, fewer recurrences occurred at strictureplasty than resection sites (22/49, 45%, vs 57/85, 70%, respectively, P < .05). At the time of the second procedure, 40 additional recurrences were identified distant from the original operative site. Four of these represented progression of disease at the 15 sites that did not originally need operative intervention. Of 119 total recurrences, 115 required 73 resections, 40 strictureplasties, and 2 other procedures. The site of the original operative intervention is the most common site for recurrence, although as many as one-third of recurrences occur separate from it. Pattern of recurrence is influenced by site of the operative intervention (anastomotic for small bowel, proximal limb for ileocolonic) and by operative technique (fewer recurrences occurred at strictureplasty than resection sites). Disease progression occurred in 25% of the sites not addressed operatively at the original procedure. The operative strategy applied to Crohn's complications in different intestinal sites was similar for primary and recurrent disease.

The role of human-automation consensus in multiple unmanned vehicle scheduling.

PubMed

Cummings, M L; Clare, Andrew; Hart, Christin

2010-02-01

This study examined the impact of increasing automation replanning rates on operator performance and workload when supervising a decentralized network of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles. Futuristic unmanned vehicles systems will invert the operator-to-vehicle ratio so that one operator can control multiple dissimilar vehicles connected through a decentralized network. Significant human-automation collaboration will be needed because of automation brittleness, but such collaboration could cause high workload. Three increasing levels of replanning were tested on an existing multiple unmanned vehicle simulation environment that leverages decentralized algorithms for vehicle routing and task allocation in conjunction with human supervision. Rapid replanning can cause high operator workload, ultimately resulting in poorer overall system performance. Poor performance was associated with a lack of operator consensus for when to accept the automation's suggested prompts for new plan consideration as well as negative attitudes toward unmanned aerial vehicles in general. Participants with video game experience tended to collaborate more with the automation, which resulted in better performance. In decentralized unmanned vehicle networks, operators who ignore the automation's requests for new plan consideration and impose rapid replans both increase their own workload and reduce the ability of the vehicle network to operate at its maximum capacity. These findings have implications for personnel selection and training for futuristic systems involving human collaboration with decentralized algorithms embedded in networks of autonomous systems.

Effect of Aggregation Operators on Network-Based Disease Gene Prioritization: A Case Study on Blood Disorders.

PubMed

Grewal, Nivit; Singh, Shailendra; Chand, Trilok

2017-01-01

Owing to the innate noise in the biological data sources, a single source or a single measure do not suffice for an effective disease gene prioritization. So, the integration of multiple data sources or aggregation of multiple measures is the need of the hour. The aggregation operators combine multiple related data values to a single value such that the combined value has the effect of all the individual values. In this paper, an attempt has been made for applying the fuzzy aggregation on the network-based disease gene prioritization and investigate its effect under noise conditions. This study has been conducted for a set of 15 blood disorders by fusing four different network measures, computed from the protein interaction network, using a selected set of aggregation operators and ranking the genes on the basis of the aggregated value. The aggregation operator-based rankings have been compared with the "Random walk with restart" gene prioritization method. The impact of noise has also been investigated by adding varying proportions of noise to the seed set. The results reveal that for all the selected blood disorders, the Mean of Maximal operator has relatively outperformed the other aggregation operators for noisy as well as non-noisy data.

Acclimatization of seasonal energetics in northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) through plasticity of metabolic rates and ceilings.

PubMed

Sgueo, Carrie; Wells, Marion E; Russell, David E; Schaeffer, Paul J

2012-07-15

Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are faced with energetically expensive seasonal challenges that must be met to ensure survival, including thermoregulation in winter and reproductive activities in summer. Contrary to predictions of life history theory that suggest breeding metabolic rate should be the apex of energetic effort, winter metabolism exceeds that during breeding in several temperate resident bird species. By examining whole-animal, tissue and cellular function, we ask whether seasonal acclimatization is accomplished by coordinated phenotypic plasticity of metabolic systems. We measured summit metabolism (V(O(2),sum)), daily energy expenditure (DEE) and muscle oxidative capacity under both winter (December to January) and breeding (May to June) conditions. We hypothesize that: (1) rates of energy utilization will be highest in the winter, contrary to predictions based on life history theory, and (2) acclimatization of metabolism will occur at multiple levels of organization such that birds operate with a similar metabolic ceiling during different seasons. We measured field metabolic rates using heart rate telemetry and report the first daily patterns in avian field metabolic rate. Patterns of daily energy use differed seasonally, primarily as birds maintain high metabolic rates throughout the winter daylight hours. We found that DEE and V(O(2),sum) were significantly greater and DEE occurred at a higher fraction of maximum metabolic capacity during winter, indicating an elevation of the metabolic ceiling. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in mass or oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle. These data, highlighting the importance of examining energetic responses to seasonal challenges at multiple levels, clearly reject life history predictions that breeding is the primary energetic challenge for temperate zone residents. Further, they indicate that metabolic ceilings are seasonally flexible as metabolic effort during winter thermoregulation exceeds that of breeding.

Impaired driving from medical conditions: A 70-year-old man trying to decide if he should continue driving

PubMed Central

Rizzo, Matthew

2012-01-01

Some medical disorders can impair performance, increasing the risk of driving safety errors that can lead to vehicle crashes. The causal pathway often involves a concatenation of factors or events, some of which can be prevented or controlled. Effective interventions can operate before, during, or after a crash occurs at the levels of driver capacity, vehicle and road design, and public policy. A variety of systemic, neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders put drivers at potential increased risk of a car crash in the short or long term. Medical diagnosis and age alone are usually insufficient criteria for determining fitness to drive. Strategies are needed for determining what types and levels of reduced function provide a threshold for disqualification in drivers with medical disorders. Evidence of decreased mileage, self-restriction to driving in certain situations, collisions, moving violations, aggressive driving, sleepiness, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, and multiple medications may trigger considerations of driver safety. A general framework for evaluating driver fitness relies on a functional evaluation of multiple domains (cognitive, motor, perceptual, and psychiatric) that are important for safe driving and can be applied across many disorders, including conditions that have rarely been studied with respect to driving, and in patients with multiple conditions and medications. Neurocognitive tests, driving simulation, and road tests provide complementary sources of evidence to evaluate driver safety. No single test is sufficient to determine who should drive and who should not. PMID:21364126

Spatial Combining of Laser-Diode Beams for Pumping an NPRO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gelsinger, Paul; Liu, Duncan; Mulder, Jerry; Aguayo, Francisco

2008-01-01

A free-space optical beam combiner now undergoing development makes it possible to use the outputs of multiple multimode laser diodes to pump a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) laser while ensuring that the laser operates at only a single desired frequency. Heretofore, a Nd:YAG NPRO like the present one has been pumped by a single multimode laser-diode beam delivered via an optical fiber. It would be desirable to use multiple pump laser diodes to increase reliability beyond that obtainable from a single pump laser diode. However, as explained in this article, simplistically coupling multiple multimode laser-diode beams through a fiber-optic combiner would entail a significant reduction in coupling efficiency, and lasing would occur at one or more other frequencies in addition to the single desired frequency. To minimize coupling loss, one must ensure that the NA (approximately equal to 0.3) of the combined laser-diode beams is less than the NA of the fiber. The A(Omega) of the laser-diode beam in the slow-axis plane is 1/1.3 as large as that of the fiber. This A(Omega) is small enough to enable efficient coupling of light into the optical fiber, but too large for combining of beams in the slow-axis plane. Therefore, a pair of cylindrical lenses is used to cancel the slow-axis plane magnification introduced by the on-cylindrical lenses used to effect magnification in the fast-axis plane.

Diagnostic accuracy for major depression in multiple sclerosis using self-report questionnaires.

PubMed

Fischer, Anja; Fischer, Marcus; Nicholls, Robert A; Lau, Stephanie; Poettgen, Jana; Patas, Kostas; Heesen, Christoph; Gold, Stefan M

2015-09-01

Multiple sclerosis and major depressive disorder frequently co-occur but depression often remains undiagnosed in this population. Self-rated depression questionnaires are a good option where clinician-based standardized diagnostics are not feasible. However, there is a paucity of data on diagnostic accuracy of self-report measures for depression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Moreover, head-to-head comparisons of common questionnaires are largely lacking. This could be particularly relevant for high-risk patients with depressive symptoms. Here, we compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and 30-item version of the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Rated (IDS-SR30) for major depressive disorder (MSS) against diagnosis by a structured clinical interview. Patients reporting depressive symptoms completed the BDI, the IDS-SR30 and underwent diagnostic assessment (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, M.I.N.I.). Receiver-Operating Characteristic analyses were performed, providing error estimates and false-positive/negative rates of suggested thresholds. Data from n = 31 MS patients were available. BDI and IDS-SR30 total score were significantly correlated (r = 0.82). The IDS-SR30total score, cognitive subscore, and BDI showed excellent to good accuracy (area under the curve (AUC) 0.86, 0.91, and 0.85, respectively). Both the IDS-SR30 and the BDI are useful to quantify depressive symptoms showing good sensitivity and specificity. The IDS-SR30 cognitive subscale may be useful as a screening tool and to quantify affective/cognitive depressive symptomatology.

Impaired driving from medical conditions: a 70-year-old man trying to decide if he should continue driving.

PubMed

Rizzo, Matthew

2011-03-09

Some medical disorders can impair performance, increasing the risk of driving safety errors that can lead to vehicle crashes. The causal pathway often involves a concatenation of factors or events, some of which can be prevented or controlled. Effective interventions can operate before, during, or after a crash occurs at the levels of driver capacity, vehicle and road design, and public policy. A variety of systemic, neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders put drivers at potential increased risk of a car crash in the short or long term. Medical diagnosis and age alone are usually insufficient criteria for determining fitness to drive. Strategies are needed for determining what types and levels of reduced function provide a threshold for disqualification in drivers with medical disorders. Evidence of decreased mileage, self-restriction to driving in certain situations, collisions, moving violations, aggressive driving, sleepiness, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, and multiple medications may trigger considerations of driver safety. A general framework for evaluating driver fitness relies on a functional evaluation of multiple domains (cognitive, motor, perceptual, and psychiatric) that are important for safe driving and can be applied across many disorders, including conditions that have rarely been studied with respect to driving, and in patients with multiple conditions and medications. Neurocognitive tests, driving simulation, and road tests provide complementary sources of evidence to evaluate driver safety. No single test is sufficient to determine who should drive and who should not.

Surgery for bilateral large intracranial traumatic hematomas: evacuation in a single session.

PubMed

Kompheak, Heng; Hwang, Sun-Chul; Kim, Dong-Sung; Shin, Dong-Sung; Kim, Bum-Tae

2014-06-01

Management guidelines for single intracranial hematomas have been established, but the optimal management of multiple hematomas has little known. We present bilateral traumatic supratentorial hematomas that each has enough volume to be evacuated and discuss how to operate effectively it in a single anesthesia. In total, 203 patients underwent evacuation and/or decompressive craniectomies for acute intracranial hematomas over 5 years. Among them, only eight cases (3.9%) underwent operations for bilateral intracranial hematomas in a single session. Injury mechanism, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, types of intracranial lesions, surgical methods, and Glasgow outcome scale were evaluated. The most common injury mechanism was a fall (four cases). The types of intracranial lesions were epidural hematoma (EDH)/intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in five, EDH/EDH in one, EDH/subdural hematoma (SDH) in one, and ICH/SDH in one. All cases except one had an EDH. The EDH was addressed first in all cases. Then, the evacuation of the ICH was performed through a small craniotomy or burr hole. All patients except one survived. Bilateral intracranial hematomas that should be removed in a single-session operation are rare. Epidural hematomas almost always occur in these cases and should be removed first to prevent the hematoma from growing during the surgery. Then, the other hematoma, contralateral to the EDH, can be evacuated with a small craniotomy.

Surgery for Bilateral Large Intracranial Traumatic Hematomas: Evacuation in a Single Session

PubMed Central

Kompheak, Heng; Kim, Dong-Sung; Shin, Dong-Sung; Kim, Bum-Tae

2014-01-01

Objective Management guidelines for single intracranial hematomas have been established, but the optimal management of multiple hematomas has little known. We present bilateral traumatic supratentorial hematomas that each has enough volume to be evacuated and discuss how to operate effectively it in a single anesthesia. Methods In total, 203 patients underwent evacuation and/or decompressive craniectomies for acute intracranial hematomas over 5 years. Among them, only eight cases (3.9%) underwent operations for bilateral intracranial hematomas in a single session. Injury mechanism, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, types of intracranial lesions, surgical methods, and Glasgow outcome scale were evaluated. Results The most common injury mechanism was a fall (four cases). The types of intracranial lesions were epidural hematoma (EDH)/intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in five, EDH/EDH in one, EDH/subdural hematoma (SDH) in one, and ICH/SDH in one. All cases except one had an EDH. The EDH was addressed first in all cases. Then, the evacuation of the ICH was performed through a small craniotomy or burr hole. All patients except one survived. Conclusion Bilateral intracranial hematomas that should be removed in a single-session operation are rare. Epidural hematomas almost always occur in these cases and should be removed first to prevent the hematoma from growing during the surgery. Then, the other hematoma, contralateral to the EDH, can be evacuated with a small craniotomy. PMID:25237431

Modern wireless telecommunication technologies and their electromagnetic compatibility with life-supporting equipment.

PubMed

Wallin, Mats K E B; Marve, Therese; Hakansson, Peter K

2005-11-01

Hospitals rely on pagers and ordinary telephones to reach staff members in emergency situations. New telecommunication technologies such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), the third generation mobile phone system Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) might be able to replace hospital pagers if they are electromagnetically compatible with medical devices. In this study, we sought to determine if GPRS, UMTS (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access-Frequency Division Duplex [WCDMA FDD]), and WLAN (IEEE 802.11b) transmitted signals interfere with life-supporting equipment in the intensive care and operating room environment. According to United States standard, ANSI C63.18-1997, laboratory tests were performed on 76 medical devices. In addition, clinical tests during 11 operations and 100 h of intensive care were performed. UMTS and WLAN signals caused little interference. Devices using these technologies can be used safely in critical care areas and during operations, but direct contact between medical devices and wireless communication devices ought to be avoided. In the case of GPRS, at a distance of 50 cm, it caused an older infusion pump to alarm and stop infusing; the pump had to be reset. Also, 10 cases of interference with device displays occurred. GPRS can be used safely at a distance of 1 m. Terminals/cellular phones using these technologies should be allowed without restriction in public areas because the risk of interference is minimal.

Factors Associated with Salmonella Prevalence in U.S. Swine Grower-Finisher Operations, 2012.

PubMed

Bjork, Kathe E; Fields, Victoria; Garber, Lindsey P; Kopral, Christine A

2018-05-15

Nontyphoidal Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen with diverse serotypes occurring in animal and human populations. The prevalence of the organism on swine farms has been associated with numerous risk factors, and although there are strong veterinary public health controls for preventing Salmonella from entering food, there remains interest in eradicating or controlling the organism in the preharvest environment. In this study, using data collected via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System Swine 2012 study, we describe nontyphoidal Salmonella and specific serotype prevalence on U.S. grower-finisher swine operations and investigate associations between Salmonella detection and numerous factors via multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and regression analysis. MCA plots, complementary to univariate analyses, display relationships between covariates and Salmonella detection at the farm level. In the univariate analysis, Salmonella detection varied with feed characteristics and farm management practices, reports of diseases on farms and vaccinations administered, and administration of certain antimicrobials. Results from the univariate analysis reinforce the importance of biosecurity in managing diseases and pathogens such as Salmonella on farms. All multivariable regression models for the likelihood of Salmonella detection were strongly affected by multicollinearity among variables, and only one variable, pelleted feed preparation, remained in the final model. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, timelines of data collection, and reliance on operator-reported data via a convenience sample.

Blade-to-Blade Variations in Shocks Upstream of Both a Forward-Swept and an Aft-Swept Fan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Podboy, Gary G.; Krupar, Martin J.

2006-01-01

Detailed laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) flow field measurements were made upstream of two fans, one forward-swept and one aft-swept, in order to learn more about the shocks which propagate upstream of these rotors when they are operated at supersonic tip speeds. The blade-to-blade variations in the flows associated with these shocks are thought to be responsible for generating Multiple Pure Tone (MPT) noise. The measured blade-to-blade variations are documented in this report through a series of slideshows which show relative Mach number contours computed from the velocity measurements. Data are presented for the forward-swept fan operating at three speeds (corresponding to tip relative Mach numbers of 0.817, 1.074, and 1.189), and for the aft-swept fan operating at two (tip relative Mach numbers of 1.074 and 1.189). These LDV data illustrate how the perturbations in the upstream flow field created by the rotating blades vary with axial position, radial position and rotor speed. As expected, at the highest tested speed the forward-swept fan swallowed the shocks which occur in the tip region, whereas the aftswept fan did not. This resulted in a much smaller flow disturbance just upstream of the tip of the forward-swept fan. Nevertheless, further upstream the two fan flows were much more similar.

Differential recruitment of brain networks in single-digit addition and multiplication: Evidence from EEG oscillations in theta and lower alpha bands.

PubMed

Wang, Lihan; Gan, John Q; Zhang, Li; Wang, Haixian

2018-06-01

Previous neuroimaging research investigating dissociation between single-digit addition and multiplication has suggested that the former placed more reliance on the visuo-spatial processing whereas the latter on the verbal processing. However, there has been little exploration into the disassociation in spatio-temporal dynamics of the oscillatory brain activity in specific frequency bands during the two arithmetic operations. To address this issue, the electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded from 19 participants engaged in a delayed verification arithmetic task. By analyzing oscillatory EEG activity in theta (5-7 Hz) and lower alpha frequency (9-10 Hz) bands, we found different patterns of oscillatory brain activity between single-digit addition and multiplication during the early processing stage (0-400 ms post-operand onset). Experiment results in this study showed a larger phasic increase of theta-band power for addition than for multiplication in the midline and the right frontal and central regions during the operator and operands presentation intervals, which was extended to the right parietal and the right occipito-temporal regions during the interval immediately after the operands presentation. In contrast, during multiplication higher phase-locking in lower alpha band was evident in the centro-parietal regions during the operator presentation, which was extended to the left fronto-central and anterior regions during the operands presentation. Besides, we found stronger theta phase synchrony between the parietal areas and the right occipital areas for single-digit addition than for multiplication during operands encoding. These findings of oscillatory brain activity extend the previous observations on functional dissociation between the two arithmetic operations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential scenarios of concern for high speed rail operations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-16

Currently, multiple operating authorities are proposing the : introduction of high-speed rail service in the United States. : While high-speed rail service shares a number of basic : principles with conventional-speed rail service, the operational : ...

The Cooney Ridge Fire Experiment: An early operation to relate pre-, active, and post-fire field and remotely sensed measurements

Treesearch

Andrew T. Hudak; Patrick H. Freeborn; Sarah A. Lewis; Sharon M. Hood; Helen Y. Smith; Colin C. Hardy; Robert J. Kremens; Bret W. Butler; Casey Teske; Robert G. Tissell; Lloyd P. Queen; Bryce L. Nordgren; Benjamin C. Bright; Penelope Morgan; Philip J. Riggan; Lee Macholz; Leigh B. Lentile; James P. Riddering; Edward E. Mathews

2018-01-01

The Cooney Ridge Fire Experiment conducted by fire scientists in 2003 was a burnout operation supported by a fire suppression crew on the active Cooney Ridge wildfire incident. The fire experiment included measurements of pre-fire fuels, active fire behavior, and immediate post-fire effects. Heat flux measurements collected at multiple scales with multiple ground and...

Simplifying Differential Equations for Multiscale Feynman Integrals beyond Multiple Polylogarithms.

PubMed

Adams, Luise; Chaubey, Ekta; Weinzierl, Stefan

2017-04-07

In this Letter we exploit factorization properties of Picard-Fuchs operators to decouple differential equations for multiscale Feynman integrals. The algorithm reduces the differential equations to blocks of the size of the order of the irreducible factors of the Picard-Fuchs operator. As a side product, our method can be used to easily convert the differential equations for Feynman integrals which evaluate to multiple polylogarithms to an ϵ form.

Using Natural Language to Enable Mission Managers to Control Multiple Heterogeneous UAVs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trujillo, Anna C.; Puig-Navarro, Javier; Mehdi, S. Bilal; Mcquarry, A. Kyle

2016-01-01

The availability of highly capable, yet relatively cheap, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is opening up new areas of use for hobbyists and for commercial activities. This research is developing methods beyond classical control-stick pilot inputs, to allow operators to manage complex missions without in-depth vehicle expertise. These missions may entail several heterogeneous UAVs flying coordinated patterns or flying multiple trajectories deconflicted in time or space to predefined locations. This paper describes the functionality and preliminary usability measures of an interface that allows an operator to define a mission using speech inputs. With a defined and simple vocabulary, operators can input the vast majority of mission parameters using simple, intuitive voice commands. Although the operator interface is simple, it is based upon autonomous algorithms that allow the mission to proceed with minimal input from the operator. This paper also describes these underlying algorithms that allow an operator to manage several UAVs.

Gut microbiota in MS: possible influence of immunomodulators

PubMed Central

Cantarel, Brandi L.; Waubant, Emmanuelle; Chehoud, Christel; Kuczynski, Justin; DeSantis, Todd Z.; Warrington, Janet; Venkatesan, Arun; Fraser, Claire M.; Mowry, Ellen M.

2015-01-01

Objectives Differences in gut bacteria have been described in several autoimmune disorders. In this exploratory pilot study, we compared gut bacteria in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls and evaluated the influence of glatiramer acetate and vitamin D treatment on the microbiota. Methods Subjects were otherwise healthy white women with or without relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were vitamin D insufficient. Multiple sclerosis patients were untreated or were receiving glatiramer acetate. Subjects collected stool at baseline and after 90 days of vitamin D3 (5,000 IU/day) supplementation. The abundance of operational taxonomic units was evaluated by hybridization of 16S rRNA to a DNA microarray. Results While there was overlap of gut bacterial communities, the abundance of some operational taxonomic units, including Faecalibacterium, was lower in multiple sclerosis patients. Glatiramer acetate-treated MS subjects showed differences in community composition compared to untreated subjects, including Bacteroidaceae, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Lactobacillaceae, Clostridium, and Other Clostridiales. Compared to the other groups, untreated multiple sclerosis subjects had an increase in the Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Coprococcus genera after vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions While overall bacterial communities were similar, specific operational taxonomic units differed between healthy and multiple sclerosis subjects. Glatiramer acetate and vitamin D supplementation were associated with differences or changes in the microbiota. This study was exploratory, and larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. PMID:25775034

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic (HAL) Multiple Segmental Colorectal Resections: Are They Feasible and Safe?

PubMed

Taggarshe, Deepa; Attuwaybi, Bashir O; Matier, Brian; Visco, Jeffrey J; Butler, Bryan N

2015-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of synchronous hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) segmental colorectal resections. The surgical options for synchronous colonic pathology include extensive colonic resection with single anastomosis, multiple synchronous segmental resections with multiple anastomoses, or staged resections. Traditionally, multiple open, synchronous, segmental resections have been performed. There is a lack of data on HAL multiple segmental colorectal resections. A retrospective chart review was compiled on all patients who underwent HAL synchronous segmental colorectal resections by all the colorectal surgeons from our Group during the period of 1999 to 2014. Demographics, operative details, and short-term outcomes are reported. During the period, 9 patients underwent HAL synchronous multiple segmental colorectal resections. There were 5 women and 4 men, with median age of 54 (24-83) years and median BMI of 24 (19.8-38.7) kg/m(2). Two patients were on long-term corticosteroid therapy. The median operative time was 210 (120-330) minutes and median operative blood loss was 200 (75-300) mLs. The median duration for return of bowel function was 2 days and the median length of stay was 3.5 days. We had 2 minor wound infections. There were no deaths. Synchronous segmental colorectal resections with anastomoses using the hand-assisted laparoscopic technique are safe. Early conversion to open and use of stomas are advisable in challenging cases.

[Tandem transplantation with peripheral autologous hematopoietic blood stem cells in treatment of oncologic and hematologic malignancies. Initial results of the Donauspital, Vienna].

PubMed

Ruckser, R; Kier, P; Sebesta, C; Kittl, E; Kurz, M; Selleny, S; Höniger, S; Scherz, M; Habertheuer, K H; Zelenka, P

1995-01-01

10 patients were subjected to tandem transplantation for breast cancer (n = 3), ovarian cancer (n = 2) and multiple myeloma (n = 5), at the Second Department of Medicine, Donauspital, Vienna. The breast cancer patients were in stages 2 and 3, respectively, at diagnosis and entered complete remission thereafter. 2 of them developed lymph node metastasis and additional local recurrence, the 3rd patient presented with distant metastasis. The 2 patients with ovarian cancer were in stages Figo III and IV, respectively, at the time of diagnosis, and showed minimal residual disease at second-look-operation. 5 patients with multiple myeloma were in stage 3 pretransplant. Peripheral stem cells were obtained after either high-dose cyclophosphamide or FEC induction and application of cytokines. In 4 patients, tandem transplantation has been completed. 1 patient with multiple myeloma, who had received total body irradiation in combination with chemotherapy for the 2nd transplant, succumbed from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. No severe clinical complications were observed in all other patients. All patients with solid tumors entered complete remission after the 1st transplantation. 3 of them completed tandem transplantation. Of these, 2 remain in continuous complete remission, the 3rd patient relapsed in lymph nodes day 485. In patients who received only 1 course of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation, relapses occurred on days 29 and 75, respectively. All patients with multiple myeloma entered only partial remission. We conclude that supralethal chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell support is a safe procedure that may at least induce prolonged remissions in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

2-micrometer continuous wave laser treatment for multiple non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with intravesical instillation of epirubicin.

PubMed

Liu, Haitao; Xue, Song; Ruan, Yuan; Sun, Xiaowen; Han, Bangmin; Xia, Shujie

2011-01-01

We have reported the efficacy and safety of 2-micrometer continuous wave laser resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor (NMIVBC) (World J Urology 2010;28:157-161). In this study, we evaluated the use of 2-micrometer continuous wave laser resection in combination with intravesical instillation of epirubicin for the treatment of multiple NMIVBC. From September 2007 to April 2008, sixty patients with multiple NMIVBC were included in this study (44 cases of low grade papillary urothelial carcinoma, 10 cases of high grade papillary urothelial carcinoma, and six cases of papillary urothelial neoplasm with low malignant potential). Imaging examinations including pelvic computer tomography (CT) and intravenous urography showed no extravesical extension, lymphatic metastasis or any lesions of upper urinary tract. All patients received 2-micrometer continuous wave laser therapy under continuous epidural anesthesia, and intravesical chemotherapy with epirubicin 1 week later (intravesical instillation weekly for 8 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance to 12 months). Totally 211 tumors in 60 patients were successfully removed with 2-micrometer continuous wave laser. The mean operation time was 48 minutes per patient (ranged 20-90 minutes) and 13.6 minutes per tumor (range 5-25 minutes). No obturator nerve reflection or bladder perforation occurred during the procedure. All patients finished 12 months of intravesical chemotherapy without severe complications. The mean followed-up time was 23 months. Tumor recurrences were found in 13 patients (22%). The combination of 2-micrometer continuous wave laser and intravesical chemotherapy is feasible, safe, and efficacious for the treatment of multiple NMIVBC. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Measuring floodplain spatial patterns using continuous surface metrics at multiple scales

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scown, Murray W.; Thoms, Martin C.; DeJager, Nathan R.

2015-01-01

Interactions between fluvial processes and floodplain ecosystems occur upon a floodplain surface that is often physically complex. Spatial patterns in floodplain topography have only recently been quantified over multiple scales, and discrepancies exist in how floodplain surfaces are perceived to be spatially organised. We measured spatial patterns in floodplain topography for pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River, USA, using moving window analyses of eight surface metrics applied to a 1 × 1 m2 DEM over multiple scales. The metrics used were Range, SD, Skewness, Kurtosis, CV, SDCURV,Rugosity, and Vol:Area, and window sizes ranged from 10 to 1000 m in radius. Surface metric values were highly variable across the floodplain and revealed a high degree of spatial organisation in floodplain topography. Moran's I correlograms fit to the landscape of each metric at each window size revealed that patchiness existed at nearly all window sizes, but the strength and scale of patchiness changed within window size, suggesting that multiple scales of patchiness and patch structure exist in the topography of this floodplain. Scale thresholds in the spatial patterns were observed, particularly between the 50 and 100 m window sizes for all surface metrics and between the 500 and 750 m window sizes for most metrics. These threshold scales are ~ 15–20% and 150% of the main channel width (1–2% and 10–15% of the floodplain width), respectively. These thresholds may be related to structuring processes operating across distinct scale ranges. By coupling surface metrics, multi-scale analyses, and correlograms, quantifying floodplain topographic complexity is possible in ways that should assist in clarifying how floodplain ecosystems are structured.

Reduction of skin bacteria in theatre air with comfortable, non-woven disposable clothing for operating-theatre staff.

PubMed Central

Mitchell, N J; Evans, D S; Kerr, A

1978-01-01

Conventional loose-weave cotton operating garments were compared with clothing of a non-woven fabric to test their efficacy in reducing the dispersal of skin bacteria into theatre air. When men wore operating suits made of the non-woven fabric dispersal of skin bacteria was reduced by 72%. When all the operating-theatre staff wore suits and dresses of this fabric air bacterial counts during operating sessions were reduced by 55%; no reduction occurred when the fabric was worn by only the scrubbed team. The lowest levels of microbial contamination of the air in the operating theatre occurred when both the unscrubbed and scrubbed theatre staff wore clothes of non-woven fabric. PMID:630302

Prevalence of hypopituitarism after intracranial operations not directly associated with the pituitary gland

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Over the last few years, awareness and detection rates of hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has steadily increased. Moreover, recent studies have found that a clinically relevant number of patients develop pituitary insufficiency after intracranial operations and radiation treatment for non-pituitary tumors. But, in a substantial portion of more than 40%, the hypopituitarism already exists before surgery. We sought to determine the frequency, pattern, and severity of endocrine disturbances using basal and advanced dynamic pituitary testing following non-pituitary intracranial procedures. Methods 51 patients (29 women, 22 men) with a mean age of 55 years (range of 20 to 75 years) underwent prospective evaluation of basal parameters and pituitary function testing (combined growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)/arginine test, insulin tolerance test (ITT), low dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test), performed 5 to 168 months (median 47.2 months) after intracranial operation (4 patients had additional radiation and 2 patients received additional radiation combined with chemotherapy). Results We discovered an overall rate of hypopituitarism with distinct magnitude in 64.7% (solitary in 45.1%, multiple in 19.6%, complete in 0%). Adrenocorticotropic hormone insufficiency was found in 51.0% (partial in 41.2%, complete in 9.8%) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurred in 31.4% (partial in 25.5%, severe in 5.9%). Thyrotropic hormone deficiency was not identified. The frequency of hypogonadism was 9.1% in men. Pituitary deficits were associated with operations both in close proximity to the sella turcica and more distant regions (p = 0.91). Age (p = 0.76) and gender (p = 0.24) did not significantly differ across patients with versus those without hormonal deficiencies. Groups did not significantly differ across pathology and operation type (p = 0.07). Conclusion Hypopituitarism occurs more frequently than expected in patients who have undergone neurosurgical intracranial procedures for conditions other then pituitary tumors or may already exists in a neurosurgical population before surgery. Pituitary function testing and adequate substitution may be warranted for neurosurgical patients with intracranial pathologies at least if unexplained symptoms like fatigue, weakness, altered mental activity, and decreased exercise tolerance are present. PMID:24188166

Cloning: plants – micropropagation/tissue culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Clonal micropropagation is the multiplication of the buds and shoots that occur in leaf axils on a defined nutrient medium in an aseptic in vitro environment. The resulting shoots are either subdivided for continued multiplication or rooted and acclimatized to the greenhouse or field. Micropropagati...

Formalized Conflicts Detection Based on the Analysis of Multiple Emails: An Approach Combining Statistics and Ontologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakaria, Chahnez; Curé, Olivier; Salzano, Gabriella; Smaïli, Kamel

In Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), it is crucial for project leaders to detect conflicting situations as early as possible. Generally, this task is performed manually by studying a set of documents exchanged between team members. In this paper, we propose a full-fledged automatic solution that identifies documents, subjects and actors involved in relational conflicts. Our approach detects conflicts in emails, probably the most popular type of documents in CSCW, but the methods used can handle other text-based documents. These methods rely on the combination of statistical and ontological operations. The proposed solution is decomposed in several steps: (i) we enrich a simple negative emotion ontology with terms occuring in the corpus of emails, (ii) we categorize each conflicting email according to the concepts of this ontology and (iii) we identify emails, subjects and team members involved in conflicting emails using possibilistic description logic and a set of proposed measures. Each of these steps are evaluated and validated on concrete examples. Moreover, this approach's framework is generic and can be easily adapted to domains other than conflicts, e.g. security issues, and extended with operations making use of our proposed set of measures.

Traumatic injury to the portal vein.

PubMed Central

Mattox, K L; Espada, R; Beall, A R

1975-01-01

Traumatic injuries to the upper abdominal vasculature pose difficult management problems related to both exposure and associated injuries. Among those injuries that are more difficult to manage are those involving the portal vein. While occurring rarely, portal vein injuries require specific therapeutic considerations. Between January, 1968, and July, 1974, over 2000 patients were treated operatively for abdominal trauma at the Ben Taub General Hospital. Among these patients, 22 had injury to the portal vein. Seventeen portal vein injuries were secondary to gunshot wounds, 3 to stab wounds, and 2 to blunt trauma. Associated injuries to the inferior vena cava, pancreas, liver and bile ducts were common. Three patients had associated abdominal aortic injuries, two with acute aorto-caval fistulae. Nine patients died from from failure to control hemorrhage. Eleven were long-term survivors, including two who required pancreataico-duodenectomy as well as portal venorrhaphy. Late complications were rare. The operative approach to patients with traumatic injuries to multiple organs in the upper abdomen, including the portal vein, requires aggressive management and predetermined sequential methods of repair. In spite of innumerable associated injuries, portal vein injuries can be successfully managed in a significant number of patients using generally available surgical techniques and several adjunctive maneuvers. PMID:1130870

Intraoperative echocardiographic detection of regurgitant jets after valve replacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morehead, A. J.; Firstenberg, M. S.; Shiota, T.; Qin, J.; Armstrong, G.; Cosgrove, D. M. 3rd; Thomas, J. D.

2000-01-01

BACKGROUND: Paravalvular jets, documented by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, have prompted immediate valve explantation by others, yet the significance of these jets is unknown. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients had intraoperative transesophageal two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography, performed to assess the number and area of regurgitant jets after valve replacement, before and after protamine. Patients were grouped by first time versus redo operation, valve position and type. RESULTS: Before protamine, 55 jets were identified (2.04+/-1.4 per patient) versus 29 jets after (1.07+/-1.2 per patient, p = 0.0002). Total jet area improved from 2.0+/-2.2 cm2 to 0.86+/-1.7 cm2 with protamine (p<0.0001). In all patients jet area decreased (average decrease, 70.7%+/-27.0%). First time and redo operations had similar improvements in jet number and area (both p>0.6). Furthermore, mitral and mechanical valves each had more jets and overall greater jet area when compared to aortic and tissue valves, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Following valve replacement, multiple jets are detected by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. They are more common and larger in the mitral position and with mechanical valves. Improvement occurs with reversal of anticoagulation.

Evaluation of Data Retention Characteristics for Ferroelectric Random Access Memories (FRAMs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharma, Ashok K.; Teverovsky, Alexander

2001-01-01

Data retention and fatigue characteristics of 64 Kb lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based Ferroelectric Random Access Memories (FRAMs) microcircuits manufactured by Ramtron were examined over temperature range from -85 C to +310 C for ceramic packaged parts and from -85 C to +175 C for plastic parts, during retention periods up to several thousand hours. Intrinsic failures, which were caused by a thermal degradation of the ferroelectric cells, occurred in ceramic parts after tens or hundreds hours of aging at temperatures above 200 C. The activation energy of the retention test failures was 1.05 eV and the extrapolated mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) at room temperature was estimated to be more than 280 years. Multiple write-read cycling (up to 3x10(exp 7)) during the fatigue testing of plastic and ceramic parts did not result in any parametric or functional failures. However, operational currents linearly decreased with the logarithm of number of cycles thus indicating fatigue process in PZT films. Plastic parts, that had more recent date code as compared to ceramic parts, appeared to be using die with improved process technology and showed significantly smaller changes in operational currents and data access times.

Measurement-based analysis of error latency. [in computer operating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chillarege, Ram; Iyer, Ravishankar K.

1987-01-01

This paper demonstrates a practical methodology for the study of error latency under a real workload. The method is illustrated with sampled data on the physical memory activity, gathered by hardware instrumentation on a VAX 11/780 during the normal workload cycle of the installation. These data are used to simulate fault occurrence and to reconstruct the error discovery process in the system. The technique provides a means to study the system under different workloads and for multiple days. An approach to determine the percentage of undiscovered errors is also developed and a verification of the entire methodology is performed. This study finds that the mean error latency, in the memory containing the operating system, varies by a factor of 10 to 1 (in hours) between the low and high workloads. It is found that of all errors occurring within a day, 70 percent are detected in the same day, 82 percent within the following day, and 91 percent within the third day. The increase in failure rate due to latency is not so much a function of remaining errors but is dependent on whether or not there is a latent error.

Investing in a Surgical Outcomes Auditing System

PubMed Central

Bermudez, Luis; Trost, Kristen; Ayala, Ruben

2013-01-01

Background. Humanitarian surgical organizations consider both quantity of patients receiving care and quality of the care provided as a measure of success. However, organizational efficacy is often judged by the percent of resources spent towards direct intervention/surgery, which may discourage investment in an outcomes monitoring system. Operation Smile's established Global Standards of Care mandate minimum patient followup and quality of care. Purpose. To determine whether investment of resources in an outcomes monitoring system is necessary and effectively measures success. Methods. This paper analyzes the quantity and completeness of data collected over the past four years and compares it against changes in personnel and resources assigned to the program. Operation Smile began investing in multiple resources to obtain the missing data necessary to potentially implement a global Surgical Outcomes Auditing System. Existing personnel resources were restructured to focus on postoperative program implementation, data acquisition and compilation, and training materials used to educate local foundation and international employees. Results. An increase in the number of postoperative forms and amount of data being submitted to headquarters occurred. Conclusions. Humanitarian surgical organizations would benefit from investment in a surgical outcomes monitoring system in order to demonstrate success and to ameliorate quality of care. PMID:23401763

Nucleation of shear bands in amorphous alloys

PubMed Central

Perepezko, John H.; Imhoff, Seth D.; Chen, Ming-Wei; Wang, Jun-Qiang; Gonzalez, Sergio

2014-01-01

The initiation and propagation of shear bands is an important mode of localized inhomogeneous deformation that occurs in a wide range of materials. In metallic glasses, shear band development is considered to center on a structural heterogeneity, a shear transformation zone that evolves into a rapidly propagating shear band under a shear stress above a threshold. Deformation by shear bands is a nucleation-controlled process, but the initiation process is unclear. Here we use nanoindentation to probe shear band nucleation during loading by measuring the first pop-in event in the load–depth curve which is demonstrated to be associated with shear band formation. We analyze a large number of independent measurements on four different bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) alloys and reveal the operation of a bimodal distribution of the first pop-in loads that are associated with different shear band nucleation sites that operate at different stress levels below the glass transition temperature, Tg. The nucleation kinetics, the nucleation barriers, and the density for each site type have been determined. The discovery of multiple shear band nucleation sites challenges the current view of nucleation at a single type of site and offers opportunities for controlling the ductility of BMG alloys. PMID:24594599

Front-office/back-office configurations and operational performance in complex health services.

PubMed

Gemmel, Paul; van Steenis, Thomas; Meijboom, Bert

2014-01-01

Acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs from various causes at different ages and leads to many different types of healthcare needs. Several Dutch ABI-networks installed a local co-ordination and contact point (CCP) which functions as a central and easily accessible service for people to consult when they have questions related to ABI. To explore the relationship between front/back office design and operational performance by investigating the particular enquiry service provided by different CCPs for people affected by an ABI. In-depth interviews with 14 FO/BO employees from three case organizations, complemented with information from desk research and three one-day field visits. The CCPs applied different FO/BO configurations in terms of customer contact and in terms of grouping of front and/or back office activities into tasks for one employee. It is the complexity of the enquiry that determines which approach is more appropriate. For complex enquiries, the level of decoupling is high in all CCPs. This allows multiple experts to be involved in the process. For regular enquiries, CCPs have a choice: either working in the same way as in the complex enquiries or coupling FO/BO activities to be able to serve clients faster and without handovers.

[Cerebral aneurysms complicating bacterial endocarditis. Seven cases (author's transl)].

PubMed

Pecker, J; Vallée, B; Camuzet, J P; Faivre, J; Javalet, A

The authors report seven cases of cerebral aneurysms complicating bacterial endocarditis. The evolution was good in three cases, two of which without sequelae. The bacteries involved were staphylococcus, streptococcus, and enterobacter. The cardiopathy was mitral in four cases. Two patients presented an isolated focal neurological impairment, while the other five presented a severe coma either isolated (one case) or associated with focal neurological deficits (four cases). An intracerebral hematoma was diagnosed in five cases (four died). Only one patient was not operated. The surgical treatment was as follows: one carotid ligation (good result), two evacuations of intracerebral hematomas (both died), two evacuations of intracerebral hematomas with clipping of the aneurysms (one died, one had a fair result in despite of residual hemiplegia), one clipping of aneurysm (good result). Repeated cerebral angiographies should be systematically performed in cases of bacterial endocarditis in order to disclose and follow up cerebral aneurysms which may occur in this condition. Except in cases of emergency, surgery should be differed, in particular, in cases of proximal or multiple aneurysms. Aneurysms of the peripheral cortical arteries are more accessible to treatment and may be operated in the acute phase.

Influencing Trust for Human-Automation Collaborative Scheduling of Multiple Unmanned Vehicles.

PubMed

Clare, Andrew S; Cummings, Mary L; Repenning, Nelson P

2015-11-01

We examined the impact of priming on operator trust and system performance when supervising a decentralized network of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles (UVs). Advances in autonomy have enabled a future vision of single-operator control of multiple heterogeneous UVs. Real-time scheduling for multiple UVs in uncertain environments requires the computational ability of optimization algorithms combined with the judgment and adaptability of human supervisors. Because of system and environmental uncertainty, appropriate operator trust will be instrumental to maintain high system performance and prevent cognitive overload. Three groups of operators experienced different levels of trust priming prior to conducting simulated missions in an existing, multiple-UV simulation environment. Participants who play computer and video games frequently were found to have a higher propensity to overtrust automation. By priming gamers to lower their initial trust to a more appropriate level, system performance was improved by 10% as compared to gamers who were primed to have higher trust in the automation. Priming was successful at adjusting the operator's initial and dynamic trust in the automated scheduling algorithm, which had a substantial impact on system performance. These results have important implications for personnel selection and training for futuristic multi-UV systems under human supervision. Although gamers may bring valuable skills, they may also be potentially prone to automation bias. Priming during training and regular priming throughout missions may be one potential method for overcoming this propensity to overtrust automation. © 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

A physical layer perspective on access network sharing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfeiffer, Thomas

2015-12-01

Unlike in copper or wireless networks, there is no sharing of resources in fiber access networks yet, other than bit stream access or cable sharing, in which the fibers of a cable are let to one or multiple operators. Sharing optical resources on a single fiber among multiple operators or different services has not yet been applied. While this would allow for a better exploitation of installed infrastructures, there are operational issues which still need to be resolved, before this sharing model can be implemented in networks. Operating multiple optical systems and services over a common fiber plant, autonomously and independently from each other, can result in mutual distortions on the physical layer. These distortions will degrade the performance of the involved systems, unless precautions are taken in the infrastructure hardware to eliminate or to reduce them to an acceptable level. Moreover, the infrastructure needs to be designed such as to support different system technologies and to ensure a guaranteed quality of the end-to-end connections. In this paper, suitable means are proposed to be introduced in fiber access infrastructures that will allow for shared utilization of the fibers while safeguarding the operational needs and business interests of the involved parties.

27 CFR 19.716 - Maintenance and retention of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Recordkeeping § 19.716 Maintenance and retention of records. (a) A proprietor of an alcohol fuel plant may keep the records required by this subpart at the alcohol fuel plant where operations or transactions occur... required records at any location other than the alcohol fuel plant where operations or transactions occur...

77 FR 43084 - Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program Continuous Open Season-Operational Change

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-23

... Award Schedule (MAS) Program Continuous Open Season- Operational Change AGENCY: Federal Acquisition... proposing this operational change to enhance the performance of and modernize the MAS program in three key program areas: Small business viability, operational efficiency, and cost control. The DBM will realign...

Gulf War Illness Inflammation Reduction Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

United States military personnel were deployed to the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (Gulf...differential, plasma proteomics, platelet function studies, and the measurement of multiple coagulation parameters. The pilot study results provide strong

Gulf War Illness Inflammation Reduction Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War). Many veterans of this conflict now suffer...complete blood count with differential, plasma proteomics, platelet function studies, and the measurement of multiple coagulation parameters. The

Distributed Synchronization in Networks of Agent Systems With Nonlinearities and Random Switchings.

PubMed

Tang, Yang; Gao, Huijun; Zou, Wei; Kurths, Jürgen

2013-02-01

In this paper, the distributed synchronization problem of networks of agent systems with controllers and nonlinearities subject to Bernoulli switchings is investigated. Controllers and adaptive updating laws injected in each vertex of networks depend on the state information of its neighborhood. Three sets of Bernoulli stochastic variables are introduced to describe the occurrence probabilities of distributed adaptive controllers, updating laws and nonlinearities, respectively. By the Lyapunov functions method, we show that the distributed synchronization of networks composed of agent systems with multiple randomly occurring nonlinearities, multiple randomly occurring controllers, and multiple randomly occurring updating laws can be achieved in mean square under certain criteria. The conditions derived in this paper can be solved by semi-definite programming. Moreover, by mathematical analysis, we find that the coupling strength, the probabilities of the Bernoulli stochastic variables, and the form of nonlinearities have great impacts on the convergence speed and the terminal control strength. The synchronization criteria and the observed phenomena are demonstrated by several numerical simulation examples. In addition, the advantage of distributed adaptive controllers over conventional adaptive controllers is illustrated.

40 CFR 63.3546 - How do I establish the emission capture system and add-on control device operating limits during...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... system and add-on control device operating limits during the performance test? 63.3546 Section 63.3546... of key parameters of the valve operating system (e.g., solenoid valve operation, air pressure... minimum operating limit for that specific capture device or system of multiple capture devices. The...

40 CFR 63.3546 - How do I establish the emission capture system and add-on control device operating limits during...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... capture system and add-on control device operating limits during the performance test? 63.3546 Section 63... of key parameters of the valve operating system (e.g., solenoid valve operation, air pressure... minimum operating limit for that specific capture device or system of multiple capture devices. The...

40 CFR 63.3546 - How do I establish the emission capture system and add-on control device operating limits during...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... capture system and add-on control device operating limits during the performance test? 63.3546 Section 63... of key parameters of the valve operating system (e.g., solenoid valve operation, air pressure... minimum operating limit for that specific capture device or system of multiple capture devices. The...

First results from the Mojave Volatiles Prospector (MVP) Field Campaign, a Lunar Polar Rover Mission Analog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heldmann, J. L.; Colaprete, A.; Cook, A.; Deans, M. C.; Elphic, R. C.; Lim, D. S. S.; Skok, J. R.

2014-12-01

The Mojave Volatiles Prospector (MVP) project is a science-driven field program with the goal to produce critical knowledge for conducting robotic exploration of the Moon. MVP will feed science, payload, and operational lessons learned to the development of a real-time, short-duration lunar polar volatiles prospecting mission. MVP achieves these goals through a simulated lunar rover mission to investigate the composition and distribution of surface and subsurface volatiles in a natural and a priori unknown environment within the Mojave Desert, improving our understanding of how to find, characterize, and access volatiles on the Moon. The MVP field site is the Mojave Desert, selected for its low, naturally occurring water abundance. The Mojave typically has on the order of 2-6% water, making it a suitable lunar analog for this field test. MVP uses the Near Infrared and Visible Spectrometer Subsystem (NIRVSS), Neutron Spectrometer Subsystem (NSS), and a downward facing GroundCam camera on the KREX-2 rover to investigate the relationship between the distribution of volatiles and soil crust variation. Through this investigation, we mature robotic in situ instruments and concepts of instrument operations, improve ground software tools for real time science, and carry out publishable research on the water cycle and its connection to geomorphology and mineralogy in desert environments. A lunar polar rover mission is unlike prior space missions and requires a new concept of operations. The rover must navigate 3-5 km of terrain and examine multiple sites in in just ~6 days. Operational decisions must be made in real time, requiring constant situational awareness, data analysis and rapid turnaround decision support tools. This presentation will focus on the first science results and operational architecture findings from the MVP field deployment relevant to a lunar polar rover mission.

Energy Management of Smart Distribution Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, Bananeh

Electric power distribution systems interface the end-users of electricity with the power grid. Traditional distribution systems are operated in a centralized fashion with the distribution system owner or operator being the only decision maker. The management and control architecture of distribution systems needs to gradually transform to accommodate the emerging smart grid technologies, distributed energy resources, and active electricity end-users or prosumers. The content of this document concerns with developing multi-task multi-objective energy management schemes for: 1) commercial/large residential prosumers, and 2) distribution system operator of a smart distribution system. The first part of this document describes a method of distributed energy management of multiple commercial/ large residential prosumers. These prosumers not only consume electricity, but also generate electricity using their roof-top solar photovoltaics systems. When photovoltaics generation is larger than local consumption, excess electricity will be fed into the distribution system, creating a voltage rise along the feeder. Distribution system operator cannot tolerate a significant voltage rise. ES can help the prosumers manage their electricity exchanges with the distribution system such that minimal voltage fluctuation occurs. The proposed distributed energy management scheme sizes and schedules each prosumer's ES to reduce the electricity bill and mitigate voltage rise along the feeder. The second part of this document focuses on emergency energy management and resilience assessment of a distribution system. The developed emergency energy management system uses available resources and redundancy to restore the distribution system's functionality fully or partially. The success of the restoration maneuver depends on how resilient the distribution system is. Engineering resilience terminology is used to evaluate the resilience of distribution system. The proposed emergency energy management scheme together with resilience assessment increases the distribution system operator's preparedness for emergency events.

A Systematic Approach for Obtaining Performance on Matrix-Like Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veras, Richard Michael

Scientific Computation provides a critical role in the scientific process because it allows us ask complex queries and test predictions that would otherwise be unfeasible to perform experimentally. Because of its power, Scientific Computing has helped drive advances in many fields ranging from Engineering and Physics to Biology and Sociology to Economics and Drug Development and even to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Common among these domains is the desire for timely computational results, thus a considerable amount of human expert effort is spent towards obtaining performance for these scientific codes. However, this is no easy task because each of these domains present their own unique set of challenges to software developers, such as domain specific operations, structurally complex data and ever-growing datasets. Compounding these problems are the myriads of constantly changing, complex and unique hardware platforms that an expert must target. Unfortunately, an expert is typically forced to reproduce their effort across multiple problem domains and hardware platforms. In this thesis, we demonstrate the automatic generation of expert level high-performance scientific codes for Dense Linear Algebra (DLA), Structured Mesh (Stencil), Sparse Linear Algebra and Graph Analytic. In particular, this thesis seeks to address the issue of obtaining performance on many complex platforms for a certain class of matrix-like operations that span across many scientific, engineering and social fields. We do this by automating a method used for obtaining high performance in DLA and extending it to structured, sparse and scale-free domains. We argue that it is through the use of the underlying structure found in the data from these domains that enables this process. Thus, obtaining performance for most operations does not occur in isolation of the data being operated on, but instead depends significantly on the structure of the data.

Investigation on Reservoir Operation of Agricultural Water Resources Management for Drought Mitigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, C. L.

2015-12-01

Investigation on Reservoir Operation of Agricultural Water Resources Management for Drought Mitigation Chung-Lien Cheng, Wen-Ping Tsai, Fi-John Chang* Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Da-An District, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC.Corresponding author: Fi-John Chang (changfj@ntu.edu.tw) AbstractIn Taiwan, the population growth and economic development has led to considerable and increasing demands for natural water resources in the last decades. Under such condition, water shortage problems have frequently occurred in northern Taiwan in recent years such that water is usually transferred from irrigation sectors to public sectors during drought periods. Facing the uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources and the problems of increasing water shortages, it is a primary and critical issue to simultaneously satisfy multiple water uses through adequate reservoir operations for sustainable water resources management. Therefore, we intend to build an intelligent reservoir operation system for the assessment of agricultural water resources management strategy in response to food security during drought periods. This study first uses the grey system to forecast the agricultural water demand during February and April for assessing future agricultural water demands. In the second part, we build an intelligent water resources system by using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), an optimization tool, for searching the water allocation series based on different water demand scenarios created from the first part to optimize the water supply operation for different water sectors. The results can be a reference guide for adequate agricultural water resources management during drought periods. Keywords: Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II); Grey System; Optimization; Agricultural Water Resources Management.

Failed Surgical Management of Acute Proximal Fifth Metatarsal (Jones) Fractures: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review.

PubMed

Granata, Jaymes D; Berlet, Gregory C; Philbin, Terrence M; Jones, Grant; Kaeding, Christopher C; Peterson, Kyle S

2015-12-01

Nonunion, delayed union, and refracture after operative treatment of acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in athletes is uncommon. This study was a failure analysis of operatively managed acute proximal fifth metatarsal fractures in healthy athletes. We identified 149 patients who underwent operative treatment for fifth metatarsal fractures. Inclusion criteria isolated skeletally mature, athletic patients under the age of 40 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were excluded with tuberosity fractures, fractures distal to the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal region of the fifth metatarsal, multiple fractures or operative procedures, fractures initially treated conservatively, and medical comorbidities/risk factors for nonunion. Fifty-five patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four (7.3%) patients required a secondary operative procedure due to refracture. The average time to refracture was 8 months. All refractures were associated with bent screws and occurred in male patients who participated in professional basketball, professional volleyball, and college football. The average time for release to progressive weight-bearing was 6 weeks. Three patients were revised to a bigger size screw and went on to union. One patient was revised to the same-sized screw and required a second revision surgery for nonunion. All failures were refractures in competitive athletes who were initially treated with small diameter solid or cannulated stainless steel screws. The failures were not associated with early postoperative weight-bearing protocol. Maximizing initial fixation stiffness may decrease the late failure rate in competitive athletes. More clinical studies are needed to better understand risk factors for failure after screw fixation in the competitive, athletic population. Prognostic, Level IV: Case series. © 2015 The Author(s).

Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making Methods Based on Trapezoidal Fuzzy Two-Dimensional Linguistic Partitioned Bonferroni Mean Aggregation Operators.

PubMed

Yin, Kedong; Yang, Benshuo; Li, Xuemei

2018-01-24

In this paper, we investigate multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems where decision makers represent their evaluation of alternatives by trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional uncertain linguistic variable. To begin with, we introduce the definition, properties, expectation, operational laws of trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic information. Then, to improve the accuracy of decision making in some case where there are a sort of interrelationship among the attributes, we analyze partition Bonferroni mean (PBM) operator in trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional variable environment and develop two operators: trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic partitioned Bonferroni mean (TF2DLPBM) aggregation operator and trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic weighted partitioned Bonferroni mean (TF2DLWPBM) aggregation operator. Furthermore, we develop a novel method to solve MAGDM problems based on TF2DLWPBM aggregation operator. Finally, a practical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of this method and analyses the impact of different parameters on the results of decision-making.

Multi-bit operations in vertical spintronic shift registers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavrijsen, Reinoud; Petit, Dorothée C. M. C.; Fernández-Pacheco, Amalio; Lee, JiHyun; Mansell, Mansell; Cowburn, Russell P.

2014-03-01

Spintronic devices have in general demonstrated the feasibility of non-volatile memory storage and simple Boolean logic operations. Modern microprocessors have one further frequently used digital operation: bit-wise operations on multiple bits simultaneously. Such operations are important for binary multiplication and division and in efficient microprocessor architectures such as reduced instruction set computing (RISC). In this paper we show a four-stage vertical serial shift register made from RKKY coupled ultrathin (0.9 nm) perpendicularly magnetised layers into which a 3-bit data word is injected. The entire four stage shift register occupies a total length (thickness) of only 16 nm. We show how under the action of an externally applied magnetic field bits can be shifted together as a word and then manipulated individually, including being brought together to perform logic operations. This is one of the highest level demonstrations of logic operation ever performed on data in the magnetic state and brings closer the possibility of ultrahigh density all-magnetic microprocessors.

Multi-bit operations in vertical spintronic shift registers.

PubMed

Lavrijsen, Reinoud; Petit, Dorothée C M C; Fernández-Pacheco, Amalio; Lee, Jihyun; Mansell, Mansell; Cowburn, Russell P

2014-03-14

Spintronic devices have in general demonstrated the feasibility of non-volatile memory storage and simple Boolean logic operations. Modern microprocessors have one further frequently used digital operation: bit-wise operations on multiple bits simultaneously. Such operations are important for binary multiplication and division and in efficient microprocessor architectures such as reduced instruction set computing (RISC). In this paper we show a four-stage vertical serial shift register made from RKKY coupled ultrathin (0.9 nm) perpendicularly magnetised layers into which a 3-bit data word is injected. The entire four stage shift register occupies a total length (thickness) of only 16 nm. We show how under the action of an externally applied magnetic field bits can be shifted together as a word and then manipulated individually, including being brought together to perform logic operations. This is one of the highest level demonstrations of logic operation ever performed on data in the magnetic state and brings closer the possibility of ultrahigh density all-magnetic microprocessors.

Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making Methods Based on Trapezoidal Fuzzy Two-Dimensional Linguistic Partitioned Bonferroni Mean Aggregation Operators

PubMed Central

Yin, Kedong; Yang, Benshuo

2018-01-01

In this paper, we investigate multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems where decision makers represent their evaluation of alternatives by trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional uncertain linguistic variable. To begin with, we introduce the definition, properties, expectation, operational laws of trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic information. Then, to improve the accuracy of decision making in some case where there are a sort of interrelationship among the attributes, we analyze partition Bonferroni mean (PBM) operator in trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional variable environment and develop two operators: trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic partitioned Bonferroni mean (TF2DLPBM) aggregation operator and trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic weighted partitioned Bonferroni mean (TF2DLWPBM) aggregation operator. Furthermore, we develop a novel method to solve MAGDM problems based on TF2DLWPBM aggregation operator. Finally, a practical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of this method and analyses the impact of different parameters on the results of decision-making. PMID:29364849

Controlled quantum perfect teleportation of multiple arbitrary multi-qubit states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Runhua; Huang, Liusheng; Yang, Wei; Zhong, Hong

2011-12-01

We present an efficient controlled quantum perfect teleportation scheme. In our scheme, multiple senders can teleport multiple arbitrary unknown multi-qubit states to a single receiver via a previously shared entanglement state with the help of one or more controllers. Furthermore, our scheme has a very good performance in the measurement and operation complexity, since it only needs to perform Bell state and single-particle measurements and to apply Controlled-Not gate and other single-particle unitary operations. In addition, compared with traditional schemes, our scheme needs less qubits as the quantum resources and exchanges less classical information, and thus obtains higher communication efficiency.

Analysis of navigation and guidance requirements for commercial VTOL operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, W. C.; Zvara, J.; Hollister, W. M.

1975-01-01

The paper presents some results of a program undertaken to define navigation and guidance requirements for commercial VTOL operations in the takeoff, cruise, terminal and landing phases of flight in weather conditions up to and including Category III. Quantitative navigation requirements are given for the parameters range, coverage, operation near obstacles, horizontal accuracy, multiple landing aircraft, multiple pad requirements, inertial/radio-inertial requirements, reliability/redundancy, update rate, and data link requirements in all flight phases. A multi-configuration straw-man navigation and guidance system for commercial VTOL operations is presented. Operation of the system is keyed to a fully automatic approach for navigation, guidance and control, with pilot as monitor-manager. The system is a hybrid navigator using a relatively low-cost inertial sensor with DME updates and MLS in the approach/departure phases.

Using Infrared Thermography to Assess Emotional Responses to Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esposito, Gianluca; Nakazawa, Jun; Ogawa, Shota; Stival, Rita; Putnick, Diane L.; Bornstein, Marc H.

2015-01-01

Adult-infant interactions operate simultaneously across multiple domains and at multiple levels -- from physiology to behaviour. Unpackaging and understanding them, therefore, involve analysis of multiple data streams. In this study, we tested physiological responses and cognitive preferences for infant and adult faces in adult females and males.…

Mof-Tree: A Spatial Access Method To Manipulate Multiple Overlapping Features.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manolopoulos, Yannis; Nardelli, Enrico; Papadopoulos, Apostolos; Proietti, Guido

1997-01-01

Investigates the manipulation of large sets of two-dimensional data representing multiple overlapping features, and presents a new access method, the MOF-tree. Analyzes storage requirements and time with respect to window query operations involving multiple features. Examines both the pointer-based and pointerless MOF-tree representations.…

Calving distributions of individual bulls in multiple-sire pastures

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this project was to quantify patterns in the calving rate of sires in multiple-sire pastures over seven years at a large-scale cow-calf operation. Data consisted of reproductive and genomic records from multiple-sire breeding pastures (n=33) at the United States Meat Animal Research...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

Safety and driver behavior studies at multiple lane approaches to stop-controlled intersections.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

Multiple-lane approaches (MLAs) controlled by stop signs are becoming increasingly common in Nebraska. Installation of MLAs occurs when a single approach lane can no longer adequately serve the minor road traffic volume, and a signal is unwarranted b...

Filtering for networked control systems with single/multiple measurement packets subject to multiple-step measurement delays and multiple packet dropouts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moayedi, Maryam; Foo, Yung Kuan; Chai Soh, Yeng

2011-03-01

The minimum-variance filtering problem in networked control systems, where both random measurement transmission delays and packet dropouts may occur, is investigated in this article. Instead of following the many existing results that solve the problem by using probabilistic approaches based on the probabilities of the uncertainties occurring between the sensor and the filter, we propose a non-probabilistic approach by time-stamping the measurement packets. Both single-measurement and multiple measurement packets are studied. We also consider the case of burst arrivals, where more than one packet may arrive between the receiver's previous and current sampling times; the scenario where the control input is non-zero and subject to delays and packet dropouts is examined as well. It is shown that, in such a situation, the optimal state estimate would generally be dependent on the possible control input. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the various proposed filters.

Software platform virtualization in chemistry research and university teaching

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Modern chemistry laboratories operate with a wide range of software applications under different operating systems, such as Windows, LINUX or Mac OS X. Instead of installing software on different computers it is possible to install those applications on a single computer using Virtual Machine software. Software platform virtualization allows a single guest operating system to execute multiple other operating systems on the same computer. We apply and discuss the use of virtual machines in chemistry research and teaching laboratories. Results Virtual machines are commonly used for cheminformatics software development and testing. Benchmarking multiple chemistry software packages we have confirmed that the computational speed penalty for using virtual machines is low and around 5% to 10%. Software virtualization in a teaching environment allows faster deployment and easy use of commercial and open source software in hands-on computer teaching labs. Conclusion Software virtualization in chemistry, mass spectrometry and cheminformatics is needed for software testing and development of software for different operating systems. In order to obtain maximum performance the virtualization software should be multi-core enabled and allow the use of multiprocessor configurations in the virtual machine environment. Server consolidation, by running multiple tasks and operating systems on a single physical machine, can lead to lower maintenance and hardware costs especially in small research labs. The use of virtual machines can prevent software virus infections and security breaches when used as a sandbox system for internet access and software testing. Complex software setups can be created with virtual machines and are easily deployed later to multiple computers for hands-on teaching classes. We discuss the popularity of bioinformatics compared to cheminformatics as well as the missing cheminformatics education at universities worldwide. PMID:20150997

Software platform virtualization in chemistry research and university teaching.

PubMed

Kind, Tobias; Leamy, Tim; Leary, Julie A; Fiehn, Oliver

2009-11-16

Modern chemistry laboratories operate with a wide range of software applications under different operating systems, such as Windows, LINUX or Mac OS X. Instead of installing software on different computers it is possible to install those applications on a single computer using Virtual Machine software. Software platform virtualization allows a single guest operating system to execute multiple other operating systems on the same computer. We apply and discuss the use of virtual machines in chemistry research and teaching laboratories. Virtual machines are commonly used for cheminformatics software development and testing. Benchmarking multiple chemistry software packages we have confirmed that the computational speed penalty for using virtual machines is low and around 5% to 10%. Software virtualization in a teaching environment allows faster deployment and easy use of commercial and open source software in hands-on computer teaching labs. Software virtualization in chemistry, mass spectrometry and cheminformatics is needed for software testing and development of software for different operating systems. In order to obtain maximum performance the virtualization software should be multi-core enabled and allow the use of multiprocessor configurations in the virtual machine environment. Server consolidation, by running multiple tasks and operating systems on a single physical machine, can lead to lower maintenance and hardware costs especially in small research labs. The use of virtual machines can prevent software virus infections and security breaches when used as a sandbox system for internet access and software testing. Complex software setups can be created with virtual machines and are easily deployed later to multiple computers for hands-on teaching classes. We discuss the popularity of bioinformatics compared to cheminformatics as well as the missing cheminformatics education at universities worldwide.

Multiple and variable speed electrical generator systems for large wind turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andersen, T. S.; Hughes, P. S.; Kirschbaum, H. S.; Mutone, G. A.

1982-01-01

A cost effective method to achieve increased wind turbine generator energy conversion and other operational benefits through variable speed operation is presented. Earlier studies of multiple and variable speed generators in wind turbines were extended for evaluation in the context of a specific large sized conceptual design. System design and simulation have defined the costs and performance benefits which can be expected from both two speed and variable speed configurations.

High-power free-electron maser with frequency multiplication operating in a shortwave part of the millimeter wave range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandurkin, I. V.; Kaminsky, A. K.; Perelstein, E. A.; Peskov, N. Yu.; Savilov, A. V.; Sedykh, S. N.

2012-08-01

The possibility of using frequency multiplication in order to obtain high-power short-wavelength radiation from a free-electron maser (FEM) with a Bragg resonator has been studied. Preliminary experiments with an LIU-3000 (JINR) linear induction accelerator demonstrate the operation of a frequency-multiplying FEM at megawatt power in the 6- and 4-mm wave bands on the second and third harmonic, respectively.

Assigning unique identification numbers to new user accounts and groups in a computing environment with multiple registries

DOEpatents

DeRobertis, Christopher V.; Lu, Yantian T.

2010-02-23

A method, system, and program storage device for creating a new user account or user group with a unique identification number in a computing environment having multiple user registries is provided. In response to receiving a command to create a new user account or user group, an operating system of a clustered computing environment automatically checks multiple registries configured for the operating system to determine whether a candidate identification number for the new user account or user group has been assigned already to one or more existing user accounts or groups, respectively. The operating system automatically assigns the candidate identification number to the new user account or user group created in a target user registry if the checking indicates that the candidate identification number has not been assigned already to any of the existing user accounts or user groups, respectively.

Implementation of collisions on GPU architecture in the Vorpal code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leddy, Jarrod; Averkin, Sergey; Cowan, Ben; Sides, Scott; Werner, Greg; Cary, John

2017-10-01

The Vorpal code contains a variety of collision operators allowing for the simulation of plasmas containing multiple charge species interacting with neutrals, background gas, and EM fields. These existing algorithms have been improved and reimplemented to take advantage of the massive parallelization allowed by GPU architecture. The use of GPUs is most effective when algorithms are single-instruction multiple-data, so particle collisions are an ideal candidate for this parallelization technique due to their nature as a series of independent processes with the same underlying operation. This refactoring required data memory reorganization and careful consideration of device/host data allocation to minimize memory access and data communication per operation. Successful implementation has resulted in an order of magnitude increase in simulation speed for a test-case involving multiple binary collisions using the null collision method. Work supported by DARPA under contract W31P4Q-16-C-0009.

Helios1A EoL: A Success. For the first Time a Long Final Thrust Scenario, Respecting the French Law on Space Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerry, Agnes; Moussi, Aurelie; Sartine, Christian; Beaumet, Gregory

2013-09-01

HELIOS1A End Of Live (EOL) operations occurred in the early 2012. Through this EOL operation, CNES wanted to make an example of French Space Act compliance. Because the satellite wasn't natively designed for such an EOL phase, the operation was touchy and risky. It was organized as a real full project in order to assess every scenario details with dedicated Mission Analysis, to secure the operations through detailed risk analysis at system level and to consider the major failures that could occur during the EOL. A short scenario allowing to reach several objectives with benefits was eventually selected. The main objective of this project was to preserve space environment. The operations were led on a "best effort" basis. The French Space Operations Act (FSOA) requirements were met: HELIOS-1A EOL operations had been led successfully.

Environmental Assessment for Central Campus Complex John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dankert, Donald

2013-01-01

This Environmental Assessment addresses the Proposed Action to consolidate multiple facilities in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Industrial Area by constructing two new buildings in the existing headquarters area between NASA Parkway, 3rd Street, C Avenue, and D Avenue. Under the Proposed Action, the historic Headquarters Building will be demolished and a new building will be constructed closer to the Operations and Checkout Building by centering it on D A venue (Hunton Brady Architects, P A and Jones Edmunds and Associates, Inc. 2011). This option was selected from a group of 15 initial sketches as the most viable option during a Central Campus Complex Siting Study completed in February 2011. A No-Action Alternative is also presented in which no demolition or construction of new facilities would occur. Implementing the Proposed Action will have major impacts to cultural resources, while the remaining environmental impacts will be minor.

Optimization of constellation jettisoning regards to short term collision risks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handschuh, D.-DA.-A.; Bourgeois, E.

2018-04-01

The space debris problematic is directly linked to the in-orbit collision risk between artificial satellites. With the increase of the space constellation projects, a multiplication of multi-payload launches should occur. In the specific cases where many satellites are injected into orbit with the same launcher upper stage, all these objects will be placed on similar orbits, very close one from each other, at a specific moment where their control capabilities will be very limited. Under this hypothesis, it is up to the launcher operator to ensure that the simultaneous in-orbit injection is safe enough to guarantee the non-collision risk between all the objects under a ballistic hypothesis eventually considering appropriate uncertainties. The purpose of the present study is to find optimized safe separation conditions to limit the in-orbit collision risk following the injection of many objects on very close orbits in a short-delay mission.

Behavioral regulation of gravity: schedule effects under escape-avoidance procedures1

PubMed Central

Clark, Fogle C.; Lange, Karl O.; Belleville, Richard E.

1973-01-01

Squirrel monkeys were restrained in a centrifuge capsule and trained to escape and avoid increases in artificial gravity. During escape-avoidance, lever responses reduced centrifugally simulated gravity or postponed scheduled increases. The effect of variation in the interval of postponement (equal to the duration of decrease produced by escape responses) was studied under a multiple schedule of four components. Three components were gravity escape-avoidance with postponement times of 20, 40, and 60 sec. The fourth component was extinction. Each component was associated with a different auditory stimulus. Rate of responding decreased with increasing postponement time and higher mean g-levels occurred at shorter intervals of postponement. Effects of the schedule parameter on response rate and mean g-level were similar to effects of the schedule on free-operant avoidance and on titration behavior maintained by shock. ImagesFig. 1. PMID:4202386

Dual-quaternion based fault-tolerant control for spacecraft formation flying with finite-time convergence.

PubMed

Dong, Hongyang; Hu, Qinglei; Ma, Guangfu

2016-03-01

Study results of developing control system for spacecraft formation proximity operations between a target and a chaser are presented. In particular, a coupled model using dual quaternion is employed to describe the proximity problem of spacecraft formation, and a nonlinear adaptive fault-tolerant feedback control law is developed to enable the chaser spacecraft to track the position and attitude of the target even though its actuator occurs fault. Multiple-task capability of the proposed control system is further demonstrated in the presence of disturbances and parametric uncertainties as well. In addition, the practical finite-time stability feature of the closed-loop system is guaranteed theoretically under the designed control law. Numerical simulation of the proposed method is presented to demonstrate the advantages with respect to interference suppression, fast tracking, fault tolerant and practical finite-time stability. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inventory of forest resources (including water) by multi-level sampling. [nine northern Virginia coastal plain counties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aldrich, R. C.; Dana, R. W.; Roberts, E. H. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A stratified random sample using LANDSAT band 5 and 7 panchromatic prints resulted in estimates of water in counties with sampling errors less than + or - 9% (67% probability level). A forest inventory using a four band LANDSAT color composite resulted in estimates of forest area by counties that were within + or - 6.7% and + or - 3.7% respectively (67% probability level). Estimates of forest area for counties by computer assisted techniques were within + or - 21% of operational forest survey figures and for all counties the difference was only one percent. Correlations of airborne terrain reflectance measurements with LANDSAT radiance verified a linear atmospheric model with an additive (path radiance) term and multiplicative (transmittance) term. Coefficients of determination for 28 of the 32 modeling attempts, not adverseley affected by rain shower occurring between the times of LANDSAT passage and aircraft overflights, exceeded 0.83.

Pediatric and adolescent applications of the Taylor Spatial Frame.

PubMed

Paloski, Michael; Taylor, Benjamin C; Iobst, Christopher; Pugh, Kevin J

2012-06-01

Limb deformity can occur in the pediatric and adolescent populations from multiple etiologies: congenital, traumatic, posttraumatic sequelae, oncologic, and infection. Correcting these deformities is important for many reasons. Ilizarov popularized external fixation to accomplish this task. Taylor expanded on this by designing an external fixator in 1994 with 6 telescoping struts that can be sequentially manipulated to achieve multiaxial correction of deformity without the need for hinges or operative frame alterations. This frame can be used to correct deformities in children and has shown good anatomic correction with minimal morbidity. The nature of the construct and length of treatment affects psychosocial factors that the surgeon and family must be aware of prior to treatment. An understanding of applications of the Taylor Spatial Frame gives orthopedic surgeons an extra tool to correct simple and complex deformities in pediatric and adolescent patients. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

ICESat-2 laser Nd:YVO4 amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawruk, Nicholas W.; Burns, Patrick M.; Edwards, Ryan E.; Litvinovitch, Viatcheslav; Martin, Nigel; Witt, Greg; Fakhoury, Elias; Iskander, John; Pronko, Mark S.; Troupaki, Elisavet; Bay, Michael M.; He, Charles C.; Wang, Liqin L.; Cavanaugh, John F.; Farrokh, Babak; Salem, Jonathan A.; Baker, Eric

2018-02-01

We report on the cause and corrective actions of three amplifier crystal fractures in the space-qualified laser systems used in NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). The ICESat-2 lasers each contain three end-pumped Nd:YVOO4 amplifier stages. The crystals are clamped between two gold plated copper heat spreaders with an indium foil thermal interface material, and the crystal fractures occurred after multiple years of storage and over a year of operational run-time. The primary contributors are high compressive loading of the NdYVO4 crystals at the beginning of life, a time dependent crystal stress caused by an intermetallic reaction of the gold plating and indium, and slow crack growth resulting in a reduction in crystal strength over time. An updated crystal mounting scheme was designed, analyzed, fabricated and tested. Thee fracture slab failure analysis, finite-element modeling and corrective actions are presented.

Application of a Bank of Kalman Filters for Aircraft Engine Fault Diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobayashi, Takahisa; Simon, Donald L.

2003-01-01

In this paper, a bank of Kalman filters is applied to aircraft gas turbine engine sensor and actuator fault detection and isolation (FDI) in conjunction with the detection of component faults. This approach uses multiple Kalman filters, each of which is designed for detecting a specific sensor or actuator fault. In the event that a fault does occur, all filters except the one using the correct hypothesis will produce large estimation errors, thereby isolating the specific fault. In the meantime, a set of parameters that indicate engine component performance is estimated for the detection of abrupt degradation. The proposed FDI approach is applied to a nonlinear engine simulation at nominal and aged conditions, and the evaluation results for various engine faults at cruise operating conditions are given. The ability of the proposed approach to reliably detect and isolate sensor and actuator faults is demonstrated.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Diagnosed from Mandibular and Lower Limb Fractures: A Case Report.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Yoshikazu; Satoh, Koji; Mizutani, Hideki

2016-06-01

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital disease characterized by bone fragility and low bone mass. Despite the variety of its manifestation and severity, facial fractures occur very infrequently. Here, we report a case of an infant diagnosed with OI after mandibular and lower limb fractures. A boy aged 1 year and 3 months was brought to his neighboring hospital with a complaint of facial injury. He was transferred to our hospital to undergo operation 3 days later. Computed tomography images revealed multiple mandibular fractures including complete fracture in the symphysis and dislocated condylar fracture on the right side. Open reduction and internal fixation with absorbable implants was performed 7 days after injury. He fractured his right lower limb 2 months later. He was diagnosed with OI type IA by an orthopedist. He will be administered bone-modifying agents if he suffers from frequent fractures.

Macroenvironmental regulation of hair cycling and collective regenerative behavior.

PubMed

Plikus, Maksim V; Chuong, Cheng-Ming

2014-01-01

The hair follicle (HF) regeneration paradigm provides a unique opportunity for studying the collective behavior of stem cells in living animals. Activation of HF stem cells depends on the core inhibitory BMP and activating WNT signals operating within the HF microenvironment. Additionally, HFs receive multilayered signaling inputs from the extrafollicular macroenvironment, which includes dermis, adipocytes, neighboring HFs, hormones, and external stimuli. These activators/inhibitors are integrated across multiple stem-cell niches to produce dynamic hair growth patterns. Because of their pigmentation, these patterns can be easily studied on live shaved animals. Comparing to autonomous regeneration of one HF, populations of HFs display coupled decision making, allowing for more robust and adaptable regenerative behavior to occur collectively. The generic cellular automata model used to simulate coordinated HF cycling here can be extended to study population-level behavior of other complex biological systems made of cycling elements.

Macroenvironmental Regulation of Hair Cycling and Collective Regenerative Behavior

PubMed Central

Plikus, Maksim V.; Chuong, Cheng-Ming

2014-01-01

The hair follicle (HF) regeneration paradigm provides a unique opportunity for studying the collective behavior of stem cells in living animals. Activation of HF stem cells depends on the core inhibitory BMP and activating WNT signals operating within the HF microenvironment. Additionally, HFs receive multilayered signaling inputs from the extrafollicular macroenvironment, which includes dermis, adipocytes, neighboring HFs, hormones, and external stimuli. These activators/inhibitors are integrated across multiple stem-cell niches to produce dynamic hair growth patterns. Because of their pigmentation, these patterns can be easily studied on live shaved animals. Comparing to autonomous regeneration of one HF, populations of HFs display coupled decision making, allowing for more robust and adaptable regenerative behavior to occur collectively. The generic cellular automata model used to simulate coordinated HF cycling here can be extended to study population-level behavior of other complex biological systems made of cycling elements. PMID:24384813

The meat industry: do we think and behave globally or locally?

PubMed

Belk, K E; Woerner, D R; Delmore, R J; Tatum, J D; Yang, H; Sofos, J N

2014-11-01

For generations, those that produce livestock and meat generally felt that their country or geographical region (i.e., provenance) reflected a basis for product differentiation. This occurs to the extent that geography of production often is considered a "brand." For example, there exists "U.S. Grain-Fed Beef" or "Kobe Black Wagyu" or "Uruguayan Grass-Fed Lamb" or "Danish Pork." However, for most meat trade, industry has evolved beyond this. With the exception perhaps of farms onto which livestock are born, meat company's profits are not generally tied to geographical considerations. Most major companies (e.g., JBS, Marfrig, Tyson, Cargill, Danish Crown, Nippon Meat Packers, etc.) operate in multiple countries and represent to consumers the production of a number of locations. However, there also now exist entrepreneurial options for meat production and "local" sales, albeit at lesser volumes. This discussion explores "global" and "local" meat marketing options. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Visualizing Internet routing changes.

PubMed

Lad, Mohit; Massey, Dan; Zhang, Lixia

2006-01-01

Today's Internet provides a global data delivery service to millions of end users and routing protocols play a critical role in this service. It is important to be able to identify and diagnose any problems occurring in Internet routing. However, the Internet's sheer size makes this task difficult. One cannot easily extract out the most important or relevant routing information from the large amounts of data collected from multiple routers. To tackle this problem, we have developed Link-Rank, a tool to visualize Internet routing changes at the global scale. Link-Rank weighs links in a topological graph by the number of routes carried over each link and visually captures changes in link weights in the form of a topological graph with adjustable size. Using Link-Rank, network operators can easily observe important routing changes from massive amounts of routing data, discover otherwise unnoticed routing problems, understand the impact of topological events, and infer root causes of observed routing changes.

Catch and release: How do kinetochores hook the right microtubules during mitosis?

PubMed Central

Sarangapani, Krishna K.; Asbury, Charles L.

2014-01-01

Sport fishermen keep tension on their lines to prevent hooked fish from releasing. A molecular version of this angler’s trick, operating at kinetochores, ensures accuracy during mitosis: The mitotic spindle attaches randomly to chromosomes and then correctly bioriented attachments are stabilized due to the tension exerted on them by opposing microtubules. Incorrect attachments, which lack tension, are unstable and release quickly, allowing another chance for biorientation. Stabilization of molecular interactions by tension also occurs in other physiological contexts such as cell adhesion, motility, hemostasis, and tissue morphogenesis. Here we review models for the stabilization of kinetochore attachments with an eye toward emerging models for other force-activated systems. While attention in the mitosis field has focused mainly on one kinase-based mechanism, multiple mechanisms may act together to stabilize properly bioriented kinetochores and some principles governing other tension-sensitive systems may apply to kinetochores as well. PMID:24631209

Partitioning in Avionics Architectures: Requirements, Mechanisms, and Assurance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rushby, John

1999-01-01

Automated aircraft control has traditionally been divided into distinct "functions" that are implemented separately (e.g., autopilot, autothrottle, flight management); each function has its own fault-tolerant computer system, and dependencies among different functions are generally limited to the exchange of sensor and control data. A by-product of this "federated" architecture is that faults are strongly contained within the computer system of the function where they occur and cannot readily propagate to affect the operation of other functions. More modern avionics architectures contemplate supporting multiple functions on a single, shared, fault-tolerant computer system where natural fault containment boundaries are less sharply defined. Partitioning uses appropriate hardware and software mechanisms to restore strong fault containment to such integrated architectures. This report examines the requirements for partitioning, mechanisms for their realization, and issues in providing assurance for partitioning. Because partitioning shares some concerns with computer security, security models are reviewed and compared with the concerns of partitioning.

New Neutron Cross-Section Measurements at ORELA for Improved Nuclear Data Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guber, K. H.; Leal, L. C.; Sayer, R. O.; Koehler, P. E.; Valentine, T. E.; Derrien, H.; Harvey, J. A.

2005-05-01

Many older neutron cross-section evaluations from libraries such as ENDF/B-VI or JENDL-3.2 exhibit deficiencies or do not cover energy ranges that are important for criticality safety applications. These deficiencies may occur in the resolved and unresolved-resonance regions. Consequently, these evaluated data may not be adequate for nuclear criticality calculations where effects such as self-shielding, multiple scattering, or Doppler broadening are important. To support the Nuclear Criticality Predictability Program, neutron cross-section measurements have been initiated at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA). ORELA is the only high-power white neutron source with excellent time resolution still operating in the United States. It is ideally suited to measure fission, neutron total, and capture cross sections in the energy range from 1 eV to ˜600 keV, which is important for many nuclear criticality safety applications.

Medicolegal issues in multiple pregnancy.

PubMed

Gersell, Deborah J

2007-02-01

Any discussion of multiple pregnancy figures prominently in the consideration of the medicolegal aspects of placental pathology. Multiple gestations are common and becoming more so with assisted reproductive techniques, and multiples are associated with a disproportionate share of complications that may result in disputes over quality of care. Higher rates of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, stillbirth, morbidity, mortality, cerebral palsy, anomalous development, and malformation as compared with singletons are well documented in multiple pregnancy and should be anticipated. Monochorionic placentation and complications of vascular anastomosis are important factors contributing to poor outcome. Other factors, although occurring in all gestations, are relevant because they are more common in multiple gestations.

The Effect of Interruptions on Part 121 Air Carrier Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Damos, Diane L.

1998-01-01

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relative priorities of various events and activities by examining the probability that a given activity was interrupted by a given event. The analysis will begin by providing frequency of interruption data by crew position (captain versus first officer) and event type. Any differences in the pattern of interruptions between the first officers and the captains will be explored and interpreted in terms of standard operating procedures. Subsequent data analyses will focus on comparing the frequency of interruptions for different types of activities and for the same activities under normal versus emergency conditions. Briefings and checklists will receive particular attention. The frequency with which specific activities are interrupted under multiple- versus single-task conditions also will be examined; because the majority of multiple-task data were obtained under laboratory conditions, LOFT-type tapes offer a unique opportunity to examine concurrent task performance under 'real-world' conditions. A second purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the interruptions on performance. More specifically, when possible, the time to resume specific activities will be compared to determine if pilots are slower to resume certain types of activities. Errors in resumption or failures to resume specific activities will be noted and any patterns in these errors will be identified. Again, particular attention will be given to the effects of interruptions on the completion of checklists and briefings. Other types of errors and missed events (i.e., the crew should have responded to the event but did not) will be examined. Any methodology using interruptions to examine task prioritization must be able to identify when an interruption has occurred and describe the ongoing activities that were interrupted. Both of these methodological problems are discussed In detail in the following section,

Investigation of biotransformation, sorption, and desorption of multiple chemical contaminants in pilot-scale drinking water biofilters.

PubMed

Greenstein, Katherine E; Lew, Julia; Dickenson, Eric R V; Wert, Eric C

2018-06-01

The evolving demands of drinking water treatment necessitate processes capable of removing a diverse suite of contaminants. Biofiltration can employ biotransformation and sorption to remove various classes of chemicals from water. Here, pilot-scale virgin anthracite-sand and previously used biological activated carbon (BAC)-sand dual media filters were operated for ∼250 days to assess removals of 0.4 mg/L ammonia as nitrogen, 50-140 μg/L manganese, and ∼100 ng/L each of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) spiked into pre-ozonated Colorado River water. Anthracite achieved complete nitrification within 200 days and started removing ibuprofen at 85 days. Limited manganese (10%) removal occurred. In contrast, BAC completely nitrified ammonia within 113 days, removed all manganese at 43 days, and exhibited steady state removal of most TOrCs by 140 days. However, during the first 140 days, removal of caffeine, DEET, gemfibrozil, naproxen, and trimethoprim decreased, suggesting a shift from sorption to biotransformation. Acetaminophen and sulfamethoxazole were removed at consistent levels, with complete removal of acetaminophen achieved throughout the study; ibuprofen removal increased with time. When subjected to elevated (1 μg/L) concentrations of TOrCs, BAC removed larger masses of chemicals; with a subsequent decrease and ultimate cease in the TOrCs spike, caffeine, DEET, gemfibrozil, and trimethoprim notably desorbed. By the end of operation, anthracite and BAC exhibited equivalent quantities of biomass measured as adenosine triphosphate, but BAC harbored greater microbial diversity (examined with 16S rRNA sequencing). Improved insight was gained regarding concurrent biotransformation, sorption, and desorption of multiple organic and inorganic contaminants in pilot-scale drinking water biofilters. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Lunar Thermal Wadis and Exploration Rovers: Outpost Productivity and Participatory Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sacksteder, Kurt; Wegeng, Robert; Suzuki, Nantel

2009-01-01

The presentation introduces the concept of a thermal wadi, an engineered source of thermal energy that can be created using native material on the moon or elsewhere to store solar energy for use by various lunar surface assets to survive the extremely cold environment of the lunar night. A principal benefit of this approach to energy storage is the low mass requirement for transportation from Earth derived from the use of the lunar soil, or regolith, as the energy storage medium. The presentation includes a summary of the results of a feasibility study involving the numerical modeling of the performance of a thermal wadi including a manufactured thermal mass, a solar energy reflector, a nighttime thermal energy reflector and a lunar surface rover. The feasibility study shows that sufficient thermal energy can be stored using unconcentrated solar flux to keep a lunar surface rover sufficiently warm throughout a 354 hour lunar night at the lunar equator, and that similar approaches can be used to sustain surface assets during shorter dark periods that occur at the lunar poles. The presentation includes descriptions of a compact lunar rover concept that could be used to manufacture a thermal wadi and could alternatively be used to conduct a variety of high-value tasks on the lunar surface. Such rovers can be produced more easily because the capability for surviving the lunar night is offloaded to the thermal wadi infrastructure. The presentation also includes several concepts for operational scenarios that could be implemented on the moon using the thermal wadi and compact rover concepts in which multiple affordable rovers, operated by multiple terrestrial organizations, can conduct resource prospecting and human exploration site preparation tasks.

Fish communities associated with cold-water corals vary with depth and substratum type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milligan, Rosanna J.; Spence, Gemma; Roberts, J. Murray; Bailey, David M.

2016-08-01

Understanding the processes that drive the distribution patterns of organisms and the scales over which these processes operate are vital when considering the effective management of species with high commercial or conservation value. In the deep sea, the importance of scleractinian cold-water corals (CWCs) to fish has been the focus of several studies but their role remains unclear. We propose this may be due to the confounding effects of multiple drivers operating over multiple spatial scales. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of CWCs in shaping fish community structure and individual species-habitat associations across four spatial scales in the NE Atlantic ranging from "regions" (separated by >500 km) to "substratum types" (contiguous). Demersal fish and substratum types were quantified from three regions: Logachev Mounds, Rockall Bank and Hebrides Terrace Seamount (HTS). PERMANOVA analyses showed significant differences in community composition between all regions which were most likely caused by differences in depths. Within regions, significant variation in community composition was recorded at scales of c. 20-3500 m. CWCs supported significantly different fish communities to non-CWC substrata at Rockall Bank, Logachev and the HTS. Single-species analyses using generalised linear mixed models showed that Sebastes sp. was strongly associated with CWCs at Rockall Bank and that Neocyttus helgae was more likely to occur in CWCs at the HTS. Depth had a significant effect on several other fish species. The results of this study suggest that the importance of CWCs to fish is species-specific and depends on the broader spatial context in which the substratum is found. The precautionary approach would be to assume that CWCs are important for associated fish, but must acknowledge that CWCs in different depths will not provide redundancy or replication within spatially-managed conservation networks.

Successful bypass operation for esophageal obstruction after acute esophageal necrosis: a case report.

PubMed

Sakatoku, Yayoi; Fukaya, Masahide; Miyata, Kazushi; Nagino, Masato

2017-12-01

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare clinical disorder. Esophageal stenosis or obstruction is one of severe complications, but there are a few reports about surgical treatments. In such a situation, it still remains controversial which to choose, esophagectomy or bypass operation. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to the local hospital for septic shock with diabetic ketoacidosis due to necrotizing fasciitis of the right thigh. Three days later, she had hematemesis, and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed black mucosal coloration throughout the entire esophagus. She was diagnosed as having AEN. Her general condition improved after intensive care, debridement, and treatment with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor; the esophageal mucosal color recovered. However, an esophageal stricture developed after 1 month, and the patient underwent gastrostomy to remove an esophageal obstruction after 3 months. She was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment 1 year and 4 months after the occurrence of AEN because of her strong desire for oral intake. Her medical condition was poor, and she could not walk due to generalized muscle weakness. After rehabilitation for 8 months, we performed an esophageal bypass using a gastric conduit via the percutaneous route rather than esophagectomy because of her multiple severe comorbidities including walking difficulty, chronic hepatitis C, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic renal failure. Minor leakage of the esophagogastrostomy occurred and was resolved with conservative treatment. The patient began oral intake on postoperative day 34 and was discharged on day 52. Esophageal obstruction after AEN was successfully treated by esophageal bypass using a gastric conduit in a high-risk patient. Because the majority of patients with AEN have multiple severe comorbidities, assessing the medical condition of the patient adequately is important prior to choosing either an esophagectomy or bypass surgery.

Dynamic vehicle routing with time windows in theory and practice.

PubMed

Yang, Zhiwei; van Osta, Jan-Paul; van Veen, Barry; van Krevelen, Rick; van Klaveren, Richard; Stam, Andries; Kok, Joost; Bäck, Thomas; Emmerich, Michael

2017-01-01

The vehicle routing problem is a classical combinatorial optimization problem. This work is about a variant of the vehicle routing problem with dynamically changing orders and time windows. In real-world applications often the demands change during operation time. New orders occur and others are canceled. In this case new schedules need to be generated on-the-fly. Online optimization algorithms for dynamical vehicle routing address this problem but so far they do not consider time windows. Moreover, to match the scenarios found in real-world problems adaptations of benchmarks are required. In this paper, a practical problem is modeled based on the procedure of daily routing of a delivery company. New orders by customers are introduced dynamically during the working day and need to be integrated into the schedule. A multiple ant colony algorithm combined with powerful local search procedures is proposed to solve the dynamic vehicle routing problem with time windows. The performance is tested on a new benchmark based on simulations of a working day. The problems are taken from Solomon's benchmarks but a certain percentage of the orders are only revealed to the algorithm during operation time. Different versions of the MACS algorithm are tested and a high performing variant is identified. Finally, the algorithm is tested in situ: In a field study, the algorithm schedules a fleet of cars for a surveillance company. We compare the performance of the algorithm to that of the procedure used by the company and we summarize insights gained from the implementation of the real-world study. The results show that the multiple ant colony algorithm can get a much better solution on the academic benchmark problem and also can be integrated in a real-world environment.

Assimilation of Wind Profiles from Multiple Doppler Radar Wind Profilers for Space Launch Vehicle Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, Ryan K.; Barbre, Robert E., Jr.; Brenton, James C.; Walker, James C.; Leach, Richard D.

2015-01-01

Space launch vehicles utilize atmospheric winds in design of the vehicle and during day-of-launch (DOL) operations to assess affects of wind loading on the vehicle and to optimize vehicle performance during ascent. The launch ranges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center co-located with the United States Air Force's (USAF) Eastern Range (ER) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and USAF's Western Range (WR) at Vandenberg Air Force Base have extensive networks of in-situ and remote sensing instrumentation to measure atmospheric winds. Each instrument's technique to measure winds has advantages and disadvantages in regards to use for vehicle engineering assessments. Balloons measure wind at all altitudes necessary for vehicle assessments, but two primary disadvantages exist when applying balloon output on DOL. First, balloons need approximately one hour to reach required altitude. For vehicle assessments this occurs at 60 kft (18.3 km). Second, balloons are steered by atmospheric winds down range of the launch site that could significantly differ from those winds along the vehicle ascent trajectory. Figure 1 illustrates the spatial separation of balloon measurements from the surface up to approximately 55 kft (16.8 km) during the Space Shuttle launch on 10 December 2006. The balloon issues are mitigated by use of vertically pointing Doppler Radar Wind Profilers (DRWPs). However, multiple DRWP instruments are required to provide wind data up to 60 kft (18.3 km) for vehicle trajectory assessments. The various DRWP systems have different operating configurations resulting in different temporal and spatial sampling intervals. Therefore, software was developed to combine data from both DRWP-generated profiles into a single profile for use in vehicle trajectory analyses. Details on how data from various wind measurement systems are combined and sample output will be presented in the following sections.

The Possibility of Multiple Habitable Worlds Orbiting Binary Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, P. A.

2014-03-01

Are there planetary systems for which there is life on multiple worlds? Where are these fruitful planetary systems and how do we detect them? In order to address these questions; conditions which enable life and those that prevent or destroy it must be considered. Many constraints are specific to planetary systems, independent of the number of worlds in habitable zones. For instance, life on rocky planets or moons likely requires the right abundance of volatiles and radiogenic elements for prolonged geologic activity. Catastrophic sterilization events such as nearby supernovae and gamma-ray bursts affect entire planetary systems not just specific worlds. Giant planets may either enhance or disrupt the development of complex life within a given system. It might be rare for planetary systems to possess qualities that promote life and lucky enough to avoid cataclysm. However, multiple habitable planets may provide enhanced chances for advanced life to develop. The best predictor of life on one habitable zone planet might be the presence of life on its neighbor as panspermia may occur in planetary systems with several habitable worlds. Circumbinary habitability may go hand in hand with habitability of multiple worlds. The circumstances in which the Binary Habitability Mechanism (BHM) operates are reviewed. In some cases, the early synchronization of the primary's rotation with the binary period results in a reduction of XUV flux and stellar winds. Main sequence binaries with periods in the 10-50 days provide excellent habitable environments, within which multiple worlds may thrive. Planets and moons in these habitable zones need less magnetic protection than their single star counterparts. Exomoons orbiting a Neptune-like planet, within a BHM protected habitable zone, are expected to be habitable over a wide range of semimajor axes due to a larger planetary Hill radius. A result confirmed by numerical orbital calculations. Binaries containing a solar type star with a lower mass companion provide enhanced habitable zones as well as improved photosynthetic flux for habitable zone worlds.

The role of physical digit representation and numerical magnitude representation in children's multiplication fact retrieval.

PubMed

De Visscher, Alice; Noël, Marie-Pascale; De Smedt, Bert

2016-12-01

Arithmetic facts, in particular multiplication tables, are thought to be stored in long-term memory and to be interference prone. At least two representations underpinning these arithmetic facts have been suggested: a physical representation of the digits and a numerical magnitude representation. We hypothesized that both representations are possible sources of interference that could explain individual differences in multiplication fact performance and/or in strategy use. We investigated the specificity of these interferences on arithmetic fact retrieval and explored the relation between interference and performance on the different arithmetic operations and on general mathematics achievement. Participants were 79 fourth-grade children (M age =9.6 years) who completed a products comparison and a multiplication production task with verbal strategy reports. Performances on a speeded calculation test including the four operations and on a general mathematics achievement test were also collected. Only the interference coming from physical representations was a significant predictor of the performance across multiplications. However, both the magnitude and physical representations were unique predictors of individual differences in multiplication. The frequency of the retrieval strategy across multiplication problems and across individuals was determined only by the physical representation, which therefore is suggested as being responsible for memory storage issues. Interestingly, this impact of physical representation was not observed when predicting performance on subtraction or on general mathematical achievement. In contrast, the impact of the numerical magnitude representation was more general in that it was observed across all arithmetic operations and in general mathematics achievement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extensive Necrosis After Radiation for Cancer: Experiences in Surgical Management

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

BENNETT, JAMES E.

1963-06-01

Radionecrosis in skin and deeper tissues and its surgical repair are described in 16 cases. The observed epithelial changes included both atrophy and hypertrophy, but atrophy was the dominant feature. Epidermal hypertrophy, which preceded malignant change, developed more slowly and was less likely to occur in areas subjected to deep irradiation than in skin treated with multiple small doses of x-ray over a long period. The indolent ulceration that developed in skin augmented the changes in underlying tissues so that successful management of these ulcerations required adequate excision of the damaged area and replacement with fat-bearing pedicle flap tissue. Whenmore » adjacent flaps were used, permanent blood supply to the region was assured. In cases of radiotherapy for basal cell carcinoma of the scalp, skin necrosis resulted in skull exposure with subsequent osteomyelitis and/or bone necrosis. Excision included the full thickness of the skull, and pedicle flap tissue from the scalp was used for coverage. Cranioplasty was performed after good skin and soft tissue cover had been obtained. Therapeutic radiation of the neck invariably produces marked skin changes, and when ulceration occurs, the vulnerability of underlying structures demands surgical treatment. Lesions of the upper extremity can be excised and covered with direct pedicle flaps from the trunk. Therapeutic radiation of the retroperitoneal area may produce extensive visceral damage as well as injury to the anterior abdominal wall, and anterior suprapubic ulcerations are particularly difficult to deal with since mobile adjacent tissue is scarce. The avascular midline is a limiting factor in flap design. Abdominal flaps extending onto the thigh can be used, but these require multiple delaying procedures to insure adequate blood supply. Patients being managed by these procedures are described. Most patients underwent their operative procedures with few serious complications. While postoperative bleeding and infection are inherent hazards, most complications were traceable to errors in planning or in operative technique. When the primary procedure fails, it is often many weeks before the wound is again ready for coverage and the availability of adjacent tissue has been compromised by the operation. Therefore, it is necessary to mobilize generous amounts of normal tissue to replace the area of injury, for this may be considerably more extensive than external inspection suggests. In addition, retraction of the wound edges following excision can be considerable since surrounding normal tissue may be drawn toward the area of involvement by scar contracture. When transposition or distant pedicle flaps are used, the flaps must be designed initially to allow for coverage of the eventual wound. However, when adjacent flaps are used, they may be outlined at the beginning of the procedure and appropriate alterations are then made, as necessary, after excision of the area of involvement. It is concluded that operation is not advisable until there is pain or ulceration in the region of radiation injury. Preferred treatment consists of excision of all damaged tlssue with pedicle flap replacement.« less

Binary power multiplier for electromagnetic energy

DOEpatents

Farkas, Zoltan D.

1988-01-01

A technique for converting electromagnetic pulses to higher power amplitude and shorter duration, in binary multiples, splits an input pulse into two channels, and subjects the pulses in the two channels to a number of binary pulse compression operations. Each pulse compression operation entails combining the pulses in both input channels and selectively steering the combined power to one output channel during the leading half of the pulses and to the other output channel during the trailing half of the pulses, and then delaying the pulse in the first output channel by an amount equal to half the initial pulse duration. Apparatus for carrying out each of the binary multiplication operation preferably includes a four-port coupler (such as a 3 dB hybrid), which operates on power inputs at a pair of input ports by directing the combined power to either of a pair of output ports, depending on the relative phase of the inputs. Therefore, by appropriately phase coding the pulses prior to any of the pulse compression stages, the entire pulse compression (with associated binary power multiplication) can be carried out solely with passive elements.

Determinants and conformal anomalies of GJMS operators on spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dowker, J. S.

2011-03-01

The conformal anomalies and functional determinants of the Branson-GJMS operators, P2k, on the d-dimensional sphere are evaluated in explicit terms for any d and k such that k <= d/2 (if d is even). The determinants are given in terms of multiple gamma functions and a rational multiplicative anomaly, which vanishes for odd d. Taking the mode system on the sphere as the union of Neumann and Dirichlet ones on the hemisphere is a basic part of the method and leads to a heuristic explanation of the non-existence of 'super-critical' operators, 2k > d for even d. Significant use is made of the Barnes zeta function. The results are given in terms of ratios of determinants of operators on a (d + 1)-dimensional bulk dual sphere. For odd dimensions, the log determinant is written in terms of multiple sine functions and agreement is found with holographic computations, yielding an integral over a Plancherel measure. The N-D determinant ratio is also found explicitly for even dimensions. Ehrhart polynomials are encountered.

Learning from the Mars Rover Mission: Scientific Discovery, Learning and Memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linde, Charlotte

2005-01-01

Purpose: Knowledge management for space exploration is part of a multi-generational effort. Each mission builds on knowledge from prior missions, and learning is the first step in knowledge production. This paper uses the Mars Exploration Rover mission as a site to explore this process. Approach: Observational study and analysis of the work of the MER science and engineering team during rover operations, to investigate how learning occurs, how it is recorded, and how these representations might be made available for subsequent missions. Findings: Learning occurred in many areas: planning science strategy, using instrumen?s within the constraints of the martian environment, the Deep Space Network, and the mission requirements; using software tools effectively; and running two teams on Mars time for three months. This learning is preserved in many ways. Primarily it resides in individual s memories. It is also encoded in stories, procedures, programming sequences, published reports, and lessons learned databases. Research implications: Shows the earliest stages of knowledge creation in a scientific mission, and demonstrates that knowledge management must begin with an understanding of knowledge creation. Practical implications: Shows that studying learning and knowledge creation suggests proactive ways to capture and use knowledge across multiple missions and generations. Value: This paper provides a unique analysis of the learning process of a scientific space mission, relevant for knowledge management researchers and designers, as well as demonstrating in detail how new learning occurs in a learning organization.

Management of the multiple limb amputee.

PubMed

Davidson, J H; Jones, L E; Cornet, J; Cittarelli, T

2002-09-10

Multiple limb amputations involving at least one upper extremity are very uncommon. The amputation of both an upper and lower limb is even more uncommon. Due to the rarity of these amputations therapists are uncertain regarding the most appropriate treatment methods. While the majority of the protocols used for single limb amputations are appropriate for these multiple limb amputees, there are differences. Loss of multiple limbs creates a problem of overheating for the individual. Loss of an arm and leg results in difficulty donning the prostheses and difficulty using crutches and parallel bars during mobilization. A review is given of 16 multiple limb amputees seen in our rehabilitation centre in the last 15 years. Return to work was seen in one third and was not related to the number of the amputations. A higher proportion of these multiple limb amputations occur through alcoholism or attempted suicide behaviour than occurs with either single upper limb amputations or lower limb amputations. This existing behaviour can create a management problem for the rehabilitation team during rehabilitation. Guidelines as to appropriate prosthetic and preprosthetic care are provided to assist the practitioner who has the acute and long term care of these patients. All multiple limb amputees should be referred to a specialized rehabilitation centre to discuss prosthetic options and long term rehabilitation requirements. This paper does not discuss bilateral lower limb amputations when not combined with an upper limb amputation.

Using stable isotopes and models to explore estuarine linkages at multiple scales

EPA Science Inventory

Estuarine managers need tools to respond to dynamic stressors that occur in three linked environments – coastal ocean, estuaries and watersheds. Models have been the tool of choice for examining these dynamic systems because they simplify processes and integrate over multiple sc...

Order of Operations: On Convention and Met-Before Acronyms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zazkis, Rina; Rouleau, Annette

2018-01-01

In our exploration of the order of operations we focus on the following claim: "In the conventional order of operations, division should be performed before multiplication." This initially surprising claim is based on the acronym BEDMAS, a popular mnemonic used in Canada to assist students in remembering the order of operations. The…

Multiple DSM-5 substance use disorders: A national study of US adults.

PubMed

McCabe, Sean Esteban; West, Brady T; Jutkiewicz, Emily M; Boyd, Carol J

2017-09-01

Our aim is to determine the lifetime and past-year prevalence estimates of multiple Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) substance use disorders (SUDs) among U.S. adults. The 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions featured in-person interviews with a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and older. The majority of past-year nonalcohol DSM-5 SUDs had at least 1 other co-occurring past-year SUD, ranging from 56.8% (SE = 3.4) for past-year prescription opioid use disorder to 97.5% (SE = 2.7) for past-year hallucinogen use disorder. In contrast, only 15.0% (SE = 0.6) of past-year alcohol use disorders had a co-occurring past-year SUD. The odds of past-year multiple SUDs were greater among males, younger adults, African-Americans, and those with mood, personality, posttraumatic stress, or multiple psychiatric disorders. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment often focus on individual substance-specific SUDs rather than multiple SUDs, despite evidence for substantial rates of polysubstance use in clinical and epidemiological studies. There are notable differences in the prevalence of multiple SUDs between alcohol use disorders and other nonalcohol SUDs that have important clinical implications; for example, multiple SUDs are more persistent than individual SUDs. These findings suggest that clinical assessment and diagnosis should screen for multiple SUDs, especially among adults with nonalcohol DSM-5 SUDs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A multiple pointing-mount control strategy for space platforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, C. D.

1992-01-01

A new disturbance-adaptive control strategy for multiple pointing-mount space platforms is proposed and illustrated by consideration of a simplified 3-link dynamic model of a multiple pointing-mount space platform. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new platform control strategy. The simulation results also reveal a system 'destabilization phenomena' that can occur if the set of individual platform-mounted experiment controllers are 'too responsive.'

Towards Robust Designs Via Multiple-Objective Optimization Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Man Mohan, Rai

2006-01-01

Fabricating and operating complex systems involves dealing with uncertainty in the relevant variables. In the case of aircraft, flow conditions are subject to change during operation. Efficiency and engine noise may be different from the expected values because of manufacturing tolerances and normal wear and tear. Engine components may have a shorter life than expected because of manufacturing tolerances. In spite of the important effect of operating- and manufacturing-uncertainty on the performance and expected life of the component or system, traditional aerodynamic shape optimization has focused on obtaining the best design given a set of deterministic flow conditions. Clearly it is important to both maintain near-optimal performance levels at off-design operating conditions, and, ensure that performance does not degrade appreciably when the component shape differs from the optimal shape due to manufacturing tolerances and normal wear and tear. These requirements naturally lead to the idea of robust optimal design wherein the concept of robustness to various perturbations is built into the design optimization procedure. The basic ideas involved in robust optimal design will be included in this lecture. The imposition of the additional requirement of robustness results in a multiple-objective optimization problem requiring appropriate solution procedures. Typically the costs associated with multiple-objective optimization are substantial. Therefore efficient multiple-objective optimization procedures are crucial to the rapid deployment of the principles of robust design in industry. Hence the companion set of lecture notes (Single- and Multiple-Objective Optimization with Differential Evolution and Neural Networks ) deals with methodology for solving multiple-objective Optimization problems efficiently, reliably and with little user intervention. Applications of the methodologies presented in the companion lecture to robust design will be included here. The evolutionary method (DE) is first used to solve a relatively difficult problem in extended surface heat transfer wherein optimal fin geometries are obtained for different safe operating base temperatures. The objective of maximizing the safe operating base temperature range is in direct conflict with the objective of maximizing fin heat transfer. This problem is a good example of achieving robustness in the context of changing operating conditions. The evolutionary method is then used to design a turbine airfoil; the two objectives being reduced sensitivity of the pressure distribution to small changes in the airfoil shape and the maximization of the trailing edge wedge angle with the consequent increase in airfoil thickness and strength. This is a relevant example of achieving robustness to manufacturing tolerances and wear and tear in the presence of other objectives.

Evaluation of increasing antecedent specificity in goal statements on adherence to positive behavior-management strategies.

PubMed

Cohrs, Corey M; Shriver, Mark D; Burke, Raymond V; Allen, Keith D

2016-12-01

We evaluated the impact of antecedent specificity in goal statements on adherence to positive behavior-management strategies. Teaching staff were recruited from 2 different school settings where there were routine expectations to use behavior-specific praise in the classroom, but adherence was poor. In a concurrent multiple baseline design, the use of behavior-specific praise by 4 participants was found to be unaffected by goal statements that increasingly specified the behavior to be used and the conditions under which the behavior should occur. However, adherence by 3 of the 4 participants did change when goal statements included teacher-specified frequencies with which the behavior should occur. Results were systematically replicated in a second study in which, in a concurrent multiple baseline design, 3 participants showed marked increases in adherence when goal statements specified the target behavior, the conditions under which it should occur, and the frequency with which it should occur. © 2016 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Rare Presentation of Primary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma as Lip Lesion.

PubMed

Him, Mali; Meier, Maggie; Mehta, Vikas

2017-01-01

Malignant plasma cell proliferation can be presented as part of disseminated disease of multiple myeloma, as solitary plasmacytoma of bone, or in soft tissue as extramedullary plasmacytoma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas represented approximately 3% of all plasma cell proliferation. Approximately 80% of extramedullary plasmacytomas occur in the head and neck region while the other 4% occur in the skin and to a lesser extent in the lip. In this paper, we report a rare case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma involving the lip in a 65-year-old male. The patient presented with a nonhealing lower lip sore for the past 3 years. Upon further workup, there was no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease. The patient was treated with radiation therapy and his last follow-up revealed no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease.

Rare Presentation of Primary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma as Lip Lesion

PubMed Central

Meier, Maggie; Mehta, Vikas

2017-01-01

Malignant plasma cell proliferation can be presented as part of disseminated disease of multiple myeloma, as solitary plasmacytoma of bone, or in soft tissue as extramedullary plasmacytoma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas represented approximately 3% of all plasma cell proliferation. Approximately 80% of extramedullary plasmacytomas occur in the head and neck region while the other 4% occur in the skin and to a lesser extent in the lip. In this paper, we report a rare case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma involving the lip in a 65-year-old male. The patient presented with a nonhealing lower lip sore for the past 3 years. Upon further workup, there was no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease. The patient was treated with radiation therapy and his last follow-up revealed no evidence of multiple myeloma or light chain disease. PMID:28409043

Chain-reaction crash on a highway in high visibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatani, Takashi

2016-05-01

We study the chain-reaction crash (multiple-vehicle collision) in high-visibility condition on a highway. In the traffic situation, drivers control their vehicles by both gear-changing and braking. Drivers change the gears according to the headway and brake according to taillights of the forward vehicle. We investigate whether or not the first collision induces the chain-reaction crash numerically. It is shown that dynamic transitions occur from no collisions, through a single collision, to multiple collisions with decreasing the headway. Also, we find that the dynamic transition occurs from the finite chain reaction to the infinite chain reaction when the headway is less than the critical value. We compare the multiple-vehicle collisions in high-visibility with that in low-visibility. We derive the transition points and the region maps for the chain-reaction crash in high visibility.

Properties of heuristic search strategies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderbrug, G. J.

1973-01-01

A directed graph is used to model the search space of a state space representation with single input operators, an AND/OR is used for problem reduction representations, and a theorem proving graph is used for state space representations with multiple input operators. These three graph models and heuristic strategies for searching them are surveyed. The completeness, admissibility, and optimality properties of search strategies which use the evaluation function f = (1 - omega)g = omega(h) are presented and interpreted using a representation of the search process in the plane. The use of multiple output operators to imply dependent successors, and thus obtain a formalism which includes all three types of representations, is discussed.

Potential Benefits of Rib Fracture Fixation in Patients with Flail Chest and Multiple Non-flail Rib Fractures.

PubMed

Qiu, Meiguang; Shi, Zhanjun; Xiao, Jun; Zhang, Xuming; Ling, Shishui; Ling, Hao

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits of rib fracture fixation in patients with flail chest and multiple non-flail rib fractures versus conventional treatment modalities. A retrospective reviewed study compared 86 cases which received surgical treatment between June 2009 and May 2013 to 76 cases which received conservative treatment between January 2006 and May 2009. The patients were divided into the flail chest ( n  = 38) and multiple non-flail rib fracture groups ( n  = 124). In the flail chest group, the mechanical ventilation time, ICU monitoring time, tracheostomies, thoracic deformity, and impaired pulmonary function and return to full-time employment were compared. In the multiple non-flail rib fracture group, fracture healing, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, inpatient length of stay, atelectatic, pulmonary complications, and normal activity-returning time were compared. Patients in the flail chest operative fixation group had significantly shorter ICU stay, decreased ventilator requirements, fewer tracheostomies, less thoracic deformity and impaired pulmonary function, and more returned to full-time employment. Patients in the multiple non-flail rib fracture operative fixation had shorter hospital stay, less pain, earlier return to normal activity, more fracture healing, less atelectasis, and fewer pulmonary infections. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of surgical stabilization of flail chest and multiple non-flail rib fractures with plate fixation. When compared with conventional conservative management, operatively managed patients demonstrated improved clinical outcomes.

The receiver operational characteristic for binary classification with multiple indices and its application to the neuroimaging study of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Wu, Xia; Li, Juan; Ayutyanont, Napatkamon; Protas, Hillary; Jagust, William; Fleisher, Adam; Reiman, Eric; Yao, Li; Chen, Kewei

2013-01-01

Given a single index, the receiver operational characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is routinely utilized for characterizing performances in distinguishing two conditions/groups in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Given the availability of multiple data sources (referred to as multi-indices), such as multimodal neuroimaging data sets, cognitive tests, and clinical ratings and genomic data in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies, the single-index-based ROC underutilizes all available information. For a long time, a number of algorithmic/analytic approaches combining multiple indices have been widely used to simultaneously incorporate multiple sources. In this study, we propose an alternative for combining multiple indices using logical operations, such as “AND,” “OR,” and “at least n” (where n is an integer), to construct multivariate ROC (multiV-ROC) and characterize the sensitivity and specificity statistically associated with the use of multiple indices. With and without the “leave-one-out” cross-validation, we used two data sets from AD studies to showcase the potentially increased sensitivity/specificity of the multiV-ROC in comparison to the single-index ROC and linear discriminant analysis (an analytic way of combining multi-indices). We conclude that, for the data sets we investigated, the proposed multiV-ROC approach is capable of providing a natural and practical alternative with improved classification accuracy as compared to univariate ROC and linear discriminant analysis.

The Receiver Operational Characteristic for Binary Classification with Multiple Indices and Its Application to the Neuroimaging Study of Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Wu, Xia; Li, Juan; Ayutyanont, Napatkamon; Protas, Hillary; Jagust, William; Fleisher, Adam; Reiman, Eric; Yao, Li; Chen, Kewei

2014-01-01

Given a single index, the receiver operational characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is routinely utilized for characterizing performances in distinguishing two conditions/groups in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Given the availability of multiple data sources (referred to as multi-indices), such as multimodal neuroimaging data sets, cognitive tests, and clinical ratings and genomic data in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies, the single-index-based ROC underutilizes all available information. For a long time, a number of algorithmic/analytic approaches combining multiple indices have been widely used to simultaneously incorporate multiple sources. In this study, we propose an alternative for combining multiple indices using logical operations, such as “AND,” “OR,” and “at least n” (where n is an integer), to construct multivariate ROC (multiV-ROC) and characterize the sensitivity and specificity statistically associated with the use of multiple indices. With and without the “leave-one-out” cross-validation, we used two data sets from AD studies to showcase the potentially increased sensitivity/specificity of the multiV-ROC in comparison to the single-index ROC and linear discriminant analysis (an analytic way of combining multi-indices). We conclude that, for the data sets we investigated, the proposed multiV-ROC approach is capable of providing a natural and practical alternative with improved classification accuracy as compared to univariate ROC and linear discriminant analysis. PMID:23702553

Ascertaining Validity in the Abstract Realm of PMESII Simulation Models: An Analysis of the Peace Support Operations Model (PSOM)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

simulation is the campaign-level Peace Support Operations Model (PSOM). This thesis provides a quantitative analysis of PSOM. The results are based ...multiple potential outcomes , further development and analysis is required before the model is used for large scale analysis . 15. NUMBER OF PAGES 159...multiple potential outcomes , further development and analysis is required before the model is used for large scale analysis . vi THIS PAGE

Some Improvements on Signed Window Algorithms for Scalar Multiplications in Elliptic Curve Cryptosystems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vo, San C.; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Scalar multiplication is an essential operation in elliptic curve cryptosystems because its implementation determines the speed and the memory storage requirements. This paper discusses some improvements on two popular signed window algorithms for implementing scalar multiplications of an elliptic curve point - Morain-Olivos's algorithm and Koyarna-Tsuruoka's algorithm.